Choice is the first book in the Desperate Echoes series by Lucius Tarquinius. This epic fantasy novel plunges readers into the high kingdom of Ustrabela, where child sacrifice is the key to magical power. Amid a decade-long interregnum, the kingdom faces a new threat from northern warlocks poised for invasion. The Order of God’s Hand sends knights Heinrich, Dietmar, and Gutwin on a mission to retrieve stolen contracts from the warlock Odo, which are crucial for funding the defense. As political intrigue unfolds, the knights must navigate treachery and deception to save their realm from destruction.

Lucius Tarquinius invites readers into a richly detailed world where magic is intertwined with dark practices. The intricately crafted lore of this world is suitably dark and chilling from the very first page. It asks readers to reflect on moral dilemmas and harsh realities not usually found in the fantasy genre. The powerful central theme of sacrifice resonates throughout the narrative, prompting readers to ponder the cost of power and the ethics of their choices, enveloping them in a thought-provoking tension that leaves them never wanting to set the book down for too long. The intertwining plots of personal vendettas and political maneuvering also maintain an exciting level of conflict; these well-narrated elements also inform the attitudes of the bold, unique characters, shaped as they are by the machinations and dangers around them. Each knight is vividly drawn with unique traits and backgrounds, allowing for dynamic interactions that reveal their complexities, and some brilliant dialogue reveals so much of the characterization naturally. Overall, Choice is a must-read for fantasy fans everywhere and a great start to the Desperate Echoes series. I can’t wait to read more.

Heinrich's determination to bring honor to his family name and earn a place on the king of Ernul's honor guard moves him to participate in a jousting tourney. His brave attempts yield mixed results but also attract the attention of specific individuals. Dietmar, a member of the Order of God's Hand, wishes to recruit him to their cause, but the young warrior is not keen on becoming a part of their ongoing battle to wrest control of the northern territories of the kingdom from invaders. All that changes when Odo, a vengeful warlock, steals essential documents concerning the order's activities, and the ambitious archbishop Gerhard uses the ensuing chaos to pursue a dangerous political agenda in Lucius Tarquinius's Choice.

Lucius Tarquinius takes an engaging approach in the first book of the Desperate Echoes series. The narrative shifts frequently between the main characters' perspectives, allowing readers to quickly understand each character's motivations and connect with the ones they resonate with. The world-building is exceptionally rich, inviting readers into the intricate politics of Ustrabela, along with its peculiar lords and knights. Simultaneously, the quirky portrayal of witches and warlocks carries a subtly humorous edge, particularly in using pepper to illustrate the differences in their powers. The pacing fluctuates from slow to exhilarating and back, ensuring that discerning readers are fully engaged in the adventure. The highlight of this captivating novel is the dialogue, which shifts from lyrical when the focus is on Odo's chilling soliloquies to a compelling mix of deep drama and dark humor that highlights Gerhard's discussions. The author skillfully combines witty exchanges with intense action, which adds a layer of authenticity to this distinctive debut novel. Tarquinius deserves plaudits for the marvelous work in Choice.

Lucius Tarquinius’ Choice, the first entry in the Desperate Echoes series, plunges readers into the high-stakes world of Ustrabela, where magic and moral depravity are intertwined with the grim practice of child sacrifice. Set in a decaying kingdom on the brink of chaos, the narrative pulsates with tension as it examines power, sacrifice, and betrayal. The Order of God's Hand faces an impending assault from the northern warlocks. A desperate mission to retrieve crucial contracts stolen by the cunning warlock Odo becomes a quest for Heinrich, Dietmar, and Gutwin. Enter Archbishop Gerhard, a morally ambiguous figure whose corrupt desires augment the intrigue and constitute treachery in the knights’ journey. He weaves a sinister web, promising the location of the knights who massacred Odo’s family in exchange for the contracts, thus ensnaring Heinrich, Dietmar, and Gutwin in a dangerous game of shifting loyalties.

Lucius Tarquinius writes well and creates a richly textured world for readers to navigate, filled with magic and the unspeakable things humans endure. This story will excite readers and make them like the characters. They are relatable and rock-solid, each defined by their struggles and choices. The motivations driving the characters move the plot in unexpected directions. The dialogue sparkles, revealing intricate layers of personality and moral conflict that heighten the stakes of their mission. The knights are vividly depicted, and their burdens of shame, fear, and honor make them relatable even in their most difficult moments. Throughout Choice, a thought-provoking exploration of sacrifice and the ethics of power prompts readers to reflect on the actual cost of ambition. With its engaging narrative, layered characters, and a plot that crackles with energy, this novel is a captivating beginning to what promises to be an exhilarating series. I was completely absorbed into the world of this exciting fantasy with strong hints of a medieval setting.

Choice (Desperate Echoes Book 1) by Lucius Tarquinius is an epic fantasy that plunges readers into a grim world of magic fueled by dark means—child sacrifice. Set in the kingdom of Ustrabela, the plot revolves around political intrigue, war, and the desperate race to stop an impending invasion by northern warlocks. With the kingdom hanging in the balance, the Order of God’s Hand sends three knights on a dangerous mission to recover crucial contracts stolen by a warlock named Odo. Tarquinius weaves a detailed, highly complex world where no one can be fully trusted. The political and personal power struggles create layers of tension as the knights navigate a treacherous journey. Gerhard, a morally corrupt archbishop, adds to the tension, pulling strings in the background with his own self-serving agenda.

The action is intense, drawing readers into the urgency of the mission. Themes of sacrifice and betrayal are prominent, creating a morally gray world where the line between good and evil is often blurred. The world-building and narrative are well done, but potential readers should be warned that some parts may be unsettling. The story emphasizes brutality, corruption, moral ambiguity, and the darker aspects of human nature. Those sensitive to grim themes might want to approach it with caution, and Lucius Tarquinius does disclose that the book contains child abuse, woman abuse, man abuse, animal abuse, torture, and language. For those who enjoy grimdark speculative fiction that blends high stakes, political maneuvering, and a gritty storyline, Choice is a solid start for the Desperate Echoes series.