Book Review: The Discord of Gods by Jenn Lyons (fantasy)

Title: The Discord of Gods
Author: Jenn Lyons
Publication Date: April 26, 2022
Genres: Fantasy
Protagonist Gender: Male/Female

Compared to the rest of the series, The Discord of Gods is a rather plain and straightforward read, devoid of narrative framing or flashbacks, with footnotes that are more commentary than content. It’s almost like a traditional novel, at least in terms of structure, which would be something of a disappointment if Jenn Lyons didn’t do such a superb job of tying up so many loose threads – because, of course, in terms of characters, plots, and themes, this is just as joyfully convoluted as we’ve come to expect.

This final volume starts slow, with a lot of discussion, debate, and character exposition, but as connections are slowly revealed, we come to understand the significance of those moments – and, it must be said, what we learn about demons is absolutely fascinating (and a little terrifying). By the time the action takes over – and the final 200 pages are ALL action – this races along to a conclusion that is immensely more satisfying than nearly any other epic fantasy I’ve seen through to the end in many, many years.

I think part of what struck me so strongly about the story here is that for a world in which resurrection and reincarnation are common, a world in which most of our cast of characters have narrative threads pulling from a myriad of lives, there’s real stakes here – many characters (actually, just about all the characters) die, and some will remain dead after the final page is turned. Death, in essence, has come to have real meaning for the first time, and that makes its impact gut-wrenching.

And that brings me to the last thing I want to touch on, the themes of A Chorus of Dragons. There have been a lot of them, and you could argue it’s as much about power, corruption, immortality, belief, or humanity as it is about anything, but this last book especially makes the point that it’s all been about love, love for family born, family created, and family found. From the worst case of sibling rivalry you can imagine to the most wonderful case of shared love and romance you can dream, this is a story about love.

There are hints at the end that this may not be Lyons’ last visit to this world, but it’s definitely the end of a chapter, and as such it’s a thoroughly satisfying conclusion to a narrative I had no idea even could end 5 books ago. Regardless of where she goes next, I’m hungry for more.

Rating: ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀