Asunder is a dark fantasy novel, written by Kerstin Hall, and published by TOR. It features an excellently built character driven plot, extremely impactful in the emotional aspect, but with a really original worldbuilding that blends together steampunk, eldritch creatures and religions, with an episodic taste that is hidden into the bigger story; definitely a candidate to be on my favourite books of the year list.

In a foolish and desperate act in her teens, Karys Eska bargained with Sabaster, a terrifying eldritch creature, getting the abilities of a Deathspeaker; a gift that allows her to communicate with the recent dead, and that has been put to use to investigate mysterious death around the city. However, her whole world is put into shambles when in her last job, she ends with a dying stranger, Ferain, attached to her shadows; plagued by horror, external and internal, she will be forced to travel through a faded empire looking for a way to break their bond, before they both end torn asunder by it.

And let me tell you, during this travel, Hall will fully flesh the character of Karys; a strong woman who resorted to a desperate option in her worst moment, independent and trustworthy. We get to experience not only the struggle and horrors derived from her current situation with Ferain, but we will explore her past and the traumatic events that shaped her character. It's impossible to not end really invested in her destiny; and Ferain plays a good role in letting her open and trust somebody more. It might be a forced proximity thing, but we also see the Karys that has fissures among her impenetrable semblance. They develop a really tight bond as a consequence of their destiny, and even if Ferain can be annoying at times, you end appreciating him.
But not only Ferain and Karys shine, as with the rest of the characters that become part of their group, Hall shows her ability to create complex and well-fleshed characters; each one with a past and abilities that marked them, organically introduced through their actions. I particularly grow fond of Winola, a vivacious scholar that also helps the reader in the task of comprehending many of the intricate details of the arcane beings of this world.

The semi-episodic nature of the plot, with different encounters and situations that our characters will have to face and solve if they want to continue alive (and trust me, the Society one is absolutely chef kiss). I loved how the world blends together advanced technology similar to steampunk together with making use of some of the eldritch beings, while also each place has its unique characteristics.
Hall's prose is quite effective at transmitting those small details of the world while not losing the focus on the characters; as a result, you not only have a clear idea of where you are, but also can empathize with the cast. It's incredibly well paced, keeping you glued to the page.

Asunder is an excellent novel, one that will emotionally destroy you but will make you beg for more of this world; a read that will stay with me for a long time, and which has created a new Kerstin Hall fan.