Review of The Lost Reliquary (Divine Thrall, #1) by Lyndsay Ely
You know how sometimes a book just speaks to you from the cover to the blurb? That’s how I felt when I first laid eyes on The Lost Reliquary by Lyndsay Ely. I’m someone who usually sticks to well-trodden paths, relying on recommendations, but the promise of a dark fantasy woven around themes of fanatic worship drew me in like a moth to a flame—particularly with comparisons to Godkiller and The Locked Tomb, two of my favorites. This is Ely’s debut novel, and I was curious to see if she would deliver a fresh experience that would satisfy my appetite for fantastical storytelling.
Set against an intriguing backdrop, The Lost Reliquary introduces us to Lystrata, or Lys, a fervently devoted warrior from the Dawn cloister, who finds herself entangled in a quest that challenges everything she believes in. Tasked with tracking down a lost weapon capable of destroying the last surviving goddess, she must join forces with Nolan, a fervent fanatic from the rival Dusk cloister. What starts as a quest for the divine quickly morphs into a tension-filled journey of self-discovery and moral questioning.
What truly struck me about the novel is its exploration of the relationship between faith and fanaticism. Ely does a commendable job of fleshing out Lys and Nolan, forcing them to confront their beliefs as they move through the strikingly crafted Divine Lands. The world-building is especially noteworthy; varied landscapes and cultures come alive, intricately tied to Tempestra’s domineering rule. Each new locale provides a rich texture to the narrative and allows for thoughtful commentary on the consequences of blind devotion.
As the plot unfolded, I appreciated Ely’s ability to weave together moments of thrilling action with quiet introspection. The pacing felt just right—adrenaline-fueled scenes were expertly balanced with slower, more reflective chapters that delved deep into Lys’ internal struggles and her complex relationship with Nolan. Yet, I must admit that Ely’s use of quippy one-liners did occasionally push the narrative into YA territory. While enjoyable, those moments pulled me slightly away from the darker themes I craved.
Ely’s writing flows with an easy rhythm, so much so that I found myself completely immersed in the novel’s world. The myriad of twists and turns kept me guessing, elevating the reading experience beyond its initial premise. The dynamic between Lys and Nolan, full of tension and unspoken thoughts, kept me riveted—not to mention the vivid side characters who brought depth and complexity to the tale.
In conclusion, The Lost Reliquary is a thoughtful addition to the dark fantasy genre that will resonate with fans of Godkiller and The Locked Tomb. If you’re looking for a story that will challenge your perceptions of faith and power while entertaining you with the intricacies of its characters, this is the book for you. Lyndsay Ely’s debut might have surprised me, but more importantly, it left me eagerly wanting to see where Lys and Nolan’s journey will take us next. It’s a solid read that has garnered a new fan in me, and I look forward to the sequel!
For more reflections and reviews, feel free to check out my Medium page: Distorted Visions. Happy reading! 🌟
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