I owe Rebecca Levene my career. She's always been a creative powerhouse, and I'm excited by what she's going to do as a writer of epic fantasy. She should be on everyone's radar as one of the great new writers of the genre.
- Paul Cornell, author of London Falling,
All I <i>know </i>is that Rebecca Levene has written the most stunning first volume epic fantasy since <i>Game of Thrones</i>. It's a little bit grimdark, a little bit epic, and a whole lot of incredible. If George R.R. Martin wrote <i>The Night Circus</i>, <i>Smiler's Fair</i> would be the result. Go. Buy. It.
Staffer's Book Review
<i>Smiler's Fair</i> is the epic fantasy I've been waiting for - riveting, compelling and <i>adventurous</i>.
Pornokitsch
Fans of either Abraham or Abercrombie-fans of fantasy full stop, in fact-will find lots to like in <i>Smiler's Fair</i>. Its setting, its narrative, its characters-unlikeable as they are-all impress immensely, developed as they are with depth and discerning detail. In truth, the only complaint I'd make about the book is that there isn't more of it.
Tor.com
We can judge other-world fantasy by the extent we want to return to it - and I can't wait to book my ticket back to the next episode of this outstanding, multi-stranded debut.
Daily Mail
Little by little, as the narrative twists and turns, Levene reveals the depth and complexity of her created world and leaves the reader eager for the next instalment.
Guardian
This book is a perfect blend of epic and 'gritty' fantasy, combining the best aspects of the two genres.
Mithril Wisdom
The first volume of <i>The Hollow Gods </i>is consistently surprising, packing in plenty of character development, fast and brutal action.
SFX
The compelling start to a thrilling series of epic fantasy in a beautifully woven world filled with gods and magical creatures.
Yron the moon god died, but now he's reborn in the false king's son. His human father wanted to kill him, but his mother sacrificed her life to save him. He'll return one day to claim his birthright. He'll change your life.
He'll change everything.
Smiler's Fair: the great moving carnival where any pleasure can be had, if you're willing to pay the price. They say all paths cross at Smiler's Fair. They say it'll change your life. For five people, Smiler's Fair will change everything.
In a land where unimaginable horror lurks in the shadows, where the very sun and moon are at war, five people - Nethmi, the orphaned daughter of a murdered nobleman, who in desperation commits an act that will haunt her forever. Dae Hyo, the skilled warrior, who discovers that a lifetime of bravery cannot make up for a single mistake. Eric, who follows his heart only to find that love exacts a terrible price. Marvan, the master swordsman, who takes more pleasure from killing than he should. And Krish, the humble goatherd, with a destiny he hardly understands and can never accept - will discover just how much Smiler's Fair changes everything.
READERS LOVE IT:
'A cracking, page-turning read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Dark, gritty, inventive fantasy' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'It's a sweeping world with the epicness of Lord of the Rings' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐