Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

In Asunder, Kerstin Hall weaves an epic fantasy where human lives are entangled in a cosmic struggle between two spiritual gods, the Bhatuma and the Ephirite. At the heart of this narrative is Karys, a deathspeaker bound to the Ephirit Sabaster. With the ability to peer into death’s memory and speak with the deceased, Karys navigates a world where power, survival, and sacrifice are deeply intertwined. Her journey begins with an investigation into a botched smuggling job, and what she uncovers sets her on a dangerous path, unraveling her own tether to the spiritual forces that govern her world.

Karys is a compelling protagonist—sullen, snarky, and unafraid to stand up for herself, yet deeply burdened by her circumstances. Her resourcefulness shines when her investigation takes a dangerous turn and she encounters Ferain, a dying man who offers her a “Split Lapse,” a device that can manipulate time. Karys seizes the opportunity, not just to survive but to potentially escape the oppressive forces that bind her. Their initial agreement, forged out of desperation, unexpectedly entwines their fates as Ferain becomes bound to Karys’ shadow, turning what began as a temporary alliance into something far more complex and enduring.

Hall’s world-building is rich with layers of mythology and political intrigue. The contrast between the Bhatuma and the Ephirite is sharply drawn, with Karys’ past devotion to the Bhatuma serving as a poignant backdrop to her current entanglements. The Bhatuma’s ruthlessness, juxtaposed against the rigid control of the Ephirite, creates a world where no one is truly free, and survival often means navigating morally ambiguous choices.

As Karys delves deeper into the mystery of the Split Lapse—the device tethering her to Ferain—she gathers a found family around her. Winola, a professor who becomes an unlikely ally, and Haeki, a childhood friend, join her in a quest that transcends mere survival. Together, they embody the novel’s central theme of community care and solidarity, offering moments of tenderness and sacrifice that stand in stark contrast to the harshness of the world around them.

The novel’s exploration of imperialism, religious power dynamics, and the struggle for autonomy is both timely and resonant. Through Karys’ eyes, we see the devastating impact of the Ephirite’s rule over Mercia, and the ways in which individuals and communities resist or are complicit in this domination. The narrative is interwoven with reflections on home and identity, how home can come to define us, and how hard it is to escape, should we choose to.

Hall’s characters are deeply developed, each one bringing a unique perspective to the central conflict. The dynamic between Karys and Ferain evolves from initial suspicion to a bond marked by comedic banter and mutual respect, adding a layer of warmth to the story. Their relationship, along with the slowly blooming camaraderie with Winola and Haeki, underscores the novel’s exploration of loyalty and sacrifice. 

Asunder is a powerful exploration of survival in a world where power is often wielded without mercy. Hall masterfully balances the fantastical elements of the story with the ethical dilemmas faced by her characters, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Karys’ journey is one of grit, compassion, and relentless determination, making her a protagonist worth rooting for. The novel concludes on an open-ended note, leaving the door ajar for a potential sequel. If there is more to come, I can’t wait to return to the world of Karys, Ferain, Winola, and Haeki!

📖 Recommended For: Fans of intricate world-building and morally complex characters, readers who enjoy epic fantasy with strong female leads, those interested in stories of found family and survival, and lovers of nuanced power dynamics and spiritual mythology.

🔑 Key Themes: Community Care and Solidarity, Survival and Sacrifice, Imperialism and Religious Power, Autonomy and Identity, Home and Belonging.