Christopher Mitchell
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Lahnos Laimos is returning to Zamata, aboard one of the massive dragon carriers of the Dominion fleet. Thanks to the so-called Demon Witch, he survived the disastrous invasion of Gunst and managed to save some 7,000 fellow Zamatians, along with his brother and Bullan friend. Even though all but one of the surviving dragons fled back to the Serpent Isle believing the entirety of the fleet perished along with their king, Naghad. Their return is welcomed by the islanders, but the other dragons are not happy that their honour is being besmirched – they abandoned their troops.
On the island, Leona, Captain Cisca, and Major Lyla escaped the underground monastery where the dragons had attempted to capture the Demon Witch in the body of Lyla. Friel Laimos perished as they escaped, but not before warning Leona that his nephew, Lahnos, had other Gifts. But they don’t escape to the fresh air, indeed, they wind up living in the rebel Commander Bauchlie’s underground hideout. Cisca is charged with caring for the incapacitated Lyla; although Leona is at odds with her methods. The two women are bound to clash as they try to bring the woman’s memories back. But who is residing inside the Major’s body? Is it the Demon Witch, whose actions inadvertently sparked the civil war which is crushing the Dominion and Zamata – or is it Major Lyla of the Dragon Corps? Will the woman recover from her injuries and regain her memories in time to help them? Because hot on the heels of the returning Dominion troops is the entire Gunstian Empire’s fleet – and they are determined to slaughter every single being residing on the Serpent Isle.
The third book in the Magelands Dominion series see’s Mitchell return to the action to the Serpent Isle as we follow Lahnos, Cisca and Leona as the shock waves of King Gahad’s death continue to ripple. But instead of the waves diminishing, they’re steadily increasing and more devastation is sure to be left in its wake. Death Seer introduces new, larger than life characters as well as says farewell to a few. Mitchell is always making room for new plot points, new character arcs and new faces by diligently culling others. His writing is as brutal as the Dominion’s rule, ensuring that only a select few survive.
But his writing doesn’t just explore brutality of war, invasions and rebellions. He delicately explores the ending of relationships; recognising the hurt and pain that staying with someone out of duty can be just as devastating as leaving someone you love. Lahnos and Reyn drift apart slowly, their differing views on what would be best for the island driving as a big wedge between them as his burgeoning new Gift. It’s painful to read, with their relationship being steadfast since the first page of Serpent Dominion. It’s like witnessing the parting of some of your dearest friends – but it’s also organic. Their relationship had run its course – and its ending was inevitable. But Mitchell still handled it with gentleness, giving Lahnos time to grieve and to grow.
It was also equally heartbreaking and heartwarming to see the Demon Witch’s progression. Regular readers of Mitchell will recognise her identity, but I won’t spoil it here (however much I might want to). Seeing the woman trapped in Major Lyla’s body regain her memories and powers is stirring, especially as she struggles to remember key events in her previous life. There’s also something akin to retribution in the Demon Witch’s condition – and I’m sure the irony of that is not lost on Mitchell’s audience. It’s almost as though her story has come full circle – and as a fan, I can not wait to see if that realisation comes to her as her memories grow.
In all Death Seer is a compelling read, from start to finish. It’s full of twists and turns, deals and betrayals, love and war and reunions and partings.
S. A.
Death Seer was sent directly to me by the author in return for a fair and honest review.
Death Seer will be released on August 25th 2023 on Amazon and will be available to read for free on Kindle Unlimited.
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