Today’s review is about SILENCE IS SILVER by Andrew Watson. It’s a prequel novella to the Shadowbinders trilogy. However, it reads as a standalone. In a society where its citizens learn to tolerate pain, Bas is no different. But a series of events cause him to question his place amongst these people.

This review is brought to you by my participation in the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”, is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. It’s a sister competition to both SPFBO and SPSFC, and it highlights greatness in the novella format in all areas of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.). I am part of Team Behind the Musings. You can find out more about us here.

Author: Andrew Watson
Series: Shadowbinders, #0.5
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: June 14, 2024
Print Length: 66
Purchase: Amazon

Silence is Silver Synopsis

The Urdahl believe pain is inevitable. But if one can lean into that suffering they can achieve anything.

Beneath the desert sands, Bas has spent his entire life training to become a fully-fledged Urdahl. And now his time has come to prove his worth. First, he must drink from the Seeing Bowl to clear his clouded mind and witness visions bestowed to him by ancient deities. Next, he must prove strength of body with the Passage of the High Pass. But destiny is shrouded in red and strength of arm will not be enough to survive its true tests.

Will he ascend to a full Urdahl or will his visions of blood come to pass?

The turning season has begun.

Taking place before the events of the Shadowbinders trilogy, “Silence is Silver” is a novella for both old and new readers.

Silence is Silver Review

SILENCE IS SILVER is a prequel to the Silence is Silver trilogy. It reads really well as a standalone novella. I didn’t feel like I was missing much information considering I haven’t read the related trilogy. The writing style (and, thereby, the editing) in this is excellent. It’s easy to follow, yet doesn’t oversimplify the details and history for the reader.

Despite the shorter length of this story, I felt invested in Bas and rooted for his triumph. There is also well-paced character growth. At the beginning, Bas seems to accept everything taught to him over his 20-ish years of life. It is the way of the Urdahl to accept and move past physical and mental pain. However, an encounter with one of the younger trainees makes Bas recall how he was in his younger years. He carries this seed of rebellion within as he embarks on his final trial, which ends in an unexpected manner.

I loved that I didn’t see any of the twists coming. One in particular, though sad, is an absolutely necessary catalyst in Bas’s personal journey. I definitely recommend this well-written, grim fantasy novella. It serves as a great jumping off point into the series and piqued my interest to read more!

Rating: withheld
Content warnings: violence, death
Reading format: Kindle e-book