A sharp, ornate sword—a fantastical world of war, strategy, and beating impossible odds
As a child, all Marcus knew was abandonment: from his family, his dreams, his own identity. Sent to the Capital Orphanage for Boys by his uncle, Marcus is raised under former soldier Varus, effectively conditioning him from childhood to become cannon fodder for the state.
While there, he finds a lifelong friendship in Septimus and Timolen, whilst also learning about the COB’s most pivotal rules: loyalty to fellow COBs, fighting for your brothers, and protecting girls from harm. These naïve commandments, written by children and often scrawled roughly across a wall, become every COB’s moral guidance.
Marcus’s time at the COB is cut short on his seventeenth birthday. He dreams of becoming an architect, and to do so, he decides to purchase a military commission within the Legion. This decision marks the paradox that he must live with for the remainder of his life; he becomes both a destroyer and a builder, tearing down fortresses and dividing families while rebuilding the lives of the Empire’s most vulnerable populations.
His first authoritative role—commander of Fort Edge—is only given to him when the more senior officers flee the impending attack from the Empire’s rival state, the Celtic tribes. To do so, he does the unthinkable and procures the help of the Dwarves and Anemoi, two communities effectively outcast and treated with contempt by the empire. The Dwarves are masterful blacksmiths and wielders of magic, while the Anemoi are female winged creatures, birthed by a powerful Wizard long ago. To ensure their cooperation, Marcus offers them citizenship, knowing the risks of a hefty promise with no Imperial backing.
Marcus’s leadership yields fruit; he is promoted by the Emperor. His Legion is still, by far, the least resourced, due to his lowly birth, the nepotistic atmosphere in the military, and Marcus’s strict rule of not plundering after victories; they are, however, the most loyal. His amalgamation of species and ranks becomes further complicated when joined by his childhood friends: Septimus who owns a gambling house, Timolen who is an assassin, and Princess Antonia who was saved by Timolen. Now they must conquer the first and arguably most important law: survive.
The First Law is Survival is a character-driven epic and an alchemical blend of war and political conflict, interlaced with the quieter forces of unity, love, and loyalty. One of its greatest strengths lies in its multiple perspectives. These voices allow its world to be seen from vastly different vantage points. For example, Mistral, an Anemoi, is able to soar above the land while Antonia, the princess, provides access to the upper echelon of society. Each perspective reveals another facet of the Empire and how, despite its marble buildings and glistening armor, there are cracks deep within.
Marcus is also a standout protagonist. He’s a brilliant strategist and, as often stated, is often two steps ahead. Despite his youth and inexperience, he immediately steps into action and works hard not for personal glory, but to protect the people. He’s not infallible, however, and is just as quick to admit his faults. His complexities as both a leader and a man make him compelling and vulnerable, allowing the reader to gain a deeper understanding of him as the story continues. The Marcus from the beginning of the text is quite different from the Marcus at the end, yet the kind heart that beats within him is the same.
The First Law of Survival is an easy recommendation for historical fantasy fanatics who long for magic, love, and political intrigue.
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