Ashlords
-
-
4.5 • 11 Ratings
-
-
- $7.99
-
- $7.99
Publisher Description
Red Rising meets The Scorpio Races in this epic fantasy following three phoenix horse riders--skilled at alchemy--who must compete at The Races--the modern spectacle that has replaced warfare within their empire.
Every year since the Ashlords were gifted phoenix horses by their gods, they've raced them. First into battle, then on great hunts, and finally for the pure sport of seeing who rode the fastest. Centuries of blood and fire carved their competition into a more modern spectacle: The Races.
Over the course of a multi-day event, elite riders from clashing cultures vie to be crowned champion. But the modern version of the sport requires more than good riding. Competitors must be skilled at creating and controlling phoenix horses made of ash and alchemy, which are summoned back to life each sunrise with uniquely crafted powers to cover impossible distances and challenges before bursting into flames at sunset. But good alchemy only matters if a rider knows how to defend their phoenix horse at night. Murder is outlawed, but breaking bones and poisoning ashes? That's all legal and encouraged.
In this year's Races, eleven riders will compete, but three of them have more to lose than the rest--a champion's daughter, a scholarship entrant, and a revolutionary's son. Who will attain their own dream of glory? Or will they all flame out in defeat?
Customer Reviews
Worth a read
This book was good but not as good as nyxia the first book in Scott’s career. This is because while there was action it didn’t really start until late in the book. This book was primarily world building, characters, etc. This book has definitely set the stage for a truly epic second book but it lacked action and character dilemma that nyxia did not. Still 5/5 and I will definitely re read but it is in dire need of a second book. Reminds me a lot of Alita. Good story but it hasn’t come close to hitting its climax. It has potential to be a all time great series but it’s not an all time great book.
A bright sunscape of a novel
It speaks to Reintgen’s brilliance that I’m still unsure whose side I’m on now that the race is won and the war is beginning. The masterful construction and depiction of three distinct and conflicting narrative voices—each with lessons to learn, weaknesses to overcome, and strengths to pull readers to their side—keeps me engaged from start to finish and takes my emotions on an exciting rollercoaster.
As a high school English teacher, one of the big questions I’ve put to my students this year as they learn to read for complexity and write with depth is whether empathy can be taught and grown or whether it is a biological function wired into our DNA at the onset of life. Pippa storms onto the literary scene as a blazing example of growing empathy, showing how life experience and deep relationships can teach us to care more for others. I can’t wait to share her journey with my students, and I can’t wait for book two.
So amazing — 11/10 recommend
This book was an incredible read, with so much fast paced action and great literary techniques to distinguish between the different characters’ perspectives! And the ending (no spoiler) pulled everything together beautifully. 11/10 recommended to all my friends!!