Review: Road to Freedom
Davis has mastered the art of worldbuilding by weaving clear and subtle description into the heart of the story’s action. With a compelling plot and a well-crafted power system, this fantastical world feels as real as our own.
Gabrielle Davis’ Road to Freedom, is an enticing fantasy novel that brings together the intrigue of politics and the escapism of magic.
We follow Issanka, our evocative protagonist, as she traverses a post-war world defined by a strict caste system, one that deems orphans like her unworthy of having a place in society. If not for her unique magical gift, she would’ve died long before this story could begin.
While reading Road to Freedom, I was just as hooked by each lyrical sentence as I was by the world being painted. Similes such as, “The sun rose over the walled city of Lunnedy like a jewelled crown atop a ruined mountain”, kept me entranced every step of the way.
The world is rooted in rich landscapes inspired by Davis’ own travelling adventures, specifically the charming scenery found in central and southern France.
The story begins in the fortified city of Lunnedy, before we journey with Issanka to the mysterious land of Ewele, where the caste system that dictates current society is practically non-existent. Ewele is the chance at freedom people like Issanka, who are known as “the unnamed”, have been waiting for. However, freedom is hard grasp when the road there is embedded with dark and hidden agendas and an elusive king that looms over it all.
Road to Freedom introduces characters that are quick to captivate and easy to empathise with. I found myself drawn into the minds and hearts of even the story’s most alluring villains, each fully equipped with layered pasts and intriguing behaviours.
Davis does well at portraying different relationship dynamics, particularly those between siblings, lovers, and even masters and their subjects.
The notion of ‘found family’ is also a core part of the novel considering the protagonist is an orphan. This is one of my favourite tropes to read, given the emotional warmth and excitement that infuses it.
Making it even easier to fall into these characters’ arms is the dialogue, which comes out as fresh and natural from each characters’ lips.
As a massive fantasy lover, I found Road to Freedom to be a thrilling story which adds to the genre in exciting ways. I particularly enjoyed reading and learning about the protagonist’s magical gift which draws from science in a unique way.
With high stakes, bubbling tension, and loveable characters, this story is not one to miss.
Review by Maddison Clarke