Pre-reviewing The Licanius Trilogy

Next month, I will conclude seven years of studies. This means no more lectures. No more essays. No more exams. I am hoping that it will also mean having more time for reading fiction. I plan to celebrate my new-found freedom by biting into a meaty, lengthy and multi-volume epic fantasy.

Much to my shame, I don’t actually remember the last fantasy series that I read in its entirety. There was a time when I devoured books and went through fantasy series like there was no tomorrow. But not so in recent years and I intend to correct that.

One of the series that have caught my attention is The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington. I stumbled upon it while browsing Amazon a few weeks ago. I understand that it is a trilogy, with the first two books (The Shadow of What Was Lost, and An Echo of Things to Come) already published and the third instalment (The Light of That Falls) is planned for release next year.

Much of the reviews I’ve read has been positive. It hasn’t escaped my attention that the series is being compared to The Wheel of Time. Fantasy Fiction, for example, raves that the series “will appeal not only to The Wheel of Time readers, but to anybody looking for a coming-of-age fantasy tale with likeable characters and strong worldbuilding.”

Here’s the official synopsis for the first book, The Shadow of What Was Lost:

It has been twenty years since the god-like Augurs were overthrown and killed. Now, those who once served them – the Gifted – are spared only because they have accepted the rebellion’s Four Tenets, vastly limiting their own powers.

As a young Gifted, Davian suffers the consequences of a war lost before he was even born. He and his friends are despised beyond their school walls for the magical power they wield: a power that Davian, despite his best efforts, cannot seem to control. Worse, with his final test approaching and the consequences of failure severe, time to overcome his struggles is fast running out.

But when Davian discovers he wields the forbidden power of the Augurs, he unwittingly sets in motion a chain of events that will change his life – and shake the entire world.

My appetite is very much whetted. For the first time in many years, I feel excited about starting a new fantasy series and exploring a new world. Amazon will be hearing from me very soon.

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