D.B. Sinclair’s Tyrant is the first book in the I, Sovereign Series, and is divided into three sections. In Mainspring, Aleksandra, Zakhar, Sasha, and Anna are introduced. Princess Aleksandra and Prince Zakhar are returning to their homes. Anna is Zakhar’s guest in Mordren. Sasha is a changeling who desires to see the world despite their adopted mother, Gelda, claiming there is nothing beyond their estate. The second part, Despair, finds Aleksandra grieving over losing control of her fire ability, which resulted in the deaths of her friends. Zakhar is reluctantly leading a campaign to garner support for his father, King Leonid. Anna has chosen to return home to Britannia. After leaving the Toy Forest, Sasha makes friends with Coryn, Hedrick, and Gideon. Finally, in Reap What Is Sown, they must confront the consequences of their actions.

D.B. Sinclair builds suspense by focusing on one character at a time. Aleksandra is portrayed as a carefree young woman who can manipulate fire. When Aleksandra loses control of her fire ability and her friends die as a result, the intense grief and depression she experiences are palpable on the page. This not only adds depth to her character but also creates a sense of suspense as I wondered if she would regain control. The friendship between Sasha and Coryn is a powerful example of the book's exploration of prejudice and judgment. Coryn, a goblin, is unfairly judged for crimes he did not commit. However, Sasha looks beyond his species and forms a meaningful connection with him. The multiple plots were easy to follow and were filled with intrigue. The exceptional details of the scenery and the characters' physical features were easy to envision. Tyrant is a fascinating fantasy filled with amazing journeys of self-discovery.

Tyrant is a work of fiction in the fantasy, magical adventure, and suspense subgenres, and forms the opening novel of the I, Sovereign series. The work is best suited to mature adult readers owing to scenes of violence, sexual content, gore, and even cannibalism. Penned by author D. B. Sinclair, we find ourselves in a world filled with magic and mythical creatures. This becomes the unique backdrop for a tale where humanity has not only survived but has become a formidable force. The empires of Utarius thrive on a philosophy that anything can be owned, domesticated, or trained, leading to the subjugation of magical beings for various purposes. As conflict looms on an unprecedented scale, the narrative weaves together the stories of Aleksandra, a reluctant princess confronting her destiny; Zakhar, a charismatic but perilous prince preparing for war; and Sasha, an empathic changeling stepping out into a world of sorcery and gunpowder.

Author D. B. Sinclair has crafted an imaginative and fast-paced fantasy that offers an exhilarating journey into a world where magic coexists with the ruthless ambitions of empires. There are a lot of elements to take note of in this richly varied narrative, from fantasy and war to complex political intrigue, and they are well-balanced and spread out amongst the novel’s diverse characters to create a captivating narrative that explores the complexities of power, morality, and destiny. The characters are also richly developed as individuals, each with their own struggles and personal growth arcs. The combination of magic and industrialization is well-realized with great internal logic, and this adds a unique flavor to the story that’s rare to see. Overall, I would certainly recommend Tyrant as a compelling read for fans of fantasy and epic adventures that also serves as a promising introduction to an expansive and immersive new story universe.

Tyrant by Daniel B. Sinclair revolves around multiple characters, each facing personal, familial, and existential challenges against a backdrop of impending war, political manipulation, imprisonment, betrayal, magic, and the burden of choices that could alter destiny. Aleksandra, AKA Vasilisa, has fled an arranged marriage but triggered a catastrophic fire in her village, also exposing hidden weapons and hints of a unicorn opium trade. Prince Zakhar faces political unrest, pressure from impending wars, and conflicting motives among various factions. Betrayed by someone close, Zakhar's demise is orchestrated by a rebel leader, and memory erasure leaves him vulnerable. Sasha and Gelda guard against threats of imprisonment and exploitation in an enchanted forest. Gelda's connection to a forest spirit has a deep emotional impact, but it's Sasha's looming choice and the reunification of a half-soul that pose the greatest existential threats, especially if Sasha isn't prepared to face this crucial decision.

There are a lot of moving parts in Daniel B. Sinclair's Tyrant, the first book in his new epic fantasy series, I, Sovereign. The world-building is in-depth and immersive, with a multiverse of diverse settings, from Vasilisa's village to bustling Izumdell and the Sapfirian coastline to the grandeur of a royal dining hall with meticulously and magically carved table settings. Fantasy elements branch out into an incredible host of races and magic wielders, the most unique that stands out to me being the changeling Sasha, with pyromancers, angels and demons as advisors, the “gobs,” stalkers whose hands turn “a ghostly blue,” and the dragon Gorynynch. Witches, fairies, unicorns, humans, and more standard fare also co-exist with mixed degrees of tolerance. Sinclair's world includes cuisine, and now I'm not sure I can say I have lived a full life without having tried Occetalian onion soup with an elvish Ithra herb garnish. Most of Sinclair's prose sings, and so I leave you with a quote to embody what you will undoubtedly feel while reading: “You are to experience the world, of course. See what mortal life has to offer. Find love in all of its forms. Hatred, sadness, lust, envy, loneliness... See their dreams, memories, and hopes. You must absorb it all...” Very highly recommended.

Tyrant by D.B. Sinclair is an “epic” fantasy in the true meaning of the word. The first of a planned series, I, Sovereign, this story introduces the reader to an ensemble cast of magical creatures such as orcs, goblins, dragons, gargoyles, wyrms, and many more, some of whom will endear themselves and some who will terrify. The world has existed on a knife-edge for millennia, with conflicts limited to small proxy wars and rebellions within empires but trouble is brewing on the horizon, threatening the entire planet and all who dwell on her. On an isolated estate, Sasha, a small empath changeling, has been sheltered and protected from the evils of the world by a witch guardian but it is time for Sasha to venture out into the evil and discover just what this world has in store. Zakhar, the charismatic and driven prince of the Red Empire, must prepare himself and his people for the upcoming battle for world supremacy that surely is coming. Vasilisa, or Princess Aleksandra, the daughter of the previous Emperor of the Red Empire, has been in seclusion since the downfall of her father at the hands of the current Red Emperor, Leonid Romanov, but it is time to come out and face the past head-on.

Tyrant is a riveting, enchanting read that will take the reader on a roller-coaster journey filled with powerful, magical, and mystical creatures. For true lovers of epic fantasy, author D.B. Sinclair has composed a wonderful ensemble cast of the most unexpected, strange, and even downright weird characters. I was particularly enchanted by Sasha the changeling and their place in the unfolding of events. Sasha was naïve, impossible to conjure up in the reader’s mind, and yet infinitely appealing. That a character who had been so sheltered all their life was able to not only deal with the evils of the world but was not fundamentally changed by them was what made it unique. I was impressed by the author’s ability to expertly juggle the different story arcs around the principal characters and ultimately tie them together. As the beginning tale of what promises to be an enthralling series, I was constantly amazed at the depth of detail and planning that has gone into both the world Sinclair has created and the complicated plot developments, twists and turns. I appreciated immensely the idea that of all these magical creatures, humanity was perhaps the greatest of the monsters and the most evil. This is a story that fantasy lovers will adore and promises so much for the rest of the series. I can highly recommend this read.