The Living God by Kaytalin Platt ~ a Review

by MK French

Saran is a mage in control of time, fighting a war her father the king insists on fighting. He wants death and destruction, and the rise of the Living God in accordance to old prophecies. Saran is conspiring against him with Keilar, a fire mage that has a demon known as an oruke inside of him. That causes fear as well as respect, as there are those who believe that Keilar will become the Living God of prophecy. Keilar just wants to be a fire mage, love Saran, and continue to fight against the king with the rest of the rebellion. When Saran's magic is locked away as punishment for defying her father, Keilar starts losing control over the demon. There is a lot on the line, and risk at every turn.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

May 2019;  Inkshares; 978-1947848931
ebook, print (368 pages); YA fantasy

This is actually the start of a series, so its ending is fairly open to be continued on in other novels. There is a lot of political intrigue here as well as discussion of the different elemental magic styles, the two other alternate realities (one of which is our own) where magic was lost. I was caught up in the story, and the relationship between Saran and Keilar, as well as the push and pull of magic in this world. It was interesting to see how parallel universes played out in the prophecy and religion in this book, as well as the usual problem of avoiding prophecies tend to help make them happen. There were multiple betrayals throughout the novel, and right up to the very end were a few surprises regarding motivations and those you thought you could trust.

There are a lot of characters in this, considering we have the main kingdom at war, different rebels, the mages, and new names mentioned here and there from other universes. They all talk about events from the past, making it feel as though there is that much more weight and history for everyone here. I love touches like that in a book, especially if we're dropped in the middle of the action at the start of the novel, and the past events only gradually get referred to or explained later. I'm sure the next novel in this series will unfold in a similar way.

Buy The Living God at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and golden retriever.

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