Told through prose that alternates between lyricism and crisp, clear action, Bonds explores the ties of family, the loyalty of brothers, and the courage of warriors in a vividly detailed universe that draws on sources familiar and surprising—expect guns, carnivorous foliage, bizarre rituals, death magic, and, in the presence of standout creations like the mighty Suneater, “the Unbroken Sage who Devours,” much creepy-cool regal pomp. The brothers’ quests are compelling, as they strive to be “the apex among the strong,” with Phaidros growing from runt to warrior, and Charon, who too often has felt “useless to his brother and the world,” tempted by the power of dark magic.
Featuring multi-dimensional heroes, inventive battles, painful losses, fantastical creatures, and scenes of rigorous training, Bonds will please readers whose bottom line is well-told, freshly imagined space-and-sorcery adventure in a traditional vein, focusing on themes of trust, bravery, loyalty, and the corrupting temptation of power, as two brothers with something to prove fight for their legacy.
Takeaway: Accomplished space fantasy of brothers fighting for their legacy.
Comparable Titles: Christopher Ruocchio’s Sun Eater series, Mark Lawrence’s Book of the Ancestor series.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
