So far, the best book I’ve read in 2024 is Crucible of Chaos by Sebastian de Castell. The book is a prelude to de Castell’s upcoming Court of Shadows series and a sequel to his excellent Greatcoat novels. Whatever I read next will have a hard time topping this one!
The story’s protagonist, Estevar Borros, is one of the most endearing and unforgettable heroes you will ever meet. He is a Greatcoat, one of the sword-wielding magistrates who roam the land dispensing the King’s justice. But he’s also known as the King’s Crucible for his talents in investigating supernatural mysteries. Estevar has the mind of Sherlock Holmes in a middle-aged, overweight body that reminded me of John Rhys-Davies’ portrayal of the musketeer Porthos in The Man in the Iron Mask.
The tale begins when Estevar receives an ominous letter from an old friend, the abbot of a secluded monastery called the Isola Sombra. All the monks have gone mad, and the abbot fears an unnatural presence within the abbey’s walls. This sets up a gripping mystery that quickly becomes a who-done-it after Estevar arrives at the abbey with his trusted mule Imperious and discovers the abbot who summoned him has been murdered.
Estevar quickly finds himself in peril, faced with three warring factions of monks, each led by a colorful and dangerous commander. Meanwhile, the only person on the isle Estevar can trust is a mysterious young woman named Caeda, who has lived for years in the shadowy tunnels beneath the monastery. But something about Caeda doesn’t seem right, adding to the intrigue.
Had de Castell left the story with simply mortal suspects, Crucible of Chaos would have been an excellent medieval mystery. But when he adds in the supernatural, he takes the story to a whole new level, which, honestly, places this novel into the very top tier of books I’ve read over the past several years. The mystery is so well-crafted that I dare not spoil anything more. But if you like fantasy novels with a historical feel, an intricate mystery, and strong supernatural elements, you will love this one.