Beyond the Gate of Aiduel: Review of Illborn by Daniel T. Jackson
Four strangers share a dream that will shape their destinies
Into the woods…
Starting a new epic fantasy series can always be a risk, particularly when it is a debut from a new author. Multiple POVs can either be an opportunity to fall in love with an array of standout personalities, or a confusing cast of forgettable characters with convoluted fantasy names. Action and violence can be riveting or a startling attempt at gritty edginess that leans more to the side of empty shock value.
Thankfully, Illborn hits all the right notes while avoiding the missteps. From beginning to end, it seeks to enthrall readers with a cast of unique and fascinating characters whose individual trials are easy to get invested in. The world-building is phenomenal and covers the scope of multiple nations teetering on the brink of war or religious ex-communication.
How does one opportunity ever arise for one person to alter the destiny of the world?
Plots and Prestige
There is enough conflict to continue to move the story forward in an interesting manner while covering the individual trials and tribulations of the four main characters.
The character work is also phenomenal, each person is individually driven and flawed. They live in separate parts of the world, with a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and the weight of expectation that follows them. What they share in common is a recurring dream, of a gate, a god, and a command that disappears upon waking. And with this dream, comes the development of strange new abilities. These abilities may present the key to their survival but also place a target on their back.
Characters
Leanna finds herself torn between two separate paths. She can marry for love as her family and her betrothed desire, or follow what she believes may be her calling as a priestess. When Lord Aiduel sends Leanna a vision she must hide her burgeoning abilities lest she be declared a heretic.
Alana finds herself alone for the first time in her life. Desperate to survive, and chased by dangerous adversaries she will have to find a way to make it on her own. The burgeoning abilities she’s experiencing may just be the key to her survival.
Arion Sepian is the youngest son of his father, the Duke and he has known one responsibility his entire life: to take his vows and commit himself to a life of religiosity to cement his family’s influence. But Arion has always loved a sword more than a sermon and when turmoil within the family and with their enemies at the borders threatens their fate, he may have the opportunity he’s always dreamed of to become a hero.
Corin always knew when he came of age that he would be expected to join his father and elder sibling on a raid. For as long as he could remember, they were constantly warring with the neighboring tribes and this season was his time to make a name for himself. But Corin has never been much of a warrior and as his call to violence draws increasingly near he begins to wonder if this is the only path available.
Give us the strength to endure this, Lord
Conclusion
Fans of epic fantasy do not want to miss this debut. This book contains gritty action, adventure and intrigue spanning over a vast world filled with interesting world-building and conflict.
TW: Sexual violence, torture.
