Publishers Weekly
10/15/2018
Readers seeking a lengthy grimdark tale will find plenty of pain and suffering in the trials of Teyr Amondsen, former mercenary turned merchant, as she endeavors to establish an ambitious trade route across the Circle of clan lands. She travels with fellow soldiers; her accountant lover, Aude, and his son; and a significant quantity of medicinal plants—many of which are performance-enhancing battle drugs—and the drudha who know how best to administer them. Their challenges include persuading multiple clans of the benefits of the road and winning over the mysterious Oskoro people who reside in the forest at the heart of the Circle. Teyr’s ambition and endurance are admirable, her goal is refreshingly mundane and pragmatic, and Selby has crafted a deeply imagined world. However, the unrelenting misery of her circumstances is exhausting, and the choice of an interwoven narrative of two timelines feels unnecessary. Even those drawn to bleak stories will find this one a little excessive. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"Set in a brutal world of subtle magic, clashing empires, and commercial interests, this is an impressive fantasy debut. Selby demonstrates the command of style, character, plotting, and world building of a seasoned author."—Booklist on Snakewood
"Betrayal and retribution epitomize Selby's epic fantasy/thriller debut, set in an Earth-like, barbaric, drugged-up society reliant on plant-based narcotic concoctions for addictive potions and deadly poisons. His detail-heavy, conversational dialogue in memoir/journal design and his militant, Berserker-ish characters keep pages turning. Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie."—RT Book Reviews on Snakewood
"Not your typical grimdark fantasy....While it's a complex tale, this is also an immensely readable one, and should appeal to fans of the immersive world-building of Brandon Sanderson. Selby constructs his world on a personal, visceral level, making sure we feel everything that happens to the narrators."—BarnesandNoble.com on Snakewood
"Original and effective ... relish the well-choreographed action scenes."—Library Journal on Snakewood
"I give it nothing but the highest recommendation."—Grimdark Magazine on Snakewood
"Contemporary and grimdark as it comes."—British Fantasy Society on Snakewood
"Absolutely fascinating and incredibly original."—Sense of Wonder on Snakewood
"Wears its grimdark on its sleeve ... a thrilling tale of adventure, betrayal, triumph and loss."—Interzone on Snakewood
"Grim mercenaries and badass alchemists brought to life by a bold, assured storyteller."—Peter Newman, author of The Vagrant, on Snakewood
"A lot to enjoy, especially if you are a fan of dark, gritty, old-soldier stories."—Fantasy Faction on Snakewood
"Uniquely dark and gritty fantasy. An intriguing debut."—Bibliosanctum on Snakewood
