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From the Ashes
Born in a secluded village in the kingdom of Verdenta, ruled over by the iron fist of the Empire of the Phoenix and its cruel, domineering ruler, Empress Maeivra, the so-called 'Witch Queen', Diarmud never imagined he would experience anything out of the ordinary. But overnight, he finds himself caught up in a struggle to free the world from the tyranny of a sorceress in thrall to far greater and more terrible powers who watch the races of the world with hateful eyes... Hounded from his home by the Empress's agents, Diarmud finds himself to be the sole survivor of a secretive project to create a breed of warrior from a forgotten age of the world, a weapon meant for conquest, to be the first of Maeivra's new order. Accompanied by his guardian, the old bard Cameron, and his closest friend Tabitha, Diarmud must race across hostile territory to find those devoted to keeping him safe and their world free from the clutches of the mad queen and the entities she worships, and prepare for the struggle that is to come...
558 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2014
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Luke Courtney
5 books48 followersWho am I? My name is Luke Courtney, I’m a 33 year old Briton who by day works in a little military museum in London, and by night, works on writing an array of stories that I push myself towards getting finished and published.
Writing and story-telling has been a passion of mine since childhood; I was surrounded by books and stories at home, so I grew up on stories from Greek and Celtic mythology. I came to love reading tales of knights and heroes rescuing princesses from monsters and fighting evil tyrants to save the world, as well as making up ones of my own.
That love carried on when I was in school, but the real impetus for me to start writing properly came in 2010/2011, not long after I left university. One of my first jobs was working in a second-hand bookshop, and after handling and flicking through so many works of fiction, some better than others, I started thinking, surely I could write a story of my own and get it out there, and maybe get some readers as enthralled by my work as my favourite authors did to me.
I'm currently working on my two fantasy series of novels, the Phoenix Saga and the Argent Blade novels, as well as another high fantasy story that's been rattling around in my head for a while, The Girl Who Sings To Dragon (which is part of a long held desire of mine to write something involving werewolves- an interesting fact regarding my writing is that the protagonists of my novels tend to start out as werewolves, in the initial stages of my writing, only to change into something else. The protagonists of my Argent Blade novels went from being werewolves to vampires to the demon hunters they are in the completed story!)
Besides writing, my other interests include reading, painting, running, archaeology and palaeontology (both of which have been big inspirations) and a bit of gaming.
Check out my writing Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/lc90authorhub/, for more information on what I'm up to!
Writing and story-telling has been a passion of mine since childhood; I was surrounded by books and stories at home, so I grew up on stories from Greek and Celtic mythology. I came to love reading tales of knights and heroes rescuing princesses from monsters and fighting evil tyrants to save the world, as well as making up ones of my own.
That love carried on when I was in school, but the real impetus for me to start writing properly came in 2010/2011, not long after I left university. One of my first jobs was working in a second-hand bookshop, and after handling and flicking through so many works of fiction, some better than others, I started thinking, surely I could write a story of my own and get it out there, and maybe get some readers as enthralled by my work as my favourite authors did to me.
I'm currently working on my two fantasy series of novels, the Phoenix Saga and the Argent Blade novels, as well as another high fantasy story that's been rattling around in my head for a while, The Girl Who Sings To Dragon (which is part of a long held desire of mine to write something involving werewolves- an interesting fact regarding my writing is that the protagonists of my novels tend to start out as werewolves, in the initial stages of my writing, only to change into something else. The protagonists of my Argent Blade novels went from being werewolves to vampires to the demon hunters they are in the completed story!)
Besides writing, my other interests include reading, painting, running, archaeology and palaeontology (both of which have been big inspirations) and a bit of gaming.
Check out my writing Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/lc90authorhub/, for more information on what I'm up to!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 16, 2021
‘A young phoenix will arise from the ashes of a fallen world.’
'From The Ashes' is a thrilling and intricate fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of expansive world-building, rich lore, unassuming heroes and menacing villains.
Living a simple, rustic life in a quiet mountain village, Diarmuid never expected to be thrown into the midst of conflict. But when his home is razed by a band of evil creatures seeking to take him alive, he finds himself key to a legacy of cruelty and evil that was set in motion eons ago.
In writing the character of Diarmuid, Luke Courtney masterfully shows the potential for corruption, as well as the appeal of limitless power, and I really loved seeing Diarmuid struggle between relishing it - motivated by saving or protecting others - despite being aware of how damaging it could become for those around him and for his own sense of himself.
The influence of Maeivra, the Witch Queen and ruler of the Empire of the Phoenix, hangs heavy over the story. The idea of her experimentation truly got under my skin, even more so when she is regularly emphasised as being a ‘mother’ to the creatures she has created or who work under her.
'From The Ashes' builds to an epic battle finale in the vein of the seige of Helm's Deep or the action sequences in 'Berserk'. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a fantasy epic to dive into!
I received a free ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
'From The Ashes' is a thrilling and intricate fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of expansive world-building, rich lore, unassuming heroes and menacing villains.
Living a simple, rustic life in a quiet mountain village, Diarmuid never expected to be thrown into the midst of conflict. But when his home is razed by a band of evil creatures seeking to take him alive, he finds himself key to a legacy of cruelty and evil that was set in motion eons ago.
In writing the character of Diarmuid, Luke Courtney masterfully shows the potential for corruption, as well as the appeal of limitless power, and I really loved seeing Diarmuid struggle between relishing it - motivated by saving or protecting others - despite being aware of how damaging it could become for those around him and for his own sense of himself.
The influence of Maeivra, the Witch Queen and ruler of the Empire of the Phoenix, hangs heavy over the story. The idea of her experimentation truly got under my skin, even more so when she is regularly emphasised as being a ‘mother’ to the creatures she has created or who work under her.
'From The Ashes' builds to an epic battle finale in the vein of the seige of Helm's Deep or the action sequences in 'Berserk'. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a fantasy epic to dive into!
I received a free ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
February 16, 2021
An action-packed fantasy adventure with incredible worldbuilding.
‘From the Ashes’ follows Diarmuid, a young man who is thrust into a world of conflict and magic, as he’s hunted by the malevolent Empress who wishes to use his dangerous powers for her own purpose.
Luke Courtney has crafted an incredibly detailed world, layered with history and legend. Diarmuid explores a whole manner of regions – from sleepy villages to huge, bustling cities – yet each new location is so vividly described and expertly imagined, it kept me guessing as to what new place they would explore next. The world Courtney has created literally breathes life, and honestly feels like a world that has been surviving for millennia, consequently evolving with each war and each new civilisation. While ‘From the Ashes’ is a long and descriptive read, I loved such an intricate level of detail, and I was utterly engrossed.
The story itself is action-packed, and I was completely sucked into Courtney’s portrayal of the horrific monsters that stalk Diarmuid. Courtney’s take on vampires (the Strigoi), and the stories surrounding their creation and fall from supremacy, is completely fascinating. The sense of menace from the monsters and other foes was constantly there, and each new scene brought a new sense of peril. ‘From the Ashes’, while thick with description, is a thrilling read, with the sense Diarmuid is never truly out of danger. Battle scenes – ranging in scale from small ambushes to entire armies – were gorgeously choreographed, and I was on the edge of my seat with each sword swing.
Diarmuid, Tabitha and Cameron were all instantly likeable, and I immediately felt the friendship pulse between them. Seeing how Cameron, and particularly Tabitha, reacted to Diarmuid’s dark magic and teetering corruption was incredibly gut-wrenching. I truly felt Diarmuid's struggle at controlling the darkness inside of him.
I highly enjoyed this novel, and the ending left me eagerly awaiting the next book in Diarmuid’s tale. I highly recommend for fans of Lord of the Rings and The Witcher.
‘From the Ashes’ follows Diarmuid, a young man who is thrust into a world of conflict and magic, as he’s hunted by the malevolent Empress who wishes to use his dangerous powers for her own purpose.
Luke Courtney has crafted an incredibly detailed world, layered with history and legend. Diarmuid explores a whole manner of regions – from sleepy villages to huge, bustling cities – yet each new location is so vividly described and expertly imagined, it kept me guessing as to what new place they would explore next. The world Courtney has created literally breathes life, and honestly feels like a world that has been surviving for millennia, consequently evolving with each war and each new civilisation. While ‘From the Ashes’ is a long and descriptive read, I loved such an intricate level of detail, and I was utterly engrossed.
The story itself is action-packed, and I was completely sucked into Courtney’s portrayal of the horrific monsters that stalk Diarmuid. Courtney’s take on vampires (the Strigoi), and the stories surrounding their creation and fall from supremacy, is completely fascinating. The sense of menace from the monsters and other foes was constantly there, and each new scene brought a new sense of peril. ‘From the Ashes’, while thick with description, is a thrilling read, with the sense Diarmuid is never truly out of danger. Battle scenes – ranging in scale from small ambushes to entire armies – were gorgeously choreographed, and I was on the edge of my seat with each sword swing.
Diarmuid, Tabitha and Cameron were all instantly likeable, and I immediately felt the friendship pulse between them. Seeing how Cameron, and particularly Tabitha, reacted to Diarmuid’s dark magic and teetering corruption was incredibly gut-wrenching. I truly felt Diarmuid's struggle at controlling the darkness inside of him.
I highly enjoyed this novel, and the ending left me eagerly awaiting the next book in Diarmuid’s tale. I highly recommend for fans of Lord of the Rings and The Witcher.
May 8, 2021
The next Tolkien with a touch of Witcher
The night he comes of age, Diarmuid discovers an ancient power that had been lying dormant within him, and is plunged into an expansive world and war created long before his birth. With his bard guardian and feisty best friend, he must choose which side he will stand with and what kind of man he wants to be.
Wow! What can I say about this book? Courtney is truly a master storyteller, weaving legends and lore like endless rivers. I can’t fathom the depths of his world building, and can only hope to draw a drop of inspiration to my own writings from his incredible descriptions and narrative. From the moment I was introduced to Diarmuid, I loved this main character. The same can be said to Cameron and Tabitha, making a trio of heroes that I eagerly flipped the next page to learn what happened next on their journey. I could tell this book was heavily inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien, especially with elves and dwarves, but From the Ashes is truly the next generation of fantasy, paying homage to the great tale but expanding on the genre with new plots and concepts. Interweaved in this quest are unique lycanthropic and reptilian creatures, blood magic and blood suckers that put any sparkly vampire to shame, witches and sorcerers, gladiators, necromancy, and so much more. The witch empress villain is not your stereotypical power hungry antagonist, and I was eager to learn more about her and how she came to be. I will admit, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the extent of it all, and do wish there was a map and list of names for my forgetful brain to keep track of everything. I still devoured it like a five star meal and was sad yet satisfied when I finished. I can’t wait to read the next installation in this series!
The night he comes of age, Diarmuid discovers an ancient power that had been lying dormant within him, and is plunged into an expansive world and war created long before his birth. With his bard guardian and feisty best friend, he must choose which side he will stand with and what kind of man he wants to be.
Wow! What can I say about this book? Courtney is truly a master storyteller, weaving legends and lore like endless rivers. I can’t fathom the depths of his world building, and can only hope to draw a drop of inspiration to my own writings from his incredible descriptions and narrative. From the moment I was introduced to Diarmuid, I loved this main character. The same can be said to Cameron and Tabitha, making a trio of heroes that I eagerly flipped the next page to learn what happened next on their journey. I could tell this book was heavily inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien, especially with elves and dwarves, but From the Ashes is truly the next generation of fantasy, paying homage to the great tale but expanding on the genre with new plots and concepts. Interweaved in this quest are unique lycanthropic and reptilian creatures, blood magic and blood suckers that put any sparkly vampire to shame, witches and sorcerers, gladiators, necromancy, and so much more. The witch empress villain is not your stereotypical power hungry antagonist, and I was eager to learn more about her and how she came to be. I will admit, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the extent of it all, and do wish there was a map and list of names for my forgetful brain to keep track of everything. I still devoured it like a five star meal and was sad yet satisfied when I finished. I can’t wait to read the next installation in this series!
April 15, 2021
From the Ashes is a roaring adventure, with a richly detailed world and well-developed characters that make for an immersive read.
Were it not for life getting in the way, this would have been read much faster. The hardest thing about this read was putting it down because the menial real life stuff had to be done.
The history and features of Verdenta are built in extraordinary detail, and I had a clear image in mind with every new location. The hints of history everywhere left plenty of mystery to keep me wondering as well, whether these little things are red herrings or will be important later on in a manner reminiscent to Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy.
The biggest problem is going to be waiting for the next book in the series.
Were it not for life getting in the way, this would have been read much faster. The hardest thing about this read was putting it down because the menial real life stuff had to be done.
The history and features of Verdenta are built in extraordinary detail, and I had a clear image in mind with every new location. The hints of history everywhere left plenty of mystery to keep me wondering as well, whether these little things are red herrings or will be important later on in a manner reminiscent to Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy.
The biggest problem is going to be waiting for the next book in the series.
February 28, 2022
It's strange reading my own work, and as my own harshest critic, it's hard for me not to see it in the worst light, but in From The Ashes: Book I of the Phoenix Saga, I tried to create a compelling adventure inspired by the heroes of Greek mythology I grew up on, and while it's not perfect, hopefully, it's enough of a compelling read to make people want to read the next book (which I am hard at work on...)
Diarmuid is your typical fantasy hero, living in obscurity but marked for greatness, though not in the way he would wish: a living weapon created to replicate the greatest warriors of the ancients, Diarmuid finds himself hunted by servants of his creator, the Witch Queen Maeivra. If she obtains him, he will become the Phoenix she needs to destroy her enemies and remake the world anew, and now he must flee, aided by a handful of trusted companions, learning of the new, strange and on some cases terrible new gifts contained in his blood as they struggle to stay one step ahead of the Witch Queen's hunters...
Arthurian, Celtic and Greek mythology, a range of fantasy series from Tolkien to the Inheritance Cycle to the Witcher and the universes of Warhammer all inspired the Phoenix Saga, and I like to think From The Ashes is a good starting point that introduces readers to the characters, places and salient points that will pervade the entirety of the story (of which I have 5-7 books planned)... A new dark fantasy series replete with strong and unique characters, rich world building, epic battles, tension and terror and a hook to read on are what await you, should you decide to pick up From The Ashes...
Diarmuid is your typical fantasy hero, living in obscurity but marked for greatness, though not in the way he would wish: a living weapon created to replicate the greatest warriors of the ancients, Diarmuid finds himself hunted by servants of his creator, the Witch Queen Maeivra. If she obtains him, he will become the Phoenix she needs to destroy her enemies and remake the world anew, and now he must flee, aided by a handful of trusted companions, learning of the new, strange and on some cases terrible new gifts contained in his blood as they struggle to stay one step ahead of the Witch Queen's hunters...
Arthurian, Celtic and Greek mythology, a range of fantasy series from Tolkien to the Inheritance Cycle to the Witcher and the universes of Warhammer all inspired the Phoenix Saga, and I like to think From The Ashes is a good starting point that introduces readers to the characters, places and salient points that will pervade the entirety of the story (of which I have 5-7 books planned)... A new dark fantasy series replete with strong and unique characters, rich world building, epic battles, tension and terror and a hook to read on are what await you, should you decide to pick up From The Ashes...
December 14, 2020
In a world where the kingdom of Verdenta is ruled by the Witch-Queen Maeivra, Diarmuid is drawn into a war against her. Here, he discovers he has powers beyond the average human as a result of experiments by Maeivra herself – and she wants her weapon back.
Accompanied by his childhood friend Tabitha, his elusive guardian Cameron, and Janus, who has a murky past of his own, he begins his journey to fulfil his destiny, escape the Queen and find sanctuary among allies, while the eve of something bigger seems to be just around the corner.
I am ALL OVER stories like this. Saying that though, when the fantasy genre threatens to be saturated by stories of magic and supernatural beings, this explosive opening to what promises to be a thrilling saga manages to combine the essence of familiarity with a novel and original storyline that leaves you desperate for the next instalment.
The protagonist is likeable, the supporting characters are more than just sidekicks and lackeys with fruitful backstories of their own, and as a reader you’re enriched with detail without feeling overwhelmed or lost.
For those who want a new fantasy world to get lost in, this one is for you. I genuinely had such a good time reading this and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
DISCLAIMER: I would like to thank Luke Courtney for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but while saying that I would like to emphasise that all opinions are my own, and I wasn’t influenced to write either positively or negatively.
Accompanied by his childhood friend Tabitha, his elusive guardian Cameron, and Janus, who has a murky past of his own, he begins his journey to fulfil his destiny, escape the Queen and find sanctuary among allies, while the eve of something bigger seems to be just around the corner.
I am ALL OVER stories like this. Saying that though, when the fantasy genre threatens to be saturated by stories of magic and supernatural beings, this explosive opening to what promises to be a thrilling saga manages to combine the essence of familiarity with a novel and original storyline that leaves you desperate for the next instalment.
The protagonist is likeable, the supporting characters are more than just sidekicks and lackeys with fruitful backstories of their own, and as a reader you’re enriched with detail without feeling overwhelmed or lost.
For those who want a new fantasy world to get lost in, this one is for you. I genuinely had such a good time reading this and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
DISCLAIMER: I would like to thank Luke Courtney for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but while saying that I would like to emphasise that all opinions are my own, and I wasn’t influenced to write either positively or negatively.
August 31, 2017
I have to admit that I was diving into this book blind and it was rather large for what I usually read, but I enjoyed every minute of it. The story of Diarmud is pretty amazing. Luke Courtney has a mesmerizing writing style and I really did feel like I was in Verdenta. The descriptions were very vivid and the main characters Diarmud, Tab, Cameron, and Janus had interesting personalities. I loved the fact that he also gives us a bit of the villains perspective. I am not one to give away any spoilers about a story line but the villains and monsters of this realm are truly terrifying and this author is not afraid to show you just how horrible they can be. Between vampire lords, Rocs, the undead, a sorceress, and other wild beasts there is a lot looming in the land of Verdenta. Over all I loved this story and can not wait to see more from Luke in the near future. Diarmud's adventure has only just begun.
February 1, 2021
I was suggested this book as part of a reading pool. I have always enjoyed fantasy, and have great love for mystical and mythical creatures, lore, and the good vs. bad fight. I read this book because it interested me for these reasons, and this is my honest opinion of it.
I really enjoyed the story! It was a lot of fun and full of great detailed mystical and historical imagination. I would recommend it to any friends that are a fan of the genre as its especially tailored to those. Reminded me a lot of similar books I loved like The Lord of The Rings and Eragon. Great fit for the genre with everything you would expect and more! More weapons! More fantastical creatures! More explanation! More magic! Loved the addition of LGBTQ themes as well, because I believe that they are natural and would occur in any world. My favourite character is Tab. As a female reader, I’m very glad she didn’t turn out to be useless or just a romantic device for Driarmuid. I enjoy her valiant and friendly presence in the story as well as her complete bad assery. The main character is Diarmuid, and thanks to his curious charm, there are lots of interesting characters in story to meet and learn about. If you enjoy talk of dragons, great wars between mythical races, magic, and great fateful adventures, then this story is for you.
The book is a little long but it was a fun adventure!
I really enjoyed the story! It was a lot of fun and full of great detailed mystical and historical imagination. I would recommend it to any friends that are a fan of the genre as its especially tailored to those. Reminded me a lot of similar books I loved like The Lord of The Rings and Eragon. Great fit for the genre with everything you would expect and more! More weapons! More fantastical creatures! More explanation! More magic! Loved the addition of LGBTQ themes as well, because I believe that they are natural and would occur in any world. My favourite character is Tab. As a female reader, I’m very glad she didn’t turn out to be useless or just a romantic device for Driarmuid. I enjoy her valiant and friendly presence in the story as well as her complete bad assery. The main character is Diarmuid, and thanks to his curious charm, there are lots of interesting characters in story to meet and learn about. If you enjoy talk of dragons, great wars between mythical races, magic, and great fateful adventures, then this story is for you.
The book is a little long but it was a fun adventure!
February 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story not only for the interesting plot line but also for the descriptions of all the settings. There is not a single element of the setting that is not explored in great detail and the depth of the imagery not only makes the story easier to follow but it also made so much more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone as I believe that all readers would enjoy getting to know each character individually and seeing how they develop alongside one another. Moreover, the dialogue, descriptions and plot are all so well developed even readers who are new to the fantasy genre would enjoy fully immersing themselves in this world!
*I received this book as part of a reading pool. However all opinions and views expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way*
*I received this book as part of a reading pool. However all opinions and views expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way*
October 4, 2021
A wonderful high fantasy story filled with an amazing journey and amazing world building! I can't wait to see what else happens in the next adventure!
December 5, 2020
‘A young phoenix will arise from the ashes of a fallen world.’
'From The Ashes' is a thrilling and intricate fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of expansive world-building, rich lore, unassuming heroes and menacing villains.
Living a simple, rustic life in a quiet mountain village, Diarmuid never expected to be thrown into the midst of conflict. But when his home is razed by a band of evil creatures seeking to take him alive, he finds himself key to a legacy of cruelty and evil that was set in motion eons ago.
In writing the character of Diarmuid, Luke Courtney masterfully shows the potential for corruption, as well as the appeal of limitless power, and I really loved seeing Diarmuid struggle between relishing it - motivated by saving or protecting others - despite being aware of how damaging it could become for those around him and for his own sense of himself.
The influence of Maeivra, the Witch Queen and ruler of the Empire of the Phoenix, hangs heavy over the story. The idea of her experimentation truly got under my skin, even more so when she is regularly emphasised as being a ‘mother’ to the creatures she has created or who work under her.
'From The Ashes' builds to an epic battle finale in the vein of the seige of Helm's Deep or the action sequences in 'Berserk'. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a fantasy epic to dive into!
I received a free ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
'From The Ashes' is a thrilling and intricate fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of expansive world-building, rich lore, unassuming heroes and menacing villains.
Living a simple, rustic life in a quiet mountain village, Diarmuid never expected to be thrown into the midst of conflict. But when his home is razed by a band of evil creatures seeking to take him alive, he finds himself key to a legacy of cruelty and evil that was set in motion eons ago.
In writing the character of Diarmuid, Luke Courtney masterfully shows the potential for corruption, as well as the appeal of limitless power, and I really loved seeing Diarmuid struggle between relishing it - motivated by saving or protecting others - despite being aware of how damaging it could become for those around him and for his own sense of himself.
The influence of Maeivra, the Witch Queen and ruler of the Empire of the Phoenix, hangs heavy over the story. The idea of her experimentation truly got under my skin, even more so when she is regularly emphasised as being a ‘mother’ to the creatures she has created or who work under her.
'From The Ashes' builds to an epic battle finale in the vein of the seige of Helm's Deep or the action sequences in 'Berserk'. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a fantasy epic to dive into!
I received a free ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2021
This book immediately sends you head first into a mythical world filled with Elves, Witch Queens, Strigoi and various other creatures you cannot wait to read about. The world building within this book is fantastic, leaving you excited to learn more, without overcomplicating things or infringing on the plot. Many elements of the setting, theme and plot are similar to books written by George R. R. Martin and J. R. R. Tolkien, bringing excitement, magic and a little humour to each page. Whilst criticisms can be made at the length of some of the descriptions of cities and character backstories, that is where my faults (if you can call them that) end. You will find yourself investing in the lives of Tabitha, Diarmuid and Cameron as they embark on their treacherous journey, picking up some unexpected allies along the way, who you will equally grow to treasure. I received this book as part of an ARC pool and whilst I was not required to post a review, good or bad, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any fantasy fans looking for their next read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews