Book Review: The Way of Unity by Sarah K. Balstrup

The Way of Unity was a dark historical fantasy, rich in religious thematics which really made the reader think.

The Priesthood of the Intercessors has ruled for too long. Their message of purification has gone too far and various players across the land of Velspar are ready to rise against them.

Whispers of the first heresy spread throughout the ruling Skalens, who wish to end the blood rites, the burning of spirits and the mind games of the religious elite. But before they are able to start the rebellion, a fire takes everything from Sybilla Ladain. Her family and future, gone in an instant. Sybilla was only a child the first time heresy was mentioned, but under the rage of grief, she seeks to bring Intercession to its brutal, and bloody end.

Orchestrating a holy rebellion, was just the beginning.  

There is so much to unpack in The Way of Unity. I will start off by saying, if you do not like or appreciate the deep exploration of the darker side of religion and faith, this will not be the book for you. Personally, it is one of my favourite themes explored in any fiction (and I find the nonfiction surrounding the topic utterly fascinating). Throughout this book the ideas of religion and the politics tied to faith dance around each other in an exploration of power.

Whilst there are a number of things I enjoyed throughout the story I will largely stick to the theme of religion and the discussions that The Way of Unity brings to the forefront. As the reader, we learn about the Intercessors who worship the Gods Siatka and Kahidol. These Gods demand sacrifices of their subject, in the name of the blood rites on the day of their birth. This poses the question, how much does one have to give of themselves to be considered faithful? When is enough, enough? Our characters go through this process, with some believing this is the way things are and there is no point changing course for the safety of themselves and their family. Others want the sacrifice to end, thinking it a barbaric way to experience love of a deity.

We also have the battle of the Intercessors and the Skalens themselves. Both parties desiring power, both parties throughout the book using fear, stripping subjects of power and taking away freedom of choice as means of control. Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the meridian, and the magic of the world that takes place through these headdresses. These bands were worn on the forehead, 3 blinding stones placed evenly across the head which invoked a kind of numbness, a softening of extreme emotion in which some came to rely upon. Particularly those wanting power for themselves as a tool of mediation. All of these elements opened up conversations surrounding the concept of religious ideation that were utterly mesmerising in my opinion.

I also quite enjoyed the flow and pace of the story itself. We follow Sybilla who grows with the story. The short chapters timed before and after the main event which will determine her life path, helps the reader make sense of her decisions. As the years progress, so to do the players in this political game underlining the story. We see characters as they start to question the why of the way things are, to start seeking knowledge from before they were born to make their own decisions and alliances in a way that felt natural to the world. By doing this we also get to see how people age and harden or soften to the past, to use the knowledge found along the way for the greater good or as a weapon. Not only were we experiencing some bigger themes and questions, but they were also timed well within the story in my opinion.  

This was a no brainer 5 star read for me, but as I said it will not be for everyone. The Way of Unity had me putting the book down every 3-5 chapters to sit with the themes, and explore in my own head what I thought about them. I have no idea where book two will take us, but I cannot wait to see how this story continues to unfold.