Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Omen: The Stained Sea is the first volume in a well written epic fantasy series aimed at YA/NA readers written by Paul Williams. Released 31st March 2023, it's 266 pages and is available in most formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
This is a sprawling and audacious series starter with intriguing worldbuilding and gratifyingly diverse characters. There are tantalizing glimpses of an intricate underlying mythos and it's clear from the work that the author has used a prodigious amount of time on creating a world that is more than just a backdrop.
It's a three voice alternating PoV and their stories gradually entwine into a cohesive story. The early parts of the book, to about 30% aren't always easy to follow or understand from context, and the author doesn't do any spoon feeding. Although it's not at all derivative, at points the prose and the freefall feeling out of context read, remind me in some ways of R.F. Kuang's Babel (also a thunderously good read).
Four stars. Definitely worth a look, especially for fans of good v. evil epic fantasy. Not a long "doorstop" read, and there's absolutely no "book bloat".
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reviewed by annieb123 on
Reading updates
- 20 August, 2023: Started reading
- 20 August, 2023: Finished reading
- 20 August, 2023: Reviewed