Review – CROWNFALL by MICHAEL VADNEY

One of the most polished Indie SFF debuts I’ve ever read, the multi-POV, political fantasy book “Crownfall” by Michael Vadney, takes the reader into a murky, morally ambiguous world, where members of a divided, embattled society struggle to survive, and seek justice.

 

Let me begin the review by openly admitting that, while I had heard of it, in my ignorance, I did not fully understand the term ‘nobledark’, until “Crownfall” arrived hard and fast on my TBR. But nobledark is the sub-genre the author has chosen to assign “Crownfall” to. So my first task just prior to opening page one of this novel, was to understand how to categorize nobledark, to help me better understand the book, and what the author was trying to do in writing it.

I learned that nobledark is a dark fantasy sub-genre, where the narrative scale is balanced between noble, ‘good’ protagonists who openly and purposefully endeavour to be principled, while the world they inhabit is morally complicated, corrupt, grim or bleak. Perhaps one of the best ways to define nobledark, from my view, is to compare it to the well-known concept of ‘grimdark’ (of which I read quite a bit, and my own work is often considered to be part of).

Simplifying the contrast in my own mind, grimdark features both dire world and dire characters, who are often anti-heroes. In grimdark, the main characters are frequently morally bankrupt, and their primary interests tend to lie predominantly in their own gain or survival, even if they are fighting a worse evil than themselves who threatens the greater populace. On the other hand, in nobledark stories, the main characters care more about others than themselves, and are actually fighting to improve or save the world, and are determined to rise above their own problems, to confront and combat evil. Perhaps one of the most famous examples of nobledark might be none other than “Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, a series and an author who requires no introduction.

In terms of introducing Crownfall: welcome to Burunt, an island city, whose citizens have lived under the ruthless, oppressive boot of a foreign empire for the past ten years. The tyrannical empire’s representative, Viceroy Gian Magnus, has a firm grip on power in Burunt. Or does he? This despicable schemer is playing a long-game when it comes to tightening the noose of subjugation around the residents of Burnut. Typical of the propaganda spouted by despots, the plots of Magnus are done under the auspices of “progress”. But the winds of revolution are swirling, incited by Magnus’ policies, and three unlikely allies band together to lead the revolt.

This trio includes Kyndel, a scarred, vengeful former victim, who survived years of torture. Kyndel seeks ony revenge, but he needs someone to teach him how to harness his erratic magical powers, in order to accomplish the retribution he thirsts for. The second member is Jelert, a brilliant engineer by trade. Jeleret relocated to Burunt for upward mobility, but cannot abide the cost of success. Because Kyndel’s technological innovations are used by the malevolent government as weapons to bolster the harsh regime. Finally, we have Amara, who enjoys privilege and a noble title, but whose house is in danger of falling into penury and disrepute. Amara elects to engage in the criminal underworld, and form risky political collaborations, in order to restore her family to prominence.

There is plenty to love about this book, and I believe the jewel here is the immersive worldbuilding, which has a nice splash of steampunk, with the tech/industry versus magic vibe permeating the novel. The world feels extremely well-fleshed out, extensive, and unique. Vadney opts for the organic method, in terms of revealing the setting, backstory, and politics of the world. For those who abhor considerable exposition or hand-holding in your fantasy, this will be your bag.

The magic system is certainly praiseworthy here, if you prefer the more resolved and definitive types of mystical elements found in the works of authors like Brandon Sanderson. Although I lean towards soft magic, I can definitely see the appeal and appreciate the marvellous stuff Vadney has accomplished here.

The characters are well done. Any initial feeling, for me at first, that at times the main POVs sounded a bit to similiar was banished as I continued to read. They definitely took on very distinctive voices, that I could see and feel, as things progressed.

No surprise that Amara was my favourite player. She was probably the most colorful and interesting amongst a very dynamic cast, and the one who operated most in the grey zone in terms of scruples. Give me a character who will do dastardly things, according to their own code, to achieve ends they believe supercede that code, and justify said dastardly things, and you have me hooked. A real “morally grey” (yes, overused term, I know) character works within very complex rules of engagement. I’d also add here, that baddies such as Magnus were also appropriately multilayered, complicated, and not one-dimensional, with logical schemes deployed to attain their goals.

I also adored the fact that Vadney was willing to dispense with the typical plot armour, in order to provide the reader with a genuine feeling of the main players being in mortal danger. This really drove the tension to a high ceiling, and I feel the novel was better for it, with the prospect of real tragedy looming around the corner of every page.

The themes hit the mark with me as well. Were I to pick the one element of the thematic work in the novel that I found most impactful, it was the fact that Vadney explores how trust can be shattered, and consequently how it can be reforged.

 

I should mention that the book is marketed and categorized as an “Adult” and “New Adult” read. “New Adult” means something of a bridge between upper-YA and Adult. My understanding is that “Crownfall” has been often compared flatteringly to books such as “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo, which is very much YA. My opinion is that “Crowfall” is as advertised: firmly “Adult” or “New Adult”. It has all the required hallmarks, like older protagonists and more in-depth political machinations than YA. The atmosphere in “Crownfall” is certainly grittier than

found in typical YA novel.

I will comment here, again, as I did in the opening of this review, of how expertly executed I found this book to be, particularly from a debut novelist. Vandey doesn’t write like a new author, and I mean that as a huge compliment. This book is written to a high standard. If, like me, you’ve been around a while, and read a lot of fantasy books, you will find many of the predictably familiar tropes you love here, but know that they’re done right, with care and confidence, and at times, elegance and refinement by this novice author.

Crownfall is very much a recommended read. Those who lean towards nobledark with a healthy injection of steampunk, with complex political intrigue, exciting action sequences, and compelling characters trying to overcome their demons, baser instincts, and more selfish motivations, in order to tap into their innate heroism and goodness, will feel right at home.

4.5/5 stars!