The Bladed Faith by David Dalglish

 

A usurped prince is forced to become a deadly assassin in order to reclaim his throne and his people. The Bladed Faith by David Dalglish is the story of Cyrus, prince of Thanet when his island kingdom is invaded by the Everlorn Empire and he is forced to watch his parents and his gods slain in front of him. Kept alive by the invaders as a puppet to trot out in front of his former subjects from time to time, Cyrus is one day freed by revolutionaries. They wish to train him to impersonate the feared assassin, Vagrant. Vagrant will become a symbol that will inspire a captured populace to rise up against their invaders and offer Cyrus a chance at vengeance. 

The Bladed Faith is a densely packed novel filled with action, politics, mysticism, and lore. Dalglish creates a cast of characters that are fully realized and a world that feels large even as we focus on one small island kingdom. The Everlorn Empire feels enormous, implacable, and relentless. Even so, you never feel that they are invincible. This is a world filled with gods that imbue their followers with powers. It also holds the god-emperor of the Everlorn empire and his own powerful defenders, which have defeated several nations' gods. 

Cyrus's task is a complicated one. He is chosen to be a symbol and inspiration for resistance. He is intended to be a figurehead, yet he must train long and hard to be good enough to even pretend to be the Vagrant. The point of view shifts between multiple characters including Cyrus's paladin protector, Rayan, the daughters of Cyrus's benefactor, Mari and Stasia, as well as the invaders, Magus of Eldrid and the Emperor's daughter. Each of these characters has a story and a role to play and the time spent with them colors in more of the narrative and moves things along smartly.

Dalglish doesn't shy away from questions of morality and the price of faith. The characters are morally complex and all the shades of grey, rather than crisp black and white. Along with intense action sequences, there are contemplative moments. The book evolves as it progresses, seemingly one thing at the beginning, but filled with twists and reversals along the way. The book ends fantastically in a way that will make your eyes go wide and sets the stage perfectly for the next entry in the series. 

This is a great start to a new fantasy series and one that leaves you with a lot to ponder. I can't wait for the next installment.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.