Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
The engineer Ziani Vaatzes engineered a war to be reunited with his family. The deaths were regrettable, but he had no choice. Duke Valens dragged his people into the war to save the life of one woman - a woman whose husband he then killed. He regrets the evil he's done, but he, equally, had no choice. Secretary Psellus never wanted to rule the Republic, or fight a desperate siege for its survival. As a man of considerable intelligence, he knows that he has a role to play - and little choice but to accept it. The machine has been built. All that remains is to set it in motion.
The Escapement: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This is a morally complex adult fantasy centered on war, siege, and engineered conflict where protagonists make ruthless choices. Violence and mass death are significant throughout, with philosophical examination of consequence and sacrifice.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, death, and mass death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers who enjoy intricate plots about morally gray characters making impossible choices will be gripped by this philosophical war story.