Destroyer offers much to please lovers of fantasy epic in the classic vein, blending personal and cosmic stakes, a spirit of on-the-run adventure, and a commitment to imagining the world’s wonders and everyday textures. From the mystical city of Rocksmear to the eerie depths of Miser Forest, Segarra creates lived-in societies shaped by centuries of conflict, grounding the fantastical with a sense of history. Magic is woven into the fabric of everyday life, with elemental forces driving both the action and the moral choices the characters face as James and company encounters dark dangers, from the soul-devouring Shadowlen to skeletal warriors, all while being hunted by the sorcerer Raymul, who seeks to claim the kingdom.

Though the storytelling is occasionally overburdened with descriptive detail, Segarra smartly contrasts grand battles with intimate, character-driven moments. The exploration of balance—between light and dark forces, between personal desire and fate—digs deeper into these concepts than many fantasies. Destroyer is a story about confronting one’s past, forging new paths, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, offering both an adventurous escape and a reflection on the weight of destiny.

Takeaway: Inviting epic fantasy in a classic vein, with a reluctant hero facing darkness.

Comparable Titles: Duncan M. Hamilton, Jeffrey L. Kohanek.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B+