The Revels: The must-read spellbinding historical debut of 2023

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The Revels was born from the books I’ve read that capture so much of what I love about historical fiction from Stacey Halls’ The Familiars, Bridget Collins’ The Binding, Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet, Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and Ronald Bassett’s Witchfinder General. The Revels is set during 1645, a time where the fear of witchcraft and the sport of witch-hunting was at its peak after King James I became increasingly paranoid about witches partnering up with the Devil to assassinate him. This led to everyone accusing women of being witches for any reason, which 99% of the time led to the death of the accused. Now, to be clear, these were just my thoughts as I began to read. I am not telling you that the things I just hinted at happen. I am not telling you that they don't happen. I am telling you only that Dragonfall is a book about treachery. Treachery and magic and dragons and perhaps friendship and love, but definitely treachery.

I have always been in two parts. As though half of me is standing behind the curtains watching to see how my other half plays before the crowd. I am still in two parts, but it is as though Althamia has caught sight of us both and rather than recoil, she steps closer.”Things you may want to know: This is the first book of a trilogy, but it does have a satisfying ending while leaving the door open for more.

The characters were also all pretty well written. While we primarily follow the dragon's and the human's POVs, both of which were engaging in their own ways, we also have a smattering of chapters from a warrior priest called Sorin and the dragon's sister Cassia. While they were sparse and few, I loved how the author developed Sorin's character and I am excited about what role she ends up playing in future books. At the end of the book, I don't know who I felt more sorry for Arcady (the human) or Everen (the dragon). I was obviously rooting for both of them but this book ends on a MASSIVE cliffhanger, I don't know how I'm supposed to wait for the next book because finishing this book felt like emerging out of a pool after nearly drowning. I read an uncorrected proof copy but found several memorable quotes that I think will stay with readers. With witchy vibes and atmospheric writing, I think readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book, especially fans of Bridget Collins and Laura Purcell.Witchcraft and witches were feared during these times, but this often led to many false accusations as people wanted more show than justice. It was interesting to follow Nicholas and his ability to hear the dead. Althamia was a great character and seeing her develop alongside Nicholas was interesting; the ending especially was a wonderful moment. It stands in huge contrast to how the story started. The book is slow-paced, but the pacing adds to the tension Nicholas experiences, almost in a 'hold your breath' kind of way.

is reviewed between 08.30 to 16.30 Monday to Friday. We're experiencing a high volume of enquiries so it may take us In Thomas’s version, the main character is a young man, his situation made perilous by his employment and the constant need to conceal his powers. The narrative is heavy with the presence of the dead and the songs they sing of their endings. The theme of binding runs throughout the book: as the province of ‘knot witches’ who bind their spells by tying knots with thread, ribbons or hair; and the duty that ties many characters to roles they would rather not play. However, that detailed writing didn't hold up its charm for long. One of my biggest complaints about the overall narrative, in fact, is precisely that it's too detailed, in a not useful way. I love a story with good worldbuilding, but lengthy descriptions and good worldbuilding aren't the same things. One can write paragraphs and paragraphs about the soft carpets or green plants in a house, but that doesn't tell me anything unique about the world (unless you can make those carpets and plants special, of course, but that wasn't the case here). Most of the descriptions in this book were generic and unmemorable. With the exception of a few cryptic terms and some emphasis on gender inclusiveness (more on that later), it was hard to tell this world apart from any other medieval-esque fantasy setting that's been beaten to death. Nicholas has the power to save the accused from execution, thanks to his ability to hear the songs of the dead – but in speaking out he may damn himself. The author leaves you wondering until the last minute whether his protagonist will gather up enough courage to speak the truth.

Summary

Why is "preterit" used for a dragon's human form? The literal meaning is something like "past," which implies dragons are humans, right? Is that the big secret? If so, is the word just a name to the dragons that use it, or are they aware of its meaning? Pronoun use. I'm 71. The use of 'they' as a singular pronoun still throws me. Sometimes I had to re-read a paragraph to sort out who was doing what. I am not trying to start at debate on this nor suggesting that you avoid books that use pronouns this way. The story was worth the little bit of extra effort. Sort of like when there is dialogue in Klingon or another language I don't know. I encourage lovers of historical fiction to read this debut by a talented author who has a great knowledge of 16th and 17th century history and a wonderful command of language. As mentioned, it is not an easy read due to its topic and time period. Yes, the true villains are beyond redemption but our hero and heroine grow, learn and ascend in spite of their flaws. And the song of the dead carries on with the novel ending on a high note! I recommend The Revels. It is a powerful story of over-comers who find the courage to fight and expose the real evil in this crazy war. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Without giving a lot away, I just wanna say I can kill or be killed for Arcady and Everen. They have a hold on my heart none can break. Their banter, longing, and overall interactions got to me right from the start. They were oblivious to how much of a simp they were for one another and it was honestly adorable. Again, I NEED MORE. Yet on the other hand Nicholas was as vulnerable as the women, he had to hide a part of himself or face the same punishment. Nicholas was a puppet and his strings were pulled by corrupt men, firstly by his father and then by witch-hunters such as Clements and Rush who covet their small amount of power, and so knowing how best to protect himself and those he cared for, particularly Althamia, became even harder the more embedded with these men he became. The only measure of kindness and understanding he really received was by his father’s valet Stephens and by William Percival, a man who held his own secrets, one that given the attitudes of that era, would see him punished and shamed in the same manner as witches. Thomas shows us that it was a cutthroat time period for all, where the only way for characters such as Clements, General Witchfinder Rush and even Grace, a woman who used her powers to control minds, to rise was to see the ruin of others.

He's teamed up with a renowned hunter who wants to prove he's the finest out there. Nicholas, on the other hand, has his own secrets to protect, and as the novel progresses, we learn more about his compassion and the source of it. Ammil, the former last male dragon, went crazy hundreds of years prior. Is he still alive? Called it! How old is Everen? How was Everen conceived? It turns out the dragons reproduce asexually and the temperature determines sex. If that's the case, why does it matter that Everen is male? On the human world, society is very stratified, with some people existing as untouchable beggars, others in a merchant class and an aristocracy. And, of course, the usual complement of thieves, con artists and murderers. But within that society, people are free to declare and express their genders as they wish. Your social status, however, is fixed to your identity at birth, so there is very little upward mobility, but lots of opportunities to move down. This is an interesting social setting for a fantasy, and one I haven't seen before. A darkly fascinating, spellbinding novel that captivated me with its fresh perspective and haunting twists.' - Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne and ElektraWitch-hunts are no more than a revel. The price of admission your complacent disregard for the innocents you push into their paths.’ Other things you will find here that may be exactly what you love in a fantasy. Strong characters of any/all genders. A reluctant romance. Assassins. Thieves. Magical artifacts that are sought after. A disease that can doom you to being an outcast. Ethical dilemmas. Strong friendships. Prizes are sent to winners prior to publication and so the cover may differ from the image shown, and may be an uncorrected proof copy. Long-banished dragons, revered as gods, return to the mortal realm in the first in this magical new epic fantasy trilogy from a bestselling author