The Stone Knife 

by Anna Stephens 

4 out out 5 

Synopsis 

A fantasy epic of freedom and empire, gods and monsters, love, loyalty, honour, and betrayal, from the acclaimed author of GODBLIND.

For generations, the forests of Ixachipan have echoed with the clash of weapons, as nation after nation has fallen to the Empire of Songs – and to the unending, magical music that binds its people together. Now, only two free tribes remain.

The Empire is not their only enemy. Monstrous, scaled predators lurk in rivers and streams, with a deadly music of their own.

As battle looms, fighters on both sides must decide how far they will go for their beliefs and for the ones they love – a veteran general seeks peace through war, a warrior and a shaman set out to understand their enemies, and an ambitious noble tries to bend ancient magic to her will.

Review 

The Empire of Songs has been assimilating the surrounding clans for generations. Now the last two clans must fight for their freedom.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The story is split between several of the characters.

The last free clans are in danger. The Pechacan (the Empire) has stolen their homelands, and forced them to the edge of civilisation.

On one side, the Empire's army nips at their heels, building roads and pyramids that relay their song, building their strength for a final push.

On the other, as the wet season rolls in, the danger from the Drowned increases. These are water-predators. They are humanoid, but more beast than human. They are violent, focussed on the kill, and have the ability to hypnotise their prey with song.

Setting up the pipes and pumps to provide the village with water is a very dangerous job. The Eja train for this, and are honoured to sacrifice their lives for this important task.

I really enjoyed following Xessa. She was born deaf - which in her community is a gift, not a disability. She is one of the best, she fights monsters every day, and keeps going back out there.

A last-ditch attempt at a peace treaty introduces the Empire, as the peace-weavers head the the very heart of the city.

On the surface, everything looks idyllic. Everyone is entranced by the Song, they are all connected by it, and can't live without it. The city provides advancements, comforts, and riches that are beyond the clans' simple lives.

When you look closer the cracks appear. The Empire enslave and brainwash the clans they capture, to serve them in any way they see fit. To be sold as a slave, or to be sacrificed to the gods.

They all worship the Singer, the leader of the Empire, a man so powerful that he transcends humanity and is viewed almost as a deity.

After a lifetime as being treated like a god, the Singer is a dangerous man. He is spoilt, and his mood quick to darken, with terrible results.

Around him, his Council are all rich and powerful people, driven by their own interests rather than what is best for the city and their citizens.

I really enjoyed the world-building, and I thought it was a very original take on the fantasy-fight-against-oppression; with the song infecting the masses. The Drowned are also suitably scary monsters, and how they are viewed differently by the free clans and the Empire.

The story and tensions are slow-building, a little bit too slow sometimes; but it was all worth it in the end.

There are very high stakes, and violence throughout.

I really enjoyed this introduction to the series, and look forward to the next installment.

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