Scales and Modern, Streamlined Storytelling
Quick thoughts
If you’re a big reader of the genre, you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say that modern fantasy just has a certain feeling. That sense of fantasy with the character focus dialed up to eleven, with action and dialogue that feels snappy and well honed. The sort of feeling you get from reading something like Sanderson’s Mistborn or Weeks’ Lightbringer. So when I say that Corbin Rook’s debut novel, Shadows of the Sundered Lands, evokes the feeling of modern fantasy in the right way, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Shadows is a character focused, action forward story that is driven by an interesting magic system, a cast that feels engaging and familiar and a plot that creates immediate investment. It is a compelling debut that establishes the world and makes big promises of what’s to come from this author.
Full Review
When reading modern fantasy, one tends to notice certain trends. A focus on quick pacing, snappy dialogue, action scenes that are clear and concise, so called hard magic systems, a focus on character development, a diverse cast of characters, etc. When done poorly, these tropes can feel like a list of pre-approved bullet points being checked off to meet some imposed quota. Shadows of the Sundered Lands is the exact opposite of that. With his debut novel, Corbin Rook takes everything that works from the modern landscape of fantasy and employs it to create a story that hits all the right notes to place it comfortably besides its for well established peers.
From this first novel, it is clear that Rook has a strong, innate sense for crafting a compelling, efficient story. There is very little fat to be found here, as the plot hits the ground running and covers a great deal within a relatively short period of time. The pace keeps you flipping pages as each plot point hit fast and hard, moving quickly to make way for the next. Luckily, Rook also displays a solid sense for crafting consistent, well-defined characters. Each feels compelling with quickly distinguishable personalities and desires. This makes their choices and mistakes feel natural and helps maintain the story’s fast pace without creating confusion or a sense of whiplash. Combined with a unique, yet easily understood world and clear, concise prose, Rook really crafts a story that feels like something most modern readers will feel right at home with.
Despite the praise I am heaping on Shadows, like most novels, it is not without its challenges. If you’re one of those people who struggles with the modern style of fantasy, this will not be the book to change your mind. One downside to efficiency when it comes to writing is a loss of breathing room. At times, the plot can feel rushed and exposition driven as Rook does everything he can to cram a massive amount of lore and history into a single standalone novel. One definitely gets the sense that Rook had enough big ideas for a duology or trilogy but wanted this to be a standalone. The hard magic system has the same issues as many other staples of the genre, sometimes evoking superhero fiction or more dungeon and dragons inspired fair rather than the mysticism of more traditional fantasy. If you fall on the “soft” side of the magic systems debate, you might find some of what’s presented in this novel
However, if you’re the kind of reader who isn’t bothered by such things, I would highly recommend Shadows of the Sundered Lands. If you’re interested in strong character work, a unique, rules driven magic system and fast-paced storytelling, you won’t be disappointed by this debut. Rook certainly puts in a strong showing and establishes himself as an author to watch moving forward.
