Overview

In The Crimson Road, A. G. Slatter returns to her Sourdough world with a story that is brutal, strange, and quietly emotional. Violet Zennor has been raised as a weapon. Her father trained her to fight, to survive, and to kill, using arena combat as both punishment and preparation. When he dies, Violet believes her life might finally be her own.

That hope does not last long. Violet soon learns that her father left her with one final task. She must travel into the Darklands and confront the Leech Lords, powerful undead beings who rule from the shadows. The journey forces Violet to face truths about her family, her past, and the wider world she has never truly understood.

Writing & Voice

We found Slatter’s writing sharp and confident, with a strong sense of mood throughout. The prose is lean but vivid, letting small details do a lot of work. There is plenty of violence, but it is never careless. Every fight feels tied to Violet’s emotional state and her struggle to break free from the life she was shaped for.

The gothic tone runs through every page, from ruined cities to whispered folklore and uneasy bargains. Even when the story slows, the atmosphere keeps its grip on us.

Characters

Violet is a compelling lead. She is skilled, angry, and deeply scarred by her upbringing, but she is also thoughtful and learning to question what she has been told. Her father’s influence hangs over the entire book, shaping her choices even after his death.

The supporting characters are used carefully. Witches, assassins, nobles, and monsters pass through Violet’s path, each adding weight to the world without pulling focus away from her story.

Themes

At its heart, this is a novel about inheritance and control. It asks how much of our lives are decided for us, and whether it is possible to step away from a destiny built by someone else. Violence, bloodlines, and old debts all play into this question, giving the story its dark edge.

The vampiric elements work as more than decoration. They reinforce the idea of power taken and passed down, often at a terrible cost.

What Worked

• Atmospheric setting – The Sourdough world feels dangerous, layered, and alive.
• A strong central character – Violet’s journey carries the story with conviction.
• Confident gothic fantasy – Dark magic, assassins, and undead rulers are used with restraint and purpose.

Minor Quibbles

• Some background elements may feel unclear if this is your first visit to the Sourdough setting.
• The middle section slows as Violet reflects on her past, which may test some readers’ patience.

Final Thoughts

The Crimson Road is a dark and thoughtful fantasy that balances action with reflection, and brutality with care.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5