Искрящият меч

The Darkwater Legacy #1

by Chris Wooding, Крис Удинг, Надя Златкова (Translator)

„Искрящия меч“ – първа книга от нова фентъзи поредица на Крис Удинг

Окупирана земя. Легендарен меч. Пътят на едно момче към съдбата му. Арън цял живот е следвал правилата, без да ги поставя под съмнение. До момента, в който екзекутират баща му за измяна, а двамата с приятеля му Кейд се озовават в трудов лагер, обречени да работят до смърт. Освен ако не успеят да избягат.

Отвъд стените на затвора обаче ги очакват още по-ужасяващи неща. Спасява ги група, чийто водач пази неподозирани тайни, а нечовешки сили ги преследват. Постепенно Арън разбира, че законите не са създадени, за да пазят него или народа му, а за да ги поробят. Готви се революция и с Кейд се оказват въвлечени в нея. Ключът към успеха е Искрящият меч. Мечът на кралете. Единствено с него хората могат да бъдат подбудени да въстанат. Той обаче е заключен в недостъпен трезор в най-добре охраняваната крепост в страната.

Трябва само да го откраднат...

Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Fiction, Adult, Audiobook, Science Fiction Fantasy

848 pages, Hardcover

First published September 20, 2018

About the author

Chris Wooding grew up in a small town in Leicestershire, where not much of anything happened. So he started to write novels. He was sixteen when he completed his first. He had an agent by eighteen. By nineteen he had signed his first book deal. When he left university he began to write full-time, and he has been doing it professionally all his adult life.

Now thirty-nine, Chris has written over twenty books, which have been translated into twenty languages, won various awards and been published around the world. He writes for film and television, and has several projects in development.

Chris has travelled extensively round the world, having backpacked all over Europe and North America, Scandinavia, South East Asia, Japan and South Africa. He also lived in Madrid for a time. When he wasn’t travelling on his own, he spent his twenties touring with bands and seeing the UK and Europe from the back of a van.

He also learned not so long ago that his family tree can be traced back to John Milton, author of Paradise Lost, which has no bearing on him whatsoever but it’s kind of interesting anyway.

Chris lives in London.

Reviews

[Petrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the publisher—Gollancz—in exchange for an honest review.

Wooding strikes a magnificently fine balance between classic epic fantasy and grimdark fantasy, making this an amazing start to a new trilogy.

To be honest, I feel like the love for classic fantasy has started to dwindle these days. It seems like readers thirst for grimdark or fantasy with darker tones more often lately; the fame of Game of Thrones TV show is probably responsible for this. This isn’t actually a bad thing, and I have to say that I kind of feel the same. My reasoning is that classic fantasy is starting to feel too familiar sometimes; many classic fantasy novels followed the same good versus evil structure that’s getting more predictable. Reading classic fantasy now, in my opinion, is like coming home to something incredibly well known; it’s always comfortable, and you’re highly familiar with it. Readers, however, will always want new adventures as well, something unpredictable and fresh, not the same type of adventures they’ve already experienced time and time again. This is where The Ember Blade comes in, and it will change your mind. The Ember Blade is indeed a love letter to classic epic fantasy, but it’s filled with morally grey characters and characterizations that dominate the grimdark sub-genre. Wooding has successfully created a brilliant fusion within this book. Imagine coming home expecting familiar comfort, and pleasant surprises are waiting for you; you open your fridge, then you crack an egg, and you get two egg yolks instead of one. To me, that’s how it felt reading this book.

“Every day, a person should learn something, experience something, do something that left them changed, even in a small way.”

The Ember Blade storyline started as greatly inspired by typical classic fantasy tropes, with two teenage boys—Aren and Cade—encountering an event that would soon change their lives forever. However, I can guarantee you that 10% into the novel, you’ll realize that the story starts to diverge from the norm, and it keeps on getting better. It was gripping, well-paced, and unpredictable. The first half of the novel was full of dangers for the main characters, and honestly speaking, I’m usually not a fan of this kind of storytelling structure. I tend to prefer characterizations first and dangers later. Yes, I don’t mind how slow-paced a book is; I simply need to care about the characters first and foremost. And this is why I’m delightfully surprised by Wooding’s storytelling style. Although he placed his characters in so much danger in the first half of the book, the crucial characterizations that sparked my empathy for the character’s predicament were never neglected. Where the first half focused majorly on Aren and Cade, the second half of the book slowed down the pacing by expanding the cast and introducing a more detailed plus well-executed multi-perspective narration; the result is EVERY single character’s POV became so compelling to read. There were a few scenes—when the characters were in Skavengard—which went a bit too long for me due to the lack of familiarity with the new set of characters introduced there, but the second half of the book made up for this minor issue masterfully.

I haven’t read any of Wooding’s books before this, but if his characterizations were all as good as the one displayed in The Ember Blade, then I’ll have to make sure to read his preceding series. Characterizations always make or break any book for me, and what I’ve read here definitely elevated the book for me. The character’s fluctuating emotions and motivations were palpable; they were realistic, nuanced, and complex. The quality of the plot shines further because the grimdark element ensured that none of the characters were predictable. I mean it, these characters, especially ALL the characters with a POV, were incredibly believable. As good or bad as they may seem, they all have their own problems and agendas that drive their actions. The morally grey characters produced an utterly gripping narrative because it was difficult to guess what the characters would do. The execution of a situation where we—the readers—know a character’s backgrounds, thoughts, and secrets—while the other character didn’t—was sublime.

“To speak from the heart required more bravery than any physical risk. To heal a wound was so much harder than to cause one.”

Although the characters did questionable things at times, this doesn’t mean that it was hard to love them. It felt effortless for me to get attached to the characters. Aren, Cade, Grub, Garric, and more were characters I’m invested in. The way I perceived the themes, Wooding placed the weightiest value on found family, friendship, and honor; the brotherhood between Aren and Cade, for one, was one of the strongest driving strengths of the storyline for me. Wooding undoubtedly knows how to create tensions through dangerous circumstances that constantly keep the reader thinking: “Will they come back from this?” or “Will he/she do it?” His prose was accessible, engaging, cinematic, and immersive; I couldn’t be happier with it.

“A friendship of half a lifetime shouldn’t be broken by a few harsh words.”

Let me say once more The Ember Blade is not a grimdark novel. It’s a classic epic fantasy told in a modern narrative; a relative morally grey characterization aspect from the grimdark subgenre was added to it, but the tone of the book itself was never bleak. The characters do live in a grim and oppressive world, but the themes of hope, kindness, love, friendship, plus the grand adventure often evident in our beloved classic fantasy were always there to balance things out.

“In her lessons, as in life, they’d often find themselves dealt a hand that was less than fair. She’d teach them to overcome a disadvantage any way they could.”

From the excellent characterizations to the relentless chase, from breathtaking set pieces to the intricate world-building, everything was written with finesse. It seriously doesn’t matter whether you’re a fan of classic, epic, or grimdark fantasy (even better if all three), there’s a place for you here. The Ember Blade is a book every fantasy fan will feel right at home with, and yet will find new adventures in it. It's a book that fantasy readers will love to revisit and inhabit longer and longer with every visit. The Ember Blade is an epic fantasy forged to stand the test of time, and I sincerely hope you'll wield the blade yourself.

The quotes in this review were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

Official release date: 20th September 2018

You can pre-order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping) | The Broken Binding (Use my code: NOVELNOTIONS121 for discount!)

You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel

Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!

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[Sean Barrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of fantasy, though I’ve never read a fantasy book that somehow manages to incorporate elements from so many other books and make them original and unrepetitive. It’s a triumph of writing, and I dare say one of the best in the genre for a very long time. I gave it five stars because it is a masterful balancing of new and old.

Please listen to what I have to say about it!

The plot picks up real quickly. Aren’s father is executed on jumped up charges of treason. Aren has no idea why, to his eye his father has always been the perfect servant to Krodan rule. Aren finds himself in prison with his best friend Cade and together they begin to hatch an escape plan. And it’s not until he is behind prison bars that Aren realises how messed up the world is. He’s spent his entire life believing the dogma the Krodan empire has fed him, and now he sees the reality of empire. Empire is evil. Empire is dominating and destructive. And it echoes the real world.

If we are to step outside this fantastic world Wooding has created (hard to do I know) but the most successful empires achieve their goal of subjugating the conquered by controlling their language and religion. The Krodan empire is no different. It’s been drawn from the efficiency of the Roman empire and the vileness of Nazi Germany. The Krodan Empire has death camps and a strict legal process that controls all aspects of life. Cough in the wrong way and you’re fucked. Travel without a permit and you’re dead. It takes a long way for Aren to realise this, and even longer for him to realise that he can work towards toppling such an awful regime.

The Ember Blade is the key. It’s a weapon of such legendary status that it can unite the fractured lands behind its bearer. It’s protected by armies and dreadknights (evil warriors who draw on dark power.) On the road to getting it, a rather random (yet compatible) party take up the quest. There number include, a druid, a minstrel, a thief, a knight and several freedom fighters. Each come with their own skill sets and abilities, and each is needed to reach the blade and pull off such a large scale heist. And I love when a party like this is used properly, it really gives the story an added edge.

But it's so much more than that!

Wooding has also gotten his hands very dirty here. He’s not reluctant to kill off likeable characters in order to keep the plot moving. There’s treachery aplenty, along with several other dark themes like suicide and drug use. There’s prisons, dungeons and monsters. And there’s also druids, knights and minstrels. It’s classic old school type epic fantasy (in the vein of Robert Jordon and Terry Brooks) though it’s distinctively modern with its undertones of grimdark plotting. There’s a standard coming of age story and a legendary sword of power. There’s Tolkienesque style chase/travel scenes with the looming threat of some dark power, though underneath it all is the grittiness and moral greyness that makes grimdark so alluring.

Indeed, The Ember Blade has many classic tropes but it’s unafraid to branch out, exploring new ideas to defy narrative expectation. And that’s kind of important. I don’t like to read predictable books, books where I know how it’s all going to end (and with fantasy that seems to happen an awful lot.) I like to be surprised. I like characters that shock me with their decisions and hidden depths. Wooding has been so careful here, not to give too much early on, and to peel back the layers slowly until his big reveals. It really kept me reading.

There’s quite a lot I could say about the characters here and how complex some of their backgrounds are, though I don’t want to get bogged down with the details. So let me simply say this: never judge people (or characters) by their moods or appearances (Garric, Fen and Grub.) Wooding really gives insight into the behaviour of them as he explored the reason for their actions and the paths they may take in the future. I loved the room for growth here and the unpredictable nature of their behaviour. Their decisions had a lot of effect, and I felt they could have gone many different ways. Coming into the ending, I had no idea how it would all go down.

So this is a rather grand first instalment in a trilogy that could be one of the best epic fantasy has ever seen. I really have high hopes for where this will go because I know it will do the unexpected.

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[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE: $1.99 Kindle US 12/15/19

Read this amazing book with some wonderful friends over at "Fantasy Buddy Reads"



I am absolutely in love with this book! I was not bored one time. I was on the edge of my seat a few times. I laughed and I cried.

Some of my favorite characters:
Aren
Cade
Vika
Ruck
Grub
Ren
Garric

and there are some more. The book isn't bogged down with lots of people to remember or things like that.

Aren's father is killed for treason or so they say. Aren and his best friend Cade are sent to the prison to work themselves to death. It seems like Aren is the one that started all of this over something stupid. Did he? Haven't we all done something stupid? Well, probably not a good idea in the days of getting people and things killed!

Vika is the bad @ssed girl of the book and her hound, Ruck. I love them to the moon and back!

All of these people end up coming together and forming a rag tag team. Okay, they are not rag tag, well, Grub could be rag tag all on his own =) I love him so much!

To keep it short like I do these days, I loved the characters, loved the story, was sad at the way it ended to a certain extent, and looking forward to the next book!

Happy Reading!

Mel ♥

BLOG REVIEW

AMAZON REVIEW

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

773 pages. 2 days to read. 1 review to write.


On a day that changes his life forever, Aren sees his father knifed to death in the dining room of their own home by a watchman of the Iron Hand, inquisitors who deal with only the gravest threats to the Krodan Empire. Removed to a prison mine with his best friend, Cade, his conviction that somehow the vaunted Krodan justice he was raised to have total faith in will soon remedy their situation is chipped away by the brutal indifference he finds there. Getting out only proves that his life was built on foundations of falsity and betrayal. So far, so normal, right? Let’s be honest now, the blurb doesn’t sound entirely inspiring. But in a perfect example of how to under promise and over deliver, what you might think you’re getting is a typical, somewhat out-dated, young man on a quest to find himself and save the world, and what you’re actually getting is a complex, morally ambiguous, cleverly told story that has 773 pages feeling like something over way too soon.

Picture, if you will, the great works of fantasy in the form of battered warriors, stood shoulder to shoulder, stretching into the past in a line unbreaking. In The Ember Blade, we see echoes of them all: traces in a place, a name, or the fundamentals of character, in the heroic nature of the quest, the prison break, the destiny chased, or the you-shall-not-pass moment. There’s so much in this new arrival that feels like them, but it is no bastard child. Instead, this warrior steps up to take his place beside them, inspired by what came before and offering a respectful and loving ode to their skills, while proving his own worth in every word and deed. And he’s going to do with with a wink and a smile, no less.

What’s history but a series of lessons we didn’t learn?

The Krodan Empire has an obvious connection to the Roman, bringing ‘peace’ to their neighbours by the sword in their own version of the Pax Romana. It reminds us that these conflicts are not only fancies of the author’s mind; the detailed interconnections between the two Empires enhance the veracity of the narrative, one example, of many, is the Krodan religious conversion to the Sword and the Word harking to Constantine’s conversion to Christanity. The book owes as much to Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire as anything else and acts as a warning from without: all things change. As in the regions of Roman conquest, the Krodan invasion of Ossia, thirty years past, has left the population deeply divided, each person having an intensely individual response to the occupation, from collaboration to outright revolt. Aren, son a noble made rich by cooperation, is Ossian born, but raised in the Krodan style, conditioned to respect their culture, laws, and religion, while Cade is lower born and Ossian through and through. After all, the struggling classes have a much greater distance from Krodan influence, it’s much more important to indoctrinate those in society who are powerful or useful. If this seems simplistic, it’s because it’s only the set up, there to lull you into a false sense of superiority. As you keep reading you notice that every character has a nuanced, personal, layered, and complicated set of ideas about their country, the occupation, their fellow citizens, the Krodans (as individuals and as a group), the Sards (a Roma community), the wrongs of the past, and what should be done about the future. And they change with experiences and new information, making mistakes along the way. The author makes sure that humanity = complexity, it’s exceptionally done.

The modern has its place too. Literary wise, what’s most evident is the kind of subversion of expectations, undermining of heroic ideals, and crushing of hopes that is most often associated with grimdark. And yet, the overarching feeling is far from that, not grimdark but grim reality. Characters are far from perfect, often driven by baser emotions: bitterness, greed, jealousy, pride, fear, despair. It’s a world full of false ideologies and petty resentments, people who aim for misunderstanding instead of acceptance. The group itself is tested by its individualism- it’s no immediate band of brothers, but people with their own fears and secrets, together for convenience and necessity. They have to grow into a team, but the fact that they do, even if it takes the whole book, sets it apart from the truly grim. Honour, friendship, and oaths have value in this world, for some. Even so, there are no real white knights or black hats; a champion might have a racist aversion to the Sards and a torturer might love his family above everything. High ideals are tested, and qualified, again and again. They're well and good in theory, but when a character is forced to make choices that pits lofty ideas against the lives of their family and friends, the ‘right’ answer is less clear cut. Each character’s thoughts and actions raise questions about their personal morality, allowing you, if you dare, to truly understand who you are as much as who they really are. There’s so much in here about the use and misuse of power, slavery, racism, truth and lies that it could read as a primer for the ethical questions of contemporary society. The most important in the book is probably: what makes a hero? Modern translation: what do you, or what should you, fight for? And how? There are some answers here, if not definitive ones. The author never allows the reader to be comfortable with assumptions or easy labels, whether you’re a freedom fighter or terrorist is frequently a matter of perspective.

When it comes to the mechanics of the writing and plot, the author has it down pat. It’s clever and challenging, but also funny. Scenes switch between intimacy and humour and horror and back again with an unsettling rapidity that feels like anything can happen. Nobody is safe. Especially when the Dreadknights turn up. The second half is somewhat slower, as more perspectives are added, and the action packed journey sequences switch to a greater focus on themes and character development. But the explosive finale has more than enough bang for anyone. The rousing ending has the greatest appeal to classic epic fantasy- a group forged in blood and betrayal, bonded by their oaths to do what needs to be done against any and all odds. I, for one, stand with them. This is the fantasy book we’ve all be waiting for.

ARC via publisher.


***Chris Wooding confirmed this will be the first in a trilogy, though there’s a possibility of other stories set in the same world. All of which makes me happy.

[Matt's Fantasy Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Watch my video review by clicking here.

An epic fantasy story that is simultaneously epically boring, and epically cliché.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll cut to the quick: Chris Wooding’s The Ember Blade is one of the best starts to an epic fantasy series that I’ve ever read. This book is a massive 800-page tome, yet it stays economical in its scope. It is a story filled with thoughtful insights, rousing battles, tense chase scenes, richly drawn characters, and tender moments of friendship and loss. It is a coming of age story, a desperate act of revolution, a struggling morality play, and a meditation on family and loyalty. And above all, it is a story of hope and determination, and the sacrifices made to change the course of a nation.

After the first half of the book focuses on outward conflict, the story shifts focus towards the interpersonal relationships amongst the group. This is really when the book begins to shine: the friendships feel natural and lifelike, but Wooding really excels at depicting broken relationships within the group. There is pure hatred and strife between several of the characters, yet all sides of these relationships feel justified. Each character's journey is given ample time to breathe and grow, and it was incredibly satisfying to see how far our group has come over the course of the story. There are no less than 11 protagonists in our group of heroes, plus some additional side characters that help give depth to other side of the conflict, and no one is neglected from their time in the spotlight. One of the more satisfying decisions I encountered was how Wooding sometimes chose to tell a chapter's story through the eyes of a secondary character, instead of the person who's is the central figure at the moment. We're able to still view the major events of the chapter, but we also learn how the actions affect others in the group, and what emotions and reactions their decisions have influenced.

In most of my book reviews, I like to share some semblance of the plot: describing the main characters, or the overall conflict that's driving the story forward. I will not do that here. I think it will be most rewarding if you go into this book completely blind and let the author piece together this world in your mind. Wooding has woven a tale that perfectly balances a wide cast of engaging, lifelike characters, set inside a richly-developed world that you experience through the characters' eyes.

This is an all-ages fantasy tale with more than a few instances of adult themes. There are traumatic moments that are gleaned from scenes of emotional turmoil as much as character deaths. I audibly gasped several times during the Misson Impossible-style finale that covered the final 200 pages of the story. And when I turned the final page, wiping a curious amount of wetness around my eyes, I felt a deep sense satisfaction and gratification of a story brilliantly told. This is only the first volume of a planned trilogy, but it also functions as an incredible standalone work of fantasy. In short, The Ember Blade is everything I could possibly want in an epic fantasy novel, and so much more. Buy this book as soon as it is available.

9.5 / 10

[James Tivendale · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best fantasy books I've read in years. An instant classic!

[Charlotte May]

This one is also massively overdue so I’m going to return it to the library - hopefully I will be able to read it again another time.


800 pages - big commitment, but it's been highly recommended so i'm gonna give it a go.

[Kitty G Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Honestly, I though I would because I have read previous books by this author and not been disappointed, but as this was a return to the classic fantasy genre and it's a little different than the books I have ready by Wooding before I wasn't sure what to expect. I am happy to say this book had absolutely everything I love about the fantasy genre and more, and it was filled with great world building, magic, characters and more. I found this to be a delight to read and I highly recommend it to anyone, old or young, new to fantasy or an old hand at it, because this feels like it will instantly become a classic.

This is the story of two young boys called Cade and Aren. At first they are young friend who hunt wild beasts and fantasise about girls together, but as the story goes on they are forced to grow up far faster than anticipated when Aren's father is arrested and the boys make some life-changing choices that land them in prison.
From this point onwards the world becomes a harsher place than they could have imagined and even though Cade knows some more of the inequalities than Aren (from hearing his father rant time and time again) it's still a shock for them both.

This world is divided into mainly two peoples, the Ossians and the Krodans, (although there are also the Sards) and the Ossians have, for many years by the start of this story, been overpowered and ruled over by the Krodans. Both Cade and Aren are Ossians, but whilst Aren has grown up learning the Kraden ways and he continually tries to be Kraden, Cade knows that the more realistic view is that they are from the lesser ranks and they will always be looked down upon by Kradens.

There is quite a lot of magic in this world, mostly in the form of the Ember Blade which is a symbol of Ossian power and a prophecy seen by the Druids and the magic that Druids can wield. Later in the book we see a Druid join our band of heroes (or compatriots may be more apt as they are far from heroes yet) and she has pretty awesome magic when she journeys the Shadowlands. Overall, it's nothing too 'original' but it's the kind of thing that made me love fantasy in the first place and the nostalgia for magic and mayhem like this is great.

The story starts off fairly stereotypical but as the book evolves and more characters are brought in we really get to know our characters and their traits and personalities. I have to say that there were many really heartfelt moments as the story went on and I found I couldn't have put one above the other by the end, I really enjoyed everyone as a character and I could see their motivations.

In terms of plot this is a long old book, but that's what classic fantasy is all about, a slow build-up and an exciting pay-off and I think this book has exactly that. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would recommend it to anyone :) 5*s from me :D

[Nils | nilsreviewsit · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Right or wrong were just a matter of perspective. Stories and histories changed depending on the teller. Justice was an illusion. All that mattered was what you believed in.
His hand went to The Ember Blade at his hip, I believe in this, he thought to himself.’
⚔️
The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding is the first part in The Darkwater Legacy series, and weighs in at around 825 pages. Now it’s no secret that I love a chunky book, but if you’re intimidated by them then rest assured you needn’t be here, this book is worth EVERY page, you’ll fly through each chapter and still want more because it’s that incredible!
⚔️
To briefly summarise, The Ember Blade is set in the lands of Ossia, a place where the Krodan Empire has invaded and rules there under a false pretence of liberating the Ossian people. Rebel groups want to fight back, but it is not easy when the people are blinded and prefer to maintain peace rather than a revolution. Our main protagonist, Aren; brought up in the ways of the Krodan’s; and his best friend Cade, find themselves on a dangerous path that will lead them to discover just how corrupt their world truly is.
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This book is the very embodiment of high fantasy, which is a sub-genre I love with all my heart. My first reading experiences were of high fantasy, and it is something that makes me truly nostalgic. Some people find this over done, a cliche if you will; the chosen one quest has been done time and time again for sure, but this trope is something I personally love.
⚔️
There are plenty of authors who bring a modern feel to this story arc, John Gwynne being my absolute favourite of those, and now I can add Wooding to that list too. The Ember Blade has many of the aspects you would find in something akin to Lord of the Rings - journeying, coming of age of the main protagonists, monsters to fight, and a crusade to banish evil, for example. However, Wooding freshens this narrative into something more complex, he builds a world where heroes are morally grey; their actions are never without devastating consequences, to the point where you would think “my god will they actually do that... please god, no!” My emotions were torn to shreds during many chapters!
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Now I have to say the characterisation in this book was amazing. It was so easy to fall in love with so many of them, for so many reasons. Though I’ll only briefly discuss each of my favourites here because it’s much better for you to discover these beauts for yourself.
⚔️
Aren, and Cade, both felt so realistic. Their growth throughout the book and their strong friendship with one another was a pleasure to see. Grub, was one of the most hilarious characters, ever! He effectively brought so much comedy to the otherwise very serious narrative, and I just loved him. Vika the druidess and her wolfhound, Ruck stole my heart. Her scenes and especially her powers were always so dark, but her personality was the warmest. Garric was one that to begin with is extremely unpleasant, you find yourself really disliking him, but by the end my god did I love him! When you finally understand his bitterness, you realise that all along in a way his actions were justified.
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‘Forget the destination, Aren; enjoy the journey. You are free now in a way you never have been, and the choices you make now will determine who you become.’
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Lastly, I have to mention that Wooding is a master of world building. Seriously, this book is filled with various religions, traditions, culture, it’s so rich and complex and I drank all of it in. I loved the themes of sexism, racism and oppression that were illustrated. I could really feel and share the frustration of the characters that wanted Ossia freed from Krodan rule; but the majority of the Ossian population would rather hand in traitors to the Krodan’s than risk open war. It’s a fantastic reflection on freedom. Is it better for a race to accept domination, to loose their own ways, if it means a peaceful life free of warfare? Is it ok for them to live comfortably in ignorance, never acknowledging that they’re not free at all, but are slaves? I’m in awe of Wooding because he made me question this time and time again.
⚔️
If you like an epic fantasy read, that is refreshingly written, full of thought provoking themes and some well thought out characters, then look no further, because this book is for you.
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Thank you to the publisher Gollancz for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rob Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

EDIT: I re-read this last month and still LOVED it!

Look, I've been a Chris Wooding fan for years now ever since I unwittingly stumbled across Retribution Falls. It was a fast paced, swashbuckling adventure with a gallery of rogues brought to life by truly excellent characterisation. So I quickly read everything else Chris had written and eagerly awaited more. The Ember Blade was a long time coming, and worth the wait.

We follow Aren and Cade, a couple of boys from the town of Shoal Point. They do usual boy things in a fantasy world; they chase girls, get into trouble, and dream of fighting monsters. Then things go sideways when Aren's father is accused of treason by the occupying Krodan empire, and both Aren and Cade end up in jail. Then things get worse... a lot worse! There's deathknights, druids, the Hollow Man, an inquisition, dawnwarders, an abandoned castle full of mystery, and a plot to free Ossia from Krodan occupation. Oh, and a legendary sword: The Ember Blade.

This book is a modern epic fantasy. It takes some of the best elements that are now associated with Grimdark, an unforgiving world, characters who are morally grey, very little plot armour for any of its characters; and it throws them all into an epic fantasy story the likes of which Tolkien or Sanderson might write. In fact, this book homages Fellowship of the Ring so hard it feels like Chris Wooding's love letter to Tolkien.

So where does it succeed?
Plot? A fantastic fast paced plot that keeps winding up the peril without sacrificing development.

Action? So many adrenaline fueled set pieces you'll struggle to put it down. Always just one chapter more.

Characterisation? Chris Wooding has always had amazing characterisation and he doesn't disappoint here. A wonderfully diverse cast of characters, each with their own drive and back story, and demons (both inner and outer).

World building? There's so much lore and depth to the world, and it all flows effortlessly off the page, and I'm fairly certain there's still so much left untouched.

Cliffhanger? Oh yeah! Book 2 has so much setup, and there are so many questions left unanswered.

Where does it fail?
I got nothing. I mean, it's a LONG book and finding time to read it with a new puppy nipping at my heels was tough... That's probably more of a review of the puppy than the book though.

The Ember Blade is a classic epic fantasy adventure with a modern beat to it. It reminded me both of the reasons I first fell in love with the genre, and also why I continue to love the genre and how it is evolving. 5 stars! (which was probably never in doubt).

[Lezlie The Nerdy Narrative · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I picked the perfect time to read this as I believe the author JUST finished the next book in the series! You can probably guess from that line alone how this review is going to go, LOL!

I read this at the recommendation of my friend Andrew over at the YouTube channel, Andrew's Wizardly Reads. Chris Wooding is a new to me author and I had not heard of The Ember Blade, but I love fantasy and I love a good quest/fellowship trope, which this book had in spades!

[Deborah Obida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy read with Ruthie my August tbr twin.

Right and wrong were just a matter of perspective. Stories and histories changed depending on the teller. Justice was an illusion. All that mattered was what you believed.

That turned out way better than I imagined. I was a bit sceptical because the plot isn't original but the potrayal changed everything, the author made normal mundane fantasy troupe into something extraordinary. The book has a great world, good camaraderie, amazing friendship.

To overcome your enemy, you must first understand him.

World building and Writing
I really loved the way the author depicted the world, I really enjoyed reading this book cause of that. The writing is amazing I really liked the way the author introduced a new point a view when a character is introduced into the story, the story is easy to understand, its unlike most fantasy that's complex. The book is written in third person multiple POVs.

‘What’s history but a series of lessons we didn’t learn?’

Plot
Thirty years ago the Krodans invaded the Ossians and conquered them. They think they are more important than the Ossians and treat them like second class citizens in their own land. Some of the Ossians are okay with it, some are too afraid to speak out and of course they is a rebel group.

Aren thinks the coming of the Krodans is good for the Ossians but his friend Cade thinks its terrible for their people, they all lived in their own bubble till it burst when Aren's father was executed for treason and the two of them were taken to the Krodan's empire prison camp. Everything changed for the two boys then.


Characters
Aren is one of the protagonist, from the way the synopsis and plot revolved around him, he's definitely the choosen one that is common amongst classic fantasy. He is of noble blood but his best friend Cade is a carpenter's son. Aren is a strategist and a great swordman, he can get himself out any situation. He is also kind and humble despite his great skills.

Cade is a good character but the author didn't develop his character well. Its like he was just there to make Aren look good and make the other characters laugh. He didn't contribute much plot wise.

Grub is a Skarl, the fantasy version of a viking. He reminds me of Ubala Pung in Malazan , he is a simpleton but he is somewhat selfish but that was due to the way people acted towards him. He can scale any wall, he is also a great fighter which makes hin important to the group.


‘They might have been delayed,’ said Aren, with forced optim­ism. ‘Chased off by a patrol. Maybe they’re lying low till it’s safe.’
Grub snorted sceptically. ‘And maybe Grub have the gateway to a magic kingdom hidden in the crack of his arse.’

Garric is the head of the rebel group. He is a hard and uptight man, he has lots of flaws but that is due to what happened to him in the past. Despite all his flaws he is a great swordsman and a good strategist.

Vika is a druidess and a priestess to the Ossians god, but they are been hunted cause the Krodans want the Ossians to worship the Krodan god Primus. She is a complicated woman but I love her powers a lot.

Some other characters that I like are Klyssen even though he is a Krodan. Fen, Harod and Orica.

A person can be many things. There is good in the worst of us, and bad in the best.

[Scott Hitchcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*s

Part of me wants to give this 4*'s based on a great ending and some unforeseen events in the last 15 or so percent of the book. But for the majority of the book it was just a good story. There weren't epic scenes. I didn't love any of the characters. It just meandered along.

I do think fans of old school fantasy will really like this in terms of storytelling and writing. However there is a distinct grimdark flavor to the book which is a bit of contraction to an extent. I think that's what kept me engage.

Also having read Wooding's Ketty Jay series I expected a bit more banter between the characters. I get that was a much more whimsical series but where that series had it's dark moments to contrast the humor this one needed a bit more humor to contrast the darkness.

I don't want to be too negative as it was a good story. I just think the author could have done a few things differently to give the sense of danger more context, the humor something more than what Grub offered to contrast the story and a bit more upbeat pacing to round things out.

[Ed McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in my teens, I loved fat books. I don't think I'd even have bothered with a book that came in at under 500 pages. I wanted heavy, long epics - and I had the time to read them. Then, as adult life and career and relationships and writing all ate into my time, I switched onto lighter books. 400 pages or fewer. So I am not sure why it was that one night, wondering what to read, having already begun another novel 3 days before, that made me pick up Chris Wooding's 800 page beast.

But I am very, very glad that I did.

The Ember Blade is the island of goodness and hope for humanity in the sea of grimdark. I can't remember where the term 'Noblebright' came from, and it was mocking when it was coined, but if there was a book to make you suddenly think 'Shit, Noblebright can actually be a thing - and it can be amazing, exciting, and still retain a realistic world view of people and how they think and act and feel,' then this would be it.

At its core, The Ember Blade is a coming of age quest story in the very best traditions of The Belgariad or the Runes of War, and sits brilliantly as The Lord of the Rings for a modern, more cynical generation of readers. There is a long journey, perilous haunted castles, a party of adventurers who each have their own particularly useful skills, evil enemy agents, and nasty creatures from the Abyss. If you're looking for epic quest fantasy then this is the book for you.

It would be wrong not to talk about the characters. Every character in the 'party' - and there are a lot of them - undergoes a character development arc (maybe Ruck doesn't, but Ruck is a dog). My favourite character was Grub, and I was glad of the way he developed and what he ends up doing. Not everyone makes it through the story - when I say 'noblebright' I'm not telling you that this is all happiness and smiles. People die, sometimes tragically. Friends betray one another. Families are slaughtered or abandoned. But it's all so very well crafted that the nuance of the causality is ever present. One of my favourite characters was Overwatchman Klyssen, who I actually completely understood and sympathised with, even if he is working against our heroes.

So I guess that I've praised enough, and ought to try to be at least a little bit critical. I would have liked to have seen one morally upstanding, decent Krodan. There is some excellent nuance, particularly towards the end, about concepts of right and wrong. I hope that this is something that will be addressed in the next instalment.

Worth any fantasy fan's time.

[The Fantasy Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler-Free The Ember Blade Book Review

If you are looking for a modern fantasy book with the feel of a classic epic fantasy adventure, The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding is for you! I devoured this book and could not stop reading until it was finished.


Fast-Paced Plot

The pacing of The Ember Blade is fantastic, with the stakes continuing to rise throughout the book. It was almost impossible to put this down, especially at the end of a chapter, when I just had to start the next one to know what happened next.

What I loved the most about the plot, though, was its unpredictability. This might feel somewhat like a classic fantasy tale, but the themes, tone and atmosphere are quite modern when it comes to character work - and you truly never know if a character is going to make it to the next page alive.


Great Characters

Following Aren and Cade from Shoal Point on their incredible journey was gripping. They were wonderfully written, with depth and complexity.

They begin the main plot of the story in a tragic way, but seeing them struggle and cope was inspiring. If you want good examples of complex, strong characters in fantasy, look no further.


Worldbuilding

I love my fantasy books to have as much worldbuilding as possible - that’s why I read so many huge books and series, because there is enough space for all that exploration. We are certainly given plenty of time to soak in the world in The Ember Blade.

There are no huge paragraphs and pages of exposition - the worldbuilding is naturally woven within the plot. The depth of the cultures, religion, gender roles and racial discrimination was astounding, and I enjoyed every minute of it, soaking it all up!


Final Thoughts

The Ember Blade is perfect for all fantasy fans. Whether you prefer modern fantasy like Brandon Sanderson, or the classics like David Eddings, there is a great balance between the two styles.

I’m excited for book 2, and can’t wait to see where this story goes.


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[Gyan K · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding is a masterful blend of classic epic fantasy and grimdark elements, weaving a tale that gripped me from the very first page.

Set in a land under occupation, the story follows Aren, a young man whose life is upended when his father is executed for treason. Thrown into a prison mine alongside his best friend Cade, Aren discovers that everything he believed about his world was a lie. As he navigates inhuman forces, oaths, and secrets, the quest for the legendary Ember Blade—the sword of kings—becomes the fulcrum of a revolution.

Wooding’s writing felt both evocative and propulsive, drawing me into a richly detailed world where characters grappled with their destinies. The pacing was relentless, and the stakes rose with every turn of the page. The Ember Blade is a triumphant start to the Darkwater Legacy trilogy, rekindling the flame of classic fantasy for a new generation of readers.

In this sprawling 824-page epic, Wooding introduces us to a cast of diverse characters, each with their own motivations and struggles. The world-building is immersive, revealing layers of history, magic, and political intrigue. The Ember Blade itself—a symbol of hope and rebellion—lurks within an impenetrable vault, guarded by formidable forces. As Aren and his companions embark on their daring mission to steal it, we witness friendships forged, loyalties tested, and sacrifices made. Wooding’s prose is vivid, and his ability to evoke emotion is unparalleled. The Ember Blade did ignite my imagination and left me yearning for more.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding is awesome!

Felt like one of the old traditional epics - but avoided to be a walking/talking trope!

I really enjoyed the characters. It's definitely a strong point. The mix held a perfect balance. Two young men, one young female soldier, a couple of older male soldiers, a wise bard and her bodyguard, a female inventor, a brute who's an outcast from his own society, and a druid plus hound!
They all had their own agendas and storylines, and no one was just decoration. Especially liked how there were weaker and stronger ones both on the male and female side. They all felt like "real humans". No weak princesses to be saved, no ice cold blooded assassins - instead all sorts of people with different strengths, abilities and motives. Even the evil ones weren't just evil for the sake of it, but were actually relatable.
I loved the interactions and the way their group dynamics evolved and changed over time

The world is big - and this is only the start! Different cultures, magics, demons, politics - a whole new world to explore!

A few things were a bit predictable - but at other times some twists took me completely by surprise, so I'll happily forgive the few scenes that weren't as strong.

The prose was fluent and easy to read. I was hooked from the start to the very last line. Can't wait for the sequel!

[David Zampa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was a sheer and utter delight. I don't know where to begin, there's so much to say. It's long. Think Wheel of Time installment long. The audiobook was 30 hours of well-paced storytelling, and Simon Bubb's narration was absolutely exceptional. I've only fallen in love with audio this year, but out of the 20 or so narrations I've listened to, Bubb's ranks second, barely edging out Christian Rodska's Powder Mage reading, and second only to Tim Gerard Reynolds, who is some sort of witch. He has a distinct and perfect voice for every distinct and perfect character, each one feeling particularly well considered and conceived to fit their varied personalities.

But on to the book. What an outstanding marriage of new, bold fantasy storytelling brought on by the grimdark trend with classic adventuring elements that made most of us fall in love with this genre. This novel made me feel like a teenager again, when I'd hunker down with the thickest library book I could find, trusting it to suck me in without heed to the immense investment of time it would take, nor cynicism that the author might disappoint me. I love The Stormlight Archive books, but this is a better read than them to me, and it's not even a hard decision (because damn Sanderson's meandering Interludes!). This book feels like Wheel of Time felt back before WoT felt dated and stale, when it had little competition in the market in terms of scope and depth.

The cast is huge, but its "main" character's narrative begins innocuous enough, with a trope that will feel like home to anyone familiar with coming-of-age tales. It goes like this: a young male human, Aren, finds a young female human appealing, and wants to mate with her. She approves of his advances and indicates her interest, thus encouraging his pursuit. But the young female human's two young male siblings do not approve of the young male as a mate for their sister, due to his perceived inferior breeding. They seemingly intervene to cause the younger male to be ostracized from the village, along with his loyal young but less talented and virile male sidekick, Cade. This is where the pat shit ends.

The tale that follows consistently undermines tropes in satisfying ways for the considerable remainder of the book. Cade's character impressed me early on. At first meeting he gives the impression of being sort of a Samwise Gamgee type, which is to say, a best friend who is unintentionally more competent and likable than the more prominent character he sycophantically follows around and whom he inexplicably allows to take agency over his most important choices. But Wooding doesn't do anything unintentional in this book, and as we explore Cade's tale, he consistently rebels against that lack of agency to step out from Aren's shadow, right up to the very end.

Aren himself is, as all heroes tend to be, just okay. He's a good guy who does good things in good ways, and that fine, and girls like him, though thankfully he does at least have to try a bit to win their affections. His story has all the staples we expect from a person like him, from rivalries to vendettas to conflicts of conscience (though nothing I'd really call for an alignment check on in D and D). He fills his role well, and he's not entirely predictable, but honestly, the one moment I wasn't completely satisfied with an event in this book was when I felt he'd compromised his principles and the consistency of his established character in a way that, while normally a good thing for its unpredictability, didn't really feel entirely justified. It was a very minor hiccup, however, and within a chapter or two events in the story fixed the glitch like a dead fly being flicked from my soup.

There's a Gandalf type in here, too, a druid lady with a painted face who handles the spiritual heavy-hitting. That said, Wooding's world and magic and lore and craft are all his own, so expect to get to know fresh gods and traditions, powers and places that don't feel in the least bit cookie-cutter. A lot of the deeper elements of the lore of the world are explored through her POV, and they're an exciting taste of what's to come. Oh, and she has a dog. You'll like the dog.

Finn is the ranger type. Aren's love interest, she's probably the least fleshed out character of the bunch, which is appropriate for the amount of scene time she's given and her relatively low level of agency within the story. She does have a compelling backstory, however, and is not unlikable, so I have no reason to complain about the way she's written, and I have every hope and expectation to see more from her in coming books as the series develops.

Then there's Grub. Oh, Grub. Grub speaks of himself in third person. Grub give nicknames to Mudslug and Dumbface and Painted Lady. Grub is stronger, quicker, tougher, and smarter than you, as Grub will happily tell you. Grub is lovable, shameless asshole, and is dual class rogue and fighter type if this were D and D. Grub does wrong things because Grub is fearless, but Grub also do right thing when it's most important, because Grub have better judgment than you. Grub is also Talky Reviewer's favorite character, because Talky Reviewer have good taste.

Reading back, I can see why I love this book so much. The plot is great. It's fun. It does everything right and nothing pissed me off, and it serves the characters well. But that's just it: it serves the characters. There are hints of an over-arcing world threat that will likely exert a bit more influence on the events of latter books, but this story is driven by the book's wonderful ensemble of characters, and I wouldn't have it any other way. My favorites above are by no means all of the people you'll get to know and love, but I promise I'm not upset with anyone I'm leaving out.

Speaking of, while I talked a lot here about the traditional fantasy elements, know that this book is not toothless. People die. Sometimes in epic fashion, sometimes casually, as is the case with real conflict and grimdark themes. I even teared up at the end. That's where the book really shines. It's all the things you've always loved mixed with all the things authors have learned to do right through the years. Move this book to the top of your TBR pile. You deserve it.

[Tammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update 1/23/2023: I did a reread of this before the second book is released and I'm giving it 3.5 stars this time. Still rounded up to 4 though.

I think this is supposed to be an adult book, but it reads a lot like a young adult book. There are a couple of pretty dark things thrown in that are rather jarring compared to the rest of the story, and I can see how some people might not like that. I found it kind of interesting that when I read this the first time, I liked the characters so much, but when I read it this time I didn't like them all that much. I still plan on reading the second book, but I'm less enthusiastic about it now.




A land under occupation. A legendary sword. A young man's journey to find his destiny.

Having previously read Chris Wooding's Ketty Jay series and finding it quite the fun read, I was looking forward to reading this. I'll start by saying that this book is completely different from the Ketty Jay series, but that's not a bad thing at all. This is more in the vein of classic fantasy with the sword, the quest to find it, and the champion who will wield it in order to save his people. Those are all things that have been done over and over before in fantasy, so I wouldn't say there is a lot new here, but the characters where all interesting; from Garric the tortured 'hero' with an axe to grind; to Aren the boy he hates, but saves; to Vika the Druid; to Grub the comic relief. Every character has an interesting story and I loved just about all of them. There are other characters I could mention, but you should really just read the book to find out about them all.

There were a few moments in the book that reminded me of The Lord of the Rings. One character has a very Gandalf moment, and I thought that was quite fun. My only real criticisms of the book are that it is slightly longer than I thought it needed to be. It felt like it took forever to get the end and I was ready for it to end at around the 80 percent mark. Also, as I mentioned already, there is nothing really new here. If you like traditional fantasy with a few dark tones added to it then you will probably really like this. I am going to continue on with this series, because I enjoyed it quite a lot.

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader

[Read By Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

9.5/10

This book is exactly what I was told it was, which is a classic fantasy book but with really good characters and a fresh perspective. Nothing about it reinvents the wheel but that's fine, it has a lot of heart and all the characters were very well realized. The last third of the book was so good. I think the book takes the "modern voice" sentiment in a way that doesn't just mean "simple prose", although I don't think the prose is dense. It's moreso how the way these tropes are changed slightly and given different contexts and routes that still feel familiar but also feel updated.

One thing I really liked about this that I tend to find missing in many other "classic fantasy" stories is that the characters pasts and actions actually feel like they are grappled with and that deaths and traumatic experiences affect people. It's my biggest pet peeve when series just have characters going to one big event to the next and being like "oh my best friend from the last 20 years just burned alive right in front of me, I need a whiskey and then I'll never think about this person again".

The fellowship/found family aspect of this book was very well done and was probably my favorite aspect. I also liked the magical elements a lot, and the book isn't very combat heavy, but the fighting that was here was exciting. Apart from one stupid thing near the end, I don't really have any complaints for The Ember Blade. Excited to continue on.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have lot of impressions about this book it's just a matter of arranging them into something coherent. Hopefully review to come

[Adam Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two great empires have dominated the east of Embria, the fall of the great subterranean empire of the urds heralding the rise of Ossia, protected by the Ember Blade and the sacred order of Dawnwardens. But thirty years ago Ossia was invaded in turn by Kroda, a kingdom of order, logic and science. Declaring itself the Third Empire, Kroda sees its destiny is to unite the continent through the Sword and the Word.

Although it is a land under occupation, life is good for many Ossians. The Krodans keep the bandits in check and the roads maintained. For young Aren, an Ossian noble son born into happy fortune, he sees his nation's destiny is in alliance with Kroda. That dream dies when he is betrayed by the empire he believes in. Left to rot in a prison camp, he is given an opportunity to strike back against his enemies...and help reclaim the Ember Blade.

Chris Wooding has been one of science fiction and fantasy's most interesting and restless voices for a long time now, moving from writing cracking YA reads to mature, thoughtful works of science fantasy like The Fade. His work in adult fantasy is mostly contained in the excellent Braided Path series, rooted in Asian mythology and influences, and the rollicking Tales of the Ketty Jay, a dieselpunk saga of airships, fighters, rampaging titans, surly cats and heroes whose buckles are, indeed, swashed.

The Darkwater Legacy is Wooding's back-to-basics take on the traditional fantasy saga (even the title feels like it was copyrighted in 1985). Ossia is a land under the grip of a cruel empire, a heroic band of freedom fighters are trying to save the day and a young man finds himself touched by destiny. It's like David Eddings, Margaret Weis, Tracey Hickman and Terry Brooks had a brainstorming session over a power lunch. If they did, though, then Wooding stole their notes, drank their beer and set about skewing everything slightly away from the way you think it's going to go.

The Ember Blade introduces us to Aren, the son of an Ossian noble who thinks himself destined for great things, unable to accept that his blood means that he will never be taken seriously by the Krodans. His best friend is Cade, a carpenter's son. They are separated by class and their feelings about the Krodan invaders, but they are soon bound together by profound misfortune. Along the way they meet up with a highly dubious warrior, thief and scoundrel, Grub the Skarl (master of the boastful non-sequitur), and a bunch of rebels led by the enigmatic "Hollow Man", before they find themselves on the run from supernatural trackers and gradually realise more is going on than it first appears. So far, so Lord of the Rings meets The Eye of the World. When our characters join forces with a druidess searching for a hero who is the fulfilment of prophecy and reach Skavenhald, a terrible ruin inhabited by a profound supernatural evil (Moria by way of Shadar Logoth, with a name that nods at Warhammer), you may be trying to keep your eyes from rolling. Wooding writes with skill but there's the feeling that maybe the traditional fantasy archetypes are being assembled a bit too familiarly here, as if assembled from an IKEA flatpack.

But then things get a lot more interesting. Skavenhald is weird and a distinctly Lovecraftian tone creeps in as screeching horrible things from other realms threaten to break through the skein of reality. It's more Dark Souls than Balrog Retirement Village, and all the better for it. After this the book becomes more engrossing as Wooding strips back the psychology of his characters, revealing them to be less the Fellowship of the Ring and more the Companions of Utter Dysfunction. One late-emerging main character is fascinating, a middle-aged teacher and patriot whose ruthlessness and resourcefulness dwarfs that of almost any of the other characters. The story takes several extremely unexpected swings (complete with a few shocking dispatches of characters you thought were around for the duration) before we reach the appropriately epic conclusion and the inevitably-frustrating wait for Book 2.

The Ember Blade is Wooding's longest novel to date - just under 800 pages in tradeback - but has more story in it than most entire trilogies. We have a prison break narrative, a horror story, a war story and an urban fantasy adventure. There's pirates, wolves, dodgy Viking warriors and some discomforting WWII allegories. One sequence feels like it's come out of Moby Dick, another out of Baldur's Gate. Wooding has had a frankly unseemly amount of fun in assembling his Big Fat Fantasy Saga and is keen to share that with the reader. The pages rattle by, the worldbuilding becomes more well-rounded and intriguing and the characters never stop growing and changing. It would be easy to condemn the author for writing "just" another throwback fantasy here, but it's also easy to forget that writing a good epic fantasy is still very difficult, and Wooding does it with aplomb.

The Ember Blade (****½) is great fun, a classic epic fantasy which, after a perhaps slightly too-traditional opening, avoids becoming too predictable. The characters are memorable and charismatic, but also flawed, with their darker moments that give them more edge than the one-note heroes of yesteryear. The tone is light and fun to start with, but matures throughout, with a few moments of real darkness at the end as things get real. The novel will be published on 20 September 2018 in the UK (and will be available on import in the USA).

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book! I love the plot, the characters and the worldbuliding. Definitly worth checking out!

[Sarah Aubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

What a wonderous surprise this was! I had included The Ember Blade in a video about underrated books, and as it was billed as "Lord of the Rings made modern", I wanted to dive in right away! From the other side, I can confidently say that while this isn't the second coming of Tolkien, it is very much worth reading.

The Ember Blade follows Aren and Cade, best friends and socially distinct members of the colonized Ossian people. Aren lives a life of privilege, looking up to the ruling Krodans and trying his best to assimilate to their way of life, while Cade bears witness to the struggles and frustrations of his lower-class parents, who remember fonder times before Krodan occupation. When family tragedy leads to Cade's and Aren's imprisonment, their friendship is tested and their respective worldviews begin to fundamentally shift.

Rounding out at nearly 900 pages, this book covers a lot of ground. The story, which I assume had been written to serve as a standalone if the buzz wasn't quite enough to extend into a series, is ambitious in its execution. Not only does the cast of characters expand greatly after the first 200 pages, we follow individuals with completely different belief systems, histories, and goals, and this leaves Wooding with a lot of dangling threads to weave together. While we begin the novel following Aren and Cade in what seems like typical coming of age fare, this quickly escalates into a political thriller/heist situation; while I do think that Wooding is ultimately successful in creating a mostly-cohesive narrative, the various arcs do feel somewhat episodic. Still, while the this pushing together of narrative threads leaves the pace somewhat erratic, I never once felt like I'd rather be reading something else.

And truthfully, while I really enjoyed the plot that Wooding has devised, where The Ember Blade truly shines is in its characters. It's hard to delve too deeply into analysis without spoilers, so I'll just stress that each of these characters - from Aren and Cade to those who show up in the novel's final act - feel so incredibly real. He manages to navigate well-worn tropes with a fresh perspective, and you're never quite sure what decisions the characters are going to make. Loyalties and values are never fixed and this maintains an incredible note of tension right to the final chapters. Setbacks, betrayals, and losses will have a profound impact (they certainly did for me!) and the ending is one to be mulled over long after finishing.

While I will be overjoyed to hear any news of a sequel, I think that The Ember Blade stands well on its own. Would highly recommend giving this one a chance, especially if you love classic fantasy tropes and well-drawn characters.

[Dom · Rating 5 out of 5]

* You can find my full video review here: https://youtu.be/OrBhjm0IZdA *

The Ember Blade is a book with a classic fantasy feel but written in a more modern style. A quest takes centre stage but there’s so much more to this book, and I really like how it pulls everything together into a coherent and enjoyable storyline.

The two main characters are the young men Aren and Cade, best friends who are living under the yoke of the Krodan Empire.

In the wider world there’s a rebellion, and key to that is the Ember Blade, the legendary sword of the kings of Ossia. While it’s a magical blade, the main thing about the sword is its symbolism, as an Ossian champion holding the blade could be the image that sparks the wider rebellion.

The problem is that the blade is held by the Krodan Empire and kept in an impenetrable vault in an impenetrable fortress. So naturally, the quest our characters find themselves on turns into an impossible infiltration and heist.

The range of characters we have here really works well. A good part of the group is already working together and when new people join them, everyone adds something to the story.

The worldbuilding was generally well done and we saw a fair bit of the geography, as you’d expect with a quest-type storyline.

I did feel that the Dreadknights were a bit disappointing. I didn’t get the right sense of hopelessness I would expect when facing down these terrible demons and they seemed a bit underused somehow.

We get to see individuals within the Krodan Empire and there are characters who are specific nemeses for the main group, but again, this terrible enemy doesn’t quite have the right level of menace to it.

In terms of the story, I quite like a quest, a heist, and a rebellion, so there was a lot for me to enjoy about this one. The heist itself wasn’t actually as big a part of the story as I’d maybe been led to believe, but I think that worked for the way the storyline itself went.

Overall, it was a really enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

[Marielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book but it has to pay the price for the brilliant books I've been (re)reading this year so far...
Liked the story but it felt a bit too traditional for me and it was a bit too long... Somehow I didn't really connect to the characters, this too may be the result of rereading some of my favorites this year.

[Alec Voin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I came into this book expecting a nice fantasy romp, but nothing particularly special. I am happy to say this book surprised me with its cinematic, atmospheric, heartfelt and balanced writing, its plot that takes some of the best aspects of classic epic fantasy and twists them in ways that felt original and gave the story a layer of unexpected complexity, worldbuilding that was reminiscent of Tolkien, but still more than different enough to make it stand out and feel original. But the best aspects of this book are without a doubt its incredibly real and complex characters you instantly fall for and its themes. All of the characters, main and secondary, where developed, their depths explored, their motivations and very human contradictions perfectly suited to a story that heavily focuses thematically on choices, how our past and emotions shape them and their consequences. The characters are incredibly flawed and all of their choices, even the ones you could easily deem as "bad" are given a compassionate exploration and that to me is the mark of a very wise writer and a good book.

An easy 5/5 stars.

[Esmay Rosalyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second read 2023: 4 stars

This was such a fun re-reading experience! I remembered from my first read that I thought the first 25-30% was really slow, but I somehow didn't feel like it was that slow at all on this second read? Maybe because I knew where things were going... Either way, I actually thought that the middle section of this book could've been a bit tighter, but then I also really appreciate all the character development that we get there, so I can't complain too much.
This cast of characters is simply fantastic and I love how morality, loyalty and mental health are explored through these characters' personal journeys. There are some really compelling and surprising character arcs in here which really kept me emotionally engaged!

The world building is also absolutely breathtaking, there's just SO much to sink your teeth into. And at no point in the story do we ever get a major info dump, because everything you need to know seamlessly and organically woven into the narrative. I loved all the culture clashes and interesting bits of history and lore, this world feels so real and lived-in!

Also, I think it's really damn impressive that a book of this size reads soooo smoothly. Thank all that is holy for short chapters and tons of exciting plot twists!! Every time you think you know where this story is going, there's another reveal/betrayal/twist around the corner that will make you go "WHAT THE HELL?!".

Absolutely had a blast with this one again and I can't wait to see where things go in book 2!

***********************
First read 2022: 4.5 stars

[Димитър Цолов · Rating 5 out of 5]

Тридесет години са минали от деня, когато Осия пада под ботуша на Крода - империя, наглед носеща ред и просперитет в завладените територии, но също така и жестокости, репресии и корупционни практики под „цивилизованото лустро“. В образите на надменните кродани и тяхната сурова религиозна доктрина, базирана на словото и меча, в елитните им отряди „Желязната ръка“, в гоненията срещу расата на скитниците сарди, чиито представители биват затваряне в гета, а после изчезват неизвестно къде, лесно можем да открием паралели с Нацистка Германия. Изобщо, неспокойни времена, в които шепа люде, събрани от кол и въже и движени от личните си мотиви, ще трябва да загърбят различията помежду си, за да освободят пленения Искрящ меч – символ на властта на осианските крале.

Удинг умело борави с жанровите похвати и не позволява солидният обем на романа по никакъв начин да натежи на читателя. Героите му са обичайната шарена пасмина: неуверени хлапета, израстващи в хода на повествованието, корави бунтовници, колоритен варварин, смел рицар чуждоземец, покровителстващ музикантка от спомената вече раса на сардите, както и една друида, проводник на древните вярвания по тези земи, придружавана от кучето си. А по дирите им е пуснато зловещо трио дреднайти - Чума, Разруха и Скръб - същества, докоснати от Хаоса.

В заключение, блага благина, дами и господа. След кратка пауза ще подпукам и второто тухле.