The Source of Strife by Alex Arch

Blurb:

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Only stolen.

Mages feed on catalysts like Dinnie to enhance their spells, and since she’s the most formidable weapon alive, they will stop at nothing to control her. Even her parents, leaders of warring realms, wage a battle for her custody, imprisoning her to prevent the other from gaining the upper hand.

No more.

For the first time, Dinnie isn’t alone. With the help of Ghost, a glum deserter shackled to his past, she intends to flee this madness. But as they witness the horrors unleashed to retrieve her, one thing becomes clear: Her parents will never abandon their claim.

Death and destruction follow in Dinnie’s wake, and she must decide if her freedom is worth the cost.

With a unique magic system and engaging characters this epic fantasy with a dash of western is the perfect read for fans of Red Dead Redemption and Brian McLellan.

Review:

The Source of Strife by Alex Arch is a dark, character-driven fantasy set in a world where mages feed on catalysts to enhance their spells. At the heart of the story is Dinnie, a young girl with immeasurable magical power that makes her a target for manipulation, including by her own parents. Her father, now calling himself the All-Keeper, is opening Void Rifts that plunge the world into chaos and destruction and the only person that can stop him is Dinnie. Led by a group of mercenaries: Brave, Fiona, Gildean, and Ghost who put it upon themselves to take Dinnie to the All-Keeper and put a stop to the Void Rifts.

As the mercenaries embark on their journey, Ghost begins to suspect that Dinnie has been a prisoner her entire life, locked away and denied the chance to make her own choices. Secretly, he begins teaching her survival skills, helping her take control of her own fate. Dinnie is eventually faced with a heart-wrenching decision pursue her freedom and live with the bloodshed that follows her everywhere or sacrifice her chance at a normal life to stop the devastation caused by her power. What will she choose?

I first came across this book while browsing the SFF Insider Discord library. The cover immediately caught my attention as it radiated a dystopian vibe, hinting at monsters and survival, and I knew I had to read it. I reached out to Alex Arch to experience the story firsthand, and I’m glad I did.

Alex Arch wastes no time immersing readers in his world. Instead of lengthy exposition, he drops you right into the action and reveals worldbuilding and character details organically as the story progresses. The themes of destiny, redemption, and friendship are deeply woven into the narrative, explored through the diverse perspectives of the main cast. Friendship, in particular, is a standout theme. Arch demonstrates that having someone to depend on or someone who believes in you can be the lifeline needed to overcome even the darkest circumstances.

This is especially evident in the relationship between Dinnie and Ghost. Their bond becomes the emotional core of the story, showing how trust and support can slowly mend even the most broken of people. Dinnie learns to open up and believe in herself, while Ghost who is haunted by a dark past begins to see purpose in his actions and finds a reason to keep going. Fiona and Gildean, with their more romantic but equally reliant relationship, also highlight this theme, providing a sense of hope and emotional grounding.

What makes this novel particularly compelling is its character-driven approach. The story focuses more on the personal journeys of the characters than on a rigid plot structure. While Brave, Fiona, and Gildean seem to have a defined purpose, Ghost and Dinnie are more adrift reacting to events rather than driving them. This could be seen as a flaw, but it also adds a layer of realism to their characters. They’re not heroes with perfect plans they’re damaged people trying to do what they believe is right, even when the path isn’t clear.

The standout elements of this novel are undoubtedly the depth of its characters and their development. Ghost, a glum deserter weighed down by guilt, begins the story with little regard for his own life. However, his relationship with Dinnie sparks a transformation. Recognizing her vulnerability and lack of freedom, he takes it upon himself to prepare her for a world that may not be kind. He expects nothing in return and his support is genuine, rooted in shared pain and empathy. Over time, he becomes a protective, almost fatherly figure to Dinnie.

Dinnie’s growth is equally compelling. Initially closed off and silent having been treated as nothing more than a tool she slowly begins to see that life can hold joy and hope. Through Ghost’s guidance, she learns survival skills, confidence, and most importantly, self-worth. Her evolution from a voiceless girl to someone with agency and strength is one of the novel’s most rewarding arcs.

However, the novel isn’t without its drawbacks. The ending feels unresolved and open-ended, leaving several key plot threads dangling. I've searched online hoping to find confirmation of a sequel, as the story feels like it’s only just beginning. If this is truly the end, it’s disappointing as there’s so much more to explore with Ghost, Dinnie, Brave, Fiona, and Gildean. I also found some of the antagonists underwhelming, with their motivations boiling down to imprisoning Dinnie. The exception to this was Othelanzee, a chilling and well-developed villain whose transformation into something monstrous was executed brilliantly. His presence injected genuine tension and fear into the story, and I sincerely hope he returns in a sequel or future instalment.

The Source of Strife is a haunting, character-rich fantasy that delves deep into themes of identity, power, and the importance of human connection. Alex Arch has crafted a compelling tale where the emotional journeys of the characters take centre stage, making their struggles and relationships feel raw and real. While the plot may lack a traditional structure and the ending leaves you wanting more, the strength of the character work particularly the bond between Dinnie and Ghost makes this a story worth reading. If there’s a sequel on the horizon, I’ll be first in line to see where these characters go next. Until then, The Source of Strife stands as a darkly emotional, thought-provoking novel that deserves attention.