Starlight Jewel by E.L. Lyons
Starlight Jewel is a dark epic fantasy employing an intriguing system of low magic that is the fulcrum of the societal dynamics that allow for the environment of politics and power at play throughout the tale.
Society is formed of multiple factions of humans, powerful tree-like creatures and their gifted hybrid spawn. The hybrids form a literal underground society, the Starlight Company, that seeks to live in balance with humans all the while stealing them blind with the occasional assassination thrown in for good measure.
The Starlight Company achieves its nefarious goals with seduction, thievery and assassination. All made possible by the magic system of hybrid gifts that allow for heightened senses, increased speed and stamina, the ability to be quiet and the coup de grace of gifts- effacement or memory stealing.
Skillfully character driven. High marks for character development and chemistry. Lyons’ excels at dialogue from cover to cover.
The pace is dynamic with sprints and lulls. I wouldn’t call the lulls a detractor. The prose carries the day where others might falter. Consider this, as a dude, you would think the last thing I would care to spend time on is dressmaking. Lyons kept me interested and entertained in just such a scene and made me like it.
Lyons’ world building is exquisite and complex. I was delighted with how the building blocks were delivered over a measured pace that gradually weaved a pleasing tapestry. There are no info dumps, figuring out and understanding Lyons’ world was a slow burn joy.
The story leads with a strong female MC with questionable morals and profession. Hardly what you might consider a good person, but you will love her anyway. Morals are a matter of perspective after all. In this world there are consequences for not doing what you believe to be right.
The supporting cast is constructed of quality sidekicks, the big boss antagonist, a love interest you will pull for, deadly rivals and ominous powerful creatures served up in tantalizing bits.
I can wholeheartedly recommend this book and will be reading the next.
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