Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett

Foundryside (The Founders, #1)

by Robert Jackson Bennett

'The exciting beginning of a promising new epic fantasy series. Prepare for ancient mysteries, innovative magic, and heart-pounding heists' Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of Oathbringer

She thought it was just another job. But her discovery could bring the city to its knees . . .

In the city of Tevanne, you either have everything, or nothing. For escaped slave Sancia Grado, eking out a precarious living in the hellhole known as the Commons, nothing is just one misstep away.

So when she is offered a lucrative job to steal an ancient artefact from a heavily guarded warehouse, she leaps at the chance.

But instead of a way out of Tevanne, she finds herself the target of a murderous conspiracy. Someone powerful wants the artefact, and Sancia dead.

To survive, Sancia will need every ally and every ounce of wits at her disposal - because if her unknown enemy unlocks the artefact's secrets, the world - and reality - will never be the same.

'Robert Jackson Bennett deserves a huge audience' Brent Weeks

'An altogether terrific read' Sebastien de Castell

'Intricate worldbuilding, fascinating magic, and engaging characters. More please!' Felicia Day

'Inventive, immersive, and thrilling . . . Do yourself a favor and pick this up!' Kevin Hearne

Reviewed by Beth C. on

4 of 5 stars

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I am, quite frankly, kicking myself that I didn't read this sooner. It's got great world-building, and yet a world that could be considered similar to ours in it's views. Great characters - including a key. An actual, literal key.

In a world where things are "scrived" to imbue them with a form of magic - which is actually nothing more than an alternate version of reality - SOMEONE is collecting old artifacts from those believed to have perfected the scriving process. A thief is hired, things go awry, and it's off to the races. It's a fun read, though I did find myself getting confused by names after a while, because there are a lot of characters here. I occasionally felt that the story went on a *smidge* longer than necessary, but it didn't detract from the story in any way. And yes, there is a twist at the end that I did *not* see coming. Sad and scary and DANG.

I've already investigated when book 2 will be out, so...that's how much I enjoyed this one.

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  • 30 May, 2019: Reviewed