James McLean’s Valenfaar: The Children’s Song is a dark, gripping fantasy novel that plunges readers into a world on the brink of collapse. Set in the same timeline as The Crimson Plains but on the opposite side of the country, this second installment in The Fall of Valenfaar series follows the desperate struggle against the ominous force known as the Children. As war looms, characters battle not only external foes but also the demons within their own minds. From the ominous first scene of a burning orphanage to the eerie climax where the Children’s influence takes full hold, the book weaves a chilling tale of survival, duty, and moral decay.

The writing is vivid, sometimes brutally so, and McLean doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war. Scenes like the feast before battle, where soldiers drink and joke as if trying to drown out the inevitable, feel painfully real. When Garridan wrestles with his past and loses himself to nightmares, his turmoil is so raw that I found myself genuinely unsettled. The eerie song of the Children whispered throughout the novel, adds an ever-present layer of tension. Every time it was mentioned, I braced for something awful.

What really struck me was the way McLean builds his world, not just the physical setting but also the deep-seated beliefs and corrupt politics that shape Valenfaar. The moment when Jo-een realizes the king and queen are oblivious to the country’s true state is a masterful piece of storytelling. It highlights a terrifying reality: those in power often live in ignorance while the people suffer. And then there’s Varen, the High Priest, whose chilling, calculated nature makes him one of the most compelling figures in the book. His confrontation with Fenrich, where he casually explains his complete control, is both fascinating and terrifying.

If there’s one thing that didn’t completely land for me, it’s some of the side characters. While figures like Garridan and Jo-een are deeply developed, others, like Roth, sometimes feel more like placeholders for comic relief than essential parts of the narrative. That said, even the lighter moments often serve a greater purpose, like the scene where Merl sings around the campfire, giving a fleeting glimpse of innocence before chaos erupts. The book thrives in its contrasts, making its darker turns even more gut-wrenching.

Valenfaar: The Children’s Song is a heavy, emotionally intense read that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and military epics. If you enjoy books like The Black Company or The First Law trilogy, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s not a lighthearted adventure, but if you’re looking for a story that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go, this is it. Just be warned: once you hear the Children’s song, you won’t forget it.

Pages: 279 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BV7KM279