Eleventh Cycle (Mistland Book 1)

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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. In addition to the four first-person protagonists, we also read the third-person story of the Eleventh Seed. Despite the glorious prophecies, the Eleventh Seed is just an innocent child trying to understand human emotions and make sense out of this complex, violent world. It began with a novella about a young girl, not hoarded by a fierce dragon, but rather protected and raised by one. I’m coming to this book a bit late, and I have been following the hype for this book for a couple of weeks now. This means that I started this book with very high expectations. I probably over-hyped the book in my own mind a bit too much, which definitely colored my perception of it. Nora: An warrior in Erefiel's battalion, seeking to run from her abusive past. Her family defy the Elders and are part of a religious group called the Witnesses. She has a hatred for the Akar, and a stubborn and defiant will. Her brother Jeremiah is good friends with Dalila.

Eleventh Cycle by Kian N. Ardalan: Book Review Eleventh Cycle by Kian N. Ardalan: Book Review

Erefiel: A halfblooded warrior, part human, part Zerub (humanoid creations whom have animalistic features to them, for example Erefiel is bird like), he feels caught between the Elders and humanity. A good hearted soul whom often takes 'strays' under his wing, he is a natural leader.

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I want to give special mention to how James so respectfully adapted native American culture into his story, to the point that it even included non-binary individuals! A lot have questioned how exactly a Dark Souls inspired book would work. Well in this case, its through the delivery of the worldbuilding. Of course you still have your typical fantasy bard that delivers tales of yonder, as well as some good old fashioned exposition. But that is far and few between, the vast majority of the worldbuilding takes place within epigraphs before each chapter, a little snippet of an in-world tome. Ardalan builds deep connections to each of the four protagonists through their first-person narration. We first meet Dalila, a farmer girl with a mysterious ability that leads to conflict with her conservative family. Next is Nora, who escapes abusive parents to become a fierce warrior full of hatred toward the opposing akar race. Eleventh Cycle then shifts perspective to Chroma, an adolescent akar who struggles with finding his place within akar society. Finally, we are introduced to the high-ranking captain Erefiel, who is caught between worlds as a half-human and half-Zerub, a race that blends human and animal anatomies.

Eleventh Cycle by Kian Ardalan First Impressions : r/Fantasy Eleventh Cycle by Kian Ardalan First Impressions : r/Fantasy

Probably the most important aspect of all. This is an intensely character driven tale. Now this is not to say the the plot moves like a glacier, it moves at the pace needed for the story, and the raw and real character work keeps us in the meantime. Eleventh Cycle tells the story of four main characters. Delila, a young girl who discovers she has magic powers in a world that doesn’t accept witches. Chroma, a young akar (an orc-like species) living in a human world that hates the akar. Nora, a soldier who escaped her cult-like family. Erefiel, a high ranking solider and the son of a god-like figure who has major daddy-issues. Between the four of them, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, conflict, and ultimately intersect with the godly realms that decide the fate of the world. You don’t like dark elements in your books (murder, death, sexual assault, etc.) [ Specific trigger warnings listed by the author in the blurb below]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, by Kian N. Ardalan : r/Fantasy - Reddit [Review] Eleventh Cycle, by Kian N. Ardalan : r/Fantasy - Reddit

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. Kian spends the time dedicated to these characters, and exploring their trauma and how they carry it with them throughout their lives. He beautifully captures the struggles of growing into a teenager, exploring your sexuality and the struggles that can come with that.And that's where I get annoyed, because I'm not sure this would stand out as so awfully bad to me if I were just reading instead of listening. It might not be that bad. 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. Let's start with the fact that I absolutely loved James' prose. It felt so fitting in the way that it tied the culture of more spiritual folk into the world's imagery.