2017 International Award-Winning Novel in Epic FantasyDrast and Tyran might be considered a bit black-hearted, or even immoral. Drast is cunning but reckless, hunting for admiration. Tyran is calculating but tactless, searching for affection. When the two brothers set aside their ambitions to fulfill their father’s desire for immortality, they readily discover many opportunities for redemption. … opportunities for redemption. Now, while wielding a powerful magic that drains their life, Drast and Tyran will embark on a maddening quest, facing skin-switchers, dragons, and the God of the Dead.
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Anaerfell is a delightful introduction to the Thrice nine Legends world. The same world where Kaelandur series takes place and man, Robertson once again grabs you by the guts, twists, and rips them out. The characters you want to love and care for, you end up hating and the ones you love end up being not the characters you should. (Except Erzebeth. SQUEE!!!) This is not a story for people who want heroes and clear cut good and evil. This is not a story for those who want a happy ending or who want a satisfying wrap up to a story. But I really understand even more why Robertson lists George R.R. Martin as one of his inspirations. Anaerfell has beautiful world building that is not so daunting as Martin’s work, and action scenes that play just like a movie in your head as you read. For those who are lamenting the end of GoT, this is definitely a very satisfying replacement to that series with characters that I think are just as fun to love and hate and long for their deaths.
Anaerfell (The Blood of Dragons #1), my second read/listen from author Joshua Robertson. Well-written & enjoyable fantasy. Todd Menesses’s narration made the 11-hour 2-minute tale pass quickly, although the book seemed longer due to the detail written into it. I look forward to Heshayol (The Blood of Dragons Book 2). I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 – July 24, 2018).
If you like dark fantasy, with anti-heroes and twisted characters—this one is for you.
I honestly struggled with this one, because it is darker than what I typically go for. The main characters are tragically twisted and in often are their own worst enemies. They often left me frustrated or even angry. I think that means that the author did a fantastic job, because even though they were despicable, I was still emotionally invested. Kudos.
There were parts of the story that I found to be a bit of a stretch—even for a fantasy world full of magic, but it had enough suspense to keep me going. The world building was very neat and I liked the whole interaction with the mythos and the magic and the origins of both.
Anaerfell by Joshua Robertson and J.C. Boyd and narrated by Todd Menesses is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. I enjoy a good epic sword and sorcery type adventure occasionally and this book for the bill. It had plenty of action, fantasy, good characters to live and hate, and a great plot. It slowed a bit in the early med area but picked back up with a vengeance. I enjoyed the Highborn Longwalker better but this was still good.
Good narration!
Anaerfell by Joshua Robertson is the first installment in the Thrice Nine Legends series. Drast and Tyran are brothers living under the cruelty of their father who desires immortality.
***WARNING***: People who are sensitive to sexual abuse may not want to read this book.
Plot 4/5: The plot is familiar within the genre.
Characters 3/5: The characters feel real, but I would have liked to see more character development. I believe this will happen in the next book, at least I hope.
World building 4/5: The world building is good, giving me a sense of the world I was in.
Pacing 5/5: The pacing was steady with spurts of action along the way.
Writing 5/5: The writing is fantastic, and the descriptions vivid.
Overall 4.2