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João F. Silva
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Seeds of War (The Smokesmiths Book 1) Kindle Edition

by João F. Silva (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 262 ratings
FanFiAddict 2023 Best Indie Debut Award

"He ran like the monster he was. And the smoke followed."

GIMLORE is a single mother and war veteran turned crime boss set on protecting her family and her town.

ORBERESIS is a petty thief pretending to be God to protect a terrible secret.

REDNOW is the world's most feared mercenary, but his best days are behind him and there's one job left to do.

In a world of dangerous monsters and devastating smoke magic, the seeds of war are being planted. Allies must be treasured and enemies defeated.

The Smokesmiths is a gritty epic fantasy series with a harsh world of smoke magic, alien creatures and ancient secrets where characters do their best to come out on top. Peace will not last.
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Smokesmiths
  2. Print length
    457 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 1, 2023
  5. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  6. File size
    8.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

seeds of war, smokesmiths
seeds of war, smokesmiths
seeds of war, smokesmiths

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Brilliant characters, ruthless pacing, interesting plot twists, grim but not overly grim and fascinating magic system!"
― Library of a Viking ★★★★★

"A fascinating world with compelling characters and a unique smoke-based magic system. One of my all-time favorite twists on the "all-powerful god" tropes."
― Andy Peloquin, author of the Darkblade series

"Easily one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year."
― Joseph John Lee, author of the Spellbinders and the Gunslingers series ★★★★★

"Fans of Abercrombie or Brian McClellan should take a look at it, because you will certainly enjoy what you are reading."
― Jamedi, JamReads ★★★★★

"A daring epic filled with gritty battles, devastating smoke magic, and war."
― Kay's Hidden Shelves ★★★★★

"It's wonderful worldbuilding, full of amazing creatures and a unique magic system."
― Donna Hikes and Reads ★★★★★

"I went into this book fairly blind, as I often do, and once again it paid off. What a ride this book was!"
― dustjacket_fullofmonsters ★★★★★

"An incredibly imaginative magic system that would grab Brandon Sanderson's attention. Buckle up and be prepared for a debut novel you will not soon forget."
― Blaise (Under the Radar SFF Books) ★★★★★

"A dark and gritty exploration of the human condition, through three disparate POV characters, motivated by pain, trauma, circumstance, and necessity."
― Craig Bookwyrm ★★★★

"Just... wow. I can't sing enough praise for this debut novel."
― Sean Halpin ★★★★★

"Seeds of War feels like three epic fantasy books merged into one pure, undiluted fantasy behemoth."
― Tom Bookbeard (FanFi Addicts) ★★★★★

"This book was exceptional in a number of ways, but my favorite has to be how this book showcases humanity through fiction."
― Kris (A Fictional Escapist) ★★★★

"I had a fantastic time reading Seeds of War! The characters were all very unique and well-written."
― Yesenia (bookbrunette) ★★★★★

"An incredibly impressive and masterfully crafted debut. The inventive and gritty fantasy that I didn't know I needed. It gripped me from the start and didn't let me go until I turned the very last page."
― Esmay Rosalyne (The Fantasy Review) ★★★★

"Grit, mystery, and an outstanding story. An exciting new world filled with brutal characters and intense politics."
― The Wulver's Library ★★★★

"A refreshingly impressive fantasy debut novel."
― Christopher Navo ★★★★

"Paced very well, and will definitely cause you to fall victim to that 'just one more page' syndrome."
― David's Best Reads ★★★★

"This debut is an amazing work about relationships, war, devastation, freedom and resilience."
― Filipa Gonçalves ★★★★★

"The scale of the achievement here in this indie debut is frankly mind blowing."
― Ed Crocker (FanFiAddict) ★★★★★

"An epic fantasy with a magic system I haven't seen a million times before? One that has actual physical consequences for the magic user? Count me in."
― Grim (thepagemages) ★★★★★

About the Author

João F. Silva was born in a small town in Portugal but now lives in London, with his three feline co-workers/bosses. He writes Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror and has been on the jury for the 2020 and 2022 editions of the Best Newcomer Award at the British Fantasy Awards. His short fiction was published in Grimdark Magazine and Haven Speculative. His novel Seeds of War is the first instalment in the upcoming Smokesmiths series.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BYTV3STB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ João F. Silva; 1st edition (May 1, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 1, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 457 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 262 ratings

About the author

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João F. Silva

João F. Silva

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Get a FREE copy of RUINS OF SMOKE, a prequel novella from the epic fantasy series The Smokesmiths, by joining João's mailing list.

João F. Silva was born in a small town in Portugal but now lives in London, with his three feline co-workers/bosses. His debut novel Seeds of War won the Best Indie Debut of 2023 at the FanFiAddict Awards. His short fiction was published in Grimdark Magazine and Haven Speculative.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
262 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's characters intriguing and appreciate its expansive world-building, particularly its interesting magic system and unique perspectives with rich histories. The story receives positive feedback for its well-plotted dark fantasy elements, with one customer noting the action scenes are a visual treat. While customers consider it a fantastic debut, the narrative style receives mixed reactions.

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17 customers mention "Character development"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them intriguing, with one customer noting the interesting mythical creatures and another mentioning the humorous dialogue.

"...excellent story from an indie writer that builds on layers of good character work, expansive world-building, and an ending that left me wanting more." Read more

"...Plotlines weren’t hard to follow, interesting magic system, cool characters, and great battles...." Read more

"...The characters are very well developed, and the world in which the action takes place is well described, especially the swamps of the new continent..." Read more

"...Very unique world and magic system with three main POV characters. A war veteran, homesteading single mother quasi crime boss...." Read more

17 customers mention "Story quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as a golden narrative that brings different storylines together, with one customer noting the well-plotted dark fantasy elements and another mentioning the visual appeal of the action scenes.

"...Mr. Silva commands his prose and plot to create a striking narrative, giving the reader tropes and situations that feel familiar and fresh at the..." Read more

"A good start to a new series. Plotlines weren’t hard to follow, interesting magic system, cool characters, and great battles...." Read more

"...of War" by João F. Silva is a great book with a very good and interesting story...." Read more

"...This book manages to bring these story lines together and add some surprises and brutal action along the way...." Read more

17 customers mention "World building"17 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the expansive world-building in the book, with its interesting magic system and unique perspectives that are fleshed out by rich histories.

"...an indie writer that builds on layers of good character work, expansive world-building, and an ending that left me wanting more." Read more

"...Plotlines weren’t hard to follow, interesting magic system, cool characters, and great battles...." Read more

"...Very unique world and magic system with three main POV characters. A war veteran, homesteading single mother quasi crime boss...." Read more

"...The smoke magic system is exciting and nuanced, coming at a great cost, and I found the action scenes to be a visual treat!..." Read more

10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and praise it as a fantastic debut, with one customer noting it as an amazing start to the Smokesmith series.

"...The fantasy novel "Seeds of War" by João F. Silva is a great book with a very good and interesting story...." Read more

"...Grim, gritty, and with a fun twist, I think fans of Sanderson and Abercrombie will have a good time with this one...." Read more

"Liked it alit. Thought it was an enjoyable read with a good number of view points that seemed very interesting set in a magical mythical world that..." Read more

"Solid first book with some original twists and turns, sometimes out of nowhere. The read was engaging and enjoyable...." Read more

8 customers mention "Narrative style"5 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the narrative style of the book, with some appreciating the well-written battle scenes and easy-to-read writing, while others find the prose dense and conversations stiff.

"...It's an excellent story from an indie writer that builds on layers of good character work, expansive world-building, and an ending that left me..." Read more

"Slow. Conversations between people seem incredibly stiff...." Read more

"...n’t hard to follow, interesting magic system, cool characters, and great battles...." Read more

"...well developed, and the world in which the action takes place is well described, especially the swamps of the new continent where most of the action..." Read more

Fantasy/Gods/Self Proclaimed Deity/Mercenaries/Cult
4 out of 5 stars
Fantasy/Gods/Self Proclaimed Deity/Mercenaries/Cult
I have seen many glowing reviews for this self published fantasy from readers and reviewers that I trust so I decided to give it a shot and I am glad I did! Very unique world and magic system with three main POV characters. A war veteran, homesteading single mother quasi crime boss. An aging leader of a mercenary army. And, my favorite, a self proclaimed god trying to rally his flock of followers to his cause in order to enrich himself and gain power (very timely here in America). This book manages to bring these story lines together and add some surprises and brutal action along the way. The author has an easy to read writing style that paces the story in a way that kept me engaged the whole time. As this is book 1 of a series, I am definitely eager to continue with this story-there are some troubling times ahead for this world. Check it out. Read more self published books-these are no longer the bin of authors that don’t write well enough to “get a deal” but excellent authors with an independent minded view of how their work should be consumed and an appreciation and respect for their readers.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Matthew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Layers of good character work, expansive world-building, and an ending that left me wanting more.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Seeds of War by Joao F. Silva is a multi-3rd-person POV epic fantasy set in an expansive world, with swords, flintlock, and cannon control battlefields, and power is used as a destructive force through a very interesting mixture of alchemy and magic. The driving factor in the plot of Seeds of War is the magic system, but it's not blunt in your face like some or labor intense in its understanding. One form of magic involves a superhero serum-like substance that is hard to produce and even harder on the users. It reminded me of the drink Red Bull -if it gave you power, it made you bleed internally afterward. The other form of magic is a smoked or smoke-like substance that gives its users powers (horrific powers) and also, like the liquid opposite, damages the user internally. This drives several nations and peoples throughout the book, creating interesting characters that touch on colonialism, authoritarianism, and governance. Mr. Silva commands his prose and plot to create a striking narrative, giving the reader tropes and situations that feel familiar and fresh at the same time, and when the book climaxes, the pages turn quickly with a well-written battle scene. It's an excellent story from an indie writer that builds on layers of good character work, expansive world-building, and an ending that left me wanting more.
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  • Keith Deaner
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good start
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A good start to a new series. Plotlines weren’t hard to follow, interesting magic system, cool characters, and great battles. The ending was a satisfying conclusion while readying the audience for the next book.
    Helpful
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  • Stjepan Varesevac Cobets
    5.0 out of 5 stars I would recommend the book to fans of fantasy and gunpowder fantasy
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My rating 4.6

    The fantasy novel "Seeds of War" by João F. Silva is a great book with a very good and interesting story. The characters are very well developed, and the world in which the action takes place is well described, especially the swamps of the new continent where most of the action takes place. Smoke magic is super-designed and dangerous.

    Now a little about the story. GimloreI is a single mother and war veteran who finds a small town in a swamp on a new continent. Gimlore And by chance, discovers how to make a serum that makes people stronger and insanely brave. She gives land to all the refugees who come to the city in exchange for working for her. She reaps profits from the sale of the serum and by selling booze in her tavern, but at the same time protects all the inhabitants of her city and country. Unfortunately, even though they all make money from the serum they produce, they will find themselves targeted by the great kingdoms because of the serum. GimloreI must find a way to defend the swamp and the city. Her only hope is to pay the most powerful mercenaries in the world to defend the city, but will that be enough because one of the most powerful kingdoms is coming at them?

    I would recommend the book to fans of fantasy and gunpowder fantasy.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Levi
    3.0 out of 5 stars Mediocre
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Slow. Conversations between people seem incredibly stiff. Terrible battles with no explanation of anything, whatsoever, just people being in a place, fighting, does it mean anything? Was it important? Why do we never hear of that enemy again? I wouldn't get this book free from the library.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Kenneth M. Saurers
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fantasy/Gods/Self Proclaimed Deity/Mercenaries/Cult
    Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have seen many glowing reviews for this self published fantasy from readers and reviewers that I trust so I decided to give it a shot and I am glad I did! Very unique world and magic system with three main POV characters. A war veteran, homesteading single mother quasi crime boss. An aging leader of a mercenary army. And, my favorite, a self proclaimed god trying to rally his flock of followers to his cause in order to enrich himself and gain power (very timely here in America). This book manages to bring these story lines together and add some surprises and brutal action along the way.
    The author has an easy to read writing style that paces the story in a way that kept me engaged the whole time. As this is book 1 of a series, I am definitely eager to continue with this story-there are some troubling times ahead for this world.
    Check it out. Read more self published books-these are no longer the bin of authors that don’t write well enough to “get a deal” but excellent authors with an independent minded view of how their work should be consumed and an appreciation and respect for their readers.
    Customer image
    Kenneth M. Saurers
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    Fantasy/Gods/Self Proclaimed Deity/Mercenaries/Cult

    Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2023
    I have seen many glowing reviews for this self published fantasy from readers and reviewers that I trust so I decided to give it a shot and I am glad I did! Very unique world and magic system with three main POV characters. A war veteran, homesteading single mother quasi crime boss. An aging leader of a mercenary army. And, my favorite, a self proclaimed god trying to rally his flock of followers to his cause in order to enrich himself and gain power (very timely here in America). This book manages to bring these story lines together and add some surprises and brutal action along the way.
    The author has an easy to read writing style that paces the story in a way that kept me engaged the whole time. As this is book 1 of a series, I am definitely eager to continue with this story-there are some troubling times ahead for this world.
    Check it out. Read more self published books-these are no longer the bin of authors that don’t write well enough to “get a deal” but excellent authors with an independent minded view of how their work should be consumed and an appreciation and respect for their readers.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Sandra Bruxvoort
    5.0 out of 5 stars Grim & gritty…with a fun twist!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    "A smokesmith who didn't serve a king or a lord. The rogue, they called him. But he travelled far and wide without ever being caught, and his reputation took a darker turn. The Blood Collector."

    4.5 rounded up.
    Seeds of War is a fantastic debut with characters you respect or loathe instantly. The smoke magic system is exciting and nuanced, coming at a great cost, and I found the action scenes to be a visual treat!

    Grim, gritty, and with a fun twist, I think fans of Sanderson and Abercrombie will have a good time with this one. The character dialogue often made me chuckle, which is always a big plus.

    Looking forward to getting more in The Smokesmiths.

    Definitely check this one out!
    Customer image
    Sandra Bruxvoort
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Grim & gritty…with a fun twist!

    Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2023
    "A smokesmith who didn't serve a king or a lord. The rogue, they called him. But he travelled far and wide without ever being caught, and his reputation took a darker turn. The Blood Collector."

    4.5 rounded up.
    Seeds of War is a fantastic debut with characters you respect or loathe instantly. The smoke magic system is exciting and nuanced, coming at a great cost, and I found the action scenes to be a visual treat!

    Grim, gritty, and with a fun twist, I think fans of Sanderson and Abercrombie will have a good time with this one. The character dialogue often made me chuckle, which is always a big plus.

    Looking forward to getting more in The Smokesmiths.

    Definitely check this one out!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Tobias Bønnelykke
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing fantasy debut
    Reviewed in France on May 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    High fantasy is a competitive field with lots of books being published every year - however it is amazing that there are always new stories to tell. Having atypic main characters, while also telling a compelling story, makes me very keen on recommending this book to everyone who likes fantasy. I read the 560 paves in less than one week and I can't wait for the next one ! 😁
    Report
  • Kay’s Hidden Shelf
    4.0 out of 5 stars A daring epic filled with gritty battles, devastating smoke magic, and war.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 29, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    4/5 Stars

    A daring epic filled with gritty battles, devastating smoke magic, and war. The Seeds of War by João F. Silva is a self-published epic fantasy series that explores humanities determination to survive.

    Now, this was an anticipated release for me, with both the cover and synopsis catching my eye. With many of my favourite tropes and themes within fantasy being mentioned, it sounded right up my alley. The big question now is, did it deliver? Let’s break it down.

    The story follows three characters, their struggles for survival and the whispers of war that threaten to destroy the past 10 years of peace. Even with the Crimson Wars ending 10 years ago, the lives of those in The Known World remain a struggle with starvation, poverty, and slavery a common sight while Kingdoms seek new means of power.

    As this is a multi-pov story we see perspectives from Gimlore, a mother and veteran who strives to protect those she loves and a village of her own making. Rednow, a feared mercenary leader who longs to retire. However, as the voice of his dead sister plagues him, one last job calls and Orberesis, a thief and con man pretending to be a God, while hiding a vulnerable secret.

    Firstly, the characters drew me in right from the start. Their introductions felt effortless, making it easy to connect with them and the side cast. It was unique in that their relationships, personalities, goals and the circumstances of their lives were established in a way that felt like meeting old friends. All while weaving mystery in along the way.

    While the three main characters begin on separate paths, events bring their arcs together as the plot comes to a head. Each character is also unique in their methods of survival as the author explores the lengths humanity will go to during desperate times.

    I was also surprised to find the author included a bestiary at the start of the book giving readers a visual aid to the creatures found within the pages. It’s also accompanied by a glossary at the end for reference while reading. Though these may not seem like big things, I love the added details and found them helpful.

    In terms of the worldbuilding and magic system, they felt unique and well built. The world itself is large, with various terrains, cultures, lore and creatures. It also had a gritty feel to it, included political scheming, military tactics and elements of flintlock. The introduction depicting the smoke magic in use doesn’t hold back either, showing just how dangerous the Smokesmiths can be. The magic is devastating and is not without consequences to the Smokesmiths.

    All that being said, I found some areas felt repetitive within the storytelling. Though, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. The world, magic and characters remain well crafted, and the authors writing will only grow from here.

    So, did it deliver?

    Yes! The characters and magic were intriguing, the battles were gripping, and the story left me wanting book 2 right away. There was a lot that I enjoyed in this, and I look forward to reading more from the author.

    I’d recommend this for readers of fantasy who like grim tones and are looking for their next action packed read.
    Report
  • Lauren
    5.0 out of 5 stars A hugely ambitious book that is the start of what is sure to be an incredible epic fantasy series.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A hugely ambitious book that is the start of what is sure to be an incredible epic fantasy series.

    I loved pretty much everything about this.

    We’ll start with characters. There are three POVs; Gimlore, who is a veteran of a war and would like to live in her little spit of land in the middle of nowhere with her found family, the only place where a mind-and-body-altering elixir can be harvested (a fact others are beginning to become aware of); Orberis, a right-place-right-time (or perhaps wrong-place-wrong-time, depending on your perspective) thief who happens upon a powerful magical artefact, manages to *actually use it* and raises a continent from the ocean - thusly becoming a god (though he isn’t); and Rednow, a man who is desperate to retire from his harsh, hard life of mercenary fighting, who unfortunately has lost many people - including his sister, whose memory now haunts him as a ghost in his mind.

    Every one of these characters is already quite some way into their personal journeys when the book begins. The Crimson Wars are over, and everyone is living in the aftermath of it. And yet, “our fighting days are over,” unfortunately doesn’t ring true with any character.

    Orberis has performed his miracle. He can live a life of luxury, right? Absolutely not. A charlatan through and through, he must continue to play the part among a mixed group of devout and skeptical fantatics. Added to his stress is a mind-destroying illness he suffers from, that can reduce him to a feeble, shaking mess on the floor. God Himself cannot be sick, though. Otherwise he is no God. His story is balanced on a knife edge, and it brought palpable tension to each of his chapters. Plagued by nightmares, his character journey is almost one of cost and morals - and what is worth losing to achieve what you want.

    Gimlore wanted to live as a sort-of-but-not-really governess of her community - a township where drunks, refugees, and exiles have ended up. She knows she is no better than any of them, and yet desperately fights for their safety and freedom. Her actions in the previous wars have given her a moniker that makes people equal parts wary and inspired. I loved how the only place they could live in relative safety was the new continent that Orberis raised up. She absolutely grew on me throughout and I was completely cheering for her by the end. Her grit and tenacity were fantastic to read.

    And Rednow is that, “grizzled wolf, I’m-too-old-for-this,” fighter, which is always entertaining to read. Coupled with the voice of his dead sister in his mind, and I realised just how much depth he had beyond what is shown on the surface. His old bones ache for somewhere warmer, somewhere he doesn’t need to look over his shoulder anymore, where he can finally be at peace. He leads the Leeth, an elite group of disparate mercenaries, that are said to be some of the strongest warriors in the world. He is also a smokesmith, and has his own bloody moniker to match his fighting prowess.

    The side characters, too, are excellently written and varied in their personalities and desires. My particular favourites were Keryon, Tavanar, and Solvi. Most are tragic, and that makes them all the more compelling, especially when they really begin to influence our main three POVs.

    I liked the characters. I thought they were interesting and unique, and I wanted to find out how their stories would connect and combine. But what I *really* loved about Seeds of War is the world building. Silva is particularly great at environmental descriptions - the swamplands of Alarkan, where Gimlore lives, are hot and humid, muggy and full of biting insects. Every time we ventured into this land, I felt the uncomfortable prickling on my skin as I read about it.

    There was a Palace that Rednow and his retinue visit quite early on, where there is a culture of facial piercing among the nobility. It was not info dumped, it was not forcibly added, it was just a very natural additional feather to this world’s cap, and this is the kind of thing that I love. It makes a secondary world feel considered, real, and lived in.

    And of course, there are the titular Smokesmiths.

    It is not a power many would choose, to burn different herbs for strength and magic, and potentially other abilities. But every inhalation of the smoke that powers the magic is tainted, poisoning the user, and risks their deaths. Indeed, the way to create smokesmiths is almost grimdark in its horror for the children (usually forced) who attempt it. I’ve always loved the corruption arcs that can be so unique in fantasy, and having the entire magic system built around this was brilliant.

    Also thrown into the mix are ancient and somewhat unknowable deities (one of my favourite tropes), which when placed alongside many moving pieces on this board makes this epic fantasy in every way.

    This is absolutely what I love about the genre as a whole: stepping away from chosen ones and classic character types, and exploring more creative and unique worlds and the complex characters who inhabit them. Seeds of War was excellent in this regard.

    Scattered throughout the book are several wonderful lines, many of which I particularly enjoyed:

    - But he understood misery. He had bathed in it for most of his life, scrambled to prevent it from drowning him.
    - “You have shown me everything you can, my Prince. You have shown me you don’t know pain, fear, or chaos. And I conquered those before I could even grow a beard.”
    - “You have breathed the smoke from the soil, which makes you more ashes than flesh.”

    The epigraphs at the beginning of each chapters were brilliant, and a great further taste of the world and themes. I absolutely blitzed through the final third of the book and could not predict the twists and turns the story led us through. The last couple of chapters absolutely had me on the edge of my seat, and my jaw dropped more than once.

    I do have a few minor quibbles with the prose (some clunky sentences and repetition, mostly) but overall it was a fast read, excellently paced, and a lot of fun! Highly recommend if you want a unique, character-driven epic fantasy with a modern touch, and I can’t wait to continue with the series!
    Report
  • Kris Marchesi
    4.0 out of 5 stars Seeds of War - Review
    Reviewed in Australia on May 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The Seeds of War are being planted all over the world and at its core lies our three main protagonists.

    We are first introduced to Gimlore, single mother, rough as guts with a town she has built from the ground up. With a nickname like ‘The Viper’ it was hard not to be sucked into her past, present and want to know everything about her future. She makes a living running a shabby tavern and keeping her coin purse full by farming a powerful, drug like elixir from the livers of reptilian creatures that live in her local marshlands. News of the elixir and its strength alternating abilities have spread and now the nobility wants a piece of their own. When a herald comes to town demanding Gimlore sell her land and relinquish control of the elixir’s source, she knows she is about to have one hell of a fight on her hands.

    Next up, we have God Himself”, the man who saved the world. Years ago, on the eve of the world’s destruction, Oberesis stumbled across an orb, one that held more power than he could ever imagine. His miracle opened the ground swallowing man and beast, creating the township Gimlore now occupies. Since that day his life has been plagued by migraines, and a thirst for more power, and a dirty, dark secret.

    Finally, we have Rednow, leader of an infamous mercenary group on the tips of everyone’s tongues. Plagued with dreams and hallucinations of his deceased sister, he doesn’t know how much longer he can fight, or what will push him over the edge into madness. But when tensions start to rise, the royals and the underdogs will call on his troupe, and the nightmare of the Blood Collector, to fight their battles. Rednow is ready to retire, but this one last fight has caught his attention. It is time for this old smokesmith will walk the line of man and beast once more.

    There was a lot I liked about Seeds of War, starting with the characters and their interactions. This is a character driven story through and through. Our three POV’s are all powerhouses within their own right. Each character has come from a background you wouldn’t stereotypically see celebrated. The author has plunged into the stories less talked about and given the reader a look at how our elderly, our single parents and even our disabled populations can absolutely hold their own, and boy oh boy, can they do it well. Each of our characters interacted with the world in a way that showed me as the reader how they had been treated previously, how they now protected themselves and how they continued to grow as the story unfolded.

    Another thing worth mentioning here is the scope of the world itself. Silva has provided the reader with a dark, gritty, yet rich world. One of my favourite aspects of the world building were the creatures that were used casually to showcase the different terrains, modes of transport, and ways of war. Some of these animals were terrifying (I’m looking at you bloodsleuths), and some were practical, but they all added to the dark tones of the story. I also liked how the author has stuck to his strengths and although we only have a handful of towns/areas that were explored in this debut, they were done in a visual and vivid way. I felt like I could really feel the humidity of the marshlands Gimlore inhabited and could almost feel seasick at the choppy waters when Oberesis was travelling by sea. It feels like there is more to be explored in the world and I for one can’t wait to see it unfold.

    Lastly, I need to mention the magic. Smoke based magic! This has got to be one of my favourite magic systems I have ever read. There was such a deep and sordid history explored explaining how the Smokesmiths came to be, and it continued to expand as the reader went through the story. Smokesmiths aren’t overly common, and each person who can inhale the smoke may be opened to a number of different superhuman abilities. We got to see a number of these be used in Seeds of War and each time they were awesome, and I wanted more. But breathing in the smoke has consequences and as the magic is used, the strength of the wielder diminishes. It was fun to see these consequences play out with users of the smoke young and old. I don’t think we have seen everything the smoke can do just yet, but once again I can’t wait to find out what comes next.

    Like I said, I really did like a lot about Seeds of War, and I think it is a great debut, however there were a couple of things worth mentioning from a critical point of view. As a reader, I did find some of the scenes and character interactions were a little rushed. There were times when an interaction or decision happened very quickly, and it felt somewhat underdeveloped. It didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the story, but I would have been more invested in the event/character had these things had more depth. This was particularly relevant for our side characters in each of the three POV’s. They all felt like their own people, but it was hard to become invested when their stories were so heavily intertwined with our main protagonists to the point that they felt like plot place holders. There were also a few elements of repetition that had me questioning my life choices ... ok mate, we get it, you think you are God himself.

    Those things aside, Seeds of War was solid, especially for a debut! It feels like Silva is a seasoned writer and has already found his groove. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Smokesmiths.
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  • Fantasy Book Nerd
    4.0 out of 5 stars A decent start to the series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2023
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    Seeds of War by Joào F. Silva is a Grimdark tale set in a world where war has ravaged the lands

    The story is told from the perspectives of three main characters; Gilmore, a former thief and blade for hire who has settled with disparate refugees on a new island which was raised by a god that ended the last war. She finds herself as its impromptu leader, cultivating a potion that can rival the destructive forces of the magic users in the world, the Smoke Smiths.

    The other perspective is Rednow, a mercenary Smoke Smith who has broken free from the yoke of being tethered to the kings and masters of the numbering countries and has created a legend for himself and his mercenary band.

    The final point of view is that of Orberis, a petty thief who finds himself imbibed with the power of a god. However, since the war has finished he has steadily built a following based on his exploits but now finds that the power eludes him.

    The story spends a lot of time building the stage for events to springboard off. As we follow the differing viewpoints for the first half of the book, it eventually connects each one, which will prove to be an interesting second book.

    I found the pacing in the first half of the book a little heavy, as Joāo F. Silva carefully builds the foundations of the characters and the world a little slow going initially. I enjoyed Orberis's arc which I found particularly good as it showed us how he had reached the point where he is now, to where he is going by the end of the book.

    However, it is the last two thirds of the book where the story catapults into its stride and it moves from the laying of foundations to becoming an active story.

    Ultimately, this was an enjoyable read, with good characters, an intriguing magic system and a solid plot that will be interesting to see where it goes, and how events from the last act impact
    on the remainder of the story.
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