The Shape of Power
The Sparkgazer Saga Book 1
by Dan F. Swinnen
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Pub Date 5 May 2025 | Archive Date 26 Apr 2025
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Description
IN ONE YEAR, THE EMPIRE WILL HANG BRINA’S FATHER.
SHE WON’T LET THEM.
Brina Springtide carries her father's legacy like a curse. She was only a child when his assassination of the empire’s divine ruler cast the realm into chaos and ripped apart what remained of her family. Left to fend for herself, Brina feels powerless against the crushing grip of the empire. Until she unearths a mysterious artifact in an abandoned mine.
As Brina discovers her hidden powers, she is sucked into a shadow world of banned magic, thievery, and rebellion. No longer alone, she finds herself surrounded by the very people the empire swore to destroy: sparkgazers. Inspired by Brina’s father, these sorcerers have been conspiring in secret to tear down the empire.
Step one of their plan? To free the man who started it all.
With a crew of unlikely companions, Brina sets out for the infamous prison of God’s Maul. Between its blackened walls and labyrinthine passages, her father counts his final days.
She might get in, but will she get back out?
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF YOU LIKE:
- Rebellion and resistance against oppression
- Grumpy magic mentors
- A unique magic system
- A protagonist who grows as she discovers her hidden powers
- Magical creatures and monsters
- Diverse, morally complex characters
- A dark, gritty setting balanced with moments of humor and levity
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9789083533001 |
| PRICE | US$2.99 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Aimèe V, Reviewer
I had the best time reading this book. I loved our motley crew of characters and their prison break schemes. I loved watching our characters grow. I would highly recommend this for fans of morally grey snarky characters and lovable drug addicts. Full review here: https://youtu.be/dVTFu4ri-7g?si=ct8qi2lXMPQr2ogm
Brie L, Reviewer
Shape of Power by S.H. Swinnen brought me back to the days I’d wander through yard sales with my grandma, picking up old fantasy books based solely on their covers never expecting much, only to fall completely in love with the story inside. That’s exactly the experience I had here. I didn’t expect to dislike it, but I also had no idea what I was getting into and I was blown away. This book gave me major Michael J. Sullivan vibes; specifically Theft of Swords, with its witty banter and dynamic character interactions. I was completely engrossed in the dialogue, feeling like I was right there with them. The morally grey characters added so much depth, further reminding me of Sullivan’s style.
That said, Shape of Power isn’t just a copy or a homage. I am pleased to say that it’s very much its own beast. It stands confidently alongside Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations as an equal in quality, voice, and storytelling strength. ’d go so far as to say this feels like a fresh modern evolution of that kind of fantasy; perfectly palatable for a new generation of readers while still offering the depth longtime fans crave.
The magic system was another highlight. It was fun, engaging, and, most importantly, easy to understand without ever feeling watered down. Swinnen balances complexity with clarity in a way that makes the world immersive and the stakes feel real.
If you’re looking for a fantasy that captures that classic feel with a contemporary edge, Shape of Power should absolutely be on your radar.
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