I realised from a suggested listening time of 21 hours this book would be the longest book I’ve read/listened to in an audio book format, even at my preferred x2 speed over 10 hours, that’s a lot of listening. So you definitely get a lot of book. I was in no rush, and found this is the beginning of an epic story (this is just book one, few!). The narrative shows the reader the lives of a number seemingly disparate characters. Swapping back and forth between them, slowly revealing threads that connect them. This is a story of empire stretching its fingers, a story of deceit, a story of greed, a story of war, a story of unexpected family, a story of love, a story of magic and of griffins. I recommend you find a quiet space, and enjoy this listening experience. Thank you to Bolinda audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Talonsister was a delight. I read this as an audiobook and this brought the whole story to life. The narrator did such a good job with differing voices to portray some amazing personalities. The level of intricacy and British inspired lore woven into the story means I have to give it five stars. The books pacing is slow and winding, which may not suit everyone, but the plot lines converge well and the ending is satisfying so I think it’s worth it. The griffins completely have my heart. There’s plenty of other magic, mystery and intrigue beyond the griffins but they certainly take centre stage. I would say this is a standout book for me as it just felt so unique. An epic piece of fiction that I think is for fans of books like Priory of the Orange Tree. Thank you to the NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for an audio-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

I had a tough time getting into this one. It's clearly imaginative and clever, inclusive as well. The story is centred aroynd the Luminous Empire (kind of like Ancient Rome) and an unconquered vaguely magical Celtic Briton and Ireland. There are four view points - Leven, a herald - which is a soldier who gives up their memories and former life in order to be imbued with Titan ore which gives them the power of flight and great strength and speed. Cillian (if you pronounce that the correct Irish way it's Kill-ee-on) who is a warden of the Brittleton wildwood. Kaeto - an emissary for the Luminous Empress. And Ynis and orphan girl brough up by griffins.

Sounds really promising, right? And it is but it takes way too long to get going. Part of the issue is that the chapters are short so you've barely met one character before you're on to the next. While this might work for some readers, it means it takes longer to really get to know a character and bond with them. As is always a risk in multi pov stories, there was one pov that just didn't interest me. Which was compounded by the fact that there is no obvious main plot fir a long time. Instead there are four plots that are interelated but you won't find out how until much later in the book.

So overall, I enjoyed it and I liked the world building, but there were times when the way the book was put together got in the way for me. It's a bit like Samantha Shannon's A Day of Fallen Night but unlike that multi pov multi plot tome, this didn't haveva central conflict as a guiding thread. At least not at the beginning.

Overall though if you want fantasy with a different slant you can't go far wrong here.

Every series I read by this author just gets better and better, this book was my favourite yet! Set in a vast world with countries inspired by Ancient Britain and possibly Rome, I’m not sure.

It has such an interesting magic system, I was hooked straight away. Also adored all the characters and how their stories interwove by the end.

The narrator for this audiobook was fantastic, he did a wonderful job with all the accents and each character!

I cannot wait for the next book!!

A thoroughly immersive and imaginative, fantasy novel. Jen Williams once again brings mythical beasts to life and has crafted a world filled with strife, romance and adventure. We follow the journey of three groups, each on their own mission and burdened with their own mysteries to solve. As each of the stories progress through the book, the threads that link them become as intriguing and those of the griffin's magic. The character progression is incredibly satisfying, and I found myself becoming very attached to all of them.

The audiobook is excellently produced, with clear sound, precise editing and wonderfully engaging narration. Jot Davies provides distinct voices for each charcater and truly brings them all to life.

Highly recommended to all fantasy readers - particularly those who are fans of Jen Williams' previous works.

My first book by this author and given how much I enjoyed this one I had to have stern words with myself for my slackness, I have learnt, it will not happen again

An abandoned human raised with griffins.
A women who has been given the powers of a Herald at the cost of losing her memories.
An Imperial assassin who’s sent to accompany the bone-crafter to find new sources of unfathomable power.
A Druin tasked with protecting the woods and its majestic creatures.

Underlying it all, the all-conquering Empire strives to bring all other nations under its Blessed mantle with Brittletain rebelliously holding out.
Fascinatingly, this allowed Williams to explore how one empire can force religion onto others through a guise of well-being and ‘blessing’, painting others as barbarians and savages who must be taken in.

The horror and the violence of the Imperium grows with each sunrise, with each season, each turning of Enonah. They take our neighbours one by one, calling the bloodshed blessed while we hear stories of their butchery in our ports.

This book carries William’s usual sharp wit and funny jibes. With such a fun and diverse cast (princesses, assassin, child assistant, wood-wanderer, warrior with no prior memories, haughty griffins, and witch seers), there will be at least one story you love. Honestly, I loved them all, and never once felt annoyed at having to change perspective or storyline as each were equally compelling!

”Well, you can feed it. And you'll have to explain to Queen Fellvyn why we are keeping food alive in our nest. It is not hygienic!”

The world-building, like her previous work, was phenomenal! A Britain and Roman Empire inspired fantasy with warring factions, under-handed political scheming, and rebel groups - this is epic in more ways than one.

If you’ve read the Winnowing Flame trilogy, don’t worry, you can expect yucky bugs in this series too! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at a beetle again without gagging.

This exceeded my expectations. William’s characterisation, lore, and world-crafting has just flourished in this story.
Come for the griffins, stay for the genius (which, of course, includes the griffins).

Thank you to Titan Books for providing a physical arc in exchange for a review.