The Deadbringer by E.M. Markoff Book Review:
It’s not often that a reader gets the chance to meet with the author of a book they just purchased, but that’s where I found myself when I made
my recent trip to San Francisco Comic Con and met author E.M. Markoff. While speaking, she told me of her book, The Deadbringer, and getting to
see the passion in which she spoke of it really got me interested in reading this story, and I have to say that after reading this book, I can
understand why she felt so strongly for this tale.
First, here’s the synopsis:
In the aftermath of the Purging, the Deadbringers are no more. The Ascendancy has positioned itself as the land’s dominant power by exploiting
the people’s fear of the Deadbringers’ innate abilities to summon souls and reanimate the dead. Yet its hold is not complete, for in the North
the Bastion stands in the way of the Ascendancy and its iron-willed elite soldiers, the Sanctifiers.
But, somehow, a single Deadbringer has managed to survive. Kira Vidal, a boy of fifteen, has remained hidden, living peacefully with his uncle
in the northern city of Opulancae under the Bastion’s protection. But it seems their luck is at an end when rumors begin to spread, and a
strange man shows up at their door, seeking the forbidden services of a Deadbringer.
Aware of the dangers should word of his nature reach the Ascendancy, Kira makes a promise to himself to protect his beloved uncle at all costs,
even if it means pursuing the limits of his powers … and learning painful truths.
This novel was beautifully written. The rich history that fits into this nearly 300 page novel is breathtaking to behold, with several different
species and powers being revealed through complex layers of history established as the story goes on. The intricate and delicate line that the
characters struggle to balance on to define their own moral compass is fascinating to watch unfold, and getting to see the various ways each
character views the world and the way in which they justify their actions makes this an incredibly complex world to dive into. This is a mature
YA novel that any fantasy fan should not miss, so be sure to pick up your copies of The Deadbringer today! This reader cannot wait to dive into
more adventures with Kira Vidal and discover more about this fantastic new YA mythology!