Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Demon Seed by W.D. Kilpack III is the third book in the acclaimed New Blood Saga, following Crown Prince and Order of Light. Previously in book one, Natharr serves as the Guardian of Maarihk, a role originating in the Firstborn Age, where his Firstblood grants him foresight. After the Aa Conquest, he protects all peoples and works to ensure the survival of Crown Prince Vikari. In book two, Natharr resumes his duty as the guardian of humanity, traveling with Ellis the Elder into the frozen land of Biraald to find the secret followers of the Olde Gods. Hostility escalates between Biraald and Maarihk after Brandt’s usurpation. Now, Natharr escapes the faceless realm and regains his Sight, revealing the forces of order and the need for Maarihk’s Guardian and the Knights of Ril. His return uncovers an ancient power as Darshelle and the prince face an uphill battle.

Demon Seed by W.D. Kilpack III is a fantastic and sweeping novel, and it goes from strength to strength in this incredibly ambitious series. Natharr is unique from other classically sighted characters in the genre in that his memory is not recalled; it is inflicted. His agency is ripped away, and, physically, he is thrust into thirst, constriction, loss of motor control, and sensory distortion, and Kilpack makes the reader feel it in crushing, visceral detail. The world-building is excellent, the standout for me being Darshelle and the ancient wood, tactile and cinematically described. “There was never any high wind… when it rained, the drops were large, like coins, and they fell all in the same direction: straight down.” I love the dynamic between Bu and Nathan. Bu is a summoned demon bound through a blood rite. There is a massive twist at the end, but readers are fortunate in that book four, Rilari, is already out.