Skullsworn

by Brian Staveley
Skullsworn cover
Good Books rating 4.03
Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9399
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781509822966
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2017-04-20
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Pyrre Lakatur, a devoted priestess of Ananshael, the God of Death, faces her final trial: killing seven people, including a true love, within fourteen days. Trained as an assassin, Pyrre's challenge lies not in the act of killing but in finding love to fulfill her trial. Returning to her violent hometown, she seeks love to end it with her knife, all while racing against time to avoid failure and being sacrificed to her god. /n/n Set in the world of the Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne, Skullsworn is a standalone novel praised for its lush, evocative descriptions and emotional complexity. The story explores themes of devotion, love, and the consequences of faith, all wrapped in a thrilling and grim narrative.

Reviews
Novel Notions · 2018-10-29
excellent 4.50

The book exceeds expectations with superb prose and exceptional character development. It is a standout in its genre.

Skullsworn is an outstanding book that surpasses all expectations. The prose is superlative, enhancing the reading experience significantly. The character development is exceptional, making each character memorable and relatable. The story is engaging and well-crafted, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader hooked. The author's ability to create a rich and immersive world is evident, making this book a standout in its genre. The themes explored are deep and thought-provoking, adding layers of complexity to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, ensuring that the reader remains invested throughout.

Quick quotes

    Skullsworn is an outstanding book enhanced by superlative prose that exceeded my expectations in every possible way.

    If you're a character-driven fantasy fan, you'll love this book.

    The world-building is exceptional, creating a rich and immersive setting.

Rob J. Hayes · Rob J. Hayes · 2017-11-03
great 4.00

The book defies expectations and surprisingly works well. The narrative is unique and captivating.

Skullsworn is a book that really shouldn't work, but it does. The narrative is unique and captivating, defying the usual expectations of the genre. The story is personal and deeply engaging, focusing on the protagonist's quest for love in a world of death. The themes explored are profound and thought-provoking, adding depth to the narrative. The pacing is well-balanced, ensuring that the reader remains invested throughout. The author's ability to create a compelling and unique story is evident, making this book a standout. The characters are well-developed and relatable, adding to the overall enjoyment of the reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Skullsworn is a book that really shouldn't work. There, I said it. I meant it. I'm not taking it back. But it really does work.

    It's a personal (very personal!) story of Pyrre's quest for love in a world of death.

    What's at stake, originally, is whether or not she can find love in a world that revolves around death.

Fantasy Book Review · 2017-04-07
good 3.60

The book is short but effectively presents multiple perspectives through the protagonist's mind. The narrative is engaging and well-paced.

This book is surprisingly concise, with around 350-400 pages, and it manages to weave together the viewpoints of about five or six main characters through the lens of Pyrre's mind. The storytelling is immersive and keeps the reader engaged throughout. The author's ability to maintain a consistent and compelling narrative despite the multiple perspectives is commendable. The book's brevity does not detract from its depth, as it delves into complex themes and character dynamics. The pacing is well-balanced, ensuring that the reader remains invested in the story from beginning to end.

Quick quotes

    This is not a very long book. Perhaps 350-400 pages and it has about 5 or 6 main characters always presented through Pyrre's mind and the views of hers.

    It has a certain depth to it that makes it a compelling read.

    The narrative is engaging and well-paced, making it a quick yet satisfying read.

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