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The Gloaming #1
Crown of Dust
Treachery. Betrayal. Death. Peace takes a brutal toll on the world.
A generation after a savage civil war, Mata rules as Prince Regent. But the festering wounds of the past remain. The Realm’s ancient religion wanes. A new creed rises. Treacherous lords lurk in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
The Realm’s uneasy peace shatters when a foolish young noble rides against Mata in open rebellion. The wearied ruler must once more rouse his old body to defend his family, his people, and his right to rule. But in the red mist of battle, Mata’s distinction between justice and evil blurs.
If he can push back the usurper, Mata will usher in a new era of peace. But if he fails, he will condemn his people to more vicious bloodshed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
D.G. MacRath was born and raised in Scotland. He draws heavily from the country’s mythology, landscape, and culture to build remarkable fantasy worlds that lure readers in. In his other life, he is a staff writer for a storytelling agency.
A generation after a savage civil war, Mata rules as Prince Regent. But the festering wounds of the past remain. The Realm’s ancient religion wanes. A new creed rises. Treacherous lords lurk in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
The Realm’s uneasy peace shatters when a foolish young noble rides against Mata in open rebellion. The wearied ruler must once more rouse his old body to defend his family, his people, and his right to rule. But in the red mist of battle, Mata’s distinction between justice and evil blurs.
If he can push back the usurper, Mata will usher in a new era of peace. But if he fails, he will condemn his people to more vicious bloodshed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
D.G. MacRath was born and raised in Scotland. He draws heavily from the country’s mythology, landscape, and culture to build remarkable fantasy worlds that lure readers in. In his other life, he is a staff writer for a storytelling agency.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2020
46 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
D.G. MacRath
3 books5 followersD.G. MacRath was born and raised in Scotland. He draws heavily from the country’s mythology, landscape, and culture to build remarkable fantasy worlds that lure readers in. In his other life, he is a staff writer for a storytelling agency.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 6, 2021
I think that this book is heavily underrated I love it and I want everybody else to also love it so I've been recommending it to a lot of people I know I genuinely believe that this book deserves much more than it has. :)
May 12, 2021
The Series is gonna be good!
I almost gave up on this first book but I’m so glad I didn’t. The characters were well introduced but I couldn’t quite grasp what the story was about.
But as I continued to read I began to understand more.
I would have given it five stars if the story hadn’t been so hard to capture. I’m hooked now and will begin book two in a few minutes. I think this is going to be a fine series!
I almost gave up on this first book but I’m so glad I didn’t. The characters were well introduced but I couldn’t quite grasp what the story was about.
But as I continued to read I began to understand more.
I would have given it five stars if the story hadn’t been so hard to capture. I’m hooked now and will begin book two in a few minutes. I think this is going to be a fine series!
September 21, 2020
Violent and harsh, this is the story of a good man's descent into tyranny.
The author has strong prose, describing the scene with carefully chosen words and concise sentences. The dialogue is incredibly well done. I stopped and reread many lines out of pure enjoyment for the clever turns of phrase and the great tit-for-tat verbal sparring between characters.
The author develops the main character, the Prince Regent, with incredible skill. The emotions of the man are shown through superbly crafted scenes and brilliant use of other characters as contrast. His wife is an important one, with her strong personality complimenting his equally strong, yet more emotional, personality. She is exceptionally well-written, with their relationship instantly enjoyable and well-grounded. His children are also well-written and realistic, with some heartrending scenes within the family.
The story does throw a 180° twist, which might have been foreshadowed a little more. Without going into spoilers, it was a little on the unbelievable side. There are some reasons for the change which are hinted at, however, so this doesn't totally detract from the story.
One aspect I enjoyed was the correct naming of various pieces of armour, proper detail in the care of horses and the various historical aspects of life. The religious aspect of the worls was also carefully developed and sprinkled throughout.
In summary: Good writing, developed characters, great dialogue and solid action. It feels a bit like King Lear meets Braveheart. 4.5/5.
This is one of the best fantasy novels I have read in the last five years. I will be following this author and his books with attention.
The author has strong prose, describing the scene with carefully chosen words and concise sentences. The dialogue is incredibly well done. I stopped and reread many lines out of pure enjoyment for the clever turns of phrase and the great tit-for-tat verbal sparring between characters.
The author develops the main character, the Prince Regent, with incredible skill. The emotions of the man are shown through superbly crafted scenes and brilliant use of other characters as contrast. His wife is an important one, with her strong personality complimenting his equally strong, yet more emotional, personality. She is exceptionally well-written, with their relationship instantly enjoyable and well-grounded. His children are also well-written and realistic, with some heartrending scenes within the family.
The story does throw a 180° twist, which might have been foreshadowed a little more. Without going into spoilers, it was a little on the unbelievable side. There are some reasons for the change which are hinted at, however, so this doesn't totally detract from the story.
One aspect I enjoyed was the correct naming of various pieces of armour, proper detail in the care of horses and the various historical aspects of life. The religious aspect of the worls was also carefully developed and sprinkled throughout.
In summary: Good writing, developed characters, great dialogue and solid action. It feels a bit like King Lear meets Braveheart. 4.5/5.
This is one of the best fantasy novels I have read in the last five years. I will be following this author and his books with attention.
September 4, 2021
Good start for series with a lot of room for world building .
The realm in in turmoil as the old gods are tossed out by force but under it all is a driving force. Two competing Gods waging war via proxy's perhaps?
I liked it and will buy the next one, that's not normal for me since there is so many free books out there.
The realm in in turmoil as the old gods are tossed out by force but under it all is a driving force. Two competing Gods waging war via proxy's perhaps?
I liked it and will buy the next one, that's not normal for me since there is so many free books out there.
August 29, 2021
I was rather taken a back by it initially but I realised I was not giving it a chance. The more I read of tue book I realised that I was right in knowing that the book was exceptional and that I underestimated it initially. It became an exciting and important book that I'll never forget.
May 4, 2021
My word this was good. Brutal and violent and perfectly fitting the era.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews