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The Elder Blade #1
The Bones of Prophecy
Forged in hate. Chained by fate.
Azran possesses three gifts that evoke unease in both allies and enemies alike – sorcery to edge his blade, unsavoury virtues, and an ill-favoured, imaginary friend. Yet, even Azran isn’t knowing in carrying the the Elder blade, glacier-forged, with a will of its own.
After fulfilling his master’s latest orders, Azran awakes inside a mausoleum, with both his memories and sorcery gone. Clasped in the hands of a corpse is a centuries-old letter, addressed to him. If Azran is to reclaim what is lost, he must follow a path of puzzles.
With each step, a plot unfurls that stretches further beyond Azran’s own troubles, reigniting divine rivalries. A goddess reaches from beyond the grave, and a chained god stirs. To make matters worse, Azran’s fabricated friend sets out on his own, guided by a sinister hand.
Unburdened by the remembrance of his former life, Azran has a chance to earn back his humanity … If only he could stifle his simmering rage. And like his anger, so too the secrets of his past refuse to stay buried, giving Azran a glimpse of the man he used to be. What will happen to this earth if he ever regains his memories?
The Bones of Prophecy is J. Rokusson’s epic fantasy debut, and the first instalment in the Elder Blade trilogy. It features knuckle-popping fight scenes, salivating world-building, an action-packed magic system, and a labyrinthine mystery plot.
Azran possesses three gifts that evoke unease in both allies and enemies alike – sorcery to edge his blade, unsavoury virtues, and an ill-favoured, imaginary friend. Yet, even Azran isn’t knowing in carrying the the Elder blade, glacier-forged, with a will of its own.
After fulfilling his master’s latest orders, Azran awakes inside a mausoleum, with both his memories and sorcery gone. Clasped in the hands of a corpse is a centuries-old letter, addressed to him. If Azran is to reclaim what is lost, he must follow a path of puzzles.
With each step, a plot unfurls that stretches further beyond Azran’s own troubles, reigniting divine rivalries. A goddess reaches from beyond the grave, and a chained god stirs. To make matters worse, Azran’s fabricated friend sets out on his own, guided by a sinister hand.
Unburdened by the remembrance of his former life, Azran has a chance to earn back his humanity … If only he could stifle his simmering rage. And like his anger, so too the secrets of his past refuse to stay buried, giving Azran a glimpse of the man he used to be. What will happen to this earth if he ever regains his memories?
The Bones of Prophecy is J. Rokusson’s epic fantasy debut, and the first instalment in the Elder Blade trilogy. It features knuckle-popping fight scenes, salivating world-building, an action-packed magic system, and a labyrinthine mystery plot.
- GenresEpic Fantasy
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2024
1 person is currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
J. Rokusson
4 books4 followersWhile backpacking in far-off countries, I quickly learned that the easiest way to have people both remember and pronounce my name is to introduce myself simply as J.
My travels take me to countries as different from my own as they can be, and they’ve been a rich source for my writing. Among my favourite destinations are the Near East, Central Asia and the Orient.
When at home, I hold an MA degree in Archaeology and have written over a hundred reports regarding my excavations. They vary from medieval cloisters and prehistoric villages to Roman military camps and roads. I like to think of my job as a mixture of storytelling and science.
My travels take me to countries as different from my own as they can be, and they’ve been a rich source for my writing. Among my favourite destinations are the Near East, Central Asia and the Orient.
When at home, I hold an MA degree in Archaeology and have written over a hundred reports regarding my excavations. They vary from medieval cloisters and prehistoric villages to Roman military camps and roads. I like to think of my job as a mixture of storytelling and science.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 2, 2024
This is an epic fantasy adventure with lots of action, mystery, and creative puzzle elements with Azran having to decode riddles, dig through library books to find clues, and understand the history of the gods and prophecies.
There's adventures in tombs, navigating city guilds and thievery, sorcery complexities, and trying to overcome his amnesia.
At times I found it difficult to follow or confusing, it was very descriptive and in depth but I didn't feel as engrossed as I kept needing to pause to help piece things together and keep track of subplots. Also Azran isn't the most lovable character, he has a complex personality and a lot of understandable anger, so it was hard to root for him at times but he is very determined.
The ending isn't a cliffhanger as such but leaves things hanging for future books as there's still lots to be resolved.
One to read if you enjoy detailed and complex plots, in depth mystery, and intense worldbuilding and action scenes.
(Great cover art!)
There's adventures in tombs, navigating city guilds and thievery, sorcery complexities, and trying to overcome his amnesia.
At times I found it difficult to follow or confusing, it was very descriptive and in depth but I didn't feel as engrossed as I kept needing to pause to help piece things together and keep track of subplots. Also Azran isn't the most lovable character, he has a complex personality and a lot of understandable anger, so it was hard to root for him at times but he is very determined.
The ending isn't a cliffhanger as such but leaves things hanging for future books as there's still lots to be resolved.
One to read if you enjoy detailed and complex plots, in depth mystery, and intense worldbuilding and action scenes.
(Great cover art!)
December 31, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy and I’m very glad I did. This debut novel breaks some conventions, takes some risks and makes the reader work a bit for the story. I liked it a lot.
The main character, Azran, is not immediately very likable, but you get the sense he’s been meddled with and that there is more going on than meets the eye. This hooked me into wanting to find out, just like him, what happened and who’s been meddling. I enjoyed exploring the ruins of this world, finding glimpses of past high magic civilizations that seemed to have ended in catastrophe. Puzzling our way through cryptic messages and hints that have been left behind bij a godlike being and figuring out how to access the magic within and outside in the world. There are inventive monsters, both human and not so much, to overcome on the path and it seems more gods have a stake in what Azran is uncovering. This makes you wonder who is pulling the strings and what their intentions are.
I’m a big fan of Malazan and in this book I found echoes of what attracted me to that series, I think other Malazan readers will enjoy this book as well and are used to trusting an author that does not explain everything at the start. Perhaps some of this is linked to the author also being an archeologist and infusing his world with a sense of history that you uncover bit by bit.
I know the rough drafts of book 2 and 3 are already done (check out the webpage www.rokusson.com). This is good news, because I can’t wait to find out what will happen next.
The main character, Azran, is not immediately very likable, but you get the sense he’s been meddled with and that there is more going on than meets the eye. This hooked me into wanting to find out, just like him, what happened and who’s been meddling. I enjoyed exploring the ruins of this world, finding glimpses of past high magic civilizations that seemed to have ended in catastrophe. Puzzling our way through cryptic messages and hints that have been left behind bij a godlike being and figuring out how to access the magic within and outside in the world. There are inventive monsters, both human and not so much, to overcome on the path and it seems more gods have a stake in what Azran is uncovering. This makes you wonder who is pulling the strings and what their intentions are.
I’m a big fan of Malazan and in this book I found echoes of what attracted me to that series, I think other Malazan readers will enjoy this book as well and are used to trusting an author that does not explain everything at the start. Perhaps some of this is linked to the author also being an archeologist and infusing his world with a sense of history that you uncover bit by bit.
I know the rough drafts of book 2 and 3 are already done (check out the webpage www.rokusson.com). This is good news, because I can’t wait to find out what will happen next.
January 28, 2024
I requested an advanced copy of The Bones of Prophesy and had such a great time with it.
I usually listen to books on audio, so it took me longer than usual to get into the book; I have less time for actually sitting down with my Kindle.
The plotting is fantastic, and the pacing superb - it really held my attention once I was into it. The mystery was built up well, and although I never knew what kind of turns the story was going to take, I always felt in safe hands with the author.
The main character, Azran, was not massively likable at first but he was immediately fascinating. There was a bit of Logan Ninefingers (Abercrombie's First Law series) about him. He was complex, damaged, and a brilliant set of eyes to see this world through.
It's not an easy read as such, you do have to work for it a little, but I will certainly be reading the rest of the series.
Genuinely great book from an exciting author.
I usually listen to books on audio, so it took me longer than usual to get into the book; I have less time for actually sitting down with my Kindle.
The plotting is fantastic, and the pacing superb - it really held my attention once I was into it. The mystery was built up well, and although I never knew what kind of turns the story was going to take, I always felt in safe hands with the author.
The main character, Azran, was not massively likable at first but he was immediately fascinating. There was a bit of Logan Ninefingers (Abercrombie's First Law series) about him. He was complex, damaged, and a brilliant set of eyes to see this world through.
It's not an easy read as such, you do have to work for it a little, but I will certainly be reading the rest of the series.
Genuinely great book from an exciting author.
March 2, 2024
Honest ARC review
I really wanted to love this book. There's so many good things to say about it. JR's writing quality is far and above many books I've read recently, even in traditionally published works...to a point. The magic system and worldbuilding were creative and top-notch, and the blurb and many descriptions of the setting read beautifully.
All that said, I think maybe I wasn't the target audience for this book after all. I love epic fantasy, but the lack of strong emotion (other than anger, which was admittedly a character trait that I suffered through), interiority (at one point, I asked myself, 'why the heck are we killing things again?'), and at times snail pacing had me fighting through the first 39% of this book. Oddly enough, from 40-66% read the best to me, as things were happening, progress was being made, the mystery was unfolding, and Azran was starting to show some more interesting qualities than the cardboard-cutout-angry-emotion man. Then things slowed down again, and I finally lost the battle with the Elder Blade at 73%--a crucial point, nearing the end, so why, why, why couldn't I just push through?
It was a painful DNF--one I agonized over for a while because there WERE so many redeeming qualities that I enjoyed. What finally slayed my desire was the Xteenth long-winded (talking several pages) fight scene with too many moves to track to form a good picture, which I inevitably skipped over just to continue reading.
With regards to the mystery, I normally like a bit of inclusion as a reader in unraveling the story. Many times, though, I felt more confused than the guy with memory loss until some new worldbuilding element was revealed. I just had to trust that the characters knew what they were doing, and didn't feel as engrossed as I would have liked.
Again, probably just not the book for me, but I wouldn't *not* recommend it for readers who enjoy convoluted mysteries, lengthy passages relating to fantasy-world history, and in-depth fight scenes. JR is a skillful writer with a lot to offer, and this is definitely one of the strongest debuts I've seen.
I really wanted to love this book. There's so many good things to say about it. JR's writing quality is far and above many books I've read recently, even in traditionally published works...to a point. The magic system and worldbuilding were creative and top-notch, and the blurb and many descriptions of the setting read beautifully.
All that said, I think maybe I wasn't the target audience for this book after all. I love epic fantasy, but the lack of strong emotion (other than anger, which was admittedly a character trait that I suffered through), interiority (at one point, I asked myself, 'why the heck are we killing things again?'), and at times snail pacing had me fighting through the first 39% of this book. Oddly enough, from 40-66% read the best to me, as things were happening, progress was being made, the mystery was unfolding, and Azran was starting to show some more interesting qualities than the cardboard-cutout-angry-emotion man. Then things slowed down again, and I finally lost the battle with the Elder Blade at 73%--a crucial point, nearing the end, so why, why, why couldn't I just push through?
It was a painful DNF--one I agonized over for a while because there WERE so many redeeming qualities that I enjoyed. What finally slayed my desire was the Xteenth long-winded (talking several pages) fight scene with too many moves to track to form a good picture, which I inevitably skipped over just to continue reading.
With regards to the mystery, I normally like a bit of inclusion as a reader in unraveling the story. Many times, though, I felt more confused than the guy with memory loss until some new worldbuilding element was revealed. I just had to trust that the characters knew what they were doing, and didn't feel as engrossed as I would have liked.
Again, probably just not the book for me, but I wouldn't *not* recommend it for readers who enjoy convoluted mysteries, lengthy passages relating to fantasy-world history, and in-depth fight scenes. JR is a skillful writer with a lot to offer, and this is definitely one of the strongest debuts I've seen.
January 26, 2024
This is a debut novel that is the first of the Elder Blade trilogy. The jacket blurb promised great fight scenes, world-building, magic and mystery … and it delivers on all of those. The magic system is based on inked patterns on skin that is charged with power to enhance some human aspect (strength, vigil, et al) and is used to great effect in the captivating fight scenes. Then there is the mystery behind who exactly is the MC and what divine plan is he wrapped, when early on, he is set on a path that robs him of his past and set him on a veritable scavenger hunt designed by a dead god with a gift for future prophecy. There is a certain amount of hidden depth to the world that makes it real and interesting … and fits the dark nature of the protagonist. What’s more, the author uses the MC amnesia as a way to progressively introduce the world to the reader that is woven into the story … and does this very well.
Despite this potential, the author comes up short in one area … the ending … which frankly seemed like more of a messy dream sequence than anything else … still, it kept my attention all the way to the finish … which wasn’t really much of a finish actually. None of the open plot mysteries found any resolution, giving the ending a feel like this was only a chapter break for the next book to pick up and continue … not exactly a cliffhanger (no suspense here, just continued unanswered questions). Without something here, I just can’t justify adding another star, but I did enjoy it enough to continue the series.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#TheBonesOfProphecy #TheElderBlade #BookSirens
Despite this potential, the author comes up short in one area … the ending … which frankly seemed like more of a messy dream sequence than anything else … still, it kept my attention all the way to the finish … which wasn’t really much of a finish actually. None of the open plot mysteries found any resolution, giving the ending a feel like this was only a chapter break for the next book to pick up and continue … not exactly a cliffhanger (no suspense here, just continued unanswered questions). Without something here, I just can’t justify adding another star, but I did enjoy it enough to continue the series.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#TheBonesOfProphecy #TheElderBlade #BookSirens
January 7, 2024
It's been a while since I've read a high fantasy book that was so hard to set aside. The key character Rokuson brings to live, is a tough one. It's not the easiest guy to 'like', but the mystery that haunts him got me hooked on his story. Of course there is a world full of history, gods, riddles and intrigue out there, but it's Azran's personal journey that captivated from the start. As a reader, this eases you gently in what will become a more complex, civilization-wide mystery.
What stood out to me in the book was how vividly the various settings were brought to life. Whether Azran is exploring tombs, cities built on lakes or labyrinths, Rokuson masterfully paints pictures that will stay with you during and after reading. I also loved his view on sorcery, which adds to the story instead of being used as a 'hand of god'.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to reading the second installment of the series :)
What stood out to me in the book was how vividly the various settings were brought to life. Whether Azran is exploring tombs, cities built on lakes or labyrinths, Rokuson masterfully paints pictures that will stay with you during and after reading. I also loved his view on sorcery, which adds to the story instead of being used as a 'hand of god'.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to reading the second installment of the series :)
June 9, 2024
The Bones of Prophecy by J. Rokusson is a vivid and complex fantasy that draws in the reader from the very beginning. The world building and character descriptions are intricate and layered. At times, this can make the reader feel as lost as the main character, Azran, at the beginning of his adventure. However, this also somehow ties the reader to Azran and his discoveries of self and the world surrounding him as he works through his amnesia.
The variety of characters who assist (or work against) Azran's adventure are a major part of what breathes life into this wonderful tale. Rokusson's deft descriptions aide the reader's imagination as they follow Azran along his long, winding pursuit of his past, present, and future.
The ending left me wanting a little more, so it's a good thing this is just the beginning of the trilogy of The Elder Blade.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.
The variety of characters who assist (or work against) Azran's adventure are a major part of what breathes life into this wonderful tale. Rokusson's deft descriptions aide the reader's imagination as they follow Azran along his long, winding pursuit of his past, present, and future.
The ending left me wanting a little more, so it's a good thing this is just the beginning of the trilogy of The Elder Blade.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.
February 20, 2024
I almost DNFed this book several times in the first 20%, but I stuck it out, and it definitely improved. However, it is quite confusing. And just when you think have a grasp on what's going on, something else confusing happens.
The time jumps are a bit jarring. The plot is interesting, following Azran who loses his memory and gets caught up in a prophecy connected to the gods. But it's hard to follow the individual threads.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The time jumps are a bit jarring. The plot is interesting, following Azran who loses his memory and gets caught up in a prophecy connected to the gods. But it's hard to follow the individual threads.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2024
this had everything that I was looking for based on the description, it had everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed what I read. It gets you invested in the world and characters and keeps you hooked. It was a great introducing to the world and I enjoyed how the characters were used in this book. J. Rokusson does a great job in writing this and keeping me wanting to read more. I can't wait for more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bones of Prophesy!
If you're after a whimsical fantasy, then this probably isn't for you. But if you're into an epic fantasy full of puzzles and intrigue, then definitely gove it a go.
Azran is a great MC, and the narrative really suits his gruff, amnesiac state.
The descriptions are vivid, the mythology and lore spot on, and every side character, no matter how fleeting, has a unique and memorable voice.
Can't wait for the next one!
If you're after a whimsical fantasy, then this probably isn't for you. But if you're into an epic fantasy full of puzzles and intrigue, then definitely gove it a go.
Azran is a great MC, and the narrative really suits his gruff, amnesiac state.
The descriptions are vivid, the mythology and lore spot on, and every side character, no matter how fleeting, has a unique and memorable voice.
Can't wait for the next one!
March 2, 2024
Loved it.
This is not a book for those who like everything lined up in a clear and easy path to the end. It's complicated and complex and requires attention, but it's also riveting, rich in imagery, intelligent, and full of mystery.
The author has a deft hand with description and setting mood, and don't worry, you'll find no flowery prose in this dark and gritty world. Azran, the main character, is a hard man to identify with but not unlikeable, and definitely someone I'd want on my side in a fight, even if he doesn't know how he got his considerable skills or his whispering sword.
If you like your fantasy on the hard-scrabble side and you like your characters determined and relentless and you like a deep mystery packed with meddling gods and death and deadly hints and clues, pick it up. You will not regret it.
This is not a book for those who like everything lined up in a clear and easy path to the end. It's complicated and complex and requires attention, but it's also riveting, rich in imagery, intelligent, and full of mystery.
The author has a deft hand with description and setting mood, and don't worry, you'll find no flowery prose in this dark and gritty world. Azran, the main character, is a hard man to identify with but not unlikeable, and definitely someone I'd want on my side in a fight, even if he doesn't know how he got his considerable skills or his whispering sword.
If you like your fantasy on the hard-scrabble side and you like your characters determined and relentless and you like a deep mystery packed with meddling gods and death and deadly hints and clues, pick it up. You will not regret it.
January 30, 2024
I'm not great at writing reviews but this was a great book. The characters were good and well developed. The story moved along at a good pace with plenty of twists and turns and the world building was superb..
Can't wait to read the next installment
Can't wait to read the next installment
March 4, 2024
This was a strangely interesting book. I think I may have been a bit lost at the beginning, but overall a good read
February 17, 2024
"The Bones of Prophecy" by J. Rokusson is the first in series of what promises to be a more intricate storyline with strange gods and interfering spirits, foreboding prophecies, and an utterly lost MC. Azran is a man with obvious skill derived from a violent past, but he loses most of what defines him when he enters a new world. Nevertheless, the path he treads as he re-establishes his life seems familiar, as though he cannot escape an inherent nature of snide commentary, smugness, and anger. His efforts to discover more about his past reveals a web of connections to past wars, past betrayals, and the machinations of gods.
I had a little difficulty with the pacing and complexity of the story, but it is clear this book is only the beginning of a larger battle in which Azran must get involved in order to find himself. The prose features more stream-of-thought style, shorter scenes, and dream and prophecy sequences. Overall, it is told from close 3rd point of view.
3.5/5 Stars
I had a little difficulty with the pacing and complexity of the story, but it is clear this book is only the beginning of a larger battle in which Azran must get involved in order to find himself. The prose features more stream-of-thought style, shorter scenes, and dream and prophecy sequences. Overall, it is told from close 3rd point of view.
3.5/5 Stars
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews