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** I received an ARC for an honest review **
Description
Violet Zennor has had a peculiar upbringing. Training as a fighter in underground arenas, honing her skills against the worst scum, murderers and thieves her father could pit her against, she has learned to be ruthless. To kill.
Until the day Hedrek Zennor dies. Violet thinks she’s free – then she learns that her father planned to send her into the Darklands, where the Leech Lords reign. Where Violet’s still-born brother was taken years ago. Violet steadfastly refuses. Until one night two assassins attempt to slaughter her – and it becomes clear: she’s going to have to clean up the mess her father made.
By turns gripping and bewitching, sharp and audacious, this mesmerising story takes you on a journey into the dark heart of Slatter’s sinister and compelling fantasy world in a tale of vampires, assassins, ancient witches and broken promises.
Summary
The Crimson Road by Australian author A.G. Slatter is a new dark gothic fantasy novel following previous works, All The Murmuring Bones, The Path of Thorns and The Briar Book of the Dead.
Review
The Crimson Road combines gothic tropes with dark fantasy to create an immersive world-building that is unique to Slatter’s own works. A tale with a strong yet fragile female protagonist makes Violet Zennor more than a character on a quest, but a compelling and captivating fantasy heroine who is genuinely human, flawed and struggling beneath the burden of responsibilities and choices not of her own making.
The Crimson Road is atmospheric with strong gothic themes that draw on the eerie history and lore of the Darklands and the ‘Sourdough universe’.
Slatter’s writing is engaging and lyrical at times with a refreshing fantasy reimagining of vampiric lore, witchcraft and powerful feminist characters.
Conclusion
A highly recommended read! This is a captivating gothic fantasy with fascinating reimagining of vampiric lore, witchcraft and unique world-building in a continuation of Slatter’s Sourdough Universe. Highly enjoyable and an enchanting read!
**This review reflects my personal opinion and does not influence any official judging decisions**
Leanbh Pearson 