Atonement of the Spine Cleaver

By: F. E. Bryce

Narrated by: Kate Belsey

Length: 24 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Rorax Greywood lives in the Realms and was trained to fight, kill, and steal for the House of Ice’s special forces unit, the Heilstorms, from the time she was ten years old. During her time as a Heilstorm, Rorax committed more violent atrocities in the name of her House than she could ever remember, but the blackest stain on her soul remains the Siege of Surmalinn—an infiltration and near genocide in the largest House of Death city.

Years later, when the Gods call upon Rorax to compete in the Choosing, a deadly competition that decides the next Guardian of the Realms, it quickly becomes clear the only House strong enough to protect her is the House of Death. Rorax knows she isn’t worthy to become the Realms’ new Guardian, so she somehow needs to convince the House of Death—and their brutally handsome lieutenant—to both help her find the next suitable Guardian and free her from the Choosing before the Choosing kills her.

A content warning to listeners; Atonement of the Spine Cleaver contains graphic violence, profanity, mentions of suicidal thoughts, grief, explicit F/M sex scenes, and an explicit F/F sex scene. There are printable maps and a glossary available on authorfebryce.com to help with any world-building questions that come up throughout the story.

©2023 F.E. Bryce (P)2023 F.E. Bryce

Everything about this book is amazing!

This book is a chonker. 24 hour audio 😳 But every minute of it is fantastic! It reads fast and is completely unputdownable. These characters niggled their way into my heart and this story will stick in my mind for a long time. Rorax starts out as this unfeeling assassin, but slowly turns into a big old marshmallow and I was there for it. Ayres was the same way. A true enemies to lovers story. Found Family, a sapphic POV, lies, betrayal, a deadly competition. So many epic fantasy tropes!

Wonderful, unique and epic world-building

This is a phenomenal epic fantasy read. The audible narrator hit it out of the park. It’s hard to find an epic fantasy that has a different, intriguing, complex world that hasn’t already been overdone or based on medieval Europe. Bryce did it magnificently. The story was also engaging, fast-paced, and engrossing from the beginning. I loved the queer normative world, the different races, genders, and wrinkles that were considered unique and revered. It wasn’t in-your-face or overblown. Just part of the world. Magical power is the hierarchy and what makes you more or less “valuable” in society. Even the characters you hate have depth and interesting background stories. And Rorax is a stone-cold killer who is also vulnerable and gruffly kind at times. High recommend.

What a badass!

Rorax is such a badass yet empathetic and good-hearted character. I loved the personal transformation she goes through. I also enjoy how it's easy to love every character you meet along the way and you're invested in their lives from the beginning. Very well written. Also - one of the BEST narrators I've heard.

Great magic systems and story line

Started a few times and was glad I continued on the last try. Was an interesting story that was really well narrated. Would recommend.

4 stars

Overall, I enjoyed the adventure the Atonement of the Spine Cleaver brought me on. It was slow for me to get into because it was a whole new world and there was a lot of information given in the beginning chapters, but once the world is established and there is more character driven plot, I was there for it! By the end, I was on the edge of my seat and now I cannot wait to read book two to continue the story with the characters I have grown to love.

I received a free audio copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Strong epic fantasy, top-notch world-building

This was recommended on a Reddit epic fantasy thread, and it didn’t disappoint. Solid, interesting world-building, great fleshed-out characters, and high action. It had fights, blood, sex, death, magic, and complex characters. Everything an epic fantasy should have. The narrator also did a fantastic job of voicing the dozens of characters, and brought the story to life.

Fantastic introduction to a new series

I am obsessed with this book. It is incredible, every character, every POV, every moment was special and I just want more! I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2.

Very strong debut

I really enjoyed this debut fantasy romance. Truly excellent narration, as well. It has good spice. It’s definitely a slow burn. It could have used some editing, but overall it’s a 4.5 for me.

I am shooketh

incredible world building, magic system, romance, and spice. the spice has *just a hint* of bdsm vibes, which I enjoyed. nothing over the top! it was impeccably done. 🤌🏼🥵

speaking of impeccable, the narrator!! I loved her. I thought she did an incredible job with the voices and the inflection.

don't hesitate. this book is amazing and you will only be sad there isn't a book 2 yet.

Great dimension on the characters

Loved the character depth and queer love story, could have done with a little less sexy moments