Synopsis:
The chronological short stories of Esterra Stake. Tractwalker. Mercenary. Exile.
When the stars fell, the world died.
Magic claimed Esterra’s arm when she was a child. For her curse, she was exiled into the weird, pockmarked world of Verpace. The magic eats away at her, twisting her bones and psyche to its own will, the curse spreading with each use.
Now an adult, she wanders the world as a tractwalker, making her living through hunting, mercenary work, and whatever opportunities arise. It is a dangerous life. Deranged cultists cry out to the red-dwarf sun, deformed beasts prowl in every shadow, creatures born from myth lurk in broken temples, and every night brings the threat of the lethal lichtvallen.
Yet some greater danger seems to lurk on the horizon, and there are whispers in the dark. Will Esterra survive, or will she succumb to the incessant call of the magic?
The first volume of stories in Scars of Magic, a post apocalyptic sword-and-sorcery series overflowing with horror, mystery, magic and action.
Favorite Lines:
“The universe shimmers with a terrible silence. A time of no song comes. I must admit, my soul feels relief at departing before it claims Verpace.”
“Struggling against one’s fate is the essential tragedy of humanity. Only through endless innovation and adaption can we ever hope to survive.”
My Opinion:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I found Blade of the Wanderer to be a captivating entry into the post-apocalyptic sword-and-sorcery genre. The novel introduces readers to Verpace, a world fractured into distinct tracts, each with its own unique environment, culture, and perils. From bone-laden forests to icy ruins, each setting is richly detailed, immersing readers in a landscape teeming with both wonder and danger.
The protagonist, Esterra Stake, is a tractwalker—a nomadic mercenary navigating these treacherous tracts. Her journey is further complicated by her lichtridden right arm, a source of formidable power that comes at a significant personal cost. I found that this affliction only added depth to her character by highlighting her resilience and adaptability in a world where survival is never guaranteed.
Raaymakers’ storytelling shines in his meticulous world-building and the dynamic challenges Esterra faces. I thought that the world he created was utterly unique and creative. The narrative is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, each unveiling new facets of Verpace and its inhabitants. While this format offers a broad exploration of the world, some readers might find themselves missing out on some deeper character development and more sustained interactions with supporting characters.
Despite these minor reservations, I don’t think they took away from the overall story Raaymakers set out to tell. Blade of the Wanderer delivers a compelling adventure filled with mystery, magic, and action. The inclusion of illustrations by Reffelia and Daniel Hapi, along with a map crafted by the author only enhanced the reading experience by providing visual context to the vivid descriptions.
Summary:
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who appreciate immersive world-building and a strong, complex protagonist. It promises a journey through a world as perilous as it is intriguing, leaving readers eager to see where Esterra’s path leads next. Happy reading!
Check out Blade of the Wanderer here!