Hi Amica,
Today review is regarding Brian Naslund debut novel Blood of an Exile. This is the first book in the Dragons of Terra series.
Bershad was sentenced to death.
He should have died killing a dragon so his death served his Kingdom. But Bershad can’t die
Bershad is the most successful dragon slayer in history, never in the 14 years as an exile lost a fight. But Bershad is marked so must live his life separate from the world around him.
The King that sentenced Bershad to his fate has made him an offer, which would mean he would no longer be an exile. He must kill the King of a neighbouring kingdom. Bershad doesn’t care for court politics until he learns by taking this task her can save an innocent child and, possibly, the life of every creature in Terra.
Blood of an Exile is a tremendous debut novel. It hooked me from the first page and I was disappointed when I had to put it down.
One of my favourite elements of Blood of an Exile is Bershad and his mismatch companions interaction on their journey. It felt very realistic their banter, and how they deal with the problem that occurs. They are rude, crude and very funny. I also like that fact that Bershad default was threated to kill people when he was in difficult situations. Some situations really merited the threat and the following action.
The summons from the King to Bershad sums up perfectly the way in which they all speak to each other:
“Exile,
There is need of you in the capital. Whatever shithole barn you are sleeping in, wake up. Whatever lizard you are hunting, let it escape. Your banishment is lifted. Temporarily. Return to Floodhaven.
Hartzog Malgrave I, King of Almira”
Blood of an Exile is split into five stories. There are Bershad, Ashlyn, Vera, Jolan and Garret Points of view. I won’t say who, but I knew not to trust one of them from the beginning, although the person isn’t as bad as I thought. Although those 5 have their own journey/ stories you can see how they all weave together to make the story whole.
Also, Blood of an Exile has several amazing actions scenes. Bershad fighting style is not fancy he isn’t showing off his he just making sure he or his companions don’t die. The last action scene was particularly good.
There is one moment in the book that made me turn the air around me blue. I hope Brain ear burned with all the names I called him.
If you enjoy fantasy books that deal with friendship, loyalty, betrayal, with a world with interesting detailed dragons, creatures and different cultures than I advise picking up Blood of an Exile.
I now wait on bated breath for the next book in the Dragons of Terra series.
My rating for Blood of an Exile is 5 out of 5.
Thank you to @jamiedoesPR and TorUK. They sent me a finished copy of Blood of an Exile for a fair and honest review.
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Thanks for reading,
