The second book in the ‘Thung Toh’ setting, They Eat Their Own is less of a sequel but more an extension of the vast worldbuilding begun in the first book. Part crime thriller, all sci-fi fantasy, it’s an intriguing set up played out over one day. Dark, inventive and massively compelling, it’s a unique work of fiction.
Months after the events of the first book that saw Syl and Aliara defeat the mad scientist who tortured them as children, the pair are finally recovered. Having taken his title as Duke, Syl is now plying his trade amongst the upper echelons of Dockhaven. Deals, politicking and double crossing have him bound up in all manner of plots with a cast of despicable characters. During a festival, aboard a luxury cruiser, the rich and titled set it all aside to play and gamble.
But, nothing is truly forgotten. At the centre of the shenanigans, Syl duels with an unpleasant landowner, Flark, over the rights of a particularly important building; his and Aliara’s current home. Embroiled, along with a handful of other actors, in a bit to steal shipments of ancient and expensive artefacts, Flark and Syl are both associates and enemies, each trying to outwit the other at every turn. Thrown in to this mix, Aliara has been employed to take on her own job for the shadowy organisation called Thung Toh, a task that threads through and wraps around the larger narrative until it perfectly dovetails as the story builds to it conclusion.
Broken up into chapters from different character perspectives, They Eat Their Own delves into the world of Dockhaven brilliantly. From the destitute streets of the Rabble to the penthouse of Flark, detail and history come together to construct a fascinating, multi-racial world that is dark, ruthless and truly unique. As the plot weaves itself around the various plots, each player working their own angle, the book paints a thrilling picture. Rich in detail and peopled with a deftly created cast, there’s more at stake than just what’s on the table. What Syl and Flark are really playing for is an artifact from a lost civilisation with a mystical power beyond even their imagination.
Ultimately, it’s a crime caper where everybody is trying to take and never give, and each one wants to end up on top. Disloyalty, greed, nefarious motivations and betrayal abound but, in the end, there can be only one winner. A cleverly constructed look into the world of Dockhaven, one that strengthens the characters and brilliantly imagined world, They Eat Their Own is an engaging and dark sci-fi fantasy of truly epic proportions.
Review copy
Published by Ismae Books
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