Red Sonja: Consumed is an old-school sword and sorcery fantasy novel, written by Gail Simone (her debut as novel writer), and published by Orbit Books. A story that reclaims a mythic comic character as Red Sonja, giving her a full fleshed personality, a badass warrior of legend; and a plot that will take her to her homeland in order to stop an evil force, told using a third person multi-POV style.

Our story starts with Sonja fleeing, after stealing a circlet from a queen that she made her lover to gain her confidence; and from the assassins sent by the person she was hired by to steal the circlet. A run away that won't be exempt of danger and fight; and in which Simone will take the opportunity to complete her portrayal of Red Sonja. A strong warrior that is not afraid to fight, a recursive one, sassy at moments, but also a person marked by the atrocities she saw; loving somebody is not something she was done for, and nomadic is her life.

But the focus is not only put on Sonja, as Simone has a wide cast of characters whose POVs are used in this story: from Imelda, the exiled queen, a heart that Sonja's broke and stole, the own king, and even Sylus, one that definitely is not a easy one to follow, as it portrays the absolute evil. All together are woven to create a classic sword and sorcery adventure, with Sonja as the center.

Through small snippets of in-world books and songs, we are introduced to the worldbuilding, and the folklore created around the figure of Red Sonja. The writing is extremely polished, an agile style that especially shines when a fight is depicted (and trust me, those are extremely spectacular).
The pacing, however, it is a bit lacking in the first half, slow; however, the second part makes it to be worth, full of conflict and fights, in contrast with the first one, that basically depicts Sonja's travel.

Said that, Red Sonja: Consumed is a great debut; a new take on a legendary character, bringing us a classic sword and sorcery plot that will be loved by those that want a fantasy in the style of the 80s. Can't wait to continue with the adventures of the She-Devil.