#illthdar

The worldbuilding was also really interesting! My absolute favorite part was the new year festival that takes a large focus in the end of the book - all the lore and history and how that transfers into customs and traditions and day-to-day societal quirks was absolutely fascinating. I would personally not enjoy being dragged to a party because I am an Introvert (tm), but it was a TON of fun to read about, and I loved reading all the descriptions of the scenery and outfits

In terms of writing style, Rachel’s descriptions are all really wonderful and vivid and put me straight into the world of Illthdar. The dialogue and banter between the friends can be fun too - the guys have a brotherly dynamic between them with the standing up for each other and swearing at each other in the same breath and I love that.

And I have to mention the representation - there’s a wonderful diversity of people, but I really appreciated the disability representation especially, with Abaddon’s blindness and how the characters accommodate them without a second thought. Illthdar might be a hellscape but the friends make it more like home, and ableism Shall Not Stand!

What I didn’t like:

Not much. The first few chapters were really hard to get into because I was really confused about how Illthdar worked and I kept trying to fit it into logical boxes and it felt rushed, but to quote the characters “that’s Illthdar,” and once I got used to how the Order worked, the rest of the book picked up and I really enjoyed it. I also have a suspicion that was an intentional choice on Rachel’s part so you’re just as confused as, and therefore relate more to, Zercey who’s just been thrown headfirst into the chaotic world and so well done there. The only reason I don’t like it is because then it slowed me down on reading the rest of the great book. If you’re picking it up for the first time, just be patient, because it gets really good!

This point comes with the huge disclaimer that I am aroace so I don’t understand romance that well, and have absolutely 0 clue about sexual innuendo, and those bits between the characters (Scy looking at you), was a little weird because it took me a few rereads to figure out what was going on and then rolled my eyes at it, but that’s what I do in real life anyhow, and Nymia’s similar reactions were Much appreciated so honestly I can’t complain about that, and I enjoyed the endgame romances in the end so...? that’s on me, Rachel wrote it well, and anyone else who has a basic comprehension of social cues would probably really enjoy this!

Final thoughts: Definitely check out Illthdar! You won’t regret it, I really enjoyed this story and I’m REALLY looking forward to reading the rest of the series when it comes out! I like the characters so much, I asked Rachel if I could do fanart of them, so that’s below along with an image description (Abaddon would use a screen reader). Thank you for letting me practice my doodles on your ocs! I hope I did them justice :)

[Image ID: The fanart I drew of the main 5 characters in Illthdar: Guardians of Las. From left to right, we have Abaddon, Nyima, Zercey, Scyantha, and Vyxen. Abaddon is tall and muscular. They have red skin, and red horns, silver-pink short hair, and is wearing a grey tang top and khaki cargo shorts. They are smiling softly and holding an axe over one shoulder. Their other hand his held in front of them in a fist.

Nymia has blue skin and blue hair twisted into a braid that’s covered in jewlery, and she’s wearing a wrap dress with long slits in the skirt with a brown belt at the waist. she’s smirking and holding a hand in front of her suspending ice sparks in the air. her other hand is behind Zercey

Zercey is shorter, has tan skin and green hair. She’s wearing a plain green shirt and jeans, and is smiling out the page. She’s holding a book, as if she’s been studying and you just interrupted her.

Scyantha stands with her one hand on Zercey’s shoulder. She’s taller, has pale skin, bright red hair and eyes. She’s wearing a white ruffled top, red corset, black pants, and knee high boots. She’s got a knowing smile, and her other arm is extended behind her with mana gathering around her hand.