Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Threat is the first installment in the epic fantasy series The City of the Magicians by Peter Gribble, a story filled with magic, exceptionally developed characters, and an immersive setting that sucks the reader in with its irresistible spell. The story features two compelling characters thrust into a whirlwind of intrigue and a sophisticated game of power. Lalya is the city librarian who is in search of the manuscript of her deceased lover. She is blackmailed by a secret society with a sinister plot and a devious plan for the city, but there are dark forces circling closer and closer to her, ready to devour her. Sas works for the city council and is not excited about his position until he is suddenly chosen to negotiate with the barbarians. These two characters are targeted by sinister forces, each of them treading a dangerous path. But can they outwit their enemies and can the city’s strategist, Shoan, draw the shadowy forces out into the light?

Peter Gribble is a great storyteller with a unique gift for crafting strong scenes of conflict, and characters that are multilayered and believable. The intrigue is palpable and, as the reader follows these compelling, elaborately developed characters, they unravel the mystery about the City of Magicians. The setting is a well-imagined world with a lot of surprising revelations for readers. The political intrigue fuels the plot and the world-building is impeccably accomplished, unveiling a world where telepaths, cultists, barbarians, and magicians co-exist. But the ever-looming sense of threat is a plot element that the author uses to build suspense and keep readers guessing what will happen next in the story. Apart from the beautiful writing, the robustly written characters, and the strong setting, Peter Gribble has the ability to immerse readers in a world that is well-imagined and sculpted. Having enjoyed Threat immensely, I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.