Jen Williams: The Ninth Rain

Hi everyone

The Ninth Rain is the first book in The Winnowing Flame Trilogy by Jen Williams. This book was a birthday gift from my husband back in January. 

"The great city of Ebora once glittered with gold. Now its streets are stalked by wolves. Tormalin the Oathless has no taste for sitting around waiting to die while the realm of his storied ancestors falls to pieces - talk about a guilt trip. Better to be amongst the living, where there are taverns full of women and wine.
When eccentric explorer, Lady Vincenza 'Vintage' de Grazon, offers him employment, he sees an easy way out. Even when they are joined by a fugitive witch with a tendency to set things on fire, the prospect of facing down monsters and retrieving ancient artefacts is preferable to the abomination he left behind.
But not everyone is willing to let the Eboran empire collapse, and the adventurers are quickly drawn into a tangled conspiracy of magic and war. For the Jure'lia are coming, and the Ninth Rain must fall..." 

This was so good!
At first, The Ninth Rain took some time to fully pull me in. But once I was about a third of the way through, I was completely hooked. 

This book has everything you could want; a rich history, fascinating magic, magnificent (and terrifying) creatures and diverse characters and races. The concept behind Ygseril and the war-beasts is so unique and imaginative. The story is packed with action, humor, suspense, and even a touch of romance, but it never feels overwhelming or too much. The worldbuilding is really impressive and Williams her writing just draws you in. 
The characters are flawed, complex, and deeply human (even when they’re not entirely human). I fell in love with Vintage, the eccentric explorer who feels like a sweet, grandma version of Indiana Jones and Tormalin, who is strong and caring. Only Noon starts out as a weak and honestly uninteresting character but she becomes stronger, And there are some great sidecharacters too! 
The tension in this book is palpable, and Williams’ writing is so engaging and immersive that I often found myself reading "just one more chapter" late into the night. 

Have you read The Ninth Rain or any of Jen Williams’ other books? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
I have already ordered the second and third installment in The Winnowing Flame series because I can't wait to find out how the story evolves.

Happy reading!
Helena