In the opening pages of A.K. Kubica’s CREED OF LEGENDS, it seems as though a dire future is laid out in prophecy for Brudais: death at the hands of the king he will eventually serve. But as time goes on, two kingdoms’ fates will fall on the shoulders of a handful of people.

This far-reaching narrative skips across borders, weaving together warfare and forbidden magic. As Commander Brudais prepares warriors for an oncoming battle, a woman named Dania takes her brother’s place in the draft. While this move initially appears to be an opportunity to provide for her family, there is more to it than that—and not just the possibility of women serving in the military (the goal of the scheming governor Loya). Dania has more value, both as a fighter and as a person, than even she knows. And when Brudais discovers her true identity, he begins falling for her.

Meanwhile, Commander Morvian attempts to bolster his kingdom’s chances by allying with mysterious, magical beings known as Fayn. They exact their price while keeping their motives hidden, rendering Morvian mute and forcing him to speak through another. There’s also Eldeva, a young sorceress prematurely aged by the power she wields, who seeks to escape an arranged marriage.

Despite a history full of different heroes, legends, gods, and kingdoms, CREED OF LEGENDS keeps its many threads straight and easily followable. It does not fall into the trap of presenting too much too quickly. Rather, readers are invited to follow along as five seemingly disparate stories slowly begin to intersect. Nor is there (at least beyond the tyrannical king) a clear “good guy” and “bad guy.” War in general, conflict, and lust for power are the “villains” of the piece, with each point-of-view character leaning into or away from these factors.

It’s impressive to see a book so vast and paced so well, presenting each of its major characters with enough detail to keep them separate, unique, and interesting. Loya will attract fans of political intrigue with her schemes, while the burgeoning relationship between Brudais and Dania will engage romantasy readers. In their own separate corners of the narrative, Morvian and Eldeva engage with the dangerous magic and mysticism of this world—showing how it can alter fates both actively and passively.

The final paragraphs open the way to later volumes, leaving the fates of some characters (and indeed the state of the kingdom) somewhat open. It will be a treat to see Kubica’s fiction continue to evolve.

Across multiple viewpoints and a sprawling narrative, A.K. Kubica’s CREED OF LEGENDS tells a story of politics, magic, deception, and the expectations placed upon those the world deems “legends.”

~Kara Dennison for IndieReader