The Grave of Empires - Review
Link to the author's (S. Sykes) personal website
Book 1: Seven Blades In Black
Book 2: Ten Arrows of Iron
Book 3: Three Axes to Fall
Blurb: (From Book 1) Among humans, none have power like mages. And among mages, none have will like Sal the Cacophony. Once revered, now vagrant, she walks a wasteland scarred by generations of magical warfare. The Scar, a land torn between powerful empires, is where rogue mages go to disappear, disgraced soldiers go to die and Sal went with a blade, a gun and a list of names she intended to use both on. But vengeance is a flame swift extinguished. Betrayed by those she trusted most, her magic torn from her and awaiting execution, Sal the Cacophony has one last tale to tell before they take her head. All she has left is her name, her story and the weapon she used to carved both.
Vengeance is its own reward.
Review: Sal the motherfucking cacophony! This series opens with a bang, and doesn't stop at all. There is a constant slope that increases the stakes and desperation of the characters. While never actually taking a break from the slope towards all out war, the series somehow manages to introduce a set of lovable characters. They're completely flawed, and so incredibly well written.
The creativity of the world too! This series is a great example of world-building without needing to actually explore the larger world itself, and the magic system is so inventive that you are in often in a state of disgusted awe. If you're in the mood for an intense read, then I cannot recommend this series enough. It is beautifully written female lead revenge story.