I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman with great power must find a way of surviving a war that has engulfed her world for thousands of years in author Tyler Kalarchian’s “The Trenches of Glodan,” the first book in the Perpetual War series.

The Synopsis

Since she was a child, Natalia Ludmila was destined to join the war that had engulfed the world for thousands of years. Her close friends were allowed to stay back and enjoy the freedom of life as citizens while she was sent off to join the military. The reason for her fate was the essence that flows through her veins, caused by the mark of a Blood Tree making her an esper.

This mark has left Natalia an outcast in society yet highly desired for the powers she possesses. Challenges come at her from every angle as she desperately fights to survive—a fight that could very well lead her to a chance at freedom from the war.

Now cast forth into the snow, Natalia is tasked with scouting the town of Basavan for any life within it. This simple mission promises her the rank of Gamayun. A rank that will bring great challenges and opportunities.

The Review

What a truly remarkable read. The author did an incredible job crafting a unique and vivid world perpetually locked into war. The depth of character development for the protagonist allowed her journey to feel real and haunting all at once. The author found balance in the story’s more fantasy-driven elements with the more grounded, visceral nature of the setting and events that plague this world.

What spoke to me more than anything was the book’s powerful themes that touched upon life struggles people have dealt with for centuries. The horrors of war and its physical and mental impact on those forced into it were greatly felt, and the reader could feel the emotional weight of the war, particularly the trench warfare that spoke to the WWI elements of the setting. The mythos and world-building that the book included made this a memorable read.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, action-packed, and engaging author Tyler Kalarchian’s “The Trenches of Glodan: Perpetual War Book One” is a must-read steampunk meets sci-fi and fantasy thriller. The twists and turns the novel takes, as well as the emotional journey that the protagonist takes, will leave readers eager for more from this talented author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Tyler Kalarchian has always enjoyed exploring foreign worlds through books, movies, and games. As he grew older, he realized that he needed to share his own stories and began writing a book. After many years of drafts, he finally became a published author. Now he is busy on the next story and many more after that!

When Tyler is not writing, he enjoys distance running outside and the company of friends around a table playing board games. He currently lives in Orlando.

Website: https://rucaern.com/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tylerkalarchian.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_kalarchian/