[Women In Horror Month] - The Goblets Immortal
By Beth Overmyer
It has been many years since I’ve read anything in the fantasy genre, save The Hobbit. Seeing as I’ve made a promise this year to continue expanding what I read, I thought I would give The Goblets Immortal a chance at reeling me back into the land of mystical creatures and wizards.
The synopsis sounds simple enough – a magical man (considered Blest) is on the run for presumably making his parents disappear, all the while being prodded by an evil mage (named Meraude) to find a collection of sacred, powerful goblets – but there’s more to it than just that. The thing is I would have liked to know that from the start. Nowhere in this book was there mention of it being the start of a new series (i.e. a commitment); now, I must continue reading whatever else Overmyer puts out in relation to The Goblets Immortal to learn how it all comes together in the end.
Why is that frustrating? Honestly, the story seemed to barely progress, aside from the relation between Ingledark and the companion he picks up along the way (called Slain). Sure, there’s a sort of resolve between Ingledark and Lord Dewhurst, but little else. The Goblets Immortal (which refers to the collective) is still very much a mystery, as are the Blest. We also never really meet Meraude, though we get warned about her plenty and speak to her in dream-like sequences. The whole book really boils down to a couple main points that could have been brought about in a shorter amount of time. With less filler, Overmyer probably could have fit the story of two books into one instead, therefore making it a more satisfying read.
There was also the issue of explanation. For those of us who do not consistently read fantasy or play fantasy games, there was a lot of terminology right off the bat that left me confused and scrambling. The terms “Summon,” “Dismiss,” and “Pull” all appear in the first chapter without explanation, which left me feeling like I’d entered a video game without on-screen instructions. It took some getting used to, and even by the end of the book I wasn’t comfortable with how it often felt like a strategy guide rather than a novel.
Alas, my complaints feel heavy. Despite the progression, lack of explanation, and lack of action, I did enjoy The Goblets Immortal enough to find myself curious of the Blest, the goblets, Ingeldark’s parents, and the magical-hating mage. It just seemed like too many things were paper-thin along the way. Maybe the sequel will do better by me. I just wish I knew how many more entries to expect in my journeys…
Review by Aiden Merchant
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I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration.