What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ashen Prophecy
"A striking and intricate fantasy that's skillfully bolstered by echoes of real-world conflicts." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The Kingdom of Regulus is enjoying a period of peace won by its general, the righteous Magnus, and his wife, Knight Commander Kera. However, that peace is shattered when the king is nearly assassinated during a diplomatic exchange with the far-flung Republic of Lyrium. When the Lyrian government pins the blame on a group of disaffected magic users, the Regulan royal family recruits Magnus, Kera, and a mercenary outfit to journey across the sea and work with the Lyrians in apprehending the masterminds.
Once they arrive, however, they discover that not everything is as it seems in Lyrium. Research into terracite – mysterious crystals capable of producing magic – has yielded technological and societal upheaval, displacing the skilled mages who once commanded government and industry. The Lyrian government now openly persecutes those who practice magic, forcing some families to flee from its terrible grasp and others towards violent rebellion. Meanwhile, the republic is expanding its borders into territory occupied by barbarians calling themselves the Ashen, hoping to secure more terracite for nefarious ends.
After one family – with connections to both the magic wielders and the Ashen – falls into Magnus and Kera’s orbit, the couple finds themselves drawn into the mages and barbarians’ respective fights, while dealing with lingering wounds of their own. Along the way, they will unravel a conspiracy within the Lyrian government, discover the origins of terracite, and grapple with an ancient prophecy in order to prevent a vengeful power from returning to prominence.
The Kingdom of Regulus is enjoying a period of peace won by its general, the righteous Magnus, and his wife, Knight Commander Kera. However, that peace is shattered when the king is nearly assassinated during a diplomatic exchange with the far-flung Republic of Lyrium. When the Lyrian government pins the blame on a group of disaffected magic users, the Regulan royal family recruits Magnus, Kera, and a mercenary outfit to journey across the sea and work with the Lyrians in apprehending the masterminds.
Once they arrive, however, they discover that not everything is as it seems in Lyrium. Research into terracite – mysterious crystals capable of producing magic – has yielded technological and societal upheaval, displacing the skilled mages who once commanded government and industry. The Lyrian government now openly persecutes those who practice magic, forcing some families to flee from its terrible grasp and others towards violent rebellion. Meanwhile, the republic is expanding its borders into territory occupied by barbarians calling themselves the Ashen, hoping to secure more terracite for nefarious ends.
After one family – with connections to both the magic wielders and the Ashen – falls into Magnus and Kera’s orbit, the couple finds themselves drawn into the mages and barbarians’ respective fights, while dealing with lingering wounds of their own. Along the way, they will unravel a conspiracy within the Lyrian government, discover the origins of terracite, and grapple with an ancient prophecy in order to prevent a vengeful power from returning to prominence.
517 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2020
28 people are currently reading
7043 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 27, 2020
One of the best fantasy books I've read. If you like The Summoner Series by Taran Matharu, or the Inheritance/Eragon series by Christopher Paolini, you will enjoy the world of fantasy and magic that Michael Morea has created.
The power struggles and world views between the Lyrians and Regulans, even within their own societies, isn't confined to the fantasy world as its easy to draw many parallels to our own.
I wouldn't be mad if there was another book after this one, showing how the events impact future generations.
The power struggles and world views between the Lyrians and Regulans, even within their own societies, isn't confined to the fantasy world as its easy to draw many parallels to our own.
I wouldn't be mad if there was another book after this one, showing how the events impact future generations.
November 6, 2022
A unique story with depth found only in the greats like The Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, Game of Thrones, etc. The Ashen Prophecy is written with remarkable detail that is endlessly captivating. Elements of complex politics, ethical struggles, and clever use of magic all make this one of the greatest stories of our time. I would love to see this made into a live action movie or TV show one day.
February 16, 2023
A wonderful read
I enjoyed this book for the Christian values woven through the story without being preachy. It is obviously a modern day allegory and as such had me laughing at several parts, even though it is a very serious tale.
I took one star off because for some reason I had a hard time really emotionally connecting with some of the characters. I liked them well enough, but not enough to cry for them.
Its still a worthwhile read and I do recommend it!
I enjoyed this book for the Christian values woven through the story without being preachy. It is obviously a modern day allegory and as such had me laughing at several parts, even though it is a very serious tale.
I took one star off because for some reason I had a hard time really emotionally connecting with some of the characters. I liked them well enough, but not enough to cry for them.
Its still a worthwhile read and I do recommend it!
January 1, 2026
Fantasy is not my usual choice of reading, but I found the story moved quickly. Interesting strategy on the prodigy and how his powers came to be. Nice twist with the magical stone that works for evil or good. The typical villains who want to be in power their way or no way unfolds in the plot. It's almost a mirror to our current government state in the USA. Too bad for us the evil administration has to be tolerated for a few more years. Wish we had magic to come to our rescue.
August 19, 2020
This sprawling fantasy is so good. I love how Morea creates a dynamic world that's full of well-drawn and vivid characters. It's like Game of Thrones meets Lord of the Rings. Come for the political conspiracies and stay for the epic magic (re: MAGIC CRYSTALS) and ancient prophecies!
August 25, 2020
This is one of the best fantasy books I've read. The Ashen Prophecy has a great cast of characters with interwoven storylines, awesome action scenes, and relevant themes for these recent times. If you're a fan of fantasy novels, check it out!
September 3, 2020
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. The story grabs you in a way that it is difficult to put down. I loved the characters, themes, and world so much that I had a hard time saying goodbye when it was over.
February 18, 2023
Good VS. Evil
A epic struggle of evil trying to overcome the foundation of the world is told in a bold voice. At times there is doubt of the outcome.
A well written tale that brings the reader into the action. An enjoyable read.
A epic struggle of evil trying to overcome the foundation of the world is told in a bold voice. At times there is doubt of the outcome.
A well written tale that brings the reader into the action. An enjoyable read.
March 27, 2023
This was a ho-hum book for the first 95%.
The characters frequently chastised themselves for their preceived shortcomings.
I think the book could have been edited to about 1/4 to 1/3 its current lenght.
The characters frequently chastised themselves for their preceived shortcomings.
I think the book could have been edited to about 1/4 to 1/3 its current lenght.
October 1, 2020
This book has everything a fantasy aficionado will love: a compelling story; plenty of twists and turns; a well crafted world; multidimensional heroes/heroines/villains, and a satisfying ending.
May 20, 2022
What a breath of fresh air! Morea combines content and world building with action in a great balance. It’s been awhile since I’ve been drawn into a story but this one did. Nicely written.
January 31, 2023
Definitely a must read.
dnf
August 31, 2023DNF @ 3% I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway. This was a little too high fantasy for me.
September 19, 2023
Interesting read.
January 8, 2026
Interesting fantasy, could use serious editing.
March 18, 2023
Excellent storytelling. Political intrigue, the consequences of new technologies on the old ways, and how people as a community deal with fear when leaders conflagrate that fear for their own power.
October 25, 2022
Morea’s newest novel again puts on display the author’s ability to craft a complex narrative while walking the thin line between detailed and boring. The narrative is fast-paced and offers notes of modern political intrigue without becoming mere allegory for current events. This book will keep you interested. Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews