This review is part of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”. This is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. It’s a sister competition to both SPFBO and SPSFC, and it highlights greatness in the novella format in all areas of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.).
To see more information on my team Behind the Musings check out this post!
Blurb for From the Depths
The world can sustain the needs of many, but the greed of a few can destroy it for all.
In a life steeped in peril, the Brune family has thrived on the knife’s edge. Renowned for their smuggling and bounty exploits, Konar and Karliah’s parents command both respect and fear. Comfortable yet haunted, the family faces the constant threat of perilous assignments, leaving scars that even a parent’s protective embrace can’t heal.
Still, Konar dreams of scholarly pursuits, and Karliah sees the world as something ripe for the taking. When the emperor dangles an irresistible offer—a job to end their dangerous pursuits forever—the Brunes seize the chance. But there’s a catch: the item in question is little more than a myth, deemed impossible to find.
As the family embarks on the voyage of a lifetime, their bonds are tested like never before. Locating and securing the prize will require sacrifices beyond measure, and when your family is in the business of pirating, trust is the greatest myth of all.
From the Depths is a prequel novella that takes place roughly a thousand years prior to the events in Of Thieves and Shadows—volume one in the epic fantasy series, The Heart of Quinaria.
From the Depths Book Review
When their Appa is offered a job that will make their days of plunder distant memories, Karliah and Konar will find themselves on one of their most perilous journeys. Chasing a myth and the whisper of a location, the siblings will come face to face with beasts of legend. And while their parents may be capable fighters and sailors, even they will find themselves at wit's end.
From the Depths displays such a complicated family dynamic. As the children of pirates, and of parents who no longer see eye to eye, Karliah and Konar bear witness to many arguments and fights. But the bond the siblings share is unbreakable. Despite the challenges and tests of faith they face throughout the novella, they remain dedicated to one another. For readers, it will be difficult to read as one parent tries to play the children against the other, but it adds to the tone and sets the stage for their relationships.
Not only are the characters brilliantly written, but B.S.H. Garcia will immerse readers in a world of adventures at sea and compelling action sequences. As the characters cast off for the fated object of tales, loyalties will be tested and hearts will be broken.
While From the Depths is a prequel novella, it works excellently as a standalone. The character development and lore built around the world will be sure to entice readers to read more, yet also wrap up just in time to form a completed story. This is a piece of writing that captures the epic fantasy feel in a shorter length. Perfect for those wondering if epic fantasy is right for them.
To Purchase: Amazon | Author's Website
All or part of this book review may be used in marketing, I only ask that you reference Behind the Pages if you choose to do so.
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