How often is the main character in a Fantasy novel a scholar? While as readers, we can find glimpses of ourselves in all sorts of characters, one of the best experiences involves following the storyline of a protagonist that we relate to at the deepest level possible. Lysande from The Councillor is that person for me. A scholar who is tasked with the responsibility to decide the next ruler of Elira, Lysande, a commoner that royals (“silverbloods”) have paid no heed to in the years at the palace, is now a key player in the destiny of the realm. She must learn the ways of the court and use all the knowledge that she has gained from her studies to not just appoint the right ruler, but also, maybe, make a difference to the lives of the common people.
When the death of Iron Queen Sarelin Brey fractures the realm of Elira, Lysande Prior, the palace scholar and the queen’s closest friend, is appointed Councillor. Publically, Lysande must choose the next monarch from amongst the city-rulers vying for the throne. Privately, she seeks to discover which ruler murdered the queen, suspecting the use of magic.
Resourceful, analytical, and quiet, Lysande appears to embody the motto she was raised with: everything in its place. Yet while she hides her drug addiction from her new associates, she cannot hide her growing interest in power. She becomes locked in a game of strategy with the city-rulers – especially the erudite prince Luca Fontaine, who seems to shift between ally and rival.
Further from home, an old enemy is stirring: the magic-wielding White Queen is on the move again, and her alliance with a traitor among the royal milieu poses a danger not just to the peace of the realm, but to the survival of everything that Lysande cares about.
In a world where the low-born keep their heads down, Lysande must learn to fight an enemy who wears many guises… even as she wages her own battle between ambition and restraint.
Content Notes: Depictions of murder, violence, losing a loved one, genocide, substance addiction and withdrawal.
Thoughts on The Councillor
The Councillor is an exceptional book. It was not just my connection to the protagonist that kept me immersed in this story, but the world and culture depicted by Beaton is breathtaking – it drew me in and I never wanted to leave. I have tried reading royal court dramas before but often, there are so many characters, point of views and plot points to keep in mind, that I find it hard to focus.
On the World
The Councillor was the perfect read for me because it was focused and precise like its protagonist and Lysande was the perfect character to help me understand the world and the intricacies of Elira. I appreciated that the details about the existence of magic, magical creatures and humans with magic (“elementals”) were slowly introduced.
The people of Axium, the seat of the ruler, have the motto of ‘Everything in its place’ and that is reflected in the hierarchy in the council and advisers. They struggle with giving Lysande, a commoner, the reign to the world, but being named by the dying monarch is an undisputed claim. Through the four contenders for the throne and the travels in this book, I learned about their diverse culture and customs at the right pace. Prince Luca Fontaine from the Rhimes, Dante Dalgereth, the First Sword of Valderos, the Irriqi of Pyrrha, and Prince Jale Chamboise from the deserts of Lyria all showcase different sides of the realm, with their customs, languages and specialities. Symbolism is pertinent throughout the book by being situated in the context of the world. The silent sword, stones and knots used to represent friendships were all well thought out details that I enjoyed reading.
On The Intricacies of Court
Lysande grew up in an orphanage and it was only almost a decade ago when Queen Sarelin, having returned from the war with the White Queen, chose her as the Palace Scholar. Sarelin was like a mother to Lysande and taught her everything there was to know about combat, while at the same time opening her mind to all the knowledge housed within the palace. When Sarelin passes away, she entrusts Lysande to choose the next ruler. Battling her grief at losing the person she loved the most in the world, Lysande takes control of the palace and its affairs, puts on a straight face for the rulers of other cities who have come to impress her and take the throne. Lysande recognizes that she is a nobody and as she learns the affairs of the realm, sees the atrocities inflicted upon elementals, she decides to use her time in the position of power wisely.
As a scholar, she is used to studying and making decisions based on all the information she can collect. She has gravity that others find it hard to ignore and with guidance from her advisor, Desert, she grows into the role of the Councillor in no time. Bold, unapologetic and smart, Lysande sets out to do something she never imagined would be possible in her dreams – to be heard and to be seen. But as someone who has grown up in poverty and seen the hard truths of life, she knows the importance of alliances and uplifting people along with her. I love her tactics and insights about people. She always seemed to know what would make them happy and how she could have a partnership with them. She is also not one to mince words. Her relationship with the Irriqi, Mistress of Laws and Litany were three of my favorites. The book shows her journey as a novice Councillor to someone who understands power and can recognize the difference between an alliance and a friendship.
On The Elementals
A scholar who has studied books knows the magnitude of erased voices and histories. It is only when one has looked through all the books that they can find, can one truly know what is missing. Many centuries ago, the elementals, humans who can control the elements, used to be rulers and a respected part of the community. But things have changed since. The White Queen fought with an army of elementals on her side and somehow the public opinion has turned against elementals, even those who have nothing to with the war from years past. When Lysande loses someone close to her, she questions the humility and reasons behind the genocide of the elementals and puts a stop to it. She doesn’t have a motive here. All she wants is the best for the people that are in this realm and she knows that not everyone has the luxury of influence. It is decisions like this one – orders that seem impulsive but actually have major repercussions that make Lysande formidable.
Overall, I loved The Councillor and it is a book I will always cherish. I am excited to read the second part of the duology and can’t wait to add this book to my home library collection. These 500 pages are packed with action, memorable characters and plot twists, that you will love. Every chapter helped me build a better picture of the world and become more immersed. The pace never faltered, and I had so many emotions – sadness, disappointment, astonishment, respect, betrayal… I could go on. Most importantly, if you are someone who loves books and seeks knowledge, The Councillor will give you a glimpse of the influence scholars can have on the world. I personally think we need more stories like this one.
* The Councillor is now available in stores. Though I read it as an advance reader’s copy, I am excited to get my hardbound book. I love this story so much and can’t wait for the concluding follow up book. *
Many thanks to the publisher for providing me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review through The Nerd Daily. This review was first published there on February 20th, 2021. You can find my interview with the author on The Nerd Daily as well!
For other Fantasy novels, check out my Book Review Index!
Cover image: Writing desk Photo by Clark Young on Unsplash
Finally a fantasy where the main protagonist is not a warrior with silver swords and gleaming armour, this is so refreshing to hear about and loved your review!
You’re so right – if it’s not warriors then it’s princesses. This has such a strong women cast too. So good at so many levels. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.