The Binding Tempest by Steven Rudy

A Great War’s aftermath and society’s rebuilding is a major project that might inspire hope in a younger generation, but other people only want control. The work of those who battled for freedom can be undone by those who want that power, and worse things can result. In The Binding Tempest by Steven Rudy, Ellaria Moonstone encounters this circumstance while looking for an old friend who can shed insight on what occurred during the Great War.

Scholar Ellaria Moonstone, a hero of the Great War that toppled the evil Saegan Empire, now devotes her life to the expansion of once-forbidden knowledge in Territhmina. With new powers emerging in the shape of a Prime Commander who seems to be emulating the Segean Empire Ellaria assisted in overthrowing, she has ensured as a member of the Scholar’s Guild that all their labour in the War was for nothing.

Now that Quidin Lightweaver is the target of the Coalition’s attention, Ellaria looks for allies to aid her not just protect Quidin but also learn what happened at the end of the Great War. Others across the Territhmina countries are attracted into her search for answers, so she is not the only one looking for them. Including a youthful courier, a knowledgeable hunter, and an ex-convict from Ellaria’s past.

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They all have a part to play in preventing history from being repeated. The numerous perspectives from the characters in this planet were one of the story’s strongest qualities. Rudy organised the chapters as he gave each point of view a turn in the narrative. The characters’ storylines are further connected by virtue of their appearance or mention in earlier chapters.

Also, the map that shows the current locations of the characters at the beginning of each chapter may cause the reader to wonder when their paths may intersect. Regrettably, the supporting cast members had no presence and were simple to ignore. Background characters didn’t experience any growth prior to being given a point of view and were simple to overlook.

As this is a series, I can’t wait to read the following book to see how the saga develops. This tale demonstrates how everyone is interconnected in some way, particularly when historical occurrences have an impact on present and future generations. This book is a powerful start to the Luminance Saga and a solid first installment. As the author creates this intriguing universe, the reader is left wondering what else lies in store for the inhabitants.

About The Book

When the Peace King of the Free Cities goes missing, an aging former war hero Ellaria Moonstone uncovers a plot to overthrow the tenuous republic. Fearing that a powerful being called a Sagean Luminary has returned to build a new empire, Ellaria sends for help from old allies and expatriates scattered across the chaotic frontier.

Now three aging war heroes, long past their prime and haunted by their pasts, are all that stand against a dark entity threatening the future. In their quest, they find themselves unwittingly mentoring a new generation to fight alongside them. But trust between the once inseparable veterans is not what it once was and the evil they face has allies hiding in every shadow.

The Binding Tempest is the start of an award-winning Epic Sci-Fi & Fantasy series that’s a High Fantasy Adventure injected with Steampunk science. The saga that proves Heroes get better with age.