Maria Haskins - Author and Book Blogger
The Withered King is an action-packed blend of magic and mayhem, sword and sorcery, science fiction and fantasy. The book is full of entertaining characters, has a sense of humor and adventure, and there's a crackling video-game vibe added for good measure. It's a book that should appeal to readers looking for adventure and fun.
Booklist: (Tiffany Austin)
Victora's first full-length venture into sf brings readers an anti-hero in the form of ancient warrior Fionn the Greywolf. Fionn thought his battle days were over, until he was brought into the present. When Professor Leonard Hunt disappears mysteriously, Harland Rickman and his friends convince Fionn to help The Foundation find the Professor in time to stop the villainous Bryon from bringing back the Beastial, a nightmarish shadow creature from another dimension whom Fionn defeated in a previous war. Along the way, Fionn meets up with Gaby and Alex, two students with hidden talents who, with training from Fionn, can help stop Byron's destructive plans. Fionn's own daughter Sam joins the mission to save the land of Theia from Byron and his genocidal ideology. With swords forged from ancient magic and powers that defy science, Fionn and his band of intrepid warriors enter a maze of magic and history to win it all for the Freefolk. A glorious sci-fi adventure for any reader of the fandom of the classic video game Soul Blade.
Pauls Picks Blog
Overall, The Withered King is an impressive debut that any reader of speculative fiction should enjoy.
Paperbacks and Pinot
Straight off the bat, this is a whirlwind of a book, it's colourful, imaginative, with great characters and world building.
Altered Instinct
So hop aboard. It's a science fantasy epic that bursts with originality. It is new, it is fresh, and it makes the imagination soar. In short, this is not something you've read before.
Witty and Sarcastic Book Club
The story read a bit like a video game- and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. It was a fun, fast book, full of action beats. It was also surprisingly introspective and deep. As entertaining as it was, this is ultimately a book about second chances. I found it highly enjoyable.
Pyles of Books
Victoria does a fantastic job with painting an epic science fantasy world that encompasses so much of nerd culture. There's a very modern setting that seems out of place here, but actually grounds the world, while still being amidst sci fi and fantastical marvels.
Diane Morrison Fiction
It's a breath of fresh air in a literary market that's currently enamoured of "grim-for-grim's-sake." I am invested in this universe and definitely look forward to any future books in the Tempest Blades series!
