Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 14/03/2025
Published by: Podium Audio
ISBN: B0BN4QJWHH
‘The Exile’ demanded my attention from start to finish and has become my favourite in the series so far!
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Narration & Audio:
He would rather die fighting for his freedom than live in chains.
From the very first sentence, the lush and immersive writing style effortlessly drew me into the story. Tension built quickly, fueling an action-packed storyline that revealed Dayne Ateres’ brutal backstory. I enjoyed the well-paced combination of gritty action and reflective moments, which allowed for well-developed characters and rich world-building. Even the time jumps flowed seamlessly, and Derek Perkins’ nuanced narration enhanced the listening experience, keeping the story engaging.
A true leader, Dayne, leads by example, not by command.
Dayne emerged as a compelling main character, with complex motives and emotions that propelled the story forward. His journey also spurs the themes of loss, betrayal, and vengeance that add to the story’s depth. Besides Dayne, Belina also stood out to me due to her fierce, vibrant personality and quirky charm. The sibling-like bond she shares with Dayne is absolutely adorable, especially their teasing banter and genuine love for each other. There is also a touch of romance, but it’s mainly just a brief moment at the start of the story.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Which part of the story did you find most painful?
The imprisoned elves who were subjected to cruel experiments tore at my heart, especially since it seemed racially motivated. The fact that even children were among the captives left me feeling shattered.
Q: What did you think about Dayne’s transformation?
The striking shift in Dayne’s character as he seeks vengeance tugged at my heartstrings and made his journey even more captivating. His motives, rage and obsession with revenge are clearly detailed, making his antihero transformation realistic and understandable.
Q: Which character was your favourite?
From her first appearance, when she held Dayne at her mercy, Belinda captured my attention, and her skills, confidence, and wit made me love her character. I found myself wishing for more of her backstory – particularly her relationship with her father and her role within the Hand.
Q: Are you a fan of the found family trope?
Yes! It’s incredibly heartwarming when it’s done right, and Ryan Cahill does it right in this book! The dynamic between Dayne and Belina was delightful—filled with genuine love, respect and playful teasing that made their connection realistic and relatable.
Q: Do you have any similar recommendations?
I recommend The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson and The Silverblood Promise by James Logan. Both books offer epic fantasy tales filled with action, banter, found family dynamics and intriguing male protagonists.
See my other review for Ryan Cahill:
The Bound and The Broken series:
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