What do you think?
Rate this book
Aegis of the Gods #1
Etchings of Power
Death feeds life in the world of Denestia. The shade advances, bathing the land in blood as they massacre all before them. Magics and creatures long thought dead rise again.
To the east, in Ostania, an ancient clan re-emerges to begin their conquest anew, leaving carnage in their wake. To the west, the ruling Granadian Tribunal tries to maintain its stranglehold on its empire while expanding into Ostanian lands under the premise of converting the ‘uncivilized’ to the path of enlightenment.
Hope rests on the swords, intelligence, and power of four:
Ryne, a living legend at the edge of madness, haunted by a murderous past, the voices of his power that whisper in his head, and hunted by the Tribunal, strives to defend a village he swore to protect. Ancel, a gifted student who has lost his way due to a love spurned, is stalked by the shade's minions and must learn to accept who he is or perish. Irmina, Ancel's former lover, also a Tribunal assassin sent to find Ryne, is mired in her quest for revenge on Ancel's parents, and must set aside her emotions or fail her final test. And Galiana Calestis, Ancel's Teacher, and an old Matus whose greatest wish is to help her people survive, must manipulate whoever she needs to if she's to see the Chronicles come to pass.
Between warring nations, vengeful leaders, magic and steel, myth and men, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Who can unite the kingdoms against the encroaching darkness? Who shall bring the power that drives the world to heel? Who will walk the knife’s edge of harmony? If none can, then Denestia is doomed.
To the east, in Ostania, an ancient clan re-emerges to begin their conquest anew, leaving carnage in their wake. To the west, the ruling Granadian Tribunal tries to maintain its stranglehold on its empire while expanding into Ostanian lands under the premise of converting the ‘uncivilized’ to the path of enlightenment.
Hope rests on the swords, intelligence, and power of four:
Ryne, a living legend at the edge of madness, haunted by a murderous past, the voices of his power that whisper in his head, and hunted by the Tribunal, strives to defend a village he swore to protect. Ancel, a gifted student who has lost his way due to a love spurned, is stalked by the shade's minions and must learn to accept who he is or perish. Irmina, Ancel's former lover, also a Tribunal assassin sent to find Ryne, is mired in her quest for revenge on Ancel's parents, and must set aside her emotions or fail her final test. And Galiana Calestis, Ancel's Teacher, and an old Matus whose greatest wish is to help her people survive, must manipulate whoever she needs to if she's to see the Chronicles come to pass.
Between warring nations, vengeful leaders, magic and steel, myth and men, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Who can unite the kingdoms against the encroaching darkness? Who shall bring the power that drives the world to heel? Who will walk the knife’s edge of harmony? If none can, then Denestia is doomed.
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2011
15 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Terry C. Simpson
13 books67 followersTalking to the characters I imagine has become an intriguing experience especially when they disagree with me. - Terry Simpson.
Terry grew up on the tiny Caribbean island of Barbados. He always had a love of writing for as long as he can remember.
Somehow, he grew to love fantasy more than any other although his early days were spent reading his father's books from Louis L'amour's westerns to Don Pendleton's Executioner series.
When Terry moved to New York in 1986 to live with his mother, his love for books developed into him reading and loving fantasy authors such as Robert Jordan, Jim Butcher, Terry Goodkind , Brandon Sanderson, George RR Martin, Brian Lumley, Laura K Hamilton and quite a few others.
Terry began building the world for what is now called the Aegis of the Gods series in 2001. At first, it was just a hobby because of his love for fantasy and the written word. Slowly, it became a part of his life. Finally, in 2010, Terry decided to sit down and pen the first book based in his world.
When he isn't writing, Terry enjoys reading, movies, gaming (especially MMORPGS), working out, watching sports, and playing with his beautiful daughter Kai.
Terry grew up on the tiny Caribbean island of Barbados. He always had a love of writing for as long as he can remember.
Somehow, he grew to love fantasy more than any other although his early days were spent reading his father's books from Louis L'amour's westerns to Don Pendleton's Executioner series.
When Terry moved to New York in 1986 to live with his mother, his love for books developed into him reading and loving fantasy authors such as Robert Jordan, Jim Butcher, Terry Goodkind , Brandon Sanderson, George RR Martin, Brian Lumley, Laura K Hamilton and quite a few others.
Terry began building the world for what is now called the Aegis of the Gods series in 2001. At first, it was just a hobby because of his love for fantasy and the written word. Slowly, it became a part of his life. Finally, in 2010, Terry decided to sit down and pen the first book based in his world.
When he isn't writing, Terry enjoys reading, movies, gaming (especially MMORPGS), working out, watching sports, and playing with his beautiful daughter Kai.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 5, 2011
Death feeds life in the world of Denestia. The shade advances, bathing the land in blood as they massacre all before them. Magics and creatures long thought dead rise again.
To the east, in Ostania, an ancient clan re-emerges to begin their conquest anew, leaving carnage in their wake. To the west, the ruling Granadian Tribunal tries to maintain its stranglehold on its empire while expanding into Ostanian lands under the premise of converting the 'uncivilized' to the path of enlightenment.
Between warring nations, vengeful leaders, magic and steel, myth and men, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Who can unite the kingdoms against the encroaching darkness? Who shall bring the power that drives the world to heel? Who will walk the knife's edge of harmony? If none can, then Denestia is doomed.
Etchings of Power is the first book in the Aegis of Gods Series by T. C. Simpson. The book centres on three primary characters, Ryne an Eight Foot tattooed, warrior of Legend, Ancel a young ambitious Tribunal student and Irmina an assassin of the tribunal bent on vengeance.
Etchings of Power is one of the best books I have read this year, which puts this book among Prince of Thorns, Kingkiller Chronicles and Best Served Cold.
The opening chapters start well and allow the characters to make their initial mark, all of which I thought were lasting, aside from Ancel, a character I started with a disliking for, (who’s chapters I felt were slow at first) seeing him as a spoilt womanising brat but throughout the book he grows and eventually became a favoured character of mine.
Ryne cuts a path throughout this book, figuratively and literally, that will honestly bring all emotions from you, the character is at war with himself and has some truly fantastic scenes and quotes, my personal favourite being from the end of Chapter 21 “my enemies sought me. Well now, I’ll seek them… They will know F**king fear.”
Irmina I initially thought would be a token female lead put there as a love interest and to attract a female audience, that thought was wrong, she is a character that does hold key moments within in the plot, and holds her own against the bigger characters.
The Magic System within the books is an interesting one, as the Matii(Mages, kind of.) draw essences from all things, metal, stone, light, darkness, earth etc. and expel it through various spells and have to then replenish the essences over time or by killing to absorb more essences. Rynes’ power lies within his tattoos, which work in their own unique way.
These characters accentuate a full-bodied plot that clearly took a long time contemplating to ensure that it reached its potential. The plot twists and turns to keep you guessing and then at the end throws even more at you that are unexpected shocking and truly brilliant.
I would love to describe and ramble more and more about the characters, plot and the way that they just draw you in, but I fear that if I say to much more I will give away spoilers, robbing you of the chance to discover this world and its characters for yourself.
To the east, in Ostania, an ancient clan re-emerges to begin their conquest anew, leaving carnage in their wake. To the west, the ruling Granadian Tribunal tries to maintain its stranglehold on its empire while expanding into Ostanian lands under the premise of converting the 'uncivilized' to the path of enlightenment.
Between warring nations, vengeful leaders, magic and steel, myth and men, the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Who can unite the kingdoms against the encroaching darkness? Who shall bring the power that drives the world to heel? Who will walk the knife's edge of harmony? If none can, then Denestia is doomed.
Etchings of Power is the first book in the Aegis of Gods Series by T. C. Simpson. The book centres on three primary characters, Ryne an Eight Foot tattooed, warrior of Legend, Ancel a young ambitious Tribunal student and Irmina an assassin of the tribunal bent on vengeance.
Etchings of Power is one of the best books I have read this year, which puts this book among Prince of Thorns, Kingkiller Chronicles and Best Served Cold.
The opening chapters start well and allow the characters to make their initial mark, all of which I thought were lasting, aside from Ancel, a character I started with a disliking for, (who’s chapters I felt were slow at first) seeing him as a spoilt womanising brat but throughout the book he grows and eventually became a favoured character of mine.
Ryne cuts a path throughout this book, figuratively and literally, that will honestly bring all emotions from you, the character is at war with himself and has some truly fantastic scenes and quotes, my personal favourite being from the end of Chapter 21 “my enemies sought me. Well now, I’ll seek them… They will know F**king fear.”
Irmina I initially thought would be a token female lead put there as a love interest and to attract a female audience, that thought was wrong, she is a character that does hold key moments within in the plot, and holds her own against the bigger characters.
The Magic System within the books is an interesting one, as the Matii(Mages, kind of.) draw essences from all things, metal, stone, light, darkness, earth etc. and expel it through various spells and have to then replenish the essences over time or by killing to absorb more essences. Rynes’ power lies within his tattoos, which work in their own unique way.
These characters accentuate a full-bodied plot that clearly took a long time contemplating to ensure that it reached its potential. The plot twists and turns to keep you guessing and then at the end throws even more at you that are unexpected shocking and truly brilliant.
I would love to describe and ramble more and more about the characters, plot and the way that they just draw you in, but I fear that if I say to much more I will give away spoilers, robbing you of the chance to discover this world and its characters for yourself.
October 29, 2019
For those of you who like a nice, quick review, I will say this to you – Read this book, you won’t regret it, you’ll love it I promise – it will become your new BFF!
Okay, now – on to other things. I read Fantasy books for years, and one of my biggest pet peeves is when authors go on and on and on about something, making me eventually have to nap, which eventually led me to tend away from them. They could take something as simple and innocent as a leaf – give us the history of it, the exact color of it, what it had for breakfast, who it dated in high school, and how many kids it had – thereby destroying any love I may have had for it. I’m looking at you Terry Goodkind, and at you as well Steven!
Then Terry C. Simpson traipses into my life and the sun shown and the flowers wept. (not blood!)
I got halfway through this book before I realized that I hadn’t ONE TIME skipped chapters or pages.
Then I wept!
It was at this very moment that I decided that this book – Etchings of Power – was MY new BFF. Clutching it to my chest, we hopped in the car, drove through town, stopped for latte’s and were just so happy I could go smack the other Terry and Steven both.
I don’t want to spoil ANY of this book for you, my reading friends – but I can say that very rarely do I read something with characters that are so amazingly fleshed out – ones that I would give my neighbors left leg to meet!
The plot? PERFECT! Not one hole that I could see. There are a few different stories in this book that of course come together seamlessly at the end and I can’t say enough how impressed I was!
Everything is in this book: Magic, giant freakin swords, giant freakin dudes to go WITH said sword, gods, war and superbad pets that will kill with one wrong look!
And CRAP that I have to wait for the next book! I won’t survive! I need it yesterday!!!
Another pet peeve of mine is reviewers that go on and on and on – seriously, I can usually read the book in the amount of time it takes me to read the review, and so I apologize for gushing here guys, but this is an amazing book and I do tend to get a little excited when I see an author (first TIME author) that can blow the big boys out of the water!
Okay, now – on to other things. I read Fantasy books for years, and one of my biggest pet peeves is when authors go on and on and on about something, making me eventually have to nap, which eventually led me to tend away from them. They could take something as simple and innocent as a leaf – give us the history of it, the exact color of it, what it had for breakfast, who it dated in high school, and how many kids it had – thereby destroying any love I may have had for it. I’m looking at you Terry Goodkind, and at you as well Steven!
Then Terry C. Simpson traipses into my life and the sun shown and the flowers wept. (not blood!)
I got halfway through this book before I realized that I hadn’t ONE TIME skipped chapters or pages.
Then I wept!
It was at this very moment that I decided that this book – Etchings of Power – was MY new BFF. Clutching it to my chest, we hopped in the car, drove through town, stopped for latte’s and were just so happy I could go smack the other Terry and Steven both.
I don’t want to spoil ANY of this book for you, my reading friends – but I can say that very rarely do I read something with characters that are so amazingly fleshed out – ones that I would give my neighbors left leg to meet!
The plot? PERFECT! Not one hole that I could see. There are a few different stories in this book that of course come together seamlessly at the end and I can’t say enough how impressed I was!
Everything is in this book: Magic, giant freakin swords, giant freakin dudes to go WITH said sword, gods, war and superbad pets that will kill with one wrong look!
And CRAP that I have to wait for the next book! I won’t survive! I need it yesterday!!!
Another pet peeve of mine is reviewers that go on and on and on – seriously, I can usually read the book in the amount of time it takes me to read the review, and so I apologize for gushing here guys, but this is an amazing book and I do tend to get a little excited when I see an author (first TIME author) that can blow the big boys out of the water!
November 20, 2011
This was a great read. The macro plot seems a bit generic at first. Ancient evil is showing itself, and it's up to a select few heroes and anti-heroes to save the world. But as you keep reading, you realize this novel is anything but generic. It's way more complicated than "good" vs. "evil". Often enough, the characters have a harder time figuring out where to point their swords, rather than fighting the enemy itself. I love a plot that keeps you guessing! Can't wait for the sequel!
Characters:
There are 3 main characters, whose plot arcs intersect in organic and compelling ways! They are written in dynamicall, filled with flaws and regrets that seperate them from characters in a generic D&D novel.
Ryne Waldron -
This guy is the bad-ass of the book. And I mean that in every sense of the word. When you first meet this 8-foot giant, wielding a sword as big as most people, and covered in tatoos that give him supernatural power, you might even think he's TOO bad ass. That is, until you quickly find out he's a bit like the Incredible Hulk. When he gets pissed off, people die and cities burn. The tension of this character is a combination of his desire to control the darker part of himself, in addition to combating the destructive forces that threaten the and destroy the only things he cares about. Oh, and he's got a mysterious bodyguard, who brings a lot of surprises of his own to the story.
Ancel Dorn -
Ancel is a real interesting character. Young, intelligent, moral, talented, athletic, a warrior-born, and cocky as hell. He goes through women more often than he does sparing partners. The chink in his armor is "the one that got away", Irmina, who has her own plot arc taking place in a different area of the world. He has a lot of growing up to do real quick when things become dangerous, and it's really interesting to see how he matures (or doesn't).
Irmina Nagel -
This book ain't a sausage fest! Irmina is a warrior just like Ancel. Unlike Ancel, she's applied herself and become an elite soldier for one of the world powers. Her position and skills landing her the assignment of finding Ryne Waldron himself, to enlist his aid in the wars to come. A shame Ryne would sooner see her dead than help her or the people she works with.
World Building:
Denestia is no joke. Terry Simpson clearly spent YEARS designing the geography, nations, politics, system of magic and history that serve as a backdrop to an epic plot. The magic is a lot of lingo, but worth taking the time to figure out. The magic is a big part of the world, about as common in our world as electricity. Even so, many people are way better at it than others, and there are plenty of specialities to keep surprises coming. Despite how common it is, the author always takes the time to present magic's prescense in understandable and vivid ways. In fact, Terry Simpson has a talent for description that any fantasy author would be jealous of. Whether it's a battle, or a city coming into sight beyond a hill, a marching army, or just a six-legged dartan hauling goods across a town square, there's always a stunning visual in your head.
Characters:
There are 3 main characters, whose plot arcs intersect in organic and compelling ways! They are written in dynamicall, filled with flaws and regrets that seperate them from characters in a generic D&D novel.
Ryne Waldron -
This guy is the bad-ass of the book. And I mean that in every sense of the word. When you first meet this 8-foot giant, wielding a sword as big as most people, and covered in tatoos that give him supernatural power, you might even think he's TOO bad ass. That is, until you quickly find out he's a bit like the Incredible Hulk. When he gets pissed off, people die and cities burn. The tension of this character is a combination of his desire to control the darker part of himself, in addition to combating the destructive forces that threaten the and destroy the only things he cares about. Oh, and he's got a mysterious bodyguard, who brings a lot of surprises of his own to the story.
Ancel Dorn -
Ancel is a real interesting character. Young, intelligent, moral, talented, athletic, a warrior-born, and cocky as hell. He goes through women more often than he does sparing partners. The chink in his armor is "the one that got away", Irmina, who has her own plot arc taking place in a different area of the world. He has a lot of growing up to do real quick when things become dangerous, and it's really interesting to see how he matures (or doesn't).
Irmina Nagel -
This book ain't a sausage fest! Irmina is a warrior just like Ancel. Unlike Ancel, she's applied herself and become an elite soldier for one of the world powers. Her position and skills landing her the assignment of finding Ryne Waldron himself, to enlist his aid in the wars to come. A shame Ryne would sooner see her dead than help her or the people she works with.
World Building:
Denestia is no joke. Terry Simpson clearly spent YEARS designing the geography, nations, politics, system of magic and history that serve as a backdrop to an epic plot. The magic is a lot of lingo, but worth taking the time to figure out. The magic is a big part of the world, about as common in our world as electricity. Even so, many people are way better at it than others, and there are plenty of specialities to keep surprises coming. Despite how common it is, the author always takes the time to present magic's prescense in understandable and vivid ways. In fact, Terry Simpson has a talent for description that any fantasy author would be jealous of. Whether it's a battle, or a city coming into sight beyond a hill, a marching army, or just a six-legged dartan hauling goods across a town square, there's always a stunning visual in your head.
December 7, 2011
See this review and others like it at my site www.ufreviews.com
I am rather new to the epic fantasy genre (my husband is a huge fan and has been trying to get me into epic fantasy for years). I wasn't more than 3 chapters in when I knew this would be a book my husband would love. And truth be told by the time the book was finished it was a book I really enjoyed reading, and with any luck all the epic fantasy books I read will be of this quality.
The book takes place in the world of Denestia, which is made up of nations, and nations that not always get along. There world is being threatened, and that means that people who don't always get along or come from different backgrounds have to come together to fight against the enemy, the Shade.
I want to say first about this book that the writing is really good. In general, he was descriptive enough to paint a picture of what was going on but not so much so that the reader couldn't use their own imagination to create their own visuals to accompany. The plot was solid, although it could be mentioned that a lot of books incorporate a enemy that threatens the world, but that does not mean this book is not unique. The thing that makes this book unique is not the general plot like, but the characters within it. They all bring their own personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and personal demons to the reader in a way that allows the reader to empathize with them and create an interesting world and plot to read about.
Ryne is an interesting character while within the book he plays the part of the hero, he is a not a hero that doesn't have a past. Ryne doesn't remember a lot of his path, and often times within the book he has to stop himself from giving into what he refers to as "bloodlust". He often at battle with himself while trying to protect others. I found him interesting from the beginning of the book, from just his physical description alone. He's an 8 foot tall man who is covered in tattoos, tattoos that you find out help to supply him with some of his power.
I also appreciated that the book had a woman character, I'm a girl so I appreciate finding men authors who write women in their books that are more than just the romantic interest and play no real part other than that. Simpson doesn't do that, which I appreciate. Irmina is every bit as capable as the men in the story, and she can hold her own.
Overall, I am going to call this an exciting read. The world building is quite good, and well thought out, the characters vivid and easy to identify with, the plot is interesting. There was seldom a moment while reading this book that I thought it lagged, it kept me engaged the whole way through. I think this book will be a good read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy books.
I am rather new to the epic fantasy genre (my husband is a huge fan and has been trying to get me into epic fantasy for years). I wasn't more than 3 chapters in when I knew this would be a book my husband would love. And truth be told by the time the book was finished it was a book I really enjoyed reading, and with any luck all the epic fantasy books I read will be of this quality.
The book takes place in the world of Denestia, which is made up of nations, and nations that not always get along. There world is being threatened, and that means that people who don't always get along or come from different backgrounds have to come together to fight against the enemy, the Shade.
I want to say first about this book that the writing is really good. In general, he was descriptive enough to paint a picture of what was going on but not so much so that the reader couldn't use their own imagination to create their own visuals to accompany. The plot was solid, although it could be mentioned that a lot of books incorporate a enemy that threatens the world, but that does not mean this book is not unique. The thing that makes this book unique is not the general plot like, but the characters within it. They all bring their own personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and personal demons to the reader in a way that allows the reader to empathize with them and create an interesting world and plot to read about.
Ryne is an interesting character while within the book he plays the part of the hero, he is a not a hero that doesn't have a past. Ryne doesn't remember a lot of his path, and often times within the book he has to stop himself from giving into what he refers to as "bloodlust". He often at battle with himself while trying to protect others. I found him interesting from the beginning of the book, from just his physical description alone. He's an 8 foot tall man who is covered in tattoos, tattoos that you find out help to supply him with some of his power.
I also appreciated that the book had a woman character, I'm a girl so I appreciate finding men authors who write women in their books that are more than just the romantic interest and play no real part other than that. Simpson doesn't do that, which I appreciate. Irmina is every bit as capable as the men in the story, and she can hold her own.
Overall, I am going to call this an exciting read. The world building is quite good, and well thought out, the characters vivid and easy to identify with, the plot is interesting. There was seldom a moment while reading this book that I thought it lagged, it kept me engaged the whole way through. I think this book will be a good read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy books.
February 5, 2012
Etchings of Power by Terry C Simpson is a slick piece of work by any measure, from its editing and formatting, through its natty use of graphic illustration, to the sheer detail and vivid life that powers the storytelling.
The book ends with a bang – and then some – and topped off with such a startling revelation, Simpson clearly isn’t messing about. Either he has bluffed his way into a fall or he has some serious confidence in the story-telling arsenal he has yet to field.
At 152,600 words, it is a big book – and it is but the first in the author’s Aegis of the Gods series, so there’s plenty more to come – but for all that, it never feels as if it’s been padded out.
Well, it is epic fantasy so you want it to be of epic proportions – and not just in terms of the novel’s girth. On that score, Simpson doesn’t disappoint. The landscape is suitably vast, not a theatre set but an entire world, peopled with rich and varied cultures, steeped in politics and history that is never thrown in for the sake of it.
At the heart of the story is one Ryne Waldron. At seven feet tall he is almost literally a larger than life character, but he never feels less than human, albeit troubled with powers almost too much for his control. The man’s history is a terrible and bloodthirsty one; he is as good as a legend in his own lifetime for the dreadful reputation he has forged in blood on the battlefield, but it is a past he is ashamed of and wants to put behind him.
Unfortunately, events in Denestia and Ostania, will leave him little choice but to pull on his armour and live up to his bloody reputation once more.
All in all, Simpson has created a vivid and rich world, with a suitably subtle and sophisticated cast of characters, caught up in a fantastic story of intrigue and high-octane action. So catch your breath, there’s more to come.
To read a fuller version of this review, visit my blog The Word On The Wall
The book ends with a bang – and then some – and topped off with such a startling revelation, Simpson clearly isn’t messing about. Either he has bluffed his way into a fall or he has some serious confidence in the story-telling arsenal he has yet to field.
At 152,600 words, it is a big book – and it is but the first in the author’s Aegis of the Gods series, so there’s plenty more to come – but for all that, it never feels as if it’s been padded out.
Well, it is epic fantasy so you want it to be of epic proportions – and not just in terms of the novel’s girth. On that score, Simpson doesn’t disappoint. The landscape is suitably vast, not a theatre set but an entire world, peopled with rich and varied cultures, steeped in politics and history that is never thrown in for the sake of it.
At the heart of the story is one Ryne Waldron. At seven feet tall he is almost literally a larger than life character, but he never feels less than human, albeit troubled with powers almost too much for his control. The man’s history is a terrible and bloodthirsty one; he is as good as a legend in his own lifetime for the dreadful reputation he has forged in blood on the battlefield, but it is a past he is ashamed of and wants to put behind him.
Unfortunately, events in Denestia and Ostania, will leave him little choice but to pull on his armour and live up to his bloody reputation once more.
All in all, Simpson has created a vivid and rich world, with a suitably subtle and sophisticated cast of characters, caught up in a fantastic story of intrigue and high-octane action. So catch your breath, there’s more to come.
To read a fuller version of this review, visit my blog The Word On The Wall
November 14, 2011
I have to say, I was really impressed by this book. Fantasy novels can be tricky and insanely hard to write. The world created by Terry Simpson is well thought out and nicely executed. This author is one to watch in the Fantasy writing community.
What would any Fantasy tale be without the Hero? Ryne Waldron is a warrior with great powers at his disposal, but he's not the typical good guy. He can't remember much of his past, but the things he does remember are very troubling to him. He must keep his bloodlust tightly controlled at all times. I find it very easy to root for the tortured warrior type :-) What's not to like? Then there's Ancel. He is a lost young man and is wasting his potential when the story begins. Circumstances force him to either stand firm in his training or allow his emotions to control his actions.
Etchings of Power has giant warriors, hidden pasts, girls that kick butt (with style), a mysterious companion, and most everyone has a secret they are guarding. It all comes together to create a rich setting and characters that don't fade into the background. If you like a good fantasy novel, you won't want to miss this one.
What would any Fantasy tale be without the Hero? Ryne Waldron is a warrior with great powers at his disposal, but he's not the typical good guy. He can't remember much of his past, but the things he does remember are very troubling to him. He must keep his bloodlust tightly controlled at all times. I find it very easy to root for the tortured warrior type :-) What's not to like? Then there's Ancel. He is a lost young man and is wasting his potential when the story begins. Circumstances force him to either stand firm in his training or allow his emotions to control his actions.
Etchings of Power has giant warriors, hidden pasts, girls that kick butt (with style), a mysterious companion, and most everyone has a secret they are guarding. It all comes together to create a rich setting and characters that don't fade into the background. If you like a good fantasy novel, you won't want to miss this one.
December 5, 2014
Etchings of Power (Aegis of the Gods Book i), by Terry C. Simpson
Terry C. Simpson's "Etchings of Power (Aegis of the Gods Book i)" is an astonishingly powerful novel...powerful, profound, and provocative, all while remaining energetic, entertaining and engrossing.
The characters are, at once, accessible, without being stereotypical cardboard cutouts, engaging, without being maudlin, subtle, without being abstruse, and fully realized, without being overdone.
It is also blessedly free of the kinds of editorial gaffes, misspellings ,poor syntax, and malapropisms which frequently bedevil electronic texts, and that mar both the flow of the text, and the pleasure to be derived from reading it.
This is highly recommended, for devotées of epic fantasy, sweeping saga, and coherently complex world building. I look forward to reading more in this series, and more of Mr. Simpson's work.
I found this novel to be appropriate reading, for young adult and older readers.
Terry C. Simpson's "Etchings of Power (Aegis of the Gods Book i)" is an astonishingly powerful novel...powerful, profound, and provocative, all while remaining energetic, entertaining and engrossing.
The characters are, at once, accessible, without being stereotypical cardboard cutouts, engaging, without being maudlin, subtle, without being abstruse, and fully realized, without being overdone.
It is also blessedly free of the kinds of editorial gaffes, misspellings ,poor syntax, and malapropisms which frequently bedevil electronic texts, and that mar both the flow of the text, and the pleasure to be derived from reading it.
This is highly recommended, for devotées of epic fantasy, sweeping saga, and coherently complex world building. I look forward to reading more in this series, and more of Mr. Simpson's work.
I found this novel to be appropriate reading, for young adult and older readers.
July 7, 2012
Terry Simpson created a unique world here, and I found the story riveting right from page one. I really appreciated the intricate level of detail and the rich descriptions; you're truly drawn into this world. This series is an excellent addition to the epic fantasy canon!
June 16, 2012
Very detailed. About light and dark love war fantasy. There better be a second part because I need to know what the master plan is: shadelings v the guardians and the light. Plus I have to know if Ancel and Irmina get back together!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews