Fun, naval adventure with great characters!

Really enjoyed this, the revenge plot was a little tiring at times but the seafaring and political stuff was top notch. Lots of incredible worldbuilding, hard to keep it all straight sometimes.

Received from Lonely Archer Press and Netgalley for honest read and review,this review is my own.
This a good read if at times a bit slow, centres around Haru and his trials and trouble of being the next clan leader, who can talk to a goddess.
It was a very descriptive book that I thought was maybe a bit YA, so maybe not so much for me.
It was a good read, maybe if more in series we would see some different characters.

The worldbuilding makes this story work, the stakes are believable because we know why things have to happen the way they do, just an overall great story.

“Gods don't damn people, Haru. People damn themselves."

Thank you to Lonely Archer Press for an arc in exchange for a review.

At sixteen, Haru becomes the new Tain after his father’s assassination, chosen to rule and converse with the sea goddess, able to command the mighty dragon-whales.
But now Haru’s people, the Cryori (humanoids with blue skin) are up against the increasingly powerful human Alliance with the threat of being wiped out and having to worship one new false god.
So, Haru and the Bloody Chorus, a band of grieving, guilty misfits, journey to the continent to meet with Reius under the guise of peace.

”It is not only Cryori who war, Siva.
Immortals war, too.”

Whilst fairly predictable, I enjoyed the fact that young Haru is challenged throughout. His father doesn’t believe in his ability to be Tain, his friends don’t believe in his ability to kill Reius and survive the city. Then, he is faced with the truth and possibility of peace, of humanity, of goodness, of forgiveness.

As he struggles to decide on his need revenge, he also grapples with the knowledge that the humans are people worthy of peace and respect. And that maybe their god is one who is more understanding and compassionate than the ones they worship back home.

There were a few typos (missed past tense verbs), but for the most part, this was well-crafted with fast-paced writing, good action scenes, and fascinating philosophical deliberations.

I think this would be a good start for readers looking to start fantasy coming from Young Adult, or someone interested in indie authors, nautical settings, and religious backdrops.

I enjoyed John Marco's book. It combines magic, gods, many characters and a fast paced plot. It's well worth the read. I look forward to Marco's sequel to this story.

Rating: 4.4/5

Review: This was a lot of fun. Great story with really inventive characters. The magic is understated which lends itself towards the personal.

There were a few continuity errors. Like how is Amaga injured during the blockade when he can come up from the depths at anytime or place?

I hope this series continues with Valivan becoming more than he was just to spite Jyx.

this had it all - gods, pirates, seafaring. what was not to love?? im glad i got this and cannot wait to continue

Thanks Netgalley and the Publishers for the review copy.

The story follows Haru, thrust into leadership after his father's assassination. Haru, now Tain, faces the monumental task of unifying his people, the Cryori, against a formidable alliance led by the enigmatic and relentless Reius. Marco's storytelling prowess shines as he weaves a tale of power, revenge, and the struggle to balance past glories with the demands of the present.

The magic system is unique, the characters are extraordinary - both in appearance and so very different form one another, while each one carries a unique depth that is worth exploring while reading - both for main characters and villains! The story simply makes you love and understand both! I recommend this book to everyone and I recommend it for more than just one read! It's so worth it!

Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!
I would say this is an instant unputdownable! The story captures your attention from the very beginning, The story is long, well developed, crafty narrated, so you'll need a second read if you rushed the first one, because the devil is in the tiny details and not only the descriptions, but the dialogue itself hides hidden gems that will definitely spark the reader's interest! The magic system is unique, the characters are extraordinary - both in appearance and so very different form one another, while each one carries a unique depth that is worth exploring while reading - both for main characters and villains! The story simply makes you love and understand both! I recommend this book to everyone and I recommend it for more than just one read! It's so worth it!

A sweeping epic that masterfully combines intricate world-building with compelling characters and high-stakes conflict. Set against the backdrop of two empires on the brink of collision, the story follows Haru, thrust into leadership after his father's assassination. Haru, now Tain, faces the monumental task of unifying his people, the Cryori, against a formidable alliance led by the enigmatic and relentless Reius. Marco's storytelling prowess shines as he weaves a tale of power, revenge, and the struggle to balance past glories with the demands of the present.

The depth of character development and the complexity of the conflicts elevate The Bloody Chorus to a realm of exceptional fantasy. Haru's journey from reluctant ruler to determined leader is captivating, and the camaraderie and challenges faced by the Bloody Chorus create a bond that resonates with readers. Marco's world-building is richly detailed, immersing readers in a vibrant realm where cultures clash and destinies collide.

This book grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go. Imagine a world where two empires clash, and in the middle of it all is Haru, forced into a leadership role after his father's murder. Haru's journey from uncertainty to determination had me rooting for him every step of the way.

But what really hooked me was the formation of the Bloody Chorus – a group of avenging misfits with their own secrets and pasts. Their camaraderie and the challenges they face together make the story truly come alive. And the enigmatic Reius adds a layer of intrigue that kept me turning pages late into the night.

THE BLOODY CHORUS fires right out of the gate with an unspeakable act of treachery, and doesn't let up on the throttle for one second until the breathtaking conclusion. The Cryori have lived in a holding pattern of prosperity and peace for quite some time under their old ruler Sha'an. But the kingdom is thrown into flux when the aging Tain's life is taken by an assassin. As his son Haru transitions into taking the reins as the new Tain, a fanatical zealot from J'hora sees an opportunity to consolidate all of the surrounding neighbors into one singular alliance.

Teetering on the edge of madness, Reius feverishly scrawls down messages in his secluded tower that he believes are directives from his god Taan. Those who do not wish to submit to the will of Taan are to be convinced through conquest or forced conversion. And if necessary, a torturous death. Eventually Reius turns his eyes squarely across the sea toward Haru's home of Nesenor, the only remaining holdout. But Haru has plans of his own as he has strong suspicions that the madman across the water is directly responsible for his father's murder. It is becoming increasingly clear that although there are some desperately calling for peace, there WILL BE BLOOD.

I'm happy to report that not only is the magic still there when it comes to John Marco's storytelling skills, it has been taken to extraordinary levels in THE BLOODY CHORUS. I made the comment on Twitter that this book has so much going on in it that it felt like I read an entire series in this just the first book. That's not just lip service, there are so many storylines, so much misdirection, such unpredictability of character motivations and alliances. If you are looking for a read that constantly keeps you engaged and on your toes, you should read this book immediately because I never knew what to expect or what road Marco was taking me down at any given moment. To my absolute delight.

When I say unpredictability of character motivations and alliances, it really is one of the many reasons why I love John Marco's writing. He has this innate ability to make even the worst villain sort of redeemable, to the point where there's a part of you that kind of roots for them against your own better judgement. Conversely he also has a knack for making his "heroes" flawed and shows them in a brutally honest way, sometimes even highlighting the fact that they may not be as honorable and pure as they might seem initially. I guess you could call it morally gray, but that feels like such a cliche. I just think that Marco does a splendid job of showing through words and actions how there is both good and bad in everyone.

THE BLOODY CHORUS is a book that I wish I could put in every fantasy lover's hands and say "trust me, just read this." It's a book that constantly made me stop and go "Whoa, holy f--- I can't believe that just happened." Marco's worldbuilding is consistently of the highest quality and he has populated this brilliant world with some of the most horrifying and unsettling creatures, bickering and vindictive living gods, and vile feral beasts imaginable. I don't even have the words to explain the magnificent trip this book took me on and if this opening salvo is any indication, this might just end up being my favorite John Marco series when all is said and done. And that's really saying something.

The bottom line is THE BLOODY CHORUS is bloody perfection and a triumphant return for one of the all-time great fantasy writers. Ten years was more than worth the wait and I truly hope that this book gets the overwhelming praise and accolades it so rightly deserves.