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Assignata: Forged of Sand and Steel
Forged in Blood. Bound by Honour. Destined to Shatter the Realm.
For centuries, peace across the Affinitas of Kalavryta has depended on the an elite brotherhood of warriors engineered, trained, and bound to protect the realm. But the Force is shrinking, the threats are growing, and the price of maintaining peace is rising.
When fifteen-year-old Brak steps onto the island of Vordonia, homeless, unwanted, and driven by a destiny his father believed in, he is ready to give everything to join the legendary Force. But the journey from boy to warrior is merciless, and the truth behind the Assignata’s power is darker than anyone beyond the island knows.
Balsh, an aging Lanista who commands that force, feels the power he built slipping through his grasp as corruption, weakness, and rebellion stir within the ranks.
As hidden trials begin and the foundations of the alliance tremble, destinies entwine in a tale of betrayal and sacrifice.
Brak will attempt to defeat all to protect the Force he has sworn to serve. The force that saved him. But will it be protecting life or giving death that brings him peace in the end?
In a world where steel shapes strength, and sand is stained with blood, heroes are not born. They are forged.
Gritty, emotional, and fiercely character-driven, Assignata – Forge of Sand and Steel is perfect for fans of R.F. Kuang, John Gwynne, and Mark Lawrence.
For centuries, peace across the Affinitas of Kalavryta has depended on the an elite brotherhood of warriors engineered, trained, and bound to protect the realm. But the Force is shrinking, the threats are growing, and the price of maintaining peace is rising.
When fifteen-year-old Brak steps onto the island of Vordonia, homeless, unwanted, and driven by a destiny his father believed in, he is ready to give everything to join the legendary Force. But the journey from boy to warrior is merciless, and the truth behind the Assignata’s power is darker than anyone beyond the island knows.
Balsh, an aging Lanista who commands that force, feels the power he built slipping through his grasp as corruption, weakness, and rebellion stir within the ranks.
As hidden trials begin and the foundations of the alliance tremble, destinies entwine in a tale of betrayal and sacrifice.
Brak will attempt to defeat all to protect the Force he has sworn to serve. The force that saved him. But will it be protecting life or giving death that brings him peace in the end?
In a world where steel shapes strength, and sand is stained with blood, heroes are not born. They are forged.
Gritty, emotional, and fiercely character-driven, Assignata – Forge of Sand and Steel is perfect for fans of R.F. Kuang, John Gwynne, and Mark Lawrence.
515 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 25, 2026
A cracking adventure novel set in a fantasy world of swords, science fiction and medieval barbarity.
As with all fantasy novels, the first task for the reader is to understand the world and society where the novel is set. In this novel, this slowly unfolds as we follow our hero on his journey from farm boy to join the elite army unit of "Assignata". Along the way we meet Brak's rivals, friends and lovers. These characters are well drawn, credible and engage the reader's interests without overplaying the sentimentality too much.
The storyline is gripping and generally credible. Though there are some odd features. We meet a young lady who works in a tavern. She seems to have much to offer the storyliene, but then suddenly drops out of view and we don't meet her again. Maybe she appears again in the sequel [which i have not yet read]. And the assorted pirates, bandits and other raiders seem to come from a somewhere else that is never properly explained.
But these are quibbles. This is a great book, so go and buy it.
As with all fantasy novels, the first task for the reader is to understand the world and society where the novel is set. In this novel, this slowly unfolds as we follow our hero on his journey from farm boy to join the elite army unit of "Assignata". Along the way we meet Brak's rivals, friends and lovers. These characters are well drawn, credible and engage the reader's interests without overplaying the sentimentality too much.
The storyline is gripping and generally credible. Though there are some odd features. We meet a young lady who works in a tavern. She seems to have much to offer the storyliene, but then suddenly drops out of view and we don't meet her again. Maybe she appears again in the sequel [which i have not yet read]. And the assorted pirates, bandits and other raiders seem to come from a somewhere else that is never properly explained.
But these are quibbles. This is a great book, so go and buy it.
January 14, 2026
I found Assignata to be a thoughtful and engaging fantasy novel that combines strong character work with a carefully constructed world. From the outset, the story draws readers into a setting shaped by power, duty, and hidden truths, creating a sense of mystery that steadily deepens as the narrative unfolds.
It sets great atmosphere and builds tension through subtle worldbuilding and controlled pacing, allowing the stakes to rise naturally rather than relying on constant spectacle. The result is a story that feels immersive.
Rather than simple heroes or villains, the book sets characters shaped by circumstance, responsibility, and consequence, making their choices feel meaningful and often morally grey!
Assignata is a compelling and rewarding read.
December 27, 2025
Assignata, Forge of Sand and Steel doesn’t sell heroism as virtue, it sells it as damage. This is a brutal coming ofage story where loyalty is engineered, honour is enforced, and peace is maintained through controlled violence. Brak’s journey from unwanted boy to weapon is stripped of fantasy glamour, and Balsh’s unraveling authority gives the story real moral weight. The novel’s greatest strength is its refusal to flinch: the Force is both salvation and atrocity, and the line between protector and executioner erodes chapter by chapter. Stark, tense, and emotionally grounded, this is a grimdark tale that earns its bloodshed and makes its cost impossible to ignore.
January 18, 2026
Fantastically creative debut novel. Characters were believable and intriguing, loved their back stories and how they developed throughout the book. Imaginatively written and intrigued to follow the story in the next book. Not my usual genre but highly recommend, super enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews