Unfolding in dual points of view, Daymon Ashcord's MAKERBORN: Maladies of Empire (Book One) follows two characters as they struggle to achieve their goals in a world bent on destroying them. Alandra is a sonomancer whose daughter was stolen from her years ago, and she has been trying to steal her back ever since. Bez is an Easterner (a group of people despised for being tainted with demon blood) who has been enslaved at a mining camp since he was stolen from his homeland 15 years ago. The only thing keeping him alive is his desire for revenge.
While the plot is certainly action-driven, the author still makes time to include self-reflection—resulting in meaningful character depth and growth. Not only does this create a satisfying reading experience overall, but it contributes to bringing the characters' journeys to life. There are a few issues with pacing, though; it slows near the middle of the book, as the characters became increasingly hampered by planning and discussions. But things do pick back up again eventually.
Ashcord also excels at creating a rich and nuanced world for the backdrop of the plot. Worldbuilding is incorporated into the exposition and dialogue seamlessly, allowing readers to effortlessly explore the setting and cultures. One example is the concept of sonomancy, as well as the many details provided regarding the cost for using the magic and its origins. Readers gain details about this as the work goes on, getting to dive deeper into the lore while becoming more invested in the characters. The setting is brought to life in a similar way, providing a harsh but vibrant backdrop for this dark tale. Intriguing details, such as waterworms and their many uses, are integrated into the prose in a way that create a vivid and strongly imagined world.
As MAKERBORN is a dark fantasy, there is gore, graphic violence, and torture. The author includes these moments in a way that emphasizes the harshness of the world and the characters' lives without feeling overdone or gratuitous. There are also humorous moments woven throughout the darkness that keep the work from feeling too oppressive, so readers with a strong enough stomach should be turning that final page eager for the sequel.
Readers looking for a dark fantasy that explores themes of oppression, racism, and vengeance will enjoy exploring the new world presented by Daymon Ashcord in MAKERBORN: Maladies of Empire (Book One).
~ Abigail McCoy for IndieReader