A genre-blending debut novel set in a dark, broken world where light is scarce, following a diverse cast of characters on a quest to prevent the annihilation of civilization by a powerful Giant. With intricate world-building, complex characters, and a mix of fantasy and sci-fi elements, the story weaves together multiple timelines and mysteries, offering a challenging yet rewarding read for fans of ambitious and unique storytelling.

Reader Review Summary

Based on the information provided, "The Failures" by Benjamin Liar is a remarkable and ambitious debut novel that should not be missed by fans of epic fantasy, science fiction, and post-apocalyptic fiction. "The Failures" is a genre-defying masterpiece that weaves together elements of apocalyptic sci-fi, epic fantasy, grimdark, steampunk, and more into an intricate and immersive narrative. Benjamin Liar has crafted a world that is both staggeringly vast and suffocatingly claustrophobic, a broken realm engulfed in perpetual darkness where the last bastions of light are slowly being extinguished.

From the very first pages, Liar plunges the reader into the rich depths of the Wanderlands without restraint or hand-holding. This uncompromising approach may be disorienting at first, but it allows the mysteries and wonders of this meticulously constructed world to unfold organically. The worldbuilding is an unparalleled triumph—a seamless blend of the fantastical and the eerily plausible that feels like the revelation of an ancient, inscrutable truth.

While the scope of the Wanderlands is epic beyond measure, the true strength of "The Failures" lies in its complex ensemble of characters. From lovable misfits to morally ambiguous schemers, each perspective offers a unique glimpse into the fascinating layers of this dying world and its desperate struggle for survival. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, courage, and even delightfully crude humor in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Liar's ambitious interweaving of multiple storylines and timelines is nothing short of masterful. What may seem like disparate threads gradually knit together into an extraordinarily satisfying tapestry, one filled with tantalizing revelations and ingenious narrative "a-ha" moments that leave the reader reeling with delight. The intricate puzzle-box structure provides an unrelenting sense of mystery and subversion that commands the reader's rapt attention from beginning to end.

In the tradition of works by Gene Wolfe, China Miéville, and Brandon Sanderson, "The Failures" is a profound meditation on identity, power, friendship, and the indomitable human capacity for resilience in the face of the seemingly inevitable. It is a rich, rewarding feast for the imaginative soul, an unforgettable journey into the sublime and the uncanny that goes boldly where few fantasies dare to tread.

While the novel's ambition and complexity may prove too daunting for some readers, "The Failures" cements Benjamin Liar as a true visionary of the genre—a breathtakingly original voice with a talent for worldbuilding and character that is unmatched among his contemporaries. Lushly rendered, defiantly ingenious, and unutterably engrossing, this astonishing debut stands as one of the most wildly imaginative and audacious works of speculative fiction in recent memory. An absolute must-read.