TESSA TALKS BOOKS

What’s it about (in a nutshell):

Hammer of Fate by G.N. Gudgion is the first book in a dark epic fantasy series that tells the tale of Adelais, a young woman with yellow hair and the eyes of a witch (as described by a particularly heinous man of the clergy) who must unlock the power of rune magic she holds inside to fulfill her destiny.

My Reading Experience:

I found myself instantly immersed in this dark world because of Adelais. She is an intriguing character that easily carries the reader into her story. Then other aspects, like the rune magic, held me there through to the end. I got just a taste of the power of the runes, and I’m eager to learn more as the series continues. I love the sound magic system, and rune magic is one of the most ancient. I also love the Norse Gods called on because of this magical system.

The Knights Templar storyline, as referred to through the Guardians, is also one that I find utterly compelling. Their secrecy and dedication, not to mention the treasures they keep safe, are all so fascinating. The story of the end of their time is covered in this book in a way that honors their dedication and fortitude for their holy mission. It also provides such a dramatic foil for the corruption of the clergy.

I also loved the emotional ups and downs the story undergoes. The author is always bold in going to hard places to tell a tale as impactful as possible. I didn’t much care for the precarious state of the horses in the story. Still, I do understand that was common during the period the story is set.

My only critique is that so much is thrown at the reader; I initially found it difficult to remember and fully understand what was happening, especially the names. There were so many names mentioned at the beginning. But once the story got going and focused on a few aspects and characters, it became much easier to follow.

Characters:

The story is a mix of plot-driven and character-driven, giving me the best of both worlds as I read. 

Adelais is a wonderful main character. She is nuanced and layered, already with a past and a present forming her into the hero she was fated to be. I loved that her innocence matures into worldliness as the story progresses. It’s compelling to witness such a change in character and how that defines her. I also loved that she appears timid until faced with a situation where she must pull out her inner strength to survive, which is glorious to behold. The fact that she is chosen is evident from the beginning, and I delighted in watching her slowly find that in herself.

Narration & Pacing:

The narration is in the third person and focuses on a mix of three characters as directed at the beginning of a chapter. Adelais is the main character; Guy is a supporting character of sorts for Adelais but does so grudgingly throughout this first installment of the story. Malory, an evil cleric, seems to grow more evil each time Adelais bests him in order to survive. These three characters work together to give the reader the whole picture while maintaining personal leanings that create a medium pace from start to finish.

Setting:

The setting for Hammer of Fate appears to be medieval Europe when the old gods and magic have become illegal and are being replaced by Christianity (called the Ischyrian faith in this story) with its influential clerics and priests. This transition period makes the perfect setting for an epic fantasy full of thrills and action but also one where magic is rare, so any magic wielder would shine like a beacon of truth. It is also a dark period of history, literally and figuratively, full of suppression and violence, plays for power, and corruption running rampant.

Moods:

• Adventurous
• Tense
• Dark
• Emotional
• Mysterious

Read if you like:

• Dark Epic Fantasy
• Viking rune magic and gods
• Stories of the Templar Knights of Old

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐