Genre: Fantasy
Reviewer: Rari
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About The Book
All that divides Span from its dark sister world, Avid, are two extraordinary clocks set an hour apart.
When a mysterious shapeshifter alters their settings, Avid’s beasts start slipping through rifts in the air, wreaking havoc on the many species of Span.
Despite her insecurities and fresh heartbreak, the young human Renna answers a summons by the wise founders known as the Appon, to join a motley crew of champions chosen to save Span from destruction. On a journey riddled with attacks from otherworldly creatures, the team must put aside their prejudices and dark suspicions . . . because they dare not abandon the mission.
From the author of Between The Water & The Woods comes a new adventure in a strange world full of magic and wonder, danger and humor, and unexpected romance.
The Review
Renna is a human who is capable of a fighting style called Umbra, which makes her invisible to enemies, and has a magical cloak that responds to her emotions. She lives in the town of Toom in the land of Span. When the book opens, Renna is in a city where the Appon, the founder rulers of Span, are putting together a team of champions to reset the clocks in the Time Tower.
There are two clocks in the tower which are set one hour apart, and if the clocks are synced, a portal to the land of Avid will open. Avid is a land of monsters, and they will quickly overrun Span. An evil being called Lugis had once attempted to sync the clocks but was defeated by a legendary hero.
A shapeshifter has attacked the clocktower and was defeated by the guardians called Clock Keepers, but had managed to speed up one clock, so now, a team including Renna has to go to the clocktower to reset the clock. The actual resetting is to be done by a Scrall called Virallon, the only race capable of magic in Span. Accompanying Renna are a Krimmer called Lazzard, a Tillen called Sallindar, a Huewit called Dunn, and a Ralgir called Trujo.
None of the races have worked together before, and their prejudices and misinformation about the others colour their perceptions as the journey starts. But they will have to lay all that aside if they’re to succeed because the fate of all Span rests on them.
I love adventure fantasies of all kinds, especially with a group of diverse companions, and this was no exception. The banter between the group, the growing camaraderie, the fights, and the misunderstandings all felt realistic. Renna makes a very relatable character, being human, and with all the insecurities she has from a fresh heart break and being among races who all appear much more capable than her. Yet, she is never afraid to speak her mind, to stand up for herself and her people.
Adventure fantasy with non-traditional magical races, relatable characters, and high stakes. A fun, epic fantasy adventure, this one had me glued to the screen from start to finish. You will love this tale.
The Reviewer
Rari is an author and editor writing under the name of Niranjan K. She is an avid reader of all things fantasy, and loves to discourse at length about her favourite books as well as shows. This blog is the space where she will be sharing her views and insights of the books, shows and movies that she likes.
