A Haunt for Jackals
Land of Exile, Book 2
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£0.99/mo for 3 months + £10 Audible bonus
A Haunt for Jackals
Buy Now for £18.19
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Narrated by:
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Micah Popp
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By:
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J. L. Odom
After capturing a jinn-devil and fleeing to the desert, Azetla has exchanged the threat of execution for the weight of high treason. Thousands of men are now under his command—for the Emperor’s brother must have both a scapegoat and a symbol to stand behind his quiet coup.
But Azetla has different plans. He means to bring his masters a war which will spread throughout the southern desert, and beyond. As Azetla gathers troops and tribes and victories, his reluctant alliance with the Sahr devil becomes an indispensable one. Few can resist the influence of her words, which reach every tongue and every tribe.
The rebellious nobility of Maurow will get more than they ever bargained for.
The Emperor’s brother, James, will become a far more ruthless man than he ever wanted to be.
And the whole southern desert will be tempted by the chance to cast off the yoke of the Empire
They need only submit to the command of a jackal and the voice of a jinn.
Odom's prose reminds me of Hobb, with her ability to quietly, but surely, pull you in to every scene and every character.
The narrative constantly switches between characters, giving depth and breadth to the story - an almost 360° viewpoint - as if studying a strategic map - reflecting the authors military background.
The character development particularly stands out - a master class in observing human behaviours (Probably drawn from experience as an interpreter in volatile arenas). I loved seeing the cautious, growing relationship between Azetla and Tzal - both leading lives of secrets and mistrust.
We get to learn the backstory of the enigmatic Tzal - the way she is universally snubbed and ostracised is hard to read at times - yet she still manages to do thoughtful small things for others, particularly the women, in this male dominated society. (The female voice was much needed in this sequel as it felt notably missing in the first book).
Odom's perceptions and insights into every day life really ground this series, making it feel so believable and 'real' - such as the small moments with a parent with dementia or being a postpartum mother.
The steady building of the war was brilliantly described with every influencing element picked out, showing how the smallest thing can affect actions and outcomes: the manipulations, the politics, prejudices, beliefs and motivations.
If you want a fantasy with breakneck action and whizz bang magic this is probably not for you ...but I would urge any reader that enjoys getting immersed in a story, emotionally invested in the characters, mature prose and dialogue, battles, skirmishes and strategy then you will not be disappointed.
I, for one, am in high anticipation of the finale!
Utterly captivating. Beautifully crafted sequal to this complex low fantasy.
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