Something I really enjoy about these books is how real the characters feel. Matthew Ward has his way of portraying them in a way you just can't help but side with them. It also helps that none of the characters are necessarily the "bad" guys; they all have valid reasoning for their opinions and actions. More wayfarers waited at the next junction, their horses arrayed in a loose line beneath overhanging eaves. The town wall loomed through the rain. The west gate was so close. Two streets away, no more. Who will save the Tressia Republic? Will the Hadari Empire finally rid the world of the darkness? Will Malachi succeed as leader? Will an unlikely hero return to save his home? Well I know what happens but I'm trying to get you all hyped to read this series 😂 As much as I would LOVE to recommend this debut to every fantasy reader, I think it would be beneficial for the book itself that it falls into the hands of readers who are clearly devout epic fantasy readers. Imm The church spire passed away to his left. Desperate townsfolk crowded its lychpath, seeking sanctuary behind stone walls. People filled the streets beyond. Some wore council blue, most the sea-grey of Eskavord’s guard, and too many the garb of ordinary folk caught in between.

It is not my father who makes the offer.” He knelt, one gauntleted hand extended. “Please. Give me your sword.” So Book 1 in the series introduced us to an EPIC wold with a broad scope, rich history, and complex system of magic and Gods/Goddesses and I did not think the scope could go any further but Book 2 came along and blew it out of the water! We get more scope, more history, more magic and more mysteries. Everything I loved from book 1 is done as brilliantly here, and somehow we get even more on top of that.Her thrust took the younger man in the chest. Desperate strength drove the blade between his ribs. The hawk of the Tressian Council turned dark as the first blood stained the rider’s woollen tabard. Then he slipped from his saddle, sword clanging against cobbles. With one last, defiant glare at the buccinator, Katya turned her steed about, and galloped through the narrow streets after her children. Firstly, Matthew Ward’s writing is as brilliant as it was in book 1. This is a chunky and dense read but the prose is easy to handle due to the mix of extraordinary descriptions, key details, emotional conversations and witty dialogue. The multiple POVs and extensive cast of characters keeps the book flowing at a good pace, and gives a great insight into every aspect of the story both from the Hadari’s view and the Tressian’s view. Ward weaves an intricate, unique and epic tale with a broad scope imbued with incredible depth. I loved how we could see perspectives of any side of the conflict. With that we could see motives that drove some characters that did, we can say, evil things. Those motives were mostly justified and with that it;s hard to say who's the villain of the story (apart of the crowmarket - those people are evil bastards). Following suit of other books released of late, Legacy of Ash is told from multiple points of view. This is a technique that tends to be hit or miss with readers. In this case, it allows Ward to provide perspective about individual characters allowing the reader to glean the best insight about each character. The further into the book you read, you see how different characters are interconnected through their pasts and the changing perspective really helps the connection breadcrumbs come to the surface.

Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Libra Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Librarians Group is the official group for requesting additions or updates to the catalog, including: To give a brief outline of the book is something of a challenge, as the narrative slowly builds up to become quite complex, but here I go anyway. The Tressian Republic strive to conquer their neighbouring lands; in the south a Phoenix has arisen to lead the people of the Southshires towards a battle for freedom. However, when the Phoenix is slain, hope dies with her, and all that’s left is a legacy of failure. We then move forward to fifteen years later, and the Prince of Hadari plots to set his army upon the lands of the Tressian Republic to further his rule and secure his seat on the Emperor’s throne. His eye is set upon the land of the Southshires, to the town of Eskavord. Josiri, and Calenne, the children of the infamous Phoenix, imprisoned within the walls of Branghall castle, must find a way to continue their mother’s quest for freedom and liberate the people of Eskavord, not only against the oncoming Hadari, but also breaking free from the Republic. With Josiri riddled with self doubt, and his sister Calenne desperate to rid herself of her mother’s memory, the task is not easy. Can Viktor, a soldier of the Republic, amend for his past deeds and offer salvation to the doomed Southshires? Can old wounds be buried and new alliances formed? This, folks, is our tale. Katya stooped and gathered Calenne. The girl’s chest shook with thin sobs, but she offered no resistance. With a last glance at Elda, Katya set out into the rain once more. The clarion sounded again as she reached Josiri. His eyes were more watchful than ever, his sword ready in his hands.If you haven't already, go buy John Gwynnes Malice and The Faithful and the Fallen series. It's amazing. Viktor Akadra is the Republic's champion. A warrior without equal, he hides a secret that would see him burned as a heretic.

Callanan, James (2017). "Eisenhower, the CIA, and Covert Action". A Companion to Dwight D. Eisenhower. John Wiley & Sons. pp.365–366. ISBN 9780470655214. I’ll start by saying Legacy of Ash is the very embodiment of an epic fantasy. There is a quest for freedom, there are legendary knights, characters who can wield magic, ethereal beings, and there is the age-old war between light and dark, although this book does give a somewhat fresh perspective on that! I know this book has been compared to Game of Thrones (what fantasy book hasn’t these days?) but I find this misleading. This is not a dark and gritty book, and if I had to compare it to any other series, I would say it’s more akin to The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne. Josiri trotted close, his face studiously calm. Katya knew better. He’d not taken a life before today. On the other hand, Legacy of Ash is a big old book, and it’s a bit of an ask to re-read the whole thing, so I’m delighted to present an overview of the story so far.Josiri is with me. My brother is taken. He may already be dead.” Either way, he was beyond help. “Is Calenne here?” All in all every character has their own unique storyline allowing them to develop their personalities and overcome the difficulties they face. Many characters face the consequences of their own fate and past actions and must deal with these issues headfirst. Seeing them grow and flourish from the first book to now made me so happy. Also, most of my favourite characters in the series have been the women who have stolen the show in my opinion✊🏼