Plague Bloom Book One | New Apocalypse Series [Review]

My name is Bryce Song, and for my entire life, I have lived in the shadow of a deadly Bloom that not only kills, but raises the dead. Since the plague’s beginning, my people have journeyed toward our God’s Promised Lands atop the backs of the Guardians. I have always wondered if we would reach our destination and felt helpless against the seemingly insurmountable odds.

A great valley, filled with its Fallen peoples and their undead protector, separates us from our salvation. The only chance of killing our monstrous enemy is to find a weapon, once wielded by our God. During the long journey, our heroes have been slain, and few are willing to embark on a quest to retrieve the holy relic.

There’s no question what I must do. I must journey to the last resting place of our God, and reclaim the weapon that will save my people from certain destruction.

A DEADLY BLOOM by Kody Boye is the first book in the Plague Bloom series (although there is a prequel). While there is a lot to take in, the storyline is easy to follow. Bryce's people, the Kirans, are finally nearing the Promised Lands, but they have three major problems to solve first: find the holy weapon of their goddess, fight through a sea of Fallen, and defeat the undead Guardian.

The situation becomes more complicated, as the Kirans and the Elves don't see eye to eye on how the weapon should be used, if it is recovered. Bryce's people have lived in relative peace for nearly twenty years and do not have enough warriors to face the Fallen, so they need help from the Elves. However, the two races, with their Earthwalkers and Sky Whales, might not be enough to destroy a Guardian infected by the Bloom.

I want to emphasize, I appreciate the way the author completed this story arc, instead of leaving readers with an abrupt cliff-hanger. Of course, the future of Bryce's people is still unknown, but I'm glad all the major issues were addressed, for better or worse. When Ziara's form was revealed towards the end, I nearly lost my mind over the implied history of Boye's Bloom world. Last but not least, I love how the author uses Bryce to connect the two races and offer insight into the personalities of the various characters. I was hoping for a romantic relationship to form between a Kiran and one of the Elves, but no such luck.

I can't wait to read the second book, and I highly recommend this series!

As always,

AstraDaemon