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Kingdoms of Sand #1
Kings of Ruin
In an ancient world of sand and splendor, an empire awakens.
Aelar, a mighty nation, spreads its tentacles. Its oared galleys storm the seas, and the waters run red with blood. Its legionaries swarm desert ruins, smiting barbarian hordes. Its crosses line the roadsides, displaying the dying flesh of heroes.
The Aelarian Empire rises. The old world falls.
The powerful Sela family has avoided the empire until now. The family has carved out an idyllic life between sea and desert, ruling a bustling port, a thriving city, and lush vineyards. Yet when an imperial fleet arrives in their harbor, everything the Sela family has built threatens to collapse.
Sweeping from snowy forests to cruel deserts, from bazaars of wonder to fields of war, here is a tale of legionaries and lepers, priests and paupers, kings and crows. Here a girl travels across endless dunes, seeking magic; a cruel prince struggles to claim a bloodstained throne; and a young soldier fights to hold back an overwhelming host. As the empire spreads, the fate of the Sela family--and of all civilization--stands upon a knife's edge, for under the storm of war, even the greatest nations are but kingdoms of sand.
Aelar, a mighty nation, spreads its tentacles. Its oared galleys storm the seas, and the waters run red with blood. Its legionaries swarm desert ruins, smiting barbarian hordes. Its crosses line the roadsides, displaying the dying flesh of heroes.
The Aelarian Empire rises. The old world falls.
The powerful Sela family has avoided the empire until now. The family has carved out an idyllic life between sea and desert, ruling a bustling port, a thriving city, and lush vineyards. Yet when an imperial fleet arrives in their harbor, everything the Sela family has built threatens to collapse.
Sweeping from snowy forests to cruel deserts, from bazaars of wonder to fields of war, here is a tale of legionaries and lepers, priests and paupers, kings and crows. Here a girl travels across endless dunes, seeking magic; a cruel prince struggles to claim a bloodstained throne; and a young soldier fights to hold back an overwhelming host. As the empire spreads, the fate of the Sela family--and of all civilization--stands upon a knife's edge, for under the storm of war, even the greatest nations are but kingdoms of sand.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2017
671 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Arenson
148 books877 followersDaniel Arenson is a bookworm, proud geek, and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction. His novels have sold over a million copies. The Huffington Post has called his writing "full of soul." He's written over forty novels, most of them in five series:
EARTHRISE — They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. Against the alien onslaught, Earth stands alone. But we will fight. We will rise. We will win. Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel in this military science fiction series.
REQUIEM — Welcome to Requiem, an ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Requiem is explored in six trilogies, which can be read in any order. If you're new to Requiem, you can start reading with Requiem's Song (you can download it for free). For fans of dark, gritty fantasy like A Game of Thrones.
MOTH — Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night—its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness. For fans of classic fantasy worlds such as Middle Earth and Narnia. Start reading with Moth, the first novel in this epic fantasy saga.
ALIEN HUNTERS — Got trouble with aliens? Call the Alien Hunters. A group of scruffy mercenaries, they'll remove the pest for you. Low rates. No questions asked. Start reading with Alien Hunters, the first book in this space opera series. For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
KINGDOMS OF SAND — Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall.
EARTHRISE — They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. Against the alien onslaught, Earth stands alone. But we will fight. We will rise. We will win. Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel in this military science fiction series.
REQUIEM — Welcome to Requiem, an ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Requiem is explored in six trilogies, which can be read in any order. If you're new to Requiem, you can start reading with Requiem's Song (you can download it for free). For fans of dark, gritty fantasy like A Game of Thrones.
MOTH — Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night—its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness. For fans of classic fantasy worlds such as Middle Earth and Narnia. Start reading with Moth, the first novel in this epic fantasy saga.
ALIEN HUNTERS — Got trouble with aliens? Call the Alien Hunters. A group of scruffy mercenaries, they'll remove the pest for you. Low rates. No questions asked. Start reading with Alien Hunters, the first book in this space opera series. For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
KINGDOMS OF SAND — Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 30, 2017
This was a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy. There are a lot of chapters from different character view points (Game of Thrones style), but the characters are so closely knit, it doesn't slow or break you away from the plot. Each chapter became more riveting and I couldn't put it down. Battle filled the majority of its pages and I have to say it was magnificently done. I am an action junkie and a sucker for great battle scenes (and this being almost the whole book was a bonus for me!)
There was not a lot of worldbuilding but because of the book was set in Zohar with a few glimpses of Aelar, that's understandable. Depending on where the series goes, I'm willing to bet that will come in the later books.
The characters were well done--characters to love and cheer on in their moments of darkness, and those you hate and want to skewer yourself!
Overall, a great read--a great ending that leaves you wanting more! I look forward to diving into the next book!
There was not a lot of worldbuilding but because of the book was set in Zohar with a few glimpses of Aelar, that's understandable. Depending on where the series goes, I'm willing to bet that will come in the later books.
The characters were well done--characters to love and cheer on in their moments of darkness, and those you hate and want to skewer yourself!
Overall, a great read--a great ending that leaves you wanting more! I look forward to diving into the next book!
December 18, 2018
I've been wanting to get the chance to read this for quite some time. Swords & Sandals-type fantasy with political intrigue and some grittyness written by an indie author who hopefully could add his own unique voice to it all sounded right up my alley.
Did I get what I was looking for?
Well... kind of.
The book sets the tone as some b-grade porno by starting off with two women crudely discussing how much they enjoy *fucking* until one of them is taken to a cave by a roman legionnaire who busts off on her face. Since I'm not a prude I still gave it a chance, figured it might be trying to be more along the lines of the GoT/Spartacus/Rome tv-series with lots of sex and violence, and if it had just keept that level of edgyness I would probably have enjoyed it in a "guilty pleasure"-type way.
But the story just keeps going with spears getting shoved up womens vaginas, infants heads getting crushed, men having sex with dead women etc. Essentially the whole book feels like a Garth Ennis cartoon, edgy brutalization for the shock value alone. I don't mind gritty violence but it shouldn't be the driving force of the plot itself.
The book is essentially about a huge battle with not much going on in between and borrows a little here and there transparently from movies such as Star Wars and 300, making it feel like the writer doesn't feel any passion for his own story but rather churns out books as fast as possible without consideration, which is a shame, because I don't think the book is badly written.
Did I get what I was looking for?
Well... kind of.
The book sets the tone as some b-grade porno by starting off with two women crudely discussing how much they enjoy *fucking* until one of them is taken to a cave by a roman legionnaire who busts off on her face. Since I'm not a prude I still gave it a chance, figured it might be trying to be more along the lines of the GoT/Spartacus/Rome tv-series with lots of sex and violence, and if it had just keept that level of edgyness I would probably have enjoyed it in a "guilty pleasure"-type way.
But the story just keeps going with spears getting shoved up womens vaginas, infants heads getting crushed, men having sex with dead women etc. Essentially the whole book feels like a Garth Ennis cartoon, edgy brutalization for the shock value alone. I don't mind gritty violence but it shouldn't be the driving force of the plot itself.
The book is essentially about a huge battle with not much going on in between and borrows a little here and there transparently from movies such as Star Wars and 300, making it feel like the writer doesn't feel any passion for his own story but rather churns out books as fast as possible without consideration, which is a shame, because I don't think the book is badly written.
July 5, 2017
A tale of two nations struggling around the Encircled Sea.
Kings of Ruin is the first book in a new series Kingdoms of Sand by one of my favorite authors, Daniel Arensen. Another amazing cast of characters from the mind of the master storyteller live, love, scheme and fight, given that touch of realism that brings life to the actors. The story takes place in a fictional land surrounding the Encircled Sea where two nations, the Aelarian Empire and the small country Zohar, face an inevitable conflict for dominance or survival.
Two families face off again. They have history, to put it lightly. Emperor Marcus Octavius was General Octavius that fateful night nineteen years previous when Lord Jerael Sela surrendered his navy and his wife, Shiloh, to end the fighting and for the lives of his sons. As a result of that night, the ships of his navy were burned, seven young women with the ability to transform the magical energy Lume into Luminescence were sent each year to Aelar, slaves to the Aelarian elite, and a female child was born to Shiloh, fathered by General Octavius.
Jerael and Shiloh had two sons and a daughter born before the war, Epheriah, Koren and Atalia. Ofeer was the product of Shiloh's rape. Maya, the youngest daughter, is an untrained Lumen, struggling with the attraction to Luminosity and her parents demand that she hide her ability.
Emperor Marcus Octavius, having made himself ruler of Aeleria, has two children. Princess Porcia is the oldest, commands 3 legions, pointed overland at Beth Eloh, capital of Zohar, the only source of Lume, and currently locked in siege. The two princes of Zohar are battling for control after the death of the Queen, their mother. The three-year siege has devastated the property and population of Beth Eloh. The last tribute to Aeleria was only 5 lumers, two less than demanded.
Prince Seneca Octavius has 250 ships in Gefen's harbor, loaded with three legions, each legion consisting of 5000 legionnaries. Lord Jerael Sela rules the port city and is charged with defending it. Princess and Prince, the children of the Emperor must convince their father who will inherit his Empire. The board is set, the die is fast. War is coming.
The story is constructed with the author's usual attention to detail and colorful descriptions enlivening his characters. You'll love them, you'll hate them, most importantly you'll know them. I have no hesitation in saying that this series will be a remarkable ride you won't soon forget.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book to read and enjoy. I am honored to share my observations and opinions with you. I couldn't wait for this book to be available and bought a copy for my collection. I know you're going to love this read as much as I do!
Kings of Ruin is the first book in a new series Kingdoms of Sand by one of my favorite authors, Daniel Arensen. Another amazing cast of characters from the mind of the master storyteller live, love, scheme and fight, given that touch of realism that brings life to the actors. The story takes place in a fictional land surrounding the Encircled Sea where two nations, the Aelarian Empire and the small country Zohar, face an inevitable conflict for dominance or survival.
Two families face off again. They have history, to put it lightly. Emperor Marcus Octavius was General Octavius that fateful night nineteen years previous when Lord Jerael Sela surrendered his navy and his wife, Shiloh, to end the fighting and for the lives of his sons. As a result of that night, the ships of his navy were burned, seven young women with the ability to transform the magical energy Lume into Luminescence were sent each year to Aelar, slaves to the Aelarian elite, and a female child was born to Shiloh, fathered by General Octavius.
Jerael and Shiloh had two sons and a daughter born before the war, Epheriah, Koren and Atalia. Ofeer was the product of Shiloh's rape. Maya, the youngest daughter, is an untrained Lumen, struggling with the attraction to Luminosity and her parents demand that she hide her ability.
Emperor Marcus Octavius, having made himself ruler of Aeleria, has two children. Princess Porcia is the oldest, commands 3 legions, pointed overland at Beth Eloh, capital of Zohar, the only source of Lume, and currently locked in siege. The two princes of Zohar are battling for control after the death of the Queen, their mother. The three-year siege has devastated the property and population of Beth Eloh. The last tribute to Aeleria was only 5 lumers, two less than demanded.
Prince Seneca Octavius has 250 ships in Gefen's harbor, loaded with three legions, each legion consisting of 5000 legionnaries. Lord Jerael Sela rules the port city and is charged with defending it. Princess and Prince, the children of the Emperor must convince their father who will inherit his Empire. The board is set, the die is fast. War is coming.
The story is constructed with the author's usual attention to detail and colorful descriptions enlivening his characters. You'll love them, you'll hate them, most importantly you'll know them. I have no hesitation in saying that this series will be a remarkable ride you won't soon forget.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book to read and enjoy. I am honored to share my observations and opinions with you. I couldn't wait for this book to be available and bought a copy for my collection. I know you're going to love this read as much as I do!
July 21, 2017
This was another enjoyable book from Daniel Arenson. He has grown a lot as a writer over his career, and I'm a sucker for desert settings. This book had lots of action, as I've come to expect from Arenson. I felt his characters and their interactions were better than in some of his earlier books. The beginning of the book was a bit slower than I expected because Arenson introduced so many characters. Once I got used to all those characters, however, I was along for the ride.
It's almost a five star read for me. I think this series has the potential to be the strongest fantasy series Arenson has written.
Rating: 8.5/10
It's almost a five star read for me. I think this series has the potential to be the strongest fantasy series Arenson has written.
Rating: 8.5/10
October 16, 2021
A decent attempt at an epic fantasy read that is (finally) not based on a European-inspired mythos. Kings of Ruin is so closely relate to B.C. era Judea that it feels a bit like reading a fictionalized version of Judges through Kings.
What the book lacks is pacing and character development. Everything either happens so so so fast or just doesn't seem ... to ... ever ... happen. I admit, I started skimming. And the more chapters I hopped to, the more characters I was introduced to (WHY IS THERE A NEW POV CHARACTER IN CHAPTER 67?) and the more I realized they mostly thought about doing stuff, and talked about doing stuff, but only a few times did anyone actually do stuff. So I guess in that sense it feels very Old Testament.
The descriptive passages however, show some real writing chops. They are wonderful. Too long, but wonderful. It's really the super stilted dialogue that loses me.
So hey, yay for a desert-based fantasy, huzzah for queer representation, kudos for the pretty pretty picture painting, but I would love to see Arenson paired with someone who knows how to write a character arc and a line of dialogue that isn't head-desking awful before I go on with the series.
What the book lacks is pacing and character development. Everything either happens so so so fast or just doesn't seem ... to ... ever ... happen. I admit, I started skimming. And the more chapters I hopped to, the more characters I was introduced to (WHY IS THERE A NEW POV CHARACTER IN CHAPTER 67?) and the more I realized they mostly thought about doing stuff, and talked about doing stuff, but only a few times did anyone actually do stuff. So I guess in that sense it feels very Old Testament.
The descriptive passages however, show some real writing chops. They are wonderful. Too long, but wonderful. It's really the super stilted dialogue that loses me.
So hey, yay for a desert-based fantasy, huzzah for queer representation, kudos for the pretty pretty picture painting, but I would love to see Arenson paired with someone who knows how to write a character arc and a line of dialogue that isn't head-desking awful before I go on with the series.
January 7, 2023
This is the first in a six-volume epic fantasy series, roughly modeled on Rome in its heyday, vs. the middle eastern nations, with a little magic mixed in. Volume 1 is mainly a description of horrific battles – blood pours and bodies pile up. In some ways, it is reminiscent of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law books, only lacking Mr. Abercrombie’s humour. Also Mr. Arenson’s writing, when not describing the battles, is rather florid.
I can no longer find the original reference, but I seem to remember an interview or an “Author’s Notes” section where an author, maybe Mr. Abercrombie, said something like, “There is a limit to the amount of gore and violence that the reader will tolerate.” Mr. Arenson may have exceeded that limit.
I found the characters to be engaging, and I want to know what happens to them, including the good, the bad and the half-crazed. I’ll continue to read the series, though I do hope the violence calms down.
I can no longer find the original reference, but I seem to remember an interview or an “Author’s Notes” section where an author, maybe Mr. Abercrombie, said something like, “There is a limit to the amount of gore and violence that the reader will tolerate.” Mr. Arenson may have exceeded that limit.
I found the characters to be engaging, and I want to know what happens to them, including the good, the bad and the half-crazed. I’ll continue to read the series, though I do hope the violence calms down.
January 23, 2021
I'm opinionated; I’ve been told I’m a bit spoiled. I like my books filled with chivalry, romance and epic battles. With good overcoming evil.
The Crowns of Ruin by Daniel Aranson was a difficult read for me. At times it read like the Old Testament, which can get dark in parts.
There is plenty of violence, sex, and villains. The problem for me is the same problem I had with the first book of A Game of Thrones. Of course, GOT got better, and revenge is a dish best served cold. That said, I’ll still probably read book two, Kings of Rust.
3stars
The Crowns of Ruin by Daniel Aranson was a difficult read for me. At times it read like the Old Testament, which can get dark in parts.
There is plenty of violence, sex, and villains. The problem for me is the same problem I had with the first book of A Game of Thrones. Of course, GOT got better, and revenge is a dish best served cold. That said, I’ll still probably read book two, Kings of Rust.
3stars
August 11, 2021
I very much enjoyed this first instalment of the Kingdoms of Sand series. It had everything I really enjoy; world and character building, an interesting magic system, and paced well. I found myself invested in the characters almost right off the first page, the opening scene helped to solidify that. If I was to give any critique it would only be that it can get a bit sexual and "rapey" which I don't enjoy but Arenson does it tolerably compared to other books I've read.
May 10, 2020
4...I really enjoyed this novel! Once I got use to the vulgar language and the intensely grotesque battle scenes!!! I thought about throwing in the towel when we met Red, but she is now a reason I am continuing this series...and many others...I am in it to win it at this point!
January 20, 2025
A powerful empire stretches its greedy hand. Bringing violence & death. Blood spills to all who oppose it.
This one was ultra violent! Battles & action are fast & furious. Roman inspired bloody tale infused with a hint of magic & lots of pain. Hypnotizing!
Strong stomach required! 😉
This one was ultra violent! Battles & action are fast & furious. Roman inspired bloody tale infused with a hint of magic & lots of pain. Hypnotizing!
Strong stomach required! 😉
February 9, 2022
Really strong book 1. I definitely check out the rest. Modern epic tale with a different spin.
December 15, 2018
Surprisingly good...a tad gratuitous with the language but the plot is compelling.
August 19, 2018
DNF'ed. Read 20% doubt I'll ever finish it. At least I'd have to start over. and I can't imagine I would want to.
January 28, 2025
Five stars do not do this book justice, it is dark epic fantasy at its very best, a book which kept me reading even though my stomach roiled at the cruelty of war. Daniel Arenson does not hide any of the brutality, on the contrary he gives us the true picture of war, where no side is ever a winner. In this case a new and mighty nation that of Aelar was out to capture more cities to grow their own might. They venture across the deserts and sand and take one city after another but the Sela family who had a different religious belief to those of the Aelarians vowed they would not bow to these infidels. They fought with great faith in their God and hope gave them strength. However the Aelar came at them from various sides, attacking on many fronts and with an army of legionaries who were well trained and well armed whilst the Sela's people were loyal and ready to defend their lands but had no arms to mention, and fought as individuals not an army. This is a story of great heartbreak as we see the Sela family being ripped apart from one another, facing torture and death and enslavement amidst the betrayal of one of their own. This is a brutal dark fantasy, sword and sorcery first book in a series which makes for very compelling reading. The descriptions of the cities are so vivid, they bring the lives of the desert people to life for us the reader. I just need to continue reading the next books in the series as I am completely hooked.
September 19, 2025
"Kings of Ruin" by Daniel Arenson is a grimdark fight for freedom with a distinct setting inspired by ancient Rome and the Middle East. There were a lot of things I really liked about it: well-done multiple points of view with distinct voices and perspectives, a sort of poetic style of prose with good word usage and natural dialogue, and a clearly laid out storyline that doesn't waver and doesn't wait to start. From the start, I knew it would be raw in its v¡○lence and depiction of war, open-door with certain scenes though it's not heavy on that, and grim in outcomes. (That said, a few scenes bothered me with their graphic nature.) The cultures, conflict, dehumanization of peoples, and nationalism were very reminiscent of the Jewish tribes and Roman Empire, with themes that stay relevant in modern times. The prose might be a little heavy for some, sometimes carrying the lofty embellished tone of a sacred text.
If you like darker grimdark stories with not much hope, but a refusal to bow to fear, then you might like this one. It primarily follows the family of Jerael Sela, Lord of the Coast in the Zoharite Kingdom, the last kingdom to resist rule by the cruel Aelerian Empire. Their people and land are the only ones blessed with magic, a sign of their god's influence. But their kingdom is far from united, with warring kings and troubled history with Aeleria, to whom they send tribute in the form of magically gifted slaves. Fighting the Empire seems impossible, but so is surrender.
If you like darker grimdark stories with not much hope, but a refusal to bow to fear, then you might like this one. It primarily follows the family of Jerael Sela, Lord of the Coast in the Zoharite Kingdom, the last kingdom to resist rule by the cruel Aelerian Empire. Their people and land are the only ones blessed with magic, a sign of their god's influence. But their kingdom is far from united, with warring kings and troubled history with Aeleria, to whom they send tribute in the form of magically gifted slaves. Fighting the Empire seems impossible, but so is surrender.
April 10, 2019
Having just finished the 6th book in the Kingdom of Sands series, I envy all you readers out there that are looking at these reviews. You are able to read this epic tale from the beginning, getting caught up in the highs and lows of the characters. You will be delighted and revolted by the visceral descriptions of hand to hand battle! Get sucked into the political machinations where diplomacy was conducted by the sword. Be touched by the love that survived and the love that didn't.
There are parallels to Romans, Gauls, British and Egyptians among others and this makes the story easy to read as most are aware of this time in our history. The reader can concentrate on the lives (and deaths) of the characters. The addition of Zohar girls with abilities to absorb and transform the magical energy of Lume into Luminescence bring magic abilities elevates the tale to fantasy.
Each chapter leaves you wanting more and each book finishes intensely. You will buy the next one or have it waiting in your library. I will read more by the author. Much, much more!
Good skills, Mr. Arenson!
There are parallels to Romans, Gauls, British and Egyptians among others and this makes the story easy to read as most are aware of this time in our history. The reader can concentrate on the lives (and deaths) of the characters. The addition of Zohar girls with abilities to absorb and transform the magical energy of Lume into Luminescence bring magic abilities elevates the tale to fantasy.
Each chapter leaves you wanting more and each book finishes intensely. You will buy the next one or have it waiting in your library. I will read more by the author. Much, much more!
Good skills, Mr. Arenson!
January 26, 2021
So, here's the thing about wars in fiction. They mean little to nothing if the stakes don't matter. Guts can spill, heads can roll, and fortresses can topple, but everything rings hollow against poor build up. And that's pretty much how this book made me feel. Great writing, strong action sequences, and vivid imagery were stacked against lackluster characters, bland dialogues, nearly absent motivations, hazy world building, and violence/sex that went from graphic (which I'm okay with) to needlessly gratitutious. The build up to the battles was very little, so the only thing that kept me reading was the author voice.
The premise also makes the story out to be far more than what it is. We get what we sign up for, but only in tiny portions, which left a sour taste in my mouth. I'd have liked this book to focus on the events and alliances leading up to the war as it would've given me someone to root for and something to hope for, but well, it fell short in almost all aspects.
The premise also makes the story out to be far more than what it is. We get what we sign up for, but only in tiny portions, which left a sour taste in my mouth. I'd have liked this book to focus on the events and alliances leading up to the war as it would've given me someone to root for and something to hope for, but well, it fell short in almost all aspects.
January 1, 2022
Kings of Ruin by Daniel Arenson
(Kings of Sand Book 1)
A sea is almost encircled by land, with various countries around it. There is one which is systematically invading, enslaving, the others. One of the last is a magically imbued realm with a few arguing Princes.
The world is magnificent, deliberately rendered in fine detail in every paragraph throughout the whole book. A medieval world of bronze & steel. For me, personally, too much so. A lot of terrible things happen in this story of war, no glory, just mutilation & death. The pace of the story, again it could be just me, but I found it really slow - I skimmed about a third of the book, just capturing concepts out of paragraphs, finally reading the last four chapters properly.
I think a good editor might have suggested trimming the 379 page book down a bit, maybe quite a bit.
A good world, but just ok 2/5
(Kings of Sand Book 1)
A sea is almost encircled by land, with various countries around it. There is one which is systematically invading, enslaving, the others. One of the last is a magically imbued realm with a few arguing Princes.
The world is magnificent, deliberately rendered in fine detail in every paragraph throughout the whole book. A medieval world of bronze & steel. For me, personally, too much so. A lot of terrible things happen in this story of war, no glory, just mutilation & death. The pace of the story, again it could be just me, but I found it really slow - I skimmed about a third of the book, just capturing concepts out of paragraphs, finally reading the last four chapters properly.
I think a good editor might have suggested trimming the 379 page book down a bit, maybe quite a bit.
A good world, but just ok 2/5
January 25, 2019
I liked that the story was faced paced. I really enjoyed how vulnerable all of the characters were, I felt like these characters were indeed struggling with not just their circumstances but also with themselves.
This series was recommended to me because I read Game of Thrones. As I read I quickly started finding analogous aspects of the story to GoT, so much so that as soon as I noticed these similarities I made a prediction on how the book will end and was pretty accurate. But it was not TOO predictable that I was not satisfied with how the fates of the characters unfolded.
That being said I enjoyed this book and already have the rest of the series to read so I most likely will.
This series was recommended to me because I read Game of Thrones. As I read I quickly started finding analogous aspects of the story to GoT, so much so that as soon as I noticed these similarities I made a prediction on how the book will end and was pretty accurate. But it was not TOO predictable that I was not satisfied with how the fates of the characters unfolded.
That being said I enjoyed this book and already have the rest of the series to read so I most likely will.
December 20, 2020
It takes a lot of bravery to write a book so sad, without that happy ending when you spin tales of war and death; of love and hate; of bravery and cowardice. This was one of those stories. The family that is torn apart and weekend in the Kingdom of Zohar (audible listener so excuse any misspelled names) had so much promise. It was a difficult and gorey read but the story was so beautiful in its details of destruction. I can't wait to hear what happens next for the Sela's who survive...keeping hope alive. If they survive I'd be surprised as Daniel has no problem killing people (main character/heros/heroines) off!
January 24, 2022
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This was an okay book I just felt it took too many ideas from other places. There were times it sounded like Dune and since I just read Dune I did not like an inferior story that was the same in a lot of ways. The characters were kind of interesting and the battle for the kingdom was fine. There was nothing overwhelming good or bad to say about the book. There are certainly some teams of the Oedipus and Electra complex.
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This was an okay book I just felt it took too many ideas from other places. There were times it sounded like Dune and since I just read Dune I did not like an inferior story that was the same in a lot of ways. The characters were kind of interesting and the battle for the kingdom was fine. There was nothing overwhelming good or bad to say about the book. There are certainly some teams of the Oedipus and Electra complex.
January 27, 2022
I couldn't wait for this book to finish.... I almost put it down half a dozen times. Way too many characters, characters that were painted with FAR too heavy a brush, good guys were uber good and bad guys were pure evil. This was reinforced again and again throughout the entire book Honestly, the book could have been about 100 pages and I would have gotten the same character development and clear picture (I think) of where the next book is going. Just too much unnecessary repetition.
I highly doubt if I will give the next installment a go...
I highly doubt if I will give the next installment a go...
July 14, 2017
I actually got to read an ARC before the book was available for purchase and finished it on the day it went on sale. I enjoyed the book very much. The story takes place in a fictional land surrounding the Encircled Sea where two nations, the Aelarian Empire and the small country Zohar, face an inevitable conflict for dominance or survival. Losely based on Judea's rebellion against the Roman Empire. It has all the elements for a classic fantasy series.
July 27, 2017
A good fantasy read, but I thought there was too much descriptive text in it. Areas of a characters thoughts and past where describe multiple times through out the book. I like to know the characters background but full descriptions only need to be described once. A hint of the history to recall the thought is good but not to fully describe it again.
It is a good read and I will probably read the next book in the series to see how the adventure moves forward.
It is a good read and I will probably read the next book in the series to see how the adventure moves forward.
August 21, 2017
This book was interesting and fast-paced. There was never a dull moment as I was reading it, which made it easy to read and get through. There were a lot of things happening and it flipped between several different characters. There wasn't as much world-building as a lot of other fantasy books I've read, but that was part of what made it interesting. There was a light sprinkle of world-building here and there around the story that was taking place.
December 4, 2017
I liked Daniels Sci Fi series and was curious about his recent fantasy. The story is very promising and I like Daniels writing style a lot. The characters are good but perhaps a bit too archetypical. I would have given it another star if it hadn't been for the Roman Empire marching all over the pages. I just don't think history and fantasy (or SciFi for that matter) mix very well.
I haven't decided if I will read the next book or not.
I haven't decided if I will read the next book or not.
August 26, 2021
It's more a 3.60 star book.
This is a set up book, it's good to have so you don't have all this information in flashbacks.
I listened to it and the narrator was really good. The reason for 1.4 stars off and the reason I couldn't push it to a 4 star was because of Ophear. I might be spelling that wrong. But I hated her from the beginning, by the end I didn't care, and I nearly DNFed because of her character.
This is a set up book, it's good to have so you don't have all this information in flashbacks.
I listened to it and the narrator was really good. The reason for 1.4 stars off and the reason I couldn't push it to a 4 star was because of Ophear. I might be spelling that wrong. But I hated her from the beginning, by the end I didn't care, and I nearly DNFed because of her character.
December 20, 2023
Ugh.
The Game of Thrones comparison should have been a bright, red, flashing, light of warning.
Within the first ten pages is reference of a rape, a casual reference of rape with weaponry, and the tired trope of "My systems will be raped if we lose!"
But don't worry, if you're used to the trope of women exist to be raped to turn them into badasses later, the author murders a dog just you know how evil the bad guys are.
The Game of Thrones comparison should have been a bright, red, flashing, light of warning.
Within the first ten pages is reference of a rape, a casual reference of rape with weaponry, and the tired trope of "My systems will be raped if we lose!"
But don't worry, if you're used to the trope of women exist to be raped to turn them into badasses later, the author murders a dog just you know how evil the bad guys are.
October 24, 2017
Good
I wasn't sure about this at first, I struggled through the first chapters. Characters were real stereotypes but I kept reading. It got better but I would like to know just how many legionaires died as they never seemed to drop from 15k. He's set it up nicely to keep you reading the series.
I wasn't sure about this at first, I struggled through the first chapters. Characters were real stereotypes but I kept reading. It got better but I would like to know just how many legionaires died as they never seemed to drop from 15k. He's set it up nicely to keep you reading the series.
November 13, 2017
I started it. I got halfway through and stopped caring. It’s the Roman Empire vs the Hebrews who have women with magic. Oh, wait! Let’s use different names so it sounds original. But people’s names are very Latin sounding. So what. It’s original. Not really. I didn’t care for the writing style either.
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