When the Heavens Fall

Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews. I’m one of those readers who let this novel slip by when it was first released. A fact which seems odd, because – with its huge world, multi-thread narrative, and grimdark tinged story – it is exactly the sort of fantasy I tend to look for. And I never would have had a second thought about passing it up if I had not begun seeing reviews about it. Not all of those were five star reviews, truth be told, and some of the reviewers were not glowingly [...]

Turner's debut is sporting a departmental line of structure rarely seen in modern fiction. Pick a random fantasy book from your bookshelf. Turn it upside down. Read the summary. Now tell me the plot. No, wait, let me do that for you. You have a story told either from one or from multiple points of view, by several main characters. You follow the Protagonists' personal stories, and in doing so you sometimes witness a greater plot arc that involves the fate of an empire, or even that of a world. W [...]

Although When the Heavens Fall didn’t knock my socks off, I’m still glad I read it. The elements that didn’t quite work for me were basic plot construction choices, which means the author had all of the world building, characterization, and writing skills, and even executed his vision to my satisfaction, he just didn’t give me a satisfying journey on top of it all. Because of that, I am super excited to dive into his second book and see how a new plot structure with a new cast of charact [...]

3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum bibliosanctum/2015/05/22/bMarc Turner’s When the Heavens Fall was a book that snuck quietly onto my radar earlier this year. I knew next to nothing about it beyond the official publisher’s description, and so as with most things shrouded in mystery, I was instantly intrigued and hoping it would score a surprise hit. In retrospect, my first impressions might have been different if I had kept my expectations more in line, but even after they were tempered I kn [...]

“Seek not beauty in battle. Seek not beauty in death. Consider not your own life. If you wish to protect that which must be protected, then strike while your opponent’s back is turned.”I knew next to nothing about this book. I knew of its existence and I knew I didn’t liked the cover. And that’s pretty much it.Then, in a great anthology Evil is a Matter of Perspective: An Anthology of Antagonists, I have read a short story about water-mage pirate Mazana Creed. And, besides pirates and [...]

Truly epic magical battles. Highly recommended for anyone into epic fantasy with a dark edge.

While I hesitate to call this a throwback or reactionary fantasy, there's no question that When the Heavens Fall has a very late-80s/early-90s feel to it. From the characters, to the world-building, to the story, to the narration, Marc Turner's debut just feels like something I'd almost swear I read 25 years ago. That's not necessarily a bad thing - many of my favorite epics are from that era - but it will certainly present a challenge to readers who've become accustomed to something more polish [...]

Can’t quite put my finger on why this book wasn’t a hit with me. It’s a weak 3 stars-The world building was good, not great.-good premise, exciting battle scenes-The magic system was unique and well explained-Pacing at times left something to be desired-most of all the characters I feel weren’t well developed. Could be my mood, or the books I have read lately have well developed characters and I don’t feel this one has been up to par on that end

I was completely drawn into this world, multiple stories of unrelated characters facing different issues and challenges, dealing with the gods meddling with human affairs. It is a 4.5 stars book for me, reminiscent of the Malazan Book of the Fallen with interesting characters, magic systems and gods.

Well, this started out well enough interesting world and four POV characters to guide us through itbut by the midway point it just seemed to be all show and no real substance. There's a Prince, a Priestess, a Guardian with Jedi-like powers (™ Star Wars), and a demi-goddess (?) who are all more or less on converging paths to defeat a crazy coot mage with his very own Precious (™ Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien). The problem is there is no real character development going on in 700 pages worth [...]

One of the best debut fantasies I've ever read. Turner is someone that will become a household name in the years to come. 4 out of 5 stars.

Originally reviewed at: thequeenofblades.uShamefully, I didn't pick this up immediately when it was released. I had noticed it on , but I had many, many books to read. It was shelved, and joined the back of the line. Yes, I am an awful person. It wasn't until I met Marc Turner that I figured I better get to it. When the Heavens Fall was compared to Malazan by another reviewer. This set off alarm bells in my head. I love Malazan, no not just love. When I'm reading any of TMBotF, I live in them. I [...]

Full Review at Tenacious Reader: tenaciousreader/2015/0When the Heavens Fall by Marc Turner is reminiscent of Steven Erikson and Glen Cook. I think for readers looking for something new but love some of the older fantasies, this could be a good pick.When I began this book, I have to confess I expected to love it. But I just can’t say that was the case. I still feel like I should have loved it, there are many great things about this book, but honestly I just didn’t. It was still good, just no [...]

Fantasy Review BarnAll roads lead to Rome.Mayot gets his hands on an object that gives him power to rival the gods. And it is quickly apparent he plans on using it. His presence turns into a magnet for everything to follow; a focal point for the entire cast to converge on for differing reasons. Some know exactly why they are heading to this man while some are driven there by factors beyond their control. But each soul that heads in his direction is drawn in completely; one way or another their f [...]

I would not be the first to say that there has been a real explosion of fantasy literature in the last 5-10 years. Some of it is fantastic and some of it not so good, but we still enjoy reading and talking about it all don't we?I came across Marc Turner by accident as I follow his UK publisher; Titan on Twitter and on Fantasy Faction there was loud chatter about a new author on the scene. Curious about an author writing a new epic fantasy series called, The Chronicles of the Exile, I purchased a [...]

When the Heavens Fallby Marc Turner is the author’s debut novel. This is a big swords and sorcery epic that seems to channel a touch of Steven Erikson. The story is catapulted into action by the theft of a magical book that is filled to the brim with magic; the Book of Lost Souls. As the mage who stole the book begins to explore its power over the dead it begins to drawn the attention of gods and men into an epic convergence of power. The story follows several characters from different corners [...]

Really solid book. Essentially a quest story as four very different characters and their cohorts travel to try and win a Book of the Dead that has brought an army of the dead to life and threatens everyone. It is complex and jumps between the main characters a lot. All of the main characters are well drawn and I was fond of the resolute Guardian Luker and his assassin friend Jenna but the eccentric mage Mottle was by far the most fun. Should be read in long bursts if you can do it do as to keep [...]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars.

4.3 I'd say. abitterdraft/2015/05/when-The Book of Lost Souls, an ancient relic guarded closely by a circle of mages for centuries, has been stolen by the rogue mage Mayot Mencada through the subtle directive of the goddess Spider. The Book gives its wielder immense necromantic power, and Mayot’s ambition knows no bounds as he openly challenges the god Shroud’s rule over the underworld by raising the ancient dead and lashing out at any settlement near the Forest of Sighs, the cursed forest h [...]

Review in portugueseEsse livro é um prato cheio para os fãs de fantasia clássica dos anos 80 e 90 e para os fãs de Steven Erikson. É evidente a influencia que o Marc Turner teve dos livros do Steven Erikson e do Joe Abercrombie, os personagens são ricos e cheios de qualidades e defeitos - enfim humanos e a narrativa não te entrega nada de mão beijada, você literalmente tem que ficar prestando atenção no que está acontecendo o tempo inteiro, caso contrario você vai acabar boiando na [...]

An excellent read for all fans of dark fantasy. Really wish I hadn't waited so long to read it but on the plus side there are 2 more books available in the series to datery keen to see where the story goes next!

The review will be highly Malazan-centric since there's a lot of parallels and the author himself has recognized Erikson as a major influence. There's also a lot of parallel characters: Hood/Shroud, Ardata/Spider, Antler God/Beast GodsThat does not mean the personality traits of these gods or their goals are the same. The writing style and plot layout are much more Esslemont than Erikson. Things are generally laid out in a straightforward manner not laced with subtext and portents of things to c [...]

I both love it and hate it when I enjoy the first book in a new series. I love it because I have the thrill of knowing that even when I reach the last page there’s still plenty more where that came from . . . and I hate it because what do you mean I have to wait until next year for the second one?!After just a few pages I knew that the Chronicles of the Exile would be (yet another) series I’d be following. I’d seen this book reviewed on several blogs I follow, and was completely pulled in [...]

Simply the best Fantasy novel I've read since Abercrombie's First Law trilogy and Jeff Salyards' Bloodsounder's Arc trilogy. Loved everything about this book. It gave me exactly what I crave.

3.5 Stars.No spoilers.This first book of a trilogy, is a traditional typed high fantasy, where we have numerous story lines, of groups of, or singular (Luker, a Guardian, Ebon a Prince, Parolla a necromancer, and Romany a High Priestess) characters involved in search of a mage who has stolen The Book of Lost Souls and with that he is trying to take over as the Lord of the Dead. Each is in search of this book and the mage, Mayot for different reasons. What happens when they all converge? Things s [...]

A very nice (but not ~nice~) fantasy debut.The most solid part of the writing was definitely Turner's feel for setting. Without going overboard, the descriptions of ruined temples and forests of undead were vivid enough to make me feel as if I were playing several levels of a Diablo game. It definitely felt more like a world-driven fantasy than a character-driven one, and given the right ingredients, I'm sometimes fine with that. This was one of those times.As a huge fan of big and bad, and pref [...]

My review today is for:When the Heavens Fall: The Chronicles of the Exile, Book One by Marc TurnerA copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.I have been meaning to read this book forever it seems but something always got in the way, another book, another review request, always something. I finally put everything else on hold and read it and I sure am glad I did. I immediately feel in love with this book. I felt so at home with this story and c [...]

koeur.wordpress/2015/03/1Publisher: TorPublishing Date: May 2015ISBN: 9780765337122 Genre: FantasyRating: 4.0/5Publisher Description: A book giving its wielder power over the dead has been stolen from a fellowship of mages that has kept the powerful relic dormant for centuries. The thief, a crafty, power-hungry necromancer, intends to use the Book of Lost Souls to resurrect an ancient race and challenge Shroud for dominion of the underworld. Shroud counters by sending his most formidable servant [...]

4 stars.Great epic/swords&sorcery blend with a storytelling reminiscent of Steven Erikson.

3.5/4 star review as this is only the first few chapters and so at this stage there is room for development.Just finished reading the first few chapters in When the Heavens Fall by Marc Turner. This is the start of a swords and sorcery epic fantasy with magic, Gods and plenty of swordplay.This is an odd review to write because at the moment I’ve only read an excerpt of the story but I can already say that this is a story that I would definitely continue with as this got off to a very promising [...]