The Separation of Briin

The Separation of Briin by K.I.S. is a sweeping fantasy saga set across the continent of Áitarbith, spanning centuries of history and prophecy. The story follows Briin, a gifted yet socially and emotionally challenged young truth-teller, who struggles with sinister visions, rejection, and a desperate love for his brother Hiirn. As Briin's dreams reveal glimpses of a looming catastrophe involving dark magic and monstrous creatures, he becomes entangled in a covert quest to uncover and thwart a sinister conspiracy aimed at the continent’s destruction. Meanwhile, Hiirn, a promising diplomat, wades into political intrigue, marriage, and a dangerous secret society known as the Witchlings of Hoondær, while trying to protect his brother from afar. Their connection, forged through love and shared secrets, anchors the narrative in a world of conflicts of loyalty, identity, and destiny.

This narrative is bold and elegiac, with a worldbuilding that sucks you in. The worlds of Áitarbith are stunningly imagined and cleverly executed, with political structures brilliantly portrayed; cultures and conflicts are superbly drawn, bringing a unique richness to the narrative. Characterization is top-notch. Briin is depicted as having an obsessive dedication to his love for stones and magic; Hiirn is ambitious, intelligent, and resourceful, with an unusual affection for nature. K.I.S. is a great storyteller who conveys a lot without “saying”. For instance, Hiirn stutters, and this aspect of his character is brilliantly captured in the sparkling dialogues. This fantasy takes you through bustling port cities, regal courts, mysterious forests, and war-torn wastelands, a world brimming with intrigue, mystery, and conflict. The Separation of Briin presents unforgettable characters, sculpted with vividly drawn inner worlds; the prose is delectable, and the worldbuilding is hors pair.