What do you think?
Rate this book
Dreams of Dust and Steel #3
Banners of Wrath: An Epic Fantasy Book
War has come...
To book three in the Dreams of Dust and Steel series.
Murder, betrayal, high-stakes, and sorrow and all that good stuff continued here.
Great for fans of A Song of Ice and Fire, Malazan Book of the Fallen, The Age of Madness, and The Five Warrior Angels.
To book three in the Dreams of Dust and Steel series.
Murder, betrayal, high-stakes, and sorrow and all that good stuff continued here.
Great for fans of A Song of Ice and Fire, Malazan Book of the Fallen, The Age of Madness, and The Five Warrior Angels.
- GenresFantasyDark Fantasy
873 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2026
27 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 21, 2026
Advanced Review Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to author Michael Michel for providing a review copy.
Score: 🗡🗡🗡🗡
Since this is an ARC, the review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
To all those who lament that modern fantasy authors have moved away from grandiose settings like the classic fantasy stories on which we grew up, allow me to recommend Michael Michel’s Dreams of Dust and Steel series. This is dark fantasy. On an epic scale.
This is EPIC dark fantasy!
The deeper I wade into dark fantasy and grimdark fantasy spaces, the more I have come to appreciate the strong presence of indie/self-published authors, trying to cut their way through a subgenre that has largely been shunned by mainstream audiences/publishers. In the effort to support new indie authors, I picked up the first entry in the Dreams of Dust and Steel, titled The Price of Power, when it released, and was instantly impressed by the sheer scope and depth that author Michael Michel brought to the table. I highly rated the sequel, A Graveyard for Heroes, picking it up on release day, and got involved in the author’s committee. I was flattered to receive a review copy of the newest entry, Banners of Wrath, to sink my teeth into.
With changing audience attention spans, the modern fantasy book has shortened in word-count, scope, and expanse. The “classic” sprawling epic fantasy of The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, and in the darker side, The Black Company, and of course, the unfinished A Song of Ice and Fire series, there has been a shortfall of truly epic dark fantasy series in the market. Which is why Dreams of Dust and Steel feels both nostalgically familiar, yet surprisingly fresh in its broad world.
This third entry, The Banners of Wrath, continues the tale of brewing tensions between nations, each with their own internal politicking, plotting, and good ol’ fashioned murderin’! The impending invasion of Scothea into the only-recently-liberated Namarr looms on the horizon, but both nations have their own demons to contend with, literally and figuratively.
The book follows seven, yes SEVEN concurrent storylines, each with their own main and side characters, locations, subplots, internal and external conflicts, emotional turmoil, and of course, more murderin’! The “main” protagonist (if there can be one in this epic cycle), Prince Barodane Ironlight, with his trusty templar bodyguard Garlenna, continue his quest to find himself, his purpose, and the titular “banner of wrath” to return to Namarr and take his rightful place on the throne. His niece, Ishoa, now a bloodied veteran, but still a child in the eyes of the ruling class, has to navigate courtly politics to secure her own place on the throne, if only to repel the impending Scothean invasion. The loyal Gyr faces direct consequences of his capture at the end of A Graveyard of Heroes, forced into captivity by the barbaric Kurgs, and must use every ounce of his grit to escape. The wily cook Zadani, determined to avenge the murder of her husband at the hands of her treacherous duke, bides her time, laying the pieces to bring ruin to everything the duke cares for. The Awakened Thephos, with his bonded knight Pintarian, face their own struggles as they chase clues to locate the whereabouts of Prince Barodane. Thephos fights his own internal war against the eldritch being inside him, intent on being released to bring ruin upon the world.
On the Scothean side, General Valka struggles with maintaining his internal rebellion against the fanatic cult growing around the mystical child Siddaia, the Arrow of Light, the major antagonist of this series. He must bring untold suffering unto his own people to unite them behind the magical boy-tyrant, to invade Namarr and usher in a new age of Scothean dominance. The other-half-of-Siddaia, the awakened boy Akyris must learn his true purpose by going into the past to steel himself against the war-outside-the-plane-of-reality with the Arrow of Light.
Even reading the brief summary of the varying plotlines should give you an idea of the immense scope of this series. Banners of Wrath continues to wow us with the rich diverse settings, with barren deserts, to the high seas, from palace intrigue, to warcamp brutality. Michel really throws everything he can at us. Dune-esque desert mysticism? Sure! Pirate shenanigans? Aye Matey! Palace intrigue a la Game of Thrones? Of course!
However, the strengths of this series, and Banners of Wrath also belies its shortcomings. As the third of five books, Banners of Wrath heavily sags under the weight of its own ambition. With seven individual plot arcs, only a few of which show leanings of convergence in the final chapters, this book features the maximum divergence and separation of the plot arcs as the characters spread out, sometimes to different countries, before they will inevitably crash together in the final books. While Michael does a near-superlative job maintaining an even interest over the seven (SEVEN!) plotlines each with their own themes, and subgenre, it is nearly impossible to maintain an even pacing for every arc, and give equal depth to every character. In this, some of my favorite character arcs, namely Zadani and Valka, feel like a step back in pacing and emotional weight than previous entries. Valka’s arc of plotting rebellion against the seemingly invulnerable and now-obviously-malicious Arrow of Light were amongst my favorite sections of previous entries in the series. In Banners of Wrath, Valka does a lot more “biding his time, while inflicting atrocity” than would have been prefered. The dive into the past in Akyris’ chapters slowed the pace of the book, but added important character details to side characters. To compensate, Gyr’s chapters were a delight to read. Overall, some characters/plotlines hit harder than others, as expected in all multi-POV epic fantasy series.
While each subplot in Banners of Wrath is carried on the backs of compelling characters, with their own motivations and conflict, I couldn’t help but be underwhelmed by the predictable nature by which each of these narratives progressed. For veteran audiences, we are continuously looking for plots to go off the beaten path, albeit in believable ways. Sadly, none of the plots in Banners of Wrath truly surprised me in a memorable way, even at their twistiest-and-turniest moments. As the third book in the series, we see a lot of pieces being moved to better configurations to set up final showdowns in future books, rather than tell meaningful self-contained, exciting stories.
Still, I am downplaying how much praise should be given to author Michael Michel for creating this expansive world, populating it with so many moving plots, keeping track of so many disparate stories, while still maintaining a decent pacing, with action-packed brutal setpieces, while attempting to tell a grandiose, interconnected, and heartfelt story of survival in the face of overwhelming evil. To do this with the meager resources available to indie authors, is commendable!
Overall, Banners of Wrath keeps its hand on bloodied blade, ramping up the stakes, putting the “epic” in Epic Dark Fantasy, propelling my interest in the Dreams of Dust and Steel series. It sets up the board and key players for a ramped up crescendo in future entries. Now comes the (hopefully, not very) long wait for the fourth book. Back to my vigil.
Read this review and more on my Medium page: Distorted Visions
Instagram
Threads
Score: 🗡🗡🗡🗡
Since this is an ARC, the review aims to be as Spoiler-free as possible.
To all those who lament that modern fantasy authors have moved away from grandiose settings like the classic fantasy stories on which we grew up, allow me to recommend Michael Michel’s Dreams of Dust and Steel series. This is dark fantasy. On an epic scale.
This is EPIC dark fantasy!
The deeper I wade into dark fantasy and grimdark fantasy spaces, the more I have come to appreciate the strong presence of indie/self-published authors, trying to cut their way through a subgenre that has largely been shunned by mainstream audiences/publishers. In the effort to support new indie authors, I picked up the first entry in the Dreams of Dust and Steel, titled The Price of Power, when it released, and was instantly impressed by the sheer scope and depth that author Michael Michel brought to the table. I highly rated the sequel, A Graveyard for Heroes, picking it up on release day, and got involved in the author’s committee. I was flattered to receive a review copy of the newest entry, Banners of Wrath, to sink my teeth into.
With changing audience attention spans, the modern fantasy book has shortened in word-count, scope, and expanse. The “classic” sprawling epic fantasy of The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, and in the darker side, The Black Company, and of course, the unfinished A Song of Ice and Fire series, there has been a shortfall of truly epic dark fantasy series in the market. Which is why Dreams of Dust and Steel feels both nostalgically familiar, yet surprisingly fresh in its broad world.
This third entry, The Banners of Wrath, continues the tale of brewing tensions between nations, each with their own internal politicking, plotting, and good ol’ fashioned murderin’! The impending invasion of Scothea into the only-recently-liberated Namarr looms on the horizon, but both nations have their own demons to contend with, literally and figuratively.
The book follows seven, yes SEVEN concurrent storylines, each with their own main and side characters, locations, subplots, internal and external conflicts, emotional turmoil, and of course, more murderin’! The “main” protagonist (if there can be one in this epic cycle), Prince Barodane Ironlight, with his trusty templar bodyguard Garlenna, continue his quest to find himself, his purpose, and the titular “banner of wrath” to return to Namarr and take his rightful place on the throne. His niece, Ishoa, now a bloodied veteran, but still a child in the eyes of the ruling class, has to navigate courtly politics to secure her own place on the throne, if only to repel the impending Scothean invasion. The loyal Gyr faces direct consequences of his capture at the end of A Graveyard of Heroes, forced into captivity by the barbaric Kurgs, and must use every ounce of his grit to escape. The wily cook Zadani, determined to avenge the murder of her husband at the hands of her treacherous duke, bides her time, laying the pieces to bring ruin to everything the duke cares for. The Awakened Thephos, with his bonded knight Pintarian, face their own struggles as they chase clues to locate the whereabouts of Prince Barodane. Thephos fights his own internal war against the eldritch being inside him, intent on being released to bring ruin upon the world.
On the Scothean side, General Valka struggles with maintaining his internal rebellion against the fanatic cult growing around the mystical child Siddaia, the Arrow of Light, the major antagonist of this series. He must bring untold suffering unto his own people to unite them behind the magical boy-tyrant, to invade Namarr and usher in a new age of Scothean dominance. The other-half-of-Siddaia, the awakened boy Akyris must learn his true purpose by going into the past to steel himself against the war-outside-the-plane-of-reality with the Arrow of Light.
Even reading the brief summary of the varying plotlines should give you an idea of the immense scope of this series. Banners of Wrath continues to wow us with the rich diverse settings, with barren deserts, to the high seas, from palace intrigue, to warcamp brutality. Michel really throws everything he can at us. Dune-esque desert mysticism? Sure! Pirate shenanigans? Aye Matey! Palace intrigue a la Game of Thrones? Of course!
However, the strengths of this series, and Banners of Wrath also belies its shortcomings. As the third of five books, Banners of Wrath heavily sags under the weight of its own ambition. With seven individual plot arcs, only a few of which show leanings of convergence in the final chapters, this book features the maximum divergence and separation of the plot arcs as the characters spread out, sometimes to different countries, before they will inevitably crash together in the final books. While Michael does a near-superlative job maintaining an even interest over the seven (SEVEN!) plotlines each with their own themes, and subgenre, it is nearly impossible to maintain an even pacing for every arc, and give equal depth to every character. In this, some of my favorite character arcs, namely Zadani and Valka, feel like a step back in pacing and emotional weight than previous entries. Valka’s arc of plotting rebellion against the seemingly invulnerable and now-obviously-malicious Arrow of Light were amongst my favorite sections of previous entries in the series. In Banners of Wrath, Valka does a lot more “biding his time, while inflicting atrocity” than would have been prefered. The dive into the past in Akyris’ chapters slowed the pace of the book, but added important character details to side characters. To compensate, Gyr’s chapters were a delight to read. Overall, some characters/plotlines hit harder than others, as expected in all multi-POV epic fantasy series.
While each subplot in Banners of Wrath is carried on the backs of compelling characters, with their own motivations and conflict, I couldn’t help but be underwhelmed by the predictable nature by which each of these narratives progressed. For veteran audiences, we are continuously looking for plots to go off the beaten path, albeit in believable ways. Sadly, none of the plots in Banners of Wrath truly surprised me in a memorable way, even at their twistiest-and-turniest moments. As the third book in the series, we see a lot of pieces being moved to better configurations to set up final showdowns in future books, rather than tell meaningful self-contained, exciting stories.
Still, I am downplaying how much praise should be given to author Michael Michel for creating this expansive world, populating it with so many moving plots, keeping track of so many disparate stories, while still maintaining a decent pacing, with action-packed brutal setpieces, while attempting to tell a grandiose, interconnected, and heartfelt story of survival in the face of overwhelming evil. To do this with the meager resources available to indie authors, is commendable!
Overall, Banners of Wrath keeps its hand on bloodied blade, ramping up the stakes, putting the “epic” in Epic Dark Fantasy, propelling my interest in the Dreams of Dust and Steel series. It sets up the board and key players for a ramped up crescendo in future entries. Now comes the (hopefully, not very) long wait for the fourth book. Back to my vigil.
Read this review and more on my Medium page: Distorted Visions
Threads
February 12, 2026
Michael Michel passes the halfway mark of his five-part Dreams of Dust and Steel series with an emotional, perfectly paced masterpiece in Banners of Wrath.
Scothea is rising. Siddaia, the Arrow of Light, continues to accumulate religious zealots and all the lands they worship him in. Valka, his general, is all that stands in his way. But will he be able to do anything more than bow down himself?
Namaar is in chaos. Politically split by fighting, betrayal, and greed, everyone wants their piece of the pie. And some want even more. As Ishoa does her best to climb for the throne, she might just find new rivals from parts unknown, and new friends in the shadows.
Malzacor is home to sands and heat and monsters from nightmare. It is a brutal place, and Barodane is there with a mission of his own. To find the slave banner of his home country and himself in the process.
The players are set and the board is developing. The fight for the crown has truly begun.
Coming hot of the heels of A Graveyard for Heroes, Michael Michel is putting on a clinic in the indie epic fantasy space. And his five-part series Dreams of Dust and Steel has seen its newest addition, Banners of Wrath, bring the level of his writing and storytelling up yet again.
Already a seasoned veteran at the line-writing and character development level, the only thing left for most fans who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series to contemplate was his ability to drive convergence into the narrative. Indeed, epic fantasy is traditionally filled with different races and casts and religions, and POVs from each. The coming together of those people, of their politics and cultures, is what makes epic fantasy so powerful.
I can report here that Michel, much like his line writing and character work, is just as adept with his plotting and pacing, for each instance of convergence across Banners of Wrath is met with excellence.
There is never a moment in this book that is slowed and meandering, as could be a criticism flung haphazardly toward book 1 of the series. Nor is there a rush of action just for the sake of moving things forward. Instead, Banners of Wrath proceeds at a genius rhythm. The action, the politicking, the espionage, and most importantly, the consequences are all delivered exactly where you want them to be. It is a perfect measure of intrigue and efficiency.
Add to that the development of new side characters that make the world so much richer, and this novel really marks its place in both the overarching series, and in modern fantasy as a whole.
Banners of Wrath is nothing short of brilliant. And it is sure to cement Dreams of Dust and Steel in the list of modern fantasy’s best epic series.
Scothea is rising. Siddaia, the Arrow of Light, continues to accumulate religious zealots and all the lands they worship him in. Valka, his general, is all that stands in his way. But will he be able to do anything more than bow down himself?
Namaar is in chaos. Politically split by fighting, betrayal, and greed, everyone wants their piece of the pie. And some want even more. As Ishoa does her best to climb for the throne, she might just find new rivals from parts unknown, and new friends in the shadows.
Malzacor is home to sands and heat and monsters from nightmare. It is a brutal place, and Barodane is there with a mission of his own. To find the slave banner of his home country and himself in the process.
The players are set and the board is developing. The fight for the crown has truly begun.
Coming hot of the heels of A Graveyard for Heroes, Michael Michel is putting on a clinic in the indie epic fantasy space. And his five-part series Dreams of Dust and Steel has seen its newest addition, Banners of Wrath, bring the level of his writing and storytelling up yet again.
Already a seasoned veteran at the line-writing and character development level, the only thing left for most fans who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series to contemplate was his ability to drive convergence into the narrative. Indeed, epic fantasy is traditionally filled with different races and casts and religions, and POVs from each. The coming together of those people, of their politics and cultures, is what makes epic fantasy so powerful.
I can report here that Michel, much like his line writing and character work, is just as adept with his plotting and pacing, for each instance of convergence across Banners of Wrath is met with excellence.
There is never a moment in this book that is slowed and meandering, as could be a criticism flung haphazardly toward book 1 of the series. Nor is there a rush of action just for the sake of moving things forward. Instead, Banners of Wrath proceeds at a genius rhythm. The action, the politicking, the espionage, and most importantly, the consequences are all delivered exactly where you want them to be. It is a perfect measure of intrigue and efficiency.
Add to that the development of new side characters that make the world so much richer, and this novel really marks its place in both the overarching series, and in modern fantasy as a whole.
Banners of Wrath is nothing short of brilliant. And it is sure to cement Dreams of Dust and Steel in the list of modern fantasy’s best epic series.
February 12, 2026
Holy moly, can Michael Michel tell a story!
This series, Dreams of Dust and Steel, is one of my all-time favorites. And my hope is that a lot more people are exposed to it so it can be one of their favorites too. Needless to say, I was very impatiently awaiting the release of this book and was super excited when I had the opportunity to read an ARC.
My only complaint about this book is that, after giving the other books in this series 5 stars and this book somehow surpassing those books, I can’t give it more than 5 stars.
I’m a character-driven reader. If I can’t connect with the characters, it doesn’t matter how good the plot is. This series most certainly provides the characters I need. Banners introduces some new characters, throws us some curveballs for others, and brings us even closer to the ones we already love.
As for the plot, there are twists and turns, devious political machinations, and almost non-stop action. Even when there is no physical fighting, there is internal struggle, so visceral that you wonder where the character stops and you begin.
There is something we’re introduced to in Banners that we didn’t see in prior books. I’m not generally a romance or smut reader, although I’ve dabbled in some popular romantasy series, but I do appreciate some good old-fashioned sexual tension as long as it’s relevant to the plot. Well, Michael gives us plenty of it in Banners, and I’m happy to say that I found it moved the plot along quite nicely. Don’t worry if you’re not a smut fan though. He doesn’t dive that deeply.
Warning: I had a hard time putting this book down to participate in life, and I fear that you may too.
Banners is such a great continuance of an amazing series by an indie author who I wish had more exposure.
This series, Dreams of Dust and Steel, is one of my all-time favorites. And my hope is that a lot more people are exposed to it so it can be one of their favorites too. Needless to say, I was very impatiently awaiting the release of this book and was super excited when I had the opportunity to read an ARC.
My only complaint about this book is that, after giving the other books in this series 5 stars and this book somehow surpassing those books, I can’t give it more than 5 stars.
I’m a character-driven reader. If I can’t connect with the characters, it doesn’t matter how good the plot is. This series most certainly provides the characters I need. Banners introduces some new characters, throws us some curveballs for others, and brings us even closer to the ones we already love.
As for the plot, there are twists and turns, devious political machinations, and almost non-stop action. Even when there is no physical fighting, there is internal struggle, so visceral that you wonder where the character stops and you begin.
There is something we’re introduced to in Banners that we didn’t see in prior books. I’m not generally a romance or smut reader, although I’ve dabbled in some popular romantasy series, but I do appreciate some good old-fashioned sexual tension as long as it’s relevant to the plot. Well, Michael gives us plenty of it in Banners, and I’m happy to say that I found it moved the plot along quite nicely. Don’t worry if you’re not a smut fan though. He doesn’t dive that deeply.
Warning: I had a hard time putting this book down to participate in life, and I fear that you may too.
Banners is such a great continuance of an amazing series by an indie author who I wish had more exposure.
March 2, 2026
I can't tell if Michael Michel is a madman or a genius (probably a bit of both, to be honest). I already thought by #2 Book that the scope alone would become too overwhelming, but it just keeps going! Wow. The nerve alone to attempt this is more than noteworthy, and it mostly works.
For the large part, the Banners of Wrath move the pieces on the board and station them against one another until they reach a breaking point. Small revelations and confirmations keep the reader entralled while slowly moving the overarching, univetable convergence forward. Even if some PoVs stumble a few times, Michael Michel is a man with a plan, and I so do look forward to seeing it unfold and conclude in future installments.
An epic for anyone looking to get their ASOIAF, Book of the Fallen, or Stormlight fix.
Well done, Michael, keep writing!
For the large part, the Banners of Wrath move the pieces on the board and station them against one another until they reach a breaking point. Small revelations and confirmations keep the reader entralled while slowly moving the overarching, univetable convergence forward. Even if some PoVs stumble a few times, Michael Michel is a man with a plan, and I so do look forward to seeing it unfold and conclude in future installments.
An epic for anyone looking to get their ASOIAF, Book of the Fallen, or Stormlight fix.
Well done, Michael, keep writing!
February 16, 2026
Insanely good storytelling, tremendous worldbuilding.
"Banners of Wrath" is my clear favorite in the series. I liked book 1 plenty, then found book 2 to be alright, but not living up to what I liked of the first one. This book takes this all to another level.
There's a revelation that had me mind blown. Actually, two, now that I think about it, regarding the same character.
5/5 read, I was hooked reading this book all throughout this weekend
"Banners of Wrath" is my clear favorite in the series. I liked book 1 plenty, then found book 2 to be alright, but not living up to what I liked of the first one. This book takes this all to another level.
There's a revelation that had me mind blown. Actually, two, now that I think about it, regarding the same character.
5/5 read, I was hooked reading this book all throughout this weekend
March 30, 2026
Michel continues his fantastic ability to weave multiple unique POVs together and craft an incredible epic fantasy. The pacing, characterization, and worldbuilding are impeccably done. Just when you think you see the shape of the story evolve, he throws another twist or a new character into the mix.
I cant wait for the next one; it’s quickly becoming an all-time favorite series!
I cant wait for the next one; it’s quickly becoming an all-time favorite series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OK, so we have reached book 3 of the proposed 5 books in The Dust & Steel series, and boy have things ramped up, this is another step up from the previous book, Michael Michel is right into his stride in this book from the outset
There is no middle book syndrome here, this book is not marking time, it is moving the story forward at all times, and, to me, the pace of the book is perfect, it never feels rushed, but at the same time it never lets up, at times gentle, and at others hectic it grips you and keeps you coming back for more
Everytime I went to put the book down, there was that nagging feeling of, maybe I can just do one more chapter
It’s a rip snorting ride, with something for everyone, we have political Intrigue, betrayal, magic, a quest (both physical and metaphysical), fights & battles aplenty
The world building continues apace in this volume, we are seeing more of the different lands, the people in them and their histories, it will suck you in, Michael’s ability to give colour and solidness to characters, not just the main ones, but the side characters as well, shines through
I will use an idea from another reviewer here, Michael has set up the chess board and the pieces are being manoeuvred into place, but for now we have no idea where the killer blow will come from, and also which side it will fall to
I am really engaged to see the end of this story now, it can’t come soon enough
There is no middle book syndrome here, this book is not marking time, it is moving the story forward at all times, and, to me, the pace of the book is perfect, it never feels rushed, but at the same time it never lets up, at times gentle, and at others hectic it grips you and keeps you coming back for more
Everytime I went to put the book down, there was that nagging feeling of, maybe I can just do one more chapter
It’s a rip snorting ride, with something for everyone, we have political Intrigue, betrayal, magic, a quest (both physical and metaphysical), fights & battles aplenty
The world building continues apace in this volume, we are seeing more of the different lands, the people in them and their histories, it will suck you in, Michael’s ability to give colour and solidness to characters, not just the main ones, but the side characters as well, shines through
I will use an idea from another reviewer here, Michael has set up the chess board and the pieces are being manoeuvred into place, but for now we have no idea where the killer blow will come from, and also which side it will fall to
I am really engaged to see the end of this story now, it can’t come soon enough
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's not called the "Pain Train" for nothing...
Book Three. Many epic fantasies would be over and done with. But how do you sum up a brutal series of wars with multiple opponents, all facing betrayal from many angles - topped off with an ascended boy "prophet" spawning "miracles" and threatening to both take and destroy it all - in just three books? Or four? Michel claims the final two books in his Dreams of Dust and Steel series will twist the fortunes of his ragged ensemble of would-be heroes even more than in the first three. The Pain has just begun. No matter his miracles, even the Arrow of Light knows winning is neither easy nor simple, and Michel plans to savor every crushed dream and forlorn hope he or his characters can imagine. As will you, the reader of this sprawling train of assault and betrayal, triumph and failure. Just as one delicate stream in the River of Life dumps it's travelers into a soothing pool of relief, another diverges into treacherous rapids, tumbling others into whirlpools of chaos.
Banners of Wrath, out now, is the triumphant third entry in Michel's series and readers may be forgiven thinking the greatest wrath depicted here is an author's for his characters. Lois McMaster Bujold famously revealed her delight in finding out the worst she could do to her characters and making it happen. Michel's answer is Dust and Steel, aka the Pain Train.
If you've somehow missed this train, make your way back down the tracks to The Price of Power and A Graveyard for Heroes - but board with caution - the bridge over the River of Life might have just given out...
My thanks to Mr Michel for a seat on his train, as well as an advanced review copy of his latest fare in exchange for an honest proofread (don't ask)...my enthusiastic response, as always, having nothing to do with the gift and everything to do with its contents.
Book Three. Many epic fantasies would be over and done with. But how do you sum up a brutal series of wars with multiple opponents, all facing betrayal from many angles - topped off with an ascended boy "prophet" spawning "miracles" and threatening to both take and destroy it all - in just three books? Or four? Michel claims the final two books in his Dreams of Dust and Steel series will twist the fortunes of his ragged ensemble of would-be heroes even more than in the first three. The Pain has just begun. No matter his miracles, even the Arrow of Light knows winning is neither easy nor simple, and Michel plans to savor every crushed dream and forlorn hope he or his characters can imagine. As will you, the reader of this sprawling train of assault and betrayal, triumph and failure. Just as one delicate stream in the River of Life dumps it's travelers into a soothing pool of relief, another diverges into treacherous rapids, tumbling others into whirlpools of chaos.
Banners of Wrath, out now, is the triumphant third entry in Michel's series and readers may be forgiven thinking the greatest wrath depicted here is an author's for his characters. Lois McMaster Bujold famously revealed her delight in finding out the worst she could do to her characters and making it happen. Michel's answer is Dust and Steel, aka the Pain Train.
If you've somehow missed this train, make your way back down the tracks to The Price of Power and A Graveyard for Heroes - but board with caution - the bridge over the River of Life might have just given out...
My thanks to Mr Michel for a seat on his train, as well as an advanced review copy of his latest fare in exchange for an honest proofread (don't ask)...my enthusiastic response, as always, having nothing to do with the gift and everything to do with its contents.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews