‘War Cry’ by Brian McClellan

Mount Readmore Book Review 2018, 134/200

eBook Edition

Finished on 9/8/2018

Goodreads

Genres: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Novella, Military Fantasy

Magical Vietnam War

Spoiler-ific review

Wizardry is the only force powerful enough to end the endless war. Changers(Shapeshifters) and Smiling Toms(Illusionists) are employed by both sides of the war. Changers are one man armies, capable of annihilating entire platoons with shapeshifted teeth and talons, while Smiling Toms use their illusion magic to camouflage camps and strike forces to prevent enemy air strikes.

I loved this setting, because McClellan seamlessly fusing action and worldbuilding to create a visceral whole. I want more from this setting because the author made it feel lived-in.

Teado, the protagonist, is a broken battered soul who was fascinating (and a bit depressing) to read. I want to read more about him, preferably from an earlier point in his story.

The pacing was quick, but not so quick that there wasn’t enough space for characterization. It was very well done.

The plot was the best part. I’m not going to spoil it at all, but it was good.

Highly Recommended