Book Review: Age of Myth

Age of Myth

By:  Michael J. Sullivan

Publish Date:  June 28, 2016

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st in The Legends of the First Empire series

Recommendation:  Yes.

Synopsis:
What does it mean if the gods can be killed?
In the land of the Rhune, trees can tell the future. Roaw can’t sleep before adding more human bones to their bed. Crimbels steal children through secret doors in the forest, and the gods are beyond reproach. But when Raithe’s father is slain, he does the unthinkable—he kills a god. From this act, rises the legend of the God Killer, the seeds of a rebellion, and the question of whether the gods are really immortal after all.

Before the Dark Ages, there was the age of Myth and Legend. Before kings and castles, there were mystics and heroes. Before two thieves, there was an empire. And before there was an empire, there was Nyphron.

Everything you think you know is a myth. Learn the truth behind the legend. Discover a new world by the author of The Riyria Revelations and The Riyria Chronicles.

First Sentence:
Raithe's first impulse was to pray.

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My Thoughts and Summary:
All Raithe wants is to live on fertile land with a wife.

What he finds when defending his fathers' and family honor is the Gods can be killed. He's killed one and now on the run with an ex-slave of the Fhrey that helped him. On the move Raithe comes across a woman who could use his help, and a village that soon finds they are at the center of a battle between humans and Fhrey. And Fhrey against Fhrey.

I like the quotes from the Book of Brin at the beginning of each chapter. They are a slight insight to what is coming in the chapter, and seeing how a sentence or two summarizes the actions is amazing. We see that Brin is a talented story teller through these passages.

Our main characters are who's eyes we see through most. They are Raithe, Persephone, and Arion. We even get moments with a few others, which enriches the world and story. However, these three give us the view of three different angles in the world that are the most important. Raithe is a strong man, and capable of more than he is aware of. Persephone is a brilliant woman that doesn't realize she has stepped up to a position she is to be in, yet the world of the villages may not be ready for. Arion shows us the world of the Fhrey with a strong Art and the strength and impact it can have on the world.

Malcolm was a character that surprised me and kept me on my toes through the story. I was curious about his methods and motives. And I got a kick out of his comments. He was a great partner for Raithe. The two of them together had a few moments of fun banter. Then we see Suri. She's special. With Suri I got the feel of fey and Celtic history to the world. I liked what she brought to the story. There is Trilos who shows up a few times in the book. I liked the mystery and magical essence that surrounds him when we see him.

We see the Fhrey when they are strong, at the top of their being. And this could be their downfall at the same time. But we see what is important in their world, and the separation they are creating. They once had a strong Art, and a magic to many. We see why the humans (Rhunes) see them as gods.

Micheal never ceases to amaze me with his turn of events and catches me off guard at times. This book brings many things into light and has me curious to see how they will work out. I couldn't help but think back to the Riyria series and make a few relations to it. This story is of the world long before that time and the way of living we knew.