Scarlet Odyssey by C. T. Rwizi

Scarlet Odyssey (Scarlet Odyssey, #1)

by C. T. Rwizi

“Thrillingly refreshing, a propulsive story built around a fascinating cast of characters…brutal and beautiful and bold and Black in every way.” —Tor.com

Magic is women’s work; war is men’s. But in the coming battle, none of that will matter.

Men do not become mystics. They become warriors. But eighteen-year-old Salo has never been good at conforming to his tribe’s expectations. For as long as he can remember, he has loved books and magic in a culture where such things are considered unmanly. Despite it being sacrilege, Salo has worked on a magical device in secret that will awaken his latent magical powers. And when his village is attacked by a cruel enchantress, Salo knows that it is time to take action.

Salo’s queen is surprisingly accepting of his desire to be a mystic, but she will not allow him to stay in the tribe. Instead, she sends Salo on a quest. The quest will take him thousands of miles north to the Jungle City, the political heart of the continent. There he must gather information on a growing threat to his tribe.

On the way to the city, he is joined by three fellow outcasts: a shunned female warrior, a mysterious nomad, and a deadly assassin. But they’re being hunted by the same enchantress who attacked Salo’s village. She may hold the key to Salo’s awakening—and his redemption.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

5 of 5 stars

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I received a copy of Scarlet Odyssey in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Scarlet Odyssey is simultaneously the debut novel of C.T. Rwizi, and the first novel in a series of the same name. It is a world full of wonders, magic, expansive characters, and the dangers that can come with power.

This is a tale of heroes and mystics. Of misfits and rulers. Featuring four unique and diverse characters, Scarlet Odyssey introduces us to a world that is wonderfully complex and fantastical. In this world, it is the women who handle magic, while the men handle everything pertaining to war.

There are always exceptions to the rules. Salo has always craved to become a mystic, even if the rest of his village considers him deviant and a coward because of it. Likewise, Ilapara left her village in order to give herself a chance at becoming the warrior her heart always knew she could be.

Isa is a princess, one who never imaged she'd be put in charge of her entire people someday. But life has other plans, and thanks to the scheming of others, she's all her people has left. Now she must stave off disaster.

Kelafelo is the last character to discuss, and her story is one of mystery. And pain. Hers is a journey vital to this story, and yet there's no hiding from the bloodshed or pain she experienced.

“Not one minute inside the krall, and I'm already wishing I could run off.”

Warnings: Scarlet Odyssey is a tale of mystics and magic, but also of war and pain. There are elements of this novel that can get quite difficult to read, at times. In this novel, you can find the death of a child, animal death, graphic eye injuries, and rape (not discussed in detail).

Scarlet Odyssey is a brilliant, intense, and beautiful tale. This group of misfits are set to change the world – and the best part is that they don't even know it. Not yet, but soon they will. And we get to be alongside them for that journey.

Honestly, if you handed me this book with no description, I never in a million years would have guessed that it was a debut novel. It is so delightfully complex and intricate. The magical system is fascinating, yet fluid and complex. I would have given anything to see more of it.

Likewise, I simply want to see more of the world that C.T. Rwizi has introduced us to here. There were secondary characters in this novel that caught my attention alongside the main characters, making the world feel so vibrant and alive.

I think what I love best of all is that I sincerely cannot predict what path each of the characters will end up taking. I do not know how this series will end, or who will be there to end it. And yet I have faith that it will be done beautifully.

Having the perspective split into multiple parts was a brilliant move, as it allowed us to see and understand a greater part of the world. There are plots in motion that would not make sense if it was to all come from one character. Personally, I'm looking forward to the moment when it all comes together.

I honestly don't think I've ever read a novel quite like Scarlet Odyssey. It was so beautiful yet haunting, creative, and bold. I'm already finding myself missing this world, and thus I'm going to be eagerly looking forward to any and all news I can get my hands on about the second novel.

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 7 May, 2020: Finished reading
  • 7 May, 2020: Reviewed