What Makes "Days of Shattered Faith" by Adrian Tchaikovsky a Must-Read Fantasy Epic?

Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Days of Shattered Faith delivers a masterclass in epic fantasy, blending political intrigue, brutal warfare, and deep philosophical questions. As the third installment in the Tyrant Philosophers series, this novel expands the conflict between the rigid Palleseen Empire and the richly diverse cultures resisting its “perfection.” But what sets it apart from other fantasy sagas? Let’s dive into its world, themes, and why it’s a standout in 2024’s speculative fiction lineup.

The World of Usmai and the Palleseen Threat

The story unfolds in Alkhalend, capital of Usmai-a nation teetering on the brink of civil war. The aging ruler Alkhand clings to power while his heirs, the scholarly Dekamran and the warrior Gorbudan, vie for succession. Enter the Palleseen, a rationalist empire determined to erase “irrational” traditions and religions. Their diplomat, Sage-Invigilator Gil Angilly, navigates Usmai’s court politics, but her growing sympathy for local customs clashes with her mission.

Tchaikovsky crafts a mosaic society: masked monks wield hook-bladed falx weapons, pirates worship sea gods, and demons form uneasy alliances. The Sand Lanes district buzzes with the lives of the poor, while royal palaces host backstabbing nobles. This layered world-building makes Usmai feel alive and precarious.

Key Themes: Colonialism, Faith, and Betrayal

The Cost of Imperialism

The Palleseen’s “hegemony of perfection” mirrors historical colonial powers like the British Empire. They manipulate trade, dismantle cultural relics, and co-opt local leaders-echoing real-world tactics from the East India Company. Gil’s internal conflict highlights the moral compromises of empire: Can she justify destroying traditions she admires?

Faith vs. Reason

Usmai’s people revere gods of frogs, sharks, and necromancer emperors. The Palleseen dismiss these as superstitions, yet their own “rational” system becomes a dogmatic religion. Tchaikovsky asks: Is faith in rules any different from faith in deities?

The Fragility of Loyalty

Betrayals drive the plot. Characters grapple with duty to family, nation, and personal morals. Even demons and monks face impossible choices, showing how survival often demands sacrifice.

Standout Characters and Twists

• Gil Angilly: A diplomat torn between duty and conscience. Her duel with a former friend sets off a chain of violent consequences.

• Loret: Gil’s mysterious assistant, whose hidden past and violent skills add unpredictability.

• Gorbudan: The exiled warrior prince, revered by soldiers and feared by rivals, embodies Usmai’s martial spirit.

The novel’s battle scenes are visceral and inventive, featuring otherworldly creatures and magic-fueled chaos. A siege involving necromantic forces and monk assassins stands out as a highlight.

Why This Book Matters

Days of Shattered Faith isn’t just fantasy escapism-it’s a commentary on modern power struggles. Tchaikovsky critiques cultural erasure, bureaucratic hypocrisy, and the human cost of ideological wars. Fans of A Game of Thrones will appreciate its intricate politics, while its magical elements rival The Malazan Book of the Fallen.

Where to Buy 

• Purchase: Grab your copy on BookDelico 

Join the Discussion

Have you read Days of Shattered Faith? What did you think of Gil’s moral dilemmas? Share your thoughts in the comments-we’d love to debate whether the Palleseen’s “perfection” is worth the price!