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The Ignifer Cycle #1
Ignifer's Rise
The apocalypse is coming.
Ignifer's Mons is the city at the center of the world, swarmed by a thousand strange castes, from debt-collecting Molemen to stone-bodied Balasts. All are crushed beneath the city's brutal law, and watched over by a gaping black hole in the sky; the Rot.
Sen is a boy condemned to death for his caste; complex scars that cover every inch of his skin. Hunted by the Rot, he hides in the city's last abbey, sheltered by misshapen Sisters who lie to keep him alive. But he can't hide forever. His scars predict the coming apocalypse, and offer an impossible path to salvation: only the legendary hero Saint Ignifer can save them.
But the Saint died millennia ago, and the castes he once led into battle are divided. All that remains is a lost and confused boy, piecing together clues he doesn't understand. Yet in the depths of the city's abandoned heart, in the long-buried ruins of an ancient civilization, destiny waits for Sen- for the end is coming, and the Saint must rise again.
Ignifer's Mons is the city at the center of the world, swarmed by a thousand strange castes, from debt-collecting Molemen to stone-bodied Balasts. All are crushed beneath the city's brutal law, and watched over by a gaping black hole in the sky; the Rot.
Sen is a boy condemned to death for his caste; complex scars that cover every inch of his skin. Hunted by the Rot, he hides in the city's last abbey, sheltered by misshapen Sisters who lie to keep him alive. But he can't hide forever. His scars predict the coming apocalypse, and offer an impossible path to salvation: only the legendary hero Saint Ignifer can save them.
But the Saint died millennia ago, and the castes he once led into battle are divided. All that remains is a lost and confused boy, piecing together clues he doesn't understand. Yet in the depths of the city's abandoned heart, in the long-buried ruins of an ancient civilization, destiny waits for Sen- for the end is coming, and the Saint must rise again.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2014
421 people are currently reading
1131 people want to read
About the author
Michael John Grist
57 books109 followersMichael John Grist is a British/American author and ruins photographer who lives in London, UK. He writes dark and weird science fiction and fantasy books, such as the fantasy novel Ignifer’s Rise and the SF series The Ruins Sonata.
For 11 years he lived in Tokyo exploring Japan’s modern ruins, such as abandoned theme parks, military bases, and ghost towns, gaining millions of hits on this website with his photographs and stories.
The best of these adventures are now collected in his unique travel book Into the Ruins, which thriller bestseller Barry Eisler calls, “gorgeous, haunting, stunning.”
Now Michael enjoys working out in the gym, watching TV and movies, and of course writing stories and novels. He lives in London with his wife, and works as an academic English lecturer at university.
For 11 years he lived in Tokyo exploring Japan’s modern ruins, such as abandoned theme parks, military bases, and ghost towns, gaining millions of hits on this website with his photographs and stories.
The best of these adventures are now collected in his unique travel book Into the Ruins, which thriller bestseller Barry Eisler calls, “gorgeous, haunting, stunning.”
Now Michael enjoys working out in the gym, watching TV and movies, and of course writing stories and novels. He lives in London with his wife, and works as an academic English lecturer at university.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 27, 2017
I can't say enough about Michael John Grist and his amazing ability to bring you into a story. To captivate you. You won't be able to put this book down .... as I have found in all his books. Be prepared for total immersion into .............
Aradabar. An entire city devoted to learning (don't freak those who hate school and all manners of learning - it's NOT like that lol). A city so beautiful ..... its glass towers destroyed ..... the city buried ... and all those within ...... lost ..... in the lava that ravished the land.
Never fear .... there's ALWAYS a hero/heroine when disaster strikes! A child survived. A child who's future was written all over his body. (Talk about tats!) that told of a prophecy that a hero would come and save the day. The child grew into a man ..... the man would grow into the prophesied hero who, along with his friends, would embark to find the fabled Saint Ignifer. No big deal right? Of course not! HAH! Saint Ignifer is dead. Not just dead dead ..... but dead for years .... hundreds of years. Now, THERE is a challenge I'm not sure I'd want to take on.
In a land ruined by such devastation. Where slaves work, hard labor, devoid of happiness, of hope for a better future. This is where Mr. Grist's novel will take you. Get ready because you are in for a ride of a lifetime!
Mr. Grist's talent to bring these characters to life is on par with no other author I've read. Each character is molded and shaped and brought to life in such a way that you almost believe they are truly alive.
I have to admit I'm not much of a 'fantasy' reader but this is the beginning of a another of his series' that will keep me on the edge of my seat until the very ..... last ..... word.
Aradabar. An entire city devoted to learning (don't freak those who hate school and all manners of learning - it's NOT like that lol). A city so beautiful ..... its glass towers destroyed ..... the city buried ... and all those within ...... lost ..... in the lava that ravished the land.
Never fear .... there's ALWAYS a hero/heroine when disaster strikes! A child survived. A child who's future was written all over his body. (Talk about tats!) that told of a prophecy that a hero would come and save the day. The child grew into a man ..... the man would grow into the prophesied hero who, along with his friends, would embark to find the fabled Saint Ignifer. No big deal right? Of course not! HAH! Saint Ignifer is dead. Not just dead dead ..... but dead for years .... hundreds of years. Now, THERE is a challenge I'm not sure I'd want to take on.
In a land ruined by such devastation. Where slaves work, hard labor, devoid of happiness, of hope for a better future. This is where Mr. Grist's novel will take you. Get ready because you are in for a ride of a lifetime!
Mr. Grist's talent to bring these characters to life is on par with no other author I've read. Each character is molded and shaped and brought to life in such a way that you almost believe they are truly alive.
I have to admit I'm not much of a 'fantasy' reader but this is the beginning of a another of his series' that will keep me on the edge of my seat until the very ..... last ..... word.
June 21, 2021
** 2.5 Stars **
Man, I really wanted to like this book. All of the elements seem right up my alley: rich world building, interesting cast of characters, and elements of time travel. I actually finished this book more than two weeks ago, but have been dragging my feet in writing a review and feel like any time a book gets a poor rating thoughts should be given.
I found the pacing to be very abrupt and hard to follow. The story itself had good twists and turns and things I wasn't expecting, but really by the end I found I just didn't care what happened, to any of them. I was totally disinterested in the outcome in every way. And I actually thought the ending twist was really good.
All of that said, I'd be happy to hear the subsequent books are different and worth the read, but as things stand now, I won't be picking up the second book in this series.
Man, I really wanted to like this book. All of the elements seem right up my alley: rich world building, interesting cast of characters, and elements of time travel. I actually finished this book more than two weeks ago, but have been dragging my feet in writing a review and feel like any time a book gets a poor rating thoughts should be given.
I found the pacing to be very abrupt and hard to follow. The story itself had good twists and turns and things I wasn't expecting, but really by the end I found I just didn't care what happened, to any of them. I was totally disinterested in the outcome in every way. And I actually thought the ending twist was really good.
All of that said, I'd be happy to hear the subsequent books are different and worth the read, but as things stand now, I won't be picking up the second book in this series.
February 2, 2021
*Adding an extra star to my rating because I still think about this amazing book all the time*
Well that was EPIC to say the least and hands down some of the most unique world-building I have ever experienced, especially the fact that the characters are based mainly on types of insects.
I loved this for the same reason I loved Garth Nix’s ‘Angel Mage’ - a handful of strangers destined to work together to save the world, very original settings and plot points, and lots of action! Unlike Angel Mage though, The Saint’s Rise felt finished (even though there is actually a sequel).
I will definitely go on to read more of the author’s work and I also have a lot more faith in the quality of (what I think is) self-published/alternatively published novels.
Well that was EPIC to say the least and hands down some of the most unique world-building I have ever experienced, especially the fact that the characters are based mainly on types of insects.
I loved this for the same reason I loved Garth Nix’s ‘Angel Mage’ - a handful of strangers destined to work together to save the world, very original settings and plot points, and lots of action! Unlike Angel Mage though, The Saint’s Rise felt finished (even though there is actually a sequel).
I will definitely go on to read more of the author’s work and I also have a lot more faith in the quality of (what I think is) self-published/alternatively published novels.
December 3, 2017
Within The Saints Rise there are beautiful graphics depicting the characters in their separate elements. Each personal bio leaves you immediately connected to each of them, and curious to know where their loyalty lies. Well worth the read! I hope their stories continue!
July 23, 2018
This book has potential. It is set in a different world. The book focuses on one city with many different casts of citizen, each cast having unusual physical differences and a very strict allotted place in society and the city.
The story is of one child's fight to change this, with supernatural elements.
Disclaimer: My problems with the boom may well be because I was not in the best mood the last fortnight.
Sadly I found a lot of the writing clunky. The constant use of unknown terms was clearly designed to help world build but it just seemed too much, interrupting the story flow. The many and varied castes where described and then rarely seen again. Each description again seemed to stilt the story rather than adding to it.
The story is of one child's fight to change this, with supernatural elements.
Disclaimer: My problems with the boom may well be because I was not in the best mood the last fortnight.
Sadly I found a lot of the writing clunky. The constant use of unknown terms was clearly designed to help world build but it just seemed too much, interrupting the story flow. The many and varied castes where described and then rarely seen again. Each description again seemed to stilt the story rather than adding to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2018
Intriguing
I agree that The Saint's Rise is an epic in the making. The world making was solid. I felt the predicament of the castes. The character development was second to none. It wasn't hard to connect or understand the 3,000 year jump. Now, I hate spiders but there is a spider in this book I enjoyed following. There is sexual innuendo but it is tasteful and in context. I recommend this book for mature teen and adult fantasy lovers. While I did find a few auto-speller type typos, I gave this book 5 stars for the solid creative effort. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I agree that The Saint's Rise is an epic in the making. The world making was solid. I felt the predicament of the castes. The character development was second to none. It wasn't hard to connect or understand the 3,000 year jump. Now, I hate spiders but there is a spider in this book I enjoyed following. There is sexual innuendo but it is tasteful and in context. I recommend this book for mature teen and adult fantasy lovers. While I did find a few auto-speller type typos, I gave this book 5 stars for the solid creative effort. I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 30, 2017
I am basing this on the Advance Reader Copy I received from the author. However, I have pre-ordered the Kindle version of the book which, I hope, puts me in a safe place to write a review I truly believe in.
Grist weaves a story that pulls you in. (You probably see that one a lot in reviews…) The “unexpected” is never arbitrary. Every plot element works, and you will know that you are in the hands of a skilled author.
Like the narrative flow in his Last Mayor series (was Zombie Ocean series), M. J. Grist tells a story where the characters smoothly mature, growing, learning, and always in touch with their world, reflecting the best and worst of the human spirit.
Grist has the ability to describe emotions as they evolve and interact with a clarity I have never before encountered. And when a character makes an excruciatingly critical decision, you gain an even deeper understanding of the character – one more component to a storyline skilfully crafted. All of the characters are broken, and then rebuilt, as the tale continues
In my case, I had to work some. (I started writing down words early in the story and added to each term as additional information turned up.) This led to doing Google searches that provided another level of appreciation for the building of the novel,and the result was an unravelling of questions that had cropped up earlier in the story, and I felt a growing warmth of humanity that made me want to rejoice. There is a delightful use of “made up” words, many of which hint of modern English equivalents in a Medieval setting. ( M. J. G. loves words and modifies familiar names and terms to suggest meaning and to colour this world.)
Grist weaves a story that pulls you in. (You probably see that one a lot in reviews…) The “unexpected” is never arbitrary. Every plot element works, and you will know that you are in the hands of a skilled author.
Like the narrative flow in his Last Mayor series (was Zombie Ocean series), M. J. Grist tells a story where the characters smoothly mature, growing, learning, and always in touch with their world, reflecting the best and worst of the human spirit.
Grist has the ability to describe emotions as they evolve and interact with a clarity I have never before encountered. And when a character makes an excruciatingly critical decision, you gain an even deeper understanding of the character – one more component to a storyline skilfully crafted. All of the characters are broken, and then rebuilt, as the tale continues
In my case, I had to work some. (I started writing down words early in the story and added to each term as additional information turned up.) This led to doing Google searches that provided another level of appreciation for the building of the novel,and the result was an unravelling of questions that had cropped up earlier in the story, and I felt a growing warmth of humanity that made me want to rejoice. There is a delightful use of “made up” words, many of which hint of modern English equivalents in a Medieval setting. ( M. J. G. loves words and modifies familiar names and terms to suggest meaning and to colour this world.)
March 9, 2020
This is the first book I've read from this author. It was well written but a very dark story. It was hard for me to get into at first as the author introduces many different castes, (the world is comprised of a caste system), of characters to try and remember and strange words that accompany them. Grist creates a world that draws you in but again it is sometimes confusing putting the vast amount of characters into some kind of visual as that is how I tend to read and write. The plot is slow to develop but there is enough to keep you reading and it took over half of the book for me to get engrossed in the story. I would recommend it for those who enjoy a dark fantasy and can deal with a slew of different characters. Personally, I'm on the fence about continuing the series.
June 27, 2021
Ignifer’s Fall
The main character Sen is a thirteen year old boy whose mother used his body as a canvas to carve lines into his flesh, permanently disfiguring him as a baby with scarring that brands him as a future savior. This is apparently very bad since any marring of the skin is a death sentence carried out by large scorpion Adjuncs upon the population with regularity. If you aren’t hooked yet, fear not, neither was I.
I gave up at 27%. There is a host of different races and some mythology but nothing that motivated me to continue. I just wasn’t getting into it and couldn’t grasp how a pubescent child was capable of the behavior represented so I threw in the towel. Who knows, maybe you’ll like it more.
The main character Sen is a thirteen year old boy whose mother used his body as a canvas to carve lines into his flesh, permanently disfiguring him as a baby with scarring that brands him as a future savior. This is apparently very bad since any marring of the skin is a death sentence carried out by large scorpion Adjuncs upon the population with regularity. If you aren’t hooked yet, fear not, neither was I.
I gave up at 27%. There is a host of different races and some mythology but nothing that motivated me to continue. I just wasn’t getting into it and couldn’t grasp how a pubescent child was capable of the behavior represented so I threw in the towel. Who knows, maybe you’ll like it more.
December 11, 2017
This story spans thousands of years yet flies by, it is detailed and segues well from a fast pace to slow. It is easy to become attached to the characters as they are so well described, especially Sen as the source of his scars is revealed. It may be fantasy but there is so much of it that has parallels to our world.
I don't read much epic fantasy but this has me wanting to read more in this series.
The drawings of the characters at the end of the book are a great bonus and just how I imagined from the descriptions.
I don't read much epic fantasy but this has me wanting to read more in this series.
The drawings of the characters at the end of the book are a great bonus and just how I imagined from the descriptions.
January 8, 2018
Heavy fantasy
This book was a serious undertaking to read. Honestly, the first half had me considering putting the book down for good. But I’m glad I finished. This book is packed to the gills with action and detailed fantastical creatures, environments, and creation theories. I felt a bit like I was wading through thick soup at times, trying to understand the complex ideas. But i am satisfied overall with the novel, its plot, and the conclusion. And I can say that I can’t think of any way to improve upon the writing.
This book was a serious undertaking to read. Honestly, the first half had me considering putting the book down for good. But I’m glad I finished. This book is packed to the gills with action and detailed fantastical creatures, environments, and creation theories. I felt a bit like I was wading through thick soup at times, trying to understand the complex ideas. But i am satisfied overall with the novel, its plot, and the conclusion. And I can say that I can’t think of any way to improve upon the writing.
October 24, 2018
Grist states that he was going for a blend of China Meville and Orson Scott Card. Of those two I've only read Meville, and that is definitely the feeling I got from The Saint's Rise. You could have told me it was written by Meville and I would have believed you. Complex, intellectual and eloquent, I loved it. My only issue is that the world is very different from our own and I could have used a glossary etc. And some better description of the various castes.
September 23, 2020
I finished it so that gets it two stars but it was rough. Just because your characters have flaws and hard times doesn’t make them relatable. The action scenes were “insert gore here” and hope that they don’t notice the writing falling short and that describes most of the writing. And then to throw time into the mix, you really shouldn’t mess with time unless you have some really good pros to explain it or at least jumble it up enough to make it seem to work and this was neither.
August 25, 2018
Very interesting read
I was about a third of the way through the book and for some reason I was having a hard time continuing. I really liked the characters so I stuck with it. The way it all comes together in the end completely blew me away. I was mad at myself for almost giving up.
I was about a third of the way through the book and for some reason I was having a hard time continuing. I really liked the characters so I stuck with it. The way it all comes together in the end completely blew me away. I was mad at myself for almost giving up.
February 2, 2020
Needs salt
I gave it a two star rating. However don't let that distract you. I got totally confused as to what these different races were. Who were they? How did they look? What was their purpose? It has screwy characters but they were coming together nicely. I guess it was more sci-fi then fantasy for my taste.
I gave it a two star rating. However don't let that distract you. I got totally confused as to what these different races were. Who were they? How did they look? What was their purpose? It has screwy characters but they were coming together nicely. I guess it was more sci-fi then fantasy for my taste.
December 1, 2017
Michael John Grist is a magnificent story teller. He creates fantastic worlds and weaves them with adventure and intrigue. Science fiction and fantasy fans should not miss out on this book. It would make a really good video game as well. Classic good versus evil.
May 16, 2018
Nicely done
This was a well written tale. My only concern was that the sheer amount of character types at times became slightly overwhelming. Perhaps employing fewer would lend to stronger character development for the main protagonists.
This was a well written tale. My only concern was that the sheer amount of character types at times became slightly overwhelming. Perhaps employing fewer would lend to stronger character development for the main protagonists.
June 19, 2018
A fascinating story
I loved this book it has everything an epic fantasy story should have. The story premise is original and exciting. If you like a compelling read that opens up a new world of different characters this is the book for you.
I loved this book it has everything an epic fantasy story should have. The story premise is original and exciting. If you like a compelling read that opens up a new world of different characters this is the book for you.
October 11, 2018
Fun
Good world building with just enough mystery left. nice characters but I couldn’t fear the rot or the king as I didn’t really understand what they were perhaps my problem not the books
Good world building with just enough mystery left. nice characters but I couldn’t fear the rot or the king as I didn’t really understand what they were perhaps my problem not the books
June 19, 2019
I am a big fan of Grist and was happy when I found out about this new one. I struggled to put this one down. Like in his other books Grist writes great characters who seem to grow naturally. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
February 29, 2020
Interesting
An interesting story but darker than Golden Compass or Harry Potter. I wish that I could have finished it but I'm not in the mood. Hopefully I'll be able to come back to it.
An interesting story but darker than Golden Compass or Harry Potter. I wish that I could have finished it but I'm not in the mood. Hopefully I'll be able to come back to it.
January 11, 2018
A captivating tale which drove me on to the end getting more involved in the story as the tale unfolded. Recommend you read you will not be able to put it down. Michael John Grist tells a good tale.
February 12, 2018
Winderful
An amazing book that sucks you right in. A story that is a fight against tyranny and corruption. Where different castes come together.
An amazing book that sucks you right in. A story that is a fight against tyranny and corruption. Where different castes come together.
March 24, 2018
I tried, but I just...didn't care at all about any of these characters or the story, or their relationships. Nothing ever actually happens. Exactly zero tension or emotional impact.
June 28, 2018
Good read
A little confusing in parts but in the whole well worth a read. I look forward to book two in the series
A little confusing in parts but in the whole well worth a read. I look forward to book two in the series
October 12, 2018
Good storyline and very graphic in detail. Expertly written and a fantastic start to the series. Well worth the read.
February 2, 2019
Amazing imagination
I've read hundreds of novels, and this is one of the most original works I've encountered. Not an easy read, but we'll worth it.
I've read hundreds of novels, and this is one of the most original works I've encountered. Not an easy read, but we'll worth it.
November 12, 2017
Fantastic! I love the way the casts are so identifiable although some of them are physically almost impossible. They read well.
I’m anxious to see what happens to Sen next. Surely there has to be a saint, and I wonder if his mother will appear again.
Wonder, powerful writing as usual from Michael John Grist
I’m anxious to see what happens to Sen next. Surely there has to be a saint, and I wonder if his mother will appear again.
Wonder, powerful writing as usual from Michael John Grist
November 22, 2016
Destined to be a Classic
Everything Michael John Grist writes has amazed me so far. His zombie series is unique, well written, and a mind bender. His short stories are dark, edgy and hit you right in the face. When I found he had this fantasy series, I read this book in a few short hours. With echoes of Sanderson, Mieville and the less bloody of Clive Barker's works, Grist mixes metaphysics, myth and magic with a fantastic array sentient creatures? characters? to achieve a grimdark novel that needs to be read by every fantasy fan in existence. The cliches aren't here, no tropes to prop up silly characters, quests or ideas, just an outstanding story that glories in the power of words.
I won't go into a plot summary, but I will mention that MJG writes large ensemble casts with finesse and style. It feels like ALL the characters live and breathe. You feel every niggling little emotion, see every landscape through their eyes, touch the people and things around you. His choice of detail is superb. To say his writing is cinematic is an understatement. His characters are masterful.
Am I gushing? I suppose I am. It is not often I come across something new and wonderful. With Mr. Grist, this is getting to be normal. If you haven't read any MJG, I believe there is an offer on his website.
If you are a fantasy fan, RUN, DON'T WALK!
BUY THIS BOOK NOW!
Everything Michael John Grist writes has amazed me so far. His zombie series is unique, well written, and a mind bender. His short stories are dark, edgy and hit you right in the face. When I found he had this fantasy series, I read this book in a few short hours. With echoes of Sanderson, Mieville and the less bloody of Clive Barker's works, Grist mixes metaphysics, myth and magic with a fantastic array sentient creatures? characters? to achieve a grimdark novel that needs to be read by every fantasy fan in existence. The cliches aren't here, no tropes to prop up silly characters, quests or ideas, just an outstanding story that glories in the power of words.
I won't go into a plot summary, but I will mention that MJG writes large ensemble casts with finesse and style. It feels like ALL the characters live and breathe. You feel every niggling little emotion, see every landscape through their eyes, touch the people and things around you. His choice of detail is superb. To say his writing is cinematic is an understatement. His characters are masterful.
Am I gushing? I suppose I am. It is not often I come across something new and wonderful. With Mr. Grist, this is getting to be normal. If you haven't read any MJG, I believe there is an offer on his website.
If you are a fantasy fan, RUN, DON'T WALK!
BUY THIS BOOK NOW!
March 21, 2015
Ignifer's Rise is an amazing book about a boy named Sen, who is different from others, for he has blue scars that run all along his body, almost like a road map. The reader is given the opportunity to follow Sen's childhood and learn about his mother, Avia, who died when he was younger, and his past. Along the way, Sen encounters a group of kids who, according to Avia, are meant to help him in his quest. At the same time, the King has raised the Adjunc, scorpion-like monsters, with a mission to learn of a secret prophecy written in skin (Sen's scars). In order to save the world, Sen must embark on a journey with his friends to raise a lost hero, Saint Ignifer, back to life. But here's the catch: Saint Ignifer has been dead for a millennia. This book is absolutely amazing, and always leaves you wondering what will happen next. I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend this to anyone who is into the fantasy genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews