The Helm of Midnight —Uncovering the Magic of the Gods
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
If you took the bloody deliciousness of Hannibal Lecture and threw in the excitement of a great heist, with a splash of an intricate magic system, you would get The Helm of Midnight by Marina Lostetter. The start of The Five Penalties series, slated to consist of three books?—?the second installment, The Cage of Dark Hours, released February 14th. This story is rich with descriptions and world-building, with an incredibly engrossing and engaging story.
The chronicle of The Helm of Midnight is a dark story of De-Krona Hirvath. Krona is a Regulator in the city of Lutador. The city sits on an expanse of land protected by a magical barrier. This barrier was erected by the five gods, in an act to protect humanity from the horrors of the world. Including the dangers of the mysterious Thalo, and their puppets.
Along with the barrier, the gods each gave a gift to help safeguard the humans. The ability to manipulate emotions, time, and life, and the ability to enchant them into objects. *There is one gift missing from this list, you will find out what when reading*.
These enchanted objects can be small gems. Deemed despairstones, ranging from giving one experiences a continuous stream of joy, to withdrawing magic from infants taking shape as a time tax, so the wealthy extend their lives.
“The Rules of the Valley are as harsh as they are pure. The gods sacrificed much for humanity, and require us to sacrifice for each other in return. Beware the Five Penalties.”
Opening on an evening meant to celebrate the wins of capturing some of the deadliest enchantments known to the city, a heist ensues. And two dangerous artifacts are stolen: the death mask of Louis Charbon and a despairstone. Unquestionably, considering them so wicked that they are kept under security.
Charbon was a terrifying serial killer. Titled the “Blooming Butcher” and said to have immaculate skills. Now that the mask is missing, it is up to Krona, her sister captain De-Lia, and their team of Regulators to find the thieves, the truth behind the heist, and the stolen items.
The Helm of Midnight is deliciously bloody and enthralling
From the start of the first sentence, the Helm of Midnight is executed skillfully. First, by introducing us to the new world and city of Lutador. It is done so adequately that Lostetter creates pivotal moments, engaging the reader with little effort. Lostetter also has the task of presenting us with a unique and seamless magic system. Something that isn’t too strange that we can’t follow, but something cool and innate on top of it all.
Next, with an intriguing magic system. Magic within The Helm of Midnight manifests itself into psychical objects and then that magic can be imbued to people to then use those things, like death masks and despairstones. For example, Charbon’s death mask. By trade Charbon was a surgeon. He infused his skills and knowledge into a mask, and then that mask was used to continue to kill in the same methods he did when he was alive. Losetter also uses non-binary and NEO-pronoun language. Which at times seemed a little out of place, as if they are just randomly thrown in. While readers must admit the story is a dark murder mystery, they can also admit that the magic of this world is flawless, informative, and cool on top of everything else the story brings.
Subsequently, Losetter ushers the story smoothly to the forefront of the new world the gods have created. The use of various investigating teams and death masks for every occasion supports this fact. Whereas, the talent of wrestling an echo of the dead’s previous self can now be used for the person in contact with the mask.
Are the Thalo a part of the Five Penalties?
With perspectives from Krona and her team. To Melanie, a young woman hoping to heal and save the deteriorating life of her lone parent, her mother. To Louis Charbon himself. Lostetter effectively brought new light to each portion of the story. Foreshadowing like a dream. Then tying it neatly at the end of the chapter ready for the spotlight to shine on the next segment.
What’s more, as intricate as the world is, The Helm of Midnight wouldn’t be what it is without having great characters as a solid foundation. Lostetter’s use of characters was entrancing. Krona, Melanie (her chapters were my favorite), and even Charbon. Lostetter created characters that are pushed beyond their limits but still hold their own, each fearful of the consequences of their actions.
Krona pressures herself to be just like her sister De-Lia. In fact, emulating her, even stating that she wanted to be her. Calling herself De-Lia as a child, as if she were. This pressure compounded itself with the need to keep her older sister safe as the story progresses.
The Five Penalties is dark and stunning
Melanie, unskilled in the use of masks, catalyzes a series of events that changes not only her story, but that of the story of those around her. Shrouded by the failing health of her mother. Not allowing herself to see beyond serving her, fearing losing another parent.
Equally important, Louis has his own mission. Through Charbon’s eyes, the reader learns the truth surrounding his butchering, resonating with parts of him. The use of each character’s anecdote was so expertly done that it would have been enough to make this tale alluring. Threading each story to the other, furthers the plot working beautifully.
An incredible first book, setting the scene for The Cage of Dark Hours
Overall, as this was one of my most anticipated reads it did not disappoint. I’m eager to see where the next installment takes us in Krona’s exploration of understanding events of the chronicle, where actions are often explained away because they were done for reasons that can be seen as good, and what might push a person to follow a god that has been outcasted.
I would absolutely recommend this if your fantasy tastes run through the same course as a good murder mystery. Not shying away from something that is bloody and enthralling. Make sure The Five Penalties is on your TBR pile this February—with The Cage of Dark Hours being released it is the perfect time to start the series.
3 Comments