Content levels
Trigger warnings
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Reaching far beyond sword and sorcery, The Scar is a story of two people torn by disaster, their descent into despair, and their reemergence through love and courage. Egert is a brash, confident member of the elite guards and an egotistical philanderer. But after he kills an innocent student in a duel, a mysterious man known as "The Wanderer" challenges Egert and slashes his face with his sword, leaving Egert with a terrible scar – and a curse of cowardice. Egert embarks on an odyssey to undo the blight, and his painful journey leads him down a dangerous path. Stylistically reminiscent of Robin Hobb, and with a haunting and ominous imagination similar to a Michael Moorcock's, The Scar tells a story that cannot be forgotten.
Is The scar appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This fantasy novel explores heavy themes of guilt, shame, and psychological transformation following a fatal duel. Contains violence (dueling, combat), emotional distress, and mature themes of cowardice and redemption, but without graphic content.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include emotional abuse, death, and grief (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who enjoy character-driven fantasy about flawed protagonists earning redemption will find this journey from arrogance to humility compelling.