Reviewed by Lianne on
The Shards of Heaven was a fascinating read, an interesting mix of history and fantasy. There’s a bit of everything in this book that makes it really interesting: a smidge of magic and the larger-than-life forces at work, history, politics, intrigue, battles. I don’t read much historical fantasy but I thought the mix was quite seamless, so much so that it felt rather natural, such as taking familiar relics and giving it a fantastical twist, and its use affecting the outcome of major real-life battles such as the Battle at Actium.
The characters that populate this novel were also interesting, ranging from historical figures to other characters also involved in the vast struggle to find the shards either for personal gain or for protection. Here’s where the intrigue was really felt for you don’t really know whose side certain characters are on at times, what some of their motives are. Everyone’s scrambling to locate and secure a shard, powerful objects that can unleash powerful destruction, but the political situation also brings a myriad of other personal goals, for example Cleopatra’s ten-year-old daughter in a quest for revenge against Rome.
Overall I really enjoyed reading The Shards of Heaven. The infusion of fantasy into history was fantastic and will appeal to readers who enjoy politics and battles and fantasy. It’s also a solid first novel in a new series, setting up the characters and where their respective storylines are heading. I look forward to seeing where the characters head off to next in the next installment.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 29 September, 2015: Finished reading
- 29 September, 2015: Reviewed