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Rage of Lions #6
The Mantis and the Mirrored Sky
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An Archduchess is the equal of any Prince–a Queen in her own land.
For the first time since the invasions began, the Western Reach is united under its sovereign ruler Amelia. Now the Archduchess, she beholden to no one, not even the throne in Denay. All treachery has been wiped away from the Reach nobility and the entire armies of the west are united behind their liege. But this is no time to be complacent.
Prentice Ash has not forgotten his oath to pursue the Serpent Witch and to make an end to all her schemes. With new allies, he hunts the Dwelt for converts to the vile cult, cutting out their covens by fire and steel. This war in the shadows uncovers a more frightening possibility awaiting beyond the river–a secret route for the Redlander armies into the heart of the Reach. The beast men and blood sorcerers are preparing the final invasion, and that, Captain Ash cannot allow.
Archduchess Amelia travels south to Aubrey, to secure her border from the Vec princes. Though her coffers are empty, bled dry by the drought, her soldiers are a mighty force, but only if she can pay them. Meanwhile, Prentice races west to a site of the enemy’s ancient power. The duchess and captain’s domestic enemies have been quelled at great cost, but before they can recover their strength, foreign enemies only threaten to multiply. Ready or not, the time has come to take the offensive, or else all they have fought to build will be devoured in a consuming storm, like a cloud of locusts sweeping over the land.
#1 Best Seller in Christian Fantasy
An Archduchess is the equal of any Prince–a Queen in her own land.
For the first time since the invasions began, the Western Reach is united under its sovereign ruler Amelia. Now the Archduchess, she beholden to no one, not even the throne in Denay. All treachery has been wiped away from the Reach nobility and the entire armies of the west are united behind their liege. But this is no time to be complacent.
Prentice Ash has not forgotten his oath to pursue the Serpent Witch and to make an end to all her schemes. With new allies, he hunts the Dwelt for converts to the vile cult, cutting out their covens by fire and steel. This war in the shadows uncovers a more frightening possibility awaiting beyond the river–a secret route for the Redlander armies into the heart of the Reach. The beast men and blood sorcerers are preparing the final invasion, and that, Captain Ash cannot allow.
Archduchess Amelia travels south to Aubrey, to secure her border from the Vec princes. Though her coffers are empty, bled dry by the drought, her soldiers are a mighty force, but only if she can pay them. Meanwhile, Prentice races west to a site of the enemy’s ancient power. The duchess and captain’s domestic enemies have been quelled at great cost, but before they can recover their strength, foreign enemies only threaten to multiply. Ready or not, the time has come to take the offensive, or else all they have fought to build will be devoured in a consuming storm, like a cloud of locusts sweeping over the land.
#1 Best Seller in Christian Fantasy
- GenresFantasyChristian Fantasy
828 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2024
48 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Matt Barron
12 books32 followersMatt Barron grew up loving to read and to watch movies. He always knew he enjoyed science fiction and fantasy, but in 1979 his uncle took him to see a new movie called Star Wars and he was hooked for life. Then Dungeons and Dragons came along and there was no looking back. He went to university hoping to find a girlfriend. Instead, the Lord found him, and he spent most of his time from then on in the coffee shop, witnessing and serving his God. Along the way, he managed to acquire a Doctorate in History and met the love of his life, Rachel. Now married to Rachel for more than twenty years, Matt has two adult children and a burning desire to combine the genre he loves with the faith that saved him.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 1, 2024
This was a really good book with lots of twists and turns. The characters are well thought out and strong. Not your average battle between good and evil.
July 6, 2024
With Amelia newly declared Archduchess, solidifying her rule of the Western Reach, and Prentice risen to the rank of Baron, things seem to be more settled within the boundaries of the Reach than before. Still pressed to track down the escaped Serpent Witch and end the Redlander threat, Prentice leaves the bulk of his army training at Fallenhill and takes a company of his most experienced warriors far to the west and into the unknown. Amelia and Farringdon head into The Vec to claim territory he surrendered to Amelia when he chose to give up his crown.
Once again, Matt Barron has woven an exciting story that continued to pull me forward turning pages until I finished the book. As with the prior books, his twists and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I love how he creates characters who are rounded and unique. Though now Archduchess, Amelia doesn’t need to be a physical powerhouse to portray a strong character. Her strengths reside in her care, integrity, and courage in facing foes. But such strength attracts enemies who are willing to do anything to destroy her and the Western Reach, even create a divide between her and her new husband or accuse her of witchcraft.
If you enjoy fast-paced, engaging fantasy with strong Christian themes, and do not mind a level of graphic violence, you will appreciate this series. I especially appreciate how Barron weaves the power of God throughout the series. I recommend The Mantis and the Mirrored Sky. An excellent continuation of this excellent series.
Once again, Matt Barron has woven an exciting story that continued to pull me forward turning pages until I finished the book. As with the prior books, his twists and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. I love how he creates characters who are rounded and unique. Though now Archduchess, Amelia doesn’t need to be a physical powerhouse to portray a strong character. Her strengths reside in her care, integrity, and courage in facing foes. But such strength attracts enemies who are willing to do anything to destroy her and the Western Reach, even create a divide between her and her new husband or accuse her of witchcraft.
If you enjoy fast-paced, engaging fantasy with strong Christian themes, and do not mind a level of graphic violence, you will appreciate this series. I especially appreciate how Barron weaves the power of God throughout the series. I recommend The Mantis and the Mirrored Sky. An excellent continuation of this excellent series.
July 21, 2024
A bit slow paced but gets there in the end.
This goes nowhere fast & not helped by the 4 different story arcs,like the previous book there is really nothing new here, basically back to fighting the Church & mainly Prentice carrying the Redlanders. A lot more references to “our” own Bible stories,that I haven’t really noticed before, & it doesn’t really gel with me & the Reach. Glad that there is one final book to go in the series, I’m not sure that anything more could be added. 2 story arcs to tie up as I can’t really see how the Redlanders can continue.
This goes nowhere fast & not helped by the 4 different story arcs,like the previous book there is really nothing new here, basically back to fighting the Church & mainly Prentice carrying the Redlanders. A lot more references to “our” own Bible stories,that I haven’t really noticed before, & it doesn’t really gel with me & the Reach. Glad that there is one final book to go in the series, I’m not sure that anything more could be added. 2 story arcs to tie up as I can’t really see how the Redlanders can continue.
May 5, 2024
And now I wait for October for Book 7!
I have devoured these books one after the other. This one was a little challenging as the storyline bounced back and forth. One of my favorite things through these six books is the secondary characters and how much layering they are given... both a joy and sometimes a sorrow. Hopefully the author will not be like GRRM and hold to the promised October date. The clock is ticking Matt Barron.
I have devoured these books one after the other. This one was a little challenging as the storyline bounced back and forth. One of my favorite things through these six books is the secondary characters and how much layering they are given... both a joy and sometimes a sorrow. Hopefully the author will not be like GRRM and hold to the promised October date. The clock is ticking Matt Barron.
May 8, 2024
Marvelous epic fantasy!
With each installment of Rage of Lions I am more amazed at the creativity and talents of master wordsmith Matt Barron. The characters are well crafted, believable and engaging while the storylines are compelling and well executed. I enjoy this series so much and I’m hoping that the film version (my desire for the future) will be comparable. I highly recommend this entire series.
Kindle Unlimited
With each installment of Rage of Lions I am more amazed at the creativity and talents of master wordsmith Matt Barron. The characters are well crafted, believable and engaging while the storylines are compelling and well executed. I enjoy this series so much and I’m hoping that the film version (my desire for the future) will be comparable. I highly recommend this entire series.
Kindle Unlimited
October 24, 2025
Enjoyable
Another good installment in the series, good battles, great politics, but a little too much magic for my taste. I understand and can see how it all fits together, and how everything fits together is a strength to the writing. I’m pleased Baron Ash is back with the main group, there’s still vermin to eradicate.
Another good installment in the series, good battles, great politics, but a little too much magic for my taste. I understand and can see how it all fits together, and how everything fits together is a strength to the writing. I’m pleased Baron Ash is back with the main group, there’s still vermin to eradicate.
May 10, 2024
Wow, wow! What a great installment!
Very much enjoyed this entry in the Rage of Lion. It keeps the cards close to the chest showing how well Matt Barron ranks next to some of the biggest names in fantasy today.
Very much enjoyed this entry in the Rage of Lion. It keeps the cards close to the chest showing how well Matt Barron ranks next to some of the biggest names in fantasy today.
September 8, 2024
Freight train of excellence
Outstanding compelling sort telling. This author is gifted. Every single book in this series is captivating. Looking forward to the next.
Outstanding compelling sort telling. This author is gifted. Every single book in this series is captivating. Looking forward to the next.
September 13, 2024
the legend of the Ashen man continues
This really is a step up. Matt has written an engrossing novel with incredible detail and characters that just seem to fall out form the book to be in your presence.
Such a treat to read.
This really is a step up. Matt has written an engrossing novel with incredible detail and characters that just seem to fall out form the book to be in your presence.
Such a treat to read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews