A new favourite of all time with The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez (non spoiler) 

I am so glad that you loved it!

Your opening sentences already had me putting this on my TBR, and those thoughts on the impacts of violence intrigue me even more.

He took risks in the book, and they absolutely paid off. I can't wait to see what he does next.

I imagine the POV and structure of the book is going to be a hit or miss for many people just because it is so different from other fantasy books, but I appreciate authors like Simon Jimenez taking a big risk with his writing AND making it work.

Thanks for making me aware of this and I will be tracking it down!

I saw it doing rounds on RU-vid, but given that you liked it, it's now a must! I had acquired the audiobook but then I got recommended to read it... so I'm back to waiting for my library to have it available. I'm just emerging from editing hell, and missed the opportunity. That said, weird and innovative books are so cool, so looking foward to it!

Ah fantastic review. Read this back in Feb and I haven't stopped thinking about it. Like wow ! The way he writes is just gorgeous and I just loved the whole framing device of the book.

I'm enjoying this book, but the first 20 to 30 pages was a little hard to get through. The writing is poetic, and I think his writing works well in the fantasy genre. Can't wait to finish this story. I rarely read fantasy but chose to read this book due to his great debut.

30 seconds in and fuck it, I'ma read this book.

Fine, I'll read it

Good summary and insightful review. I think like a lot of people, I was convinced to read this book by Evie and I was enjoying it so much through the first maybe 10-20% I took the hardcover from the library with me on vacation to the beach. I really enjoyed the writing both in overall structure of the book as well as the prose. I'm sure it'll come, but I've not see anyone with a poor opinion of the book, maybe 3 out of 5 stars as the low bar. Thank you for the review.

Such an amazing and insightful review Zara!!! You're absolutely correct, this will be enjoyed by someone 100 hundred years from now and it is truly, a timeless tale. Ugh, so good. Excellent video.

I don’t think any authors could dedicate their own book with “This one’s for me” and every reader think “Hell fucking yes king”