Jesse Shaver's "The Golden March" is a mesmerizing tale that intricately weaves together elements of mystery, magic, and adventure within a vividly crafted universe. At the heart of the narrative are three intriguing characters whose destinies intertwine in unforeseen ways: a young woman burdened by a shadowy past, a battle-hardened warrior seeking redemption, and a cunning rogue with his own secretive agenda.

Shaver's prose is both lyrical and immersive, drawing readers deep into the enchanting world of Erivia. The author excels in vibrant, sensory-rich descriptions that breathe life into the landscapes and locales, while the characters come alive through Shaver's keen eye for detail. The plot unfolds at a deliberate pace, with each chapter revealing complex layers of intrigue that deepen the central mystery, keeping readers on their toes.

One of the novel's most striking aspects is its profound character development. Each protagonist is painted with nuance and intricacy, driven by their own desires and haunted by hidden secrets. Their journeys are not just compelling; they are charged with emotional weight, and the tension-laden interactions between them often lead to surprising alliances that keep the narrative dynamic.

The magic system, a core component of the world-building, is thoughtfully constructed and utterly captivating. It serves not merely as a tool of power but also as an influential force that shapes the characters’ trajectories and relationships, adding depth and complexity to the overarching story.

While "The Golden March" primarily resides in the realm of fantasy, it poignantly explores themes of identity, loss, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. These themes resonate deeply, transforming the narrative into a rich tapestry that offers more than simple escapism. The central mystery is expertly woven throughout, leaving readers guessing and engaged until the very last page.

Each character is skillfully developed, relatable despite their imperfections, making the vibrant world of Erivia feel tangible and real. Shaver tackles significant themes with authenticity, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences.

However, it’s worth noting that the middle portion of the book occasionally lags in pace, and although the magic system is intriguing, it could benefit from additional exploration to fully realize its potential.

In summary, "The Golden March" is an exhilarating introduction to "The Chronicles of Erivia" series. With its compelling narrative, rich character arcs, and elaborate world-building, it stands as a must-read for any lover of fantasy and adventure. I am eagerly looking forward to what Shaver has in store for readers in the upcoming installment.

Title: The Golden March
Author: Jesse Shaver
Release Date: March 13th, 2023
Page Count: 408
Format: Netgalley
Start Date: May 27th, 2023
Finish Date: June 11th, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

I really wasn't sure what to make of this book at first. It was a bit confusing. Once I got the hang of the characters and the plot, it was a lot easier to understand. I wouldn't say that the writing was bad or anything like that. It is just a very complex world and it needed my complete undivided attention. That's very hard for me sometimes. This story is told in three different points of view. I think if it was only told through one person's perspective it would be a little too one dimensional. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I also enjoyed rooting each of them on getting through their struggles. I'd like to read more books in this world. I think it might be a series, but I can't remember. I also plan to check out other books by this author. Their writing style is so amazing. I also love the cover!

3.5/5 Stars rounded up to 4 because I really think more people should read this!

This was an unexpected win in the department of ARC requests of books that are rather unknown. I want to thank BookBuzz and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Golden March introduces us to its three protagonists - ex-fighter Dredge, archivist Cersi, and Shadow mage Endri - as their lives are irreversibly intertwined and they learn what was kept from them all their lives. Long ago, the city they live in was split into two sides and Dredge, trapped in the gloomy Greyward, looks in wonder towards Brightwater, where Cersi lives yet is haunted by a curious piece of history that has her venture into the dark to find out more. All the while sneaky Endri discovers hidden truths on how their land came into mana and magic - a truth that soon has the enemy knocking on their door, threatening to knock it down.

Honestly I was impressed by this book. The detail that went into the world and its magic, which the author takes their time to slowly unravel across the story, was intriguing to say the least. We have lost civilizations, ancient magic, fated pairs of magicians, and different races of humanoid beings that all pack a punch in a different way. The world is Fantasy in its nature and plot, although we do find some elements that give it a slight Sci Fi vibe, which I liked.

I did enjoy reading the perspective of our three protagonist, although I wish they had had more time to let their character and desires shine, and to form truer bonds between each other that were more relatable. To me, a lot of explanations on the realities of the world came a little late to a point that sometimes had me confused and frustrated, but that by no means makes this a bad story.

All in all, this is an awesome Fantasy book that I truly hope more people will have the chance to pick up in the future!

A fantastic sci-fi fantasy that takes readers on an epic journey filled with magic, mystery, and adventure. Jesse Shaver's world-building is exceptional, and the characters are well-developed and relatable. The story is well-paced, with just the right amount of action and suspense to keep readers engaged from beginning to end. The author's writing style is captivating, making it easy to get lost in the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves sci-fi fantasy and is looking for a great read.

A captivating sci-fi fantasy that follows the lives of Cerci, Dredge, and Endri, three characters whose paths become intertwined by the fabric of fate. Cerci, who was abandoned at birth, discovers a piece of history that sets her on a quest to uncover the truth about her past. Dredge, trapped in the dregs of Greyward, longs to experience the magic of Brightwater. Endri seeks to wake his sister up from a long sleep and discovers one of Brightwater's greatest secrets. As they discover more secrets hidden far away from any prying eyes, all becomes clear. A resource exists in their land that is far more potent than anything else in the known world. The cities must set aside their differences to protect what is theirs or risk losing everything.