- ASIN: B0B9D78215
- Publication date: August 10, 2022
- Language: English
- Print length: 327 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN: B0B92RBMBN
- Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction
The BookViral Review:
Tautly paced and superbly written, this dark roller coaster Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Fantasy is a must-read for readers wanting a genuine nerve shredder! A novel that makes the reader feel like an active participant in its unfolding horror it’s one to be read with the lights on!
The best Dark Fantasy and Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction novels work because readers feel fully invested in the fate of the characters and Rhodes easily achieves this. Demonstrating a confident command of composition and economic storytelling as Rofocal finds himself awakened in a world that has changed beyond all recognition.
Ash and Brimstone Principium isn’t one of those novels to fall back on trite and tired tropes or overreach for the shock factor. Rhodes’ narrative is refined, playing with character perspectives to illuminate the terrifying nature of Rhodes’ subterranean setting as tensions rise to meet the expectations of readers. More importantly, Rhodes is careful to balance the genre’s requisite shocks with scenes that set up the emotional stakes for key characters. This being particularly true of Rofocal, Sapphite and Jade who find their paths intrinsically linked whilst other key characters like Slate and Garn add additional emotional depth.
Far too many of today’s big Fantasy and Science Fiction novels are all pay-off and no buildup but one of the great strengths of ” Ash and Brimstone Principium” is its pacing. Momentum is quick to build but Rhodes still allows time for reflection, particularly from Rofocal and Sapphite which allows the enormity of Rofocal’s release to sink in before absorbing us in an adventure that consistently engages with curiosity and suspense whilst creating a primal emotive connection.
A powerful must-read debut from Rhodes, Ash and Brimstone Principium is an unreservedly recommended five-star read!
