Review: Hælend’s Ballad by Ian V. Conrey

A book that feels both timeless and timely, Hælend’s Ballad by Ian V. Conrey is a sprawling, character-driven fantasy novel with an unforgettable new world for readers to explore.

Old feuds are rekindled as the Kingdoms of Daecland and Sunder wrestle with a common enemy. Mysterious, inexplicable attacks that leave behind the smell of rot and death signal to some that the end is near – an ancient prophecy is coming true, and the world will soon be consumed. A spiraling story of bloody histories, boundary-breaking magic, and powerful bonds, high-fantasy fans will not be disappointed with this masterfully imagined realm.

It is difficult to capture the nuances of emotion in characters as they’re being introduced for the first time, but the opening chapters unfurl like stunning portraits, shifting in tone, setting, language, and maturity. Søren, the proud orphan with a family history he refuses to forget, Arnon the young warrior struggling to survive after the loss of his father, and dozens of other richly developed characters bring this epic story to life. This is a tale of families torn apart, of young heroes forced to grow into themselves, through enslavement and abuse to self-confidence and integrity.

Søren serves as an emotional cornerstone throughout the novel, but the other vignette chapters – from the perspectives of Eilívur or Eirun, for example – are often just as revealing, filling in details that make the story come to life. Showing the narrative arc and motivations from both the good and bad factions helps to blur the lines of friend and foe, an intentional tool that forces readers to engage and weigh their own allegiance. Thematic explorations of misplaced honor, sacrifice, and the idea of a noble death are beautifully woven into the paths of various characters.

The world-building is also unique and detailed, without clumsily unloading too much exposition, and the patient style of storytelling is engrossing, drawing readers ever deeper into the drama. Whether it is a mysterious storyteller around a fire or contextual hints at past events, the history of the Sarig people and the Earlonians feels woven into every chapter, giving the prose the epic quality of Tolkien, and suggesting that there are many more epic stories to be told from within this realm. On a lyrical level, Conrey is a master of the subtle line – “The chill of the morning air was left behind as Søren plunged into the earth once again” – as he summons landscapes and moods with ease, but without ever getting too purple in the exposition. This nuanced descriptive tapestry makes the reading experience effortless – a true escape.

There are some anachronisms in the prose, and tics in the writing that feel out of place, particularly the casual use of certain contractions, and overly explicit conversations that feel designed for readers, rather than flowing organically. However, these are small critiques in a novel that is meticulously written, with unexpected turns of phrase, authentic dialogue, and a spiraling, ever-tangling plot. Overall, this hefty tome from Conrey is an impressive, immersive, and impeccably penned tale.