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Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
The Winds of War by Maggie Keith is a transporting first entry in the Descendants of Darkness series, and a beautifully crafted fantasy. The narrative introduces the imagined world of Libra, a realm on the brink of war. Era Vandemir is a young fighter who has spent her life overshadowed by her mother, but her life takes a sudden shift when she manifests her powers. Augustus Blackwell, her mother’s chief of staff, is gruesomely murdered, and the symbol of Ignis is left on his body. Era becomes enmeshed in a web of conspiracy and war. As tensions escalate among the different factions, she is summoned to Zelia for intense training, facing deadly creatures, political intrigue, and the challenge of mastering her magic alongside other warriors from various realms, including enemy realms. Faced with multiple challenges and dangers, Era seeks to uncover the truth behind the attacks and her mysterious powers.
Maggie Keith’s book is excellently written and introduces a world that I navigated with excitement. The worldbuilding is stellar, from the magical fabric of this world to existential threats, from the intriguing political landscapes to the vibrant buildings, arts, and crafts in Zelia. Each realm is meticulously depicted with its uniqueness and peculiarities. I also enjoyed the characterization in The Winds of War. I watched Era with keen interest as she transformed from a reluctant apprentice into a fierce fighter and a person willing to chart her path. Her desire for truth anchors her actions, making her a relatable heroine. The conflict is well-developed and explored at multiple levels, personal, political, and magical, which drives the narrative forward in unexpected directions. You’ll enjoy the confident first-person voice, the incredible storytelling, and the immersive narration.
