The Trials of the Black Tower by Joseph S. Andrew tells the story of Varion. An orphan raised by Gale, a traveling merchant, Varion has been training to fight and studying books that no one else in the village reads. When Gale returns after a long absence, and an unfortunate event occurs, Varion and Gale must leave the village. When Varion decides to follow the route of a Warrior of the Black at the infamous Black Tower, he has no idea of the hardships and trials he would have to face. Apart from the harsh physical training and duels, he must also navigate the politics in the Tower. Even being trained by an elite Warrior of the Black does not prepare Varion for the hate from noble children and the consequences when a conspiracy leaves him as good as dead. When Varion discovers the unimaginable atrocities committed against those who cannot meet the expectations of the Black Tower, he questions the intentions of the man who raised him. From Varion’s suffering, a thing of myth is born – a Storm Blood. What will become of Varion as he faces an uncertain future?

The Trials of the Black Tower by Joseph S. Andrew reminds me of Ender’s Game and some more recent dystopian novels, although it is a fantasy. The story has the orphaned hero and his ambiguous father figure. The hero has to fulfill his guardian’s dark intentions. Those who like sword and sorcery fantasy will enjoy this story which promises to grow into an exciting series. There is much graphic violence and prejudice – as is expected from a good plot. The world of the Black Tower is an imaginative creation, and the world-building and the juxtaposition of politics versus brute strength and weapon expertise are excellent.

In The Trials of the Black Tower, the first installment of the Storm Blood Records by Joseph S. Andrew, sacrifices must be made to become a part of the Warrior of the Black. As the most elite warriors in the country, these men and women are selected based on their ability to survive and kill. They are feared for their ruthlessness and respected for their power. But the only way to become one is to climb the Black Tower through a series of tests of brutality and quick thinking. Hundreds will enter, but only fifty will be selected. Varion Tirmithas knows that death or ascension is the only way out of the trials and is fighting for his life. But it will not be easy. Aside from being targeted as an orphan from a poor village, Varion quickly learns he has a price on his head. Will Varion be able to ascend the tower, discover who he is, and save his fellow recruits from the brutality? His survival may depend on it.

The Trials of the Black Tower by Joseph S. Andrew is a captivating action and adventure fantasy with parts of high fantasy. It drew me in from the first page and kept me spellbound until the last. By combining realistic dialogue and descriptions with character development, Andrew's world-building is mesmerizing and made me feel like I was part of the whirlwind action. The multiple storylines showcase diverse motives and personas, causing conflict and drama which kept me guessing about what was to come next. Andrew is a gifted storyteller who weaves this tale to perfection. I look forward to picking up the next installment when it is released.