In Jeremy Mathiesen's Kellen HalvKaste, Book 1: The Hammer and Snow, eighteen-year-old Kellen, an orphaned wrestler hardened by a life of coal dust and steel, faces betrayal and loss. His mentor's treachery leaves him hunted by vampires and the king's forces, thrust into a brutal struggle for survival. Whispers of a base-born heir to the throne swirl amidst the corruption, hinting at a larger conspiracy. Kellen, a pawn in a deadly game, must uncover the truth behind his cruel world and the forces manipulating him. This first installment in the Kellen HalvKaste series, set within the wider Cyrus LongBones universe, plunges readers into a dark fantasy world where justice is a rare commodity and survival demands strength and cunning.
Review Kellen HalvKaste, Book 1
I had a really great time with Kellen HalvKaste, Book 1: The Hammer and Snow! It's a solid start to a new series, and as someone who loved the Cyrus LongBones books, I was excited to see Jeremy Mathiesen expand his world in this way. The book definitely delivers on action and adventure; it throws you right into the gritty, dangerous world Kellen inhabits. His journey – from betrayed orphan to street fighter – is compelling, and you can't help but root for him as he navigates betrayal, loss, and the constant threat of violence. The world-building is fantastic; Mathiesen paints a vivid picture of this corrupt kingdom, full of shadowy figures, political intrigue, and enough morally grey characters to keep things interesting.
That said, I do understand the sentiment echoed by some readers regarding the wrestling matches. There are a lot of them. While I appreciate the detail Mathiesen puts into describing the fights – the tension, the strategy, the sheer physicality – it did feel, at times, like the story was getting bogged down. The sheer number of wrestling matches almost overshadows the other elements of the plot. It felt a little like watching a wrestling match, where each match is detailed as if they're major events, instead of a part of the bigger picture. This isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're a huge wrestling fan, but it might lose some readers who are looking for a more balanced narrative.
However, even with the heavy focus on wrestling, the core plot keeps you engaged. The mystery surrounding Kellen's possible royal lineage, the simmering conflict with the king, and the overall sense of impending doom keeps you turning the pages. The characters themselves are well-developed. Kellen is far from perfect, and his struggles with his past and his present make him incredibly relatable. The supporting cast, while somewhat limited in screen time due to the wrestling, are still memorable and contribute to the overall story.
Ultimately, The Hammer and Snow is a thrilling adventure with some pacing issues. While the sheer number of wrestling matches might be a turn-off for some, the intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and exciting world-building still make it a worthwhile read, especially for fans of the Cyrus LongBones series. The return of a familiar face from that series was a lovely touch and further cemented my enjoyment of the book. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where Kellen's story goes next; I'm hopeful the sequel will strike a better balance between the action-packed matches and the unfolding mystery surrounding his past and the kingdom's future.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.64 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 282
- Publication date: 2025
Preview Book
