Skip to content

BEHIND THE THRONE

Written By:

Callum Shephard
behindthethrone

Sometimes you want a science fiction tale to explore great new ideas or delve into cerebral topics. At others you just want a good old fashioned raygun tale. Guess which this one is. Behind the Throne explores one question: What would happen if a ne’er-do-well smuggler became ruler of the galaxy? Not willingly of course, but out of necessity, requiring all the tricks of Hail Bristol’s trade to bend rules, occasionally break them; all whilst surviving the assassins which murdered her family.

This is the kind of book which promises non-stop action and deliver wholeheartedly; with the prose structured to fit a fast flowing plot and focus primarily upon distinct singular actions or brief quips of dialogue. This makes it a breeze to look through, and that benefits the story as a whole, as despite the moments of drama it’s almost an affectionate parody of traditionalist sci-fi swashbuckling stories.

There’s rarely a moment which goes by without something exciting happening, and that’s largely thanks to Bristol herself. While the blurb hypes up her abilities, there’s no denying she’s the highlight of the book, with half the events are mostly an opportunity for her to snark at while doing something awesome. With some obvious influence from the likes of Jenny Sparks and Indiana Jones, every sequence is brought to life thanks to her personal quips, commentary and actions. Events flow easily around her inner thoughts and first person tense, and this is one of the few books to truly nail such an invasive view of a character.

Unfortunately, while Bristol is the high point, the story tends to wither away when not focused upon her. Behind the Throne’s actual story offers few real surprises on the whole, thanks to sticking to tried and tested storytelling devices. There’s nothing innately wrong with this of course, but a times you can predict the twists in your sleep. Similarly, the world-building was ill conceived. While there was an obvious attempt to hit the ground running with a short, sharp moment of action followed by a rapid introduction, the universe as a whole seemed extremely nebulous. You’re never given a sense of the baseline rules or true laws of the setting.

Behind the Throne is one of those books which honestly would have been more effective as a comic. The structure, characters, presentation and opening scenes look as if they would fit a more visual tale better than a literary one, and this is ultimately what holds it back. That said, the slick dialogue, snarky tone and Bristol’s larger than life personality carry it through to the end. Grab it if you’re after a fun if a little forgettable outing, but one with an excellent protagonist.

BEHIND THE THRONE / AUTHOR: K.B. WAGERS / PUBLISHER: ORBIT BOOKS / RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 4TH

Callum Shephard

You May Also Like...

First-Look Images and Sizzle Reel for Disturbing Shocker CARA

You can now get your first look at the upcoming disturbing kitchen sink horror film CARA, directed by Hayden Hewitt (Lips) and starring Ellie O’Hara, Johnny Vivash, Laurence R. Harvey,
Read More
chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More