'The Ember Blade is hands down the best fantasy novel I've ever read'
Grimdark Magazine
Empires rise, civilisations fall and one culture comes to subsume
another. It's the way of the world . . . sometimes ways of life are
improved, sometimes they are not. But the progression of change is huge
and - usually - unstoppable.
In this story, the Ossian way of life is fading and the Dachen way is
taking its place and Aren is comfortable with that. Even when his
parents are accused of treason he supports the establishment and
maintains there's been some mistake . . . which is all it takes to get
himself and his best friend arrested . . .
Thrown into a prison mine they plan their escape - only to be overtaken
by events when they're rescued, and promptly find themselves in the
middle of an ambush. By the time they've escaped, they're unavoidably
linked to Garric - their unwelcome saviour - and his quest to overturn
to Dachen way of life.
If they leave Garric now, they'll be arrested or killed by their
pursuers. If they turn him in, Garric will kill them. If they stay with
him, they'll be abetting a murderous quest they don't believe in. There
are no good options - but Aren will still have to choose a path . . .
Designed to return to classic fantasy adventures and values, from a
modern perspective, this is a fast-moving coming-of-age trilogy
featuring a strong cast of diverse characters, brilliant set-pieces and
a strong character and plot driven story.
Readers can't put down The Ember Blade:
'I am absolutely in love with this book! . . . I was on the edge of my
seat a few times. I laughed and I cried . . . I loved the
characters, loved the story' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'One of the best in the genre for a very long time . . . a masterful
balancing of new and old . . . a rather grand first instalment in a
trilogy that could be one of the best epic fantasy has ever seen'
Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The island of goodness and hope for humanity in the sea of
grimdark' Ed McDonald, author of The Daughter of Redwinter
'Clever and challenging, but also funny . . . The explosive finale
has more than enough bang for anyone . . . a group forged in blood and
betrayal, bonded by their oaths do what needs to be done against any
and all odds' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'One of the best fantasy books I've read in years. An instant
classic!' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Strikes a magnificently fine balance between classic epic fantasy and
grimdark fantasy, making this an amazing start to a new trilogy' Novel
Notions
'What classic fantasy is all about - a slow build-up and an exciting
pay-off - and I think this book as exactly that' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The world is big . . . Different cultures, magics, demons,
politics - a whole new world to explore! . . . I was hooked from the
start to the very last line' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'Wooding is a master of worldbuilding . . . it's so rich and complex
and I drank all of it in . . . refreshingly written, full of thought
and provoking themes' The Fantasy Hive
