Excellent Read!

I am a massive fan of The Relic Guild trilogy, so I was eager to read this book. When I heard this book was available to pre-order, I bought it without even reading the synopsis. The Song of the Sycamore is a dark fantasy full of twists and turns. I loved it!

Wendal Finn is a fascinating character, and I liked him a lot. Two rival factions are battling it out for control of the city of Old Castle in the land of Urdezha – the Quantum (the Scientists) and the Salem (the Magicians), while outside the city walls, the Clansfolk wage their war against both. Wendal is a soldier fighting in a conflict between the city-dwellers and clansfolk. While out in the wastelands, Wendal "dies" and finds himself trapped in his body. The poor man finds himself hosting an entity that the spirits (ghosts) call Sycamore and becomes an instrument of vengeance. When the magicians manage to track and trap Sycamore, Wendal finds himself between a rock and a hard place. The world of Urdezha is in turmoil, and all Wendal wants to do is find out why his wife took her life.

Geoffrey Breton narrates the audiobook. I thought he did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. I love his reading voice.

There are some interesting characters that Wendal encounters. The mysterious Magician and Wendal's custodian, Dyonne Obor. She plays a pivotal role in this tale. Then there is Wendal's friend and neighbour, Ginnell (Nell) Memphis. She is just as messed up as Wendal, having fought in the war too, but she is loyal and has a wicked sense of humour.

I started to listen to this book and found myself a little confused as to how Sycamore came to be in Wendal as the author began the story after the event. However, as I listened, I quickly became hooked by the dilemma Wendal faced - both under the control of a vengeful being, and controlled by the magicians while looking into his wife's death and the connection to the scientists. I found myself commiserating with Wendal as he tried to navigate his new life. There are several twists and turns that surprised, shocked and pleased me. The author has created a rich tapestry of intricately woven words that captivate, horrify and surprise. There is a scene that just about tore my heart out, and I cried alongside Wendal. As the story unfolded and Wendal uncovered secrets that no one wanted him to unearth, I found myself rooting for him, though I did find his amiability towards his situation in the beginning rather strange. There was no anger or angst, only resignation and acceptance. By the time I reached the end of the book and discovered Sycamore's reason for inhabiting Wendal, I felt connected to the characters and was sad to say goodbye to them.

Edward Cox has written an excellent stand-alone dark fantasy. I love his fast-paced writing style, as well as his attention to detail, the world-building and character development. The flow is excellent too. Ever since I read his debut series, The Relic Guild trilogy, I have become a fan of this author.

I do not recommend this book to younger readers due to some of the subject matter and violence. There are no scenes of a sexual nature, though, so parental guidance advised for the violence. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love science fiction, dark fantasy, horror, mystery, and suspense genres. - Lynn Worton

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

What a Journey!

An incredible experience listening to Wendell's/Sycamores story on Odessa. Mr. Cox wrote a very dark but engaging novel about a man trying to find his wife while being hosted by an usher of the dead who. Magic is pulled from "ether Crystal's and is used in unique ways to power things in the city as well as other unique useful items. There is a history of an ancient civilization that is explored and provides additional wonder and insight into the characters background. I will say no more about the store but is a gimme for any dark/grim alternate history fantasy fan.

The narrator was well chosen and did a superb job being the color to the writers picture.

Fantastic listen and well worth the credit

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!