The World Maker Parable by Luke Tarzian
Published by LukeTarzian.com on June 2021
Also by this author: Vultures, A Cup of Tea at the Mouth of Hell
Genres: Fantasy
Goodreads
Guilt will always call you back...
Rhona is a faithful servant of the country Jémoon and a woman in love. Everything changes when her beloved sets the ravenous Vulture goddess loose upon the land. Forced to execute the woman she loves for committing treason, Rhona discovers a profound correlation between morality and truth. A connection that might save her people or annihilate them all.
You are a lie...
Varésh Lúm-talé is many things, most of all a genocidal liar. A falsity searching for the Phoenix goddess whom he believes can help him rectify his atrocities. Such an undertaking is an arduous one for a man with missing memories and a conscience set on rending him from inside out. A man whose journey leads to Hang-Dead Forest and a meeting with a Vulture goddess who is not entirely as she seems.
Thanks to The Write Reads and the author for providing me with free copies in exchange for honest reviews as part of the tour!
It’s been a long time since I read Vultures and remember little of it. But that’s no problem since The World Breaker Parable is set before Vultures. Still, I recognised Varesh and I immediately was prompted to put Vultures on my re-read list. I loved it and I think it has so many layers I hadn’t discovered then, that I might pick up now. I wonder if having read the Adjacent Monsters duology will affect my reading too. For now, this review is just for the first book, The World Breaker Parable but the review for the second book, The World Breaker Requiem will follow soon!
Luke Tarzian’s books are never easy reads. They deal with hard topics like depression, grief, and morality. The World Breaker Parable is not an exception. But what makes this book even more challenging is the recurring theme that dreams are more than what they seem. Reality and dreams blend together with lost memories and possible futures. At some point, I wasn’t even sure what exactly I was reading as new characters were introduced. I just went along with it and it became clear in the end. It might also have to do with the fact I’ve been super stressed and my brain isn’t as clear as it normally is. That said, the overall story of the Raven, the Vulture, and the Phoenix is interesting.
The characters in this short novella are all plagued by previous decisions, and soon you’ll discover why we follow these characters. They’re all different but they share the same path. Tarzian has done an excellent job in converging the storylines but still giving each one a unique voice and perspective. The world he created is just as faceted, with beautiful and dangerous sides, sometimes both at the same time. But it’s clear that Harthe is hardly friendly. I’m curious how the overall story continues.
I give The World Breaker Parable 4.5 stars. I love Luke’s writing and how he incorporates philosophical, moral, and ethical questions into his work. He challenges me as a reader and a human. If dark and bleak fantasy is your thing, definitely check it out. It’s anything but your average epic fantasy.
Don’t forget to check out the other book in this duology!
The World Breaker Requiem
The World Breaker Requiem by Luke Tarzian Published by LukeTarzian.com on December 2021
Also by this author: Vultures, A Cup of Tea at the Mouth of Hell
Genres: Fantasy
Prince of Woe…
Avaria Norrith is the adopted heir to the Ariathan throne. But that means little to a man who, for the better part of fifteen years, has sought and failed to earn his mother’s love. Fueled by pride and envy, Avaria seeks the means to prove himself and cast away his mental chains. When he’s tasked with the recreation of The Raven’s Rage he sees his chance, for with the infamous blade he can rewrite history and start anew.
Daughter of the Mountain…
Erath has not felt sunlight for a century. Not since Ariath condemned her people to a life of darkness with their misuse of The Raven’s Rage. But when an old friend comes seeking the remnants of the ancient sword, Erath cannot contain her curiosity and resolves to lend her aid. Is it true—can history be revised? Can her people be reclaimed?
Toll the Hounds…
They are hungry—and they are here.
Great review! I’m glad you enjoyed it, I look forward to reading it.