Fable’s End: A Shentonia Story by Seth Halleway is an astonishing sci-fi novel with a geopolitical theme. Vashadi, the aging ruler of Shentonia, is fully aware that he will not live much longer, so it becomes a major event when he decides to nominate his replacement. As customary with his family’s style of rule, it will be implemented through a democratic process. Two prominent names vie for the honor of assuming leadership. Yemeni Gasadon has carved a name for himself as being cunning and ruthless, living up to a family name that brought nothing but war to the people. Diyavid Chuto is Yemeni’s polar opposite, a man who believes in peace and is the only one dealing with dissidents. In a world that has been scarred by centuries of warfare and a people divided by ideology, the choice will be difficult, and neither of the candidates is willing to let the other rule.

Seth Halleway builds a world inhabited by credible characters. His writing is descriptive but doesn’t get bogged down with details, while the invented words and phrases in italics are evenly spread in the narrative. This work has the potential to wield a huge influence like Dune, especially considering how immersive the setting feels and the sympathetic quality of its protagonist. Fable’s End is a novel that reflects the human condition, particularly in the way it threads social commentary into the narrative with enough scenes that spark tension and cliff-hanger chapters that end on an intriguing note. Hardcore sci-fi fans will have a blast reading this absorbing tale filled with political intrigue.

As shots ring out from automatic weapons and flames lick away at the Julu-Kiatan's homesteads, silent sobs escape the captured prisoners' mouths. Yéméni Gasadon, the man who has caused this mayhem, strides out of the wafting smoke with little reaction and a dismissive look. The reign of Shehèmni Vashadi of the Shentonia empire is ending, and he must name who will succeed him on the throne. Yéméni is one of the esteemed nobles who aspires to become the next Shehèmni. His counterpart is a man named Diyavid Chùto, a compassionate man who wishes that all Shentonia's races could unite as one. Some nobles feel he is weak and doesn't have what it takes to rule. Despite that, the final decision lies with the reigning Shehèmni. The long-awaited night arrives, and as he takes each step toward the podium, everyone in the hall has anxiety and anticipation written all over their faces. Grab a copy of Fable's End: A Shentonia Story by Seth Halleway and join a riveting adventure whose many twists and turns will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Fable's End captivated me right from the first scene. I could tell that the author had decided to world-build with great enthusiasm. Once immersed in his world, I abandoned my reservations and fully engaged with the story. It felt more like a movie than a reading experience. The originality with which Seth Halleway wrote this book is what I believe sets it apart from other works of the same genre. He established a multicultural society with individuals of many racial and linguistic backgrounds. The occasional use of foreign terms and languages added an artistic quality that I found appealing. This aspect also contributed to the characters appearing realistic and unusual. I appreciated that the author also introduced us to his other book, and I anticipate that it will be equally well done.