Book Review: Buzzards Bowl by John Palladino
**NOTE** Review may contain spoilers for book one “The Trials of Ashmount”
This book was mental, and I loved it. Lock up .. literally everyone. No one is safe. Book two in The Tragedy of Cedain takes no prisoners. It is unapologetic and dark as hell.
Buzzards Bowl takes place directly after the events in book one. If you haven’t read book one, stop reading this review right …. Now. Ashmount has a lot to hide, magic as it has been taught and sought in others has had a sordid history that has finally come to the light. There are a number of powerful people who want Ashmount and everything it stands for destroyed. It is the only way to rebuild the world and harness the magic within to its full potential. A new world, means new rules and no more lies. Leading the charge against Ashmount and the current magicai of the world, is the secret society of the legendary Elkavich, who will fight to expose the shortcomings. Even if it means taking everything and everyone with it.
The POV’s from book one will learn of the sordid histories, machinations and brutality of the world around them, from the competition of the Buzzards Bowl, keeping the rich and powerful in their place, to the desert clans who wield powerful and ancient magic strong enough to bring this world to an end. Unlikely friendships will surface, many will die. Buzzard’s Bowl is one hell of a ride.
This book was phenomenal! I cannot state that enough, John has done such a good job of bringing all the elements of the first book and answering the questions burning in my brain. The world, the magic and the characters all blew wide open in this second instalment.
The world and the magic go hand in hand with the histories of both being expanded upon as things fall into play. We find that Demri Slan our magic user with a grudge discovered that Ashmount was lying to its students and there were more ways to unlock the four schools of magic at once. Those attuned to the magic of the world do not need to be limited to one study, one only need know how. On top of that he also discovered new magics, ancient magics and those not spoken about. The Elkavich have had enough of the lies and continue to harness and teach amongst themselves, spreading knowledge of powers beyond their wildest dreams. I really liked seeing some of the rumoured magic, or those just touched upon from book one come to life here. My favourite had to be the use of elemental magic amongst the Imbuers of the desert clans. Seeing this in action was destructive and awesome! Along with the magic we also get to uncover more of the interconnected machinations between the powerful in this world.
The titles namesake Buzzard’s Bowl is an arena full of “Gladiators” often expected to do unspeakable things for the sake of entertainment. Not only is this interesting commentary on real life events and the lengths humanity will go to be entertained, but it also opened an underground of money handling, power plays and revenge plots. My favourite character of the series Edelbrock has a lot to do with this storyline which becomes quintessential in the Elkavich’s plot to destroy the magicai at the centre of the games. The amount of growth and healing this unlikable yet, still somehow likable character goes through to fight his way through is insane.
Along with an intriguing plot, nonstop action, Palladino also writes in a short, sharp, and simple prose that keeps the story flowing without needing to take a breather. This writing style is addictive, and easy to follow all while building up those magnificent elements that make this book great.
Book two in this series blew my expectations out of the water and I can see this becoming an all-time favourite series. If you are looking for Abercrombie like style and wit, with Martin's brutality and characterisation. Palladino is your guy.
