A Sword of Gold and Ruin by Anna Smith SparkMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Description:
Kanda and her family are on a quest to rebuild the glory that was Roven. Mother and daughters stand together as a light against the darkness. But mother and daughters both have hands that are stained red with blood. They walk a path that is stranger and more beautiful than even Kanda dared imagine, bright with joy, bitter with grief. Ghosts and monsters dog their footsteps - but the greatest monsters lie in their hearts.
Review:
I am becoming more and more a fan of Anna Smith Spark with every book she puts out. This series in particular is one that has sunk its claws in me and has such a dark atmospheric quality to it that borders on horror while still maintaining a fascinating fantasy backbone. I know people have often commented on Spark's prose and to risk overstating the point, she really does weave such magical imagery in her words. I haven't come across many authors who can create such vivid scenes through their narrative.
A SWORD OF GOLD AND RUIN is the sequel to the brilliant A Sword of Bronze and Ashes and in many ways it exceeds its predecessor. We continue to follow the trials and exploits of main character Kanda as she and her daughters navigate a world that is crumbling and infested with all manner of ghosts and monsters. The darkness is turned up another notch here (as one would expect from the Queen of Grimdark) and there's quite a bit of tension as these dangers present themselves in a number of delightfully sinister ways.
There were times while reading this book that I actually had to take a breather as some of the scenes are really impactful and emotional. You know that Spark is always going to expose that part of your psyche and that's what makes her books such tremendous reads. This isn't fluff fantasy, it's fantasy with heart and real raw jagged edges. Don't read these books if you can't handle that. For me, I want it no other way, put me through the ringer I'm totally here for it.
In closing I have to say that I'm so excited to see where this series leads. I truly hope there is more coming very soon because I can't get enough of this world. Full of nightmares, beautiful poetry, haunting visions, and characters who get tested time and time again. I'm loving this series and this book in particular has made the next one a must read as soon as I can get a hold of it. Anna Smith Spark continues to dazzle and she has delivered such a triumph with this new creation. Run out and grab both books in this series, you won't be sorry!
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