Legacy of Ash is the first novel in an exciting new series by Matthew Ward. It is an epic fantasy filled with a well developed plot and a large collection of vibrant and interesting characters. This novel is large, coming in at 768 pages for the paperback, and looks a little bit intimidating sitting on the fantasy shelves in the store, so I want to start this review by saying do not let the size of this book deter you! It is completely enchanting and Ward has created such an exciting world it is easy to lose yourself in the action.
This novel follows the standard epic fantasy recipe and has all the familiar ingredients: kings and queens, magic, ethereal beings, and a battle between good and evil, but Ward has presented the traditional with a fresh set of eyes. The magic system introduced in this story is something very special. It has a major presence throughout the whole novel which I found particularly compelling and features goddesses, giant war golem,s and even assassins who disguised themselves as a mass of blackbirds.
Legacy of Ash opens and introduces the reader to groups of characters chapter by chapter. There is almost no world building in these chapters, instead, the reader is thrown directly into the action. Ward does an incredible job at giving the reader just enough information to piece together the plot and become part of the adventure. The Tressian Republic is a complicated place and we discover just how much unrest there is in this world. There is not a singular plot in this story, but as the book progresses each character adds to the overall plot and the small subplots throughout the book, spinning a complex web of intrigue. Soon we learn that old alliances need to be mended and new alliances created in an attempt to protect their freedom and save their world. Our introductions focus on the warring families of Tressia and the heroes that will be the main focus of this epic tale.
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.
The first half of the novel is very character driven. There is a detailed Dramatis Personae at the beginning of the book and Ward dedicates the time to ensure each character is given the literary justice they deserve. The only negative I found in this book was that the large cast of characters being introduced so quickly made it somewhat difficult to keep track of who is who. In saying that, each character is important to the story and as the plot progresses we discover that even the minor characters are Wards’ puzzle pieces and have important roles to play later on.
The second half of the novel the plot takes a pivotal turn and the story is turned up to eleven and the reader is gifted with some truly awesome action scenes. The story plays out all the earlier puzzle pieces that Ward set up at the beginning of the book and the story unravels at breakneck speed that provides a viewpoint of all sides of the battle. This holistic representation of each side of war is refreshing as it is common in fantasy novels to present its narrative in a simplistic good versus evil structure and only giving the perspective of one side, normally the good. It was enjoyable to learn the motivations of both sides in this war.
Legacy of Ash is an incredibly enjoyable epic fantasy that takes a refreshing approach to the genre. I am reluctant to compare Legacy of Ash to the A Song of Ice and Fire series for fear of it falling into a cliched pocket, but it is similar in its large main and minor cast and the magic throughout the entire plot. It is important not to be deterred by the size of this primordial tome. It is an immensely enjoyable read that has twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Legacy of Ash is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of April 9th 2020.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
In this action-packed epic fantasy debut, three heroes scarred by old hatreds must find a way to overcome their pasts if they are to have any chance of saving their crumbling Republic from complete destruction. Perfect for fans of George R. R. Martin, Brent Weeks, and Brandon Sanderson.
A shadow has fallen over the Tressian Republic.
While the armies of the Hadari Empire invade the borderlands, the Republic’s noble families plot against each other, divided by personal ambition.
But as Tressia falls, heroes rise.
Viktor Akadra is the Republic’s champion and conqueror of the rebellious south. A warrior without equal, he also hides a secret that would see him burned as a heretic.
Josiri Trelan would gladly see Viktor condemned to the flames – vengeance for a rebellion crushed and a mother slain. And while Josiri plots fresh insurrection, his sister, Calenne, is determined to escape their tarnished legacy and break the shackles of the past.
As dark days beckon, these three must overcome their differences to save the Republic. Yet decades of bad blood are not easily set aside. Victory – if it comes at all – will command a higher price than they could have imagined.
