The Unspoken Name, by A. K. Larkwood

[hebethen]

The year's still young, yes, but this is my favorite fantasy novel of the year so far! A young orc priestess runs away from her cult shortly before she was planning to offer herself up as a sacrifice to her god. Under the patronage of the mysterious, manipulative wizard who helped her flee to another world, she becomes a fighter and his loyal red right hand. However, her unthinking loyalty is challenged when she meets a frighteningly talented magical adept on one of her missions.

It's a story about breaking free of indoctrination on multiple levels, and I really liked the romance. Fire metaphors are apt here: it's a slow burn to start, but they'll set the world on fire to keep each other safe. For those who didn't click with Gideon the Ninth because GtN was more about gonzo flair than careful worldbuilding, TUN is very strong on the worldbuilding front!

Further thoughts on my journal.

Comments

[sophia_sol]

I found Gideon the Ninth somewhat challenging because of the unexpected horror elements which I'm a bit too much of a wuss for. Given that you're comparing The Unspoken Name with Gideon, does this one also have horror elements in it?

[hebethen]

It definitely does still have some horror elements, albeit nowhere as Much as GtN, and there's also some just straight up bloody violence. It tends to be described more in terms of how it impacts the viewpoint character rather than full-on shocking detail, but it's there. I'm happy to give the word re: any specific squicks or such of course -- I know it can be hard to pin down (I'm like that with audiovisual horror).

[sophia_sol]

Thanks so much for your helpful reply, I really appreciate it! If it's less than Gideon the Ninth and I know to expect it as an element going in, I think it should be okay for me.