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The Ranger Archives #1
Court of Assassins
MYTH. LEGEND. NIGHTFALL HAS LONG BEEN RUMOURED TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN WHISPERS ON THE BREEZE.
IF ONLY IT WERE SO…
In those halls of darkness, where children are taken from the world and given to shadow and dust, Asher is destined for that same fate. He will become the myth. He will become the legend. He will become the whisper of Death itself.
That which he was is dead, forgotten. Now he is a blade in the dark, a weapon to be wielded by his masters. A killer.
Yet, despite all his training and years of spilling blood, there is a crack in Asher’s conditioning. Something within him is broken, unbound even. A sliver of humanity has survived and dreams of freedom. Now, standing on a knife’s edge, his mind threatens to unravel, taking him from the only path he has ever known and away from the clutches of Nightfall.
It has never been done. Exile is not a choice. It is a death sentence.
But there is another life that calls to him, a life roaming the wilds and protecting the innocent from the monsters which would prey upon them. Hunting monsters, however, is no easy task, especially when Asher himself is hunted by those who would drag him back to Nightfall. Back to the darkness.
IF ONLY IT WERE SO…
In those halls of darkness, where children are taken from the world and given to shadow and dust, Asher is destined for that same fate. He will become the myth. He will become the legend. He will become the whisper of Death itself.
That which he was is dead, forgotten. Now he is a blade in the dark, a weapon to be wielded by his masters. A killer.
Yet, despite all his training and years of spilling blood, there is a crack in Asher’s conditioning. Something within him is broken, unbound even. A sliver of humanity has survived and dreams of freedom. Now, standing on a knife’s edge, his mind threatens to unravel, taking him from the only path he has ever known and away from the clutches of Nightfall.
It has never been done. Exile is not a choice. It is a death sentence.
But there is another life that calls to him, a life roaming the wilds and protecting the innocent from the monsters which would prey upon them. Hunting monsters, however, is no easy task, especially when Asher himself is hunted by those who would drag him back to Nightfall. Back to the darkness.
525 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
About the author
Philip C. Quaintrell
25 books1,711 followersPhilip started his career as an emergency nurse and began writing the books he’d want to read as a hobby between shifts.
He published his first novel in 2016, and soon began his epic fantasy series, The Echoes Saga which went straight into the Amazon bestsellers list in 4 countries.
Now one of the best-selling indie authors worldwide, Philip lives in Manchester, England with his wife and two young children and is hoping this is just the beginning.
He published his first novel in 2016, and soon began his epic fantasy series, The Echoes Saga which went straight into the Amazon bestsellers list in 4 countries.
Now one of the best-selling indie authors worldwide, Philip lives in Manchester, England with his wife and two young children and is hoping this is just the beginning.
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February 8, 2022
6/5 STARS- "THE BEST PREQUEL OF MY LIFE, PERIOD."
Okay, this is my third review of my life overall, and english is not my first language, so i apologize for any lexical, syntactic or grammatical error. Now that i made the necessary premises, i'll try to express why i think this is the best prequel i've ever read.
First thing first, i'm a huge fan of this series and Philip Quaintrell's works, both the Echoes Saga ( of wich this book is a prequel of) and his Terran Cycle ( his sci-fi epic quartet), so i'm really biased when it comes to him. There's going to be a lot of fanboyism i think, i'll try not, but it's fine either way. Each one of us should have one story at least, one author, that's able to connect with every fiber of your soul, it's what every one wish for right? For me it's Quaintrell and this story, this world.
I've finished this book at least three days ago but i needed some time to process all of what i found insid, what it made me feel. Usually i'm really not a fan of prequels, at least of prequels that directly connects with the main story, temporally and with somewhat the same characters. It's just a prejudice of mine, something that i cannot explain really. Maybe it's because i think i already know everything of this character, of this stor, and i already know where it is going, soi will feel less, i really don't know. Well, anyway, Philip totally wrecked my prejudice. Like... he beated it to death. This is the best prequel i've ever read. It entertained me, it connected with me, made me feel sad, happy, pumped, angry and schocked. I'll try to explaine why, in a non spoilery way and in a synthetical form ( maybe).Just one thing, even though this is a prequel, i think your appreciation of it will improve drastically reading at least the first three books of the main series. There are some connections, nods, nostalgic twists that won't work the same way otherwise.
How to start. This book focuses on the character of Asher, one of the main pivotal characters of the Echoes saga, and, for instance, my favorite, so that was already a big good factor ahaha. In the first book of the main saga, we see him in a certain position in the world, as and individual and as a character, and we find, throughout the narration, his past and his present emotions connected to that specific past, but we never actaually see his past. We see his recollection, his nowstanding emotions, but we do not know the old Asher, not entirely at least. He's going through a lot of traumas, guilt... dark things. His arc in the series is one of the best i've ever seen. Philip, quite intelligently, decided to really eviscerate where his journey began, he shows us in page the actions he committed, the traumas he went through. Seeing his time as an Arakesh ( i'll let you find what that is if you don't know)... well, it broke me as it broke him. It was gut wrenching. Seeing his conditioning, his training, his morals, getting questioned through the deeds he thinks he has to do, and then seeing his desperation, his feeling deplorable... oh man, it cuts deep in your heart, especially knowing what's coming for him. This is the case where knowing the after illuminates in a disruptive way the before. I'm utterly convinced now that this book, this trilogy, is essential for the character of Asher. If you've loved him in the series, it can be hard at times living in his head while he does what he does, but it makes you feel his character in an empathetic way, it duplicates what you've felt towards Asher in the main series. It betters everything. I'm trying so hard not to slip any spoiler. This book makes you live in a profound way what has been the first big and pivotal steps that brought him to life in the first page of "Rise of the ranger". It connects everything perfectly: the plot, the events, the intricate psychology (wich is extremely important to me)... all of it makes sense, i'm without words. I've felt his guilt, his anger, his lost of hope, his depression. There are some dark moments, so be ready, at least that's how i felt them. But it is not all dark and depressive, beware. Asher still tries to cling to every piece of humanity left in him. He tries to be better, to be good, to do good. He is a complex character, he does some really dark stuff and lives with consequences, pr he tries to, in every way he can. But he wouldn't achieve it without other characters. All the new characters here are superbly written, they have their emotions, their motives, their roles in Asher's life, and sometimes they help to give a bit of humour to an otherwise dark book. They are important, just know this. Geron Thornbear... do i have to even talk about it? In one book Philip has achieved to get me emotionally attached to a secondary and new character, he was just awesome. This book was full of surprises, that is why in the beggining i said how Philip had destroyed my prejudices. This book had a lot of unexpected twist and turns and it managed to duplicate my feelings towards Asher and this world and for a prequel that's impressive.
There were some old characters as well, Nasta first of all, and my consideration of him has changed after reading this book. Again, with another character, Philip managed to explore in a more profound way his inner motives and put it in a different light, even if his POV's were sensibly less than those of Asher. There are some nods to the main series: in some events, in some objetcs and phrases, and even in some incredibly nostalgic cameos right from the get go ( who knows, knows). They were the exemplification of a perfect fan service, that really connects the two timelines.
Lastly but not less important, the action. I'm an action oriented guy when it comes to fantasy, even though i really struggle to follow those scenes... yeah, it's a strange contraposition i know. There are only three authors that i've read who can bring in you the middle of the fight: Brandon Sanderson, John Gwynne, and, of course, Philip Quaintrell. What i admire in fight scenes is the inventive in constructing always new situations, in elaborating a specific and vivid coreography, in creating a fight that, transposed word for word, woul give a cinematic battle made perfectly for the screen. That's how i live them, and Philip is a master in this, but hey, if you've read the Echoes saga you'll know this already. Here he gives us some more intimate fights, but full of tension and stakes. Philip really can increase your adrenaline. Of course, since these are The Ranger Archives, we have a lot of monsters, in page and off page even, since at the beggining of almost each chapter we have a description of a monster left by one of the rangers in Verda's history. The battles with them are just so fun, and epic. EPIC, that's the only word to describe Philip's fight scenes.
This review it's already long, but hey, not every day comes out a book from your favorite author right? Better to talk about it however you want. I hope that more and more people begin to pick up his books, not only this one. They have changed me as a reader and they help me in my everyday life, they are the best escapism possible, and some wonderful pieces of art. They mean so much to me, i think you can clearly see that from my words. I cannot wait for the second book in this trilogy, i have no doubts it will only improve on of the premises left by this entry, and i already know i'll love it. This the beggining, or the continuation i guess, of a beautiful journey. This world is my heart now.
Just read it.
Okay, this is my third review of my life overall, and english is not my first language, so i apologize for any lexical, syntactic or grammatical error. Now that i made the necessary premises, i'll try to express why i think this is the best prequel i've ever read.
First thing first, i'm a huge fan of this series and Philip Quaintrell's works, both the Echoes Saga ( of wich this book is a prequel of) and his Terran Cycle ( his sci-fi epic quartet), so i'm really biased when it comes to him. There's going to be a lot of fanboyism i think, i'll try not, but it's fine either way. Each one of us should have one story at least, one author, that's able to connect with every fiber of your soul, it's what every one wish for right? For me it's Quaintrell and this story, this world.
I've finished this book at least three days ago but i needed some time to process all of what i found insid, what it made me feel. Usually i'm really not a fan of prequels, at least of prequels that directly connects with the main story, temporally and with somewhat the same characters. It's just a prejudice of mine, something that i cannot explain really. Maybe it's because i think i already know everything of this character, of this stor, and i already know where it is going, soi will feel less, i really don't know. Well, anyway, Philip totally wrecked my prejudice. Like... he beated it to death. This is the best prequel i've ever read. It entertained me, it connected with me, made me feel sad, happy, pumped, angry and schocked. I'll try to explaine why, in a non spoilery way and in a synthetical form ( maybe).Just one thing, even though this is a prequel, i think your appreciation of it will improve drastically reading at least the first three books of the main series. There are some connections, nods, nostalgic twists that won't work the same way otherwise.
How to start. This book focuses on the character of Asher, one of the main pivotal characters of the Echoes saga, and, for instance, my favorite, so that was already a big good factor ahaha. In the first book of the main saga, we see him in a certain position in the world, as and individual and as a character, and we find, throughout the narration, his past and his present emotions connected to that specific past, but we never actaually see his past. We see his recollection, his nowstanding emotions, but we do not know the old Asher, not entirely at least. He's going through a lot of traumas, guilt... dark things. His arc in the series is one of the best i've ever seen. Philip, quite intelligently, decided to really eviscerate where his journey began, he shows us in page the actions he committed, the traumas he went through. Seeing his time as an Arakesh ( i'll let you find what that is if you don't know)... well, it broke me as it broke him. It was gut wrenching. Seeing his conditioning, his training, his morals, getting questioned through the deeds he thinks he has to do, and then seeing his desperation, his feeling deplorable... oh man, it cuts deep in your heart, especially knowing what's coming for him. This is the case where knowing the after illuminates in a disruptive way the before. I'm utterly convinced now that this book, this trilogy, is essential for the character of Asher. If you've loved him in the series, it can be hard at times living in his head while he does what he does, but it makes you feel his character in an empathetic way, it duplicates what you've felt towards Asher in the main series. It betters everything. I'm trying so hard not to slip any spoiler. This book makes you live in a profound way what has been the first big and pivotal steps that brought him to life in the first page of "Rise of the ranger". It connects everything perfectly: the plot, the events, the intricate psychology (wich is extremely important to me)... all of it makes sense, i'm without words. I've felt his guilt, his anger, his lost of hope, his depression. There are some dark moments, so be ready, at least that's how i felt them. But it is not all dark and depressive, beware. Asher still tries to cling to every piece of humanity left in him. He tries to be better, to be good, to do good. He is a complex character, he does some really dark stuff and lives with consequences, pr he tries to, in every way he can. But he wouldn't achieve it without other characters. All the new characters here are superbly written, they have their emotions, their motives, their roles in Asher's life, and sometimes they help to give a bit of humour to an otherwise dark book. They are important, just know this. Geron Thornbear... do i have to even talk about it? In one book Philip has achieved to get me emotionally attached to a secondary and new character, he was just awesome. This book was full of surprises, that is why in the beggining i said how Philip had destroyed my prejudices. This book had a lot of unexpected twist and turns and it managed to duplicate my feelings towards Asher and this world and for a prequel that's impressive.
There were some old characters as well, Nasta first of all, and my consideration of him has changed after reading this book. Again, with another character, Philip managed to explore in a more profound way his inner motives and put it in a different light, even if his POV's were sensibly less than those of Asher. There are some nods to the main series: in some events, in some objetcs and phrases, and even in some incredibly nostalgic cameos right from the get go ( who knows, knows). They were the exemplification of a perfect fan service, that really connects the two timelines.
Lastly but not less important, the action. I'm an action oriented guy when it comes to fantasy, even though i really struggle to follow those scenes... yeah, it's a strange contraposition i know. There are only three authors that i've read who can bring in you the middle of the fight: Brandon Sanderson, John Gwynne, and, of course, Philip Quaintrell. What i admire in fight scenes is the inventive in constructing always new situations, in elaborating a specific and vivid coreography, in creating a fight that, transposed word for word, woul give a cinematic battle made perfectly for the screen. That's how i live them, and Philip is a master in this, but hey, if you've read the Echoes saga you'll know this already. Here he gives us some more intimate fights, but full of tension and stakes. Philip really can increase your adrenaline. Of course, since these are The Ranger Archives, we have a lot of monsters, in page and off page even, since at the beggining of almost each chapter we have a description of a monster left by one of the rangers in Verda's history. The battles with them are just so fun, and epic. EPIC, that's the only word to describe Philip's fight scenes.
This review it's already long, but hey, not every day comes out a book from your favorite author right? Better to talk about it however you want. I hope that more and more people begin to pick up his books, not only this one. They have changed me as a reader and they help me in my everyday life, they are the best escapism possible, and some wonderful pieces of art. They mean so much to me, i think you can clearly see that from my words. I cannot wait for the second book in this trilogy, i have no doubts it will only improve on of the premises left by this entry, and i already know i'll love it. This the beggining, or the continuation i guess, of a beautiful journey. This world is my heart now.
Just read it.
June 28, 2024
Court of Assassins
4⭐+❤️
Primeiro livro da trilogia The Ranger Archives trilogia essa que é um prequel da da série The Echoes Saga e nesse livro acompanhamos nosso protagonista badass favorito Asher 14 anos antes de Rise of The Ranger aqui vemos ele com 26 anos ao invés de 40 e vemos um pouco de como foi a vida dele na corte dos assassinos chamada Nightfall eu gostei demais desse livro principalmente por ele me passar uma vibe ainda mais forte de The Witcher tanto livros quantos dos jogos em questão do protagonista caçar e matar monstros sério o início do Asher aqui se tornando um Ranger e lendo o Bestiário e vendo os diferentes tipos de monstros e suas fraquezas é muito o Geralt de The Witcher foi muito isso adorei hahahaha e uma coisa que foi uma ótima adição nos livros foi as epígrafes antes do início dos cap com informações dos monstros achei muito legal essa sacada do autor de colocar essa informações porque me lembrou outros livros que tem essa pegada como Duna, Mistborn primeira era, Stormlight Archive entre outros e o ritmo do livro pra mim foi muito bom espero que os outros dois continuem nessa pegada que tenha mais rostos conhecidos da franquia principal e tem um em específico que to ansioso pra ver aparecer nessa trilogia enfim pra quem é fã da série principal pode ler sem medo que é muito bom e pra quem não leu nenhum livro desse universo pode começar por esse que é uma ótima porta de entrada para esse mundo tão incrível e que venha mais do Asher poucas ideias.
4⭐+❤️
Primeiro livro da trilogia The Ranger Archives trilogia essa que é um prequel da da série The Echoes Saga e nesse livro acompanhamos nosso protagonista badass favorito Asher 14 anos antes de Rise of The Ranger aqui vemos ele com 26 anos ao invés de 40 e vemos um pouco de como foi a vida dele na corte dos assassinos chamada Nightfall eu gostei demais desse livro principalmente por ele me passar uma vibe ainda mais forte de The Witcher tanto livros quantos dos jogos em questão do protagonista caçar e matar monstros sério o início do Asher aqui se tornando um Ranger e lendo o Bestiário e vendo os diferentes tipos de monstros e suas fraquezas é muito o Geralt de The Witcher foi muito isso adorei hahahaha e uma coisa que foi uma ótima adição nos livros foi as epígrafes antes do início dos cap com informações dos monstros achei muito legal essa sacada do autor de colocar essa informações porque me lembrou outros livros que tem essa pegada como Duna, Mistborn primeira era, Stormlight Archive entre outros e o ritmo do livro pra mim foi muito bom espero que os outros dois continuem nessa pegada que tenha mais rostos conhecidos da franquia principal e tem um em específico que to ansioso pra ver aparecer nessa trilogia enfim pra quem é fã da série principal pode ler sem medo que é muito bom e pra quem não leu nenhum livro desse universo pode começar por esse que é uma ótima porta de entrada para esse mundo tão incrível e que venha mais do Asher poucas ideias.
March 16, 2026
Having already devoured The Echoes Saga and loved every minute of it I was really excited to learn of Asher’s exploits before he became a legend. It’s took me a while but I’ve finally gotten around to reading this new (to me) trilogy. It explores his time as an Arakesh and what has driven him to become the person he will eventually be.
The book moves very quickly and is easy to read. It’s a wonderful world to dive into and makes you forget about the outside world for a bit and absorb yourself in some amazing swordplay, beautifully described places, some great monster hunting, and very rich characters. A recipe for success as I have always found with this writers books.
This first book in the trilogy leans heavily on exploring the twenty something year old Asher an assassin of Nightfall and probably the most deadliest as he makes life changing decisions and discoveries about himself. It’s a book with a lot of heart especially Asher’s story but the supporting cast do an amazing job all by themselves with their rich backstories.
”They break you down, unmake you, undo all that the world might have taught you, and then they build you back up into a weapon” - Asher
The world building is nothing but amazing, the towns and villages described in great detail with just a few paragraphs which is a testament to Quaintrell’s expertise. You can almost see yourself there I think it’s why I love these books so much they are so immersive. And not forgetting to mention The Night Codex and A Ranger’s Bestiary at the beginning of each chapter which were a brilliant addition.
Overall a beautifully written, exciting fantasy that will have you on the edge of your seat with wonder and your imagination flowing. Basically a book that will make you happy and care about the characters and their stories. The swordplay is amazing and as for Asher himself you can feel the man change and becoming something different..
The book moves very quickly and is easy to read. It’s a wonderful world to dive into and makes you forget about the outside world for a bit and absorb yourself in some amazing swordplay, beautifully described places, some great monster hunting, and very rich characters. A recipe for success as I have always found with this writers books.
This first book in the trilogy leans heavily on exploring the twenty something year old Asher an assassin of Nightfall and probably the most deadliest as he makes life changing decisions and discoveries about himself. It’s a book with a lot of heart especially Asher’s story but the supporting cast do an amazing job all by themselves with their rich backstories.
”They break you down, unmake you, undo all that the world might have taught you, and then they build you back up into a weapon” - Asher
The world building is nothing but amazing, the towns and villages described in great detail with just a few paragraphs which is a testament to Quaintrell’s expertise. You can almost see yourself there I think it’s why I love these books so much they are so immersive. And not forgetting to mention The Night Codex and A Ranger’s Bestiary at the beginning of each chapter which were a brilliant addition.
Overall a beautifully written, exciting fantasy that will have you on the edge of your seat with wonder and your imagination flowing. Basically a book that will make you happy and care about the characters and their stories. The swordplay is amazing and as for Asher himself you can feel the man change and becoming something different..
September 7, 2024
*** 4.25 ***
An Assassin Fantasy Adventure that is a great addition to its genre. 👍 This delivers everything it promised. The writing is decent, nothing to really praise or criticize, but the story is engaging and has a good payoff. Perfect for entertainment purposes 😊👍
An Assassin Fantasy Adventure that is a great addition to its genre. 👍 This delivers everything it promised. The writing is decent, nothing to really praise or criticize, but the story is engaging and has a good payoff. Perfect for entertainment purposes 😊👍
February 22, 2022
Hell a Damn fine read!!!!
You got yourself a good series in the making. I couldn't put it down. You did a great! Philip Quaintrell. Asher is one of a kind character. One of the best. Bang up job Bravo. I told you it would be a good idea to give the reader a little bit more incite on Asher the Ranger. Keep it going.
You got yourself a good series in the making. I couldn't put it down. You did a great! Philip Quaintrell. Asher is one of a kind character. One of the best. Bang up job Bravo. I told you it would be a good idea to give the reader a little bit more incite on Asher the Ranger. Keep it going.
October 9, 2023
5.0 stars—-
This was fantastic, not a boring chapter. Asher is a very interesting character, excited for the other 10 books I haven’t read with him as the protagonist.
This was fantastic, not a boring chapter. Asher is a very interesting character, excited for the other 10 books I haven’t read with him as the protagonist.
October 16, 2025
I don’t even know where to start — Court of Assassins hit me harder than I expected. Seeing Asher again brought back all the emotions I felt while reading The Echoes Saga and reminded me why Philip C. Quaintrell’s writing leaves such a lasting mark, and why I fell in love with his books in the first place.
After following Asher through The Echoes Saga, seeing him at this earlier stage in his life — younger, unsteady, and still learning who he wants to be — is both thrilling and heartbreaking. Quaintrell gives us a version of Asher who’s still raw, still haunted, and trying to find purpose in a world that only taught him how to kill.
What really stands out is how deeply the story explores Asher’s inner battles. Every choice he makes feels heavy, torn between the man he was trained to become and the man he’s trying to be. The writing captures that constant tension between violence and conscience, pain and redemption, in a way that feels powerful and honest.
It’s intense, emotional, and impossible to put down. Court of Assassins reminds me exactly why Asher is my favorite character — flawed, relentless, and unforgettable. I’m honestly heartbroken that there are only two books left with Asher — I’m not ready to let his story end.💔😭
After following Asher through The Echoes Saga, seeing him at this earlier stage in his life — younger, unsteady, and still learning who he wants to be — is both thrilling and heartbreaking. Quaintrell gives us a version of Asher who’s still raw, still haunted, and trying to find purpose in a world that only taught him how to kill.
What really stands out is how deeply the story explores Asher’s inner battles. Every choice he makes feels heavy, torn between the man he was trained to become and the man he’s trying to be. The writing captures that constant tension between violence and conscience, pain and redemption, in a way that feels powerful and honest.
It’s intense, emotional, and impossible to put down. Court of Assassins reminds me exactly why Asher is my favorite character — flawed, relentless, and unforgettable. I’m honestly heartbroken that there are only two books left with Asher — I’m not ready to let his story end.💔😭
January 29, 2022
Very promising start to a new series in one of my favourite fantasy worlds.
June 14, 2026
Assassins, monster hunters, and excellent twists that kept me reading and loving every minute. This was a great entry point to what I think will be an excellent fantasy journey
September 7, 2023
A fast paced exciting new fantasy series. I read this on a whim as I was searching Amazon for a new book to read. It was much better than I had anticipated with a solid plot, a flawed protagonist & a small mystery. Being an avid D&D player since age 12 I found the premise of an Assassin turning Ranger a wonderful idea. There was a lot of character development & plenty of room for growth. I think I will pick up the second book & I’m curious to see Asher move on to what’s next.
January 30, 2022
Great book
I've read his other series involving Asher and really enjoyed it. This book was great because u get the story of him leaving the Arakesh and his journey to become a Ranger. Only issue is I wanted more of his time in nightfall as a kid or younger adult. BUT I truly enjoyed this book very much. Wonderful writing and story telling!! 👍👍
I've read his other series involving Asher and really enjoyed it. This book was great because u get the story of him leaving the Arakesh and his journey to become a Ranger. Only issue is I wanted more of his time in nightfall as a kid or younger adult. BUT I truly enjoyed this book very much. Wonderful writing and story telling!! 👍👍
January 31, 2022
Very good
Fast paced . The story line is strong and fills in a lot of blanks. Love asher hope to read more of him after the echos story.
Fast paced . The story line is strong and fills in a lot of blanks. Love asher hope to read more of him after the echos story.
October 14, 2022
4.5/10*
DNF
Made it about half way, it wasn't horrible but it just got ... tedious?
DNF
Made it about half way, it wasn't horrible but it just got ... tedious?
June 2, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this.
Great pace, action packed, incredibly twists in the tale.
Can't get enough of Asher!
Great pace, action packed, incredibly twists in the tale.
Can't get enough of Asher!
October 16, 2024
More like an 8.5/10, but I feel like rounding up. I enjoyed this immensely!
June 10, 2026
Someone should come to Long Island and punch me in the face, as punishment for having Quaintrell on my TBR for so long but never reading his work.
Amazing book, already downloaded the 2nd.
Also, please no one come punch me.
Amazing book, already downloaded the 2nd.
Also, please no one come punch me.
August 10, 2024
An amazing first entry, and an assassin story done very well.
I'll preface my review by saying I went into this completely blind with no expectations whatsoever. I had never heard of the author or the series. I think I picked it up during a 2-books-for-1-credit Audible sale a year or two ago, and it just looked better than the other options for my second book.
Court of Assassins is pretty exceptional in my humble opinion. It's a very atypical story, in a number of ways. The protagonist starts out a consummate badass, so his growth and journey is of an entirely different sort.
While the book seems predictable as you read it, and to a degree it is, I kept getting surprised, pleasantly so. Even the structure was well done, as this seemed like a few stories in one book.
Perhaps it was my mood at the time, but I picked this for a readathon prompt, and I absolutely loved it, so I ended up picking up the series.
I'll preface my review by saying I went into this completely blind with no expectations whatsoever. I had never heard of the author or the series. I think I picked it up during a 2-books-for-1-credit Audible sale a year or two ago, and it just looked better than the other options for my second book.
Court of Assassins is pretty exceptional in my humble opinion. It's a very atypical story, in a number of ways. The protagonist starts out a consummate badass, so his growth and journey is of an entirely different sort.
While the book seems predictable as you read it, and to a degree it is, I kept getting surprised, pleasantly so. Even the structure was well done, as this seemed like a few stories in one book.
Perhaps it was my mood at the time, but I picked this for a readathon prompt, and I absolutely loved it, so I ended up picking up the series.
January 28, 2022
My favorite prequel ever
I don't usually read prequels but I can absolutely say with other certainty that this has been my favorite prequel I have ever read.
And Asher has now become one of my top three favorite fantasy protagonists ever and I need more books about him.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE 😉
I don't usually read prequels but I can absolutely say with other certainty that this has been my favorite prequel I have ever read.
And Asher has now become one of my top three favorite fantasy protagonists ever and I need more books about him.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE 😉
April 9, 2025
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MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5
FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync
I took a small break after tearing through the entirety of The Echoes saga last year, and I decided it was time to dive back into Verda, and what a leap it was. I’ve always enjoyed how Quaintrell spins a story that’s gripping and fun. You can technically read this series in any order since The Rangers Archives wraps up 12 days before the first Echoes trilogy takes off. Nothing in this review is spoilery, but just in case, I’d recommend reading the Echoes saga before reading this review. I’d also just recommend reading those 9 books and the final novella first anyways, they’re that good.
Asher’s back and I’m pumped about it! I’ve said before that The Echoes Saga feels like a mashup of Skyrim, Star Wars, and Batman. The Skyrim vibes are definitely in the setting, while the characters have that Star Wars and Batman energy. But in The Court of Assassins, Asher’s more like a mix of Batman, Green Arrow, and Daredevil, with a dash of Assassin’s Creed thrown in, and of course the same Skyrim-ish world, though. They are all the same, but different, and that’s what makes Asher such a cool character to root for.
“It is easy to kill a man. Men have been killing each other since the dawning of the First Age. It is said, however, that living with it can be difficult, a weight upon one’s conscience.”
One thing that bugged me from the Echoes saga was the Whispersync being off. The audio narration and the text highlight never lined up right, which drove me nuts since l use Whispersync a ton. The narration part is always good, Steven Brand’s voice is smooth, kinda reminds me of Rufus Sewell, but it’s missing a little oomph when it comes to getting into the story itself or giving characters unique voices. Most characters sound the same with the exception of Asher, every one opposite of him is practically the same, maybe a slight tweak for age and gender.
I loved seeing Asher’s journey from being an Arakesh assassin, where he had to make a life-altering decision that led to him being hunted down by them, to joining the order of Rangers. A group created to kill monsters of the Verda wild. Creatures like Scudders, Werewolves and Basiliks, oh my! You name it, they kill it. So Asher’s out there slaying creatures, dodging Arakesh stalking him in the dark and uncovering a sinister plot. It’s a blast, like every Quaintrell book l’ve read so far.
Follow me on X: Twitter.com/wolfmantula
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
————————————————————————————————
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5
FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync
I took a small break after tearing through the entirety of The Echoes saga last year, and I decided it was time to dive back into Verda, and what a leap it was. I’ve always enjoyed how Quaintrell spins a story that’s gripping and fun. You can technically read this series in any order since The Rangers Archives wraps up 12 days before the first Echoes trilogy takes off. Nothing in this review is spoilery, but just in case, I’d recommend reading the Echoes saga before reading this review. I’d also just recommend reading those 9 books and the final novella first anyways, they’re that good.
Asher’s back and I’m pumped about it! I’ve said before that The Echoes Saga feels like a mashup of Skyrim, Star Wars, and Batman. The Skyrim vibes are definitely in the setting, while the characters have that Star Wars and Batman energy. But in The Court of Assassins, Asher’s more like a mix of Batman, Green Arrow, and Daredevil, with a dash of Assassin’s Creed thrown in, and of course the same Skyrim-ish world, though. They are all the same, but different, and that’s what makes Asher such a cool character to root for.
“It is easy to kill a man. Men have been killing each other since the dawning of the First Age. It is said, however, that living with it can be difficult, a weight upon one’s conscience.”
One thing that bugged me from the Echoes saga was the Whispersync being off. The audio narration and the text highlight never lined up right, which drove me nuts since l use Whispersync a ton. The narration part is always good, Steven Brand’s voice is smooth, kinda reminds me of Rufus Sewell, but it’s missing a little oomph when it comes to getting into the story itself or giving characters unique voices. Most characters sound the same with the exception of Asher, every one opposite of him is practically the same, maybe a slight tweak for age and gender.
I loved seeing Asher’s journey from being an Arakesh assassin, where he had to make a life-altering decision that led to him being hunted down by them, to joining the order of Rangers. A group created to kill monsters of the Verda wild. Creatures like Scudders, Werewolves and Basiliks, oh my! You name it, they kill it. So Asher’s out there slaying creatures, dodging Arakesh stalking him in the dark and uncovering a sinister plot. It’s a blast, like every Quaintrell book l’ve read so far.
June 30, 2024
While this novel didn't blow my socks off, it was well-written and above average by every metric.
I found Asher to be a little whiny. Either shit (suicide) or get off the pot. I'd also like to know more about the magic system in this world. It's barely touched on since Asher isn't a mage. Given the magic that was shown, I'd have thought it would have a bigger impact on society. Why aren't those guys running the world?
I felt sorry for the final assassin. His plan was faultless, even hiding his identity so that Asher wouldn't suspect the goal. He was patient, smart, and prepared well. So sad[?].
It's good enough for me to circle back to continue the series after a short break. I'm just upset I read part of The Echoes Saga out of sequence.
I found Asher to be a little whiny. Either shit (suicide) or get off the pot. I'd also like to know more about the magic system in this world. It's barely touched on since Asher isn't a mage. Given the magic that was shown, I'd have thought it would have a bigger impact on society. Why aren't those guys running the world?
I felt sorry for the final assassin. His plan was faultless, even hiding his identity so that Asher wouldn't suspect the goal. He was patient, smart, and prepared well. So sad[?].
It's good enough for me to circle back to continue the series after a short break. I'm just upset I read part of The Echoes Saga out of sequence.
January 1, 2025
An Asher prequel, leading with the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back and led to him leaving his life as an assassin and his early days as a ranger.
July 4, 2022
You are now a blade in the dark. In this new dark, you will embrace Death, for it is your faithful companion.
Asher is an assassin, a member of the mythical Arakesh from Nightfall. He is one of the best, a member marked to be the next leader of Nightfall. But some think him to be too soft, he is sent to test his loyalty to the Arakesh by killing a target that will stain his soul. Fleeing after completing only half the task, he is invited to join a group named the Rangers, who fight monsters instead of men. With Nightfall out for his blood, can he survive and atone for his sins.
Oh, Asher… I can’t believe I didn’t notice when this book was released. I am such a massive fan of Asher! (I’m usually a fan of assassins in general). Originally from ‘The Echoes Saga’ by this author, this series tells us stories of Asher’s life as a ranger. The first series describes his backstory and history, so if you want to know more, go read that!
Asher has a dry humour sense which I really enjoyed. Although he is one of the best assassins, he doesn’t win all the fights and is definitely a flawed character. He acts on his own moral code, choosing who to spare and who to kill (outside his regular targets). And the Arakesh… they fight with red blindfolds, using the magic of Nightfall to be (almost) unstoppable assassins. The rangers do not have the same kind of magic, they have their own ways with blades and potions made up by their local madman. And they kill monsters, supposedly… And don’t forget Hector, the horse you can always trust to run at the first sign of danger.
I am a little worried that without Asher’s backstory (and believe me, he has a tragic story, this man had everything but the kitchen sink thrown at him) people will not care for him that much. But with his humour, skills and cowardly horse (ok, he can be a little sorry for himself sometimes, but that’s just part of him), I’m sure he’ll win hearts!
July 16, 2025
Court Of Assassins • Philip C. Quaintrell • Rating: 9️⃣/🔟
"The lonely road was to be his path. He saw that now. Alone, he could never be betrayed. Alone, he could never be hurt"
Set before the events of The Echoes Saga, this book follows Asher, a deadly assassin with a bloody past, as he walks the perilous path toward becoming the noble ranger we come to know and love. As his dangerous past begins to unravel, Asher's journey of transformation is one of redemption, loyalty, and the long shadow of violence 👀
I'll admit, I was slightly unsure about stepping away from the action-packed Echoes Saga to dive into these prequels, especially knowing they're single POV, which isn't usually my favourite! But I needn't have worried, because PCQ delivered in spectacular fashion once again 😍 I absolutely loved getting to know more about Asher's past, he's one of my favourite book characters, and watching him transform from merciless killer to honourable ranger was a real highlight 🥰
The whole ranger part of the book really engaged me, and even the snippets at the start of each chapter from the rangers guide were awesome! The whole monster hunting part gave me Witcher vibes, which I really enjoyed 😎 PCQ is so talented at fleshing out characters and bringing them vividly to life. I really felt that when Geron was introduced, his personality jumped off the page! Sort of like Tom Bombadil but with a bit more... carnage 😅
🪬Book vibe🪬
- Redemption story
- Brutal assassins
- Monster hunters
- Unlikely hero
- Brotherhood
Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the world of Verda, and a brilliant character-driven read. I'm so excited to continue with the other two books in the series and see where Asher's journey takes him next 😁
"The lonely road was to be his path. He saw that now. Alone, he could never be betrayed. Alone, he could never be hurt"
Set before the events of The Echoes Saga, this book follows Asher, a deadly assassin with a bloody past, as he walks the perilous path toward becoming the noble ranger we come to know and love. As his dangerous past begins to unravel, Asher's journey of transformation is one of redemption, loyalty, and the long shadow of violence 👀
I'll admit, I was slightly unsure about stepping away from the action-packed Echoes Saga to dive into these prequels, especially knowing they're single POV, which isn't usually my favourite! But I needn't have worried, because PCQ delivered in spectacular fashion once again 😍 I absolutely loved getting to know more about Asher's past, he's one of my favourite book characters, and watching him transform from merciless killer to honourable ranger was a real highlight 🥰
The whole ranger part of the book really engaged me, and even the snippets at the start of each chapter from the rangers guide were awesome! The whole monster hunting part gave me Witcher vibes, which I really enjoyed 😎 PCQ is so talented at fleshing out characters and bringing them vividly to life. I really felt that when Geron was introduced, his personality jumped off the page! Sort of like Tom Bombadil but with a bit more... carnage 😅
🪬Book vibe🪬
- Redemption story
- Brutal assassins
- Monster hunters
- Unlikely hero
- Brotherhood
Overall, this was a fantastic addition to the world of Verda, and a brilliant character-driven read. I'm so excited to continue with the other two books in the series and see where Asher's journey takes him next 😁
December 3, 2024
How in the world is it that I completely forgot how much I love this world that Mr Quaintrell has created? This is the prequel to the Echoes Saga - a series that I absolutely loved.
It also made me realize that I had started that (The Echoes Series) series and only read the first 3 books- then meant to come back to finish the last 6. It seems that I then forgot to come back. That will be remedied but I have to finish this series first :)
I fell in love with Asher immediately in the prior series and this book only confirmed what an amazing MMC he is. What an arc of redemption he has. We finally get to see his origin story and what a story it is. And the thing is…..we are only just starting…..
Can’t wait to start the next book!
It also made me realize that I had started that (The Echoes Series) series and only read the first 3 books- then meant to come back to finish the last 6. It seems that I then forgot to come back. That will be remedied but I have to finish this series first :)
I fell in love with Asher immediately in the prior series and this book only confirmed what an amazing MMC he is. What an arc of redemption he has. We finally get to see his origin story and what a story it is. And the thing is…..we are only just starting…..
Can’t wait to start the next book!
January 26, 2025
This was my first physical read of the year and it captivated me. So much so that I didn’t watch tv. I would pick it up to be reported into another world. A world of an assassin in a journey with himself. There were twist and turns with action at every corner. I loved every second of this book and can’t wait to read the newest book of the trilogy!
November 25, 2024
I think this is definitely my favorite book in the entire series. I started with this one and it felt so cool to imagine the main character. Just a super badass ex assassin who decides to have morals. Who wouldn't love that kind of story.
July 14, 2026
Check out the FULL, spoiler-filled review at SFF Insiders
“I’m the monster that eats the other monsters.”
**Spoiler alert**
Court of Assassins grabs you by the throat for a high-octane fantasy thriller complete with vengeful assassins on a deadly chase, monster hunting, and betrayals from all sides. This is an action-packed story that introduces us to a young but experienced Asher who is as vicious as he is efficient in killing his marks. When a unique target makes him rethink his life as an Arakesh, he is thrown into the life of a refugee as he works to evade and kill the court of assassins that have been sent to seek retribution for his betrayal of the ancient guild of Arakesh. He finds himself amongst a band of rangers who travel the countryside, slaying monsters to save the local populace and gain some coin.
Before proceeding, it is important to note that Quaintrell has been clear that he doesn’t have a strong preference for where a reader starts their journey in Verda. For me, The Ranger Archives is my entry into Verda. I have not yet read The Echoes Saga or A Time of Dragons. I generally know that Asher is one of the main characters of The Echoes Saga and that this is his “origin story.” That being said, Quaintrell does a fantastic job of keeping the tension pumping high throughout this novel, even though I am approaching it with a knowledge that Asher can’t die because he still has a 9-book series to work through at the end of this trilogy.
To begin with, I loved that Quaintrell started off this trilogy with Asher in Nightfall and on a mission for the Arakesh. In a note at the end of the book, Quaintrell mentions that he almost didn’t include Asher’s fateful encounter with the children of Dunwich. But I’m so glad that he included what he did. We viscerally experience how deadly and vicious Asher is as an Arakesh. Quaintrell doesn’t just tell us that he’s THE Arakesh. He illustrates his status to us with brutal details. And then, to witness Asher’s pivotal moment in Dunwich is so key to understanding why he would walk away from the only true family that he has ever known. He has to step back from and re-wire an entire life of programming. Without showing the reader enough, this transformation runs the risk as seeming rushed or unrealistic. But Quintrell does a fantastic job of selling the reader on why Asher has decided to renounce his role as an Arakesh.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention how cool the Arakesh are! The Nightseye elixir with the red blindfold is so freaking cool. I loved how Quaintrell walked the reader through the different, enhanced senses that the assassins were experiencing that allowed them to interpret the world around them. The addition of details such as the Father removing his eyes to fully embrace the darkness or the fact that Arakesh sleep in the light created a sense of realism that cemented the Arakesh as some of my favorite assassins I’ve ever read.
The epigraphs at the beginning of the chapters from The Night Codex and the Ranger Bestiary were fantastic, both for setting the initial dark tone for the Arakesh and for introducing us to the varied, monstrous inhabitants of Verda. I’m excited to continue to explore Verda and experience more monsters.
I also thought the betrayal by “Geron” was fantastic. I do tend to be someone who reads a book as it comes and isn’t trying to constantly guess what kind of twist the author is going to throw at me. I let the story flow over me like the rapids of a river. That being said, I really didn’t expect that the rangers of The Ranch were going to betray Asher and reveal themselves to be extortionists. Quaintrell does such a good job writing Geron’s character. The banter between him and Asher as Geron works on opening Asher up to develop a friendship was exceptionally believable and heartbreaking for Asher as the rug is ripped out from underneath his feet. He can’t trust anyone. Except maybe Hector.
The showdown at the end with Evric was epic and well executed. When I initially heard that the court of assassins was going to be composed of 4 different assassins, I was worried that the remainder of the book was going to feel formulaic as we saw Asher meet and defeat each of the assassins. And while, ultimately, that is what happened, Quaintrell did a great job handling that story progression while keeping it fresh and forcing the reader to stay on their toes.
Quaintrell has left a bunch of questions open which make me wicked excited to continue with this series. Why does Asher have this magical ring? Where did he get it from? Who is he really? Are the assassins of Nightfall really going to let him alone? What side is Nasta really on?
Overall, Court of Assassins was a fantastic, thrilling romp through Verda. There were a ton of awesome, interesting monsters and Asher is a freaking menace of an assassin. I can already feel the world of Verda sucking me in and refusing to let me go. I anticipate that this is the beginning of a long and heartbreaking sojourn in Verda. On to Blood and Coin!
“I’m the monster that eats the other monsters.”
**Spoiler alert**
Court of Assassins grabs you by the throat for a high-octane fantasy thriller complete with vengeful assassins on a deadly chase, monster hunting, and betrayals from all sides. This is an action-packed story that introduces us to a young but experienced Asher who is as vicious as he is efficient in killing his marks. When a unique target makes him rethink his life as an Arakesh, he is thrown into the life of a refugee as he works to evade and kill the court of assassins that have been sent to seek retribution for his betrayal of the ancient guild of Arakesh. He finds himself amongst a band of rangers who travel the countryside, slaying monsters to save the local populace and gain some coin.
Before proceeding, it is important to note that Quaintrell has been clear that he doesn’t have a strong preference for where a reader starts their journey in Verda. For me, The Ranger Archives is my entry into Verda. I have not yet read The Echoes Saga or A Time of Dragons. I generally know that Asher is one of the main characters of The Echoes Saga and that this is his “origin story.” That being said, Quaintrell does a fantastic job of keeping the tension pumping high throughout this novel, even though I am approaching it with a knowledge that Asher can’t die because he still has a 9-book series to work through at the end of this trilogy.
To begin with, I loved that Quaintrell started off this trilogy with Asher in Nightfall and on a mission for the Arakesh. In a note at the end of the book, Quaintrell mentions that he almost didn’t include Asher’s fateful encounter with the children of Dunwich. But I’m so glad that he included what he did. We viscerally experience how deadly and vicious Asher is as an Arakesh. Quaintrell doesn’t just tell us that he’s THE Arakesh. He illustrates his status to us with brutal details. And then, to witness Asher’s pivotal moment in Dunwich is so key to understanding why he would walk away from the only true family that he has ever known. He has to step back from and re-wire an entire life of programming. Without showing the reader enough, this transformation runs the risk as seeming rushed or unrealistic. But Quintrell does a fantastic job of selling the reader on why Asher has decided to renounce his role as an Arakesh.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention how cool the Arakesh are! The Nightseye elixir with the red blindfold is so freaking cool. I loved how Quaintrell walked the reader through the different, enhanced senses that the assassins were experiencing that allowed them to interpret the world around them. The addition of details such as the Father removing his eyes to fully embrace the darkness or the fact that Arakesh sleep in the light created a sense of realism that cemented the Arakesh as some of my favorite assassins I’ve ever read.
The epigraphs at the beginning of the chapters from The Night Codex and the Ranger Bestiary were fantastic, both for setting the initial dark tone for the Arakesh and for introducing us to the varied, monstrous inhabitants of Verda. I’m excited to continue to explore Verda and experience more monsters.
I also thought the betrayal by “Geron” was fantastic. I do tend to be someone who reads a book as it comes and isn’t trying to constantly guess what kind of twist the author is going to throw at me. I let the story flow over me like the rapids of a river. That being said, I really didn’t expect that the rangers of The Ranch were going to betray Asher and reveal themselves to be extortionists. Quaintrell does such a good job writing Geron’s character. The banter between him and Asher as Geron works on opening Asher up to develop a friendship was exceptionally believable and heartbreaking for Asher as the rug is ripped out from underneath his feet. He can’t trust anyone. Except maybe Hector.
The showdown at the end with Evric was epic and well executed. When I initially heard that the court of assassins was going to be composed of 4 different assassins, I was worried that the remainder of the book was going to feel formulaic as we saw Asher meet and defeat each of the assassins. And while, ultimately, that is what happened, Quaintrell did a great job handling that story progression while keeping it fresh and forcing the reader to stay on their toes.
Quaintrell has left a bunch of questions open which make me wicked excited to continue with this series. Why does Asher have this magical ring? Where did he get it from? Who is he really? Are the assassins of Nightfall really going to let him alone? What side is Nasta really on?
Overall, Court of Assassins was a fantastic, thrilling romp through Verda. There were a ton of awesome, interesting monsters and Asher is a freaking menace of an assassin. I can already feel the world of Verda sucking me in and refusing to let me go. I anticipate that this is the beginning of a long and heartbreaking sojourn in Verda. On to Blood and Coin!
April 27, 2026
Damn this man can’t write anything non spectacular haha. Court of Assassins was awesome. I loved every second of it. Everything this man writes is A+ quality. Again, lost for words. I immediately started book 2 and it’s still a 10/10
December 29, 2023
Really enjoyed Asher's character, and his journey from assassin to ranger. Such a fresh take! Found a new series to binge!
June 30, 2025
It's very similar to Drizzt saga, so just a really good comfort food.
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