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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In Geo Rogers' Olumian Gamble, after the dwarven king condemns Maglen for loving the elf Teriel, he escapes into the Wildlands, knowing that capture will condemn him to years of forced labor. While surviving pursuit through unmapped territory, Maglen discovers that the conflict surrounding his relationship reaches far beyond a single kingdom. Teriel soon becomes heir to the Southern Protectorate after the deaths of her father and brother place her at the center of a looming war against the northern ruler Korem. As rival governments prepare for invasion, Maglen works to secure military support for Teriel while uncovering signs that demons are manipulating events across Olume from within hidden positions of power. Their campaign carries them toward the fortress city of Quel Nareem, where the outcome of the war will determine who controls the continent and what place humanity has in its future.
Geo Rogers' Olumian Gamble is book three of The Gods of Being Human fantasy series, but it reads perfectly fine as a standalone. Maglen takes the lead and is an exceptional protagonist, and his decisions are generally balanced between empathy and tactical intelligence. I love his quiet bond with the young dragon, Tattoo, which begins after an act of mercy. The author also fully fleshes out Teriel, and she is absolutely my favorite. She is painted as having a guarded emotional state, and Rogers slowly reveals why with the skilled hand of a restrained, seasoned writer. I think where Rogers shines brightest is in his ability to write absolutely visual landscapes, and I felt right inside the mist-covered Wildlands, where unfamiliar creatures move through dense forests and hidden trails. Well written, intelligent, and wonderfully immersive. Readers who enjoy large-scale fantasy with diplomacy, warfare, forbidden relationships, and rival cultures will adore this series. Very highly recommended.
