Desulti by Ross Hightower and Deb Heim
TITLE INFORMATION
Desulti
Ross Hightower and Deb Heim
Black Rose Writing, 361 pages
9781685135102, 11.1.2024
Overall Rating = 4.85
Storyline & Concept = 4.75
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 4.8
This team of writers brings us another great fantasy read, a prequel to the Spirit Song trilogy. The story centers on Tove, an Alle’oss woman who’s seen the dark side of the Empire. Seeking refuge, she joins the Desulti Order, only to find it’s not the haven for women she’d hoped for. Bigotry and hate are alive and well, but she’s been through worse. She’s a survivor, determined to carve out a place for herself.
Again, the authors excel at painting an intense and vibrant world filled with powerful emotions and engaging interactions. Using multiple points of view, the reader is introduced to settings ranging from dangerous, shadowy corners to beautiful landscapes. The many characters are well-developed, and their relationships to each other are relatively easy to distinguish. The most compelling is Tove’s character. She’s tough, but she has a heart; she’s insightful and aware of the feelings of others. She’s been beaten and abused, yet she hasn’t allowed it to bring her down. This story is more than just epic fantasy. It’s a powerful exploration of women’s rights and the fight for independence, which is intricately woven through the plot, making it all the more impactful. With exceptional writing skills, Hightower and Heim weave a beguiling tale of intrigue, betrayal, romance, and action.
Sublime Line: “This compelling novel boasts a strong heroine, rich world-building, and a powerful message of female resilience.”
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