Labyrinth War by Tim Goff
Book Description
Long ago, alien abominations ruled the world. Now, they have returned…
The fugitive aristocrat Titus Maximus fled into the giant living labyrinth of Gawana and vanished.
A decade later Octavos Maximus finds his father’s journal. He joins an intrigue-ridden army headed southward with an unwanted arranged marriage awaiting him. But fate has other plans…
Bao is a provincial princess enraged at the prospect of marrying into the despised Maximus clan. Pity this one is so cute…
Curtis joined the army as a favor to a dying emperor – but a stranger fate than fighting barbarians awaits him…
Carina is a fugitive sorceress who took refuge with the thieves and peddlers trailing the army. Unfortunately, the witch hunters are already there.
Chimp is a military scout striving to keep his squad alive. However, they keep getting sent out on suicide missions…
Git-Vik’s people fled this world long ago. Now they are back and are determined to regain their former prominence – once they deal with these pesky savages…
These characters and others clash in a conflict that spans the world – but has Gawana at its center. (Source” Amazon.com)
Book Review
What if Game of Thrones met Alien in a living, breathing maze? Tim Goff’s “Labyrinth War” delivers exactly that kind of genre-bending excitement, and trust me, you’re not ready for where this journey leads.
At its heart, this military fantasy novel weaves together multiple narratives centered around the mysterious living labyrinth of Gawana. The story kicks off with an aristocrat’s disappearance into this sentient maze, setting the stage for a tale that masterfully blends political intrigue, military fiction, and cosmic horror.
What sets this book apart is its ambitious scope and unique world-building. The living labyrinth itself is a character, one that holds ancient secrets about extraterrestrial beings who once ruled the world. Goff tackles this premise with a fresh perspective, seamlessly blending elements of military fiction with cosmic horror in a way that feels both natural and innovative.
The character ensemble is particularly compelling. From Octavos Maximus, searching for his father’s legacy, to Bao, the fierce princess fighting against an arranged marriage, each character brings their own motivations and conflicts to the table. I found myself particularly drawn to Chimp’s storyline – his struggle to keep his scout squad alive adds a gritty, ground-level perspective to the epic events unfolding around them.
The inclusion of Git-Vik and their people adds a fascinating layer to the story. These returning ancient rulers introduce an element of cosmic horror that elevates this beyond typical military fantasy. Their presence raises the stakes from political maneuvering to existential threat, creating a palpable tension throughout the narrative.
This book will resonate with readers who enjoy complex military narratives like Joe Abercrombie’s work, but appreciate the cosmic horror elements of Alastair Reynolds. The political intrigue reminds me of Malazan Book of the Fallen, but with its own unique twist involving ancient aliens and a living maze.
