LitPick Review
Serpendis Endium, Master Merchant, is an older man with a remarkable talent for using words to his advantage. After becoming the sole survivor of a journey, he has no choice but to hire a guide to make it home safely. His young companion, Piecora, is a survival expert with a deep connection to nature. At first, Serpendis sees her as little more than a wildling and fails to appreciate her skills. However, an unexpected event transports them to an unfamiliar world filled with magic and mystery. If they wish to return to their world, they must join forces. Their journey will be fraught with riddles, battles, and challenges, and the further they go, the more uncertain their fate becomes. Will they make it back safely?
Opinion:
The best part of Tales of Piecora - The Emerald Cave is its worldbuilding. Jason Behnke vividly describes the sounds, sensations, and thoughts of the characters, making it easy to picture the fantastical setting. Serpendis was my favorite character due to his development. His personality gradually shifts under Piecora’s influence, and she, in turn, shines with her impressive abilities. The story maintains a dynamic pace, balancing moments of action with scenes of quiet reflection and a touch of humor when the characters need to take a break.
However, the writing style could use some refinement to improve readability and make certain ideas more concise. Additionally, the story introduces many new terms, and a glossary at the beginning would have been helpful. Even so, the mythology is rich and well-crafted, adding a layer of depth that makes the story feel truly unique.
