This has got to be one of my most eagerly anticipated reads of the year so far, given how much I enjoyed Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Redemption’s Blade. I was particularly intrigued that Justina Robson wrote this sequel, using Tachaikovsky’s world.
The Tzarkomen necromancers sacrificed a thousand women to create a Bride for the Kinslayer so he would spare them in the war. But the Kinslayer is dead and now the creation intended to ensure his eternal rule lies abandoned by its makers in the last place in the world that anyone would look for it. Which doesn’t prevent someone finding her by accident. Will the Bride return the gods to the world or will she bring the end of days? It all depends on the one who found her, Kula, a broken-hearted little girl with nothing left to lose.
So does this one work? Oh yes – this is an amazing premise. The Bride returning to the world long after the tyrant she was designed to partner, has been vanquished. What is her purpose now? And perhaps even more importantly – what will she decide to do, now her bridegroom is dead? The opening sequences surrounding the circumstances where we see the Bride return are really gripping, though I have a hunch if you haven’t read Redemption’s Blade, you might not appreciate the importance of the place and significance of what is happening. This is one sequel that should not be read as a stand-alone, in my opinion – apart from anything else it would be a crying shame to miss out on the joy that is Redemption’s Blade.
Part of the fun of reading a series is to chart the development of the main characters. If I have a niggle with this particular story, it is that Celestine, whose energy and concerns pinged off the pages in the first book, is a pale shadow in this adventure. While she is constantly around, I did find it frustrating not to have her opinions as vibrantly represented as in Tchaikovsky’s tale.
The other issue, which is more of an observation rather than a criticism, is that Robson’s style is denser than Tchaikovsky’s and I had to slow down and pay more attention to the text than when reading the first book. That said, I am a fan of Justina Robson’s writing – see my review of Down to the Bone – and am familiar with her style. I was fascinated to see how each author presented this interesting, complex world. I very much enjoyed the strong relationship between the newly resurrected Bride and the orphaned child, Kula – it isn’t often we see any form of parental relationships explored in science fiction and fantasy and I was delighted to watch how this partnership developed throughout the story.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and would be happy to see Angry Robot approach another author to take this story on further. Or maybe have both Tchaikovsky and Robson follow up their efforts with another book each. However it’s done, I really, really hope this series continues – there is so much more I would like to know about these characters and this world. Recommended for fans of epic fantasy with a difference. While I obtained an arc of Salvation’s Fire: After the War from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10
Brainfluff 
Interesting, I would love to know the reasoning behind having a different author write the sequel to your book.
I think the idea is to have different author’s take on an ongoing theme. I have to say – I think these first two books are a great start and I look forward to seeing where this series will go next.
The cover is very striking. I enjoy following character’s and seeing how they grow too. Glad you are enjoying the series, Sarah.
Oh yes – I think this is a series you’d love, Laura – it’s all about the characters:)).
Beautiful review, Sarah! It was so interesting to read! 🙂
The whole concept of having two different authors handle the same fantasy world is a really intriguing one! I have never heard of this type of thing before! I wonder if they’ve done this type of thing with other fantasy and/or science fiction worlds.
The plot of this novel, as well as the one written by Tchaikovsky, sounds absolutely AWESOME! I’m adding both of these books to my Goodreads shelves!
Thanks for your insightful review!! HUGS!! ❤ 🙂
Thank you for your kind comments, Maria:). I’m glad you found this concept exciting – I think it’s a great idea, but I’m aware a number of readers seem a tad flummoxed by it.
I would love to hear what you think of the books – I’m hoping the series is sufficiently successful that there are more books in this world, which I love…
Glad to see such a positive review. I have a copy of this but when I first picked it up it didn’t really win me over so I put it down (just for a while) to regroup. Perhaps it’s the difference in style. I do intend to return to it though.
Lynn 😀
Yes… I did wonder if the publishers insisted on a recap of the world at the start as it is a bit info-heavy and she does have a denser writing style anyway. But I really would like your opinion on this one:)
Interesting that a different author wrote the next book in the series. I’m glad it still worked so well for you, even with the author switch.
I really enjoyed seeing how each author used the same characters and setting to provide quite different aspects to their quests.
I’m not familiar with Justina Robson’s writing but I’m glad the book worked out for you! I still have to read my (overdue) arc for Redemption’s Blade, but your review makes me super eager to dive into the series. And I REALLY like the sound of the Bride and Kula’s relationship–you know how much I crave parent-child relationships in fantasy! 😀
Yes – it’s the aspect of the parent-child relationship that really does make this one stand out, I think:)
Adding this one to the goodreads. 🙂 I never really thought about different writers approaching the same universe in their own unique writing styles…I suppose this is how Bo’s felt reading James Bond novels by different authors. There’s “staying true” to the materials, but then one must stay true to one’s own voice, too…
Yes! And I think this is fascinating – I really like how each writer values different aspects of the world. Adrian was far more interested in the mindset of the warrior woman suffering a fair dose of survivor’s guilt, while Justine was clearly more intrigued by the relationship between the unique, adrift little girl and the created woman with fearsome powers…
Oh how cool! I didn’t think of that kind of differentiation. I often think the broader strokes–one’s more keen on the world, while one’s more keen on the action, for instance. How fascinating that even the characters themselves have that slight alteration! Reminds me of Howl’s Moving Castle, and how the anime film differs so greatly from the book yet contains many of the same elements of story…
Yes – it’s always interesting to see how a straight novel morphs once it transforms into a different medium…
I’m not usually enthusiastic about sequels, but this one sounds really good. Great review!
Thank you Rae – as you know, I have a real weakness for book series and this one is a cracker:)
Now that’s unusual – a sequel written by another author. I’ll try remember about this one when I get around to Tchaikovsky again.
Yes – I think this is an awesome idea that works out really well. I hope the series continues with other authors, too…
That would be interesting to see – and I’m sure you’ll write reviews in due time :).
I certainly will – if they hurry up and write them!