Riven Earth by Zammar Ahmer is an incredibl  blend of high fantasy and politics that immerses readers in a gritty, morally complex world. The novel's greatest strength lies in its rich and immersive world-building, where heroes and heroines are forced to make dark, often troubling choices that blur the lines between good and evil.

The story's structure is particularly compelling, as it shifts between multiple timelines to provide a fully fleshed-out history for the cast of characters. This narrative style adds layers of depth, giving readers insight into how past events shape the present conflicts. The exploration of religion and fanaticism is fascinating, highlighting how belief systems can divide societies and perpetuate cycles of oppression.

Ahmer crafts a vivid backstory where humans were once practically enslaved by dryads, forced to worship the Earth-Mother, Astea. The rebellion that followed led to the near-extermination of the dryads and the establishment of human rule under the victorious king. However, the king's ban on religion ironically turned him into an unofficial religious figure after his death, adding layers of irony and tension to the story. Meanwhile, his emotionally scarred son struggles to maintain power in the wake of a failed rebellion by human supporters of the dryads.

The novel also tackles issues of discrimination and prejudice, particularly against those with sun magic—once targeted by the dryads and still marginalized under human rule. This nuanced exploration of societal hierarchies adds further complexity to the world.

While the novel's middle section drags at times, the strong opening and powerful ending more than make up for this minor flaw. Riven Earth is a compelling read for fans of dark fantasy who enjoy stories where politics, human flaws, and magic intertwine.