Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a wild, dark fantasy romp with a twist on the traditional 'get the band back together' trope - featuring battle-hardened warriors well past their prime, a fiercely unapologetic older female lead, and a world where gender and sexuality are refreshingly non-issues. Fans of gritty, irreverent epics like Joe Abercrombie, readers who long for D&D-style party dynamics, and anyone eager for grimdark fantasy laced with snappy dialogue and wicked humor will find a lot to love here. Diversity is at the forefront, and the action (plus the head-lopping violence) never shies away from being bold, bloody, or surprisingly funny.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone clicks with this hefty tome. Some found the pacing slow, especially in the beginning, and struggled to keep track of the sprawling cast of characters. The writing style - mixing modern slang, metal band references, and dark humor - might feel jarring if you prefer more traditional prose. If you’re looking for a tightly controlled plot, deeply likable or relatable characters, or worldbuilding that goes beyond clever riffs on real-world influences, this might not be your cup of tea. The gender-bending, in-your-face diversity, and frequent profanity also put off some readers.
About:
In 'A Crown for Cold Silver', the story unfolds in a vast world filled with battle weary souls, living up to legends, and heroes challenging their reputation. The narrative introduces readers to a multitude of characters and places, offering a complex and detailed setting. The book follows the journey of Zosia, a retired warrior who faked her death but is now back seeking vengeance, leading to political turmoil and an intriguing reveal at the end. The writing style is described as detailed yet crisp, reminiscent of George R. R. Martin's 'A Game of Thrones', with contemporary language and diverse characters contributing to the dark fantasy theme of the story.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include strong language, graphic violence, themes of drug use, and mature themes related to societal conflict.
From The Publisher:
"It was all going so nicely, right up until the massacre."
Twenty years ago, feared general Cobalt Zosia led her five villainous captains and mercenary army into battle, wrestling monsters and toppling an empire. When there were no more titles to win and no more worlds to conquer, she retired and gave up her legend to history.
Now the peace she carved for herself has been shattered by the unprovoked slaughter of her village. Seeking bloody vengeance, Zosia heads for battle once more, but to find justice she must confront grudge-bearing enemies, once-loyal allies, and an unknown army that marches under a familiar banner.
Five villans. One Legendary General. A final quest for vengence.
Ratings (2)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (1) |
Reader Stats (5):
Read It (2) | |
Want To Read (3) |
What can you read after
A Crown for Cold Silver?
About the Author:
Alex Marshall is a pseudonym for Jesse Bullington, acclaimed author of several novels in different genres including The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart and The Enterprise of Death. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
