Words of Power

Words of Power, #1

by

Shami Stovall

Excellent beginning to this unique and magical new fantasy series.

Words of Power is the first book in author Shami Stovall’s exciting new fantasy series of the same name and features the son of a courtesan born into slavery who rises to lead the province as a powerful Ring Warlock. When Garrain Wist, a dangerously intoxicated Ring Warlock, chokes to death during a visit to the Scarlet Lantern brothel, lowly house boy Rimon picks up the warlock’s ring and places it on his own hand, becoming a Ring Warlock himself and Garrain’s heir as well. His initial thought was that the ring might bring him the means to protect the young courtesan who had been entertaining the warlock, the staff of the Scarlet Lantern, and himself from reprisals from Garrain’s people and the other Ring Warlocks. While he accomplishes his purpose, he also discovers he is not the owner of Garrion’s estate and the ruler responsible for the northern half of the Rovik Prefecture. 

Knowing little about his new power or how to control or wield it effectively, Rimon travels to Castle Wist with the former warlock’s learned servant, Ketsu. As they get closer to the estate, they pass acres and acres of fields of food crops dying under the onslaught of their twin suns. Rimon learns that the estate is failing to thrive, and its people are literally starving to death; it is now up to him to act before it is too late. 

Rimon is such a kind, earnest, and endearing character, one whom readers are bound to root for as he learns about his new situation and power and tries to bring stability and prosperity back to the people living and working in the shadows of Castle Wist and the surrounding mountains. Throughout the story, he consistently seeks the best course of action for everyone under his care. But talk about blindly jumping into the unknown with both feet! Rimon was so desperate after Garrain’s death that he put on his ring without knowing anything about the possible repercussions. This was preferable to the predictable actions of the other Ring Warlocks. 

The plot moves quickly from the very start. I enjoyed the unique concept of choosing six words to draw a felheen (titan) to bind with the new wearer of the warlock’s ring. The author’s creative and thoughtfully measured world-building made for a vivid and immersive experience. I could easily visualize the Asian-themed settings and all that populated and brought color to the story. There is a palpable miasma of fear throughout the Rovik Prefecture, a product of the Ring Warlock’s rule and the presence of violent and frightening supernatural creatures operating unchecked for so long. However, I was surprised and delighted by the many kindnesses that other characters secretly showed to Rimon as he began his new life. Similarly, the magic system was revealed slowly and steadily in easily absorbed bites to both the readers and the character Rimon organically as part of a scene, rather than in a long exposition. 

The author’s storytelling drew me in from page one, and I was completely engrossed in this story for the first half of the book before I had to take a break. The ending came all too soon, but there is the promise of more to come. I recommend WORDS OF POWER to readers of fantasy, action, and adventure. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.