Review: Aetherstorm (Songs of Sarin) by Alexander Ferrick

An eclectic group of warriors are each drawn to an epic tournament to the death in Aetherstorm (Songs of Sarin), the blistering new novel from author Alexander Ferrick.

A horde of demons has decided to challenge the dominion of the elven royalty by luring the greatest warriors of the land to a battle royale. Everyone traveling to the tournament, and their subsequent storyline, is driven by very different aims. There are the orphans Garron and Luca, who are seeking to avenge the death of their magical mentor and fully test their burgeoning powers. Prince Maronir, however, is determined to prove his worthiness to wear the crown and defend the world against demonic forces.

These unlikely characters represent the beating heart of this story, and the brilliant weaving of their fates makes this book difficult to put down. Garron and Luca are brilliantly penned as an angry and orphaned pair, offsetting each other’s strengths and creating a palpable purpose in the narrative – the love they hold for their mentor is depicted in a moving and believable way, demanding an emotional investment right from the start. Their juxtaposition to the self-doubting prince is insightful, and at times amusing, making their stubborn camaraderie a highlight of this fast-paced read.

The battle royale genre has blossomed in recent years, driven by franchises like The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner, but Ferrick’s novel feels more nuanced than some of those pop culture knockouts. Finding a healthy balance between action and interpersonal drama, Aetherstorm keeps the pace high from start to finish, but occasionally savors an image or a delicious tendon of tension. These patient moments of writing are intriguing – daring readers to continue for just one chapter more. Granted, the culminating section of the book leans heavily into the battles, given the battle royale premise, but by this point, readers genuinely care about the violent outcome, as so much time has been spent crafting the combatants. As the true scheme of the demons becomes clear, enemies become allies, and the ultimate showdown promises a bloody and entertaining affair.

Ferrick has built this vivid world remarkably well, with clear cultural distinctions of different races, and consistent magical rules that don’t expand and contract based on the author’s convenient whim. The tightly woven plot suggests a good deal of draftsmanship and careful editing, as there are few wasted words or tangential scenes. If anything, a bit more description of particularly visceral moments or battles is warranted, given the smooth pen and unique voice of the author. That being said, there are also many instances where readers are told precisely how and why a character is feeling or behaving in a particular way. These occasional bouts of heavy-handed narration are distracting, but forgivable within the broader scope of the novel.

For readers who are seeking a wickedly fun and addicting read, Alexander Ferrick has penned a tour de force that shines in this increasingly popular niche. Like his previous work, Aetherstorm boasts razor-sharp wit, original characters, and a compelling plot that climaxes with a style and flair all its own.