Written by Corey Ratliff
Corey Ratliff’s Whispers of a World Breaker is not a young adult book. This is a point the author makes abundantly clear in the content warning at the beginning of the book. The first part of his Elmerïan Chronicles is packed full of crude language that would be out of place in the genre, and features bloody violence, sex, and rape. None of these elements feel exploitative, and they fit within the novel’s story, tone and world. However, in an interesting example of how concepts can evolve over time, this novel was originally planned to yell a young adult tale. It’s an interesting genesis, and I appreciate when authors touch upon the creative process within their books.
Although the novel isn’t a young adult book—nor is it appropriate for younger readers—if you’re an adult fan of young adult fantasy tales and aren’t fazed by dark and violent adult fare, and you enjoy reading about adult characters, you’ll find much to love about Whispers of a World Breaker. At its core, it’s the story of protagonist Aric and his bond with a dragon, which brings a level of beauty to the book. It just also happens to be a grimy story about war. While the book’s beauty and grime are at opposite ends of the spectrum, Ratliff has balanced both elements wonderfully. The juxtaposing tones don’t feel incongruous; instead, they complement each other, enriching the tale.
These elements wouldn’t work in such harmony with each other if the book’s world wasn’t so clearly defined. Whispers of a World Breaker spans the continent of Verilia, a setting that is as vibrant as it is dark. It’s a deep world that feels lived in by not just its human characters, but also the fantastical creatures. It’s a wonderful setting that lures the reader in, then refuses to let them go.
While the book indeed tells a dark fantasy story, it hits all the hallmarks of an epic fantasy. The book is filled with elves, orcs and, of course, dragons, and it features many of the tropes epic fantasy fans will enjoy. But for all it plays with the tropes, it turns them on their head, presenting the world in a different light. It subverts a number of its tropes, and it does so in a way that fans of the genre will appreciate. The approach results in something that feels familiar, but also unique among the many epic fantasy stories out there. As all fantasies need to do, the book features its magic systems and internal rules. As many fantasy stories fail to do, Whispers of a World Breaker includes robust systems and rules. They play to the world, and don’t feel half-hearted; it’s clear that a great deal of effort has gone into ensuring the novel’s internal logic is logical.
Like many epic fantasies, Whispers of a World Breaker is a long book at 579 pages in paperback (reduced to 520 in hardcover; increased to 609 pages on Kindle). While a book of this length is going to intimidate some readers, the novel reads quicker than many of its ilk. There are two factors behind this. First, the book is fairly heavy on dialogue, which serves to break the text up. Second, Ratliff uses short, sharp sentences throughout the book, making it easy to follow. With the prose lacking complexity, it doesn’t add as much colour as I would like. At times, the prose doesn’t present the colour that the story brings. This style works for the book’s action scenes, of which there are many. The action is fast paced and visceral, putting the reader right in the middle of the action.
One benefit to the light writing style, however, is that the book’s length is due to the scope of the story, rather than verbose descriptions of the world. This ensures the book’s pacing works well, moving from point to point efficiently. The novel has a lot of points to cover, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. These aren’t telegraphed, nor do they feel like they’re coming from left field. Instead, they feel natural, and make sense in the context of the plot. The plot itself is solid, one that’s easy to follow despite the scope. It tells an enjoyable story that builds to its finale in a way that feels entirely earned.
A large part of the enjoyment that comes with Whispers of a World Breaker lies in its characters. They are all clearly drawn and fully formed. Aric, in particular, is a wonderful character. He follows a strong narrative arc, and this rings true through his characterisation. Aric’s a complex protagonist who feels like a living, breathing human being. He is an entertaining lead character to follow, likeable, yet imperfect. The characters all sound distinct from each other, however the dialogue sometimes feels a little wooden. The conversations don’t ring as true as they could as a result.
As Whispers of a World Breaker is the first book in the Elmerïan Chronicles, it doesn’t stand entirely alone. It’s clear that this represents the beginning of an ongoing story. Although there’s a lot more story to be told in subsequent entries, the book is a satisfying experience, rather than feeling like it’s been cut off abruptly.Although the prose and dialogue don’t always flow naturally, Whispers of a World Breaker is a thoroughly enjoyable dark epic fantasy. The characters—particularly Aric—are complex, as is the plot. The fantasy world is rich, and the book’s different styles mesh together nicely, creating an overarching experience. If you’re a young adult fan who enjoys more adult fare, the book hits the right notes. Were the author to expand on the world with a different series, I would love to see a proper young adult book. But right now, I’ll have to settle for a novella, Ashes of a Risen Empire, which I’ll be reviewing on Wednesday.
Favourite Passage
Ahead, a thick section of the Castil Forest sat like a shield wall in the black. Donalis kept his eyes moving back and forth as he followed two dozen archers, who were behind twenty shielded guards. He pitied the Gray Guards who moved in the open. If they were compromised, they would never see the arrows falling until it was too late.
Behind Donalis, Nathalior marched quietly with a tall Grayhorn guidon. He was garbed in dyed leather. A short sword clung to his hip, along with two daggers.Seconds turned to minutes as the horde of Grayhorn advanced closer to Maervorna. Rumors of their victory over Ambermead had spread to the north, which only served to send a chill of nerves down Donalis’s spine. They had just spent months fighting each other over land. Over control. What makes Paulus think they’ll fight together for more land?
Whispers of a World Breaker: Elmerïan Chronicles, Book 1, Chapter 48: “A Dark Horizon”
Whispers of a World Breaker: Elmerïan Chronicles, Book 1 was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.
Whispers of a World Breaker is available in paperback, hardcover, and on Kindle, exclusive to Amazon.
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Whispers of a World Breaker: Elmerïan Book 1 (Elmerïan Chronicles)
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