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The Ashes Saga #1
A Thirst for Vengeance
My name is Dagan. There are few alive who have more blood on their hands than I.I have lived a life of degeneracy. I have studied the teachings of the dark mage Helosis and walked the path of the dead. I have been to the shadowrealm and emerged with my soul intact. I have challenged the Black Brotherhood and ridden with the Knights of Valamor as a brother-in-arms. I have spoken to Xune. I've killed indiscriminately—for money, for fame. For vengeance.When I was young, I fell in love with a princess and was punished by her death. I have scampered, begged, and thieved. I have been homeless. I have ruled the greatest city ever built.I began a succession war. I alone know who lifted the Seals of Regor—and how. I was there when magic was restored to this world. If I'd been born in a different age, I would have been the greatest sorcerer known to man.My name is Dagan. This is my tale.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2014
52 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Edward M. Knight
2 books59 followersSomething witty and clever should fill this space soon..
For now, all I've got to say (and all that anybody reading this should be interested in) is that I'm working on the second book of The Ashes Saga as we speak, and am eyeing a late May/early June release date.
Get a release day email here:
http://www.edwardmknight.com/mailing-...
For now, all I've got to say (and all that anybody reading this should be interested in) is that I'm working on the second book of The Ashes Saga as we speak, and am eyeing a late May/early June release date.
Get a release day email here:
http://www.edwardmknight.com/mailing-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 14, 2015
A terrible version of the king killer chronicle. The book was alright, but this author shamelessly stole all of the small details that made the other series so successful. I wouldn't be surprised if i found out that this guy had the the Name Of The Wind open while he was writing the ashes saga. Let me mention a few of the things i noticed. First the main characters parents belong to a traveling troop and his mom is a noble who ran away to from home to be with the dad. Next the main character gets abandoned in a big city and immediately gets the only things that he holds dear taken by some street kids(just like Kvothe). Then we find out that he has a thirst for knowledge that can only be quenched in a place called "the stacks" dude didn't even bother to change the name. Next and this is the craziest one in my opinion because it was so clearly unique to the kkc series. In reference to magic the main characters mentor mentions something called "the sleeping mind" and then goes on to describe the sleeping mind in the exact same terms that Elodin uses when explaining how to call the wind. And finally the structure of the book, telling the story from a point far in the future is also stolen.
March 26, 2014
I usually tend to not write reviews since there are usually an abundance of them for the books I happen to read. However, this book is relatively new and has a scarce amount of feedback to help one in making a decision. Thus, I will bestow my thoughts upon thee and be of assistance in your endeavor to find a new and enjoyable book to read.
I say this because I myself was treading through goodreads recommendations and amazon bestsellers when I came across this book. I thirsted for something to read and devour in my recent encounter with boredom this night. Though I'm sure there are many amazing books that I have not read, I find that its incredibly hard to actually root them out. I am continuously left to sift through the recommendations goodreads gives or the listings by amazon. Many times, my search ends up in failure. This time, I deem myself successful.
What first intrigued me about the book was the summary on amazon. It was very similar to the style of "The Name of the Wind." In fact, the book starts out in such a fashion that it's obvious the author was inspired by Patrick Rothfuss's book and actually copies a few ideas directly. Before I put you off though, this book was VERY MUCH different from "The Name of the Wind." The beginning of the story gives you obvious hints at what inspired this book, but the similarity is completely trivial. It would be like saying every "orphan to hero transformation" book is a complete copy of each other. Basically, the book holds a touch familiar to that of Patrick Rothfuss's, and if you liked one, you will most likely enjoy the other.
Still, rating this book relative to "The Name of the Wind" would be unfair since it is meant to be something different. Instead of an epic fairy tale and adventure, the book is a light enjoyable read. In this regard, it earns an easy and well deserved 5/5 from me. If the book was longer and immersed the reader more, it'd be even better of course. But we are talking about a $1 buy from amazon, and the book definitely pays out and more than compensates the price. It presents a creative background of Gods (similar to those of the Greeks, but which ones aren't in fantasies?) and presents the story as a tale told in a tavern to three friends. The prose isn't childish and I don't feel like I'm being patronized and spoon-fed. We have a main character who is very much human and still makes mistakes and fails. He isn't invincible and the balance between having to become a hero and credibility is kept.
All in all, the author is young and this series has potential to become something greater. Edward Knight has shown promise and an understanding of writing. I like the thought he's put into the book so far and will continue to read more.
I say this because I myself was treading through goodreads recommendations and amazon bestsellers when I came across this book. I thirsted for something to read and devour in my recent encounter with boredom this night. Though I'm sure there are many amazing books that I have not read, I find that its incredibly hard to actually root them out. I am continuously left to sift through the recommendations goodreads gives or the listings by amazon. Many times, my search ends up in failure. This time, I deem myself successful.
What first intrigued me about the book was the summary on amazon. It was very similar to the style of "The Name of the Wind." In fact, the book starts out in such a fashion that it's obvious the author was inspired by Patrick Rothfuss's book and actually copies a few ideas directly. Before I put you off though, this book was VERY MUCH different from "The Name of the Wind." The beginning of the story gives you obvious hints at what inspired this book, but the similarity is completely trivial. It would be like saying every "orphan to hero transformation" book is a complete copy of each other. Basically, the book holds a touch familiar to that of Patrick Rothfuss's, and if you liked one, you will most likely enjoy the other.
Still, rating this book relative to "The Name of the Wind" would be unfair since it is meant to be something different. Instead of an epic fairy tale and adventure, the book is a light enjoyable read. In this regard, it earns an easy and well deserved 5/5 from me. If the book was longer and immersed the reader more, it'd be even better of course. But we are talking about a $1 buy from amazon, and the book definitely pays out and more than compensates the price. It presents a creative background of Gods (similar to those of the Greeks, but which ones aren't in fantasies?) and presents the story as a tale told in a tavern to three friends. The prose isn't childish and I don't feel like I'm being patronized and spoon-fed. We have a main character who is very much human and still makes mistakes and fails. He isn't invincible and the balance between having to become a hero and credibility is kept.
All in all, the author is young and this series has potential to become something greater. Edward Knight has shown promise and an understanding of writing. I like the thought he's put into the book so far and will continue to read more.
February 23, 2015
The book cover has a nice medieval castle. I give this book 5 stars.
January 6, 2015
I returned this book after the first couple chapters. I obviously can't comment too much on the plot since I didn't read the whole book but I have to say the writing is pretty terrible. Its kinda like a high schooler's attempt at a Rothfuss novel. Its not spelling errors, its just got a very simplistic tone that is not at all believable. Knight intended this book to be dark but it just sounds like a kid trying to tell a dark story. Even in the first few chapters there were a bunch of just plain head-scratchers...... a random inexplicable "wind" saves his life as his mother is trying to kill him? He lives in a primitive medieval-esque world but he knows what oxygen is? He states the other kids in the dungeon think him odd for not speaking, but yet he says he never heard a spoken work while he was in the dungeon......didn't he imply the other kids were speaking and it was odd for him not to? Also he likes to single out lines to try to make them more dramatic.
Does this make my review more dramatic?
I'd rather the writing itself fill me with a sense of drama, but it was just falling short. I think maybe this book is for middle-school age kids who want to read something edgy for their age.
Does this make my review more dramatic?
I'd rather the writing itself fill me with a sense of drama, but it was just falling short. I think maybe this book is for middle-school age kids who want to read something edgy for their age.
October 1, 2014
This book was gritty, gory, and genuinely edgy.
Thank God I love all of those things about it.
The plot focuses on young Dagan, who lives a hard knock life. His mother attempts to murder him. He is left outside for wild dogs to feast on. He is rescued and then sold into slavery. The poor tot has all around abysmal fortune. His luck eventually changes and he is apprenticed to a man known only as Blackstone, who trains him to be a badass. Enough said.
The first twenty pages, I could've cared less about little orphan Dagan, but I became oddly attached shortly thereafter.
There was one paragraph in the book that irked me: "It was the silence like the one that comes after the headman's axe had fallen. It was the silence like the hollow ring of an empty barrel. It was a silence like death." A little too like The Name of the Wind for me.
The prose throughout the book is very stark, and in the first half, I noticed spelling and grammar issues, but it doesn't detract from the book. The story is told in the style of the unreliable narrator, who we have met in a bar, an older version of Dagan. You could see the author behind the scenes when Dagan said, "Let me speak of it now." There were certain redundancies in the book like this one repeated three times: "But that is not the story that is told today" could've been better as "Yet now the tale has changed". Little things like that bothered me in the first half, but the second was smooth sailing.
I recommend this book to anyone who has an e-reader and a dollar to spare. Also, if you enjoyed The Name of the Wind or The Lies of Locke Lamora, it'll be a bonus.
Thank God I love all of those things about it.
The plot focuses on young Dagan, who lives a hard knock life. His mother attempts to murder him. He is left outside for wild dogs to feast on. He is rescued and then sold into slavery. The poor tot has all around abysmal fortune. His luck eventually changes and he is apprenticed to a man known only as Blackstone, who trains him to be a badass. Enough said.
The first twenty pages, I could've cared less about little orphan Dagan, but I became oddly attached shortly thereafter.
There was one paragraph in the book that irked me: "It was the silence like the one that comes after the headman's axe had fallen. It was the silence like the hollow ring of an empty barrel. It was a silence like death." A little too like The Name of the Wind for me.
The prose throughout the book is very stark, and in the first half, I noticed spelling and grammar issues, but it doesn't detract from the book. The story is told in the style of the unreliable narrator, who we have met in a bar, an older version of Dagan. You could see the author behind the scenes when Dagan said, "Let me speak of it now." There were certain redundancies in the book like this one repeated three times: "But that is not the story that is told today" could've been better as "Yet now the tale has changed". Little things like that bothered me in the first half, but the second was smooth sailing.
I recommend this book to anyone who has an e-reader and a dollar to spare. Also, if you enjoyed The Name of the Wind or The Lies of Locke Lamora, it'll be a bonus.
May 20, 2014
Worth the read
I liked this book. it's told from Dagans memories of his life. he's sitting in a bar telling a few patrons who he was and how he became that person "the blind assassin". it's a sad story with a sad beginning with his mother attempting to kill him then selling him into child slavery & abuse. Dagan ultimately escapes the slavery ring and becomes the student of Blackstone, a master thief, among other things. Blackstone really becomes his first friend other than magda, the old woman. who saved his life. I enjoyed the storyline and I'm very intrigued by Dagan's exploits. I'm very curious where his life takes him. however I was a little disappointed by the end. idk...it's like you're in the action and then ...wham!...its over. not cool! the story felt short. the book is around 270 pages. for me, that's at least 100 pages too short. I think it takes at least those numbers to tell a really good and complete story, even if it's a saga. so...did I like it anyway? yes. Will I read #2? yes. do I hope the author does a MUCH better job with the ending? yes!!!! this author talks on his blog about wanting to make this a series. if he wants to keep people reading, I think he has to do a better job with his endings and definitely increase the page numbers in order to fulfill the storyline. I'm one of those readers that feels strongly that it's better to do the storyline right and do it in two books rather than break it up weirdly and add fillers in order to gain 3 books! I would never read past #2 & maybe not past #1. just say'in!
I liked this book. it's told from Dagans memories of his life. he's sitting in a bar telling a few patrons who he was and how he became that person "the blind assassin". it's a sad story with a sad beginning with his mother attempting to kill him then selling him into child slavery & abuse. Dagan ultimately escapes the slavery ring and becomes the student of Blackstone, a master thief, among other things. Blackstone really becomes his first friend other than magda, the old woman. who saved his life. I enjoyed the storyline and I'm very intrigued by Dagan's exploits. I'm very curious where his life takes him. however I was a little disappointed by the end. idk...it's like you're in the action and then ...wham!...its over. not cool! the story felt short. the book is around 270 pages. for me, that's at least 100 pages too short. I think it takes at least those numbers to tell a really good and complete story, even if it's a saga. so...did I like it anyway? yes. Will I read #2? yes. do I hope the author does a MUCH better job with the ending? yes!!!! this author talks on his blog about wanting to make this a series. if he wants to keep people reading, I think he has to do a better job with his endings and definitely increase the page numbers in order to fulfill the storyline. I'm one of those readers that feels strongly that it's better to do the storyline right and do it in two books rather than break it up weirdly and add fillers in order to gain 3 books! I would never read past #2 & maybe not past #1. just say'in!
July 14, 2014
“The danger was more subtle. It was the danger you feel when you stare into the eyes of a resting lion. It is the unspoken threat of harm from one who knows he is more powerful than you. It is the danger that comes with the wind on an icy night.”
When a self-published author is compared to a giant like Patrick Rothfuss, there has to be a reason. This association is both good and bad for Edward M. Knight’s debut.
Dagan is child thrown out of his house after nearly being killed by his mother. A gypsy finds him in the mud and sends him to a slaver. Pain, death, and the darkest of human nature follows, but this child finds a friend through the sewage: The slaver’s wife. But like most lights at the end of a tunnel, this exit is squashed with the obligatory rape and a knife.
Crushed, the little boy is sent back to his cell. There is still training to be done, for children are gladiators sent to the Arena, to die for people’s amusement. I mean, who’s going to miss a few cripples, layabouts, and orphans?
Evidently a few knights care. Just as Dagan is being carted off to the capital, riders come blasting off beside them. They see the heinous crimes, hear the slaver’s insults, and decide pride increases with good deeds. So they kill the slavers and rescue Dagan, give him a coin, and shove him down the road. They don’t take layabouts either.
Thus, our narrator’s tale truly begins as he walks into the greatest city ever built, Hallengard. This is where the connections to The Name of the Wind become important. And derivative.
“A rumor that is repeated often enough frequently takes on the appearance of truth.”
Just like Patrick Rothfuss’s debut, something important is stolen, a life of an urchin is gained, someone has to nurse the kid back to health, and someone has to teach him about magic. It’s all very similar. While Knight manages to twist these ideas at times, such as the opening with his mother, the framing narrative in the bar, and even the healer, I can’t excuse the blatant copy and paste that went on here.
For the first half of the novel, you might as well read Rothfuss’s debut, but imagine it darker. Up until Dagan meets the mysterious bearded man with a past and an affinity for magic, there is very little to mark a difference between the two books. Aside from style.
While Rothfuss leaves no stone unturned, Knight focuses squarely on the plot. He is stark and minimalistic. He has very little room for world-building, and all the character building can be thrown together under the common gritty anti-hero of a coming of age tale. While you can understand and sympathize with Dagan and his mentor, the two have very little difference besides competence and age. It all feels familiar, like your many stacks of traditional fantasy. There’s not something that sets him apart from most writers in the genre.
“A blue hen stands out in a flock of fifteen, but is lost in a crowd of one thousand.”
Frankly, if the plot wasn’t so decent and the pacing so fast, I would question what people saw in this. Yes, the style is smooth, but it tells oftentimes more than it shows. There are also way too many, “You have to understand. . .” phrases interjected so we won’t forget what was mentioned a few pages back.
The first half of the book holds your hand. The second half treats you to an author finding his way, even if he still has the subtlety of a baseball bat. It’s blunt and a little simple, but enjoyable. And I usually enjoy simplistic writing.
My favorite part, though, had to be when the mentor is telling Dagan how magic came into the world, how an evil wizard challenged the last god, and “broke a seal” so to speak. This storytelling inception shows that Knight really has the chops to give us some unexpected turns.
“But if no one believes in the impossible, what would any of us dream of?”
While it can stray too close to Patrick Rothfuss’s debut, at least it doesn’t earn the dreaded reviewer tack on of “like Game of Thrones.” There’s promise between these pages, and I’m happy to watch this writer grow. For the price of a pack of gum, it’s well worth the read. It’ll fly by faster than the gum, but’ll give a much sweeter, albeit bloodier, taste.
“If he could show some people, somewhere, that life was more than an empty struggle, he left fulfilled.”
January 4, 2015
Originally gave it 3 stars on Amazon but since then I've read The Name of the Wind and looking back, this book is a complete rip-off of that most excellent fantasy book.
He is in an inn telling his life story to two other people, how his mother was a noblewoman and his father was a trouper, after they die he goes to a city and has his most valuable possession stolen and spends ages thieving and begging, is instantly brilliant at everything and goes on about the terrible things he has done in his life. I could continue for a while, but that would involve re-reading this book, and I don't think I can manage that knowing now where it came from.
He is in an inn telling his life story to two other people, how his mother was a noblewoman and his father was a trouper, after they die he goes to a city and has his most valuable possession stolen and spends ages thieving and begging, is instantly brilliant at everything and goes on about the terrible things he has done in his life. I could continue for a while, but that would involve re-reading this book, and I don't think I can manage that knowing now where it came from.
August 21, 2015
Fans of Patrick Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicles and Honor Raconteur's Kingslayer will fall head-first into Knights' A Thirst for Vengeance. In a unprepossessing tavern, one man will reveal his most colorful adventures, spanning the course of a lifetime. From humble beginnings, he would go on to bear one of the most recognizable names in history. A king of both the grimy gutter and the greatest city in the world, a man who made his way out of the pits of the Arena to become the greatest sorcerer in the land. If you are not faint of heart, then sidle on up and hear from a man who not only witnessed both the birth and violent death-spasms of empires, but caused them himself.
April 26, 2014
While I think this is a good read, it felt short of me falling in love with it because I think the length of this story is one of its biggest weaknesses. There were too many times where I felt that the author moved too fast going from scene to scene. I understand why it gets compared to the works of Rothfuss, but the similar prose is only half of the equation. Rothfuss really takes time to flesh out his characters and the world. That really was the only thing that bothered me with this book, other than that it was an enjoyable read
June 30, 2014
Feels like a cheap rip off of the currently popular 'grimdark setting + badass protagonist' genre/trope/direction. Prose is lacking, seems suited more towards a campfire story or middling fanfiction, worldbuilding is inconsistent, unimaginative, unengaging. Events of the story don't follow any sort of logic, internal or otherwise, and characters have no depth.
Just skip this. If you want grimdark, there's Lawrence, there's Abercrombie, there's a thousand other better novels.
Just skip this. If you want grimdark, there's Lawrence, there's Abercrombie, there's a thousand other better novels.
October 19, 2014
I have to admit that I was expecting this to be pretty bad going in. But this book pleasantly surprised me, it was actually a decently written entertaining story. While not the best thing I've ever read in the Genre, it is a good debut novel, and I think any fan of fantasy will find it a fun read. And it only cost me $2, so it was worst the price without a doubt.
I give it about 3.5 stars.
I give it about 3.5 stars.
December 24, 2016
Akčné, nepresladené, oddychové.
July 4, 2017
Read the first two installments of this series a while back and enjoyed it very much. Have to give it a low rating because it doesn't appear that it will ever be finished. Left me hangin'.
September 19, 2016
Drawn into the book from the beginning
Story line with teeth, had me hooked and eagerly reading page upon page. Was so happy to find a book 2 and now anxiously awaiting promised Part 3!!
Story line with teeth, had me hooked and eagerly reading page upon page. Was so happy to find a book 2 and now anxiously awaiting promised Part 3!!
September 3, 2014
Well, I love the cover of this novel, as for the story involved... well yes it has been done before, the man in a bar telling a story of his from from a boy to, well not really sure where or how old he is now as he sits and tells his story.
On the whole it has alot going for it and for such a short read (1 day) there are some interesting things going on , from his training to hidden latent magic ability's just waiting to be unlocked , to a dark underworld set-up, but the problem is it is just that, a set -up, the reader just gets a feel for the MC and his surroundings when and just finishes telling the start of his great (i guess) beginning of a thief/magic/assassin career, and as he sits in the bar telling surrounding people his story and the mention of "death is coming,but not quite yet" (repeated a few times to himself as this is all narrative... and the book end's
Tune in next week and find out if or who or what happens.
I Want to get the second book to find out but I refuse to be so blatantly led.
I would rather wait Years as I think there would need to be 4-5 novels at this pace to have a satisfying read.
This novel was only 99. and if the second was the same ... I still think I would wait as there are authors out there that enjoy having me journey with them from a starting point to an ending and want to have me follow them to the next novel, this just left me like a T.V series and I need to wait till next month to find out next chapter.
I liked the MC liked where he was going but Really I sat at a table in a bar and had a few drinks and listened to this MC tell me a story... I need a little more than that.
On the whole it has alot going for it and for such a short read (1 day) there are some interesting things going on , from his training to hidden latent magic ability's just waiting to be unlocked , to a dark underworld set-up, but the problem is it is just that, a set -up, the reader just gets a feel for the MC and his surroundings when and just finishes telling the start of his great (i guess) beginning of a thief/magic/assassin career, and as he sits in the bar telling surrounding people his story and the mention of "death is coming,but not quite yet" (repeated a few times to himself as this is all narrative... and the book end's
Tune in next week and find out if or who or what happens.
I Want to get the second book to find out but I refuse to be so blatantly led.
I would rather wait Years as I think there would need to be 4-5 novels at this pace to have a satisfying read.
This novel was only 99. and if the second was the same ... I still think I would wait as there are authors out there that enjoy having me journey with them from a starting point to an ending and want to have me follow them to the next novel, this just left me like a T.V series and I need to wait till next month to find out next chapter.
I liked the MC liked where he was going but Really I sat at a table in a bar and had a few drinks and listened to this MC tell me a story... I need a little more than that.
July 12, 2014
This book popped up in one the many e-mails I get for bargain books, and the little blurb sounded interesting, so I plunked down my ninety-nine scents and decided to see what it was all about. The cover grabbed me - it's very professional looking, and some of people's suggestions that it reminded them a bit of "The Name of Wind" got my attention.
I see why people were reminded somewhat of NotW as the story is told by a mysterious man in a bar is a heavy past. Really the similarity ends there.
I was quite impressed with the maturity of the writing. To my knowledge, this is the first book by Mr. Knight, and as such I was expecting a lot of beginning writer issues, like overuse of adverbs, and a lot of references to how the character felt without actually showing us anything. That is not the case. I very much enjoyed what I read, found a lot to like about the characters in the story, and I'm just as interested in the protagonist, Dagon, getting revenge as he is.
A lot of thought has gone into the mythos of the world. The major religion that holds power in the world is well developed. That they would hand out poisoned bread to the poor to help cut down on overpopulation was quite telling of the mindset of the church. One of the chief antagonists in the story is also a hardcore follower of Xune, and the way it shapes him into an especially brutal individual.
If I have a quibble it is that the story seemed to end rather abruptly. The good news is there is a sequel already out. I'll be purchasing it just as soon as I finish writing this review.
I see why people were reminded somewhat of NotW as the story is told by a mysterious man in a bar is a heavy past. Really the similarity ends there.
I was quite impressed with the maturity of the writing. To my knowledge, this is the first book by Mr. Knight, and as such I was expecting a lot of beginning writer issues, like overuse of adverbs, and a lot of references to how the character felt without actually showing us anything. That is not the case. I very much enjoyed what I read, found a lot to like about the characters in the story, and I'm just as interested in the protagonist, Dagon, getting revenge as he is.
A lot of thought has gone into the mythos of the world. The major religion that holds power in the world is well developed. That they would hand out poisoned bread to the poor to help cut down on overpopulation was quite telling of the mindset of the church. One of the chief antagonists in the story is also a hardcore follower of Xune, and the way it shapes him into an especially brutal individual.
If I have a quibble it is that the story seemed to end rather abruptly. The good news is there is a sequel already out. I'll be purchasing it just as soon as I finish writing this review.
Read
November 24, 2015A great book! Sure there are similarities to "the name of the wind" but really with an orphan to hero, or rather not a hero? It's hard not to have one story sound alike. When I was reading I thought this guy must have been an author for what, 10 years? Because it was so well edited as well as written. This book had some very interesting concepts and he branches of from the main orphan to hero story in the fact that the main character says "I am not a hero" not in a shameful, but I'm still a hero, way. Lol, but he meant it, even then he still wasn't without a heart, nor was he a antihero. You have to like the guy and with the experiences he went through, described in great detail (although not boring detail!) it endears him to you!
Honestly read this book and ignore whatever bias about copying or whatever. You won't regret it.
PS: Do you know how many mainstream authors I could name where not only the plot but also many specific elements sound the same in? ALOT! That's writing, with millions of books out there there's bound to be plenty that sound the same.
(Sorry just read another review about someone saying he copied a lot, so there's my little rant about that;))
Honestly read this book and ignore whatever bias about copying or whatever. You won't regret it.
PS: Do you know how many mainstream authors I could name where not only the plot but also many specific elements sound the same in? ALOT! That's writing, with millions of books out there there's bound to be plenty that sound the same.
(Sorry just read another review about someone saying he copied a lot, so there's my little rant about that;))
January 17, 2015
I'm doing a reading challenge this year and one of the challenges is to read a book I chose because of the cover. Well, this is that book, because look at that cover! However, that's not all that's good about it. The book is of the "can't put it down" variety and I tore through it. It's got at least a few great characters and some really interesting ideas. Some of these things do feel a little underdeveloped but usually not to the extent that it robs the story of it's texture. One thing to be aware of: I'm not one to get squeamish in the face of grisly details but there were some dark elements to this story I found repulsive enough I had a hard time reading past them. That's not really a knock against it, just take it as fair warning if you're thinking of reading it. Despite these parts I still really enjoyed what was offered in these pages and am looking forward to reading the sequel.
October 26, 2015
I won't pretend to be a cultured writer, nor a distinguished one. So I'll keep my review short, sharp and sweet.
I was captivated by this book, the authors take on a fantasy and the constant struggles and hardships the main character goes through kept me enraptured and utterly unable to put the book down.
The descriptive wording used made sure I was never lacking for details regarding the environment and the many different types of people 'Dagan,' (the main character) meets.
The storyline is dark, gritty and thoroughly grabs your attention right from the beginning. As an Australian, we love an underdog and that's exactly what has been provided, a story about an underdog and his struggles.
In conclusion, 5/5 Stars, definitely put on my favourites list.
You've made an me a very happy Australian.
I was captivated by this book, the authors take on a fantasy and the constant struggles and hardships the main character goes through kept me enraptured and utterly unable to put the book down.
The descriptive wording used made sure I was never lacking for details regarding the environment and the many different types of people 'Dagan,' (the main character) meets.
The storyline is dark, gritty and thoroughly grabs your attention right from the beginning. As an Australian, we love an underdog and that's exactly what has been provided, a story about an underdog and his struggles.
In conclusion, 5/5 Stars, definitely put on my favourites list.
You've made an me a very happy Australian.
November 21, 2014
This one is a first self published book, and it shows - it's too short, and clearly toeing the waters to test public reception before going big... but it's /good/ for what it is.
If this and the second volume were melded as one book, they'd be perfect as the first book in the series - and given how closely to eachother they were released, they pretty much are. Book 2 just opens right where book 1 left off, without skipping a beat.
I enjoyed it, and while it's not much more than a bite-size snack, it's a necessary and well done stage-setting for the far superior sequel.
3.5ish stars with a strong emphasis on being worth it as a lead-in to book 2.
If this and the second volume were melded as one book, they'd be perfect as the first book in the series - and given how closely to eachother they were released, they pretty much are. Book 2 just opens right where book 1 left off, without skipping a beat.
I enjoyed it, and while it's not much more than a bite-size snack, it's a necessary and well done stage-setting for the far superior sequel.
3.5ish stars with a strong emphasis on being worth it as a lead-in to book 2.
May 22, 2014
An old man in a bar tells of his first years, the first five spent in a Dungeon. Edward M. Knight starts his adventures of Dagan in a medieval world in which unwanted children are thrown into a gladiatorial arena for wagers like the wagers in a cock fight. Dagan manages to escape with A Thirst for Vengence (paper from Edwards Publishing which I bought electronically). He learns to live on the streets, and eventually to get some training in magic before his new benefactor helps him rob the arena. Fun, dark and gritty. I can’t wait for the next adventure. Review Published by Philadelphia Weekly Press.
April 2, 2015
I really want to give this book a better rating, but it draws a lot of inspiration from TNotW. Which would be fine, I guess, if it were written a little better. In the end it just feels like better than average fanfic. It's riddled with grammar mistakes and typos and just doesn't feel well-edited.
Also it's short. Around 270 pages long. And that's not nearly long enough to tell a well-developed story. If the author wants to publish parts in serial, a la "Wool," that's fine. Just don't say that it's a full book.
Also it's short. Around 270 pages long. And that's not nearly long enough to tell a well-developed story. If the author wants to publish parts in serial, a la "Wool," that's fine. Just don't say that it's a full book.
July 11, 2016
The book had me enthralled from the very beginning. I usually like stories where the MC goes through a whole lot of bad experiences in the beginning (does that make me a sadist?) so I very much preferred this. The overall setting was good, though at some points the coincidences seemed too forced. The background and atmosphere is a little lacking, a few gramatical errors, but overall it is good. The hidden history of the main character keeps me going further. Hope the next novel has an ending as good if not better than this.
March 20, 2014
Grate new fantasy author.
I gave this book five stars because it has a fast moving pace,a well developed plot and characters that engage readers emotions.Like another review stated it is reminiscent of "The Name of the Wind".Although not as involved as "Game of Thrones" and much epic fantasy,this is a new fantasy series to be excited about and a fast engaging read.Hope the next book appears very soon.
I gave this book five stars because it has a fast moving pace,a well developed plot and characters that engage readers emotions.Like another review stated it is reminiscent of "The Name of the Wind".Although not as involved as "Game of Thrones" and much epic fantasy,this is a new fantasy series to be excited about and a fast engaging read.Hope the next book appears very soon.
June 26, 2014
A good start to what I think will be a great series. I haven't read a huge amount of dark fantasy so I havne't too much to compare but I did find the story did drag a little bit and could have been a little quicker paced. The settings and characters could have used a little more imagination in their description to make them more interesting. On the whole a good story but I won't pick up the next book right away.
April 28, 2014
I started this book wanting a little light reading and was surprised how engrossing it really was. It is extremely easy to read and flows very well. I found it difficult to put down and sped through it very quickly. It deals with some terrible concepts and situations but in such a way as to give the events weight and impact but not to overly become mired in the gory details. Excellent book and definitely recommended.
July 19, 2014
An Amazon review claimed the book/the author to be "as good as Rothfuss Patrick". I understand the appeal of such an comparison, since the general setup is similar, but Mr. Knight cannot reach Mr. Rothfuss' skill with the English language.
Nevertheless, a good read that I would rate 3.5/5 and maybe 4/5 if it had been longer.
Nevertheless, a good read that I would rate 3.5/5 and maybe 4/5 if it had been longer.
July 21, 2014
Indistinguishable from a multitude of similar, mediocre efforts
Indistinguishable from a multitude of similar, mediocre efforts
another "abandoned, mistreated child with mysterious powers miraculously defies death in many forms...blah blah...". neither YA nor adult, poorly thought out, so improbable so many times that I only finished it because I was suckered into paying $.99 for it. my bad, dont let it be yours.
Indistinguishable from a multitude of similar, mediocre efforts
another "abandoned, mistreated child with mysterious powers miraculously defies death in many forms...blah blah...". neither YA nor adult, poorly thought out, so improbable so many times that I only finished it because I was suckered into paying $.99 for it. my bad, dont let it be yours.
March 24, 2014
I was a little wary of reading this book when it was recommended on amazon, but I thought, what the heck, and decided to give it a try. I am very pleased with the turnout! I loved the characters and the development throughout the entire book. My only complaint was that it was too short. Hopefully the second one will encompass more of his life and be much longer.
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