Science fiction and fantasy are two very different genres that can mesh together very well. Author Peter Newman did just that by creating an entirely unique world. The story starts off right away and the reader is thrown into this dark and elaborate story. Following three different perspectives, the story slowly weaves itself together while still leaving some to uncover.
The world itself is unique, not only compared to Newman’s other books, but also to any other book. It is in part due to the blending of science fiction and fantasy elements and then also due to the uniqueness that comes from anything Newman writes. And while this story is a new one, it still holds the signature style that one comes to expect from Newman.
While the world is distinctive on its own, it is up to the reader to continue to read and pick up on everything by reading the story. The worldbuilding is built into the story itself instead of being a separate aspect of the book. Having it written in this way allows for more of a focus on the story and makes the reader have to pick up on the clues and elements thrown in throughout. While some might appreciate this, especially for those who may typically avoid the fantasy genre, for me that was something greatly lacking in this book. There’s just something about endless amounts of worldbuilding that makes me incredibly happy, so when such a high concept story doesn’t have that it proves to be a slight let down. But again, this is a personal preference and it honestly didn’t take away from the story at all.
While the worldbuilding in this book may have been lacking, the story is definitely more focused on the characters within. The characters themselves all walk the line between good and bad. They are intriguing in the way that morally grey characters tend to be. Plus, it focuses on immortals, the Deathless, and that is always an interesting premise. It raises questions on what happens when you have all of eternity to live. What type of person will you become after countless years of life? What changes will occur when you transfer bodies? Newman definitely created a thought-provoking race of individuals.
However, it’s the demons and creatures of the Wild in this story that have the most potential. There is always something evil lurking in the background of this story and even when new beasts and evils are introduced there is still a sense of more to come. The Wilds are also naturally a place of fear for anyone who isn’t a part of the immortals that live in their cloudy castles. The Deathless are tasked with helping to protect these individuals, mainly to keep access to the Godroads, but with any group that is deemed (literally in this case) above others there is always room for issues to arise.
This is both a quick and a slow read as it really depends on what you like to see out of science fiction/fantasy books. For those who love characterisation and a story that builds itself off of this aspect, then this will be a fast read for you. However, for those who prefer more worldbuilding and story development from that aspect then it might take a bit longer to get through and into this story. Regardless, I found this story to be incredibly fascinating and was drawn into this new style of story.
The Deathless really took off towards the end, and it will be interesting to see where this story leads. However, this book could be taken as a standalone for those who don’t wish to take on a new series. All in all, it is the start to what promises to be an epic series that will draw in many different types of readers. But some things that will hopefully draw you in an pique your interest are: immortals that live on floating castles, an unruly and dark territory that fuels nightmares called the Wilds, and a well-developed and morally grey cast of characters.
The Deathless is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 9th 2020.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
The demons…
In the endless forests of the Wild, humanity scratches a living by the side of the great Godroads, paths of crystal that provide safe passage and hold back the infernal tide. Creatures lurk within the trees, watching, and plucking those who stray too far from safety.
The Deathless…
In crystal castles held aloft on magical currents, seven timeless royal families reign, protecting humanity from the spread of the Wild and its demons. Born and reborn into flawless bodies, the Deathless are as immortal as the precious stones from which they take their names. For generations a fragile balance has held.
And the damned…
House Sapphire, one of the ancient Deathless families, is riven by suspicion and madness. Whole villages are disappearing as the hunting expeditions holding the Wild at bay begin to fail.
Then, when assassins strike, House Sapphire shatters.
Nothing lasts forever.
