In Christopher Mitchell's Palace of the Almighty, the abandoned home of a powerful Ascendant holds a terrifying secret. When Bailey, desperate to find his missing sister, breaches its sealed walls, he unleashes ancient gods and creatures upon the land. Only Corthie Holdfast, a warrior reluctantly drawn back into service, can contain the chaos. His duty to the Empress pits him against rogue dragons and the fanatical Unk Tannic, threatening the already fragile alliance between the Empire and Queen Blackrose's Dragon Eyre. This alliance, forged amidst breathtaking landscapes and deadly peril, will be tested as the Empire becomes deeply embroiled in a conflict far greater than anyone anticipated.
Review Palace of the Almighty
Oh my goodness, Palace of the Almighty completely blew me away! Christopher Mitchell, you've done it again! This book is everything I love about the Magelands Dominion series and more. From the moment Bailey makes that reckless – yet utterly compelling – decision to break into the Palace, I was hooked. The sheer audacity of it! And the consequences? Well, let's just say they're as epic and breathtaking as the scope of the entire series.
The escape of the gods! The sheer chaos it unleashes! It's a masterclass in escalating tension. The familiar faces – Corthie, Karalyn, the ever-reliable (if slightly frustrating at times) Kyra – are all back, facing new and terrifying threats. Mitchell expertly weaves together their individual struggles with the larger conflict, making every character feel vital and deeply invested in the fate of the world. And speaking of vital characters, young Cael is really coming into his own; his recklessness is almost as thrilling as his potential. I'm already completely invested in his story arc.
I especially appreciate how Mitchell doesn’t shy away from exploring complex themes. The internal conflicts within the Holdfast family, the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, the political maneuvering – it all feels so real and relatable, even amidst the fantastical elements. I found myself constantly questioning the characters' choices, even when agreeing with their motivations. The line between right and wrong is often blurred, which only enhances the overall narrative. Kyra, in particular, continues to be a fascinating, frustrating, and completely human character. She pushes buttons, she makes mistakes, but she's undeniably compelling. And let's not forget Lahnos – his presence, however small, continues to add a warmth and humor to the overall story. I appreciate the balance of humour and heavy action and consequences.
The pacing is masterful. The book kept me breathless, hurtling from one cliffhanger to another. I couldn’t put it down, devouring each chapter with feverish anticipation. The battle scenes are intense, visceral, and incredibly well-written. You can practically feel the clash of steel, the roar of the dragons, and the weight of responsibility on the shoulders of the Holdfasts.
But the best part? The ending. Oh, the glorious, agonizing, gut-wrenching ending! It's a cliffhanger of epic proportions, leaving me desperately craving the next book. It’s a testament to Mitchell’s skill as a storyteller that he can leave me wanting more, even while leaving me completely satisfied with the journey. Seriously, the wait for the next installment is going to be torture.
If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Jump in, you won't regret it. If you are already a fan, then prepare for another amazing adventure in the Magelands Dominion. It’s a series that will stay with you long after you finish the last page – a testament to the power of truly great storytelling. Thank you, Christopher Mitchell, for another unforgettable read. I’m already counting down the days until the next book!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 1.22 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 486
- Publication date: 2024
Preview Book
