Beasts From The Dark

Beasts From The Dark is the third historical novel in the Brothers of the Sands series by Robert Low. Due out 6th Jan 2020, it's 400 pages and available in ebook format.

This is an exquisitely plotted and meticulously researched and accurate novel. My notes from my read through are very sparse because I found almost nothing wrong. In fact, my reading notes look more like one long fangirl squeal from start to finish. I can't remember the last time I read an author with such a commanding grasp of tension and plotting. The characterizations are crisp, beautifully three dimensional and believable and the narrative arc is both twisty and straightforward at the same time. There are currents and undercurrents throughout and the whole is subtle and complex and thoroughly immersive.

There is a brooding threat of real violence as well as compassion and camaraderie. I found the book quite moving in a number of places. The focus on detail was impressive and never overwhelmed the overarching narrative. This is also an author who is definitely not afraid to kill his darlings. The whole is muscular and spare and very very well done.  There are a number of scenes which were even more shocking than they would have otherwise been because they happened by contrast in an otherwise calm/peaceful surrounding.

There is a useful glossary included at the end of the book, but I didn't really need to consult it because the author is adept at defining things in context. There is quite a lot of violence (we're talking about the Roman Empire during the Severan period) as well as lots of political interplay and machination.

Beautifully written. Readable as a standalone, but I recommend the author's other work as well.

Five stars for the book, five for the series. Definitely an author to seek out.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.