Eleventh Cycle (Mistland Book 1)

Product Information

This is definitely a character-driven narrative, despite having such a detailed world to learn about. Overall Thoughts

Eleventh Cycle by Grimdark Fantasy + Berserk and Dark Souls | Eleventh Cycle by

So, making this as a sort of PSA because I'm only about an hour in but feel very sure in saying this. Chroma: One of the creatures known as Akar (essentially ogre like giants), traditionally enemies of the humans, Chroma and his mother are part of a group of Akar who split from their brethren, tired of the war, and are now refugees held in a squalid camp and mistreated by the humans. Chroma longs to be a warrior for his people, but his shy nature is often taken advantage of. One line for one character in particular stood out to me, and is a testament to the level of Kian's writing.We also have interludes interspersed with the narrative on occasion, giving us a glimpse into Mount Morniar and the realm of the Elders. Now let me tell you, this is TRIPPY lol. I mean seriously it's incredibly fresh and inventive. I have never quite experienced worldbuilding that's felt this alien. Thats the entire feel to this world, a very alien, in some senses barren and morose world. This is not a light tale, not by any means. Upon the end of a Cycle, the sight of a Seed's ascension is a most wondrous sight. A pillar of light pierces down and pulls the Seed up into the Creator's embrace. It can be seen from the whole of Minethria." But this is not some kind of 'trauma porn', there is still light and hope in these books. These characters are inherently flawed but good people. They are fiercely loyal, compassionate, trying to do the right thing to survive their way in this miserable world. I'm setting up a Goodreads group for anyone who is interested in The Children of Gods and Fighting Men and The Gael Song series.

Eleventh Cycle by Kian N Ardalan | Waterstones

Some of you may be aware of this self pub release coming up in February 2023. It's by an author called Kian Ardalan, and it's a Dark Souls inspired book. Now I am here to tell you exactly why you should be really excited for this release! On its own it may not move you to tears as it did I, but within its context this was a heartbreaking line that gave us magnificent insight into this character's inner turmoil, this struggle with this hero complex they have thrust themselves into as a distraction from their grief and trauma. In conclusion, this book is set to shake the foundations of grimdark fantasy, with a new independent author who has a decisive command of character, world-building and prose, all working in harmony to create my favourite series debut of the year. Despite the similarities, Ardalan’s world is a lot darker than anything in Sanderson’s universe. This is grimdark fantasy after all, and Eleventh Cycle doesn’t shy away from the dark realities of war, reaching a level of despair and brutality on par with R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War. That being said, I got more than half-way through this book before I decided its not for me. I don't really care for any of the characters and things went pretty sl I'm a very big fan of the cyberpunk universe and also recently got into Cyberpunk Red.

These four will all play a role in the fate of Minethria, as the mists start to close in as a result of the last 'seed' abandoning their duty. How do their stories all intertwine? Well.... you're gonna have to read to find out! Eleventh Cycle achieves Brandon Sanderson-level worldbuilding, but with a murkier tone and a more nuanced execution. Although the name of Ardalan’s series, Mistland, recalls Sanderson’s Mistborn, the world of Eleventh Cycle has more in common with The Stormlight Archive, particularly with how Ardalan introduces multiple races that vilify each other without knowing why they are enemies. Minethria was born from Mist, shaped and moulded by the Elder King himself. Many cultures have different names for it. The Bayrish language calls it the Haar, yet the Highers beings name it Nif. Though its shaping comes naturally from the higher being, talented mortals have also shown a proclivity for being able to mould it into equipment or magical objects."

Eleventh Cycle - Mistland, Book 1, by Kian N. Ardalan Eleventh Cycle - Mistland, Book 1, by Kian N. Ardalan

Naturally, the book is a fantastical commentary on the subject of colonialism and the destruction of indigenous way of life, as well as culture. James did not shy away from highlighting the ruthlessness of colonialist rhetoric which made the book quite adept at stoking my anger. But don't get me wrong, this is one of the darkest novels I've read, one that seriously justifies the use of content warnings, as the worse aspects of a decadent world will be reflected in a really grim way, without any kind of glorification; and that close connection to the characters will make it harder from the emotional standpoint. Apparently there are 4 or 5 future books planned for the series. I am so excited to see more of this world!

And in the center of all those stories, there is the Seed, the cause of the prophecies, the perspective that will be told from a third-person standpoint. And despite all that is expected, the Seed is just a child, incapable of understanding human emotions and making sense of this chaotic violent world.