Then learn to love yourself, learn to believe in life and to help others because you want to. You are like Igura’s compassion, aimless and alone you wander the world and fill your self-worth by making sure that others are happy. You give more and more of yourself until there is nothing left, like Mimir the Mad. You want to heal the world? Start by forgiving yourself and opening yourself up to the possibilities again.” A soft and gentle breeze rustled the long field of grass as if grooming it with an invisible tongue. The orange glow of an egg yolk covered it all and the soft touch of grey began to grow like mould over its tapestry.' The prose are trying too hard for their own good and that's not too bad (there are times where I think it aids the atmosphere) but the narrators are trying too hard too. They insert inflections, pauses, and odd emphasis in the worst ways and the end result is that they end up highlighting how hard the prose are trying. The story itself begins as fragments told from these multiple perspectives, allowing us to build emotional connections to each of the individual characters before their plot lines eventually intersect. It’s especially rewarding to see how everything comes together in the latter part of the book, as many of the subtle connections become clear. Ardalan also keeps us guessing through a variety of unexpected plot twists. One line for one character in particular stood out to me, and is a testament to the level of Kian's writing.

REVIEW: Eleventh Cycle by Kian N. Ardalan - Grimdark Magazine

It's not all this poetic, it finds a warm tonal balance between Sanderson and someone such as Wurts or Rothfuss. The prose only adds to the story, never detracts. when we have moments of wonder the poetic prose is played up, in moments of dialogue and casual scenes it's more workmanlike. But just like this world, it's never anything less than haunting. Erefiel: A halfblooded warrior, part human, part Zerub (humanoid creations whom have animalistic features to them, for example Erefiel is bird like), he feels caught between the Elders and humanity. A good hearted soul whom often takes 'strays' under his wing, he is a natural leader.Naturally, the book is a fantastical commentary on the subject of colonialism and the destruction of indigenous way of life, as well as culture. James did not shy away from highlighting the ruthlessness of colonialist rhetoric which made the book quite adept at stoking my anger. Apparently there are 4 or 5 future books planned for the series. I am so excited to see more of this world!

Eleventh Cycle by Kian N. Ardalan BOOK REVIEW: Eleventh Cycle by Kian N. Ardalan

It is in the long span of generations, as we are given glimpses of each pivotal moment in spider evolution, where we begin to see the whole image take shape. The gilgamesh, meanwhile, faces the most nascent challenge since the beginning of human civilisation: themselves. Kian N. Ardalan was born in Germany, Dusseldorf to Persian parents and has since travelled between so many places that he sees himself as a person of the world; well, with one exception.One of the most original sci-fi books I have had the pleasure of reading. Got this as a gift from my fiancee's brother. The book is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. A ship called Gilgamesh carries the remaining humans in s One of the most original sci-fi books I have had the pleasure of reading. Got this as a gift from my fiancee's brother. The book is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. A ship called Gilgamesh carries the remaining humans in search of a habitable planet as a last hail mary. Eventually, they come across a planet that is hospitable, but already occupied by sentient spiders. The hanging heads could be seen as depressed and sullen, but I preferred to see it as veneration— to me, the flower heads were bowing to us passing visitors.' But this is not some kind of 'trauma porn', there is still light and hope in these books. These characters are inherently flawed but good people. They are fiercely loyal, compassionate, trying to do the right thing to survive their way in this miserable world.

Kian N. Ardalan | Eleventh Cycle

In conclusion, this book is set to shake the foundations of grimdark fantasy, with a new independent author who has a decisive command of character, world-building and prose, all working in harmony to create my favourite series debut of the year. So, making this as a sort of PSA because I'm only about an hour in but feel very sure in saying this. Inspired by Beserk and the Dark Souls games, you can feel the influences throughout the book – especially in the tone and atmosphere. Minethria is a rich, well developed world with a huge amount of lore that I loved learning more about. I want to give special mention to how James so respectfully adapted native American culture into his story, to the point that it even included non-binary individuals!

Read Eleventh Cycle by Kian N Ardalan

You don’t like dark elements in your books (murder, death, sexual assault, etc.) [ Specific trigger warnings listed by the author in the blurb below] Upon the end of a Cycle, the sight of a Seed's ascension is a most wondrous sight. A pillar of light pierces down and pulls the Seed up into the Creator's embrace. It can be seen from the whole of Minethria." Despite his teacher’s warnings, Kian decided to lean into that realm and now invites others to also explore these vibrant (and perhaps worrying) reflections of his own psyche. Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.

Eleventh Cycle (Mistland, book 1) by Kian N Ardalan

And now I shall sign off so I can go and read the remaining 42% of the book, but if Dr Mauro's review is anything to go by, this will be an unrelenting emotionally powerful journey all the way through to the gritty end. But don't get me wrong, this is one of the darkest novels I've read, one that seriously justifies the use of content warnings, as the worse aspects of a decadent world will be reflected in a really grim way, without any kind of glorification; and that close connection to the characters will make it harder from the emotional standpoint.

We also have interludes interspersed with the narrative on occasion, giving us a glimpse into Mount Morniar and the realm of the Elders. Now let me tell you, this is TRIPPY lol. I mean seriously it's incredibly fresh and inventive. I have never quite experienced worldbuilding that's felt this alien. Thats the entire feel to this world, a very alien, in some senses barren and morose world. This is not a light tale, not by any means. Minethria was born from Mist, shaped and moulded by the Elder King himself. Many cultures have different names for it. The Bayrish language calls it the Haar, yet the Highers beings name it Nif. Though its shaping comes naturally from the higher being, talented mortals have also shown a proclivity for being able to mould it into equipment or magical objects."