Review: Empire Paladin: Realm of the Dead by M.S. Valdez

Author M.S. Valdez delivers a staggering read with Empire Paladin: Realm of the Dead, the first book in a longer series that promises to be a dark delight. Set nearly eight centuries in the past, during the sinister and sacred times of the Holy Roman Empire, this is an epic tale of nobility and magic, salvation, justice, the end of the world, and everything in between.

Seated firmly at the center of this sweeping novel, with reins and warhammer in hand, is Lady Camila Chastaine, a paladin in service to the Empire, who takes her God-given task very seriously. In this ancient age of religious fervor, miracles and centuries-long wars over whose god was real, Camila is a bold heroine with a powerful moral compass and a clear, analytical mind. Though gifted with divine power, she is undeniably human, and Valdez reveals her depth of character time and time again.

There is another presence though, a darkness inside her that begins to rise, as though mirroring the evil forces rising in the world. Elsewhere, the reader is given the origin story of the villain, another unique aspect of the plot. Vhaldrynn’s fall from grace is preceded by great personal tragedy, and being shown the depth of his loss and pain near the beginning of the novel is an engaging choice. In this way, readers have a deeper understanding of all the players involved, rather than contentedly following a lone hero as they journey to overcome an epic evil.

The development of the time period and paladin hierarchy is also done seamlessly, such that it is difficult to tell where historical fact ends and fantasy fiction begins. World-building in a fantasy realm is one thing, but weaving this complex idea into a geographical, political, and social period that is well-documented is a particularly bold move. Despite the cosmic scale that the narrative operates on – rife with demons and celestial powers and even Lucifer himself – it feels intimate and relatable. There may be world-ending drama at the fore, but the plot itself is driven by conversations and interactions, suggestive descriptions, and unexpected turns of phrase.

However, the language is also the source of the most stumbles, as the strong passages and descriptions make the casual prose more noticeable. The endings of multiple chapters feel quite flat after an energetic or well-penned scene, and the pacing isn’t always consistent. While the book isn’t long relative to the average tome in this genre, the peaks and valleys of the story could be magnified.

Overall, this is a high-caliber novel about a unique time in history, and the inimitable protagonist has a Joan of Arc aura that carries this entire drama forward. Balancing battle scenes and intense revelations with political maneuverings and dark, gruesome foes, Valdez has constructed a fascinating web of settings and ideas in this new series. Writing with delicacy and emotional sensitivity, while also blowing a reader over with visceral imagery and palpable tension, this is a difficult book to classify, but it should be near the top of your reading list.