“I can’t imagine a world where the man holding a sword does not have the last say over the man without one.”
There are few relatively new writers who have burst on the fantasy scene with the brilliance of author Evan Winter. “Rage of Dragons”, the first novel in “The Burning” series, is absolutely breathtaking, heart-stopping, and I doubt the reader will able to put it down without trying desperately to read the whole thing in one sitting.
It so amazing and motivating to see authors writing novels with worldbuilding using entirely African-inspired settings in fantasy, and Winter does an incredible job with his novel in this regard. The magic system is extremely well-thought-out, the auxiliary characters are unforgettable, and the world is painted so vividly by Winter that you will believe that you’ve lived there.
Thankfully there is a burgeoning group of numerous Black and other racialized fantasy writers, including Winter, who are becoming powerhouses in the genre, adding some distinct flavour to epic fantasy, and representing the unique tales, culture, and voices of Black and other people of colour. These voices need to be heard loud and clear as being relevant and exciting, because they are. Winter is already rising towards the top of even those esteemed writers.
Winter’s blood-soaked tale of oppression, love, betrayal, and loss is action-packed, and the main focus of the novel is the protagonist Tau’s unceasing thirst for vengeance. Tau is one of the most daunting fighters and indomitable spirits you will meet in fiction, be it written, television, move screen, or any other medium. When I envision him, I see something like Shaka Zulu meets John Wick.
This book pulses with energy, originality, and is entirely captivating. Don’t dare miss out on reading this one.
