Threads of Ash: South, by SH Cooper

The weeping blight took everything from Yaveta, except her life. After the enigmatic warrior, Wulfren, rescues her from the twisted remains of her people, she longs to start over somewhere else untouched by blight. But the wider world is a dangerous place, and the darkness has spread far beyond her village's borders. With only Wulfren's axe separating her from death, Yaveta must put her faith into the northman, secretive as he is strong, and together they will discover just how deeply the sickness runs.

I first encountered SH Cooper with her incredible ‘Ungodly Duology’ last year, and she immediately shot onto my Must Buy list. As an independent author, she’s free to explore wherever the imagination takes her, and that she absolutely goes all out every time.

This is the first in a dark fantasy series, set in the aftermath of a magical disease. There’s very little information given, as we only learn via our protagonist Yaveta who begins the book having lost her family, friends and village to the Weeping Blight. She finds a warrior about his own mysterious business, and together they travel the ravaged land in an attempt to figure out exactly what’s going on and whether there are any other survivors.

Since 2020, I’ve found post-apocalyptic (and virus-based) books understandably difficult to read. The difference with Threads of Ash is that Yaveta is a wonderfully empathic narrator. I genuinely felt her sorrow, fear and determination as she battles through unbelievably situations, with reactions that are understandable and realistic. She retains her humanity and care for others while having to acknowledge the existence of true monsters, and it’s a joy to accompany her on this journey.

Wulfren makes for a fun companion as well. This story is very much based around the two travellers, and his stoic ‘warrior’ demeanour could easily be compared to the Witcher Geralt - except there are differences. We learn his background in tantalising drops, and when there’s a larger reveal it’s all the more shocking. Yes, he’s lost friends to this warped world too.

This is a beautiful fantasy, dark without too much of the ‘grim’, and it held me from beginning to (cliffhanger) ending. I was immediately looking forward to the next part, and know that the author has her writing finger in several pies at the moment, so will be following her eagerly too see what worlds she crafts next.

Refreshingly original, gorgeously written and definitely recommended if you want some original, gripping fantasy.