by Kristen B.

He’s not just a demon, he’s THE demon. And honestly, Kaiisteron is one of my favorite characters from the past year. Maybe not quite in possession of “a heart of gold,” he nonetheless loves his friends and tries to do right in the world.

Witch King by Martha Wells opens with Kai returning to consciousness, confused and worried about being disembodied – basically a ghost. It’s a disorienting start to a mystery full of politics and betrayal, as we have to figure out what’s going on along with the demon. He immediately resolves the need for a body (and revenge) and goes looking for his best friend, Ziede. She is a Witch who can no longer sense her wife, Tahren – a nearly immortal being who switched sides in the last war. Kai and Ziede, along with an abandoned orphan and other people picked up along the way, immediately set out to find Tahren and figure out what has happened in the year they were imprisoned.

From that point on, the novel intersperses the current timeline with the story of how all these powerful people met each other and changed the world. They were part of a rebellion, upending the power-hungry Hierarchs who were conquering the world. As usual, Martha Wells provides world building that’s miles deep and centuries long. This world feels real and lived in, so the stakes matter. Except that the full, entire stakes are not crystal clear until past and present come together in a surprising, satisfying ending with plenty of twists and turns.

This book definitely rewards a second read. The first time through I was more concerned with figuring out who was who and what was happening. Wells throws you into the deep end and slowly parcels out clues and details. The stakes are so much higher than a missing spouse or a betrayed friendship. The second time, I could appreciate the sheer genius of how the two timelines fit together and inform each other. Once again, Kaiisteron’s actions and his loyalty to the man who saved him changes the fate of his world. I hope Wells writes more in this world, but this is a fantastic standalone as is.

Kristen B. is a devoted bookworm lucky enough to work as the graphic designer for HCLS. She likes to read, stitch, dance, and watch baseball in season (but not all at the same time).