The Black Guard

August 15, 2016
As war brews in the human world, a deeper, more sinister game is afoot in the lands of the gods. Told from the viewpoints of a variety of characters on all sides of the conflict, Smith’s decidedly epic debut, which layers a plethora of religious overtones onto fascinating worldbuilding, entices and entertains despite some flaws in execution. Duke Hector of Canarn planned to break away from the Kingdom of Ro, but a traitor reveals his plans and the king’s elite church knights reclaim his lands. Hector’s children are declared traitors to the crown and must flee, aided only by a handful of friends. They and others attempt to figure out exactly what role the Seven Sisters, feared enchantresses, play in these political plots, even as their gods make demands in what appears to be a celestial chess match. With flowing action and a plot that is varied and enticing, the novel stands as a testament to careful, effective characterization. However, frequent repetition stands merely to lengthen an already robustly detailed tome, and the constant switches in perspective make it hard to reconcile all the different threads of story. Agency: Diane Banks Associates (U.K.).

Starred review from September 1, 2016
The inhabitants of the lands of Ro worship the Stone Giant, who they call the One God, while the Ranen to the North worship the Ice Giant Rowanoco. Jaa, the Fire Giant, is the god of the southern Karesia people. These three gods were the victors in the Long War against their fellow giants, and the people of these regions live in an unsteady peace with each other. Forces beyond those of mortal men, however, conspire to break the peace. The Seven Sisters, witches with the power to bend men to their will, want to raise one of the giants defeated in the Long War. They manipulate armies, knights, and kings in their quest. As the first book in the Long War series, the novel's beginning narrative is a bit slowed down by the mechanics of the complicated world building. Once the world and many characters have been established, the author picks up the pace (and death count) in this ambitious story. The numerous fights and rousing battles, including one with Krakens, are definitely not for the squeamish reader. But fans of George R. R. Martin and Joe Abercrombie will find much to like in this bloody, grimdark fantasy and will eagerly await the next installment in the series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)