Seeds of War Review: A Gritty Epic Fantasy Series with a Strong Start
Seeds of War is a self-published epic fantasy book by João F. Silva that introduces readers to three compelling characters: Gimlore, a war veteran and crime boss who fiercely safeguards her family and town; Orberesis, a cunning thief who masquerades as a deity to protect a hidden truth; and Rednow, once a feared mercenary, who undertakes his final mission as his prime years fade away.
The novel is set in a world of danger, smoke magic, and impending conflict. As the lives of these three characters intertwine, we’re taken on a journey through a world of complex characters and a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end.
In this review, I’ll discuss the characters, plot, and magic system in Seeds of War. I’ll also share my thoughts on whether or not this is a series worth checking out.
Seeds of War Review
In the first book of the gritty epic fantasy series “The Smokesmiths,” three characters’ lives are intricately woven together in a world of danger, smoke magic, and impending conflict.
- Gimlore is a mob boss single mom who will do anything to protect her town and twins.
- Rednow is an old mercenary who wants to retire in peace.
- Orberesis is a con artist who poses as a god but has a dark secret.
Amidst a backdrop of treacherous monsters and potent smoke magic, the narrative plants the seeds of war. Prompting alliances to be cherished and adversaries to be defeated. This saga unfolds in a world of strange creatures, ancient secrets, and a relentless pursuit of survival. Characters navigate a landscape where tranquility is fleeting, and the struggle for dominance prevails.
Morally Grey Characters
When it comes to “Seeds of War,” the characters are what truly shine. Each of them is an intriguing individual with their complexities.
Gimlore is a force to be reckoned with. She’s a war veteran, a mother of twins, and the town leader. Gimlore is determined to protect her people, even if it means making tough decisions. She’s not just a badass fantasy mom – she’s a survivor who’s seen it all and come out stronger. Her morally gray nature is what makes her so fascinating.
Rednow is a battle-scarred mercenary. He has a unique approach to mentoring orphans and preparing them for mercenary life, which is heartwarming and fascinating. He wants to retire peacefully, but his past keeps catching up.
Orberesis is a con artist with a cult following, but he’s also so much more than that. He’s a complex and fascinating character with intricate layers and hidden secrets. I was drawn in by his mystery and eager to unravel his story. The fact that he’s masquerading as a god, manipulating even high-ranking officials, adds an element of suspense. But his internal struggle with pain and the quest for a cure makes him stand out. He’s not just a villain; he’s a human being with flaws and complexities.
The three main characters in Seeds of War are all strikingly well-crafted. They’re morally ambiguous, which makes them human and relatable. Their growth and descents are mesmerizing, adding depth to the narrative.
While each character brings something unique to the table, I wish there was more interaction between Gimlore and her children, as this would have further enriched her character. Yet, considering this is the first book in a series, there’s hope that this aspect will be explored more deeply.
An Intriguing Magic System
The magic system in Seeds of War is both intriguing and dangerous. It is based on inhaling smoke derived from specific herbs, which can transform ordinary people into Smokesmiths. Smokesmiths gain various superhuman abilities, such as enhanced strength and speed. Some even gain extra powers, such as elemental manipulation and “invisibility.” However, the process of becoming a Smokesmith is incredibly dangerous, and only a tiny fraction of those who undergo the ritual survive.
The magic system in Seeds of War is brutal. Children are taken and forced to inhale the smoke. While most die, those who survive are now Smokesmiths. Smokesmiths are used as weapons by the government, and their lives are disposable.
The cost of using the magic is also high. Every time one inhales the smoke, it does more damage to their internal organs. This adds an interesting layer to the story, as the characters must balance power and mortality.
In addition to Smoke Smiths, Seeds of War introduces some interesting deities. These deities are not major players for most of the story, but their presence is felt throughout the world by the end. They add an additional layer of mystery and intrigue to the magic system.
Overall, the magic system in Seeds of War is a complex and fascinating one. It is well-crafted and adds depth to the story. I am excited to see how the magic system develops in future books.
Interwoven Narratives
Seeds of War is a masterfully crafted novel with a complex and intricate plot. The story is told from the perspectives of Gimlore, Rednow, and Orberesis. Their stories are seemingly separate at first, but they gradually converge, creating a tapestry of intrigue that keeps the reader hooked.
As the story progresses, their paths intersect unexpectedly, and the reader is left wondering how their stories will ultimately come together.
One of the things that I love most about Seeds of War is the way that the author seamlessly weaves together the three different plotlines. There is never a moment when the story feels bogged down or confusing. The pacing is perfect, and the reader is always eager to discover what happens next.
A Masterpiece of Self-Published Fantasy
Seeds of War is a masterpiece of self-published fantasy. It has everything you could want in a fantasy book: a well-crafted plot, complex characters, stunning world-building, and an innovative magic system. The characters are all incredibly well-developed, and they make decisions that are both understandable and reprehensible. I found myself rooting for them all, even when they made mistakes.
The plot is intricate and well-paced, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end. The world-building is also top-notch, and the author does a great job of bringing the world to life. The landscapes and the sacrifices the magic system demands paint a vivid backdrop against which the characters’ struggles play out.
The intricacies of the smoke magic, born not from birthright but from trials and hardship, provide a richness that sets the story ablaze with uniqueness. It’s a magic system that reflects the characters’ strengths and vulnerabilities, adding complexity to their choices and lending depth to the narrative’s tapestry.
If you’re looking for a self-published fantasy novel to keep you entertained, engaged, and emotionally invested, you must read Seeds of War. I highly recommend it!
Book lover, coffee addict, mom of dragons (aka rambunctious kids). I share book recs, mom life survival tips, and the occasional existential crisis.
[…] out Seeds of War on May 1, […]