I'm always a little bit wary when starting a book or series by an author I haven't read before, especially when the majority of the reviews are praising the book, however, the upside of that is when I find the praise is warranted, which in this case it most certainly is.
There have been multiple scenes and characters in these books that reminded me of other series I have read, The Wheel of Time (Robert Jordan), The Sword of Truth (Terry Goodkind) and The Banned and the Banished (John Gwynne) immediately come to mind, though whether they influenced the author is Impossible to say without knowing if he has read them, but if you have, and enjoyed them, then you most likely will enjoy this series.
The writing style is relaxing and easy to read, with fascinating characters who have interesting personalities and are generally likeable, and which are developed as the books progress. The plot is also engaging, mysterious, and intelligently thought out, and instantly gripped me.
Born in fire. Tempered in blood.
Epheria is a land divided by war and mistrust. The High Lords of the South squabble and fight, only kept in check by the Dragonguard, traitors of a time long past, who serve the empire of the North.
In the remote villages of southern Epheria, still reeling from the tragic loss of his brother, Calen Bryer prepares for The Proving – a test of courage and skill that not all survive.
But when three strangers arrive in the village of Milltown, with a secret they are willing to die for, Calen’s world is ripped from under him and he is thrust headfirst into a war that has been raging for centuries.
There is no prophecy. His coming was not foretold.
He bleeds like any man, and bleed he will.
Format
Kindle EditionDate Acquired
1st December 2022Retail Price
£3.99Number of Pages
543Year Read
2024The Order have watched over the continent of Epheria for thousands of years.
But there are those who believe The Order has had its day. That it is corrupt, indulgent, and deceitful – that it is ready to fall.
The City of Ilnaen is on fire.
Dragons fill the skies.
Traitors fill the streets.
Format
EPUBDate Acquired
3rd April 2023Retail Price
£0.00Number of Pages
95Year Read
2025Heroes will rise. Nations will fall.
Behind the towering walls of Belduar, Calen Bryer and his companions stand in defense of the city and its new king. In over a thousand years, Belduar has never fallen. It has stood as a bastion of hope. But the Lorian empire are at its walls once more, and the Dragonguard are coming.
In the North, with Faenir by her side, Calen’s sister Ella arrives at the port of Antiquar. She holds no fear of the unknown. She will see this through, no matter what – or who – gets in her way.
Meanwhile, at the embassy of the Circle of Magii in Al’Nasla, Rist Havel hones his newfound powers in preparation for the trials. Unbeknownst to Rist, he is being watched, measured, and judged. He was not taken into the Circle by chance. There is greatness in him. But great men can do terrible things.
As Lorian forces land on southern shores and Aeson Virandr’s letters of rebellion find their way to the right hands, only the Knights of Achyron see the true danger. The danger that stirs in the darkness. The coming shadow will not stop. It will consume all in its path. It wants for nothing but blood and fire.
Format
Kindle EditionDate Acquired
4th April 2023Retail Price
£18.99Number of Pages
832Year Read
2025Do not hesitate. Do not contemplate mercy.
The Lorian empire took everything from Dayne.
His family. His home. His people.
He will carve a bloody path through Epheria. He will have his vengeance, by blade and by blood.
This is his story.
The story of The Exile.
Format
Kindle EditionDate Acquired
4th April 2023Retail Price
£8.99Number of Pages
184Year Read
2025