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Age of Asango #1
Age of Asango Book 1
It is an age of slavery, of magic, wonder, and racism...
The greatest threat to the order of the Denigoth Empire is a sixteen-year-old genius named Cassian Asango. Five years before, his parents were put to death for thought crimes. In the years since, Cassian has honed his tremendous talent for sorcery and dared to follow in his parents’ footsteps, speaking defiantly against the evils in his society. Many factions seek to kill him, but he is clever, resourceful, and far more dangerous than anyone anticipates.
The greatest threat to the order of the Denigoth Empire is a sixteen-year-old genius named Cassian Asango. Five years before, his parents were put to death for thought crimes. In the years since, Cassian has honed his tremendous talent for sorcery and dared to follow in his parents’ footsteps, speaking defiantly against the evils in his society. Many factions seek to kill him, but he is clever, resourceful, and far more dangerous than anyone anticipates.
470 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2017
149 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 17, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. And I’m so happy I did.
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It easily became one of my favorites. I liked it so much I had to buy a physical copy of it and its sequel right after I finished it.
Asango, the story, revolves around Asango, the character, who is a starborn, an individual who is imbued with extra magical power than the regular person. Although the true stars of the story are the characters who aren’t demigods. Which is awesome, cause from the description I assumed the story would follow Asango from his point of view, and after finding out he was awesomely powerful I was afraid I would run into a lot of the pit falls we see in the King Killer Chronicles with a main character who’s able to do/overcome anything.
There’s a decently sized cast of characters, and they are all memorable and lovable. Kota, who the book opens up on, is a nonhuman human-animal hybrid who struggles to be viewed as a person by the people who swept him up into their lives. And honestly the way he goes about it is outstanding and makes his character one of my favorites characters in all the books I’ve read.
We also follow the lives of Iona and Livia, two slaves in the service of a kind husband and a terrible wife. In a way they’re opposites, Iona a talkative optimist and Livia a jaded mute. But as the story progresses their characters become more complex as the reader discovers things about them they don’t know.
And there is Somar, once a peasant who clawed his way up to become a general and senator of the empire. It’s through his eyes we experience a lot of Cassian Asango’s story. He fills multiple roles in Asango’s life that no ones else has been able to.
And finally of course there is Cassian Asango. A starborn, one of five, who all can compete for the throne of an empire that presides over a majority of the world. Cassian wants to change the world for the better and will do what ever it takes. He’s a hero and a heretic. His ideas are extremely progressive and a threat to the aristocracy’s rule. Though he seems to have a darker side borne from his powers and past tragedy.
While character development is awesome in this book there is some pretty good world building too. There’s lots of in story lore, which I love, but not so much that it’s like learning history of a place you don’t care about. The only thing I can say negatively is that there isn’t a map for me to constantly reference and obsessively look over.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new fantasy story with strong characters. I would recommend this to any person that enjoys the fantasy genre honestly.
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It easily became one of my favorites. I liked it so much I had to buy a physical copy of it and its sequel right after I finished it.
Asango, the story, revolves around Asango, the character, who is a starborn, an individual who is imbued with extra magical power than the regular person. Although the true stars of the story are the characters who aren’t demigods. Which is awesome, cause from the description I assumed the story would follow Asango from his point of view, and after finding out he was awesomely powerful I was afraid I would run into a lot of the pit falls we see in the King Killer Chronicles with a main character who’s able to do/overcome anything.
There’s a decently sized cast of characters, and they are all memorable and lovable. Kota, who the book opens up on, is a nonhuman human-animal hybrid who struggles to be viewed as a person by the people who swept him up into their lives. And honestly the way he goes about it is outstanding and makes his character one of my favorites characters in all the books I’ve read.
We also follow the lives of Iona and Livia, two slaves in the service of a kind husband and a terrible wife. In a way they’re opposites, Iona a talkative optimist and Livia a jaded mute. But as the story progresses their characters become more complex as the reader discovers things about them they don’t know.
And there is Somar, once a peasant who clawed his way up to become a general and senator of the empire. It’s through his eyes we experience a lot of Cassian Asango’s story. He fills multiple roles in Asango’s life that no ones else has been able to.
And finally of course there is Cassian Asango. A starborn, one of five, who all can compete for the throne of an empire that presides over a majority of the world. Cassian wants to change the world for the better and will do what ever it takes. He’s a hero and a heretic. His ideas are extremely progressive and a threat to the aristocracy’s rule. Though he seems to have a darker side borne from his powers and past tragedy.
While character development is awesome in this book there is some pretty good world building too. There’s lots of in story lore, which I love, but not so much that it’s like learning history of a place you don’t care about. The only thing I can say negatively is that there isn’t a map for me to constantly reference and obsessively look over.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new fantasy story with strong characters. I would recommend this to any person that enjoys the fantasy genre honestly.
March 21, 2017
This book is a must read to those who love fantasy. Age of Asango is a truly beautiful book where not everything is black and white. Each character is layered wonderfully and each has their own agenda. The description keeps a reader imagining every scene in detail and the fast-paced plot keeps the reader on their toes. Overall, this will always be known as one of my favorites.
December 11, 2018
I won the kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and cannot wait to read it!
December 6, 2018
Wonderful storyline
December 20, 2018
I liked the book so much I immediately downloaded the second book in this series of Asango after I had finished with Book 1 that I won through Goodreads. My interests were captivated from the very beginning of this tale of five siblings who possess magical powers. But only one can become the ruler of the Kingdom and Asango is both one of the two most powerful but he is also the most radical. He wants to end slavery and stop the religious persecutions among other things. In the first book, I was introduced to the main characters and the challenges that face them. Will Asango become the ruler and make the world a better place? I'm rooting for him and the slave girls.
October 14, 2018
ARC copy received from the author. This story contains fierce characters that capture your heart, INTENSE, thrilling action scenes that sometimes had me cowering. A world full of immense power, I'm really keen to discover what happens next. Especially about the girls. Oh also, DRAGONS 🐉💜
January 6, 2019
Wonderful
Mr. Russell
You have a wonderful world built here that has left me with many questions and thoughts after this first book. I find that if I find myself considering these thoughts after I closed the book,this tells me I found a book worth reading. This world you have constructed has me both happy to read it but also dreading it as you have many characters I absolutely love. Reading of these characters and the fall from grace leaves me with that bitter feeling of both having gratification of the knowledge and yet the the furious turn of the page praying for a light. Just as the darkness gets dimmer and the dread of my favorite characters and will they fall or rise above their trials so thrilling that even reading it is just too suspenseful for me. This is a story with all the flavors of David Gemmell book. Please keep it up sir for you have left me with such a craving that had not realized it until the end of the first book.
Mr. Russell
You have a wonderful world built here that has left me with many questions and thoughts after this first book. I find that if I find myself considering these thoughts after I closed the book,this tells me I found a book worth reading. This world you have constructed has me both happy to read it but also dreading it as you have many characters I absolutely love. Reading of these characters and the fall from grace leaves me with that bitter feeling of both having gratification of the knowledge and yet the the furious turn of the page praying for a light. Just as the darkness gets dimmer and the dread of my favorite characters and will they fall or rise above their trials so thrilling that even reading it is just too suspenseful for me. This is a story with all the flavors of David Gemmell book. Please keep it up sir for you have left me with such a craving that had not realized it until the end of the first book.
October 19, 2018
this rekindled my passion in high/epic fantasy. Age of Asango can challenge the big names any day. incredibly intense, dark, fantastic and creative world that is so riveting. the writing is beautiful and never let's you get bored. hats off to Matthew who gives me a reason to be drawn into a dark world filled with characters who are so complex, flawed and beautiful you can't help but admire them. final words: story is epic, world is magnificent, characters thrive, writing is incredible, plot thickens as you continue your epic adventure with asango
August 13, 2018
Truely a book worth reading, this book easily captures your attention and has a clean writing style, i found myself unable to stop reading and I could easily say its up there with the top best selling fantasy books. It’s not hard to read, has a progressive plot that never leaves you bored and has plenty of twists if your looking for some excitement.
October 21, 2018
I started reading it on Wattpad and its hinestly my favourite book on there. Id spebt so long trying to find a series i could get invested in and i managed it :) By far one of the best books ive read for a good long while.
April 6, 2017
O my gosh its awesome
September 9, 2019
3.5 stars
This book started slow for me, although to be fair I had just finished up a 5 star series, so I was likely being overly judgmental.
I ended up enjoying it quite a bit, but I did have some nits to pick.
~ The title character has some very modern ideology in this swords & sorcery world. I could accept that if it wasn't also using modern language to describe his ideology ("freedom of religion" for instance, or even "racism").
~ Speaking of modern language: homosexual, aneurism, sterilize. These are not exactly words that belong in a swords & sorcery world. Homosexual would be "lies with men" or something like that, not the modern word; aneurism is way too medically advanced; and even the concept of sterilizing wounds is quite modern (the word itself is used in the book and a character cleans woulds with alcohol). Maybe we'll find out this is a future world, but so far it doesn't feel like it.
~ I know this is petty, but the Roman names of so many characters distracted me. It caused me to think too much about when/where this world would be (especially when paired with the above points).
~ The book needs proofreading. It doesn't have too many typos, but it does have a few, plus it has quite a few instances of homophones (reigns/reins, dear/deer for instance, but especially the former, multiple times). Also, horses don't bray - donkeys do.
All that said, it did draw me in and I'm looking forward to continuing the series. I especially want to know where the story is going with the two slave girls - far more interesting characters to me than Asango.
This book started slow for me, although to be fair I had just finished up a 5 star series, so I was likely being overly judgmental.
I ended up enjoying it quite a bit, but I did have some nits to pick.
~ The title character has some very modern ideology in this swords & sorcery world. I could accept that if it wasn't also using modern language to describe his ideology ("freedom of religion" for instance, or even "racism").
~ Speaking of modern language: homosexual, aneurism, sterilize. These are not exactly words that belong in a swords & sorcery world. Homosexual would be "lies with men" or something like that, not the modern word; aneurism is way too medically advanced; and even the concept of sterilizing wounds is quite modern (the word itself is used in the book and a character cleans woulds with alcohol). Maybe we'll find out this is a future world, but so far it doesn't feel like it.
~ I know this is petty, but the Roman names of so many characters distracted me. It caused me to think too much about when/where this world would be (especially when paired with the above points).
~ The book needs proofreading. It doesn't have too many typos, but it does have a few, plus it has quite a few instances of homophones (reigns/reins, dear/deer for instance, but especially the former, multiple times). Also, horses don't bray - donkeys do.
All that said, it did draw me in and I'm looking forward to continuing the series. I especially want to know where the story is going with the two slave girls - far more interesting characters to me than Asango.
January 11, 2020
this review might go a bit on the long side, so the short note of this review is this book is absolutely amazing and if you are on the fence about it just pick it up.
This book revolves around the story of the Heretic Asango. He is one of five people in the world born with enhanced magical abilities. Only one of these points of the stars can be the emperor of the human world. Instead of the book only being told through this all powerful character, the author weaves multiple complex story lines all at once side by side. Each individual story is intricate and interesting and grasps the interest of the reader and pulls them in. The attention to detail is amazing and the world building that the author was able to do was absolutely fantastic. There have been very few books that i picked up and have just consumed every second of free time i could possibly spare and Age of Asango is one of these books.
I ended up finishing the book in only a few days after i picked it up, it was such a fantastic riveting story. I would highly recommend it! I have the second book downloading now and i hope to hear the third book will be released soon!
This book revolves around the story of the Heretic Asango. He is one of five people in the world born with enhanced magical abilities. Only one of these points of the stars can be the emperor of the human world. Instead of the book only being told through this all powerful character, the author weaves multiple complex story lines all at once side by side. Each individual story is intricate and interesting and grasps the interest of the reader and pulls them in. The attention to detail is amazing and the world building that the author was able to do was absolutely fantastic. There have been very few books that i picked up and have just consumed every second of free time i could possibly spare and Age of Asango is one of these books.
I ended up finishing the book in only a few days after i picked it up, it was such a fantastic riveting story. I would highly recommend it! I have the second book downloading now and i hope to hear the third book will be released soon!
January 11, 2019
It’s a decent book but not great- the good guys are likeable and the bad guys are deplorable with no real grey areas; they are pretty one dimensional with no grey areas, the bad guys have no redeeming qualities and the good guys are perfect, but in spite of that, it’s still a fun read that draws you into the story- so much so that as soon as I finished the first book I went to the kindle stir to see if I could continue the story or if I would have to hope that this author would someday continue the story (Don’t even get me started on the author Patrick Rothfuss, I hope he has his pen or word processor taken away for breaking the author-fan compact- Rothfus, If you’re listening you should know better than to bite the hand that feeds you.)
All in all I am glad I stumbled onto the Assango books, they are worth reading.
All in all I am glad I stumbled onto the Assango books, they are worth reading.
May 28, 2020
After a month of reading all Sanderson's Cosmere books I wanted to have a break with a "whatever" book before I continue with Starward.. What was I thinking!? That is definitely not a whatever book and more of a "WOW! What a great book". I spent the last two days frantically reading the two Asango books till the early morning hours because I just couldn't stop. I loved it! It's a classical fantasy - magic, elves, dragons, demons, prophesied.. just name it. The story, the dialogs and the characters are great. A 16-year-old me would've had a massive crush on Cassian! He is a combination of my two favourite fictional characters (Max and David from Neff's The Tapestry) .. powerful, smart, cocky , determined. Kota, Livia , Gretis and the others are equally amazing. It's not by any means a hard read more of a enchanting one but it is a must read. Can't wait for book 3 !
February 24, 2019
Summary: I really liked everything about this fantasy book - highly recommended. Interesting characters, a convoluted plot, and a great premise
Plotline: Many threads winding around a an overall story with plots and counter plots. Yes and quite a bit of action
Premise: Still a lot to learn about this but a full blown complex magic system with trapped dragons , Gods and much more.
Writing: Great characterisations and the reader is right there in the book
Ending: Oh yes. So much more to come its frustrating its stopped.
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Many threads winding around a an overall story with plots and counter plots. Yes and quite a bit of action
Premise: Still a lot to learn about this but a full blown complex magic system with trapped dragons , Gods and much more.
Writing: Great characterisations and the reader is right there in the book
Ending: Oh yes. So much more to come its frustrating its stopped.
Pace: Never a dull moment!
November 26, 2018
This is a pretty interesting read but there is quite a bit that isn't explained. There is a good start to the explaining things but there are lots of aspects about multiple characters that goes unexplained.
March 30, 2019
Draws you in and doesn’t let go
Books that have multiple perspectives are usually difficult to read, but Age of Asango fluidly moves from one person to the other, and the story is so much the richer for it when they all convene.
Books that have multiple perspectives are usually difficult to read, but Age of Asango fluidly moves from one person to the other, and the story is so much the richer for it when they all convene.
March 30, 2019
First reed this book on wattpad and I was hooked! Definitely a fan and I love the author's writing style. The book is a page turner indeed! Can't wait for my hard copies to arrive. Definitely a series of books you would want in your collection. Can't wait to read more from the author!
July 18, 2019
Unique Imho
This is the first time I have read this Author. I can’t wait to read the second book and I look forward to reading even more in the future. It would be a good book for budding readers also.
This is the first time I have read this Author. I can’t wait to read the second book and I look forward to reading even more in the future. It would be a good book for budding readers also.
November 29, 2019
Wow!!
For me, this story came out of nowhere! I'm not sure what I was searching for when I picked this book up on KU, but I'm glad I did. I love the cunning and power of the mc. Well, I'm off to book 2.
For me, this story came out of nowhere! I'm not sure what I was searching for when I picked this book up on KU, but I'm glad I did. I love the cunning and power of the mc. Well, I'm off to book 2.
November 12, 2020
This was a great read and start to a fantasy series. Everything I love about fantasy, magic and super powers. The characters really grow on you, the story is entertaining and the battles are unique. Recommended.
December 20, 2018
Great fantasy read
January 15, 2019
Quite interesting, but somehow I couldn't emotionally connect.
January 23, 2019
Excellent book
I greatly enjoyed this start of the series, I’m going to immediately start book 2. If your hesitant to pick this one up please reconsider.
I greatly enjoyed this start of the series, I’m going to immediately start book 2. If your hesitant to pick this one up please reconsider.
February 26, 2021
An amazing read
This book was time extremely well spent in the fantasy world of cassian asango. I read the second part as well. And now can't wait for the third to drop.
This book was time extremely well spent in the fantasy world of cassian asango. I read the second part as well. And now can't wait for the third to drop.
March 5, 2021
Somewhat similar to Legend of arch magus series but much too radical than archmagus series. But definitely worth a read.
April 12, 2022
(Review for books 1 and 2.)
Wow. This book and its sequel blew me away. It's fast-paced, and those last few chapters—incredible! Some authors will drag out exciting moments, making readers wait until the end before delivering the climax, but Matt Russell has climatic moments occur quickly and consistently. You’re left astounded by the end, wondering how Russell manages to increase tension throughout an entire book while giving climaxes left and right.
The story follows three main characters: Cassian (a genius magician), Iona and Livia (two female slaves), and Kota (a non-human). I usually dislike jumping between characters, but I don’t mind it for this book and its sequel because the chapters are short and engaging. I'd say Cassian's chapters are the most exciting in this book, but by book two, all characters leave you breathless.
‘sigh’ With that being said, I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending this series to most my family, friends, or students. I read book 1 and loved it enough that I justified book 2 as long as I had a permanent marker in hand (no judgment, friends!). I tend to be a little sensitive, though, so read my content notes for yourself, and you can decide if this series works for you.
CONTENT
1) Caveat: this series is incomplete, and it's unclear if Matt will ever finish it. My guess is that he never will; it’s been too long. BUT I still think it's worth reading the two books that are published. Don't miss out on the entire meal just because the dessert is burned.
2) There is swearing (damnation, gods, no f-words). The language becomes a bit much in book 2. There are multiple expletives a page. Also, the title Messiah is used liberally in book 2. If you are Christian and dislike the misrepresentation of that word, then beware. I personally don’t think Russell meant it to be read in a blasphemous sense. He meant it to mean “someone who saves”.
3) The women are slaves and are slapped around (by females, mostly). Livia is called a whore (she isn’t one), and it is implied that other female slaves are usually sold into sex labor (Iona and Livia are not). Before Iona is purchased, a fellow slave recommends that she spread rumors of having sores in her nether areas. That way, she won’t be sold into the stews.
4) There is conversation in the book about how the church (fantasy religion) is opposed to gay and lesbian couples. Cassian reveals that many church leaders are hypocrites and have had gay relationships themselves.
5) Book 2 has some heavy, gruesome violence—heads being torn off of monsters, men being shredded to pieces, blood spewing, etc. There are also some implied torture scenes. You don’t see the torture, just the aftermath.
5) The books are self-published, so there are some minor, infrequent mistakes throughout, but they can be forgiven. Matt did a great job on his own!
THE GOOD
Lest you read this review and think the books are morally degenerate, I’d like to say a few more words about the good you’ll find in them. These books promote hope, forgiveness, family, loyalty, kindness, the worth of every life, friendship, equality, and meekness. I personally love that Asango meets a man who becomes a pseudo-father to him. Their relationship, particularly when Cassian becomes hardened by loss, felt real and priceless. Cassian had to learn to let go of his hate, and that journey was cathartic to read.
Iona and Kota were both optimistic despite the Xenophobic tendencies of people around them. Livia was strong, despite her speech impediment. And people changed! That’s what really moved me. Inherently-flawed characters overcame their greatest weaknesses, and it gave me hope for myself.
Wow. This book and its sequel blew me away. It's fast-paced, and those last few chapters—incredible! Some authors will drag out exciting moments, making readers wait until the end before delivering the climax, but Matt Russell has climatic moments occur quickly and consistently. You’re left astounded by the end, wondering how Russell manages to increase tension throughout an entire book while giving climaxes left and right.
The story follows three main characters: Cassian (a genius magician), Iona and Livia (two female slaves), and Kota (a non-human). I usually dislike jumping between characters, but I don’t mind it for this book and its sequel because the chapters are short and engaging. I'd say Cassian's chapters are the most exciting in this book, but by book two, all characters leave you breathless.
‘sigh’ With that being said, I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending this series to most my family, friends, or students. I read book 1 and loved it enough that I justified book 2 as long as I had a permanent marker in hand (no judgment, friends!). I tend to be a little sensitive, though, so read my content notes for yourself, and you can decide if this series works for you.
CONTENT
1) Caveat: this series is incomplete, and it's unclear if Matt will ever finish it. My guess is that he never will; it’s been too long. BUT I still think it's worth reading the two books that are published. Don't miss out on the entire meal just because the dessert is burned.
2) There is swearing (damnation, gods, no f-words). The language becomes a bit much in book 2. There are multiple expletives a page. Also, the title Messiah is used liberally in book 2. If you are Christian and dislike the misrepresentation of that word, then beware. I personally don’t think Russell meant it to be read in a blasphemous sense. He meant it to mean “someone who saves”.
3) The women are slaves and are slapped around (by females, mostly). Livia is called a whore (she isn’t one), and it is implied that other female slaves are usually sold into sex labor (Iona and Livia are not). Before Iona is purchased, a fellow slave recommends that she spread rumors of having sores in her nether areas. That way, she won’t be sold into the stews.
4) There is conversation in the book about how the church (fantasy religion) is opposed to gay and lesbian couples. Cassian reveals that many church leaders are hypocrites and have had gay relationships themselves.
5) Book 2 has some heavy, gruesome violence—heads being torn off of monsters, men being shredded to pieces, blood spewing, etc. There are also some implied torture scenes. You don’t see the torture, just the aftermath.
5) The books are self-published, so there are some minor, infrequent mistakes throughout, but they can be forgiven. Matt did a great job on his own!
THE GOOD
Lest you read this review and think the books are morally degenerate, I’d like to say a few more words about the good you’ll find in them. These books promote hope, forgiveness, family, loyalty, kindness, the worth of every life, friendship, equality, and meekness. I personally love that Asango meets a man who becomes a pseudo-father to him. Their relationship, particularly when Cassian becomes hardened by loss, felt real and priceless. Cassian had to learn to let go of his hate, and that journey was cathartic to read.
Iona and Kota were both optimistic despite the Xenophobic tendencies of people around them. Livia was strong, despite her speech impediment. And people changed! That’s what really moved me. Inherently-flawed characters overcame their greatest weaknesses, and it gave me hope for myself.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews