- Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
- Publication date: November 7, 2025
- Language: English
- Print length: 266 pages
- ISBN-10: 1035882051
- ISBN-13: 978-1035882052
- Genre: Epic Fantasy
The BookViral Review:
Jason Kalinowski’s In the Spine of Vana is a calculated and structurally ambitious continuation of the series, building directly on the political fractures and personal betrayals established in Sojourns in Vana. Where the previous novel balanced survival and large-scale conflict, this instalment pivots more decisively toward infiltration, intelligence, and controlled power, while still retaining the brutal military edge that defines the series.
The story resumes in a recovering Sedgedunum, a city still scarred by the arch-goblin sack. At its centre is Leif Foehammer, whose personal arc remains the emotional backbone of the novel. Burdened by the deaths of his adoptive parents—events tied directly to Queen Ooktha—Leif is no longer simply a warrior navigating war, but a man attempting to reconcile guilt, identity, and fractured loyalties. His reassignment into the City Watch under Dru Blackpool creates a shift in perspective, grounding him in the mechanics of civic order while placing him closer to the hidden machinery shaping Vorclaw’s future .
Dru Blackpool emerges as a far more substantial presence than before, bridging the divide between opportunism and loyalty. His dynamic with Leif provides moments of levity, but also reveals deeper tensions, particularly as both men operate within the shadow of General Baltus Blackpool. Baltus continues to function as the series’ most formidable political force—his manipulation of leadership, including the installation of Mayor Dominika Gildedwing, reinforces his quiet consolidation of power and raises increasingly serious questions about his long-term intentions.
Crucially, this novel elevates Damon Crag into one of its most compelling figures. No longer confined to the periphery, Damon becomes central to the unfolding intrigue surrounding the Jade Tower. His methodical investigation, combined with his calculated use of deception, places him at the heart of one of the book’s most sophisticated narrative threads. The interplay between Damon and the shape-changer Mimdrid is particularly effective, evolving into a layered contest of misdirection. The discovery that Mimdrid is operating on behalf of Skagsnest—and the subsequent manipulation involving multiple false Jade Towers—introduces a level of strategic depth that marks a clear progression in Kalinowski’s storytelling.
This strand is not merely a diversion but a pivotal axis of the novel. The Jade Tower itself, which houses the essence of the revenant Rom-Seti, becomes a symbol of power, control, and knowledge. Its journey—from Leif’s possession, through Mimdrid’s theft and duplication, to its eventual return—anchors the espionage narrative while intersecting meaningfully with the broader conflict .
Beyond the city, the Frontier storyline maintains the series’ established strengths. Kalinowski’s military background continues to inform his combat sequences, lending them a grounded realism. The emergence of Chieftain Merka as a strategic and adaptive adversary adds further weight to these passages. Rather than relying solely on brute force, the arch-goblins employ calculated tactics—ambushes, supply disruption, and psychological pressure—ensuring that the conflict remains both dynamic and credible.
Thematically, the novel continues to explore vengeance, loyalty, and the instability of truth. Trust is repeatedly undermined—through political manoeuvring, personal betrayal, and literal impersonation—creating a world where certainty is elusive and allegiance is constantly shifting. Leif’s internal struggle mirrors this instability, as he searches not only for answers about Queen Ooktha and Anthon Blackpool, but for a sense of moral clarity in an increasingly ambiguous landscape.
While the prose remains functional and occasionally leans into exposition, the overall structure is notably tighter than in previous instalments. The integration of espionage with large-scale conflict gives the narrative greater balance, preventing it from becoming overly reliant on battle sequences while still delivering them with impact.
In the end, In the Spine of Vana stands as the most strategically layered entry in the series so far. By elevating characters like Damon Crag and weaving deception into the core of its narrative, Kalinowski expands both the scope and sophistication of his world.
This will appeal to readers who like their epic fantasy driven by politics, shifting loyalties, and characters who feel like they’re carrying real weight. It doesn’t rely on spectacle alone—there’s a strong sense of control and intent behind how the story unfolds, which makes it a genuinely rewarding read. If you enjoy the grit of Joe Abercrombie, the scale of Steven Erikson, or the grounded edge of Glen Cook, this sits comfortably alongside them and proves Kalinowski is growing into a confident voice in the genre.
It is an unreservedly recommended Golden Quill Read.
