Left with few options, Magnate Rivia has placed all his hope in the hands of an invalid and one foolish expedition.
One hopes to prove the world of Aithos to be a globe to free his father from imprisonment. The other hopes to find the promised land of his father's dreams and save his land from the curse ravaging it.
Should the invalid fail, then his father shall rot away as a dishonored heretic.
Should the expedition fail Magnate Rivia will be forced to trigger the gears of rebellion.
A leader must serve thy people, but for Magnate Rivia, will that service come in the form of a new promised land or at the end of a blade?
Character matters. It may be an old sentiment, but it's one Izaic Yorks strives to live by. Professionally, you could say Izaic has the stubbornness of a donkey and the discipline of a samurai. But those closest to him know underneath that sober determination is a heart devoted to grander things. Izaic hopes to share fantastical stories that bring the world a little healing and inspiration by helping readers see the world, and themselves, in new ways.
Izaic spent six years as a professional Track athlete, earning silver in the United States championships, among several other distinguishing awards. Now, he seeks his true passion for authoring fantasy works with a heart for virtues that chase the Good, True, and Beautiful.
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest Izaic is now happily lost in Hillsborough, living the small-town life and raising a growing family with his wife Courtney.
When I first saw, “dragon fantasy book for adults,” I was sold. Then, Aithos easily became my favorite read of 2024! I found myself picking it back up over and over and thinking about it all the time. Typically, I’m more of a romantasy reader, but Aithos really switched my opinion on epic fantasy.
To start off, the writing is just so great. Phenomenal use of wording that made me cry, laugh, gasp.. I constantly found myself underlining and highlighting multiple lines on each page. Izaic was meant to write and you can see this with every single paragraph. Descriptions are unique and intriguing, sucking you in and exciting you.
Another HUGE thing for me is the world building. I usually stay away from epic fantasy because I find myself extremely bored in the beginning 100 pages where world building is the only thing taking place. We don’t do that here— Aithos dives into the world building as the story progresses and does it very well. I like that I don’t even see it happening and then before I know it, the world and each setting within it is built to great detail.
I know this is getting to be lengthy, but stick with me, because we NEED to talk about the characters. Without any spoilers, I can say that each character is unique and strongly built. Every character has highs and lows and you truly get to see every side of them.. It’s hard to keep characters from being static, especially when you have a good amount of main characters. Aithos keeps showing you new sides to everyone, even the smaller side characters. This may seem overwhelming, keeping up with so many details— but similar to the world building, it happens without ever feeling like it does. I got so invested in the story and before I knew it, I knew these characters on a deep level and fell in love with them several times over. When asked who my favorite character was, I listed pretty much ALL of them in my head and decided that I couldn’t pick.. even the people you’re maybe supposed to dislike have so many sides to them that it’s hard to find the dislike. (Except for a select few, you know who you are.)
There are SO many things that I want to go on about, I could talk about Aithos forever. But, the last thing that I’ll touch on is the representation of disability. As a disabled person myself, I get quite nervous when I know there will be disability representation in a book. I’ve read several fantasy novels with disability where it’s done so poorly that it’s offensive and left an awful taste in my mouth. Aithos explores the real experiences of someone living with a disability.. the hatred from others, the bullying, the hardships of simply keeping up with daily life, the exhaustion, the self loathing and guilt.. but it also very much aims to show that the hatred from others is unwarranted. It shows that living with a disability can’t stop you from doing what everyone else tells you that you can’t do. You get to see it ending the stigma surrounding the disabled. “An invalid shouldn’t lead an expedition.” Yet, one does.
To finish my review, I highly recommend Aithos. If you’re wondering whether it’s right for you, just give it a shot.. You never know, you could likely fall in love with it and find your new favorite read. The wind wills as it will.
I am not great at writing reviews and I am new to Goodreads but I am excited to share my thoughts about this book. It is hard to surprise me with books (or movies) so I was very impressed by the creativity in this book. This is my third read by this author and he is evolving, his talent is growing with each book. Aithos is a story that defies what the read expects. As with most fantasy novels, it offers a creative escape from reality into a new world but its the characters that kept me reading - they are incredibly nuanced with qualities that will resonate with every reader, there is someone for everyone in Aithos. It adds a layer of intimacy and relatability that kept me bonded to the storyline. Several characters reflected pieces of me that grounded the magic with an authentic humaness.
Also, this book is not just about the magic and mystery, there is genuine tension where characters are struggling with dangerous influences that make the stakes feel real - I was wondering about my favorite characters the whole time and if they would make it to end of the story (no spoilers here!). Morals are weaved into the storyline and complex questions were raised in my mind as I read. Overall, Aithos is an incredible journey into a world where magic and meaning coexist. I cannot recommend this book enough - it combines creative, unforgettable storytelling with with profound internal reflection making it a true stand out in modern fantasy writing!
First, I am only leaving a review! Why? Because I want to introduce myself and tell you about the story.
I wanted to reach the interwebs and tell you a little about this book and series. Plus, I thought it might be helpful to reveal who might like this kind of story and who might not!
So. . .
If you’re on the fence about diving into this world, let me take a moment to explain the why behind Aithos and what it hopes to tackle. This series isn’t just about fantasy—it’s about addressing deeper, timeless questions that resonate with all of us.
Immersion. Magic. Human Dignity. Escape into a world where evil shall not triumph, and virtue will prevail. At its core, Aithos is a story of profound immersion, magic, and the exploration of human dignity. These are not just arbitrary themes, rather they are the heartbeat of this story, and they tackle a problem I feel is more urgent than ever:
The devaluation of human life.
In an age where we’re constantly bombarded with news and messages that attempt to strip away the worth of an individual, I wanted to create a story that reminds us of the intrinsic value of every person, and how that worth isn’t tied to the body or the mind, but to the soul itself.
A Story of Redemption, Mercy, and Light Aithos explores this through many eyes but most uniquely the character of a Corpse. But not just any corpse—a machine of flesh, an automaton whose soul has been torn from its body to create a lifeless servant. But in the world of Aithos, even the darkest forces cannot fully extinguish the light of the human spirit. This series is about mercy, redemption, and the eternal fight for good. It’s about discovering that, even in the bleakest moments, our light can never be truly snuffed out, and even the worst people can change.
And yes, there are dragons too. (Because who doesn’t love dragons?)
Why This Matters This isn’t just another fantasy novel. It’s an invitation to escape into a world where the stakes are high, the magic is real, and the human soul is worth fighting for. Aithos is more than a book—it’s a journey, and I’d love for you to escape into it with me.
If you love stories with the slow immersion style of Robin Hobb, multiple POV characters that are set on an epic collision course, like the idea of skyships and floating islands, soft magic, and dragons, and want a deeper meaning with your story then this is for you.
If you are looking for a quick read, hack and slash, hard magic systems, a world template like our own, or just a couple of main characters, then this book may not be for you. If you want to learn more about me and my style of writing check out my about page: https://www.izaicyorks.com/christianf...
And here is a fun gift! A link to a performance of “The Hound Will Die” — a shanty from the story itself: https://www.izaicyorks.com/seashanty Peace, Izaic Yorks
I spent all day taking orders. They fed me horrible food. They dressed me in clothes that are not comfortable. And don’t get me started on the shanty singing. The worst part, I can't do anything about it!!!
Look; when they’ve used magic to remove your soul and make you row in the engine room of the skyship all day and night all you want to do is say: “Kill me now!”
You know, like make me into an actual corpse.
But that’s the rub. When the stormkeepers turn you into a Corpse and you're sold off, nothing matters because you no longer have a soul. Welcome to the life of the flesh automaton.
Sounds awful.
Thank the Divina Quato that somebody is proving the value of a soul. I only wonder if I will ever get mine back. I hear a rebellion might be happening back on Veratalis (you know, the big floating continent.) Personally, I hope the Greash finds this new land. Peace sounds really good… well, as long as I get my soul back.
Aithos is such a fun read. It is an epic fantasy written with the patience of Robin Hobb and takes the time to show you a bizarre and new world. Trust me, I had so much fun exploring this world and getting to know the characters.
But of all of them, Mercy is my favorite. I can’t say more about her but let me tell you that the exploration of her character and her soul was a fantastic expose of the human dignity and the value of all lives.
I can’t recommend “Aithos” enough. I mean come on, a book with dragons for adults and an epic Christian Fantasy book that doesn’t preach but explores the virtues, light, and darkness of the human experience.
I loved this book!
If you aren’t looking for a break-neck-paced fantasy book but one that brings you into an escape of strange magic, skyships, floating islands, dragons, and in-depth characters - this is the book for you.
*I received this book as an ARC and my reviews are my own*
Aithos is a book for the reader who enjoys depth of character, magic, flying ships, and deep meaning. Aithos has the in-depth, beautifully articulated characters that only the fantasy genre is able to bring to life… even better than many of the best of epic fantasy novels! It even has a unique magic impacting the world, not the kind of magic where the characters use it against each other in epic battles… but the kind of magic that is crippling the world, that leaves you wondering how the characters could survive, and if the dragons are really real… Besides the characters and magic, the thing that makes Aithos stand out is the exploration of virtue and the deeper meaning to life.
It is rare to find a book that has deep meaning that isn’t pounding you over the head with some obvious lesson you should’ve learned in grade school. Aithos doesn’t do that, but somehow leaves you feeling a little more connected to life’s deeper meaning by the end. The book had me asking if a soul really does exist? How far can mercy really go? Is forgiving the unforgivable possible? And how far can humanity be pushed before it is broken?
Aithos is not a book for the skimmer or the person who wants a quick read, but it is a book for the person who wants to think deeply while enjoying an incredible story with magic that will leave your jaw on the floor and characters who are so relatable. Oh yes, that is the other beautiful part of Aithos! There is a character for everyone! Truly, in each character there is an aspect that is relatable and that we can all see ourselves in.
Aithos is truly magic. It is a world full of magic, both literally and figuratively. I highly, highly recommend this book especially for those interested in Christian Fantasy, fantasy novels with disabilities, and books by authors like Robin Hobbs. This story will take your breath away.
The best way to describe this book in a quick snapshot is: imagine the movie Treasure Planet but set in a Renaissance/Magellan-inspired world.
If that piques your interest, then this book is definitely for you! Beyond the sheer awesomeness of flying pirate-style ships, dragons, magic, and floating islands, the real standout is the characters. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, with each character grappling with their own internal trials and tribulations while maintaining a facade of composure. While some readers might find shifting perspectives challenging, the variety ensures there’s someone for everyone to connect with and root for. This book masterfully explores themes of humanity, the ripple effects of individual actions, and the idea that anyone—no matter their station or status—can rise to make a profound impact on the world. Even the most unlikely among us can become something greater.
Izaic continues to demonstrate an impressive talent for crafting novel magic systems, immersive world-building, and a writing style that is both accessible and intellectually engaging. It’s hard to believe this book, and the richly imagined world it brings to life, isn’t the product of a major publisher or an established author. Instead, it comes from a humble independent writer dedicated to telling great stories and supporting his family.
This book will quickly hook you, and by the time you reach the final quarter, you’ll be devouring every word, dreading the end, and (if you’re anything like me) cursing the author for saving all the best twists and surprises for the very last pages.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s an incredible work of epic fantasy that deserves a spot on every fantasy lover’s shelf!
I normally read cultivation type of fantasy books and am a huge nerd when it comes to power systems and magic systems, but when a friend told me about Aithos being a Christian Fantasy with an interesting magic system I had to give it a try. I found myself quickly absorbed in finding out more about "Inspiration". I won't go too detailed into it (to avoid spoilers), but lets just say I loved the aspect of "Inspiration" and creativity that Izaic made with this. It mixed some classics and nuanced ideas that I enjoyed and brought more theory crafting to my mind.
There were a multitude of characters I felt I could connect to, but there were two I felt most connected to. "Ezhno" and "Canton" are the two characters I felt most connected to for complete opposite reasons. I fear giving spoilers as I mentioned before, but I'll say that both these characters show a connection between human ambition and spiritual conflict which made me focus on them.
The world in Aithos has been added to my list of epic fantasy worlds that I would love if some anime moment happened and I ended up there. The beauty and terrifying aspects of the world fascinate me and with the magic system make me want to theory craft what my path would be in this world.
I've read almost all of the books from Brandon Sanderson and Will Wight. Aithos offers a profound feeling of exploration of power and freedom which I got while reading their books also. I highly recommend giving Aithos a try.
I love fantasy books because good ones are similar enough to my current world that I feel a connection, but different enough that I have to pause and think about how things how things I've always considered one way or another might be different. That's what I love about Aithos. Yorks draws from contemporary and traditional writers in familiar ways, but also introduces new ideas which push the boundaries and make me reconsider. I also love how Yorks is willing to deal with the grit and grime of real life. Life is full of trauma and Yorks leans into this by creating characters who hurt, suffer, abuse, are abused, etc. Hard situations are present, but not flippant and it's because of this you hold your breath or cheer for the characters as they develop. I've tried to leave this review vague so I don't accidentally give ant spoilers, Aithos is definitely worth an unspoiled read!
What a fantastic read! Great character development. Very interesting and different world. A quite interesting take on magic. This is not a book to skim through but one to slowly devour. It is difficult to put down and I can hardly wait to read the rest of the series. I love the themes of mercy and redemption as well as hope. None of the major characters are perfect people but I am rooting for them nonetheless. I have read it twice already and picked up a lot on the second reading that I missed on the first (I skimmed too much the first time around). This book is Christian epic fantasy ar its finest! There are definitely Christian themes but the author does not preach at you.
I thoroughly enjoyed Aithos. In this noblebright tale, Izaic Yorks does an incredible job painting a picture for the reader with his skyships, a unique environment for exploration, mysterious dragons, and a truly interesting magic system. I found myself thinking about the setting, magic, and characters throughout the day in a way that I have not with other epic fantasy books. I can’t wait for the next book!
Who doesn’t love an epic fantasy with beautiful world building? Don’t be too intimidated by the size of this story because it’s not too long before you feel like you’ve been whisked away and become fully immersed. It was the promise of dragons that drew me in but it was the characters and the story that made me stay. Hope is a beautiful thing.
Great epic fantasy book in the tradition of Robin Hobb! Is it a high-seas tale, an outer space sci fi story, fantasy? All of the above. I love the creativity of the ships and the "corpses" and the anchor outposts in the sky. I won't spoil it for you! Read it for yourself.
Well written fantasy book. Different character perspectives throughout the book make you want to keep reading to find out what happens. Slow start to build the world but the story picks up about halfway through and doesn't slow down through the end.
I NEED THE NEXT ONE!!! Absolutely loved it and couldn't put it down! The unique way different elements were revealed and how the story unraveled were phenomenal. Highly recommend!