Snakewood

March 15, 2016
Kailen's Twenty were legendary, undefeatable mercenaries present at some of the most important events in the history of the Old Kingdoms. Now, three decades after they disbanded, someone is killing them off, one by one. Set in a brutal world of subtle magic, clashing empires, and commercial interests, this is an impressive fantasy debut. Selby demonstrates the command of style, character, plotting, and world building of a seasoned author. The tale switches between the first-person perspectives of multiple characters, and Selby's writing style changes appropriately. The nonchronological narrative is woven through with flashbacks. Selby creates a robust world that's entirely believable, but he doesn't get distracted showing it off. He lets the story live in this world in a deeply effective way. Snakewood has much in common with the work of Joe Abercrombie and should appeal to his fans. As a story about the violent world of warriors and magic, Snakewood is reminiscent of Matthew Stover's Acts of Caine series, but without the science fiction elements.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

Starred review from March 15, 2016

The mercernaries known as The Twenty were famous, once. Led by the legendary Kailen, they were unbeatable in countless battles before dissolving years ago. Now someone is hunting down the members, killing them in revenge for a decades-old betrayal. Covering ground well trodden by Joe Abercrombie, with a similar use of earthy language and extreme violence, the story offers an original and effective twist with the use of potions, plants, and poisons on the battlefield. The mercenaries drink battle brews to make them unstoppable warriors, and one can tell an old soldier from the color of his skin, as years of potions leave their mark. VERDICT While the dialect of the rough fighters will annoy some, others will simply relish the well-choreographed action scenes in this debut fantasy.--MM

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2015

Once upon a time, in a magical world not entirely unlike our own, a band of mercenaries ruled ruthlessly. Now, however, they are being hunted down by the enemies they have understandably made. This fantasy debut must be good; it has a 50,000-copy first printing.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2016

The mercernaries known as The Twenty were famous, once. Led by the legendary Kailen, they were unbeatable in countless battles before dissolving years ago. Now someone is hunting down the members, killing them in revenge for a decades-old betrayal. Covering ground well trodden by Joe Abercrombie, with a similar use of earthy language and extreme violence, the story offers an original and effective twist with the use of potions, plants, and poisons on the battlefield. The mercenaries drink battle brews to make them unstoppable warriors, and one can tell an old soldier from the color of his skin, as years of potions leave their mark. VERDICT While the dialect of the rough fighters will annoy some, others will simply relish the well-choreographed action scenes in this debut fantasy.--MM

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.