Welkin the Embattled - A Deep Dive Review

by G. Owen Wears (Author)

Updated at: 03/02/2025

In G. Owen Wears' Welkin the Embattled, retired battle mage Welkin finds his peaceful life shattered. Forced back into the fray, he's thrust into a brutal war besieging the fortress of Brecht. A millennia-old secret buried beneath the fortress draws him into a conflict between warring noble houses, manipulated by his old comrades, the pyromancer Ingman and the necromancer Delora. Guided by a chillingly efficient child assassin known only as the Waif, the trio seeks to exploit the siege for their own ends. Welkin, wrestling with his past and his misgivings, must once again embrace the life he left behind, battling not only enemy soldiers but also the treacherous ambitions of his former allies.

5 / 3 ratings

Review Welkin the Embattled

Oh, I'm just thrilled to finally share my thoughts on Welkin the Embattled! As someone who practically devoured the first book, Welkin the Returned, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this sequel, and let me tell you, it was absolutely worth the wait. G. Owen Wears has outdone himself! This installment feels bigger, bolder, and even more captivating than its predecessor. The scope has expanded significantly, giving us a much richer understanding of the political landscape Welkin inhabits. We're no longer just looking at a localized mystery; we're immersed in a world rife with centuries-old feuds, powerful noble houses, and the kind of geopolitical intrigue that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

What truly sets Welkin the Embattled apart, for me, is the deeper exploration of its characters. We get a much more intimate look into Welkin’s past, shedding light on his motivations and the complexities that drive him. His internal struggles are palpable, making him far more relatable and compelling than your typical battle-hardened hero. And speaking of compelling, the supporting cast—Ingman, Delora, and even the enigmatic Waif—are equally well-developed, each with their own unique quirks and agendas. Their interactions with Welkin are electric, adding layers of tension and unexpected humor to the narrative.

The magic system, too, has been significantly enhanced. Wears's clever approach to magic makes each spell feel unique and powerful, rather than just a generic "fireball" or "lightning bolt." We get to witness some truly spectacular displays of wizardry, especially during the action sequences. These scenes are incredibly well-written; visceral and gritty, yes, but also infused with a dark humor that perfectly complements the overall tone. Remember that noirish feel of the first book? Well, this one cranks things up to eleven, throwing us headfirst into a full-blown military fantasy epic.

The plot itself is a masterclass in pacing. Wears expertly balances moments of intense action with quieter, character-driven scenes, never allowing the narrative to drag. The mystery surrounding the ancient secret buried beneath Brecht keeps you hooked, while the ongoing conflict between the noble houses provides a constant backdrop of political maneuvering and high-stakes battles. The reveal of why Welkin's old comrades were so eager to get him back into the fray is masterfully woven into the plot, adding another layer to the already rich tapestry of the story.

Honestly, I could go on and on. The cover art is stunning – perhaps my favorite of the series so far – and the overall writing is simply superb. If you enjoyed Welkin the Returned, then Welkin the Embattled is an absolute must-read. And if you haven't yet discovered Welkin's adventures, well, you're in for a treat. This series is a breath of fresh air in the often-formulaic fantasy genre, offering a blend of thrilling action, intriguing characters, and clever magic that will leave you breathlessly awaiting the next installment. Highly, highly recommended.