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Embers Drift
THE ENGINEER - defined by logic and ruled by routine, she helps keep the lights on for the teeming millions. She craves nothing but anonymity. But her quietly ordered life is about to fall apart.
THE VOICE - highest servant of the Mothers, he incarcerates and executes at will. He revels in the void eating him from the inside out. But his privileged and carefully controlled existence will change forever after an apparently chance meeting.
THE DARK RIVER - a troubled wanderer, inside whom impossible forces rage, she has seen the hidden inner life of the Citadel. She knows that another world touches this one, and the barrier grows thin.
THE FINDER - with deep insight and startling visions, he is familiar with unusual investigations. A new case will send him on a journey that unlocks a forgotten past, a revelation that will change his world forever.
In the black and winding alleyways of the Citadel, industrial metropolis and home to ten million citizens, anomalies stir. Things that should be impossible, show themselves to those few who are vessels of the Great Power.
The Mothers, immortal rulers of this vast city-state, are desperate to die. Through stirring the world into chaos, they hope beyond hope that despite the miraculous healing that condemned them to an eternity of misery, they might be granted oblivion at last.
"Things are only deities if you let them be..."
THE VOICE - highest servant of the Mothers, he incarcerates and executes at will. He revels in the void eating him from the inside out. But his privileged and carefully controlled existence will change forever after an apparently chance meeting.
THE DARK RIVER - a troubled wanderer, inside whom impossible forces rage, she has seen the hidden inner life of the Citadel. She knows that another world touches this one, and the barrier grows thin.
THE FINDER - with deep insight and startling visions, he is familiar with unusual investigations. A new case will send him on a journey that unlocks a forgotten past, a revelation that will change his world forever.
In the black and winding alleyways of the Citadel, industrial metropolis and home to ten million citizens, anomalies stir. Things that should be impossible, show themselves to those few who are vessels of the Great Power.
The Mothers, immortal rulers of this vast city-state, are desperate to die. Through stirring the world into chaos, they hope beyond hope that despite the miraculous healing that condemned them to an eternity of misery, they might be granted oblivion at last.
"Things are only deities if you let them be..."
366 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2020
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Simon Williams
10 books504 followersSimon Williams is an author of dark fantasy with elements of science fiction and horror, and a rather shapeless male of indeterminate age who seems intent on writing about himself in the third person.
If you're especially lucky you may see him half-shambling, half-rolling along the street in his home town of Trumpton. You'll catch the best view from the other side of the road, which is probably where you'll be anyway. Small children will point excitedly and turn to their parents to exclaim, "It must have been *one hell of a* spade to do that!"
He is the author of the Aona series (five books in all, and the series is complete) and Summer's Dark Waters, which is a fantasy / sci-fi adventure aimed more at children and teens although judging by the reviews a lot of adults seem to like it too.
The positive response to Summer's Dark Waters further prompted him to start writing a sequel.
His favourite authors include Clive Barker, Alan Garner, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Joe Abercrombie, Ian Irvine, George R R Martin, C J Cherryh, Tad Williams, Celia Friedman, Aldous Huxley and numerous others.
When not scribbling away in his notepad of doom, the curious Mr Williams enjoys counting magpies, opening old paperbacks and marveling at how each one smells very slightly different, discussing current interest rates and inflation with the local squirrels, and eating whatever he finds at the back of the fridge (unless it's a door to Narnia, which he'd never eat just in case Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy were hoping to use it to get back).
Interviews with the author:
Rachel Hunter
Ross Kitson
Gwen Perkins
M L Falconer
Kim Smith
Alex Butcher
Fiona McVie
Veronica Roxby Jorden
Dakota Douglas
Kyra Dune
Heidi Angell
If you're especially lucky you may see him half-shambling, half-rolling along the street in his home town of Trumpton. You'll catch the best view from the other side of the road, which is probably where you'll be anyway. Small children will point excitedly and turn to their parents to exclaim, "It must have been *one hell of a* spade to do that!"
He is the author of the Aona series (five books in all, and the series is complete) and Summer's Dark Waters, which is a fantasy / sci-fi adventure aimed more at children and teens although judging by the reviews a lot of adults seem to like it too.
The positive response to Summer's Dark Waters further prompted him to start writing a sequel.
His favourite authors include Clive Barker, Alan Garner, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Joe Abercrombie, Ian Irvine, George R R Martin, C J Cherryh, Tad Williams, Celia Friedman, Aldous Huxley and numerous others.
When not scribbling away in his notepad of doom, the curious Mr Williams enjoys counting magpies, opening old paperbacks and marveling at how each one smells very slightly different, discussing current interest rates and inflation with the local squirrels, and eating whatever he finds at the back of the fridge (unless it's a door to Narnia, which he'd never eat just in case Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy were hoping to use it to get back).
Interviews with the author:
Rachel Hunter
Ross Kitson
Gwen Perkins
M L Falconer
Kim Smith
Alex Butcher
Fiona McVie
Veronica Roxby Jorden
Dakota Douglas
Kyra Dune
Heidi Angell
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 20, 2021
Yet another excellent fantasy adventure by Simon Williams. A must read author for all fantasy fan!
*Full review to come.
*Full review to come.
September 9, 2021
How to approach a review of a book that is epic and yet surreal in its inception? I’ve chosen a linear set of impressions as this seems to suit its style as a story about discovery - an exploration into the mystery of the self and the true nature of the world around you. As such, there will be spoilers as we move through.
Firstly, the cover is intriguing. It was produced by Tiffany Groves and, with its depiction of a walled city with roots extending far beneath the earth, certainly emotes a feel of gothic, industrial revolution-style fantasy.
After reading the first chapter or two, I’m definitely left with a Mervyn Peake, Gormenghast feel.
The story opens with three ‘Mothers’ who come across like the three Greek weavers of fate (Mnemosyne etc.) The style reads like lore, as if we are reading of myth and legend that pre-date the existing world. We are also introduced to the ‘Spider,’ or ‘Great Power’, who will feature prominently later in the tale. I must admit, I had to re-read this introductory segment later to understand the significance of what is described here - so I advise paying attention.
Ember’s Drift is a closed off citadel, inhabited by thousands upon thousands of individuals who work tirelessly to ensure it functions to serve those unknown persons who hold authority over them. Life in Ember’s Drift is dreary and grey - a bit like cold-war Russia. People are cogs in the machine, disposable. They simply exist. Many die from disease, unsafe buildings etc.
Soon we are introduced to one of the MCs - Lena. She is shown a mystery in her cellar by her father. He dies one winter from a disease that infects his brain. After he passes away, Lena returns to the cellar and discovers a portal to another reality of some kind.
At this point I’m wondering: what happened to her mother? Why can’t the populace of Ember’s Drift build beyond its perimeter? Why are people buried when they die? (Surely with space at a premium, the graveyards must be absolutely choked with hundreds of thousands dying every year.) How will the Mothers’ storyline fit with this one?
The weird nature of the story prompts such questions. Again, think Gormenghast.
Next, we are faced with a new central character - Seneth. He seems to be some kind of torturer. We later learn he is called ‘The Voice.’ In his introductory scene, he appears to have the upper hand with one victim - a woman. Yet she somehow gets the better of him and escapes. This woman clearly has significant powers, present from birth, yet is not fully aware of where they come from. Seneth is summoned to meet the Mothers and is, himself, transformed into a new tool of their overarching plan. These Mothers also wonder what the nature of a new threat to Ember’s Drift might be.
We learn that Rhion Freeward is the character who got the better of Seneth in the torture chamber. He is charged with tracking her down and killing her, yet preserving her body for the Mothers.
Each of the three MCs so far have something in common - they don’t quite know who they are. This surreal quality in a fantastical world makes it that little bit harder to get into. I liken this to Jeff Van der Meer’s writing. Ember’s Drift is a novel that will hopefully reward the patient reader.
At this point in the book, I’m beginning to get used to the dream-like quality of the narrative. The characters have a lot of questions about themselves , how society works and what there place in it is. If I have a criticism, it’s that the story might have benefitted from a link to the ‘normal.’ This would make the bizarre events more impactful, to my mind. It’s a bit difficult to appreciate characters having bizarre dreams or experiencing new dimensions, if the one they inhabit is equally strange.
Back to the story. Seneth locates Rhion, and after a brief skirmish she seemingly drowns in the water, yet appears in what is revealed to be another hellish reality. Bekskinski-esque descriptions follow with some recollections of her early life. Once again, she has many unanswered questions and is helpless to control the forces that sweep her along to her fate.
We are finally introduced to the last MC. He is called Teryn, The Finder. Like Seneth, he works for the authorities of the Citadel and, at first, seems to share similar qualities to Seneth.
Another criticism at this point: Teryn, Seneth, Rhion and Lena are all lone characters. Although there are subtle differences, I felt the story could have done with a few different characters to act as foils for each other. The fact that they all seem lost, yet seeking knowledge regarding their origins follows a similar description. Although important for the plot, it seems a little ‘samey’ at times. A common phrase is ‘s/he had no idea why … ‘ etc.
Resuming the storyline: Teryn meets an old woman living opposite Lena’s house. She is very philosophical and deep thinking - like many in the story. There then follows a long section featuring Teryn. Like Seneth, he seems to be going through a strange transformation. Once more, he is a solitary figure and we sense a descent into – what – madness? The realisation of the truth that underpins Embers Drift?
Teryn has a serendipitous memory awakening, when he realises he has been instrumental in hiding the existence of the twin daughters, Rhion and Lena. As Teryn’s investigations continue, and he discovers the boarding house that both Rhion and Lena stayed at, it is revealed that one or both sisters have the effect of confusing those around them - including Jerra, the landlady.
Part VII of the book returns to Seneth and the Mothers. They sense the workings of the Spider through Lena and Rhion, and are intent on thwarting it.
Towards the end of the book, it is revealed how Seneth’s origins and fate are intertwined with those of the twins. I won’t reveal all the detail, as I’ve already included a lot of spoilers. However, the final denouement sees the four characters’ destinies converge and produce a new reality for each of them. It’s not a neat, happy ending at all, but one that leaves speculation about what their futures will entail in the futures that open up to them.
Overall, Simon Williams’ story has many strengths: vivid descriptions that evoke the sheer strangeness of the worlds inhabited by Ember’s Drift characters, an intriguing storyline, and a novel world that seems to hover at the edge of what we find familiar.
I won’t pretend Ember’s Drift was an easy book to get into, but for fans of Mervyn Peake and the art of Zdzislaw Beksinski, it is an absorbing read.
Firstly, the cover is intriguing. It was produced by Tiffany Groves and, with its depiction of a walled city with roots extending far beneath the earth, certainly emotes a feel of gothic, industrial revolution-style fantasy.
After reading the first chapter or two, I’m definitely left with a Mervyn Peake, Gormenghast feel.
The story opens with three ‘Mothers’ who come across like the three Greek weavers of fate (Mnemosyne etc.) The style reads like lore, as if we are reading of myth and legend that pre-date the existing world. We are also introduced to the ‘Spider,’ or ‘Great Power’, who will feature prominently later in the tale. I must admit, I had to re-read this introductory segment later to understand the significance of what is described here - so I advise paying attention.
Ember’s Drift is a closed off citadel, inhabited by thousands upon thousands of individuals who work tirelessly to ensure it functions to serve those unknown persons who hold authority over them. Life in Ember’s Drift is dreary and grey - a bit like cold-war Russia. People are cogs in the machine, disposable. They simply exist. Many die from disease, unsafe buildings etc.
Soon we are introduced to one of the MCs - Lena. She is shown a mystery in her cellar by her father. He dies one winter from a disease that infects his brain. After he passes away, Lena returns to the cellar and discovers a portal to another reality of some kind.
At this point I’m wondering: what happened to her mother? Why can’t the populace of Ember’s Drift build beyond its perimeter? Why are people buried when they die? (Surely with space at a premium, the graveyards must be absolutely choked with hundreds of thousands dying every year.) How will the Mothers’ storyline fit with this one?
The weird nature of the story prompts such questions. Again, think Gormenghast.
Next, we are faced with a new central character - Seneth. He seems to be some kind of torturer. We later learn he is called ‘The Voice.’ In his introductory scene, he appears to have the upper hand with one victim - a woman. Yet she somehow gets the better of him and escapes. This woman clearly has significant powers, present from birth, yet is not fully aware of where they come from. Seneth is summoned to meet the Mothers and is, himself, transformed into a new tool of their overarching plan. These Mothers also wonder what the nature of a new threat to Ember’s Drift might be.
We learn that Rhion Freeward is the character who got the better of Seneth in the torture chamber. He is charged with tracking her down and killing her, yet preserving her body for the Mothers.
Each of the three MCs so far have something in common - they don’t quite know who they are. This surreal quality in a fantastical world makes it that little bit harder to get into. I liken this to Jeff Van der Meer’s writing. Ember’s Drift is a novel that will hopefully reward the patient reader.
At this point in the book, I’m beginning to get used to the dream-like quality of the narrative. The characters have a lot of questions about themselves , how society works and what there place in it is. If I have a criticism, it’s that the story might have benefitted from a link to the ‘normal.’ This would make the bizarre events more impactful, to my mind. It’s a bit difficult to appreciate characters having bizarre dreams or experiencing new dimensions, if the one they inhabit is equally strange.
Back to the story. Seneth locates Rhion, and after a brief skirmish she seemingly drowns in the water, yet appears in what is revealed to be another hellish reality. Bekskinski-esque descriptions follow with some recollections of her early life. Once again, she has many unanswered questions and is helpless to control the forces that sweep her along to her fate.
We are finally introduced to the last MC. He is called Teryn, The Finder. Like Seneth, he works for the authorities of the Citadel and, at first, seems to share similar qualities to Seneth.
Another criticism at this point: Teryn, Seneth, Rhion and Lena are all lone characters. Although there are subtle differences, I felt the story could have done with a few different characters to act as foils for each other. The fact that they all seem lost, yet seeking knowledge regarding their origins follows a similar description. Although important for the plot, it seems a little ‘samey’ at times. A common phrase is ‘s/he had no idea why … ‘ etc.
Resuming the storyline: Teryn meets an old woman living opposite Lena’s house. She is very philosophical and deep thinking - like many in the story. There then follows a long section featuring Teryn. Like Seneth, he seems to be going through a strange transformation. Once more, he is a solitary figure and we sense a descent into – what – madness? The realisation of the truth that underpins Embers Drift?
Teryn has a serendipitous memory awakening, when he realises he has been instrumental in hiding the existence of the twin daughters, Rhion and Lena. As Teryn’s investigations continue, and he discovers the boarding house that both Rhion and Lena stayed at, it is revealed that one or both sisters have the effect of confusing those around them - including Jerra, the landlady.
Part VII of the book returns to Seneth and the Mothers. They sense the workings of the Spider through Lena and Rhion, and are intent on thwarting it.
Towards the end of the book, it is revealed how Seneth’s origins and fate are intertwined with those of the twins. I won’t reveal all the detail, as I’ve already included a lot of spoilers. However, the final denouement sees the four characters’ destinies converge and produce a new reality for each of them. It’s not a neat, happy ending at all, but one that leaves speculation about what their futures will entail in the futures that open up to them.
Overall, Simon Williams’ story has many strengths: vivid descriptions that evoke the sheer strangeness of the worlds inhabited by Ember’s Drift characters, an intriguing storyline, and a novel world that seems to hover at the edge of what we find familiar.
I won’t pretend Ember’s Drift was an easy book to get into, but for fans of Mervyn Peake and the art of Zdzislaw Beksinski, it is an absorbing read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
This was another excellent and thought-provoking story from a very talented author. Its imaginative for sure but also highlights the flaws of living creatures - yes, I say creatures because the characters portrayed seem more than human for various reasons…read it to find out.
It's a fantasy, relatively dark, stripping away any idea that life is easy. Its (life /universe) affinity with 'nature' and its 'power' is the basis of the story, while those involved strive to understand their place, their purpose.
Great characters, some amazing descriptions and an unusual plot made this a compelling read.
Recommended to those who like to think.
It's a fantasy, relatively dark, stripping away any idea that life is easy. Its (life /universe) affinity with 'nature' and its 'power' is the basis of the story, while those involved strive to understand their place, their purpose.
Great characters, some amazing descriptions and an unusual plot made this a compelling read.
Recommended to those who like to think.
June 1, 2020
This is a grand epic fantasy from the author of Summer's Dark Waters! The Mothers are immortal entities who control everything and everyone within the Citadel. The Citadel is Everything. The Citadel is the dystopian home of technology and engineering where imagination is shunned. The characters in this story find themselves with powers they can use to help them find what lies beyond the Citadel. Another great read from a master of dark fantasy, Simon Williams!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews