Author : Francisca Liliana
/Fantasy,Grimdark/
/The Breaths and Depths Book 1/
Publication date : June 16, 2023
Blurb:
One catastrophe is all it takes.
The world of Iona has forgotten the time when dragons ruled the skies and their Viden riders controlled the wind.
The Evandis War, started by the long dead Cinead the Decayed, was won, but at the extermination of every dragon and rider. Evelyn, the last Viden, has been in hiding for her entire life, but no more. Once she bonds with Oretem, the last dragon, her purpose quickly turns from being the shield for those she loves, to the blade that fights to survive.
A Reticent assassin haunts her steps, one who has his own demons to battle. They both seek a single person-Meric, a bounty hunter Venandi, who the assassin endeavors to destroy and the Viden hopes to save. These three lives intertwine in ways that leave them questioning everything they've ever known. The roots of Isla's Reach burrow deep to carry the world, and it won't be long until they've broken entirely.
My thoughts:
Let me start with that – a deliciously grimdark fantasy that will rip you to shreds and then feed you the remains, just in case you didn't get hurt enough.
Absolutely brilliant work from Francisca Liliana and both the writing style and world building will grip you by the throat, immerse you in the story and won't let you go until the last page, leaving you an emotional mess (insert the meme "This book brutally destroyed me…here, you should read it).
Years after The Evandis War started by Cinaed the Decayed, the Videns are just a memory and believed to be extinct along with the dragons they are bonded, our story is followed through three POV'S.
Evelyn – the last Viden that lives hidden in a secluded mountain village, preparing for the time when she has to bond with the last living dragon Oretem and take on the responsibility of a defender…until her whole life changes in a blink of an eye.
Meric - a Venandi mercenary with far too many regrets that make him question his work and push him into the comfortable embrace of a strong drink to numb his pain.
Maun - a ruthless Reticent with nothing left but the burning need of revenge and one name in his head that fuels his actions.
Their fates, masterfully intertwined and complex, and only getting more questions in their quests for answers.
You know you read a splendid book when you sympathize and understand the villain's view, no matter how twisted and damaged he is.
If this is her debut , it's safe to say we'll hear Francisca Liliana's name a lot in the future and in a childish manner will say “I need book two NOW!”.