Book Review: Anji Kills a King (The Rising Tide, #1) by Evan Leikham
From the very moment I stumbled upon Anji Kills a King, I was captivated—not just by the evocative title, but by the haunting question it posed: what happens when the good intentions of a young rebel meet the brutal reality of a broken kingdom? Evan Leikham’s debut thrusts readers into the gritty depths of a grimdark world, and I couldn’t resist diving into this thrilling narrative that promises both adventure and a heart-wrenching exploration of morality.
Anji’s story begins with the heavy burden of having killed King Rolandrian of Yem. Instead of emerging as a hero, she finds herself in a life-altering pursuit, chased not only by the ferocious Menagerie—bounty hunters with animal personas—but also by her own naivety. As we follow Anji on her harrowing journey, the themes of justice, the lesser evil, and the burden of choice come to the forefront in a way I found thought-provoking and insightful. Anji’s struggle to understand the nuances of her actions—killing a tyrant yet plunging the kingdom deeper into chaos—challenges the archetypical hero narrative. It forces us to confront a disquieting truth: even the best intentions can lead to dire consequences.
One of the standout dynamics in this novel is the complex relationship between Anji and the Hawk, her captor who feels less like a villain and more like a flawed mentor. Initially, I hoped for the classic mentor/mentee rapport, but Leikham pivots to create a more layered interaction, steeped in tension and mutual misunderstanding. The Hawk, with her sharp tongue and weary disposition, becomes a reflection of Anji’s own emotional turmoil. The interpersonal battles between them reveal deeper truths about their pasts—painful echoes of trauma that shape their actions. It’s a relationship that evolves in a manner both realistic and compelling, highlighting how even captors can show glimpses of kindness amidst their own struggles.
Leikham’s writing style stood out to me, combining vivid world-building with sharp dialogue. The pacing, particularly during their travel through the grim landscapes of Yemen, was gripping. I felt as though I was alongside Anji and the Hawk, witnessing the squalor and despair of the kingdom’s towns. The magical system introduced, infused with Maxia, had me yearning for more depth, and while we only scratched the surface, I appreciated how this added layers to the world without overshadowing the personal narratives.
The thematic undertones resonated with me as I reflected on this quote: “The world won’t make space for you or your ideals. There’s the reality you wish for, and the one which exists.” It’s a sobering reminder that we often wrestle with our ideals in an unforgiving reality. This exploration of disillusionment and survival is what kept me turning the pages, even as I became increasingly aware of the darkness permeating this tale.
As a first installment of a planned trilogy, Anji Kills a King stands strong as a self-contained story filled with heart-pounding twists and a sense of closure that I greatly appreciated. If you enjoy dark fantasy with morally complex characters and intertwining journeys of self-discovery—think gritty narratives like Joe Abercrombie or the works of Brandon Sanderson—this book will most certainly meet and exceed your expectations.
In closing, I found this book to be a profound exploration of human struggle and societal truths, intertwined with gripping adventure. Leikham weaves a tale that will linger in the back of your mind long after the final page has turned. I can’t wait to see where Anji’s journey leads next—though I have a feeling it will be anything but easy.
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