Christopher Mitchell
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
The island of Zamata is finally free from the threats of the Dominion and the Gunstian Empire. The native Zamatans are beginning to thrive, thanks to the ministrations of the three-pronged government consisting of Commander Bauchlie, Leona of Kaugatz and the hero part-Bullan, Lahnos Laimos. The Demon Witch, still inhabiting Major Lyla’s body, is regaining more and more of her memories; her speech has improved, as has her friendship with the Gunstian-Zamatan orphan Arrosa. But, while her memories return, the Demon Witch’s strong sense of morality (from her former life) is also making a comeback – causing her much conflict. While she is pleased the small isle of Zamata is free from threat, she’s definitely not so thrilled with the methods used to win that freedom. As she tries to lean into her deep seated hatred of deceit and violence, Lyla finds she must make some difficult decisions. But will betraying her friends trust, the very people who nursed her back to health, have larger ramifications than simply giving her Demon Witch side the moral high ground?
With Blood Burden, Mitchell has taken us away from Zamata as we follow Lyla and Lahnos. Indeed, we’re finally getting to see the rest of Athumia (other than Great Gunst and the port of Neath). We travel to Inopei, to Irlan and to other parts of Aucteran… And, we also meet brand new characters; characters who are morally grey, hilarious, selfish and ruthlessly ambitious. And a little dog with a big bark and even larger bite… I honestly think that this new character (not the pet), might be taking the place of Shella as my favourite character within the worlds Mitchell has created.
It’s not only for that reason that Blood Burden is another five moon rated book from Mitchell. This is a rip-roaring adventure that takes us across the world, filled with heartbreaking revelations, old friends and new, and some honestly hilarious antics. It’s possibly one of his least bloody books, but is still full of acts of violence, war and death. It also carries the hint of a promise that we’ll be meeting some really old friends in the near future, which is honestly exciting.
S. A.
Blood Burden is available to read on Amazon and for free on Kindle Unlimited.
Blood Burden was sent to me directly from Christopher Mitchell as an ARC, in return for an honest review.