Christopher Mitchell
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The Dominion has left Zamata, and the residents are now able to try to build their society; one where the native islanders are no longer simply fodder for their Dragon overlords. The Zamatian’s are free. For now. Because, unwilling to let a place of such strategic importance go, the Dragon’s are intent on teaching the islanders that they are gods and will punish the rebels with fire and death. Meanwhile, the Gunstian Empire also have their eyes on the Serpent Isle; determined to prove that only one God exists, and any who dare to renounce Her will be met with torture and death. Either way, the Zamatian’s have a new battle on the horizon; and they’re going to have to fight dirty again.
Following on a few weeks after the ending of Serpent Dominion, Mitchell dives right back into the lives of Lahnos, Friel, Leona and Cisca as they try to go about their lives in the new regime of Zamata and the Dominion itself. While Friel is ruling the Serpent Isle and Leona is acting as his closest advisor, Lahnos is finding his role much more muted. The so-called Demon Witch has not spoken in his mind since the final battle for the island, and he’s feeling used by his uncle. Meanwhile, Cisca is back in her home city of Neath in Western Aucteran, although she’s not feeling particularly welcome or safe as she realises that she’s being followed by officials from the Dragon Corps. As each of their stories unfold, we follow them across the world of Athumia until they collide in a violent fashion. Will the rebels keep their freedom and autonomy from the Dragons and Gunst? Or will everything Friel has fought for come crashing spectacularly around his ears?
What possibly thrilled me the most about Mitchell’s latest addition to his Magelands Series, was the fact that we explored much more of Athumia. Serpent Dominion focused entirely on the Serpent Isle, while Demon Witch not only heads to the Aucteran continent in the East, but also the land of Gunst in the West. Mitchell’s world building is beyond anything, with the landscapes becoming as much of a character as the actual characters. You’re able to imagine every single pebble, blade of grass and drop of water as Mitchell provides the richness needed to maintain such a vast body of work.
As with all of his Magelands books, Mitchell proves that he has a brilliant tactical mind for warfare; at least of the literary kind. But he’s also got heart; showing how love can bloom in even the most dire of situations; whether the platonic love of true friendship, the familial love of parents, or even romantic love – between supposed enemies. His writing is always sharp, witty and full of meaning, and Demon Witch is no exception.
S. A
Demon Witch was sent directly to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Demon Witch is on Amazon, and is also available to read for free via Kindle Unlimited.
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