Civil War tore across the Union Empire, leaving countless dead in its wake. It was a war started by one man, once beloved by the Empire. His betrayal still lingers in the memory of those who lived through it.
Decades later, his son, Felix Drake, is a Warden tasked with both protecting the ruling members of the Union Empire and its Council, and bringing those powerful and influential people to justice should they break the law.
Drake protects the very Empire his father sought to destroy.
When two members of a Council family are murdered, Drake and his team investigate, only to uncover corruption, resentment, and yet more death.
As the case deepens, Drake is forced back into a life he’d left long ago, bringing with it the same disdain and anger from the very people he’s sworn to protect.
However, he’s no longer a helpless child, and the people who try to intimidate him now are about to discover that Drake is so very much his father’s son.
I'm delighted to be hosting the blog tour for Atoned today. Many thanks to Steve J. McHugh and to Zoe O'Farrell from Zooloo's Blog Tours for inviting me and for sending me a copy of the novel.
I've enjoyed several of Steve J. McHugh's urban fantasy books in the past and so despite Atoned being science fiction, I expected an exciting read, full of drama and humour. I wasn't disappointed. This is the first book in The Wardens series, although there is a link to his previous novel, Blackcoat, which reminded me that I really must read that soon too. Atoned is exactly how a series should start; the first-rate world-building, excellent characterisation and pacy, thrilling plot meant I raced through the pages, completely enthralled throughout.
With its vividly imaginative sense of place and intricately layered plot, Atoned is an impressive space opera which promises much for further storylines as the series progresses. However, that's not to suggest that this first instalment is merely setting the scene for future adventures and this is an absorbingly satisfying self-contained novel, which concludes some parts of the narrative while leaving other threads tantalisingly waiting to be explored more in the future.
The opening chapter introduces two of the antagonists, one of whom is particularly crucial to this first Wardens book. Most of the chapters, however, are told from the third-person narrative of some of the protagonists – most notably Felix Drake and Jaysa Benezta. Some of the action is also told through the perspective of Drake's synth, Bokk and although they have only a relatively small role in proceedings, they certainly make an impression and I'm sure will be a favourite character for many readers. Meanwhile, both Felix and Jaysa are fascinating characters; they share obvious similarities, both having troubled pasts, they are highly skilled and ruthless but they are still clearly defined as individuals. The start of the book includes a helpful character list and even though their respective descriptions and the world we are introduced to here seems unfamiliar and perhaps a little daunting initially, the vast Union Empire with its complex, violent past, is gradually and engrossingly revealed. Each new explanation or revelation, whether relating to personnel, technology or the setting itself, helps to immerse readers in an intriguing world which although obviously strange, is always believable.
It can be tricky to strike a balance between the imparting of information necessary for the expansive development of a new world and the emotional resonance required to ensure readers care about the fate of the characters in an ambitious series such as this but Steve J. McHugh negotiates that fine line superbly. I loved learning more about the various races who feature here, the ability of the Sages and their use of the aether, the political landscape with its inevitable corruption, the mysteries of The Aperture and the brutal Civil War which holds particular resonance for Felix Drake. However, what really captivated me was the beautifully developed, empathetic and witty characterisation. I am already invested in the lives of these characters and the adrenaline-pumping final chapters were especially tense as the book reached its heart-pounding conclusion.
The best science-fiction realises its freedom to be truly inclusive and to examine diversity across race and gender and without ever becoming heavy-handed, Steve J. McHugh does just that with Atoned. An action-packed, compelling read from start to finish. I can't wait to discover what lies in store for the Wardens next! Very highly recommended.
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Epic review - thank you so much for supporting the tour x
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