The year sorcery emerged as a genetic defect, everything changed. All technology stopped working and the earth’s tectonic plates split, sending the world into chaos. Nothing would ever be the same and when sorcerers cursed the land with Everlasting Rain it cemented the centuries long battle between magic and non magic people.

By the year 4128 countless groups had held power, but three continue to battle for control, the Swashbucklers, the Sovereigns and the Scours. However, the rebel alliance is going strong with Lana Hale at it’s command after her father’s untimely death. That is until she is betrayed by her adopted brother, Felix and forced to enture a Sovereign prison for three years. But when a swashbuckler admiral, Esmerelda breaks her out to coerce Hale into a dangerous mission she finds that nothing is as she left it. Can she save her sister while figuring out if she can trust those around her, including the mysterious but alluring Esmerelda? Or will the bounty on her head and the pain in her heart prove too much for her to handle? All that and more in the high stakes magical world of Everlasting Rain.

What a fantasy! I had no idea what to expect going into it, especially for such a short book and I was pleasantly surprised. The blend of futurism with classic high fantasy was so interesting. The world building was spot on, from the history of sorcery coming about in 2501 to how it transformed and shifted over centuries. The lore was constructed well but minimalist, which made it easy to digest without getting overwhelmed or confused. Although there is quite a bit of Spanish so you may even get more out of it than me if you speak the language. The characters were well fleshed out and the plot kept you guessing the entire time. If you enjoy a blending of fantasy tropes and deep underlying themes of healing, relationships, found family and unconditional love then you are in for a treat.

Lana was well-layered and her characterization was hard to read but necessary. She has such a powerful transformation from the beginning of the story to the end, especially after her imprisonment. What she went through over the three years in that sovereign prison is heartbreaking. And then reading her struggle with PTSD after she came out truly bonds you to the character. You are so invested in Lana and her recovery that it propels the story to new heights. I did not expect to have such heavy themes in a high fantasy book but they added a rich depth to a more traditional fantasy premise. It made me more invested in Lana and her internal journey as it was happening alongside the external events of the book.

The contrast between Lana and Esmeralda was also complex. The idea that their instant connection may be based off their shared trauma, rather than their actual personalities rang true and got me thinking over the course of the book. I found myself often wondering that question as they interacted and became closer. It lent itself to a deeper understanding of what otherwise may have been a very surface level looking relationship. And does have it’s roots in genuine psychology so aided in the nuance of each character’s internal motivations and world.

The plot surprised me, and it may be because fantasy is not my main genre but I did not see a lot of the plot twists coming. Some were more obvious than others but especially at the end I found myself open mouth gasping at the revelations. Though the plot lent itself well to furthering the characters internal and external goals I can’t tell if this book is plot oriented or character oriented. Normally fantasy leans plot driven and the characters actions are motivated by external motivators. However, this book is a heavy mixture of both to the point where I have to say it is a 50-50 split. Which works well for both types of readers so I think it doubles the potential audience.

Although this is in line with my one critique, it is too short. I want more book and I think that the length led to some of the transitions and events being slightly rushed. If this story were 50-100 pages longer it would’ve given more time to dive into some of the events. Plus made the audience even more invested because we would have had to wait for a resolution. I think if the tension had been drawn out just a little more it would be easily a five star read. Although I don’t think this is big enough of a critique to take away from the story, I still very much recommend.

All in all this pirate and sorcery high fantasy is a must read! From pillaging on the high seas to uncontrollable hybrid magic beings you will not be able to put it down. Not to mention wishing you could stay a night in Maven’s tavern. If you like fantasy with deep emotional themes then you are in the right place. Happy reading!

TW: Alcohol, anxiety, assault, blood, bones, child death, depression, drugs, emesis, emotional abuse, famine, genocide, gun violence, hostages, kidnapping, mental health, misogyny, physical abuse, profanity, prostitution, PTSD, self harm, slavery, starvation, torture, violence and war.

Thanks so much to Siobhan O’Connor for sending me a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.