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Embers of the Republic
When Maxis joins the Taurin Airforce and becomes one of its top eagle riders, no one but him knows that his late father was a traitor to the Republic. His secret could spell certain death, but his lust for revenge on his father’s enemies compels him onward…
This debut epic fantasy novel puts a fresh spin on the genre. Exploring themes of power, corruption, and survival, Embers of the Republic takes the reader into a world reminiscent of ancient Rome, where power-hungry sycophants roam side by side with winged beasts, powerful potions, and mysterious magic. You won’t want to put this grimdark tale down.
This debut epic fantasy novel puts a fresh spin on the genre. Exploring themes of power, corruption, and survival, Embers of the Republic takes the reader into a world reminiscent of ancient Rome, where power-hungry sycophants roam side by side with winged beasts, powerful potions, and mysterious magic. You won’t want to put this grimdark tale down.
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Published June 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 4, 2025
An eBook arc from NetGalley.
4.5 ⭐
It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this book. The storytelling is beautiful, and I loved how the world unfolded through not just one, but four different storylines set within the same republic. It really made me feel like I was there.
The story follows four characters: Maxis, a young boy who becomes an eagle rider; Ragnus, a prisoner thrown into an arena; Arwin, a powerful and influential lawyer; and Domia, a noble girl caught in an arranged political marriage. Each of their stories was compelling in its own way, and while they don’t all meet directly, the way their lives affect each other is subtle and really well done.
What stood out to me most was the political tension and shifting alliances. It kept me guessing and totally engaged throughout. I was constantly surprised by where things went.
I will say I was hoping for a bit more action, especially with the eagle rider aspect, but honestly, it was never boring. So much happens, and the character development is fantastic.
Overall, I had a great time reading this. It was exciting, emotional, sometimes even a little scary—and it definitely left me needing to pick up the next one. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-written fantasy with layered characters and a rich world.
4.5 ⭐
It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with this book. The storytelling is beautiful, and I loved how the world unfolded through not just one, but four different storylines set within the same republic. It really made me feel like I was there.
The story follows four characters: Maxis, a young boy who becomes an eagle rider; Ragnus, a prisoner thrown into an arena; Arwin, a powerful and influential lawyer; and Domia, a noble girl caught in an arranged political marriage. Each of their stories was compelling in its own way, and while they don’t all meet directly, the way their lives affect each other is subtle and really well done.
What stood out to me most was the political tension and shifting alliances. It kept me guessing and totally engaged throughout. I was constantly surprised by where things went.
I will say I was hoping for a bit more action, especially with the eagle rider aspect, but honestly, it was never boring. So much happens, and the character development is fantastic.
Overall, I had a great time reading this. It was exciting, emotional, sometimes even a little scary—and it definitely left me needing to pick up the next one. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys well-written fantasy with layered characters and a rich world.
August 8, 2025
A fast paced and wonderfully immersive debut fantasy cleverly blending ancient rome with a world of corruption, varying political alliances as well as a journey of discovery for the main character and the perils he encountered on said journey.
The story reeled me in from the start and kept me intrigued until the very end. A highly enjoyable, gritty fantasy.
Thankyou to both Net galley and Victory Editing Net galley Co-Op for the early arc of this amazing book.
The story reeled me in from the start and kept me intrigued until the very end. A highly enjoyable, gritty fantasy.
Thankyou to both Net galley and Victory Editing Net galley Co-Op for the early arc of this amazing book.
September 13, 2025
It was an honour for me to beta read this amazing book!
The multiple POVs are juggled and managed beautifully. They gave me a multidimensional appreciation of the world as it was expertly constructed throughout the chapters. I can't wait for the next book.
Matthew Jordan's writing is masterful and drags you, willing or not, into his world and its well-developed characters. If you love epic fantasy, you should give this a try.
My only gripe is that I must wait for the next book.
The multiple POVs are juggled and managed beautifully. They gave me a multidimensional appreciation of the world as it was expertly constructed throughout the chapters. I can't wait for the next book.
Matthew Jordan's writing is masterful and drags you, willing or not, into his world and its well-developed characters. If you love epic fantasy, you should give this a try.
My only gripe is that I must wait for the next book.
April 28, 2025
A wonderful debut fantasy read. World building, corruption, chaos, enemies. Lovely historical ideology being made and setting of ancient Roman times. Love the detail of the world this book sets. Really decent read!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews