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Falhorne: The World Is Burning by Tristan Dineen is the first book in an epic fantasy series set in the land of Vinos. The story follows Tagus, one of the last surviving members of the ancient Falhorne order, as he’s forced onto a perilous journey after tragedy strikes his people. With darkening skies, persecution of the Old Believers, and rising evil across the realm, Tagus must face both external threats and the shadows of his own past.
BookHookup Book Review: Falhorne: The World Is Burning
Dineen has created an entirely original world in Falhorne: The World Is Burning—one that feels fully realized, with its own geography, cultures, histories, and traditions. The depth of the lore is impressive, and the worldbuilding is meticulous, demanding some patience from readers as the stage is set, but ultimately rewarding for those who enjoy immersive fantasy.
At the heart of the story is Tagus, one of the last of the Vinosian Falhorne. When his mentor is killed, his comrades are massacred, and his people are enslaved, he is thrust onto a perilous quest that forces him to confront not only the darkness around him but also the shadows of his own past. The narrative is intricate, weaving together multiple storylines and subplots that gradually build into a sweeping, layered tale.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters: from noble warriors and ordinary people to those with command of strange and powerful magics, as well as truly formidable villains. Each brings something vital to the story, and the conflicts feel weighty and real, heightening the stakes at every turn.
While I found the pacing a bit slow at first, once the groundwork was laid, I was hooked. The writing is strong, the emotional pull is undeniable, and by the end, I was fully invested in Tagus and his world. I’m glad I didn’t set this one aside, because it grew into a compelling and memorable read.
I can’t wait to dive into the next installment. Highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy who love intricate plots, deep worldbuilding, and characters worth caring about.
About the Author
Tristian Dineen is an independent author of dark fantasy, with a complete two-novel series, The Falhorne Saga, and a second series currently in production. Drawn to darker, grittier fantasy for its reflection of the complexities of medieval European history, Dineen crafts worlds where morality is nuanced, political and economic forces shape behavior, and heroes face real challenges and loss.
The Falhorne series, beginning with Falhorne: The World Is Burning and concluding with Falhorne: Dark Dawn, follows Tagus, one of the last of the Falhorne, as he struggles to protect the persecuted Old Believers in the politically volatile land of Vinos. Inspired by Renaissance Italy and early modern Europe, his worldbuilding emphasizes believable societies, complex characters, and morally intricate conflicts.
Merging elements of fantasy, horror, and historical fiction, Dineen explores themes of power, oppression, and heroism in settings that are immersive, richly detailed, and grounded in real-world parallels. Their upcoming series is set in another part of the same fantasy world, inspired by medieval South Asia, continuing to explore epic struggles against unimaginable threats.