A high fantasy story with great world building, epic themes and characters you want to root for. I found it was a bit bogged down in places but it was no big deal

ARC Review

I really enjoyed the world and character building of this story and am looking forward to the rest of the journey.

Inos is a corruption hunter, tasked with eradicating inflicted beasts before they and their corruption destroy her world.

The high fantasy story was intriguing and gets you rooting for the survival of Antorris.

I absolutely loved Inos’ father, who gave me Beauty and the Beast Maurice vibes. I also enjoyed the range of landscapes and creatures throughout the story and the unexpected artwork in the book.

I read this as part of my first ever buddy read, which was great fun!

Tropes/themes:
Dragons, monster hunter, good vs evil, chosen one?, side quests, magic, mentor waiting evil, fantastical creatures.

0/5 🌶️ rating

Favourite Quotes:
<potential spoilers>

I'm doin' my best, but there's always somethin', huh?" Inos gave a weak smile. There's always something, indeed.

"You don't need to be wanted to be remembered."

"Got it. So, the sky's not safe, the sea's not safe, and the Dalikian Army could invade us any day now. What are we to do?" Inos sighed. "Hope and wish and pray?" Rufin said with a sarcastic chuckle.

The Deciding had begun, and all the universe would become their battlefield.

"I'll never give up, Kosi. We could be at world's end, facing the fiercest of foes, and I would still die to protect this place.

"Commander Baldwin, I am a Corruption Hunter. I do not care for race or politics—my only enemy is Corruption. This Lord, Hecatomb Valz, may require us all to forfeit our lives to defeat him. I will do so gladly, even if those who I fight alongside consider me an enemy—I will still fight to rid our world of Corruption." Inos picked her twin axes out of the sand and faced the coming foes.

I believe that kindness should be cherished, and wickedness eradicated—because we fight for all the world, all the kindness in the world, against all the wickedness."

A good read overall, recommended for fantasy fanatics. Inos is a strong and interesting protagonist. The worldbuilding is great and mostly understandable for readers. As I am not a big fantasy reader, I found myself struggling to get through this. The takeaway being: not recommended as a gateway book for folks that aren't into fantasy, but should be a good time for fantasy fanatics.