Review: The Spawn of Spiracy by Jesse Nolan Bailey

Jesse Nolan Bailey unveils another epic journey in The Spawn of Spiracy, the second installment of his Disaster of Dokojin series, a high fantasy of the highest order.

After narrowly avoiding defeat in Book 1, the Sachem’s plans to turn on the Decayer Device and summon Spiracy remain alive. The dokojin in disguise has the Stone of Elation and is threatening to merge the realms, which would release untold darkness across the Unified Tribes. In the face of impending devastation, Jalice still believes she can heal the Sachem of his afflicted mind, but success may just cost her everything.

Jalice’s evolution over the course of these books is something to behold, as she shifts from a passive chieftess to a bold adventurer, relentless in her quest for the truth of her past. Her devotion to Hydrim, despite his many unforgivable sins, drives the plot forward into unimaginable places – the Apparition Realm and beyond. Kerothan, her estranged brother, plays a key role in this second book; a heart-worn warrior, he is forced to reckon with the pain of the past in real-time, as well as the feelings he still holds for his sister, the duty he feels toward his clan, and the rising threat of Spiracy sucking the souls from the living.

Annilasia’s tireless hunt for the Sachem requires painful sacrifices, and sharpens her skills as a translator between the aether and the Terrestrial Realm, but the sinister dokojin caged within her is always at the edge of her vision, threatening to break free, and pervert her aetherwielding with its own dark intentions. The collision of these narrative threads makes for a swirling and entirely unique saga that will thrill fantasy readers.

The laws of magic in this world are perhaps the most engaging element of the narrative, particularly the blending of ancient technology with mystical energy-wielders and soul realms. From two-way mirrors that can reveal auras and swords that can absorb magic, to terrifying flayers and the deadly consequences natural elements have on “twisters,” the mystical rules that frame this story are riveting throughout. Bailey has constructed a literary mythology that would make Tolkien proud.

There are some minor stumbles in the prose, including the occasional idiomatic phrase, i.e. “snap judgment,” that feels out of place in this rich and remarkably original world. The narrative has its own idioms and colloquial phrases – “star-blazing” and “What in the deep void is that?” – so these real-world idioms are more noticeable when they arise.

Aside from these few and far between moments that pull readers from the literary illusion, the narration is crisp and carefully edited, with few wasted words, despite the sometimes lengthy descriptions. The author has an obvious mastery of language, but doesn’t flaunt it with unnecessary complexity or convoluted prose. Instead, these scenes unfold in vivid detail, boasting tangible environments and three-dimensional characters that challenge traditional roles of the sword and sorcery genre.

As a whole, this spiraling sophomore offering is a beautiful piece of writing – immersive, creative, and emotionally enthralling. Fantasy readers will be eagerly awaiting Bailey’s next chapter in the series.