From the Ashes: Legends Never Die

by Rachel Rener, Angel Haze, Allegra Pescatore

When the swords are sheathed, the dead are counted, and the head is crowned, heroes step back into the shadows. Their destinies fulfilled, some may rest in the accolades of their fame while others drink their nightmares into silence.

But when a hero retires and their purpose is lost, how will they find their way forward? Will their lives end in the glorious triumph of battle? In the gutter with the rats? Or can old legends learn new tricks and embrace a different destiny?

With stories that span the spectrum of lighthearted and humorous to the depths of decay and despair, this anthology explores what happens when a hero must once more rise from the ashes...

Genres: Fantasy

404 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2021

About the author

Rachel Rener is a multi-award-winning, bestselling romantasy author best known for her fan-favorite Gilded Blood universe. Her books blend magic with real science, infusing powerful-yet-quirky heroines, emotional depth, and irresistible, sizzling romance.

After earning a degree in Psych and Neuroscience, Rachel has since lived on three continents and traveled to nearly 50 countries, fueling her worldbuilding with diverse cultural and mythological influences.

When she's not writing, Rachel enjoys making art in every medium she can get her hands on, riding her motorcycle, attending rock shows (both the musical and mineralogical kind), and engaging with her devoted reader community, Rachel’s Renergades. She lives in Colorado with her husband and a very opinionated umbrella cockatoo named Terrance (aka “Jungle Chicken”), who insists on being her loudest critic.

Learn more at www.RachelRener.com!

You can also be regaled with totally inappropriate stories and behind the scenes shenanigans by signing up for her newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/Rachel-Rener-NL .

@AuthorRachelRener across all socials

Reviews

[Alan Behan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epically Awesome short stories.

Wow, what an amazing array of short stories by fourteen great authors. I've discovered some new authors and from the their short stories in this Anthology I will definitely checking out their books. From Dragons, warriors, Hex weavers, this Anthology has everything for all you fantasy lovers. Absolutely well put together and stories from some of my favourite indie authors will have you wanting more and more. If you would like to support these fabulous people and the stories they bring us, just to hide away from everyday life, check this out, you can purchase on amazon kindle, I very highly recommend..😁⚡☄💥🗡🐲🪓

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection

BLOOD OF HEROES By Angel Haze
THE LITTLE MORSEL By Rachel Rener & Alora Carter
Marvelous lighthearted tale of a very old dragon and a nine year old little girl.
THE GRANDPARENT TRAP By Allegra Pescatore & Christoper Russell
It could only happen in Florida. A dragon takes over a small town and demands the people put all their valuables in one bank. This poor dragon meets his match in a group of elderly people. This story is filled with chuckles and laughs.
PREMONITION AND PREJUDICE By R.L. Davennor
The king won the war but in doing so had much to pay for in his actions to those around him.
THE GENTLESWORD By Lesley Donaldson Naeala
A very strange tale of a warrior, her mother, her squire, an ostracized mage, a scholar, a cervitaur, bleak magic and a magical house.
LEGACY OF THE PAST By Dan & Robert Zangari
Naeala has created forbidden magic.Her punishment is not what she expected.
A PROMISE: ONCE MORE INTO THE DARK By Lee C. Conley
To face the horrors of the past and exorcise them is to find security in the present.
FRACTURED BLADE By Moud Adel
Rumi is an Illicitum who is to turn his power over to a new Illicitum, Aria. She is supposed to kill him in order to take his place. She doesn't do this immediately, instead takes him on a short journey.
THE WHITE STAG By Justin Fike
Having killed all non-humans with the exception of two elf children Cuernos leads them to a safe place. He is followed by those he had fought with and their intention is to kill them all. Cuernos dies but something wondrous happens.
THE GOOD CAPTAIN By RG Long
The former Captain of the guard uses two members of the guard to better his position.
TO BLEED THE DRAGON By Jeffrey Bardwell
I absolutely didn't get this one.
WHEN HEADS ROLL By Cully Mack
A former war leader now a scribe does what he can for his people.
AGAINST THE TIDE By D.W. Hawkins
Max with his 'smart-ass' stick and his Hexburner ability put a crimp in the plans of the Dominion
ONE LAST BREATH By Andy Peloquin
Dumont, the sculptor, lost his legs at the battle of the Bulwark. He was working on the culmination of his life's work a statue of the goddess made in the image of his departed wife when everything crashes down.

[Sara Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood of Heroes by Angel Haze - in which several ancient heroes trick their way into a daring escape using…almost Magic.

The Little Morsel by Rachel Rener and Alora Carter - in which a crotchety old dragon meets a little girl, goes in search of apples, and finds love.

The Grandparent Trap by Allegra Pescatore and Christopher Russell - in which five uniquely gifted senior citizens use their crazed wits to rid their town of a dragon.

Premonition and Prejudice by R.L. Davenport - in which an old enchantress must risk what she thinks she knows to see the part she might play in her kingdom's future.

The Gentlesword by Leslie Donaldson - in which a warrior, her warrior mother, and a mage use magic and truth to fight a bleak.

Legacy of the Past by Dan and Robert Zangari - in which a grand mage secretly challenges the ancient edicts until she is summoned to stand and fight against her country's tyrannical leaders.

A Promise: Once More into the Dark by Lee C. Conley - in which a warrior who had found a way to escape his past was recalled for a final battle against the darkness.

Fractured Blade by Moud Adel - in which an Illicitum reflects on his greatest accomplishments before his ultimate retirement.

The White Stag by Justin Fike - in which two brothers face off in divided loyalties.

The Good Captain by RG Long - in which a mercenary pulls off overlapping heists.

To Bleed the Dragon by Jeffrey Bardwell - in which an old women inhabits the body of a young girl and teaches her some lessons about life and how to fight.

When Heads Roll by Cully Mack - in which a retired war chief asks questions about strangers and strange events and comes face to face with an ancient prophecy.

Against the Tide by D.W. Hawkins - in which an old hermit and some delinquent teens attempt to save a village.

One Last Breath by Andy Peloquin - in which a sculptor uses his masterpiece to prevent an invasion.

This book is a bit lighter than the previous anthology (both in terms of bludgeoning ability and the content of the stories themselves). My favorite will forever be the Little Morsel. Both Feral and Morsel are absolutely endearing characters. But while some of the stories were just good fun, others challenge us to look at what makes a life count. Many of these heroes faced new challenges that they were uniquely equipped to tackle or that caused them to question everything they had previously believed was good and right, inspiring readers to make our lives count to their max.

Oh, yeah, I proofread most of these stories and even edited a few, so ignore any bias and read it for yourselves. :)

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tales, well told.

I read this book as part of the summer reading challenge on Indie Fantasy Addicts in Facebook. (Join. You’ll like it. Promise)

Overall, most of these stories were good. Some, like Andy Peloquin’s “One Last Breath” and “The Grandparent Trap” by Allegra Pescatore and Christopher Russell really elevate the book. Then there’s Alora Carter and Rachel Rener’s wonderfully enchanting story, “Little Morsel.” Love, love, loved it.

This is one of those books you set somewhere, or you put in the glove box waiting for the time when you have 20 minutes to spare to let yourself simply enjoy a good tale, well told.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Of Heroes By Angel Haze

This story was a tale that told how legends may not always be what we think they are. But yet, they still got to be a legend somehow. It is an excellent story that I really enjoyed. It definitely has a lot of action and moves versus quickly. Coct was hilarious to me and he made is plan was something else. I loved the strength that characters had to show. I really disliked Yale and wanted to see more of Drazhan and Coct together. A fabulous story.

The Little Morsel By Rachel Rener & Alora Carter

Oh I loved this story. Such a sweet story and two different beings that save each other. Morsel is such a brave young lady that definitely pulls on your heartstrings. Feral, even if he is older and grouchy he shows how much of heart he has with Morsel. I loved his mental commentary to himself. It was hilarious at times. The story is extremely well written and developed. I would love to see this story much longer.

The Grandparent Trap By Allegra Pescatore & Christoper Russell

This was a fantastic story. Bill and the gang are truly upset at what a dragon is doing in their town. It is one that draws you in. Bill is cranky and upset that he can’t get his smokes as the Dollar General Store has suddenly been burned down. I love how they all get together to fight the dragon. It was truly fascinating how their minds worked. Definitely a great story.

Premonition And Prejudice By R.L. Davennor

This was an interesting story. My only complaint is that it felt like part of another story or a bigger story and I was missing some. It was really interesting in the dragon and human bonding. I would like to see more where it was more detailed so I could understand better.

The Gentlesword By Lesley Donaldson

I enjoyed this story. It is about a person that doesn’t feel their worth anymore. I really liked Kifra and her determination. She just wanted to prove herself but yet things didn’t work out the way she thought. I love her mom and her antics. They definitely made the story very enjoyable. I would like to see a longer story with this group.

Legacy Of The Past By Dan & Robert Zangari

This was a fantastic read. I would so very much like to see a longer story of this. It is well written and developed. I throughly enjoyed Naeala. She was strong and caring at the same time. She worked hard to get the justice for her apprentice. The ending though really was shocking and I throughly loved it.

A Promise: Once More Into The Dark By Lee C. Conley

What great story. The old ways are dying out and in come the new ways. A retired warrior called back to a mission. He has already been through the darkest times only to come out on top and now he is called back. A test of time and when you have something to live for how you endure. A great story.

Fractured Blade By Moud Adel

This one was different. It was good but some of it was harder to understand. To a degree I completely understand the moral of the story. I did like how she was reminding him of what he had done for the world but at times it felt like it was part of a larger story. But it was a good story.

The White Stag by Justin Fike

I liked this story. A story as old as time of an oath for revenge turns into something else. The story is well written and developed. I enjoyed how it ended and was a little shocked by it. Definitely a good read.

The Good Captain by RG Long

This was definitely a quick read. Lyst is retired but looks can be deceiving. Quick work to move up in the world. Story was well written and developed. Wasn’t a lot of details with this one but a decent story.

To Bleed the Dragon by Jeffrey Bardwell

This a very different story. It was very confusing to me. I was not sure exactly who was speaking or who was doing what. There didn’t seem to any information provided in context of the story how we got where we did. Was Kelsa the original soul of the body or was Minerva. From what I understand it was Kelsa and Minerva had died and come back many years later only to inhabit Kelsa’s body. But again I wasn’t sure.

When Heads Roll By Cully Mack

This was interesting. It seems that is just the beginning of something bigger. We really only get a hint at the backgrounds and I would have liked to learn more so I could understand a bit better but otherwise was very intrigued. It seems no matter what you do others may or may not listen to the warnings of dangers. It is story about how one small event can cause the destruction of a larger scale.

Against the Tide By D.W. Hawkins

I really enjoyed this story. Max was so a grumpy older man but honestly he had a big heart. This story definitely shows how prejudice is so wrong and never judge a book by its cover. It is extremely well written. I would have liked to see a bit more background information and I think a story about Max’s life would be amazing. This is definitely a great story.

One Last Breath By Andy Peloquin

Goodness this was one of bittersweetness as Dumont worked on one last masterpiece. We could hear his internal struggles as if they were our own. It was one that you can definitely understand. We age and sometimes our purpose isn’t what it used to be. Then we get to the end and it actually brings tears to your eyes with joy and pain. The story is well written and definitely a good read.

[Stacey Markle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great stories of warriors past their prime but who havent lost it all. It's a good mix of cute and sad and some inspiring tales. I enjoyed all, some more than others.

[Amyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”

This is part of the Indie Fantasy Addicts Anthology Collection, and it was a great read. What I like about collections like these is that you get a glimpse into the fantasy world of those authors; I’ve discovered lots of new worlds that I need to visit! And these are all “experienced” heroes, meaning they have vanquished their foes and battled their way into tales that bards will tell across the lands! (Ok, that may be a little much but sounds better than saying they are old…) I enjoyed all the stories, and if you are looking for some new authors, this is a great way to find them.

Yes, I have a favourite story… (sorry!) I will be featuring this one in the short reviews, the full review will be on Goodreads for those that have time and don’t mind my prattling.

“I have a human.” … “You… have a human. Nodding, he spoke again … “I don’t want it to die.”

The Little Morsel - Rachel Rener & Alora Carter

Feral is an old, retired dragon general, living alone and only going through life’s motions. Sure that he hears someone at his door, he moves the large boulder that counts as a door and finds an … it. A human, he thinks. It’s small but big enough for a snack until it talks…

Oh, my word, I loved this story! Who thinks about what life is like for retired dragons, with nothing to do and almost no one visiting… Rachel Rener & Alora Carter, that’s who! It’s a feel-good story, a little dark at the start but full of humour, and perhaps a little lesson for those of us with “old retired dragon generals” in our lives. A little purpose goes a long way.

Blood of Heroes - Angel Haze

With the queen’s disappearance, magic has failed in Faros, and the land turned to chaos. Drazhan is without his magic and finds himself a slave forced to work in the mines. A crazy old man claims to know how to bring the magic back with crystals from the mine. Can Drazhan keep his group alive and escape the mines?

It’s a good story, Drazhan tries to save everyone, and not everything goes well. So how do you escape from a mine deep underground? You bring explosives, of course. Where do you find them? You bring them with you and hide them in places that no one will look… think about that one.

The Grandparent Trap - Allegra Pescatore & Christoper Russel

What is earth was invaded by magical creatures, and one of them wanted to break into your “greatest achievement” bank vault and steal your pension. Well, Bill and his friends (Jeremiah even paused his video game to help, now that’s a good friend!) from the “Sunny Acres: A Welcoming Home for Active Seniors” was not going to let that happen. His reputation, and his pension, are on the line.

This was a funny story, outsmarting the villain instead of a fight. Don’t underestimate pensioners!

Premonition and Prejudice - R.L. Davenmore

Andromeda is a blind seer, though she is lost without her dragon, her bondmate. When her son comes to her with the request to help kill the king, she must decide if it is revenge that she seeks.

This story gives a glimpse of this world's magic, magic abilities and creatures. I like the idea of bonding humans and dragons, and I’ll look out for this series.

The Gentlesword - Lesley Donaldson

Kifra tries to prove she is better than the title she has been given, a gentlesword. She tries to prove the title wrong with her mother (a recognised hero)and squire. She is forced to visit a mage friend living in the forest after a “hunting accident” (meaning the bait didn’t move faster than the prey…). She has to deal with bleak magic, creatures that should be enemies, and a house with a will of its own.

Another funny story. I love the idea of a magical house that can refuse entry even when you live there (probably not that funny when you are trying to get in). I hope it features in other stories.

Legacy of the Past - Dan & Robert Zangari

Naeala is a grand mage, an Agent of the Order, and she is dabbling in magic that could get her cut off from the Channels of Power. But she believes it is worth it. What will happen to her when she uses this forbidden magic to win the war?

This was a good story showcasing the people and rules of the magic world. I will be looking for this series to read.

A Promise: Once more into the Dark - Lee C. Conley

Narcia is an addictive potion that is needed to brave the dangers of the labyrinth, and the barbarian is the last survivor of these trials. He swears never to take the potion again but is called to the trials for a final time. Can he survive the impossible, the labyrinth without Narcia?

This was an interesting story that had me rooting for this person to come back safe to his family. Interestingly, (or maybe I missed it) the character is not named.

Fractured Blade - Moud Adel

Rumi is one of four Illicitums, trusted with secret power and charged with protecting the continent. But his time is at an end. As per tradition, his successor must kill him and take place. Bur Aira doesn’t want that, she wants to show him all the good he did and uses her power of seeing into the future for this. Rumi has accepted his fate, but he has one last lesson that the new Illicitums must not forget.

I liked this story. A person seeing into the future, having to predict what course her master would take with every decision, and counter-planning for it (yes, that does sound complicated, but I’m just not explaining it well), trying to make a person see the good he has done in the world when all he can see is the bad.

The White Stag - Justin Fike

Cuernos is heading straight for death by saving the two elf children he found in the destroyed village. He takes them deep into the forest, hoping to give them time to escape, but the gods aren’t that kind. Will he sacrifice himself for the children of people that set out to destroy humanity, and will his goddess support him?

An interesting story; I will be looking for the series, it seems like the gods will be turning on each other.

The Good Captain - RG Long

Two inexperienced Red Guards are sent into enemy territory to chase a mark. Lucky for them, they “pick up” Captain Lyst, a former renowned member of the guard, along the way. He is willing to help them trace and eliminate the mark but are they actually helping him as well.

I like the stories where a fallen hero gets up again and starts to redeem themselves, I hope I see the “good captain” in other books.

To Bleed The Dragon - Jeffrey Bardwell

What if you wake up one morning and you are just a voice in your own mind? Minerva has returned from the dead and has taken over Kelsa’s body with the help of her lover Corbin. Betrayed by him and her sister, will she forgive and aid them?

It’s a good story, not sure why Corbin would think it a good idea to tell his lover of his betrayal right after she woke up (I would have waited at least until she took care of the guards outside), but there is a whole series from this author that I will look to for answers.

When Heads Roll - Cully Mack
Danel returns to the city of Anat to the sight of a dead giant’s head mounted on a pole. As a former War Chief of the city, he knows the problems this will cause. The giant’s family will come for them, and the city is not preparing defences. What can be done to save the people of Anat, and can it be done by a former war chief who had already failed them.
This is an interesting introduction to this world with its own magic and giants! (How many times do you see giants in stories anymore). I’m looking forward to exploring this series.

Against the Tide - D.W Hawkins
Max is a retired hexweaver, choosing to live alone in the countryside. When a boy steals proof of what he is and presents it to the nearby village, his secret is out. But the village will soon need all the help they can get. Will Max and the group of men outcasted by the village be enough to stop the threat, and will the people believe him.

This is a darker story but with some humour in it. Max talks to a stick! Ok, let me explain, he has a staff that he talks to, though the staff doesn’t answer, sort of like talking to that voice in your head… I liked the one-way conversations! I will look for more work from this author.

One Last Breath - Andy Peloquin
Dumont is a war veteran returning from the battlefield after losing his legs. He is commissioned to do a large sculpture for the city, using the likeness of his late wife to represent the Maiden. But when his former commander arrives in the city, he brings his enemies with him to a city that is not equipped for fighting. What can a maimed hero do to save lives?

This was a good story; I felt so sad for Dumont! I went to look up the author to see if Dumont is featured in a series, and bonus! This author has a lot of books to read, so if you are a fan of this story, you may never see the outside world again…

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stands out in this anthology is, don't discount oldies! There's still fire left in old bones!
1: Angel Haze - Blood of heros
A great way to be introduced to Angel Haze's writing! A tense, dark and emotive story, written in such a way it grabs one instantly and leaves one needing more. The characters are strong and full, no matter who they are, whether the victim, Drazhan or the vile Yates. I really liked Coct, a man with a plan, he actually had me laughing. A daring escape, a promise to find the truth and resounding hope, just lovely
2: Rachel Rener/Alora Carter - The Little Morsal
A delightful charming story, so original, so sweet, I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading it. A crochety old dragon meets his match in Morsal, what he wants and what he does are completely different. Loved how Morsal "humanised" him. An enchanting, sweet story everyone should read
3: Allegra Pescatore/Christopher Russell - The Grandparent Trap
What does a greedy dragon do to enlarge his hoard? Why, attack an old age home and town of course! I loved how the old folk are so protective of their pensions and Bill is a hoot! A plan is formed, a curse uncovered and mayhem ensues. Great twist at the end. Excellent collaboration from Allegra and Christopher
4: Premonition and Prejudice - R.L Ravennor
After losing her dragon, Andromeda passes the mantle of Enchanter to her son Luke and becomes pretty much a recluse, exiled to a lonely existence. Most dismiss her as a crazy old woman but when Luke brings Sidira to her, asking for her help, it all changes. Andromeda meets Kaos, a severed dragon and regicide is on the cards. Interesting story, I'd like more.
5: The Gentlesword - Lesley Donaldson
Kifra is a retired warrior, she feels discarded and has a need to prove she's still got it but a hunt gone wrong has her seeking the aid of an old healer friend for her squire. I enjoyed Issa immensely, a crochety old lady. Poor Bryont, first he was bait and now he's in desperate need of healing before it's too late. Magic has it's uses, but ... the one thing Kifra detests, the Centaur comes to their aid.
6: Legacy of the Past - Dan and Robert Zangari
This father/son combo is a winning team! Love how they make even a short story so epic! So full and detailed one would think it was a complete epic novel. After all she had done to assure victory, to get justice for Lysna, albeit illegally according to some outdated edict, and being compelled out of"retirement", Naela is banished and handed over to the king. The twist at the end was so cool! I was as astonished as Naela!
7: A Promise: Once More into the Dark - Lee C Conley
Narcia is like magic mushrooms, one feels nothing, no pain, no fatigue, one can go on and on until the effects wear off. A retired warrior faught long and hard to escape it's calling but now he's being called back to duty can he resist? Will he resist the temptation? No one who has entered the catacombs without the effect of Narcia has survived the horrors within. Yet through all the gore and madness, this is a story of light, of how a person can change if the will is great. Terrific story!
8: Fractured Blade - Moud Adel
Rumi was a watcher, infused with secret power that enhanced his magic and even prevented him from aging. He's given a year's retirement to pass on the mantle and his replacements is Aira, who's also to be his assassin. Sci-fi and fantasy mashed together in a very entertaining tale of truth and decency of the human spirit
9: The White Stag - Justin Pike
Cuernos
Even the most hardened soldier balks at senseless killing. Cuernos was appalled at the murder and eradication of an ancient people, one he had a hand in. Now running for his life, not his per say, but trying to evade his comrades and shield the 2 elven children. Bias is difficult to overcome and his friend confronts him. And the next part is awesome! Love how the goddess took care of predicament, and the power of righteousness prevails
10: The Good Captain - RG Long
Having been expelled from an unsavoury tavern, Captain Lyst is helped by 2 members of the Red Guard. Down and out and retired he wallows in alcohol. Eryn and Gilsi give him a much needed purpose, he's not only a drunk is he? I liked this one, interesting little tale, great characters and a well imagined plot. I liked the writing style, definitely will check out more by this author.
11: To Bleed the Dragon - Jeffrey Bardwell
The title alone had me wanting to read this! I was disappointed though. Minerva and Corbin are lovers, that much I got, but the rest just confused me. Corbin takes Minerva's sister as a lover and then there's Kelsa, is she a spirit, did she possess Minerva? Totally confusing
12: When Heads Roll - Cully Mack
Yuk, what a gruesome visual the start of this book has! But that's how Ms Mack sucks one in, with an explosion of colourful prose, catching one like a feral beast, the tallons sinking in so deep it's impossible to get free until the end. Who or what killed the Nephilim! That sets Danel on a mission to find the mysterious woman seen at the scene, one who's actions will inevitably release a retaliation of a magnitude to decimate them all. Danel, once a war chief and now a scribe, he cannot break the shakles of his guilt, his sense of failure. Meeting the mystery woman, he uncovers a very surprising fact, even evil wants to defeat evil and is trying to achieve that from the inside. Wonderfully written, compelling and intriguing
13: Against the Tide - DW Hawkins
How can one not like Max, a crotchety old man (that's debatable, he's 55!!!!) trying to keep supple and fit, I could hear his groans and bones popping! When he finds a youth rummaging through his things, he tries and fails to stop the boy from escaping with his loot. He's faced with narrow minded, suspicion zealots, hiding behind their supposed piety.
I really loved the almost blase descriptions, like Drooping Mustache and Fat Jowls, so easy to visualise! And I absolutely loved the conversations Max has with him stick, the way he argues with it. When Dominion Scouts are captured, Max has to decide, help the villagers or not. I really enjoyed Max's retorts, here's a great one " Shall we get on with it, or you plan to keep flapping your gums" A wonderful read, lots of great descriptive matter, clear storyline and even though I'm new to this author, this story is so compelling I'm interested to read more of his works
14: One Last Breath - Andy Peloquin
I'm a HUGE Andy fan, his books mesmerise me, his characters mesmerise me, hell everything about Andy's work mesmerises me! The way Andy takes a character to a new level of awareness, showcasing their depth, from emotional ineptitude to physically challenged individual and brings it all to life. I FEEL every single character. And there we have Dumont, a physically disabled ex- soldier, now a sculptor, who's such a perfectionist he won't relinquish the statue until he deems it perfect, capturing the very essence of his love Victoire. Balegar has stars in his eyes, he glamourises battle, wanting to be a soldier too and he gets the opportunity far earlier than anticipated. When all hell breaks loose, Dumont powerless and left with only one choice. Which left me with no choice but to be reduced to a blubbering mess! Exceptional!

[Anya Josephs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how fabulous these anthologies are, considering I know about the talents of our amazing IFA authors. Still, this was another standout collection. Even if not every story was for me, I was very, very impressed by the quality of the tales. Epic fantasy is such a hard genre to condense into a short form, and overall this was an incredibly successful collection in that regard. Here are my thoughts on each story:

Blood of Heroes by Angel Haze: The newly enslaved Drazhan, without his magic and forced to labor in a crystal mine, is determined to escape and reclaim his freedom. This is a satisfying tale of heroism, set in a beautifully rich fantasy world. Feels like a very classic fantasy story, in a short, enjoyable package.

The Little Morsel by Rachel Rener and Alora Carter: This positively charming short story tells the story of Feral, an aging dragon, and his unlikely friendship with the "little morsel", a fearless young girl. The characters are absolutely phenomenal, and it's such a heart-warming depiction of friendship. A wonderful, cheerful dragon story I'd highly recommend to anyone.

The Grandparent Trap by Allegra Pescatore and Christopher Russell: The residents of a senior citizens' home decide to go on a dragon hunt. This humorous story is lots of fun. I loved the worldbuilding--cool to see a realistic story with fantasy elements woven in so effectively. My only quibble is that there were a lot of characters introduced--I liked the sense of an ensemble cast, but aside from a few standout personalities, it did get a little confusing.

Premonition and Prejudice by RL Davennor: Brilliant title. After losing her dragon and her sight, Andromeda has retired the role of Enchanter to her son, abdicated, and left her kingdom and her responsibilities behind--but it turns out they need her after all. I was so interested in this complex, fascinating world, which has such developed worldbuilding. It was a little challenging to follow the plot, since the story relied so much on the backstory of this world that I didn't know anything about going into, but it definitely left me wanting more!

The Gentlesword by Lesley Donaldson: This is a great high fantasy story. Kifra is a very likable protagonist, and her backstory and development are introduced smoothly and effectively throughout the story. Another world I would have loved to spend more time in!

Legacy of the Past by Dan and Robert Zangari: This story has a straightforward plot following Naela's journey through an incredibly complex world. I admired the worldbuilding on display here, as it is obvious that the authors have put incredible thought and detail into every aspect of it. However, I have to admit I found it pretty confusing to read this story. There are so many new concepts introduced so quickly that it wasn't easy for me to feel immersed.

A Promise Once More Into the Dark by Lee C Conley: This story, of a retired hero returning to fight one last time, was stunningly emotional. From its first scene, with a compelling depiction of flashbacks, to the beautiful depiction of the hero's relationship with his family, I was incredibly touched by this story. I wish we had gotten to learn a little more about the characters, but as-is, this is a thematically resonant and gorgeously written story.

Fractured Blade by Moud Adel: The world of this story was deeply interesting. It had a unique magic system (though I would have liked more) and I was very fond of its central character. Rumi is something of a grumpy old man, but he's also deeply hurt by centuries of a thankless job trying to protect his people. Seeing him engage in one final adventure makes this story very fulfilling.

The White Stag by Justin Fike: When Cuernos saves two elfin children he finds in the woods, he has no idea what the consequences may be to his very life--or what good may come of his heroic action. This is a wonderful story, and very beautifully written. I don't think I've encountered any of Fike's work before, but I quickly fell in love with his style, which is descriptive but not overblown. The story itself reveals a well-developed world, while relying on only a few key details of it to tell this self-contained short story.

The Good Captain by RG Long: Captain Lyst, retired commander in the Red Guard, has to advise two rookie officers before they get themselves killed. This story, despite the relatively grim worldbuilding, has a bright, pleasant, and very readable style, which I enjoyed. Strong characterization and world, too.

To Bleed the Dragon by Jeffrey Bardwell: Initially, I was very engaged by this story's style, but I have to admit I found it really confusing. It took me two read-throughs to get a sense of the plot, and at the end I still wasn't sure I had grasped quite what was happening or why.

When Heads Roll by Cully Mack: Daniel, a former warrior, knows giants are coming for vengeance--but can he protect the people of the city? I liked this story (and the premise reminded me of Into the Woods, which was fun!) Some of the worldbuilidng is a little confusing and might suit a novel better than a short story, but much of it is really interesting. I'd love to check out the rest of this series!

Against the Tide by DW Hawkins: Max, a former hexweaver, has to hide what he is lest he attract the wrath of the nearby villagers, or the Dominion--but soon the village may rely on his powers. I loved this story, mostly for its main character. Max is such a great representation of an aging hero. He's grumpy, cantankerous, a little self-pitying, and very funny. His character really anchors this story and makes it something special.

One Last Breath by Andy Peloquin: This is a wonderful story. It's anchored both in Dumont's present struggle, as he carves a massive statue, and in his memories of battle and heroism. The movement back and forth between the two timelines is a highly effective device to introduce us to both the characters and the world. The two worlds of Dumont's life collide, making for a very moving ending.

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Ashes is the second anthology from the IFA group and is just as good as the first one. The focus has moved from the villains of the pieces, to the heroes and legends. Nearly every single piece in this worked for me. As is typical with anthologies, there will always be one or two that don't quite mesh with me but these were few and far between. It's not quite as dark as the villains anthology, but don't expect all sunshine and roses either.

Blood of Heroes by Angel Haze; 4/5 stars.
An interesting little tale involving a prison break. Well, not quite a prison. More a slave mine. And in a world where magic seems to have vanished, what chances do the slaves have to escape? Entertaining with very dark edges, I really want to know more about this world. Why don't I know more about this world?! Despite it's short length, all of the characters jumped off the page and I still need to know more about this world!

The Little Morsel by Rachel Rener & Alora Carter; 5/5 stars
An old, retired and rather grumpy dragon meets a small, snackable human child. Except humans aren't that tasty anyway. Even big humans. Too many bones. This was just wonderful. There are dark edges, but it's a beautiful little tale of how sometimes the young can save the old, even as the old save them. It's genuinely funny as well. I need more of this. Seriously. Where is the full length novel?

The Grandparent Trap by Allegra Pescatore and Christopher Russell; 3.5/5 stars
When a dragon roars into town and wants to take your pension hostage, what are a group of pensioners to do but outwit it? This was a little disjointed, but I enjoyed the unlikely heroes nonetheless. An interesting little read, but it could have been better if some of the gaps were filled in.

Premonition and Prejudice by R.L Davennor; 3/5 stars
Interesting but felt very incomplete. Sometimes shorts manage to convey an entire story, this felt like it required more and was a small part of a greater whole and a companion piece rather than a self contained story.

The Gentlesword by Lesley Donaldson; 4/5 stars
A lauded retired warrior, her mother and an injured squire seek healing from a retired mage in a house with a mind of it's own. An emotive and action packed piece that gives a real sense of a larger world hiding behind this short extract.

Legacy of the Past by Dan & Robert Zangari; 4/5 stars
It took me a while to understand what was going on here, but once I got it I was drawn into the world. It helped that I'd recently read the first novel in the series, so had an understanding of the world. But even without that, this has strong characters, an excellently drawn world and an unexpected outcome.

A Promise: Once More Into the Dark by Lee C. Conley; 4/5 stars
Called to arms one last time, this is a heart-felt snippet showing a final charge against monsters and one man's desperate quest to get home to his family in one piece. Powerful and I'm interested in reading more by the author.

Fractured Blade by Moud Adel; 5/5 stars
Retirement as an Illicitum means death at the hands of your successor. It is time for Rumi, yet his young charge turned assassin is determined to remind him of the influence he has had on the world before his death. But Rumi has some things he needs to show her first. Powerful and profound, the characters also stood out from the crowd and the world being developed here is fascinating.

The White Stag by Justin Fike; 4/5 stars
What was originally a righteous war has devolved into hatred, genocide and slaughter. But one man sees a small, hopeless chance to save two innocent victims, even if it means turning away from his God. Short, sweet but poignant.

The Good Captain - RG Long; 5/5 stars
Another one where I’m going to have to investigate more of the authors works. This is a fast paced little tale with just enough world building to hook you and tantalise you. Self contained, the characters were vividly imagined and it ended with an entertaining bang.

To Bleed The Dragon - Jeffrey Bardwell; 2/5 stars
This was… weird. Very weird. Really not sure what to think of this at all. It’s clever… but weird. That is all.

When Heads Roll - Cully Mack; 4/5 stars
An interesting expansion on a scene from A Voice That Thunders. Full of mystery and intrigue, this was an interesting read with multiple layers. It’s a reminder to re-read the first novel as the rest of the series is on my to read list.

Against the Tide - D.W Hawkins; 5/5 stars
Yet another reminder that I really, really need to get around to reading more of Hawkins works. This is a fantastic tale, and the longest in the anthology. The world comes to life around you as one old man and a bunch of outcast teenagers are the first and last defence against the Dominion invasion about to overrun their village. Stunningly told, vivid action scenes and characters that really made my heart feel.

One Last Breath - Andy Peloquin; 5/5 stars
Another stunning little tale that builds on the vividly imagined world that the author has created in his Silent Champions series. I got Faith of the Fallen vibes from this, which I have fond memories of, but it is different enough in tone and style that it's very much it's own original piece. The characters were all wonderfully drawn and the echoes of grief throughout were vivid.

I'd more than recommend picking this up. I've read works by many of the authors before and they are of consistently high quality, but there were some new names here as well for me to investigate further.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shorts that give you glimpses into the many possibilities that lay in sight for the well aged heroes. Truly enjoyed this collection of ingenuity and talent!
BLOOD OF HEROES BY ANGEL HAZE-
A tale of a prison break like you never imagined! Of course Coct made the top of the favorites list! An old fragile mage that was once legendary and now believed to be crazy from magic drain. I could feel the dampness of the caves, smell the rots brewing everywhere! Just a snippet if a tale yet it impacted like a beast!
THE LITTLE MORSEL BY RACHEL RENER & ALORA CARTER-
Okay..I am totally in love with Feral. He epitomizes the grumpy character you just can’t help but love. This short snapshot of the life of a retired dragon just gives you the warm and fuzzies all over. This is a perfect feel good pick me up!
THE GRANDPARENT TRAP BY ALLEGRA PESCATORE & CHRISTOPHER RUSSELL-
Talk about picking the wrong town for a dragon to try and fleece! Totally made sense that these feisty seniors cohabitate in a senior home in nowhere Florida, not to mention also manage to save the dat! Of course bad ass Dottie is my fave, especially with her “then I did my job correctly” comment! A hysterically funny short!
PREMONITION AND PREJUDICE BY R L DAVENNOR-
This tale was tough yet unfurled into something beautiful. With the loss of her bond mate, Andromeda lost purpose. Her grief made her abandon everything, including the only family she had left. This tale sparks the light of renewal.
THE GENTLESWORD BY LESLEY DONALDSON-
A retired warrior with a loss sense of purpose, this little short takes Kifra, her mother, and her injured squire to the door of a magical house to seek healing from a retired mage. Ms. Donaldson brought bleak magic and all it’s horrendous purpose to the forefront.
LEGACY OF THE PAST BY DAN & ROBERT ZANGARI-
If I could choose an alter ego, I would want to be Natalia. Strong willed, intelligent, superior fighter and magic skills. Even knowing going against establish guidelines would severely impact her, she chose to do what she felt was necessary. The outcome was very surprising. Mad props for the amazing battle scene!
A PROMISE: ONCE MORE INTO THE DARK BY LEE C CONLEY-
A very deep and emotional journey for one last survivor of the old ways. Barely surviving the last time he went through a “proving”, his life has drastically changed since then. Now, being called to arms one last time, he seeks to survive without the use of the ancient addictive ways. So many emotions jammed packed into this snippet of intense action.
FRACTURED BLADE BY MOUD ADEL-
This MC is about to retire with his replacement taking care of the exchanging of the mantle. Retirement for an illiciturn means death. This short takes a deep and profound look at the exchange, shedding light on their purpose and giving his replacement the true meaning of their existence. This truly packs a punch worthy of the read.
THE WHITE STAG BY JUSTIN FIKE-
This tale brings to light when a cause slips from being just into the realm of just being hatred and violent. The MC is tired of all the deaths and stays his blow to save 2 children. Now he is forsaken by his goddess and hunted by his kin. But something more awaits for him and I am totally pleased with this work!
THE GOOD CAPTAIN BY R G LONG-
Right place at the right time tale. No longer a Red Guard and living in Silver Sun territory, this retired MC shocked me with his choice for the next steps of his life. A quick, fun tale than zoomed right by!
TO BLEED THE DRAGON BY JEFFREY BARDWELL-
This one confused me yet still entertained me. The MC dies, then inhabits someone else’s body, and meets back up with your unfaithful lover. Lessons are being taught to the owner of the body. Yep…that’s the gust of it but it really is a unique perspective.
WHEN HEADS ROLL BY CULLY MACK-
Once a Great War chief, Daniel now turned his sights to unraveling the mysteries hidden in the written word. The mystery surrounding the recent slaying on a immortal brought him inquiring at his brothers door. From the, more mysteries layer on top of each other making this highly entertaining in a short.
AGAINST THE TIDE BY D W HAWKINS-
Wow! Mac, a retired kinetic he weaver, once again finds himself from and center in a fight he never asked for. The battle scenes are harsh and unforgiving. Like modern world politics, supposed nonviolent leaders prey upon the weak to do the tasks they deem as beneath them. But an even greater evil comes for them, and that us where Max takes just final stand.
Short, but epic!
ONE LAST BREATH BY ANDY PELOQUIN-
Of course, the last book in this collection brought the tears..both sadness and joy. Dumont , a retired legionnaire , now a stone mason, working in his last and greatest piece. Love the way Mr. Peloquin made us feel every ache and pain this MC endured, both physical as well as mental. The battle is definitely a Peloquin work of art and eternally grateful for the ending! Brilliant…as always.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most stories were amazing, a couple just good

Blood of Heroes: In a world where magic is dying and mostly gone, a group of slaves manage to escape the mines where they are forced to work thanks to one person with his own kind of magic.

The Little Morsel: OMG! It was such a sweet story! I really loved it! An old dragon finds a little girl (more like the girl finds the dragon), and they start an amazing relationship. This is definitely a must read! The old dragon, whose life was at its end, finds a new reason to keep living, and the girl, whose life has been only about suffering, finds a reason to laugh again.

The Grandparent Trap: A dragon is trying to take over a town, and a group of old people from a retirement home are the only ones willing to stop him. They run a scam and fool the dragon into leaving and never returning.

Premonition and Prejudice: We have a seer, her son and a couple of dragons. We get a lot of information, but no details. We know that something happened and something else is going to happen. We get a lot of facts, but not much details. The story feels like an introduction or a beginning, but it's not complete.

The Gentlesword: I didn't get the story. It was kind of weird. It's about a warrior hunting a monster to prove her worth. By the end her goals shift completely.

Legacy of the Past: This one was action-packed. An old mage working alone to avenge a friend. She knows that her actions are forbidden, but still, she works on forbidden magic that is her only chance for revenge.
When she is called to fight, she knows that whatever happens, she will be discovered and punished for her actions, but as long as she can get her revenge, it doesn't matter to her.
In the end, her actions have consequences but also a reward. She fulfills her goal and more.

A Promise: Once More into the Dark.: This one is surrounded by an air of mystery. It makes references to ancient rituals and old customs. The story focuses on a warrior that had survived fighting the monsters and had gone to start a family but is summoned once again for a final battle. He doesn't want to fight, but for his family, he goes back. Things have changed, progress has arrived in the town, and the old legends have been forgotten. He guides the new people into the horrors. He was initially mocked, but once they faced the dark horrors, the few that survived the final battle honored him. But all he wanted was to go back to his family.
It was a really good short story. It had just enough elements to make it great.

Fractured Blade: This one was amazing. So many feels! It's such a simple story but with so much meaning. Aira is replacing Rumi and must kill him to take his place completely. Before that, she wants, or needs, to prove that his life had meaning. He is ready to depart and takes Aira's efforts as a game until he realizes that she is the one that needs a reminder of why they fight, and he gives it to her and to all the new Illicitums.

The White Stag: Another good one. A warrior faces the horrors of war and realizes that they had crossed the line from righteousness fighters to monsters. He tries to save a pair of elves, possibly the last of their kind, and offers everything to fulfill his mission, becoming something new in the process. 

The Good Captain: An old drunk who used to be a captain, a couple of soldiers on a mission. A helpful hand that might not be so selfless. It's a simple story with an interesting ending. I had no idea where it was going until the last moment.

To Bleed the Dragon: A weird one. A spirit possesses a body and tries to piece together her old life while sharing a body with another woman. Piece by piece, the story unfolds. The story ends when the two spirits sharing the body reach an agreement.

When Heads Roll: The story is good, but it's a prequel to a series, so it leaves you with more questions than answers. It's the story of how a death caused the annihilation of a town and how those events will be the start of something bigger. We just get glimpses of the character's backgrounds and motivations. It's only the setup for something else.

Against the Tide: An old soldier, Max, goes to a remote location to get some peace. He gets caught between two groups of religious fanatics. The ones who claim to be pacifists and live near him, and another who wants to conquer everything and everyone. Max and a group of rejected kids fight against the invaders to give the townspeople a chance to escape.
It was an interesting concept, and I liked the characters' complexities and how they are shaped by their beliefs and duty.

One Last Breath: A last grandstand by a group of friends that fought together in their youth. The story focuses on one who lost his legs and became a sculptor.
It starts a little slow and has a long buildup, but the end is really good, even if it's obvious how it will end once the fight begins.

[Jonathan Van Crumpet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This great anthology tells us of the stories that our elders have; retired, perhaps, but not forgotten and certainly not useless.

Blood of Heroes - Angel Haze
Former soldier Drazhan has one last battle - to escape the crystal mines in which he has been enslaved. With the help of an old mage, Coct, they plan to fight their way out, or die trying.
A dark story with a hopeful ending.

The Little Morsel - Rachel Rener and Alora Carter
General Feral lives out the remainder of his days in a senior living facility for dragons, bored and lonely. Then a human girl enters his life and he remembers the joy to be found in the small things.
Such a sweet and funny story.

The Grandparent Trap - Allegra Pescatore and Christopher Russell
Bill and his fellow seniors use their insight and individuality to outwit a dragon.
A really fun and clever story.

Premonition and Prejudice - R. L. Davennor
Andromeda has been plagued by nightmarish visions since the death of her dragon bond mate, but now her son has an important and dangerous task for her.
This is a moving story of loss and hope.

The Gentlesword - Lesley Donaldson
Retired warrior Kifra finds an old friend and a new purpose.
An exciting story with a lovely ending.

Legacy of the Past - Dan and Robert Zangari
Naeala creates forbidden technology in the hope of finally defeating the enemy responsible for the deaths of her former pupils, but the penalty is severe.
A strong story of revenge and morality.

A Promise: Once More Into the Dark - Lee C. Convey
An old warrior leaves his wife and child, in order to destroy the terrors of an underground monster lair once and for all.
An evocative and visceral story.

Fractured Blade - Moud Adel
Rumi awaits his appointed death, but his successor has something to show him before she kills him.
A thought-provoking story of perception and ideology

The White Stag - Justin Fike
Cuernos saves two enemy children, despite knowing that his comrades - and their gods - will not allow them to escape with their lives.
A beautiful story, full of compassion and courage.

The Good Captain- RG Long
Two young guards accept help from the retired - and drunk - Captain Lyst, but the captain has his own agenda.
A clever story with a great twist.

To Bleed the Dragon - Jeffrey Bardwell.
Minerva, betrayed by her lover and sister, and mortally wounded, wakes up in someone else's body, and formulates a plan.
An interesting story of the benefits of pragmatism and the wisdom of experience.

When Heads Roll - Cully Mack
Ex-War Chief Danal realises the terrible consequences his city faces, after the son of an immortal is shot.
A well-written story with heart.

Against the Tide - D. W. Hawkins
Max has lived a hermit's life since giving up his career, until one day he is forced to reveal his history.
This good story has plenty of introspection and a thrilling finale.

One Last Breath - Andy Peloquin
Captain Dumont became a sculptor after losing his legs in a brave last stand. His final piece, a sculpture of his late wife, gives meaning to his existence.
So beautiful, I cried.

[Phi · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Blood of Heroes by Angel Haze

This one was very dark, and I had to skim through some parts, but as always, Angel's writing is incredible!


*The Little Morsel by Alora Carter and Rachel Rener

I absolutely adored this cute little story about a young girl and an old dragon saving each other in their own ways. I want more of their stories! This was a super short read, but still managed to bring these characters to life in such a sweet magical way.


*The Grandparent Trap by Christopher Russell and Allegra Pescatore

This was such a funny, entertaining short story! It was a pleasure to read, and incredibly unique!


*Premonition and Prejudice by R.L. Davennor

This story was intense and somewhat dark, but still very intriguing!


*The Gentlesword by Lesley Donaldson

This was another intense and dark story, but kept me interested and wanting to see where things were going.


*Legacy of the Past by Dan and Robert Zangari

The characters in this one felt so deep for a short story! This one was a great read!


*A Promise: Once More into the Dark by Lee C. Conley

This story was intriguing but absolutely heartbreaking. It was such a good story though!


*Fractured Blade by Moud Adel

This was a very unique and interesting story! It's not my personal favorite, but it definitely stands out.


*The White Stag by Justin Fike

There was so much emotion packed into such a short story! I really felt like the characters had depth to them, and the ending was great.


*The Good Captain by RG Long

This one wasn't really my cup of tea, but it was interesting regardless.


*To Bleed the Dragon by Jeffrey Bardwell

The way this story was written was so intriguing!


*When Heads Roll by Cully Mack 

This was an interesting story full of action. It was fast paced, and I flew through it.


*Against the Tide by D.W. Hawkins

This was probably the longest story in here, but it was very interesting! I like how the magic system felt different than most others I've read. And the ending was bittersweet, but a really good ending overall.


*One Last Breath by Andy Peloquin

What started as a slow, sort of cozy story about a man carving a statue quickly turned into an emotional masterpiece. This story was absolutely incredible! What a fantastic way to end this anthology!

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories by indie fantasy authors. There were more "high fantasy" stories than "urban/contemporary". My usual genre is urban fantasy, but most of these stories were enjoyable. Some seemed like they may have been plucked from the middle of a storyline or needed more context. There were words used with no context given as to what they were and it took a bit to understand. Even though it wasn't my usual genre, I did mostly enjoy it though.

[Deborah Svensson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!

What a great book with fourteen wonderful stories with a salute to the sometimes silent heroes of battle. I love stories that pay honor to elderly and retired veterans.

[Laurie Stuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hi I purchased From the Shadows / From the Ashes / From the Arcane due to 1 off the Author's
Aaron Hodges who I have read every Book off his available, so I thought I'd try this series but not for me other readers may like them Laurie S

[Anson Eckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars overall, I greatly enjoyed the majority of these short stories about retired heroes or older heroes going on one final set of challenges i enjoyed some better than others but the concept itself was so good for a story or two before bed

[Don Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Superb Collection

I've read a few of these anthologies now, and From The Ashes: Legends Never Die is by far the best.

[Christine Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOOD OF HEROES By Angel Haze
The beginning of this anthology began with a dark an interesting tale of a prisoner camp. Drazhan the main character of this story stripped of his magic he’s just trying to survive and escape. It was a bit of a shitty ending but in a purposeful way. Great beginning to a hopefully epic anthology 2.

THE LITTLE MORSEL By Rachel Rener & Alora Carter
This was by far the cutest dragon novel I’ve read to date. It really shed light on reality that even being as old as the earth itself sometimes a single little creature(a human in this case) can change our whole world.

THE GRANDPARENT TRAP By Allegra Pescatore & Christoper Russell
A pretty funny and humorous tale of a bunch of elderly people setting off an adventure to save their pensions at a bank from a dragon. I enjoyed the reality that was brought to life as a lot of it was relatable

PREMONITION AND PREJUDICE By R.L. Davennor
This didn’t really tickle my fancy. Im not sure if it was because it felt as though it was incomplete or that it just wasn’t the story for me. The writing style was clean as usual for R.L. D (as I have dove into her other novels).

THE GENTLESWORD By Lesley Donaldson
A fun little short of a retired warrior whom thought he lost his purpose until death came knocking on his door in the form of a mother, an injured squire and the MC Kifra. I loved Lesleys writing style in all her novels, the amazing ways she has to pulling you into a story.

LEGACY OF THE PAST By Dan & Robert Zangari
The main character Naela was a fun person to read about. For a short story this had world building, magic, but having read Dan & Roberts Epic story before it came with the same confusion with overly detailed and a lot of complexity that my wee brain cannot handle.

A PROMISE: ONCE MORE INTO THE DARK By Lee C. Conley
Lee has becoming on of my favorite indie authors his way to tell a dark and emotional story is promising for the future. A retired hero is called to serve, this was a bit of grim tale that took an emotional toll and brought back some deep memories and flashbacks that you can see with PTSD.

FRACTURED BLADE By Moud Adel
This was an interesting story, it started with Rumi calmly stating his assassin was here which turned out to be Aira his replacement within the illiciturn. But in turn decided to take him on a trip. This world was unique and easy to follow, the mini journey was fun and I really hope there is more somewhere.

THE WHITE STAG By Justin Fike

Cuernos saved 2 small elves after tiring of the constant death surrounding him but little did he realize that could put his own life in danger by his own kin. This was a fun little short story that I honestly didn’t expect at first based on the title.

THE GOOD CAPTAIN By RG Long
One of the quickest in this Anthology. I was sad it ended so quickly. It started in a brothel with semi morals of how far is too far. 2 Red Guards Gilsi and Eyrn ended up under the wind of retired Captain Lyst to save their butts from death.

TO BLEED THE DRAGON By Jeffrey Bardwell
I’m unsure what to say about this excuse what? Overall I’m left confused. For such a short story I’m unsure what I read.

WHEN HEADS ROLL By Cully Mack
Cully Mack’s writing style is still one of my favorites. Even short stories apparently 😂🤣
Danel was once a War Chief of Amat and has found himself questioning the world the surrounds him. This story reminds me I need to pick up the rest of the series I once started hit got side tracked about 😂🤣.

AGAINST THE TIDE By D.W. Hawkins
Max an old man in the woods whom speaks to his walking stick? Can’t lie at first I said to myself what in the world is this. He’s off his rocker. Then the story progressed into something fabulous, but grim. I like being caught off guard to what exactly was to come.

ONE LAST BREATH By Andy Peloquin
Last but not least in this anthology brought it all to an end… or maybe it’s just the beginning. Andy always has a way with words and
blood shed and now it’s all the heart strings of the emotional rollercoaster this story unveiled.
This story followed Dumont a retired military man who lost his legs from an axe and infections.

[Sammy BookWyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This epic anthology is about retired heroes and heroines and for some they come out of retirement to fight once more, to help others or to seek closure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology and I loved reading the stories.

[Olivia Marie Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling anthology.

Blood of Heros: 4 ⭐️s Coct was a nice comic relief for this dark, serious story. It was refreshing to have his humor in the middle of so much turmoil. I really enjoyed this story and wish there had been more to it.

The Little Morsel: 5⭐️s This was absolutely heartwarming. I enjoyed every bit of this story. I really liked the comic relief of how a dragon viewed humans. It was delightful.

The Grandparent Trap: 4.5⭐️s I wasn’t sure how I felt about this at first, but then it became hilariously funny and entertaining. A group of five elderly retirement home shut ins against a powerful dragon? Not a chance but damn did they make it work. It was amazing and funny and a nice little read.

Premonition and Prejudice: 4⭐️s I was expecting another goofy, lighthearted story, but this one was more somber and serious. I still liked it though, and I really wish it would be made into a full novel. It seems like it would make an excellent read.

The Gentlesword: 3.5⭐️s Nice characters, world building and amazing imagery, left a lot to the imagination, I just wish there had been more explaining. I’m still not sure what bleak magic is or what a gentlesword is.

Legacy of the Past: 4⭐️s I never finished A Prince’s Errand by these same authors. I don’t remember why, but I never managed. Reading this short story reminds me of the unique magic in this world and makes me want to try A Prince’s Errand again.

A Promise: Once More Into the Dark: 3⭐️s A dark and adventurous read. I feel like things like the Proving and the Narcia could have been better explained. I wasn’t quite sure what they were until about halfway through the story. Also, it didn’t seem like the main character had a name at all and that bothered me a bit.

Fractured Blade: 3⭐️s This one just didn’t seem to hook me like the others. Not really sure why. It was interesting enough and seemed to have a lot of potential for world building, but I just couldn’t get into it.

The White Stag: 4⭐️s I wasn’t sure how to feel about this story at first. I couldn’t see where it was going or predict what would happen. I ended up really liking it though. It had a very nice ending.

The Good Captain: 3.5⭐️s an exciting ending, but the events leading up to it weren’t that great. I would have liked a bit more explanations as to why they did what they did, but it was still nicely written and a decent little read.

To Bleed the Dragon: 3⭐️s I don’t know how to feel about this book. It was well written and interesting, but I did t have a clue of what was going on. The whole thing was confusing. I couldn’t make sense of who or what or why.

When Heads Roll: 4.5⭐️s It’s kind of amusing that this story is in this anthology. I’m currently on the second book of Cully Mack’s A Voice That Thunders series. While reading this story, I’m on the second book. I remember this scene from the first book. It was cool to read the same scene from a different perspective, and I can’t wait to finish this series.

Against the Tide: 3⭐️s I didn’t seem to vibe as much with this story. The description was great, the magic system was unique and interesting, and the parts where Max is talking to his walking stick were hysterical and provided some good comic relief. This story was definitely more bloody than the others, it just didn’t do it for me.

One Last Breath: 4⭐️s This was a bittersweet ending to this anthology of stories. It was nice and soft and gentle. Even the battle at the end had a gentleness and elegance to it. I really enjoyed it.