Book Review - Fledging (The Ashen Levels #1) by C.F. Welburn

A review of

Fledgling

By C.F. Welburn

Fledgling is the first book in Welburn’s Ashen Levels. It’s a relatively short read but I found it thoroughly enjoyable.

The story follows Balagir as he wakes up beside a fire without any memory of how he got there. It appears he is now one of the ashen, but has no idea exactly what that is. Balagir quickly discovers he can complete tasks and receive the gift of smoke which is then traded to the strange piper at the fireside. There are other strange creatures in this book, not all human, some are ashen too some are not. Balagir discovers other ashen around the fire and the mysterious piper is always there to take their smoke, and no matter where he is, he will stumble across the campfire and the piper.

This story follows Balagir as he undertakes a number of tasks, almost like a series of short connected adventures, each time revealing another small piece of the mystery. The characters are interesting and often treacherous – it seems the life of an ashen is one of treachery and smoke. I really enjoyed the different humanoids that Balagir comes across or journeys with, the world is dangerous and yet interesting, Welburn really captured the lost in a world of which the character has no knowledge of, Balagir is literally a fledging learning his way in this strange new world.

One of the things that struck me about this book is the prose, Welburn has a style of writing that has managed to achieve a timeless, almost classic feel. It’s a story full of questions and mystery which all serve to drive the reader onward to discover more of the nature of the Ashen, which is a mystery that has me curious so I will certainly be reading on to discover what happens to Balagir.

I very much enjoyed this first taste of The Ashen Levels, I look forward to the next instalment (which is already available, the entire series is complete and released – it’s also available as an epic omnibus edition). I would recommend this book to any fan of fantasy looking for something well written and intriguing.

Thanks for reading,

Lee

Book Review - War of Gods by Dyrk Ashton

A review of

War of Gods

By Dyrk Ashton

The hugely anticipated War of Gods, the third and final book in Ashton’s Paternus series, was a book I have been eagerly awaiting since he announced its completion. This series is now easily one of my favourite examples of urban fantasy, and its conclusion is rather breath-taking.

The plethora of fantastic mythical creatures is one thing that has impressed me with the Paternus book’s and no less in War of Gods. He seems to have used every mythical creature and piece of folklore out there, and populated these books with a staggering cast of amazing creature characters.

This book joins Fiona, the Deva and the remaining forces of good against the terrible Asura. We get all the answers to all the questions we have been waiting for. We finally discover more on the true nature of Peter, Zeke’s character arc comes full circle as his secrets are unveiled, and wow, his story is so so good. Fiona embraces her heritage and trains to stand shoulder to shoulder with her brothers and sisters in the final battle. All as the Asura, led by the formidable foe that is Iblis Thevetat, unleash a final master plan to destroy humanity and seize all the worlds for themselves in the final stages of the war to end all wars.

Like the previous books, there is plenty of humour despite the harrowing and often heart wrenching events that happen in War of Gods. The huge cast of characters are well rendered and I found myself very invested in each and every one of them. I quite enjoyed the theological musings that bind the world together and weave various theologies together into one world. Ashton writes in present tense, which took a little adjusting from the more common past tense most fantasy is written in—I’ve had the same thoughts every time I’ve read a Paternus book—but as usual, I quickly adjusted and became engrossed in the story.

Ashton is a bit of a maverick and a rule breaker with his innovative writing style, which I find both refreshing and a little inspiring—he proves if done right rules can be bent, and in this case with excellent results.

As mentioned this has been one of my favourite series in recent years, masterfully crafted and insanely epic, I would recommend any fan of fantasy through to urban fantasy gives this a read—you will not regret it. I look forward to seeing what Dyrk does next.

Thanks for reading,

Lee

Book Review - Gates of Fire By Steven Pressfield

A review of

Gates of Fire

By

Steven Pressfield

This is a novel set around the events of the battle of Thermopylae in Ancient Greece, the same battle that inspired the well-known 300 Graphic novel and film. A tale that still captures the imagination of people thousands of years after the events took place. We all know the story; the 300 brave Spartans who stood against the hordes of Persia, hugely outnumbered and yet, still fought and died bravely to the last man, taking a massive toll on the Persian army.

So going into this book I knew how it was going to end, but what I didn’t expect is just how immersed I would become in the lives of the book’s characters. This book gives us a very well researched glimpse into Spartan life and Ancient Greek culture through the eyes of its main protagonist Xeones. Xeones is not a Spartan himself, but through fate he ends up living amongst them. Unable to become a full Spartan warrior, but still a free man he instead becomes the battle squire for the Spartan commander Dienekes. The story flashes forwards and backwards in time, from his childhood, through parts of his life in Spartan Greece, and of course, to the events surrounding the final battle itself. We see his life, learn how they thought, get a glimpse at the Spartan philosophy and mind-set. We meet his family and friends, his comrades in arms. There were so many amazing characters in this book, from his friend Alexandros, to his master Dienekes, to his rivals, each and every one takes an emotional toll by the end of the novel.

One point I found quite jarring at first, but by the end, I found quite fantastic was Pressfield’s use of Ancient Greek words and phrases throughout the novel. I actually learnt quite a lot of the language by the end, so when it was used I really understood the dialogue on a deeper level. This element shows an incredible level of research from the author and brought a real sense of authenticity.

In short this book was fantastic, there are some heavy emotions involved in the read, but is definitely a must read. There is such bravery and valour, and yet, shows the deep philosophical undercurrent of Ancient Greece and the Spartan culture. By the end I felt I truly understood the characters sacrifice.

If you enjoy ancient Greece, or are a fan of any form of military fiction I can recommend… Hell, everyone should just go and read this book. It’s amazing. Do it, but prepare yourself, it hits hard.

Thanks for reading

Lee