This was a really fascinating read. The world-building was expertly done and I really enoyed how the book threw you into the narrative and then expected you to keep up - it left me not knowing where the book was going to go next and I found that really engaging. The multiple character points of view were really well done, but I did find them a little bit overwhelming at times, although this is just a personal preference. All the characters drew you into their stories and I found that I had to keep reading to see where the story was going next.

Thank you to the author for putting content warnings at the start - this is sometimes overlooked but is incredibly helpful in preparing the reader for what's going to happen. Overall, a really gripping read.

Thank you to the author who provided me with an Arc copy through NetGalley!

While I rated this a 5, I would say that if I could provide ratings in decimals, I'd likely give this a 4.7 or 4.8. It was so close to being perfect for me. This may contain vague spoilers.

Summarized Pros:
• Breathes life back into old and overdone tropes with unexpected twists; feels fresh and new
• Extremely well written characters; reader feels a full spectrum of emotions without feeling forced
• Good character development
• Immersive world-building
• Gives content warnings
• Challenges the concepts of good vs evil, contrasting social & cultural expectations, and more
• Pacing is good; the parts that had less action or weren't as dialogue heavy still felt compelling
• Not your typical "Chosen One" or "Prophecy" story

Unlike many people who review books, I am not an avid reader. It's not that I dislike books, but rather that with my inability to create images in my head, it is very easy for me to become bored or distracted when trying to read a book. I almost never finish books, and if I do it's over the course of months or the better part of a year. Not days.

Such was not the case with Legend of the Quill. I actually found myself trying to sneak in further reading during times when I should have been doing anything but.

The MC, Sasharr, isn't your typical protagonist and that's part of what makes me like him so much. He's believable and real. Instead of being the kind of character a lot of people wish they could BE—someone bold, daring, edgy, seductive, etc—Sasharr is instead someone many of us can already see a piece of ourselves in. He is anxious and uncertain; resilient and brave; at times awkward and naive. He feels the injustices of the world deeply and is dismayed by complacency. He cares about others, and he gives so much of himself. Certainly far more than he ought to, even though he knows the cost is his own well-being.

The two biggest things I like about this book is that it's self-aware, but also the writing is done in such a way that any confusion or mixed feelings we have about what's happening is mirrored by the characters. This is very much a story about "the journey", and in a world where everyone wants swift gratification constant action, this book finds a way to slow things down without becoming boring.

When the MC has been travelling for the better part of a year, you feel as though you have been travelling with him. When you feel like you're not getting where you want to go fast enough, the MC is lamenting the same frustrations. The author has managed to achieve, rather artfully, a shared expression between reader and author (at least for me). I am not bothered by the slightly slower pace of the journey because it doesn't READ like a slow story with how it enraptures you like a spell. Every moment has a purpose. You feel and experience things with the characters instead of simply being told what you should be feeling.

My biggest pet peeve in books is staying in the POV of someone I disagree with strongly and dislike as a character. It happens a lot. The way many characters are written these days inevitably leads to me disengaging or being thrown out of the story. It leaves me feeling frustrated with the protagonist more often than not. While I understand some people dislike multi-POV books, with how different each character is and how well-rounded the cast is, I think this is probably one of the biggest strengths of the book. I enjoy seeing inside their heads, to see the motivations, how they are perceived by the rest of the cast. Because I am not trapped inside one POV the entire time, I have the freedom to agree or disagree with the choices being made by the individuals we're following in that moment without fear of things becoming stale or tiresome.

Alongside Sasharr I grieve for the life he can never have, feel empathy for all the things he must give up, and can appreciate the urgency and fraying temper as the timer begins to run out. With Kigäli—our main antagonist—I can feel his drive, experience the focused and strategic nature with which he operates, but I am also given the chance to see inside his mind to find that maybe, just maybe, there is hope for him yet. I suppose we'll find out in the books ahead.

I can't express enough how refreshingly different this story reads. All other books lately have felt very formulaic, but I genuinely never knew what would happen next or what twists might occur. Everything felt organic and exciting. I so often guess what will happen next, usually right from the outset. But this isn't your typical prophecy story, and I'm glad for it.

I can't way for the Battle of Heroes, and I hope many other readers will take a chance on this book and learn to love the world the same way I came to love it.

Thank you to Astra Crompton and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC of this fantastic book!

This book was absolutely stunning. Crompton had me gripped from the very first page, wanting to get further into the story and explore more of the world.
It was a seamless blend of fantasy and adventure, balanced out with heartwarming and relatable characters.

Crompton's writing style is immersive and enchanting. The vivid descriptions of landscapes and magic really bring the story to life and make it easy for the reader to feel involved.

The story has multiple POVs following a diverse selection of characters. This means that not only do we get a very comprehensive insight into the main character Sasharr's reasonings and beliefs, we also get this understanding for the antagonist, Kigäli, as well.
Whilst I found it very easy to relate to Sasharr and his struggle with embracing his destiny, I also really loved having the insight and understanding of the antagonists actions and interpretations as well!
The multiple POVs is such a great addition to the story as it enables the reader to truly appreciate the thoughts, feelings and intentions behind the actions of the characters.

Sasharr in particular was relatable in a very real way. He didn't have conviction or believe in himself. He questioned himself; his choices; the world around him and the prophecy in general. When Sasharr was frustrated, it was easy to see why. When he acted bravely, we were treated to a very realistic "could I have approached that differently" processing period afterwords.

Crompton also, thoughtfully, provided a list of trigger warnings at the start of the book which is always so appreciated as it allows readers to be aware of what to expect going in.

Legend of the Quill beautifully conveys powerful themes of friendship; loyalty; and self-discovery. It's a tale that I know will leave a lasting impact until the next installment. Crompton has done marvellously with this novel, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Whether you're a longtime fan of fantasy or new to the genre, Legend of the Quill is a must-read that promises an unforgettable journey.