This is a collection of two books: The Element of Fire and Death of a Necromancer, which were originally released in 1993 and 1998. Martha Wells is an award-winning fantasy writer, who is republishing these revisions in one title.
The Book of Ile-Rien sets the stage for a later trilogy, which I’m still debating if they’ll make it to my TBR. The work is best described as historical fantasy, with subtle hints of romance. The first book (which I preferred), Element of Fire, has hints of a cozy mystery. Death of a Necromancer brings in elements of horror.
Both stories, loosely connected, have strong main characters with complex layers, plus a supporting cast you’re interested in knowing more about. The concepts of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts run consistent with the typical fantasy lore, though Wells investigates the more dark and chaotic side of the Fay.
The second book, Death of a Necromancer, is intense and intricate, particularly during the last third of the book. I’m glad I saw it through to the end, and I know I’ll ponder it for a little while, but it’s not often that I struggle to keep up with the story.
768 pages
Published by Tor Publishing Group
Characters 3
Story 4
World-Building 4
Spice N/A
Diversity 1
Would I buy this book for myself or a friend? No
Will I recommend this book to readers? Maybe
