This third volume in the excellent Sundered Nation trilogy continues to tell the epic tale of Vahldan, Elan, and their fated daughter, Brin Bright Eyes. The events in this volume pick up several months after book two, and lead right into a grand set up of the grim fate that awaits our protagonists. Roycroft doesn’t pull any punches here and continues to delve deep into character motivations and the contradictions that can sometimes rule decisions.
Once again, the Gottari (equivalent to our Earth’s Goths) have made head way into the empire through military acumen and grit, causing all sorts of problems for the Tiberian (Roman) Empire. The Emperor has had enough and doom, as the title suggests, is indeed coming. Roycroft does a great job balancing the characters on both sides and more importantly, conveying conflicting feelings that seem natural in this world where two cultures clash but are also intertwined by centuries of interaction. The Gottari have a bit of a nihilistic view of life, expecting fate to turn against them at any moment. But they use this as a means of seeking glory rather than give way to despair. Their acceptance of a doomed destiny causes them to strive to make sure their doom is sung about for ages to come. The Tiberians on the other hand, strive to maintain their access to riches and luxuries and power. They very much enjoy life in the moment and pray to their gods for continued good fortune. The characterizations of these traits are solid enough that both the reader and the characters themselves know these outlooks are a generalization and that life is far more subtle. This dissonance between stereotypical expectations and individual aspirations keep the reader engaged and entertained.
Being a third book in a trilogy, I can’t get into specifics. Needless to say, a lot of emotion came to the fore as I took in the fate of these characters. Once again, there was some mention of the gods and dreams and visions. Roycroft treads a fine line between the gods just being able to tip events based on character piety, or the inherent bias of characters believing so thoroughly in their gods’ interest in mortal affairs that they make the very portents come true themselves. He lets the reader decide for ourselves and it really works best that way.
There is also a wonderful sense of completion with this third book. Things come full circle in reference to The Severing Son (the 1st book) in a natural way. Both Vahldan and Elan have moments of realization where they have to accept their past actions and move forward. Although this could feel forced in some situations, here they fit with the scenes as presented and are satisfying. Considering where these characters started, it makes sense they would have such introspective spurts of contemplation.
If you’re looking for a series with a heavy feel of historical fiction with only the barest hint of fantasy (the fact it’s set in a secondary world), then this series is for you.
Can’t thank you enough for your support, Jarrod! Hope you’re having a lovely holiday weekend.
You’re very welcome!