20/25 (80%) 4 stars.
This is perhaps the most blatantly underappcreciated book I’ve ever read.
Mealing has written a terrific debut filled with excellent worldbuilding, fascinating characters, and a plot that couldn’t be more high stakes. Highly recommended for veterans of Fantasy and lovers of original magic systems- and also for fans of military/flintlock fantasy.
Narrating through the perspectives of powerful magician Sarine, ingenious general Erris, and fierce tribal warrior Arak’Jur, Mealing delivers a perfectly constructed story that mixes elements from Napoleonic-era warfare and High Fantasy.
This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding read that should get so much more attention. Me when seeing that this awesome book has only 91 reviews on Goodreads:
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Dialogue 4
Setting 5
Characters 4
Writing Style 3
Plot 4
Review: SOUL OF THE WORLD (THE ASCENSION CYCLE #1)
Klaus Viedenz 