One Minute Recommendations: Black Wolves by Kate Elliott

One Minute Recommendations are flash recommendations of books I think you’ll love and why!  These will all be books that haven’t had a full review on this site yet.

Black Wolves was one of the best books I read in 2016. It had everything I wanted at a period when I was struggling to find joy in books (masters programs are killer).

 

An exiled captain returns to help the son of the king who died under his protection in this rich and multi-layered first book in an action-packed new series.

Twenty two years have passed since Kellas, once Captain of the legendary Black Wolves, lost his King and with him his honor. With the King murdered and the Black Wolves disbanded, Kellas lives as an exile far from the palace he once guarded with his life.

Until Marshal Dannarah, sister to the dead King, comes to him with a plea-rejoin the palace guard and save her nephew, King Jehosh, before he meets his father’s fate.*

 

Black Wolves was a breath of fresh air. It breaks the mould of the Euro-centric setting that is still so popular in adult fantasy novels. Based in an Asian-inspired world, the book features ageing heroes, a split-time narrative, and some of the best female characters I have read in a long time — Marshall Dannarah in particular is a wonderful character.
What’s not to like?

 

You should read this book if you:

• Are tired of fantasy that lacks diversity in its setting and characters
• Love kickass women who fight either through strength or cunning
• Want a fascinating magic system that is well integrated with the world’s culture
• Want to read more adult fantasy by women writers

 

If you enjoy Black Wolves, the sequel, Dead Empire, is only on 4 September 2018.  I cannot wait!

Have you read Black Wolves?  Does it sound like something you’d enjoy? Let me know!

Also, do you like these One Minute Recommendations?  I am thinking of making them a more frequent feature here.  Do you have any requests?  Leave me a comment or feel free to email me!

 

*copy courtesy of Goodreads