In Phil Tucker's LastRock (Immortal Great Souls), Scorio, victorious but defiant, rejects the accolades of both heaven and hell. Having achieved his revenge, he and Naomi embark on a perilous journey into the infernal depths, seeking the legendary Herdsmen. This descent into a breathtaking and terrifying underworld will test their limits as they confront demonic horrors, forge unexpected alliances, and encounter astonishing societies of Great Souls. While powerful entities vie for Scorio's allegiance, aiming to manipulate his immense power, he proves a force to be reckoned with, ensuring that those who underestimate him will pay dearly. Prepare for a thrilling adventure when the audiobook, narrated by Nick Podehl, launches in June 2024.
Review LastRock
LastRock, the latest installment in Phil Tucker's Immortal Great Souls series, is a wild ride! I devoured it in a single sitting – eight hours just flew by! The action is relentless, the romance simmering (though sometimes frustrating, as I'll get to), and the storyline so compelling that I found myself completely absorbed in Scorio's journey. Tucker has crafted a truly unique world in Acherzua, brimming with fascinating creatures, from the terrifying pyre lords and blood barons to the surprisingly endearing Nox (who quickly became a favorite character alongside Scorio, of course!). The battles are epic, vividly described, and the power system, while complex, is consistently engaging. I especially appreciated the consistent growth of Scorio; he's far from perfect, constantly making mistakes, but that makes him all the more relatable and human, an everyman hero fighting his way through hell itself.
His relationship with Naomi, however, is a more complicated beast. While their initial dynamic holds a certain charm, Naomi's consistently negative attitude and irrational jealousy became increasingly tiresome. It felt like she was constantly dragging Scorio down, and their relationship felt less like a partnership and more like Scorio constantly walking on eggshells. While I understand his loyalty, stemming from her early support, his willingness to overlook her increasingly villainous tendencies felt, at times, frustrating. It’s a point of genuine tension in the story that I hope will be addressed in future installments. Ideally, Scorio will find a better balance in his relationships, prioritizing his own well-being and healthy boundaries without completely abandoning Naomi. Hopefully, we'll see some growth on her part too, though I wouldn't hold my breath!
Despite this sticking point, the overall world-building is fantastic. While the descriptions of the Iron Weald and the Telurian Band could be a bit more detailed – I longed for a more vivid sense of these landscapes beyond "valleys and plateaus" – the creativity shines through. Tucker’s imagination is truly boundless; he's building something unlike anything I've read before. The sheer scope of Acherzua and the intricacies of its various societies, from the relatively civilized to the truly monstrous, left me constantly wanting to know more. The plot itself is cleverly constructed, weaving together familiar fantasy tropes with surprising twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. While some elements might be predictable for seasoned fantasy readers, the sheer scale and scope of the story more than compensates.
The audiobook, slated for release in June 2024, will likely be an excellent choice, especially given the length of the book. I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the next installment and the continued adventures of Scorio and his companions. Phil Tucker has created a truly memorable world and set of characters, and this is a series that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, action-packed, and surprisingly heartfelt fantasy adventure. The minor flaws don't diminish the overall brilliance of the story.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.29 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 572
- Publication date: 2025
Preview Book
