Greyson is a green-eyed misfit, teased all through his childhood for being some sort of demon, the only kid without brown eyes. Now 19, Greyson travels to the Kingdom of Viæden, an ancient and secluded realm where trees grow to be seven miles tall. There, he discovers his eyes mean that he is a vertui: something more than human, destined to play a major role in the fate of the world. But will it be for good? Or evil?
The truth is never black and white. And on his first day as a Royal Guard, Greyson accidentally releases the kingdom's most dreaded memory: Stiqula, a monster sealed away by a goddess long ago. Born again, Stiqula strikes a deal with an evil god to end the world, and in return be reunited with his love. But is their reunion worth the world's destruction? And will Greyson discover his true destiny in time to stop him?
I received a copy of this book from the author's representation in exchange for an honest review.
In an age of "sex sells", (or severe gore) I was pleasantly surprised to pick up this book, a sci-fi/fantasy adventure with horror elements and some very deep real life lessons in it as well.
Greyson is made fun of for his eye color, until he realizes he is not normal and that isn't actually a bad thing. This little lesson should be ingrained in the minds of everyone who is teased for being different. For those types of people (like myself) who read this book, Greyson will become a personal hero. He's a great, solid character. Even when he makes mistakes, you have to love him.
The plot had its slow moments in certain areas, and definitely picked up as the author went into Stiqula's POV. It was interesting to see the world from a monster's perspective, and see that maybe a monster is more than a monster inside their own mind.
Like the description says, the world is not black and white, and that is what this book, beneath the fantastical facade, teaches us.
Loved it: I am officially a fan!
5/5--great, thought-provoking fiction!
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