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“You’re writing a new chapter now. The past doesn’t matter. It’s what you do now that counts.”

What is the Book about?

The war is over. The enemy won. Now it’s time to fight back.

For generations, the people of Jia – a land where magic has long since faded from the world, clinging on in only a few rare individuals – have been protected from the northern Egril hordes by their warrior caste, but their enemy has not been idle. They have rediscovered magic and use it to launch an overwhelming surprise attack. An invasion has begun.

And in moments, the war is over. Resistance is quashed. Kings and city leaders are barricaded in their homes awaiting banishment and execution, the warriors are massacred, and a helpless people submit to the brutality of Egril rule.

Jia’s heroes have failed it. They are all gone. And yet… there is still hope. Soon the fate of the kingdom will fall into the hands of a schoolboy terrorist, a crippled Shulka warrior and his wheelchair bound son, a single mother desperate enough to do anything she can to protect her baby… and Tinnstra, disgraced daughter of the Shulka’s greatest leader, who now lies dead by Egril hands.

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Rating
Plot ★★★★☆
Characters ★★★★★
Excitement ★★★★★
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing Style ★★★★☆

Favourite Character
Tinnstra, Yas

My thoughts while reading it

A Symphony of Sacrifice. In the realm of fantasy literature, where swords clash and magic weaves its intricate tapestry, Mike Shackle’s “We Are the Dead” stands as a formidable colossus, a narrative juggernaut that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. In this epic tale of war, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit, Shackle crafts a masterpiece that resonates with emotional depth and explores the crucible of military existence like never before.

At the heart of this gripping saga lies the relentless pulse of warfare, pulsating through every page with an intensity that leaves readers breathless. Shackle’s ability to depict the gritty reality of military life is nothing short of mesmerizing. The battle scenes are not merely spectacles of swords and sorcery; they are visceral experiences that plunge the reader into the heart of the chaos. The acrid scent of blood, the thunderous clash of steel, and the anguished cries of the fallen – each element is meticulously woven into a symphony of warfare that transcends the confines of the written word.

The characters that populate this war-torn landscape are not mere pawns in a fantastical chess game; they are living, breathing entities burdened by the weight of duty, honor, and sacrifice. Shackle’s exploration of the psychological toll of war is both poignant and harrowing. The protagonists, weathered by the crucible of conflict, grapple with their own demons, torn between duty and personal turmoil. The camaraderie among soldiers is not glamorized; instead, it is presented in all its raw, unfiltered glory, showcasing the profound bonds forged in the crucible of battle.

Tinnstra, undoubtedly, undergoes one of the most profound character arcs that one can fathom within the pages of a book. Spoilers be damned, Tinnstra becomes even more epic as the first instalment unfolds; in fact, she becomes the most exquisitely crafted character I have ever encountered in literature. Tinnstra, burdened by the weight of her illustrious family’s expectations and haunted by the ever-present fear of her own martial nature, stands as the most atypical warrior one could ever read about. Her journey, marked initially by timidity and marred by selfish choices, is nothing short of a narrative triumph. Tinnstra, introduced as a character shackled by the burden of her perceived inadequacies, undergoes a metamorphosis that is, without hyperbole, utterly inspiring. Here, Shackle displays an unparalleled ability to imbue his characters with a genuine sense of humanity. Tinnstra, once a frightened soul drowning in self-doubt, emerges as a beacon of strength and determination—an embodiment of the indomitable human will. Her character arc is not just a narrative triumph; it is a symphony of growth, a testament to Shackle’s prowess in infusing his characters with an authentic essence of humanity. From the shadows of self-doubt, Tinnstra steps into the light of self-discovery, and it is a journey that resonates long after the echoes of battle have faded away. Shackle not only demonstrates his narrative finesse but also creates a luminary of empowerment, a paragon of resilience whose impact lingers, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s soul. Tinnstra’s evolution transcends the mere realms of storytelling; it becomes a profound exploration of the human spirit, a tale that echoes the triumph of courage over fear.

Yas, too, stands as a character seldom explored in the realms of fantasy—a captivating presence that leaves one yearning for more. Yas, the selfish mother, caught in the web of rebellion against her desires, repeatedly thrust into a conflict she wants no part of, all for the sake of providing a better life for her child. Yas is ruthless, devoid of guilt, and unapologetically self-centred. Finally, a “villainous” character who, in truth, belongs to the realm of the virtuous—or does she not? She serves as a reminder that humans are more straightforward than one might think, and heroes don’t always act out of altruism but rather from selfish motives.

On the other side of this narrative tapestry is the initial impression of Dren—a foolhardy boy, an archetype explored in various tales. However, Shackle’s brilliance lies in his ability to subvert expectations. What commences as a seemingly naive and impulsive character arc transforms into a nuanced exploration of maturity and self-discovery. Dren evolves from a reckless youth into a seasoned rebel. The reader becomes a witness to the crucible of growth, and Shackle’s narrative finesse is evident as he navigates the intricacies of Dren’s character development. By the story’s end, Dren is not a foolish boy but a man, tempered by the fires of experience, a testament to the transformative power of adversity.

In these characters—Tinnstra, Yas, and the evolution of Dren—Shackle not only crafts a tale of military fantasy but also delves deep into the human psyche. Each character is a tapestry of contradictions, with layers of complexity that unravel gradually, revealing the scars and vulnerabilities that lie beneath the veneer of stoicism. The author deftly navigates the labyrinth of human emotions, presenting a cast that feels authentic and relatable, even in the fantastical setting.

The narrative unfurls as an unyielding tapestry of fortitude, guiding readers through a relentless journey within the crucible of unbridled intensity. It advances with a rapid cadence, an unbroken torrent of brutality set against a backdrop of unyielding darkness. Amidst this tumultuous narrative, a poignant thought emerges—a contemplation that this tale, rather than being titled “We Are the Dead,” might more aptly be named “The Chronicle Where Nothing Ever Goes Right.” The protagonists, resilient in their own right, navigate a landscape perpetually cloaked in adversity.

In the skilled hands of Mike Shackle, the harsh realities of the Egril occupying force and the valiant struggle of the Jian people against their oppressors are laid bare with unrelenting force. Yet, in stark contrast to Abercrombie’s somber undertones, a glimmer of optimism persists throughout this grimdark odyssey. Even within the shadows, I never found myself engulfed in a sea of hopelessness. Shackle, with a relentless hand, crafts a narrative that embraces the grim and gritty while never severing the thread of hope. There is always a beacon on the horizon, a delicate balance that stands as a testament to Shackle’s ability to infuse a grimdark tale with a profound sense of hope and optimism, resilient in the face of unyielding darkness. In the realm of this relentless narrative, “We Are the Dead” proves itself a masterful choice for those seeking a fast-paced and brutal fantasy experience. The writing is not only accessible but also exceptionally engaging, weaving a delicate balance between moments of respite and blood-soaked action scenes. Each chapter concludes with a gripping cliffhanger, compelling the reader to press on. The presence of monsters, demons, and destructive magic heightens the level of danger faced by the main characters, contributing to an immersive and thrilling reading experience. If you crave a tale that marries relentless pacing with engaging prose, “We Are the Dead” delivers on all fronts, offering a symphony of darkness and hope within its compelling pages.

In conclusion, Mike Shackle’s “We Are the Dead” is a triumph of military fantasy, a magnum opus that explores the human condition within the crucible of war. With its masterfully crafted prose, emotionally resonant characters, and a relentless exploration of the military ethos, this epic stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Shackle has not only created a compelling narrative but has etched a timeless saga that will linger in the minds and hearts of readers long after the final page has been turned.

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Reading Recommendation? ✓
Favourite? ✓