Review of “Kindred of the Unseen” by Micah Beardsley

Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)

Kindred of the Unseen by Micah Beardsley is a rare example of true epic fantasy and high fantasy in a literary world gone simple and soft!

This fantasy novel is filled to the brim with impressive world-building including the universe having its own creation myth, history, and folklore. The world features its own unique (and diverse) language, various lands and regions/sections of land that differ in their geography and ethnic makeup, special metals and materials like Avanite/Avranthan steel, and even its own magic system!

The language of this book is so unique and different that there are two whole pages of pronunciation guides at the end of this. Be warned: this might be too complicated or advanced for some people, but the most hardcore fantasy fans and D&D nerds may appreciate this.

There are also various interesting locations in this book that are highly-detailed and relentlessly described, sometimes overly so. The world of Kindred of the Unseen is a richly layered universe composed of multiple realms, each with its own spiritual and mystical significance. The natural realm, Nandurath, is filled with diverse landscapes like Auburntungle's towering forests and A’risea’s crystalline lakes. Beyond Nandurath lie higher, transcendent realms where councils of light and darkness govern spiritual matters, including the Celestial Senate and the Table of Thunders. Societies are deeply attuned to the metaphysical, with ancient cultures like the Cai'thirí mastering sound for cosmic harmony.

There are so many lush forests and majestic waterfalls in this book that it often reads like a tourism ad! We legitimately wish we could visit these places!

The land of Kindred of the Unseen is inhabited by a variety of beings, each contributing to its mystical landscape. Humans are central to the story, including warriors, hunters, musicians, and mystics who navigate personal and cosmic struggles, such as Edyndor and Léyondir, who seek courage and spiritual awakening. Among the mystical inhabitants are the Laftzári, luminous caretakers of the Andolothaí Forest, who nurture life-giving trees in harmony with nature. The ancient Cai'thirí, masters of the Kai Theory, wield sound to influence reality and connect with celestial forces, representing profound wisdom. The Shining-Ones, or Yahtlév’yah, are spiritually heightened beings, destined to bring light and understanding across realms. Powerful spiritual beings also reside here, including divine figures like Iáhdé and dark entities like Cyrthron, who influence fates. Lastly, demonic Principalities corrupt the Celestial Senate, wielding dark influence. Each of these groups shapes the conflicts and mysteries within this richly layered world.

The magic system is also rather interesting since the world is inhabited and frequently put in peril by sorcerers. Magic, as described in this book, is something that comes from another (spiritual) realm entirely—something unnatural, as Palpatine would say. The book also does a decent job at describing the heights and limitations of such magic. For example, we are told that sorcerers are able to transform into great beasts, however, are most vulnerable in those states because they're limited to the physical constraints of those beasts and are unable to conjure their magic in that state.

The world is also full of mythical items like Sovereign, a fiery blade bestowed to Beldrian, the sorcerer-hunter, by King Belanden of Avranthus. It is a bit like Excalibur as far as sword-lores go. This is also a terrific example of how the narrative of this book demonstrates the rich culture of the lore. We are told that, like in Feudal Japan, the giving of one's sword to another person is a gesture of utmost respect and trust. It is like giving someone the means to kill you, yet knowing they won't.

Speaking of lore, the book is rich in lore and mythos. We're told about the book's creation myth, which is somewhat similar to Judeo-Christianity including the presence of warring angelic entities like the Shining Ones (Yahtlév’yah) and the demonic-like Principalities.

So, the world-building and writing of this book is incredible in numerous ways.

At the same time, the book's strongest traits—the world-building and the writing—may actually be to its detriment at times. They're double-edged swords.

There are times when the flowery language and highly-specific details and descriptions are captivating, and there are times when they're overdone and excessive. There are times when it really bogs down and slows down the book, disrupting pacing and flow. The author seems to repeatedly stop to describe things like trees, waterfalls, lakes, rocks, and musical instruments. There are whole entire chapters in which the characters are just trying to learn to play a song with those instruments. There were so many times when we just became impatient and wanted the characters and plot to start moving again.

Speaking of characters, there are arguably too many. Yes, they're unique and cool (sometimes), but they become difficult to keep track of and a bit hard to care about because the attention and focus of the book is scattered among them. Exacerbating this, a lot of their names are difficult to pronounce and they often travel in groups of other characters.

This is arguably an ensemble cast in which the major characters are given relatively equal focus and attention, though they differ a little in importance to the plot.

Beldrian is the standout star among this group. An absolute badass, Beldrian is a legendary hunter of sorcerers who is able to negate many of their abilities. He wields the aforementioned legendary blade, Sovereign, and pretty much has the hopes of his people on his shoulders. There are times when he shows a vulnerable, human side, which is good. But he never loses that cool, badass edge.

There's also:

Edyndor, a hunter who experiences vivid visions and engages in the metaphysical aspects of the storyline, particularly with Mźhala, a transcendent figure guiding him through spiritual realm.

Léyondir, a character torn between rationality and spiritual calling, often confronting his own uncertainties while guided by his grandfather's wisdom.

Tanathaí, a character with a complex past, who has struggled with allegiances and wrestles with voices in his mind, symbolic of inner moral and spiritual challenge.

Mźhala, a mystical figure embodying light and spiritual guidance, who plays a vital role in the narrative's metaphysical and spiritual dimensions.

Genghedi, another character influenced by the dark voices and internal struggles, often representing the intellectual and philosophical aspects within the narrative.

Tzaraphiel, anpther enigmatic guide who directs other characters towards enlightenment and understanding of ancient wisdom

However, the characters who seem to get a lot of attention are the four traveling musicians: Kavéden, Lerahti, Täfith, and Erädimus.

They start the book pretty much like a garage band looking for gigs, which is relatable enough. However, when the powers of harmony and resonance become major plot points, a lot of this book fixates on these four figuring out how to play their instruments and manipulate magical gongs to pull this off. Like we said, there are whole chapters dedicated to them just trying to learn to play music. It's not exactly thrilling or exciting like fighting dragons or orcs. At a certain point, we kinda wished that they'd go the way of Sir Robin's minstrels.

It's also kinda hard to figure out what the actual conflict/plot is supposed to be. Yes, there is a conflict and a plot, but it's buried under pages and chapters which describe all the waterfalls, trees, lakes, streams, and music in this book.

From what we can gather, the villain of the story is supposed to be Cyrthron, a dark and powerful figure who leads the Celestial Senate. This governing body, originally designed for righteous oversight of creation, has been corrupted and is now under the control of Cyrthron and his demonic Principalities. Cyrthron's goal is to manipulate and control the emerging generation of the Yahtlév’yah for his own gain, using his dark powers to influence kings and minds in the natural realm, keeping humanity from accessing higher truths and potential. His intent is to prevent the rise of the Shining-Ones and to subvert the spiritual awakening, ultimately consolidating power and dark influence across the realms.

In other words, Cyrthron is Satan (or Sauron).

The overarching conflict is thus a battle between the forces of light, led by the divine and transcendent figures like Iáhdé, and the forces of darkness, embodied by Cyrthron and his demonic senate. The struggle involves both spiritual warfare and a race against time, as the Shining-Ones must overcome their inner turmoil and the external threats posed by Cyrthron’s forces to fulfill their destiny and bring about a new age of truth and understanding.

Check it out on Amazon!