I’ve been selected by Philip Chase (aka YouTube’s Dr. Fantasy) to be a member of his judging team for the 10^th annual edition of the Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off, a contest created by author Mark Lawrence. I have been assigned six titles and will be publishing my reviews for the books here, a process that will culminate in the selection of the title I will advance in the competition. Each of the other members of Philip’s team will also be making a selection, and from those Philip will select our team’s finalist later this fall.

To make my selection I will be using a ten point system similar to the one Philp has been using for the contest. The scale looks like this:

1-2 points—A flawed book

3-4 points—A underdeveloped book with promise

5-6 points—A promising book, likely worthy of recommendation

7-8 points—A solid, admirable book that I will definitely recommend

9-10 points—A new favorite, likely worthy of rereading

I will be breaking my thoughts down via the following six categories:

*World-building

*Opening/Engagement

*Characters

*Plot/Theme

*Prose

*Satisfaction of Resolution/Story arc

I will strive to keep all of my SPFBO reviews non-spoiler.

SOUTH BREAKS opens in the midst of action, seamlessly setting up story questions for the reader and building the world of the story without pause. We quickly learn that protagonist South is a “sacrifice” in an ancient, indigenous Mesoamerican  culture that practices human sacrifice on a series of pyramids. Steenbock never stops the story to explain, but large quantities of vital information, about the religion, the culture, and the politics of the story’s Empire are flowing to the reader through a brisk, page-turning opening. I found the invitation to immersion to be exceptional, with intrigue that only continued to build. I quickly read a quarter of the book in one sitting.

The story is primarily told from the perspective of South, whom we come to know intimately in short order. I was almost instantly fond of her, mainly due to her huge heart and her empathy for others, including several animal companions. A few of the other characters are well-developed, including her brother, aunt, mother, and love interest. Perhaps my favorite of all are the aforementioned animal friends… This story has heroic mules! There is also a clever monkey friend, who never accepts any of the names South tries to give them.

The plot centers on a wonderful sort of “found family”—a lost orphan’s return to an unknown home. Which really drew me in and won my heart. From the establishing of our fellowship we are taken on a mission to thwart the treachery of the vengeful “Priests.” The plot culminates in exciting action and perilous flight.

South discovers and uses a soft sort of magic that I really enjoyed, as it has limitations and a cost—including the ultimate penalty for its misuse: death. Several themes develop, including the healing power of love (and sex—more on that in a moment), and of sacrifice (ironically), the nature of grief, the pernicious tendency of religious manipulation, and the acceptance of mortality, especially in the light of love and family.

[Note on the depiction of sex: SOUTH BREAKS is an adult fantasy, and is very spicy. Sex is depicted fairly explicitly. Although, in my opinion, the sex is not gratuitous—indeed, it is quite central to the plot and to the characters’ turning points—I’m guessing some will find it offensive. There is one particular instance I initially found jarring, in which sex is used as a tool of manipulation, and ultimately as a weapon. Upon reflection, considering the cultural and moral context of the story as portrayed, I can’t claim it unfitting to the tale. Although I found this moment challenging, it did not impede my satisfaction with the story.]

The prose of the book is engaging and flows well. The author uses a lot of short sentences, paragraphs, and chapters, enhancing the briskness of the read. The archaicism which Steenbock employed felt complimentary to the atmosphere and the culture, and aided in my immersion.

The climax of the book is exciting and briskly paced, and leads to a denouement that affirms the thematic threads of the story. Although the book is clearly the first edition in a series, the primary characters’ arcs are complete and satisfying—particularly in the case of South. The final lines of the book are devoted to the setup of an engaging mystery that has this reader anxious to read on.

My score: 8—I would definitely recommend this book to adult readers, particularly those who enjoy spicy fantasy, and/or those interested in ancient Mesoamerican culture.