Fable's End

A Shentonia Story

Fiction - Science Fiction
324 Pages
Reviewed on 10/24/2022
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Seth Halleway is an Australian-American sci-fi author. Formerly a resident of Chicago, he's enjoyed stints as a linguist, a teacher, and an explorer - not necessarily in that order. A lover of all great movies and music of the 1980s, when he isn't indulging in fits of nostalgia he's either writing or playing video games, sometimes trying to do both at the same time.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

As the time of succession draws near in Shentonia, the likelihood as to who will succeed Shehemni Idoram Vashadi as ruler boils down to two noteworthy candidates. On one side is Emneti Diyavid Chuto, whose house has provided agricultural support for the people and comes from a long line of industrious noblemen, while on the other side is Emneti Yemeni Gasadon, another noble from a house known for their valor in battle. As these two rivals plot how best to curry Vashadi's favor, there is growing unrest in the land as a faceless renegade amasses forces to destroy Shentonia. As the moment of reckoning approaches, these titans realize they must look to the horrors of their past to make peace with their future in Seth Halleway's Fable's End: A Shentonia Story.

In Seth Halleway's fantasy-based adventure, an incredible storyline complements an even more impressive cast of characters. The character development speaks volumes of the quality of work that went into creating Fable's End. Each of the characters is thoroughly fleshed out with a unique origin story and the planet itself is not spared any effort with its native language and the almost endless list of unusual creatures that inhabit it. I was hooked on the intricacy of the story by the time I had finished the first chapter of the book. There is a bit of everything in this tale, including suspense, romance, political gerrymandering, and intrigue. A perfect example of this mix has to be when Diyavid is left to contemplate Tnshanja's offer. Halleway has done an excellent job with this novel which has all the makings of a bestseller. I sincerely hope that there is a sequel planned.

Vincent Dublado

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.

Alex Ndirangu

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.