Book Review: White Paragon

Reviewed by Jadidsa Perez

The feud for power proves fatal in the world of this dynamic, rich fantasy.

Is the gift of seeing the future a blessing or a curse? White Paragon, the seventh book in the Kestrel Harper Saga, is a haven of meticulous worldbuilding and grandiose imagery. 

War is coming. Despite the attempts of Kavan Kóráhm Cliáth, a prominent character in the series also known as the White Bard of Bhryell, there’s little chance of extinguishing the burning fury for blood. But armies from all sides are now frail due to the raging plague known as “The Yellow Sisters.” Kavan’s ultimate desire to reunite his family, protect those who are dear to him, and to return order to the tumultuous lands may prove to be a task with too hefty a price.

Inness Lachlan de Corrmick is the ruler of Neth and the daughter of Queen Diona. More than anything now, she is under scrutiny for the mysterious death of her husband. Paranoia and getting ostracized begin to eclipse Inness’s judgment, causing her to go to war against her mother, unaware of the surreptitious rebellion group awaiting to strip her of the throne. 

There is an incredible amount of care in the execution of the world in White Paragon. The fictitious grammar and vocabulary being interwoven seamlessly into the text is a testament to Tamara Brigham’s talent for and dedication to strong worldbuilding.

Brigham also juggles a multitude of characters and settings in a way that does not feel overwhelming, even for its seventh novel. The characters are so distinct in their roles that it is easy to distinguish amongst them. Kavan’s empathetic nature is so unique in comparison to his more rigid, vengeful peers—a great character to follow. When characters are introduced, Brigham cleverly adds subtle forms of further worldbuilding like pinpoint dialogue and specific facial features. Each detail feels carefully constructed, and it pays off for us readers who love paying attention to the small nuances of fantasy worldbuilding.

The diversity of perspectives allows the plot to expand beyond the castle walls and go into different terrains too, like the desert. I found myself drawn to Inness’s point of view the most due to how tragic her situation really feels. The dichotomy of being a caring mother for her son and having to appear strong as a ruler is done extremely well. She is never static—instead always moving and pushing the conflict forward in ways that remain engrossing. The encroachment of her madness combined with the plight she faces as the only female ruler with little support make for a captivating perspective.

There are times when the change of perspectives can feel a bit jarring in important scenes though. During a cataclysmic moment, the setting and point of view can suddenly change to a character that hasn’t offered much yet, like Wace Elotti, the bounty hunter. Although his particular journey is interesting, his perspective comes across as ill-fitting since something pivotal is happening to Kavan. But even with the occasional blip in this regard, the novel succeeds in getting us ready and excited of what is to come in the following book(s) in the series. 

Fantasy readers who savor the intricacies of worldbuilding will leave satisfied with Brigham’s White Paragon.

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