So I did a thing that I feel a little ashamed about: I paid for a review.

I realize that’s breaking the very first rule of getting your book reviewed. But … it wasn’t just any old review website. It was Kirkus Indie, which, I’m told, is supposed to be an industry leader in book reviews. For Bookstores and libraries, admittedly, but still—doesn’t it lend some credibility? After all, they don’t promise a glowing review, and could in fact have torn my book apart (they didn’t).

But, for better or for worse I did it, and the result was … possibly worth it. It’s a good review. Not glowing, but good. I prefer the opening line to the ending one, admittedly, but the meat of it paints a decent picture of my world-building and character development, which was for me vital to the beginning of the story.

They have yet to review the second book, though they will be shortly. Until then, here is the link to the review on their website, and the full review below:

www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/satis/redemption-erath/

“Satis’ debut fantasy epic offers a multifaceted tale of darkness and flame, forgotten lands and vanished peoples, corrupt nobles and determined rebels.

The night that Brandyé Dui-Erâth was born, his home burned to the ground around him, killing his parents but leaving him mysteriously unharmed. Growing up with his grandfather Reuel Tolkaï, Brandyé becomes a village outcast, with a boy named Elven Dottery his only friend. As the two boys mature, they discover the vanity and dishonesty of the local nobles, and find themselves caught up in a growing rebellion. At one point, Brandyé observes: “I had no idea our world was one of such terrifying corruption. My grandfather has always spoken of terrible things outside of Consolation, but right here people are dying for nothing but greed!” But dissent is dangerous, doubly so when magical forces and prophetic dreams are involved. When a rescue plan goes horribly awry, Brandyé finds himself alone, without friends or allies. Because the powerful ruler Lord Garâth remains a ruthless and unforgiving man, Brandyé will need more than luck if he is to retain his freedom. He will face even more trouble if, as he suspects, the vengeful lord embraces the dark forces that are slowly encroaching on Consolation. To survive, will Brandyé have to journey beyond the borders of Consolation, into the wild lands ruled by Darkness and strange beasts? Brandyé is the sort of protagonist who is well drawn and competent, while still making understandable mistakes that drive the plot and his development. Unfortunately, that’s not always enough to propel the plot swiftly. Brandyé takes a very long time growing up. That said, Reuel and Elven and their relationships to Brandyé significantly enhance the long beginning of the novel, the first of a projected series. Reuel proves especially intriguing, for it is his stories and writings that sketch in the majority of the wider landscapes beyond their village. And the worldbuilding remains compelling enough to make one wish for more than the bits and bobs that come through, although it seems likely that a great deal more will be revealed about this wondrous realm in future installments.

A slow-moving saga about a beleaguered hero that has yet to catch fire, but shows glimmers of the rip-roaring yarn it could be.” – Kirkus Reviews

What do you think? Would you invest yourself in the series for sake of future installments? Does a slow book put you off? Or do you like your sagas to genuinely feel epic, from beginning to end?