Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eArc.


This book had an interesting concept but it felt rushed in some parts. I had to reread some parts to understand everything but overall this was a decent read.

Emani Malakai is a renowned leader of the Askarai, an elite troop of the Moon Empire. However, the king's policy has changed in recent times, taking it to a new, peaceful way. When the kingdom is threatened, he must choose between protecting the people and obeying the king.

"Oftentimes, it is not size or skills that wins, rather the courage to believe you can win."

I really wanted to love this book, as the premise sounds very interesting, and it is also promoted as a fantasy story with African culture. But. Although I was able to understand the protagonist's internal concerns and debates, I can't fully engage with his story.

The atmosphere was not very convincing to me, and although as I mentioned previously that the premise caught my attention, I was not completely taken by how it developed. It is a book that is well written, but where the rhythm is not consistent. On the other hand, more than once I was lost, I felt that more explanations or details were necessary, not only about situations or events, but also (and particularly) about worldbuilding. There are scenes that happen and I don't fully understand how they are part of the same story, particularly the fantasy scenes.

I think the story has potential, but it is necessary to have more information to follow the idea in a better way.

DNF @36%

Unfortunately, the writing style of this one just did not work for me. It felt clunky and disjointed. However, I did like some of the plot, and I liked the main characters, Emani and Iban. I just kept being pulled out of this by the writing. I put it down for awhile, came back, and felt the same way.

I really wanted to love this book because it was based on African culture. However, I was very confused and did not know what was going on. I think the story needed to be coherent. Still, I recommend this fans of Skin as Deep!

A politcal mess and 0 drama. Not for me tbh.
So nada pasa hasta el final donde hay una guerra de clanes, donde el Wakuza (cualquier similitud con el yakuza es coincidencia) pelea contra el clan de los protagonistas. En el medio aparece un monstruo que despues no aparece mas?????
You're confused? Im fuckin confused bro

I really struggled with giving this book 2 or 3 stars. I ultimately decided on 2 because while the premise was interesting, I wasn’t impressed.
The Language of Spears follows the epic story of a general, Emani, who places his kingdom above all else. Even his family. Emani is driven by a moral compass to protect his people and not necessarily his ruler. From this divide, he is faced with a national threat that demands unlikely alliances and sacrifice.
First, there is practically zero plot development to this story whatsoever and most principal scenes lacked detail. I almost went crazy trying to get into this book just because I hate when authors expect you to know everything right away. Anyways, Emani: I liked him as a main character yet there were times he acted out of character. Emani is portrayed as cold, angry, and serious; not in ill nature but because of his role as a protector and warrior. Later in the book, he would laugh, smile, and joke at random moments. Now this isn’t a box he is being forced into but for dramatic swings in behavior, there is a demand for character development. Secondly, this book was almost all rising action and by being a quick read it conjures a desperation for something just out of reach. Most plot twists were intensely foreshadowed and expected, I never found myself shocked.
Conclusively, I'm not sure I’ll pick up the next book in this series. I’m also not sure I'd go around recommending it with fervor. Despite this, D’Andre August’s writing is pleasant and i’m certain he has the potential to publish something incredible!

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing me with this advance reader copy.

Description from NetGalley:
In the esteemed Moon Empire, the Askarai are an elite rank of widely revered generals sworn to protect the kingdom. For Emani Malakai, renown and admiration are only half the burden borne for being the most respected of these soldiers in an empire built on the ruins of its enemies—and that burden is about to get even heavier.
As the kingdom's capital, Ko’Mazi, becomes the epicenter of King Afar's New Way, the people are forced to diverge from their martial traditions and adopt a peaceful lifestyle.
But the Moon Empire was built on blood and ashes.
A treasured member of the king's closest circle, Emani is angered by the decision as it threatens to leave the empire vulnerable to enemy assault. Worse yet, the nearby kingdom of New Ester has seen the rapid ascent of a False King whose dangerous ambition looms on Ko’Mazi's horizon. And after a mysterious mercenary known as The Cat appears in town, the reality of the False King’s monstrous force is laid bare for Emani to see. The choice is simple, accept King Afar's New Way or disobey the King and protect his home.

This book confused me. I was lost during so much of it. Not a lot is explained or at least in a way that made sense to me in the short time I had with the book. I had to back up and reread sections of this short book to understand. The writing is good though. I think overall it would have been better if more background or world building had been there for me instead of starting off in the middle of everything.

I’d be interested to see what else the author writes. 3/5

DNF at 35%

I did not understand the plot, at all. For some reason the story did not catch my attention. There were no triggers which invited me to read more. Besides, it felt as if there was some sort of background knowledge that I needed to read this book. It's well written, but I simply had no connection with the character nor the plot. The world building was another thing which made me frown a little. For this book, the world is way too vague.

This story starts with no explanation of the characters and the situation. I need a little more world building and introduction to set up the story and get involved.