The Assassin of the Storm – Book Review
I received a review copy of this book from the author and I am very excited to tell you about it. First off, check out this gorgeous cover! I know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover (but you know we do), but this one draws me in immediately.
The Assassin of the Storm by James Sabbini will blow you away if you enjoy epic fantasy with layers of divine intrigue, intense drama, and incredibly human characters. You are captivated by this first book in the Shattering Skies trilogy from the first few pages to the suspenseful, heart-stopping ending.
The main character of the book is Zephyros, whose life is turned upside down when a strong deity named Solara descends from the sky and obliterates his family. As Zephyros is thrown into the Valley of Aetheros, a place full of political intrigue, old prophecies, and divine conflicts, what starts out as a personal quest for vengeance swiftly transforms into something far more. He travels to the magnificent city of Valandor in his quest to learn why his family was singled out, whose soaring spires and whispered secrets create an ambiance as complex as the narrative itself.
The novel’s world-building is among its best features. The environment that Sabbini has created feels as dynamic and unpredictably changing as the people who live there. Every element, from the Queen’s Palace’s intricate intrigues to the glittering heavens on the verge of collapsing, is purposeful and captivating. Fans of fantasy will love the richness that the Dungeons & Dragons-inspired magic system brings. The author obviously gave careful consideration to how this magic affects the dynamics of the universe and the characters.
Another noteworthy aspect are the characters themselves. As Zephyros fights with the cost of his revenge and the greater good, his path is marked by both internal and exterior conflicts. A disgraced warrior, a priestess with a mystery background, and a renegade inventor make up the supporting cast, but they are more than just sidekicks; they are fully formed people with their own wounds and interests in the struggle against the gods. Their friendship and conflicts give the narrative depth and a human touch, which intensifies the impact of their wins and defeats.
The Assassin of the Storm‘s examination of divine themes is what really makes it unique. The reader is forced to consider issues of power, allegiance, and fate as a result of Sabbini’s blurring of the boundaries between gods and mortals. The story is surprising and exciting since the gods themselves are far from perfect and have conflicting goals.
Moments of reflection are intercut with thrilling action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat, and the pacing is flawless. Another twist throws everything into doubt just when you think you’ve regained your breath.
As the first book in the series, The Assassin of the Storm does a fantastic job of establishing the main overarching plot without detracting from the immediate plot of book one. I was eager to find out what would happen next by the time I got to the last page. Will Zephyros and his friends be able to create a weapon that can take on the gods? Is a worse disaster approaching, or can they stop the sky from breaking?
James Sabbini’s brilliant debut portends even more success in the future. The Assassin of the Storm is a must-read for anybody seeking a fantasy that blends emotional depth, mind-blowing action, and provocative topics. I’ve already started to count down the days till the next Shattering Skies book comes out. Don’t pass up this amazing adventure!
Get it on Amazon in paperback and Kindle edition.