A King's Radiance

I received an e-ARC from the author, very luckily for me, and I was stoked to get into this one. Out officially May, 22nd, be sure to be on the lookout for the e-book and paperback! 

This is an epic fantasy novel, and it is just that, EPIC (EPIC EPIC). It has everything you're used to loving in a fantasy novel, and even better, it's also done well. The writing is slick and intelligent, I wasn't bored with a single page. 

The characters truly come alive on the page. It was honestly a treat to have them each blossom into their own individual being over the 500+ page book. The story features three main perspectives, from three  siblings, (and some added spice via interlude appearances) and even the characters that aren't in the main spotlight are incredibly well fleshed out. 

Raiz: arguably the true “main character” in this story. A true ‘chip on the shoulder' character, with absolutely tons of teenage angst. His is a tale of empowerment and revenge, of courage and action. His decision making may have you pulling your hair out, but I did not question a single thing as being outside of his character. He also has a companion creature that you will just have to read to see and understand. So cool!

Dazen: the elder brother, the father's favorite, the perfect prince. A character that grows from a teen to a man under his father's shadow. The author still somehow manages to make him multilayered, dynamic, and believable. Not to mention honorable. Probably some of my favorite character development is from him. 

Isha: the middle child and perhaps most unfortunate. When a princess is turned into a slave in the collection of a rich untouchable, the story ignites into a battle for sanity, inner strength, and wanted opportunities for escape. The author really impressed me with this character. Not only does she project just incredible strength and warmth as a character, but she is lovable and believable as well. 

This novel does some very interesting things with its magic system. Some men and women have the ability to harvest the strength of the sun, or Zur, their god. This sun magic is referred to as Shine and it is used for light, fire, and heat. Almost every character has a slightly different way that they use the ability and I loved that it was drawing from a natural source. Some are more powerful than others while others cannot use it at all, and I thought it was amazing that some of it has to do with lineage, and than others seem to be more powerful simply by chance. I love when there's not necessarily a rhyme or reason. 

I will say honestly that this novels tropes are certainly going to trope (trope trope). There's no getting around that. From found family, to chosen ones, to enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, long lost family, hidden family, underdog heroes, and I'm sure I'm missing a few. But I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I bought in, I was entirely invested in their outcome. 

A new favorite for sure. As this is a debut, I know you haven't read this author yet, but believe me, you're going to want to. Follow him and add his novel on Amazon to some list that you can order when it releases. I will tell my mom to read this book, I will tell babies to read it. I do not have a physical copy of it, but my shelf absolutely demands it.