Ironhold : Épreuve une (Tome 1 de la série Ironhold)

Ironhold #1

by Morgan Rice

"Un roman plein d'action... L'écriture de Rice est solide et le concept intriguant."
--Publishers Weekly (à propos de La Quête des héros)

"J'attends chaque nouveau livre de cet auteur avec impatience et je n'ai jamais été déçue !"
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Morgan Rice, auteur à succès n°1, inaugure une nouvelle série fantastique époustouflante, idéale pour les fans de Rebecca Yarros et de Suzanne Collins.

Lyra Thornwind, une jeune femme originaire d'un village côtier, se retrouve soudainement propulsée dans l'univers sauvage des arènes de gladiateurs d'Ironhold. Elle doit survivre à la brutalité des combats, mais lorsqu'elle révèle un don extraordinaire pour communiquer avec les bêtes, elle attire l'attention dangereuse de la noblesse et de ses compagnons gladiateurs, notamment Rowan, son âme sœur, et l'ambitieux et arrogant Alaric. Alors que les alliances se nouent et que les rivalités s'enflamment, le combat de Lyra dépasse les limites de l'arène : elle lutte pour sa vie, ses amis et l'espoir lointain de la liberté.

Dans l'univers captivant d'IRONHOLD, amour, danger et fantaisie s'entremêlent dans un monde imprégné de magie et de périls. Cette saga envoûtante tient en haleine les lecteurs de tous âges, apportant une touche unique au genre. Laissez-vous emporter par un récit qui mêle harmonieusement destin, passion et sorcellerie à des combats acharnés, le tout dans un décor à la fois impitoyable et envoûtant. La série IRONHOLD promet une aventure palpitante qui vous laissera sans voix et vous donnera envie d'en découvrir davantage.

Les prochains tomes de la série sont également disponibles !

"J'ai adoré. L'histoire m'a tenu en haleine du début à la fin. J'avais envie de continuer à lire même quand j'étais censé dormir."
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"On sent les prémices de quelque chose d'exceptionnel."
--San Francisco Book Review (à propos de La Quête des héros)

"Tous les ingrédients d'un succès immédiat sont réunis : intrigues, complots, mystère, preux chevaliers et relations naissantes parsemées de cœurs brisés, de tromperies et de trahisons. Ce livre vous divertira pendant des heures et plaira à tous les âges. À recommander sans hésitation pour la bibliothèque de tout amateur de fantasy."
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (à propos de L'Anneau du Sorcier)

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Ebooks, Romantasy, Young Adult

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2024

About the author

Morgan Rice is the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series THE SORCERER’S RING, comprising seventeen books; of the #1 bestselling series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, comprising twelve books; of the #1 bestselling series THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, a post-apocalyptic thriller comprising three books; of the epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising six books; of the epic fantasy series OF CROWNS AND GLORY, comprising 8 books; of the new epic fantasy series A THRONE FOR SISTERS, comprising eight books (and counting); and of the new science fiction series THE INVASION CHRONICLES. Morgan’s books are available in audio and print editions, and translations are available in over 25 languages.

TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!

Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!

Reviews

[nina_story_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Se stai cercando un fantasy che non ti faccia perdere in mille sottotrame e nomi impronunciabili, La prima prova di Morgan Rice potrebbe essere il tuo nuovo passatempo preferito. Con meno di 200 pagine, questo primo volume ti catapulta in Aetheria, un mondo dove la magia è pane quotidiano e i gladiatori non sono solo schiavi, ma anche nobili in cerca di gloria. Sì, hai capito bene: qui i ricchi si fanno menare nel Colosseo per sport. Che spirito competitivo!

🌍 World Building: semplice ma efficace
Il mondo di Aetheria è ben delineato, senza troppi fronzoli. C’è la pietra magica donata dagli dei, il grande tempio, e Ironhold, il campo di addestramento dove si forgiano i futuri combattenti. Gladiatori liberi, schiavi, abitanti dei villaggi e prigionieri si allenano per superare le famigerate cinque prove, che promettono libertà o status sociale. Insomma, un mix tra Hunger Games e Spartacus, con un pizzico di magia.

🧙‍♀️ Lyra: una protagonista che conquista
Lyra ha vent’anni ed è stata addestrata per diventare una guaritrice, come sua madre. Buona, pacifica, sensibile e altruista, è il tipo di persona che preferirebbe morire piuttosto che fare del male a qualcuno. Ma possiede un dono raro: può comunicare con gli animali. Il massimo che aveva osato fare? Allontanare un orso dal suo villaggio. Un gesto che, ironicamente, le cambia la vita: viene selezionata per partecipare ai giochi di Ironhold.

Lyra non è una guerriera nata, ma il suo potere diventa la chiave per superare prova dopo prova. E mentre cresce, si fortifica, e impara a sopravvivere, attira l’attenzione dell’imperatore in persona. Vedremo una ragazza fragile diventare forte, non per sete di potere, ma per necessità e coraggio.

🎩🪄 Poteri magici? Ce n’è per tutti i gusti!
Oltre alla comunicazione con le bestie, ci sono poteri legati alla terra, all’acqua, alla guarigione, alla telecinesi, al controllo mentale e all’illusione. Un vero catalogo di magie, anche se un glossario dei poteri e dei personaggi sarebbe stato utilissimo. Speriamo nei prossimi volumi!

😬 Traduzione: un disastro epico
E qui arriva il dramma. La traduzione italiana è... diciamo “creativa”. Cambi di genere a caso, frasi che ti fanno dubitare di chi stia parlando, e quel “me stesso” detto da una protagonista femminile che ti fa alzare gli occhi al cielo. Non è colpa dell’autrice, ma chi ha tradotto il libro probabilmente aveva il dizionario in modalità shuffle.

🗺️ Mappa cercasi
Un’altra piccola delusione: niente mappa. In un mondo così ricco di luoghi e poteri, una guida visiva sarebbe stata la ciliegina sulla torta. Ma pazienza, ci accontentiamo della nostra immaginazione... per ora.

💘 Romance e Spicy? Zero. Ma...
Niente scene piccanti, niente baci rubati sotto la luna. Però si intravede un doppio interesse amoroso che potrebbe evolversi nei prossimi volumi. Quindi, occhi aperti!

🏆 Verdetto finale: Promosso!
La prima prova è una lettura veloce, coinvolgente e con un potenziale interessante. Se riesci a sopravvivere alla traduzione, ti ritroverai in un mondo dove la magia scorre potente e le sfide non mancano. Lyra è una protagonista che promette scintille, e il sistema delle prove aggiunge una bella dose di tensione. Ora aspettiamo il seguito... magari con una mappa e un traduttore sobrio.🫣😂

[Feyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea for this is my cup of tea. The way it was told, though... It was the audiobook so it was hard to tell (at least for me) about the writing style but it seemed repetitive and not very elaborate. I liked the story fine enough and though I'm pretty sure I know where everything will end up, I'm curious how they'll get there. We'll see if I get back into the series sometime. Just maybe not on audio because the narrator wasn't my favorite.

[Ki Taeni · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. I can see a rebellion in the overarching plot & im not here for it. I hate rebellion plot lines. So while I enjoyed the gladiator stuff, the training, the combat. All the other stuff wasn’t to my tastes.

Plus the heroine was too sanctimonious for me. I felt she was naive & intolerable. Like ma’am don’t leave a threat at your back & that’s what she did w Vex

The romance was a little weird for me. For all her morals, she shouldn’t be attracted to Alaric so what’s the point of that except to create a connection that’s not believable. And the tension between him and Rowan. Unnecessary if you ask me.

I needed Lyra to be more calculating & ruthless than she was. & she wasn’t. Maybe she grows later in the books, but I don’t care ennough to find out

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic and straightforward writing so quick and easy to read but leaves little nuance for the reader as everything is laid out for them. Cool concept though but very rudimentary language, plot, character development/relationships (I'd argue no real character development).

Also this random love triangle with no reason as to why any of them are interested in each other? Just a sudden stated fact that the attraction now exists.

Tldr its giving a 2014 my mom sold me to 1D fanfic

[Nyari · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first chapter and I'm so annoyed. So a mother and her daughter live in a conquered land, they're healers in a small village, the mother is a tough woman raising a daughter who is dense and as soft as egg york, she doesn't know how the world works and yet her world is one where you have to be tough to survive?

[Pam Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un libro corto pero interesante. Me gustó el concepto de los gladiadores y la idea del coliseo mezclado con magia y criaturas. No había leído nunca esta temática, y probablemente sin la magia me hubiera resultado más pesada.

La protagonista es un poco densa e ingenua. Todo el tiempo duda de que ciertas cosas puedan pasar, cuando todo el mundo, incluso el lector, sabemos que si. Creo que eso le restó puntaje. Me gusta que tenga sus convicciones claras, pero muchas veces siento que es mas por capricho.

Me encantó que se incorporen criaturas mágicas y me gustaría que tenga más en el futuro. No puedo dejar de imaginar el gato de las sombras como un matagot jaja 🐈‍⬛

Espero continuar la serie algún día, y que estén disponibles en español los siguientes libros, en este momento creo que hay solo 3.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it - not because of the violence but rather the strength and goodness of Lyra, the young woman stolen from her village to fight for the empire. Magic is the core of the empire and anyone who has it is used to give it even more power. Lyra is found to be able to commune with animals.

It's brutal and readers will quickly learn to depise those in power and those who worship violence.

Book one is about Lyra's first trial, an introduction to characters and the awful ruling state.

Well-written and fast-paced.

Recommended.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 - I enjoyed reading it and all, but the gladiator thing is not my thing essentially

[Helene Drage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Classical history mixed with Magic, love ready this whole series!

[Jane GAD · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a stunning bookcover! 🌟

In a world of magic, gladiators, beasts, friends, and foes.
Lyra is taken from her concored seaside village at the skirts of the empire to be a slave gladiator for entertainment.

Only if she survives 5 seasons of fights will she be freed, become a proper citizen, and gain a title of a Noble.

Lyra is conflicted about killing people and survival, meatime gaining enemies and friends
Will she survive until the end?
Off to book 2 to find out 🤔

[Courtney Meacham · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so so so terrible. It felt like it was written by a middle schooler. The main idea/world could have been good but the book was less than 200 pages. Every single thing felt rushed and thrown together. Characters felt extremely surface level and shallow because the author didn't take the time or detail necessary to really create characters. The main character was your typical "she's so beautiful! She can't stand to hurt anyone! Everyone is dying to be around her but she's also making enemies because of her personal morals!!!!"No real background stories or character development. Interpersonal relationships had the same shallow feel. There wasn't enough detail to create depth and interpersonal dynamics. The romantic interests just felt so confusing because you had no idea how they even got to that point with what little the author gave you. I got to the end of the book and while there were enough events to fill a book, I felt unfulfilled because everything that happened was so quick. This book should have easily been 500 pages. I have no idea why the author chose to speed run it. I really cannot stress enough how shallow and fast this entire book felt.

I only finished reading this book so that I could accurately leave a review.

[Avid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple reading.

▶️ Seems geared toward teenagers or young adults, most likely females.

In this land and era, power and corruption rule and only the strong will survive. Empires are built through destruction, death, imprisonment, fear, and constant control over all those below them & even those closest to them. No one is safe. No one is a friend. Friendship is a luxury that may get you killed.

The main character is an innocent young girl from a small village. At the start of the story she lived with her mother, and there she would help her mother heal the town's sick or injured people. In her free time, she enjoyed talking to the animals. A gift she truly didn't understand she possessed.

It's this gift that becomes both a gift and a curse as her talent is exposed and she is now property of the elite class and taken away from what she's always known as home to train and become someone she never imagined possible.

If you can get past the blushing, the crushes, the simple language used, not much depth to any of the characters, and no change in tempo... then, it's okay once the story moves along. It wouldn't be my go-to 1st choice, but a backup book for a rainy day.

The audio stutters along and blips out leaving awkward silences as well.
📚📚📚

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed this book. It's got good pacing and is an easy read.
It's quite different to the 'trials' books I've read, but in a good way. I admittedly one-two-skipped-a-few pages here and there where I got bogged down in the FMCs inner monologue 😁 (her naivety annoys me a little and I get it, but her not wanting to kill or even hurt people in DEADLY BATTLES AND TRIALS...) but it was easy to catch up with what was happening, the writing flows easily.
We've barely scratched the surface on the characters we've met so far, with a couple of common tropes you see a lot these days: more than one potential love interest, a character who hates the FMC straight away and make it their mission to see them fail/kill them, a savvy bestie or two that help the FMC grow into their skin, the FMC being more powerful than originally thought, but all of that said it doesn't feel too samesie to other books I've read.
I was surprised to see how many other books Morgan had written. Time to dive into the next of this series and her others!

[Luna_Roja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ironhold: Trial One is a solid start to a new fantasy series. It’s fast-paced, easy to read, and has that mix of danger, action, and mystery that keeps you wanting to see what happens next. I liked the concept of the trials and the whole beast-magic element — it gives the story something different without getting too complicated.

The main character is interesting, even if she can be a bit naive at times, and the world feels vivid enough to picture without needing long explanations. There are a few moments where I wish things slowed down a little to develop more emotional weight, but overall it’s very engaging.

If you enjoy fantasy stories with tension, survival, and a hint of rebellion, this one is definitely worth trying. I’ll be reading the next book to see where it goes.

[Asteroula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quite interesting story!
This Romantasy book has a lot of potential and since I started reading the second book in the series, I can say with certainty that this series will be really good.
I feel that the premise is not something really new: A powerful girl, that does not know that is really powerful, and a world full of Politics, betrayals and a love triangle (not confirmed but I can see it happening).
However, even if you feel the familiarity of everything in the story, it is still interesting and lovely to read it.
Fast paced, not that long and intriguing! I'm up for going all the way!

[Minime3396 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really fun. It appears it will be a slow burn. Some relationships feel a bit flat while others have a fun chemistry I’m interested in(although I think it’s intentional, will he be friend zoned?)

I like the premise of this book a lot and will definitely be seeing where this story goes. Although 12 books seems like a long journey!

She is a gentle kind girl raised to heal people but she’s thrust into a world of gladiators where it’s either kill or be killed. She has a pretty cool power developing as well!

The question is, who can we trust? Who is a friend, who will betray her?


This book could use some editing but they are mostly simple errors.

[Dr. Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly enjoyable basic read. It is written to be EASY. I think some people shy away from books that aren't written with "pretty pose." You see, some books are all pretty pose and nothing else. Some books are written EASY and minus the pretty pose and are fun; because you don't have to think so hard. If you are looking for a basic read-- with fun elements and entertaining-- this is your book. If you are looking for fluff; this isn't your book. I was looking for easy; it delivered-- and was entertaining.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood and death!

The soldiers drag Lyra Thornwind from her village when they discover her beast speak magic. She is taken to Ironhold to be trained as a gladiator. There she will live or die in the arena for the entertainment of the crowd. She soon learns that not all of the danger is in the arena.

This is another excellent action-packed paranormal adventure from Morgan Rice. I can’t wait to read the next book. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Lesley Barklay · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story in which the main characters are taken as slaves and forced to become gladiators and fight in the arena for their freedom. I had recently visited the colosseum in Rome, so this book felt quite vivid to me. There is a budding love triangle, if you enjoy that, although nothing much develops on that front in book 1. The main character has the power to communicate with beasts, and it is hinted that this power might be what is needed to overthrow the unjust ruler.

[Lilithya · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone with interest in and who is studying Ancient Rome, the use of the Colisseum and the gladiator games as the setting was really interesting and well done.

I enjoyed the plot and the wordlbuilding, the difference between classes feeling realistic and an oportunity for conflict and developing in the future books.

I liked the FMC although sometimes her peaceful attitude icked me out considering the situation she was in.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

brutal and captivating

Lyra is captured and thrown into a world she has never know.
She is a beast whisperer. She did not want to kill and has avoided
It. She has made friends and is learning to watch what she says and who she is with. She is strong and wants to survive. I did’t know if I would like the story but have gotten caught up in it

[S Spurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ironhold: Trial One

Lyra is a young woman who is ripped away from her village. Her only crime is in saving an official from the conqueror state from a bear attack & inadvertently showing she had some power over animals.
She is forced to fight as a gladiator in the city & kill or be killed with the potential to eventually earn her release.

[Liza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a mixed story line.

The army goes from town to town gathering up all those who show indications of magical ability. Instead of training the slaves to handle their magic for the good of the kingdom, they are required to train with the aim to fight and kill each other as gladiators for the entertainment of the elite citizens.

[Paul Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan Rice favourite writer of Ironhold

I love the stories of Morgan Rice. Thrilling and suspenseful as she creates a heroine who must fight for her life while retaining her humanity and integrity, refusing to kill wantonly while surviving the cruelty and chaos of the gladiator ring that she cannot escape.

[Jess Brook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off good but then it kinda stopped and I wasn’t getting the real pull to carrying it on. I did eventually finish it but only because I made myself. The main character was kind of annoying and it wasn’t till the end of the book where she finally started showing some potential. Not sure if I’ll carry on the series.

[Lucia · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Ironhold: Trial One" dives into the thrilling life of Lyra Thornwind as she battles in gladiatorial arenas, wielding magic and forging alliances. It's a fun mix of combat, romance, and intrigue, offering an enjoyable escape that fills you up without breaking new ground.
Gives hunger games vibes, but way less intense.
Perfect for a light read!

[Andy Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this would be a silly fantasy story but, Morgan Rice would be one of my favourite authors.
In this story she tells of people who possess magical powers but because they hold these powers they are great entertainment for the local nobles as they have to fight each other for sport in the Colesseum.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good read - I really enjoyed the trial and challenges part of it being set up in this gladiator time which is what made it intriguing for me. I didn't feel there was enough building around that though. I reallly wanted a little bit more.
The story is interesting but not enough for me to want to continue the series. I'd still recommend folks to give the write-up a read through and try it.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly spectacular book as I would expect nothing less from Morgan Rice. Each book by this author is an adventure into the unknown with great characters and original stories. A truly good book to read.

[Carmel McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

goid imagination

excellent as usual the story set in a realm Ruled by a authoritarian government, which requires their people to fight to kill. and Pretty messed up.How is lyra going to escape