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The Ethasar Chronicles #1
War of the Seven
In seven years, the Vengeful One will come. He'll shatter the world of Ethasar into pieces. And none of the gods are strong enough to stop him.
Their only chance is for one god to wield all their powers. The other six must die. And so, Ethasar’s seven kingdoms clash in a great war that will decide the fates of their gods.
When her king is murdered by an enemy spy, Frida, a brave and skilled pirate captain, leads the seafaring Islanders to war. Days later, a treacherous captain sinks half her fleet and allies himself with the vampire queen. With her forces greatly weakened, Frida must prevail over fierce orcs and powerful giants, chivalrous knights and bloodthirsty vampires, elusive desert assassins, and the legions of an ancient empire. If she fails, the sea god dies.
War of the Seven is perfect for fans of David Estes, John Gwynne, and Brandon Sanderson. Blending together epic fantasy and powerful music, the book includes nine original songs set in the realms of Ethasar.
A note from the author: This story is meant to be Big, Fast, and Fun, with strong characters, plenty of twists, fast-paced action, and a touch of humor. It does not contain literary prose, a “deep and dark” atmosphere, excessive gore, or romance.
Their only chance is for one god to wield all their powers. The other six must die. And so, Ethasar’s seven kingdoms clash in a great war that will decide the fates of their gods.
When her king is murdered by an enemy spy, Frida, a brave and skilled pirate captain, leads the seafaring Islanders to war. Days later, a treacherous captain sinks half her fleet and allies himself with the vampire queen. With her forces greatly weakened, Frida must prevail over fierce orcs and powerful giants, chivalrous knights and bloodthirsty vampires, elusive desert assassins, and the legions of an ancient empire. If she fails, the sea god dies.
War of the Seven is perfect for fans of David Estes, John Gwynne, and Brandon Sanderson. Blending together epic fantasy and powerful music, the book includes nine original songs set in the realms of Ethasar.
A note from the author: This story is meant to be Big, Fast, and Fun, with strong characters, plenty of twists, fast-paced action, and a touch of humor. It does not contain literary prose, a “deep and dark” atmosphere, excessive gore, or romance.
- GenresFantasyHigh Fantasy
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2024
251 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Brad Towers
4 books12 followersI'm a storyteller. I write epic fantasy series with strong and motivated heroes, end-of-the-world stakes, fast-paced action, and a touch of humor. Sometimes the heroes in my books clash against each other, and not all of them survive.
I aim to take my readers on a journey, where they find themselves saying "wow, that was awesome!" after an intense action scene, or "please don't die" when their favorite hero is in danger, or "I can't believe he did that!" when an unexpected plot twist shows up.
In short, I write the kind of stories I love to read. I believe you'll love them, too.
I've always loved powerful music, and I seek to integrate it into my books. Each of the books in the Ethasar Chronicles features nine metal songs that speak about important heroes and events. I composed the songs and produced them to professional quality, together with a few skilled musicians. As far as I know, I'm the first fantasy author who does this - and I hope I won't be the last. If you're not into metal, the books work perfectly without the songs, too.
I love hearing from my readers! Connect with me at bradtowers .com, and I'll have a few free stories, songs, artwork, and other bonus content ready for you.
I aim to take my readers on a journey, where they find themselves saying "wow, that was awesome!" after an intense action scene, or "please don't die" when their favorite hero is in danger, or "I can't believe he did that!" when an unexpected plot twist shows up.
In short, I write the kind of stories I love to read. I believe you'll love them, too.
I've always loved powerful music, and I seek to integrate it into my books. Each of the books in the Ethasar Chronicles features nine metal songs that speak about important heroes and events. I composed the songs and produced them to professional quality, together with a few skilled musicians. As far as I know, I'm the first fantasy author who does this - and I hope I won't be the last. If you're not into metal, the books work perfectly without the songs, too.
I love hearing from my readers! Connect with me at bradtowers .com, and I'll have a few free stories, songs, artwork, and other bonus content ready for you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 12, 2024
This is one of those books that’s very easy to pick up but really hard to put down. I have received an advance copy of this book and pretty much breezed through it.
This is an action packed high fantasy novel, with really well thought out world building, an intricate plot and compelling characters, a really excellent entry for the series. I am looking forward to the next book!
This is an action packed high fantasy novel, with really well thought out world building, an intricate plot and compelling characters, a really excellent entry for the series. I am looking forward to the next book!
September 25, 2025
if it weren't for that stupid contest it would have been a good book
August 4, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
War Of The Seven by Brad Towers is a truly amazing read that pulls you into the world of Ethasar right from the start. The depth and richness of this fantastical world are stunning, and the original music included in the book makes it even more special.
The story is about a huge conflict where the fate of the gods and their kingdoms is at stake. One of the best parts of this book is the nine original songs that come with it. They add a unique touch and help recap key moments in the story, making the whole experience more immersive.
War Of The Seven strikes a perfect balance between being epic and easy to follow. It avoids the common problems of overwhelming information. Each chapter is clear and relevant, with smooth transitions and memorable characters, making it easy to stay engaged.
The different factions in Ethasar are all fascinating, especially the vampire nation. While I initially thought the vampires would be my favorite, I ended up loving all the factions because of their great characters and storylines. The gradual introduction of the factions and the helpful visual aids, like the crossed-out names, make it easy to keep track of everything.
The book honors traditional epic fantasy elements while adding its own unique flair. The female characters are strong and well-developed, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Overall, War Of The Seven is a fantastic epic fantasy. Brad Towers has created an incredible world with unforgettable characters and an engaging plot. This is hands down the best fantasy novel I've read this year, and I can't wait for the sequel. A solid 5/5 stars! Also - what a beautiful cover!
War Of The Seven by Brad Towers is a truly amazing read that pulls you into the world of Ethasar right from the start. The depth and richness of this fantastical world are stunning, and the original music included in the book makes it even more special.
The story is about a huge conflict where the fate of the gods and their kingdoms is at stake. One of the best parts of this book is the nine original songs that come with it. They add a unique touch and help recap key moments in the story, making the whole experience more immersive.
War Of The Seven strikes a perfect balance between being epic and easy to follow. It avoids the common problems of overwhelming information. Each chapter is clear and relevant, with smooth transitions and memorable characters, making it easy to stay engaged.
The different factions in Ethasar are all fascinating, especially the vampire nation. While I initially thought the vampires would be my favorite, I ended up loving all the factions because of their great characters and storylines. The gradual introduction of the factions and the helpful visual aids, like the crossed-out names, make it easy to keep track of everything.
The book honors traditional epic fantasy elements while adding its own unique flair. The female characters are strong and well-developed, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Overall, War Of The Seven is a fantastic epic fantasy. Brad Towers has created an incredible world with unforgettable characters and an engaging plot. This is hands down the best fantasy novel I've read this year, and I can't wait for the sequel. A solid 5/5 stars! Also - what a beautiful cover!
October 24, 2024
Absolutely brilliant, witty and worth every penny and more!
As an ardent reader and lover of not only fantasy fiction but military fiction as well as Greek and Roman mythology, War of The Seven was such a breath of fresh air, a refreshing read, and a combination of many things I love!
Towers presents such a unique perspective into the genre of myth-centric fantasy fiction serving the right portions of action, epic fantasy, wit, subterfuge, military strategy and politics in a world where ancient divinities alongside mortal representatives tip-toe across a battlefield of absolute political mayhem all in the name of protecting Ethasar from total doom. Who will prevail? Who is friend? Who is foe? What a fantastically captivating read with such an unique world and a memorable pantheon of characters!
One of the first things that struck me about War of The Seven was the dichotomy between how complex the plot actually is, and how easy it is to read and follow the story from hook to finish. I have spent much time with my nose buried in books of varying genres and the work of Brad Towers is quite honestly so fresh and enjoyable that it was truly difficult to put the book down. It also became obvious that there is so much more to the story and the ending of book one has me fidgeting to read the next!
The plot is intricate and is perfect for readers that appreciate and have the bandwidth for complex creative writing where the story is skillfully and strategically layered. Every action, every move is a strategic placement on a much larger chess board which echoes the universal truth that one action has subsequent repercussions and impacts. This aspect can be observed in the way the movements and actions of each character have a cascading impact that unravels as the story goes on and the plot thickens - which I deeply appreciated.
The plot itself follows a multi-POV narrative with an intricate web of sub-plots that feed off of each other and beautifully amalgamate to form the foundation stones for one, intricate, and brilliantly structured central plot.
The characters are simply brilliant. Layered. Smart. Perceptive. Deceitful. Unique. Well positioned. And undeniably memorable. It was quite interesting to observe how each characters’ intentions, goals and objectives unravelled and developed as the story progressed. By the end of the book it became evident that there is so much more to each character as well as to the story which will fall into place I reckon with each subsequent book that is to follow.
As a lover of all things military, I really tip my hat at Brad Towers for his approach in threading in the military strategies that underscore the movements of the seven armies and their rulers, as well as the divinities that stand at the helm of each. This is essentially what drives the vehicle of the War of the Seven forward and I get the feeling that as the war progresses in books 2 and 3 it’s only going to keep getting better, and trickier and harder to predict! Additionally, what was of particular interest to me was the way in which the mind of Lucius Antonius, the boy emperor of the Julians (inspired by ancient Rome), works, which bears stark similarities to the ways and brilliance of Alexander the Great of Macedon.
If you love intricate story-telling - then this book is definitely for you!!
What a brilliant find!
As an ardent reader and lover of not only fantasy fiction but military fiction as well as Greek and Roman mythology, War of The Seven was such a breath of fresh air, a refreshing read, and a combination of many things I love!
Towers presents such a unique perspective into the genre of myth-centric fantasy fiction serving the right portions of action, epic fantasy, wit, subterfuge, military strategy and politics in a world where ancient divinities alongside mortal representatives tip-toe across a battlefield of absolute political mayhem all in the name of protecting Ethasar from total doom. Who will prevail? Who is friend? Who is foe? What a fantastically captivating read with such an unique world and a memorable pantheon of characters!
One of the first things that struck me about War of The Seven was the dichotomy between how complex the plot actually is, and how easy it is to read and follow the story from hook to finish. I have spent much time with my nose buried in books of varying genres and the work of Brad Towers is quite honestly so fresh and enjoyable that it was truly difficult to put the book down. It also became obvious that there is so much more to the story and the ending of book one has me fidgeting to read the next!
The plot is intricate and is perfect for readers that appreciate and have the bandwidth for complex creative writing where the story is skillfully and strategically layered. Every action, every move is a strategic placement on a much larger chess board which echoes the universal truth that one action has subsequent repercussions and impacts. This aspect can be observed in the way the movements and actions of each character have a cascading impact that unravels as the story goes on and the plot thickens - which I deeply appreciated.
The plot itself follows a multi-POV narrative with an intricate web of sub-plots that feed off of each other and beautifully amalgamate to form the foundation stones for one, intricate, and brilliantly structured central plot.
The characters are simply brilliant. Layered. Smart. Perceptive. Deceitful. Unique. Well positioned. And undeniably memorable. It was quite interesting to observe how each characters’ intentions, goals and objectives unravelled and developed as the story progressed. By the end of the book it became evident that there is so much more to each character as well as to the story which will fall into place I reckon with each subsequent book that is to follow.
As a lover of all things military, I really tip my hat at Brad Towers for his approach in threading in the military strategies that underscore the movements of the seven armies and their rulers, as well as the divinities that stand at the helm of each. This is essentially what drives the vehicle of the War of the Seven forward and I get the feeling that as the war progresses in books 2 and 3 it’s only going to keep getting better, and trickier and harder to predict! Additionally, what was of particular interest to me was the way in which the mind of Lucius Antonius, the boy emperor of the Julians (inspired by ancient Rome), works, which bears stark similarities to the ways and brilliance of Alexander the Great of Macedon.
If you love intricate story-telling - then this book is definitely for you!!
What a brilliant find!
September 3, 2024
War of the Seven is a great book that quickly draws the reader into a fantastical new, epic world in which mortal factions and their heroes battle in the great war between the gods. Assassins, legendary warriors, kings, politicians all fight in their own way in this epic war.
Each faction is uniquely thought of, and its people and heroes each have their own quirks, motives, and stories that always make you want to know more and keep you reading to the end. Everyone will find a character to get attached to and root for in this war.
The plot, while initially straight forward, ends up having constant and unexpected twists and turns and halfway through the book you will stop trying to guess the story yourself and just sit back and turn page after page to see where the book takes you.
I have high hopes for the next books in the series. Can't wait!
Each faction is uniquely thought of, and its people and heroes each have their own quirks, motives, and stories that always make you want to know more and keep you reading to the end. Everyone will find a character to get attached to and root for in this war.
The plot, while initially straight forward, ends up having constant and unexpected twists and turns and halfway through the book you will stop trying to guess the story yourself and just sit back and turn page after page to see where the book takes you.
I have high hopes for the next books in the series. Can't wait!
September 9, 2024
3.5 stars (rounded up to four because... metal)
EPIC FANTASY AND METAL? Yes, please!
Reading this book was an experience unlike anything I’ve read before: ’War of the Seven' introduces the reader to the world of Ethasar, where the gods choose their champions and go to war to decide which of the gods gets to live (while the others go away for a long period of time). The premise is promises an epic fantasy, but what made this book stand out was the mix with metal songs.
At first, we’re introduced a wide cast of characters from many factions, which can be a bit overwhelming, but with time we get to know them and we start rooting for them in the upcoming battles. All characters that have enough screen time (since there were a few that we didn’t get to see enough of to actually know them) are really well developed, so it’s easy for the reader to connect with them and predict what they will do.
I throughly enjoyed this book as I discovered the backstory of multiple of the characters and got to learn more about the gods themselves. The world building is simple to understand and it has just the right amount of intrigue. What I enjoyed even more were the connected metal songs we get through out the book, since they add so much to the characters and to the plot. Additionally, it’s very heavy on military politics, war and lore, so what is there not to love?
However, the book suffers a bit from the 'too many people to care' syndrome and it can be, at times, hard to follow and remember all the characters' actions at the same time. Of course, the most memorable actions are hard to forget, as the action and battlefield scenes are top notch.
My only complaint with this book was that it felt incomplete. Now, I’m aware that this is the first book of a series, so of course the ending would be open for the continuation, however, it didn’t feel like that at all. There was no real resolution or any kind of a wrap up, we’re just left at the middle of the story and there is no more to read. It did not feel like there was a proper ending.
In summary, I think the writer enjoyed creating this book and the songs as much as I enjoyed reading it, and it shows. I recommend it immensely if you’re a fan of epic fantasy and metal, since it is a combination that I am obsessed with now. I’m really curious to discover what happens next and I really want to know how it all ends.
Thank you so much BooksGoSocial and NetGallery for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
EPIC FANTASY AND METAL? Yes, please!
Reading this book was an experience unlike anything I’ve read before: ’War of the Seven' introduces the reader to the world of Ethasar, where the gods choose their champions and go to war to decide which of the gods gets to live (while the others go away for a long period of time). The premise is promises an epic fantasy, but what made this book stand out was the mix with metal songs.
At first, we’re introduced a wide cast of characters from many factions, which can be a bit overwhelming, but with time we get to know them and we start rooting for them in the upcoming battles. All characters that have enough screen time (since there were a few that we didn’t get to see enough of to actually know them) are really well developed, so it’s easy for the reader to connect with them and predict what they will do.
I throughly enjoyed this book as I discovered the backstory of multiple of the characters and got to learn more about the gods themselves. The world building is simple to understand and it has just the right amount of intrigue. What I enjoyed even more were the connected metal songs we get through out the book, since they add so much to the characters and to the plot. Additionally, it’s very heavy on military politics, war and lore, so what is there not to love?
However, the book suffers a bit from the 'too many people to care' syndrome and it can be, at times, hard to follow and remember all the characters' actions at the same time. Of course, the most memorable actions are hard to forget, as the action and battlefield scenes are top notch.
My only complaint with this book was that it felt incomplete. Now, I’m aware that this is the first book of a series, so of course the ending would be open for the continuation, however, it didn’t feel like that at all. There was no real resolution or any kind of a wrap up, we’re just left at the middle of the story and there is no more to read. It did not feel like there was a proper ending.
In summary, I think the writer enjoyed creating this book and the songs as much as I enjoyed reading it, and it shows. I recommend it immensely if you’re a fan of epic fantasy and metal, since it is a combination that I am obsessed with now. I’m really curious to discover what happens next and I really want to know how it all ends.
Thank you so much BooksGoSocial and NetGallery for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2024
This was a surprise. This book delivered in so many ways. First, it didn’t waste time in identifying what it was going to be about. The opening chapter did that. Everything that followed was towards that goal.
The world is massive and fully fleshed out. Each faction has its own territory and distinct culture. This story has gods, humans, orcs, giants, vampires, and… a dragon? The story would instantly fail for me if not much thought went into designing this world. There are curious cases of direct influences from our world but it was explained in a way that added depth.
The cast is huge. I think I haven’t even read about some of them yet. That sounds like a problem but really, it’s not. This is just the first book after all. There are many characters, yes, and even here, many have been introduced, but it’s not overwhelming. Their differences are clear cut and before long I had a favorite. I almost changed favorites too!
As for stakes, it can’t get any higher than an entire planet at war in order to save said planet from a coming threat that aims to reduce it to cinders, can it?
A high fantasy story that delivers on its promises. The battles are epic, the tactics are awesome, the reveals are impactful, the characters are likeable, and there are absolutely no fillers! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
The world is massive and fully fleshed out. Each faction has its own territory and distinct culture. This story has gods, humans, orcs, giants, vampires, and… a dragon? The story would instantly fail for me if not much thought went into designing this world. There are curious cases of direct influences from our world but it was explained in a way that added depth.
The cast is huge. I think I haven’t even read about some of them yet. That sounds like a problem but really, it’s not. This is just the first book after all. There are many characters, yes, and even here, many have been introduced, but it’s not overwhelming. Their differences are clear cut and before long I had a favorite. I almost changed favorites too!
As for stakes, it can’t get any higher than an entire planet at war in order to save said planet from a coming threat that aims to reduce it to cinders, can it?
A high fantasy story that delivers on its promises. The battles are epic, the tactics are awesome, the reveals are impactful, the characters are likeable, and there are absolutely no fillers! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2024
One thing I love about a book is when you can tell the author put their heart and soul into the book. I love the complex war strategies and all the drama unfolding between each kingdom. Original music! Very cool. I hope I can also get the ARCs for the rest of the series!! Will definitely be reading the rest. Off to order this physically.
Read
September 3, 2024This was a very well-written story, with a bunch of interesting characters, and great interaction between them. I enjoyed the light-hearted humour, and kept wanting to read on. I look forward to the next instalment...
September 22, 2024
Great story
Really enjoyed the characters leapt from the page intertwined with sorcery magic warriors epic weaving of the tale can't wait for the next one read this in two days couldn't put it down been a while since a book grabbed my imagination enjoyed it
Really enjoyed the characters leapt from the page intertwined with sorcery magic warriors epic weaving of the tale can't wait for the next one read this in two days couldn't put it down been a while since a book grabbed my imagination enjoyed it
September 13, 2024
As a book editor, it’s very exciting to see an author you’ve worked hard with succeed in publishing their first book. And, with more to come! I was very privileged to have been apart of the journey that saw this story grow from the draft to the published. It is a passion project that has been given a lot of love and I’m so glad to see it come to fruition.
Though I have known these characters and this world and watched them grow for a little while now, it’s amazing to see it shared for the world. From my very first read through of the manuscript, to reading the final product, I have loved stepping into this world. High fantasy, complex characters and a wide range of lands and culture, it’s certainly an immersive read!
I have gotten good at picking out where plot lines are going and spotting potential twists, but this story had a few surprises for me, which I loved. I won’t reveal any spoilers, but my favourite characters of the book also surprised me—for reasons I didn’t expect.
While this book has some expected hero’s and ‘good guys’, it is not everything you expect it to be. I loved the new and engaging way the orcs are treated and described. They are not the traditional, mindless bad guys of other fantasy novels. Instead, I often found myself looking forward to their chapters and perspectives. It is the benefit of having such a variety of characters and species, having that many POV’s could have been too much for such a complex story, but it only adds to the world. There a knights, vampires, pirates as well as witches and wizards. There is intrigue and grand battles. There are betrayals and surprising allies forged in this story. If there’s any part of a reader that enjoys fantasy, they’ll find something to love here.
Read this, fall in love with the world, and then come back for more.
- Charis
C.S.Windeatt Editing
September 3, 2024
"War of the Seven" is a fascinating, high-stakes saga that blends mythology, strategy, and a touch of romance. One standout aspect is the rich world-building. Each faction feels distinct, with their own cultures, beliefs, and combat styles. The characters are equally compelling—Queen Elena’s struggle with her bloodthirsty vampire nobles and Augustus's unexpected desire for a family lend a surprising depth to what could have been a straightforward war narrative. The way the gods influence the mortal realm without directly intervening keeps the tension high.
It’s perfect for fans of epic fantasy who enjoy intricate plots and morally complex characters, all wrapped up in a world on the brink of destruction.
It’s perfect for fans of epic fantasy who enjoy intricate plots and morally complex characters, all wrapped up in a world on the brink of destruction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
EARLY ARC
This was such a great pallet cleanser from my normal romantasy books. I normally find it hard to read third-person pov, but that wasn't the case for this book. There are so many characters and so much going on, but the read is easy and intriguing. There is music that goes along with the story. You don't have to listen to it to understand anything, but I highly recommend listening! I also love the recap throughout the book of which characters are still aroind and which have died. Every time I had to put the book down, I was sad and eager to get back to it. You won't be disappointed. Just try not to get too attached to anyone... after all, it is war.
This was such a great pallet cleanser from my normal romantasy books. I normally find it hard to read third-person pov, but that wasn't the case for this book. There are so many characters and so much going on, but the read is easy and intriguing. There is music that goes along with the story. You don't have to listen to it to understand anything, but I highly recommend listening! I also love the recap throughout the book of which characters are still aroind and which have died. Every time I had to put the book down, I was sad and eager to get back to it. You won't be disappointed. Just try not to get too attached to anyone... after all, it is war.
January 23, 2025
love this!
Really packed full of action. While there are touches of epic in the fantasy, it reminds me of the best fantasy books mixed with the show Big Brother. Want to make it to the end? Forge alliances, get creative, use your knowledge of the enemy… i seriously love that all the books were released at the same time. A series like this is going to be gobbled up by readers of traditional story lines that have been over played. Thank u for this book! On to #2!
Really packed full of action. While there are touches of epic in the fantasy, it reminds me of the best fantasy books mixed with the show Big Brother. Want to make it to the end? Forge alliances, get creative, use your knowledge of the enemy… i seriously love that all the books were released at the same time. A series like this is going to be gobbled up by readers of traditional story lines that have been over played. Thank u for this book! On to #2!
October 5, 2024
Best fantasy book i’ve read in a while
I saw this book in top new releases and i took a leap of faith and download it. The fast paced action made me read it in less than 12 hours spending my whole sunday reading. I highly recommend it, but be aware it will be hard to put the book down once you started.
I saw this book in top new releases and i took a leap of faith and download it. The fast paced action made me read it in less than 12 hours spending my whole sunday reading. I highly recommend it, but be aware it will be hard to put the book down once you started.
April 25, 2025
Fabulous big fantasy adventure.
I was captivated early & I just got more & more involved in the story. It is full of Intrigue, gods & their games, heroes, heroines & villians. All of them have good & bad traits. Who will win this war?
I was captivated early & I just got more & more involved in the story. It is full of Intrigue, gods & their games, heroes, heroines & villians. All of them have good & bad traits. Who will win this war?
September 28, 2024
Delightful page turner
Classic ingredients masterfully combined into a fresh, fast paced, epic. Can't wait to read more. The songs are a fun addition to the experience
Classic ingredients masterfully combined into a fresh, fast paced, epic. Can't wait to read more. The songs are a fun addition to the experience
March 9, 2025
War of the Seven is a thrilling fantasy adventure filled with action, rich world-building, and epic battles. A must-read!
November 15, 2025
Well this is a very marmite book, with people either loving it or hating it.
In many ways the world is very reminiscent of Warhammer and the like with different races with different fighting styles and cultures. This sets it teetering towards landing like a computer/tabletop game rather than a fantasy world to immerse yourself in. That said the gods, the world, the characters and how it is written are all of a quality that could make it land in a fantasy world epic rather than the game.
Two things stop this. Firstly the contest between the gods for which only one can remain. The contest side of things really sucked the realism out of the novel, and made it come across more like a game, especially with the objective of removing the 4 champions of the gods. That said if you were waiting for a race to be annihilated/completely beaten rather than lose their champions, it could have gone on forever! Even so, I don't think the contest helps the realism and isn't at all realistic - it doesn't reflect a nation's strength and involvement whatsoever.
The second issue is the bonus content at the end of each section. Even if you don't look at it - which, whilst good stuff just shouts out game progress - it interrupts the flow of the novel. It's like an autosave on a game, and really isn't that helpful in building the narrative. It also has an overtone of an over-excited kid wanting to tell you everything they've thought of.
That said, the writing especially of battles is good. The wide variety of races work and are well thought out. And the competition, stupid though it is, is engaging with a few surprising twists and turns. If you are going to do a competition, make it interesting, and Towers does. And if you are into battle games and like that side of things, this novel really does appeal to that side of things.
It should be a 5 star book. It would be without the competition and with another reason setting all the kingdoms at war. However, the two flaws push it towards reading a game.
I think 3 to 3.5 stars is a fair rating and what most fantasy readers would land upon. I like battle games so personally enjoyed it a lot. The missed potential of the world irks me though keeping it at 3 stars.
In many ways the world is very reminiscent of Warhammer and the like with different races with different fighting styles and cultures. This sets it teetering towards landing like a computer/tabletop game rather than a fantasy world to immerse yourself in. That said the gods, the world, the characters and how it is written are all of a quality that could make it land in a fantasy world epic rather than the game.
Two things stop this. Firstly the contest between the gods for which only one can remain. The contest side of things really sucked the realism out of the novel, and made it come across more like a game, especially with the objective of removing the 4 champions of the gods. That said if you were waiting for a race to be annihilated/completely beaten rather than lose their champions, it could have gone on forever! Even so, I don't think the contest helps the realism and isn't at all realistic - it doesn't reflect a nation's strength and involvement whatsoever.
The second issue is the bonus content at the end of each section. Even if you don't look at it - which, whilst good stuff just shouts out game progress - it interrupts the flow of the novel. It's like an autosave on a game, and really isn't that helpful in building the narrative. It also has an overtone of an over-excited kid wanting to tell you everything they've thought of.
That said, the writing especially of battles is good. The wide variety of races work and are well thought out. And the competition, stupid though it is, is engaging with a few surprising twists and turns. If you are going to do a competition, make it interesting, and Towers does. And if you are into battle games and like that side of things, this novel really does appeal to that side of things.
It should be a 5 star book. It would be without the competition and with another reason setting all the kingdoms at war. However, the two flaws push it towards reading a game.
I think 3 to 3.5 stars is a fair rating and what most fantasy readers would land upon. I like battle games so personally enjoyed it a lot. The missed potential of the world irks me though keeping it at 3 stars.
September 28, 2024
eARC Review
~ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
~ Tropes: War Narrative, Military, War of Gods, High Stakes, Multiple POV, High Fantasy
Overall, I liked this book, but there were a few reasons for it taking me so long to read (almost a whole month) when I usually breeze through anything fantasy, especially high fantasy.
To me, this felt almost like a history text book. I was intrigued in the stories I was reading, but I didn't necessarily want to pick it up and bury myself in the story all of the time. It was very information heavy, especially at the beginning, because Towers was trying his best to explain the people and cultures of 7 different nations and their Gods, while also progressing with the story. Because of this, I feel like we only got a surface level look into each peoples, with a basic understanding of who they are, their champions, their God's personalities and their motives. I felt very disconnected from many of the characters, and only grew close to a few of them because they had a much higher page time than others. I think this subconsciously took away the importance of the "champions" for me, and lessened the high-stakes plot line to a less important side plot.
When I read any book, but especially fantasy, I want to be pulled into the world I am reading about, and feel like I am there with the characters, fighting alongside them and feeling what they feel. With this book, I felt very disconnected from everything happening, almost like I was watching from a birds eye view, instead of being transported into the world with them.
Despite all of this, I still finished the book because I was interested enough in the plot to continue reading, and I do genuinely look forward to reading the next instalment, as I believe it will dive more into the emotions and lives of the champions and Gods that are left, especially as more come together on the battlefield to fight.
While this was a difficult first book in a series to get through, it hasn't lessened my intrigue in what will happen in book two.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for the opportunity to read and honestly review your book!
~ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
~ Tropes: War Narrative, Military, War of Gods, High Stakes, Multiple POV, High Fantasy
Overall, I liked this book, but there were a few reasons for it taking me so long to read (almost a whole month) when I usually breeze through anything fantasy, especially high fantasy.
To me, this felt almost like a history text book. I was intrigued in the stories I was reading, but I didn't necessarily want to pick it up and bury myself in the story all of the time. It was very information heavy, especially at the beginning, because Towers was trying his best to explain the people and cultures of 7 different nations and their Gods, while also progressing with the story. Because of this, I feel like we only got a surface level look into each peoples, with a basic understanding of who they are, their champions, their God's personalities and their motives. I felt very disconnected from many of the characters, and only grew close to a few of them because they had a much higher page time than others. I think this subconsciously took away the importance of the "champions" for me, and lessened the high-stakes plot line to a less important side plot.
When I read any book, but especially fantasy, I want to be pulled into the world I am reading about, and feel like I am there with the characters, fighting alongside them and feeling what they feel. With this book, I felt very disconnected from everything happening, almost like I was watching from a birds eye view, instead of being transported into the world with them.
Despite all of this, I still finished the book because I was interested enough in the plot to continue reading, and I do genuinely look forward to reading the next instalment, as I believe it will dive more into the emotions and lives of the champions and Gods that are left, especially as more come together on the battlefield to fight.
While this was a difficult first book in a series to get through, it hasn't lessened my intrigue in what will happen in book two.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for the opportunity to read and honestly review your book!
June 20, 2025
I read the first three books (all that are published so far) of the series within a span of 2-3 weeks. It brought an end to a reading halt I had since a couple of months. I found the books getting better and better as they progressed and that's what I want to express through my increasing rating. I will am reviewing all three books together but they deserve separate ratings. Looking forward to the next books of the series!
Book #1
The book starts with a list of facts for the world that is being described, which somewhat feel disconnected. There are many characters and little space to put their backstories. The various gods and their civilizations are not yet fully developed. I don't understand the dynamics between them. The writing is, though, to the point. On every page, something is happening or I am learning something. Perhaps a bit too much. Characters are sometimes dying within a couple of pages, without them being fully developed.
Another concept that made an impression on me, is that things in many other fantasy books we read pages and pages about the characters going into a long journey. Here, the pace is much faster. It feels like if usually the characters go walking pace in other books, in this series they take the bullet train. Not a negative or positive, just a difference in style. Quite likely, for me it was what made me devour all three books.
To summarize, I would say that in the first book many things are happening. The world building feels crammed, characters don't have a deep backstories and sometimes drop like flies, but the pace is really engaging and I, as a reader, very curious about what happens later.
Book #2:
For me, it addresses one of the weaker points of the first book. Large scale battles and strategy come into the picture. We learn more about the various civilizations. It lays the ground for an epic book#3, and boy, does it deliver.
Book #3:
For me the best book of the series. At this point, not much to complain about. Strategy, plot twists, peek behind the scenes about the motivation of main characters, internal struggles, ideals, respect for different civilazations, cunning tactics and unexpected alliances. I like that in the series and in particular this book, it is not a fight between the evil and the good, but between diverse civilazations that have picked different ideals and ways of living.
It reminds me of my favourite strategy game, Age of Mythology. Each civilazation is very different, the different gods favour different styles of play and it is all very dynamically balanced.
A mention is worth regarding the bonus content. There are images and songs related to the book. I find the images, helping me visualize the various characters. The songs, to be honest, I am too absorbed in the book to enjoy while reading. Perhaps in the following days/weeks, while waiting eagerly for the next books.
Book #1
The book starts with a list of facts for the world that is being described, which somewhat feel disconnected. There are many characters and little space to put their backstories. The various gods and their civilizations are not yet fully developed. I don't understand the dynamics between them. The writing is, though, to the point. On every page, something is happening or I am learning something. Perhaps a bit too much. Characters are sometimes dying within a couple of pages, without them being fully developed.
Another concept that made an impression on me, is that things in many other fantasy books we read pages and pages about the characters going into a long journey. Here, the pace is much faster. It feels like if usually the characters go walking pace in other books, in this series they take the bullet train. Not a negative or positive, just a difference in style. Quite likely, for me it was what made me devour all three books.
To summarize, I would say that in the first book many things are happening. The world building feels crammed, characters don't have a deep backstories and sometimes drop like flies, but the pace is really engaging and I, as a reader, very curious about what happens later.
Book #2:
For me, it addresses one of the weaker points of the first book. Large scale battles and strategy come into the picture. We learn more about the various civilizations. It lays the ground for an epic book#3, and boy, does it deliver.
Book #3:
For me the best book of the series. At this point, not much to complain about. Strategy, plot twists, peek behind the scenes about the motivation of main characters, internal struggles, ideals, respect for different civilazations, cunning tactics and unexpected alliances. I like that in the series and in particular this book, it is not a fight between the evil and the good, but between diverse civilazations that have picked different ideals and ways of living.
It reminds me of my favourite strategy game, Age of Mythology. Each civilazation is very different, the different gods favour different styles of play and it is all very dynamically balanced.
A mention is worth regarding the bonus content. There are images and songs related to the book. I find the images, helping me visualize the various characters. The songs, to be honest, I am too absorbed in the book to enjoy while reading. Perhaps in the following days/weeks, while waiting eagerly for the next books.
September 3, 2024
I feel fortunate to have read this book before its release, and I'm also honored to have been able to follow the saga in the next two books. I'll be clear: 'War of the Seven' is an excellent introduction to the world of Ethasar. At first, it introduces a wide cast of characters from many factions, which can be a bit overwhelming, but once the dust of the first battles and strategies settles, it becomes easier to follow.
This book also does a good job of helping you choose which faction to root for during the story and in the next two books. After a while, the characters show enough personality to easily identify them and try to predict what they would do.
If you love war stories and descriptions of battlefields, strategies, and commanders' points of view, and have that 'Total War' or 'Warhammer Fantasy' itch, then this book is for you.
However, the book suffers a bit from the 'too many people to care' syndrome, like in other books. But as the story progresses and characters start dying, it gets better. Although it can be hard to follow the characters' actions at the same time, you'll surely know the 'peak' events of the book when they happen, as they are quite memorable.
Personally, if you dislike heavy medieval politics, war, and militaristic dialogue, and expect a more introspective or personal journey with each character, you can skip this story.
In summary, I think the writer enjoyed creating this book as much as I enjoyed reading it, without fearing to do things perfectly and achieving a natural narrative that will evolve throughout the series, which I highly recommend once it's available. I can't wait to keep reading more about the world of Ethasar, even knowing how this conflict ends.
This book also does a good job of helping you choose which faction to root for during the story and in the next two books. After a while, the characters show enough personality to easily identify them and try to predict what they would do.
If you love war stories and descriptions of battlefields, strategies, and commanders' points of view, and have that 'Total War' or 'Warhammer Fantasy' itch, then this book is for you.
However, the book suffers a bit from the 'too many people to care' syndrome, like in other books. But as the story progresses and characters start dying, it gets better. Although it can be hard to follow the characters' actions at the same time, you'll surely know the 'peak' events of the book when they happen, as they are quite memorable.
Personally, if you dislike heavy medieval politics, war, and militaristic dialogue, and expect a more introspective or personal journey with each character, you can skip this story.
In summary, I think the writer enjoyed creating this book as much as I enjoyed reading it, without fearing to do things perfectly and achieving a natural narrative that will evolve throughout the series, which I highly recommend once it's available. I can't wait to keep reading more about the world of Ethasar, even knowing how this conflict ends.
September 5, 2024
I was privileged to beta read The War of the Sevens. I read over 150 manuscripts annually, and I’m in the habit of buying the best of them when they’re published. The War of the Sevens is one book that I would be happy to put on my shelf.
This highly entertaining fantasy novel skillfully weaves divine and human politics into a complex narrative that grabs you from the beginning and refuses to let go up to an end that you have to see for yourself. There are humans, giants, vampires, and there are gods. Of course, there is powerful magic and unforgettable characters, surprising incidents and riveting drama. Imagine not like a vampire, yet enjoying seeing her in action? Or just when you think nothing can happen, then you collide with a surprise you didn't see coming?
The story follows gods and humans as they vie for ultimate power, not for a selfish purpose but to become the one to protect the world from being destroyed by a being so powerful that only a true champion god had the slightest chance. While the prose is crisp and the premise intriguing, the pacing dips just a tad in the middle with detailed descriptions. Despite the momentous matters of gods and men, great battles, and mind blowing action of this story, it is one the entire family can read and enjoy. For me, this is a great bonus.
Without hesitation, I recommend this story to readers who love an action packed fantasy story that succeeds in staying true to the genre but without undue darkness. In my humble opinion, for how much I enjoyed reading it, five stars for The War of the Sevens. I look forward to reading the next book.
This highly entertaining fantasy novel skillfully weaves divine and human politics into a complex narrative that grabs you from the beginning and refuses to let go up to an end that you have to see for yourself. There are humans, giants, vampires, and there are gods. Of course, there is powerful magic and unforgettable characters, surprising incidents and riveting drama. Imagine not like a vampire, yet enjoying seeing her in action? Or just when you think nothing can happen, then you collide with a surprise you didn't see coming?
The story follows gods and humans as they vie for ultimate power, not for a selfish purpose but to become the one to protect the world from being destroyed by a being so powerful that only a true champion god had the slightest chance. While the prose is crisp and the premise intriguing, the pacing dips just a tad in the middle with detailed descriptions. Despite the momentous matters of gods and men, great battles, and mind blowing action of this story, it is one the entire family can read and enjoy. For me, this is a great bonus.
Without hesitation, I recommend this story to readers who love an action packed fantasy story that succeeds in staying true to the genre but without undue darkness. In my humble opinion, for how much I enjoyed reading it, five stars for The War of the Sevens. I look forward to reading the next book.
September 2, 2024
I had the delight to become one of the early readers of the book before it went public and today I can't wait for the sequels now.
The book is fast paced, getting the reader right into the core of the story from the very first pages, making it hard to put away. At the same time, it perfectly balances the action with onboarding the reader onto the universe of Ethasar. The beautiful, colorful mosaic of a world of factions - all sounding familiar yet vividly distinct and different from what reader might know - unfolds steadily, with all its complexities, politics, strengths and weaknesses. Each party has it's own character, inner dynamics, and challenges they have to face - making each a world of their own to discover with every chapter. This makes having favorites harder - because you know at the end there can be only one that's still standing.
The drastic, unexpected turns of events, plans that get turned upside down despite meticulous planning, or epic battles bring these smaller worlds to the brink of collapse or throw them straight into the abyss as factions and entire nations fail in the war between gods. This dynamic in the book, and how the events unfold, remind me in a way of the dynamics in Game of Thrones - just in a slightly brighter, somehow more colorful world facing Armageddon.
I strongly recommend reading the book and making up your own mind. To me it brings a new fresh take on epic fantasy and managed to create a whole new distinct, beautifully complex world with its own place on the map of fantasy writing.
The book is fast paced, getting the reader right into the core of the story from the very first pages, making it hard to put away. At the same time, it perfectly balances the action with onboarding the reader onto the universe of Ethasar. The beautiful, colorful mosaic of a world of factions - all sounding familiar yet vividly distinct and different from what reader might know - unfolds steadily, with all its complexities, politics, strengths and weaknesses. Each party has it's own character, inner dynamics, and challenges they have to face - making each a world of their own to discover with every chapter. This makes having favorites harder - because you know at the end there can be only one that's still standing.
The drastic, unexpected turns of events, plans that get turned upside down despite meticulous planning, or epic battles bring these smaller worlds to the brink of collapse or throw them straight into the abyss as factions and entire nations fail in the war between gods. This dynamic in the book, and how the events unfold, remind me in a way of the dynamics in Game of Thrones - just in a slightly brighter, somehow more colorful world facing Armageddon.
I strongly recommend reading the book and making up your own mind. To me it brings a new fresh take on epic fantasy and managed to create a whole new distinct, beautifully complex world with its own place on the map of fantasy writing.
August 8, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to receive an ARC through NetGalley for War of the sevens by Brad Towers
I found it to be an intriguing mix of elements. The concept of gods with different powers was interesting, though the story felt a bit chaotic at times.
The vampires were really cool, and I enjoyed the champions' fights more than having large battle scenes, though some deaths felt rushed. I liked having pages to keep track of who was still alive. (I have a pea sized memory)
The world-building drew heavily from various cultures, making it more of a mix than a unique fantasy world, with direct influences from Greek and Roman mythology. The idea of giants' sleep was also great but too briefly explained it left me wanting to know more.
There was a lot of heartbreak in the story, with many characters dealing with loss. Like is no one going to have a happy ending ?!
Frida and Elena were clearly the author's favorites; but I loved them as well and I am glad we got Elena who seems more fitted for the throne than Drago.
The multiple POVs were amazing and kept me focused, though longer chapters might have added more depth. Also, I really disliked Njord, the blood pact moment ??
Overall, the book has a lot of potential but needs more cohesive world-building and deeper character development.
I’ll be happy to be able to read the second book.
I’d rate it 3.5 ⭐️
I found it to be an intriguing mix of elements. The concept of gods with different powers was interesting, though the story felt a bit chaotic at times.
The vampires were really cool, and I enjoyed the champions' fights more than having large battle scenes, though some deaths felt rushed. I liked having pages to keep track of who was still alive. (I have a pea sized memory)
The world-building drew heavily from various cultures, making it more of a mix than a unique fantasy world, with direct influences from Greek and Roman mythology. The idea of giants' sleep was also great but too briefly explained it left me wanting to know more.
There was a lot of heartbreak in the story, with many characters dealing with loss. Like is no one going to have a happy ending ?!
Frida and Elena were clearly the author's favorites; but I loved them as well and I am glad we got Elena who seems more fitted for the throne than Drago.
The multiple POVs were amazing and kept me focused, though longer chapters might have added more depth. Also, I really disliked Njord, the blood pact moment ??
Overall, the book has a lot of potential but needs more cohesive world-building and deeper character development.
I’ll be happy to be able to read the second book.
I’d rate it 3.5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
Couldn't Finish - Too Confusing and Unengaging
I had high hopes for War of the Seven by Brad Towers, but I couldn't even bring myself to finish it. The concept - a battle between seven powerful factions in a fantasy world - sounded promising, but the execution was all over the place.
From the very beginning, the story was hard to follow. There's an overwhelming amount of characters, places, and factions thrown at you with little explanation or context. The world-building felt incomplete, making it nearly impossible to understand what was going on or why it mattered. I spent more time flipping back and trying to remember who everyone was that actually enjoying the story.
The characters didn't help either - they felt flat and unmemorable. None of them had clear motivations, and they were so poorly developed that I couldn't bring myself to care about what happened to them. Even the action scenes, which should have been exciting, felt chaotic and difficult to visualise because of the confusing writing style.
After slogging through about halfway, I gave up. The plot wasn't compelling enough to keep me invested, and the writing didn't improve as the story went on. Overall, War of the Seven just wasn't worth the time or effort, and I can't recommend it. There are far better fantasy books out there.
I had high hopes for War of the Seven by Brad Towers, but I couldn't even bring myself to finish it. The concept - a battle between seven powerful factions in a fantasy world - sounded promising, but the execution was all over the place.
From the very beginning, the story was hard to follow. There's an overwhelming amount of characters, places, and factions thrown at you with little explanation or context. The world-building felt incomplete, making it nearly impossible to understand what was going on or why it mattered. I spent more time flipping back and trying to remember who everyone was that actually enjoying the story.
The characters didn't help either - they felt flat and unmemorable. None of them had clear motivations, and they were so poorly developed that I couldn't bring myself to care about what happened to them. Even the action scenes, which should have been exciting, felt chaotic and difficult to visualise because of the confusing writing style.
After slogging through about halfway, I gave up. The plot wasn't compelling enough to keep me invested, and the writing didn't improve as the story went on. Overall, War of the Seven just wasn't worth the time or effort, and I can't recommend it. There are far better fantasy books out there.
September 6, 2024
This was a read that I found downright fun. It’s very much in the vein of epic war fantasy like Warhammer and a slew of the kinds of games that I grew up on, so this kind of story was really enjoyable for me. I also love stories where major characters die or are killed, and that’s literally the premise of this one. What I love most about it is how, despite it being a story about battles and wars, the focus was still on the characters, both mortal and divine.
Part of the fun of this story is how straightforward the factions are; they fall in line with many of the familiarities of their fantasy tropes, and this makes it easy to basically place bets on a faction as a reader. Reading this gave me the itch to play Warhammer.
The writing itself is clean and polished. I was never confused about what a sentence was trying to convey, and it was easy for me to slip into a steady flow with the reading. The pages honestly flew by, and I was never bored while reading.
Overall, if you like fantasy and enjoy a story that plays with tropes in ways that are fun and imaginative, then you'll love this story.
Part of the fun of this story is how straightforward the factions are; they fall in line with many of the familiarities of their fantasy tropes, and this makes it easy to basically place bets on a faction as a reader. Reading this gave me the itch to play Warhammer.
The writing itself is clean and polished. I was never confused about what a sentence was trying to convey, and it was easy for me to slip into a steady flow with the reading. The pages honestly flew by, and I was never bored while reading.
Overall, if you like fantasy and enjoy a story that plays with tropes in ways that are fun and imaginative, then you'll love this story.
November 28, 2024
I had the pleasure of being one of the first readers of this book.
Towers managed to create complex kingdoms and political dynamics, with characters that captivated me scene by scene. By the end, I definitely had my favorite champions and gods (and the ones I was hoping for their demise, as well).
Another thing that Brad Towers does exceedingly well in my eyes is the description of the great-scaled battles. It's not an easy thing to write well, and he certainly gets the job done. It was amusing to read and go through all the strategies and tactics as the characters planned them (some failing, others succeeding), always motivating me to keep turning the pages to see what would be the fate of the characters I held dear.
It's also incredibly noticeable how much love and dedication was put into this project (The Ethasar Chronicles as a whole), with all the heavy metal songs (yup, an amazing bonus to me), the maps, the characters' design, as well as the openness and honesty the author shows in his newsletter, always sharing exciting news and updates. It's always a joy to see passionate creators sharing their projects, and even more succeeding with them.
I hope Brad Towers will continue to bless us with his metal songs, his beloved champions, and all the stories they still have to tell. I will happily read each one of them, and I know for a fact I will have a great time doing so.
Towers managed to create complex kingdoms and political dynamics, with characters that captivated me scene by scene. By the end, I definitely had my favorite champions and gods (and the ones I was hoping for their demise, as well).
Another thing that Brad Towers does exceedingly well in my eyes is the description of the great-scaled battles. It's not an easy thing to write well, and he certainly gets the job done. It was amusing to read and go through all the strategies and tactics as the characters planned them (some failing, others succeeding), always motivating me to keep turning the pages to see what would be the fate of the characters I held dear.
It's also incredibly noticeable how much love and dedication was put into this project (The Ethasar Chronicles as a whole), with all the heavy metal songs (yup, an amazing bonus to me), the maps, the characters' design, as well as the openness and honesty the author shows in his newsletter, always sharing exciting news and updates. It's always a joy to see passionate creators sharing their projects, and even more succeeding with them.
I hope Brad Towers will continue to bless us with his metal songs, his beloved champions, and all the stories they still have to tell. I will happily read each one of them, and I know for a fact I will have a great time doing so.
September 15, 2024
I am an avid fantasy reader and have mostly read every subgenre of it. But this one was unlike everything else that's out there and it's great for it. It has an ensemble of characters with multiple POVs and trust me, every character and their story is interesting. I can read a whole full-fledged book on each character. All of them are expertly crafted with a very satisfying arc.
The story and the concept of the book are also very creative (unlike any other fantasy out there) and fast-paced. Feels like a high-stakes strategy board game meets Lord of the Rings. Trust me, you won't be able to put this down and then yearn for the sequel but still feel quite satisfied.
And the author does a great job of balancing all these stories and characters. The writing is easy to read and follow and to the point. There isn't any fluff (like other fantasy stories) on the pages.
I was entertained, exhilarated, and most of all satisfied.
The world of Ethasar will captivate you from the first page and you will be yearning for more when it's done.
The story and the concept of the book are also very creative (unlike any other fantasy out there) and fast-paced. Feels like a high-stakes strategy board game meets Lord of the Rings. Trust me, you won't be able to put this down and then yearn for the sequel but still feel quite satisfied.
And the author does a great job of balancing all these stories and characters. The writing is easy to read and follow and to the point. There isn't any fluff (like other fantasy stories) on the pages.
I was entertained, exhilarated, and most of all satisfied.
The world of Ethasar will captivate you from the first page and you will be yearning for more when it's done.
October 7, 2024
Torn on this one.
The setting, characters, and plot are amazing. A 'contest of champions' between gods. Like watching a fun sports outing. Who will win, who will lose, where's the comeback. It's so fun. I'm hooked. I want to see who last god/champion standing is. Let's go!
Do you like power metal? Love Blind Guardian and HammerFall? The author has original power metal songs made for key moments in here. The book has QR codes for them. THIS is reading in 2024. The future is now!
Strange alternate world moments? Oh yeah, they're here. This underlying twist and how it will pay off...I hated it at first; but am now, like, "wait...where are we going with this?".
So why only 3 stars? The prose and the execution. It reads like someone nowhere near mastery of the craft. Some parts are bad and/or cringe. And execution of concept needs help. There are some weak points of the plot that will drive you nutso bananas if you focus on them too much. Force yourself to let that go and you'll have fun.
Once more books in this series are out, f it, I am in. Also, really, Warcraft??
The setting, characters, and plot are amazing. A 'contest of champions' between gods. Like watching a fun sports outing. Who will win, who will lose, where's the comeback. It's so fun. I'm hooked. I want to see who last god/champion standing is. Let's go!
Do you like power metal? Love Blind Guardian and HammerFall? The author has original power metal songs made for key moments in here. The book has QR codes for them. THIS is reading in 2024. The future is now!
Strange alternate world moments? Oh yeah, they're here. This underlying twist and how it will pay off...I hated it at first; but am now, like, "wait...where are we going with this?".
So why only 3 stars? The prose and the execution. It reads like someone nowhere near mastery of the craft. Some parts are bad and/or cringe. And execution of concept needs help. There are some weak points of the plot that will drive you nutso bananas if you focus on them too much. Force yourself to let that go and you'll have fun.
Once more books in this series are out, f it, I am in. Also, really, Warcraft??
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