I’ve been diving into some indie fantasy lately, and I’m thrilled I dove into this one.  This was an absurdly great debut novel.  It’s a fantasy novel, full of magic, that focuses on colonialism, more specifically the victims of colonialism.  The focus throughout the story is on the changing world, and the victims of those changes.  But that focus isn’t heavy handed, it is explored within the context of deep, well realized characters.

The story takes place over two timelines, one present time, and one the not-so-distant past, as the main character tells the story of his life to his apprentice.  It’s a storytelling device done effectively in novels like The Name of the Wind, and here, Dulin uses it deftly.  The past tense story really becomes the heart of the novel, but I never feel like Dulin is giving the present tense story short shift.  In fact, both collide in a meaningful way at the end of the book and leave the reader anxious for book 2 (which thankfully is already out).

The story contains tragedy, a fascinating magic system, great character work, and a well thought out exploration of colonialism in a world where magic is at the center of everything.  Dulin reveals how the magic works and how the folks in the world interact with the magic from their understanding of it, to the religious beliefs that surround it, to their practical use of it, but it never feels info dumpy.  That is a testament to the author.  This will be a series I continue in the near future. 

Felan’s Rescue is available in Ebook form (and Kindle Unlimited), Audiobook, Hardback, and Paperback!

The Descendants of Prontoth is available as an Ebook (and Kindle Unlimited), Audiobook, hardback and paperback!

Seventh Contact is now available!