A young man trapped in a mythic realm of magic and war. William Wilde is hunted. Dead things stalk him, and he has no idea why. He thought he was simply another high school student, but it turns out he’s much more. And the powers percolating through the world know it. They’ve already killed his family, and if tested, they’ll murder him as well. It’s only the beginning of William’s troubles, especially when he’s drafted into a war stretching back thousands of years—one involving monsters, evil gods, and resurrected heroes. His magic might be the key to victory for both sides. William is the most powerful mage born in generations, and while some might aid him, can he trust their motives? There is Serena Paradiso who holds secrets about his heritage. And the warriors, Rukh and Jessira Shektan, whose faces shine with ancient knowledge. Who are they really? William doesn’t know. His only certainty is that if he doesn’t master his powers, he’ll only live long enough to see his world enslaved. This is the complete five-volume omnibus of The Chronicles of William Wilde, a series full of epic adventure and pulse-pounding excitement mixed with a dash of romance.
Davis Ashura is an author of such sublime depth and beauty that his works have been known to cause a tear to fall from the eyes of even the hardest of hearts. Just kidding. But he does write. This humble writer, who refers to himself in the third person, resides in North Carolina, sharing a house with his magnificent wife who somehow overlooked Davis’ eccentricities and married him anyway. As proper recompense for her sacrifice, Davis then unwittingly turned his magnificent wife into a nerd-girl. To her sad and utter humiliation, she knows exactly what is meant by ‘Kronos’. Living with them are their two rambunctious boys, both of whom have at various times helped turn Davis’ once lustrous, raven-black hair prematurely white (it sure sounds prettier than the dirty gray it actually is). And of course, there is the obligatory strange, adopted cats (all authors have cats-it's in the by-laws). One eats everything placed before him and the other has the world's stinkiest breath. When not working – nay laboring – in the creation of works of fiction so grand that hardly anyone has read a single word of them, Davis practices medicine, but only when the insurance companies tell him he can.
I came across this adventure unsure if it was going to be interesting enough. It was. The story and characters were spellbinding and I could not out the book down. Anyone who loves magic against evil will love this. Looking forward to more work by this author.
It was a very good starting premise, with a nice introduction into a new system of magic. I got partway into book 3 of the complete chronicles, before I got a bit too tired of having religion and the author 's beliefs ever more blatantly rammed down my throat. The story remained interesting, but William also started to become a bit too passive .
The books have some not do subtle religious undertones, especially later in the series, that felt preachy and unnecessary at times, but aside from that it was extremely well written.
There's nothing groundbreaking or brilliant about the author's voice that stands out, yet his narrative makes it difficult to put there story down for long. Even when I felt I was getting bored, more often than not I'd find myself nose deep in the story not even fifteen minutes later.
His world- building is above average, and his character development is master class. I am eagerly heading over to Castes and OutCastes so that I can continue to find more of Ashura's characters to fall in love with.
Mr. Ashura does a good job of keeping the reader’s attention through the various books. I read the story straight through, book to book in about a week. I enjoy his character development, some of his theological endeavors (whether I agree with them or not), and general story play. He does inject, as most authors, his own choice of values. While I do not agree with many, the story kept my attention. What I do like and enjoy is his ability to write in such a way that the reader has time to think about the story. It is paced in such a way that one can read it and reflect on former portions of his writing, current political/religious beliefs, and think through one’s own biases relative to what he has written (his biases). Thanks for a fun read.
The good the bad the really really bad and the ugly?
A coming of age fantasy sy-fy magic story with every page you turn something fantastical happens William goes from being picked at by the school bully to becoming his best friend but above all the fighting, pain, torture at the hands of Selena s father it’s a love story a love of friends, family, like family and even a transition above bodies souls reaching out and finding each otter excellent reading please write move about every one I’ve come to care for all the characters even the evil ones( a definite sing of a great story in my book)
I have been reading these chronicles slowly because I didn't want them to end!!! Davis, these characters speak to me and I LOVE the diversity in their backgrounds. I visualized every part of this book and I would love if this became a series... I'm a new fan and cannot wait to try other books of yours!
Definitely one of my favorite book series. I started this Anchored World journey with cinder shade, testament of steel. Quickly realized that I had many more books to read. All of the books were well written with great character development. Waiting for the 3rd book on the Cinder and Anya journey. Thanks for a great story.
I liked the story especially starting off the last book towards the end before the big battle, well I didn’t like Shets chapters I had lots of new characters and places I just skimmed thru it. All in all it was a good read.
This is the second time I have tried to read this series and the second time I have given up!! The main character is unbelievable I could not get to like him or the other characters .If I can't relate to a character I cannot read the boikr
I really loved this series. The characters are wonderful and the settings are amazing. Great writing and character development made the story come alive. You really have to read all five books in a row or you’ll be missing out.
A great story which is very well written and easy to follow. I recommend this book for all the family. It gives a great amount insight into Asian mythology. Well done Davis.
William's & Serina's story needed to be told. We all need a reminder that Good CAN OVERCOME Evil! And, this story was told every bit as good as J.R. Tolkien's ring saga. Bravo!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a quick and easy read that really never let up or let me down. There are so many other stories that can be looked at.....looking at you Dwarves...I feel we will visit this World again.
This series was full of love, laughter, magic and war. Davis Ashura is a fantastic author. Every one that enjoys reading fantasy novels will enjoy this series.
The story started slow. Then became a decent read. But the last third was almost unbearable. So much filler and fluff. So boring...what a disappointment.