Silverlegs (Silverlegs, #1)

by Camilla Monk

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Silverlegs through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Silverlegs is the first novel in the Seed of Rage series by Camilla Monk. The series is mostly fantasy, but with some darker elements woven into the mix. In short, it’s a grimdark tale. It’s perfect for fans looking for something that’ll give them chills and strong emotions.
It’s a dark and violent world that Constanter has grown up in. And it seems to only get darker with each passing day. Forced to go on the run Constanter finds herself caught up in the life of being a forced soldier – all because she dressed like a boy. Now she’s trying to find a way out of this situation, ideally with her life.
I absolutely love that Silverlegs’ description came with a trigger warning. You don’t see many novels doing that these days. I wish more would do so. Silverlegs’ warnings remind us that the novel is set in a time where homophobia and sexism were common. It also warns of sexual violence, rape, graphic violence, and more. Having read the novel, these warnings are spot on.


Warnings: Read above, the trigger warnings provided by the description were more than enough in this case.
Silverlegs lives up to the expectations set on it as a grimdark tale. It’s dark and heavy and at times ominous. But it has other elements and moments that really bring something new to the plot. Think Gladiator meets grimdark, and you’ve basically got a good feel for this novel.
Constanter’s life has been a tough one. I’ll admit the flashbacks to her past – and the reason she ran – were a little rough for me. Even with the warning that was given. But it was well written, and it made me feel so much sympathy for her character – while also hoping she gets a chance for a better future.
Of course, this is a grimdark tale, so nothing is ever that easy. Constanter instead finds herself in a life shockingly similar to that of a Gladiator. Forced to be a soldier, to train and fight to the death. Here she is in a world where everyone thinks she’s a man – and she’d prefer it that way.
This novel did a good job of showing the biases and dangers of the time. This novel covers everything from homophobia and misogyny to the very dangerous and fatal consequences of those beliefs. And let’s not ignore the impact of religion. How many battles have been waged because of differing beliefs? The war in Sivlerlegs is just another tally on the scale.
Silverlegs is a dark tale, but still an interesting one worth reading. I absolutely adore that they gave readers a warning to the darker content inside (I would not have wanted to be blindsided by some of it). But that’s obviously not the only thing I loved about this book. Really, I loved Constanter and her drive to live and make something for herself.


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