Roderyk, a young blacksmith’s son from Seabrook, feels an unspoken pull toward the sea, yearning for a life beyond the confines of his village. Though his days are filled with hard labor, his mind drifts toward distant horizons. When he leaves to explore the world, he falls under the oppressive rule of a powerful Church, setting him on a path of resistance. Burdened by moral conflict and inner turmoil, Roderyk must navigate a world of rebellion, sacrifice and self-discovery, unsure of the cost he’ll ultimately pay for the freedom he seeks.
The story isin a complex and gritty world. The writing is detailed and insightful. I believe some parts could be clearer and easier to follow though The dialogue is strong, with characters feeling realistic and unique. The way they react to the challenges around them helps the reader understand their personalities and struggles. The pacing is mostly solid, but a few scenes are dragged a LOT. And although the world-building is rich it gets a little overwhelming with all the details, makiug it hard to keep track of everything. It could be a bit more streamlined, but overall, it’s an engaging story with strong potential.