Review: The Void Revealed by Stephen J. Ethier

Power struggles abound in the city of Windhold, the entrancing setting for Stephen Ethier’s new science fiction and fantasy novel, The Void Revealed.

Centuries have passed since the last winds of Fury blew through the basin, scorching and burning all that lay in its path. Safely atop the Spire, the city of Windhold now braces for another period of devastation as the Void beneath their feet again turns into a violent realm of death and destruction.

However, there is far more to the Fury than meets the eye, and the tenuous balance of power between the Brotherhood of the Silent Flame and the Sentinel has something to do with it. Elise is next in line to become the Sentinel, the secular leader of Windhold, but zealots within the Brotherhood want to see her taken out of the picture – permanently. Her studies at the Master School have made her feel like even more of an outsider, as though she isn’t privy to some great secret.

When she finds herself cast into the bleak Void beneath the Spire, she must rely on her wiles and wits to survive, while also picking up an unexpectedly charming group of companions along the way. Brand is the natural counterpoint to Elise in the story, and is an endearing lead within the tale – an intrepid young hero determined to find his father’s killer, driven by honor and instinct. As their lives and adventures intertwine, it becomes apparent that the mystical Fury may have a more sinister origin, and they must work together to overcome those evil forces who would seek domination for centuries to come.

While this book is rife with classic fantasy tropes, it’s with a tongue firmly planted in the author’s cheek. This book also touches on myriad issues that we see in the world today, from the murky separation between Church and State to the oppression of strong, independent women as leaders. Blind loyalty and fanaticism play a huge role in the plot, as does fear of the unknown, stoked by manipulative charlatans.

Though the writing is generally strong, there is an occasional excess of exposition and the narration can be overly thorough at times. The magical rulebook isn’t always clearly defined, which leaves room for flexible writing, but also convenient loopholes that can ape lazy writing. Fortunately, these small stumbles are redeemed by an entire cast of memorable characters and a loping pace that lures readers down the rabbit hole and immerses them in a whimsically dark and unique adventure.

Ethier shows a keen sense of the zeitgeist of his characters and uses symbolism that transcends genre, appealing to readers on a visceral, recognizable level. Like an onion being slowly peeled, the world-building becomes increasingly impressive, and readers will be excited for the remainder of the Origo Essentia series. The Void Revealed is a striking start, thanks to a story that is both timely and timelessly entertaining. A deeply symbolic and riveting new fantasy world.