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Rage of Lions #1
Prentice Ash
Trained as a knight, condemned as a heretic, exiled as a convict, Prentice’s every moment is a struggle just to survive.
The Duke is dead and now Duchess Amelia, his young and inexperienced bride, must rule the Western Reach alone. But when an unknown enemy invades her lands, slaughtering all in their path, her knights are too eager for glory to see the danger. She must turn to Prentice, a convict, wise in the art of war and the only one she can trust despite the dishonor it brings.
Thrust into the front lines, Prentice must fight to survive not only the violence of the enemy, but the inexperience and foolishness of his own commanders. In the midst of conflict, Prentice will earn the battle name Ash, for no matter how intense the fires of war, even if all burns away, Ash will still remain.
The Duke is dead and now Duchess Amelia, his young and inexperienced bride, must rule the Western Reach alone. But when an unknown enemy invades her lands, slaughtering all in their path, her knights are too eager for glory to see the danger. She must turn to Prentice, a convict, wise in the art of war and the only one she can trust despite the dishonor it brings.
Thrust into the front lines, Prentice must fight to survive not only the violence of the enemy, but the inexperience and foolishness of his own commanders. In the midst of conflict, Prentice will earn the battle name Ash, for no matter how intense the fires of war, even if all burns away, Ash will still remain.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2022
404 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Matt Barron
12 books33 followersMatt Barron grew up loving to read and to watch movies. He always knew he enjoyed science fiction and fantasy, but in 1979 his uncle took him to see a new movie called Star Wars and he was hooked for life. Then Dungeons and Dragons came along and there was no looking back. He went to university hoping to find a girlfriend. Instead, the Lord found him, and he spent most of his time from then on in the coffee shop, witnessing and serving his God. Along the way, he managed to acquire a Doctorate in History and met the love of his life, Rachel. Now married to Rachel for more than twenty years, Matt has two adult children and a burning desire to combine the genre he loves with the faith that saved him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 28, 2022
I was able to get a sneak peek at this book with an ARC copy, and WOW. I mean, just, BAM. This book starts off a little slow, so at first I was sort of wondering what kind of a book it was going to be. I found out very soon as the action picked up. Prentice Ash is a former knight, and a current convict, but has retained his personal honor and natural keen mind. He's also gained some street smarts and loyal friends during his years as a convict, and he uses them all to fight in the only way he is allowed to in the war - as a prisoner, basically a human shield, and death fodder for their enemies. By the end of the book he has impressed those with eyes to see that he is more than just a mere mindless convict, that he is brave, and merciful, and whip-smart. He's also gained the respect and the ear of the duchess, which leads us into the next book.
I was BLOWN AWAY by the writing in this book, Prentice Ash is like Brother Cadfael, Aragorn, and Obi Wan Kenobi combined. The author is extremely competent in his medieval descriptions of dress, etiquette, military, and weapons, and once it gets going, he keeps the story going at a good clip. The friendships that are developed in the book, especially between Prentice and the duchess and Prentice and his friend Turley are entertaining and ring true. I finished the book wishing I could immediately dive into book 2.
Matt Barron is an excellent author and you need to pick up this book now! If you are like me you will practically hear the clang of swords and the screams of battle as you read!
I was BLOWN AWAY by the writing in this book, Prentice Ash is like Brother Cadfael, Aragorn, and Obi Wan Kenobi combined. The author is extremely competent in his medieval descriptions of dress, etiquette, military, and weapons, and once it gets going, he keeps the story going at a good clip. The friendships that are developed in the book, especially between Prentice and the duchess and Prentice and his friend Turley are entertaining and ring true. I finished the book wishing I could immediately dive into book 2.
Matt Barron is an excellent author and you need to pick up this book now! If you are like me you will practically hear the clang of swords and the screams of battle as you read!
May 30, 2022
.
IN MY OPNION, this book was going along okay until the author started bringing in his own god too much.
Ergo, this book is unmitigated bllsht, for me, and I quit at Page #30.
.
IN MY OPNION, this book was going along okay until the author started bringing in his own god too much.
Ergo, this book is unmitigated bllsht, for me, and I quit at Page #30.
.
January 17, 2023
Quite lame. The Christian evangelical theme is way too evident and spoils what could happen been a reasonable medieval adventure
June 25, 2022
Prentice Ash is an exciting fantasy that has characters that quickly became loved (or I was disgusted by) as I was compelled to read as quickly as possible. The world building is excellent as I was readily able to visualize it. I am amazed at the ease that heavenly intervention is blended into the storyline. I almost never give 5 stars but I loved the action and the plot. I can hardly wait to read book 2 of this series. I sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.
August 11, 2023
I picked this up on a recommendation from a friend, and boy oh boy am I glad I did! Prentice Ash hit all those itches I didn’t realize needed scratching. Prentice himself is probably my favourite character, and I love how he works through his struggles with God.
I also loved how he and Amelia had more of a mentor and mentored relationship vs a romantic one. Greatly enjoyed that.
All told, the book was perhaps a bit more … crass I’ll call it, with the language than what I was expecting, but if anything it’s one of those moments where the grit helps the story instead of hindering it.
I’m very excited to continue the story of Prentice Ash in the following books.
Also I hate Sir Liam and Brother Whilte they can kindly fall in a puddle and drown, thanks.
I also loved how he and Amelia had more of a mentor and mentored relationship vs a romantic one. Greatly enjoyed that.
All told, the book was perhaps a bit more … crass I’ll call it, with the language than what I was expecting, but if anything it’s one of those moments where the grit helps the story instead of hindering it.
I’m very excited to continue the story of Prentice Ash in the following books.
Also I hate Sir Liam and Brother Whilte they can kindly fall in a puddle and drown, thanks.
February 27, 2022
This book has been labelled epic. It’s not often I find myself ready to shout at moments of extreme stress in a story. There were plenty of those. Moments of humour, gallows and other. And throughout there was the arrogance of the knights down to freemen. This was most often aimed at the convicts (there was little to no justice in this world).
February 22, 2022
Very good books.
February 25, 2022
What a spectacular beginning to a new series. Fast paced, strong characters to keep your attention. Once you start reading, there’s no reason to stop except at the end.
October 21, 2023
Quite the enjoyable read. The story is fast paced and offers regular twists and turns, not few of them dealing one low blow after the other against the two protagonists, young widowed duccess Amelia and the convict Prentice she takes into her service. Much of their likability stems from the way they handle these little defeats, often picking themselves up from the ground even though they can often hope for only a small win to get their own back.
The first book wears its genre of christian fantasy a _bit_ to much on it's sleeve. Which is not so much a problem with the prophecies revealed here or the small miracles happening sometimes, but gets a bit too much on the nose during the climax. The rest of the books, so far, thankfully refrain from the kind of outright deus ex machine used here, so it's forgivable here.
But all in all a decent page-turner, and a few days after purchasing this I confidently bought the sequel.
The first book wears its genre of christian fantasy a _bit_ to much on it's sleeve. Which is not so much a problem with the prophecies revealed here or the small miracles happening sometimes, but gets a bit too much on the nose during the climax. The rest of the books, so far, thankfully refrain from the kind of outright deus ex machine used here, so it's forgivable here.
But all in all a decent page-turner, and a few days after purchasing this I confidently bought the sequel.
June 21, 2022
Edict # one
You want an edict? Well, here's an edict for you. Lord, another great book I had the honor to read. I seem to be on a roll. This is true art. Having the ability to take a character degrade him, abuse him, and than elevate him, and not really take him out of the lowly station in life he has found himself in. You must read this novel by M. Barron and feel what is being portrayed by the author. Kudos to you sir. I would not like to be placed in this situation.
You want an edict? Well, here's an edict for you. Lord, another great book I had the honor to read. I seem to be on a roll. This is true art. Having the ability to take a character degrade him, abuse him, and than elevate him, and not really take him out of the lowly station in life he has found himself in. You must read this novel by M. Barron and feel what is being portrayed by the author. Kudos to you sir. I would not like to be placed in this situation.
December 24, 2022
Epic!
It is tumultuous time in the Western Reach. A terrifying enemy invades overwhelming the knights within. A widowed duchess now turns to convicts in the hopes of turning the tide. Lots of great action in this one. Gritty and great characters.
It is tumultuous time in the Western Reach. A terrifying enemy invades overwhelming the knights within. A widowed duchess now turns to convicts in the hopes of turning the tide. Lots of great action in this one. Gritty and great characters.
May 4, 2022
Fantastic
Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for second book. Completely invested in Ash his development. Hope the second book is put quick
Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for second book. Completely invested in Ash his development. Hope the second book is put quick
April 30, 2022
An Interesting stiry
I enjoyed the story and character development in this fast paced story. Prentice was a good main character to route for. I hope the series continues at this pace.
I enjoyed the story and character development in this fast paced story. Prentice was a good main character to route for. I hope the series continues at this pace.
April 26, 2022
Very good book
This is an excellent dark fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I would especially like the womanizing drunken convict. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is an excellent dark fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I would especially like the womanizing drunken convict. I anxiously await the sequel.
April 26, 2022
Great start to what I hope will be an epic series! Some of the characters I wanted to kill myself for the things they did. A good versus evil story and Prentice was the likable main character. Super read!
March 6, 2022
Prentice Ash (Rage of Lions Book 1) by Matt Barron is not a typical fantasy book. The story strays little from ordinary earth as we knew it in the middle ages. This story is about a convict and the brutality he and his kind have to endure. Very powerful imagery of the pain and struggles of convicted citizens and the horrible things “honorable” men (knights in particular) do to those beneath them. To be honest I almost gave up on reading the story as it seemed too full of human suffering and no fantasy at all. We see a few fae in this story, some were-animals changelings, and one convict has attracted the attention of something else, something very powerful. However, this being barely shows up in the story, so far. Ash makes a very likable and root-able character that I can’t wait to read more about. My guess is more fantasy in upcoming books. Book 2 is the only way we will be able to find out more. Sign me up. I voluntarily reviewed this Advance Reader copy. How often do prayers get answered
March 26, 2023
Very good book except for one thing. Great characters and action sequences.
The only thing I don't care for is the Christianity. The author decided not to make up his own deity or deities like other authors, and chose the made up one of Christianity. Not sure I will keep reading the series. Please keep your religion out of story-telling. The Bible is enough fiction for a lifetime.
The only thing I don't care for is the Christianity. The author decided not to make up his own deity or deities like other authors, and chose the made up one of Christianity. Not sure I will keep reading the series. Please keep your religion out of story-telling. The Bible is enough fiction for a lifetime.
March 6, 2022
Excellent Book. Couldn't put it down. Though I usually avoid religious related books. This was such a quiet religious one barely notices it. Am definitely interested in second installment.
December 25, 2022
Not my kind of hero. Returned without finishing.
January 21, 2023
The Grand Kingdom stripped Prentice of all rank and value as a human being. A false accusation left him condemned and forced to serve with the other convicts of the kingdom’s army.
Newly widowed, Duchess Amelia must step up and learn to function in a man’s world or lose her title during a time of war in the Western realm. A chance encounter brings her in contact with the embittered Prentice, whose knowledge of war helps her to hold her own as the Grand Kingdom finds itself under the attack of an unknown enemy. Amelia turns to Prentice for wisdom and promises freedom in return. But unfounded rumors threaten to undermine each in their goals–the Knights disdain both the widow and the convict. Can Duchess Amelia earn the respect of the Knights and keep hold of her husband’s duchy? Or will she be married off to a man of power? And what will happen to Prentice when an old rival returns to stir up trouble just when he’s started to have hope for a better future?
Read Prentice Ash: Book 1 in the Rage of Lions series by Matt Baron to find out. One of my favorite things about this book was the development of the relationship between Prentice and the Duchess. While not romantic, I appreciated how the young widow found a mentor in an unlikely ally while Prentice found someone to give him hope. Over a decade of exile as a convict had driven Prentice to a place of lost ambitions. So, I truly enjoyed his journey to recovering his dreams as much as I loved watching the transformation of the naive Duchess as she blossomed into a wise leader. I also appreciated the supernatural elements throughout the book. A battle between heaven’s powers and hell’s heathens continues throughout the novel as Prentice tries to rekindle his faith. Prentice also experiences a prophetic vision and receives aid from a Jesus-type character during his trials.
I expected the story to be more inspirational since it fell into the Christian Fantasy genre, but I was disappointed in how dark and depressing much of the tale was. No matter how hard Prentice tried, something always brought him to ruin, typically the vulgar or vengeful actions of everyone around him. Whether it was blatant acts of cruelty, demeaning rumors, or spiteful actions, the author forces the reader to carry the weight of Prentice’s burdens with him. The heaviness of the story made the book feel very slow, and it wasn’t until almost halfway through the book that I started to enjoy it. I was glad I finished in the end, as the climax was exciting despite Prentice facing one last slight from one of his enemies. Still, I liked how the author left a few unanswered questions and set up a scenario that left me yearning to know what would happen next for Prentice and the Duchess. I am cautiously optimistic about reading the following books in the series.
The book was well-edited, and I found only a few minor typos. I warn sensitive readers that the characters use minor profanities throughout the novel. Battle violence (including descriptions of injuries and damage caused by swords and fire) and crude acts (such as a guard urinating in Prentice’s shoes) also existed. There was no sexual content other than the allusion that one of the convicts was sleeping with a maid.
Newly widowed, Duchess Amelia must step up and learn to function in a man’s world or lose her title during a time of war in the Western realm. A chance encounter brings her in contact with the embittered Prentice, whose knowledge of war helps her to hold her own as the Grand Kingdom finds itself under the attack of an unknown enemy. Amelia turns to Prentice for wisdom and promises freedom in return. But unfounded rumors threaten to undermine each in their goals–the Knights disdain both the widow and the convict. Can Duchess Amelia earn the respect of the Knights and keep hold of her husband’s duchy? Or will she be married off to a man of power? And what will happen to Prentice when an old rival returns to stir up trouble just when he’s started to have hope for a better future?
Read Prentice Ash: Book 1 in the Rage of Lions series by Matt Baron to find out. One of my favorite things about this book was the development of the relationship between Prentice and the Duchess. While not romantic, I appreciated how the young widow found a mentor in an unlikely ally while Prentice found someone to give him hope. Over a decade of exile as a convict had driven Prentice to a place of lost ambitions. So, I truly enjoyed his journey to recovering his dreams as much as I loved watching the transformation of the naive Duchess as she blossomed into a wise leader. I also appreciated the supernatural elements throughout the book. A battle between heaven’s powers and hell’s heathens continues throughout the novel as Prentice tries to rekindle his faith. Prentice also experiences a prophetic vision and receives aid from a Jesus-type character during his trials.
I expected the story to be more inspirational since it fell into the Christian Fantasy genre, but I was disappointed in how dark and depressing much of the tale was. No matter how hard Prentice tried, something always brought him to ruin, typically the vulgar or vengeful actions of everyone around him. Whether it was blatant acts of cruelty, demeaning rumors, or spiteful actions, the author forces the reader to carry the weight of Prentice’s burdens with him. The heaviness of the story made the book feel very slow, and it wasn’t until almost halfway through the book that I started to enjoy it. I was glad I finished in the end, as the climax was exciting despite Prentice facing one last slight from one of his enemies. Still, I liked how the author left a few unanswered questions and set up a scenario that left me yearning to know what would happen next for Prentice and the Duchess. I am cautiously optimistic about reading the following books in the series.
The book was well-edited, and I found only a few minor typos. I warn sensitive readers that the characters use minor profanities throughout the novel. Battle violence (including descriptions of injuries and damage caused by swords and fire) and crude acts (such as a guard urinating in Prentice’s shoes) also existed. There was no sexual content other than the allusion that one of the convicts was sleeping with a maid.
May 31, 2023
I find myself mixed in my response to this book. Presented as a Christian Fantasy novel, it hits the mark on several points that I really enjoyed... yet missed in some ways that surprised me. Magic is practically non-existent here, which could work except that the fairy folk are part of the story. The setting is more medieval Europe than anything else, and the treatment of Christianity left me wanting; sometimes it's honored, but more often it is form rather than individual conviction.
The main character, Prentice, is very likable and reminiscent of the MC in Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings. Also likeable, is the heroine, though to a lesser degree. She is posited as both highly aware of injustice, and then strangely unaware and tolerant of flagrant injustices to her "army" of convicts.
Overall, this is a worth-while read, though it feels less like an epic fantasy and more like an alternate medieval storyworld with fae aspects. As a starter to the series, Prentice Ash works.
The main character, Prentice, is very likable and reminiscent of the MC in Brandon Sanderson's The Way of Kings. Also likeable, is the heroine, though to a lesser degree. She is posited as both highly aware of injustice, and then strangely unaware and tolerant of flagrant injustices to her "army" of convicts.
Overall, this is a worth-while read, though it feels less like an epic fantasy and more like an alternate medieval storyworld with fae aspects. As a starter to the series, Prentice Ash works.
June 7, 2022
I admit it. I wasn't expecting much from this book. It hails from a small independent publisher. And you know how that can be. Often indie books are poor in quality. But not this time!
Prentice Ash is exactly the type of story I want to read. A fantasy world that causes you to look on reality with fresh eyes. Like our world, the world Prentice inhabits is brutal and violent. People are evil and self-interested. But here and there little cracks of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful appear and begin to grow.
The characters are relatable. The conflict between Prentice and Liam is genuinely irritating (You'll want to punch Liam in face while reading)! The story taps into that desire to see the broken and hopeless rise out of the ashes (Pun intended). I even cried a little at one point...but don't tell anyone.
So...what are you waiting for. Go read it!
Prentice Ash is exactly the type of story I want to read. A fantasy world that causes you to look on reality with fresh eyes. Like our world, the world Prentice inhabits is brutal and violent. People are evil and self-interested. But here and there little cracks of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful appear and begin to grow.
The characters are relatable. The conflict between Prentice and Liam is genuinely irritating (You'll want to punch Liam in face while reading)! The story taps into that desire to see the broken and hopeless rise out of the ashes (Pun intended). I even cried a little at one point...but don't tell anyone.
So...what are you waiting for. Go read it!
January 18, 2023
interesting and enjoyable reading
This was an enjoyable read. I wasn’t really sure what to make of it being a religious science fiction and fantasy book. I don’t think I have read a book under that heading or status before! To clear overall storytelling of this book religion is part of the story it is not the main. No more than magic is of a fantasy book. It is just part of the characters and the world they inhibit. I enjoyed the writing storytelling and characters which was all well written and easy to read. If you read the overview of the story / book and are interested I recommend buying and reading. I have no regrets on purchasing and reading. I will be continuing with the next book in this series to see where the story and writing and characters continue.
This was an enjoyable read. I wasn’t really sure what to make of it being a religious science fiction and fantasy book. I don’t think I have read a book under that heading or status before! To clear overall storytelling of this book religion is part of the story it is not the main. No more than magic is of a fantasy book. It is just part of the characters and the world they inhibit. I enjoyed the writing storytelling and characters which was all well written and easy to read. If you read the overview of the story / book and are interested I recommend buying and reading. I have no regrets on purchasing and reading. I will be continuing with the next book in this series to see where the story and writing and characters continue.
May 17, 2023
3.5 (rounded to 4)
I went into this knowing nothing about the book. I was in a reading slump and needed something easy to read.
I'm glad I did find this book as it was a fun read.
The MC I found to be likeable and felt sorry for him throughout the book. He didn't deserve half as much as he got.
The plot was fairly simple and straightforward. It's heavily focused on religion. Christianity, I think, as I'm not someone who knows much about any religion.
I'd definitely recommend this to others unless they want a complex and slow paced fantasy. Definitely pick this up if you're even a bit interested!
I went into this knowing nothing about the book. I was in a reading slump and needed something easy to read.
I'm glad I did find this book as it was a fun read.
The MC I found to be likeable and felt sorry for him throughout the book. He didn't deserve half as much as he got.
The plot was fairly simple and straightforward. It's heavily focused on religion. Christianity, I think, as I'm not someone who knows much about any religion.
I'd definitely recommend this to others unless they want a complex and slow paced fantasy. Definitely pick this up if you're even a bit interested!
August 25, 2024
So I didn't know the background of the Author before reading the book so I was very confused wwhen our understanding of Christianity played a major role in this book. I'm kinda confused about the whole aspect of it, how did it start in this other world, are the other religions around, is the structure the same etc. which isn't really talked about. Might be that those questions are answered in the further books. I hope that the books take a critical look at the whole religion thing and not that the chrisitans are just the good guys by default and everybody else is the villian. There was a little of it in this book but nothing big. All in all I might read on, but not sure about it.
November 10, 2022
brilliant and engaging read
I have read a number of Matt’s books. His character development is always so thorough and give us the opportunity to really live in the shoes of those in his story.
This was no exception. The unjust treatment of the main character in the face of the societal prejudices which we, in current times, recoil at, make the battles evident on a personal level as well as the external threats that arise, brislingly real.
Looking forward to loosing myself in the next volume very soon. Well done, Matt.
I have read a number of Matt’s books. His character development is always so thorough and give us the opportunity to really live in the shoes of those in his story.
This was no exception. The unjust treatment of the main character in the face of the societal prejudices which we, in current times, recoil at, make the battles evident on a personal level as well as the external threats that arise, brislingly real.
Looking forward to loosing myself in the next volume very soon. Well done, Matt.
July 12, 2025
I have been looking for a book series on par in some way with some of the many greats that I've read over the years. All I'll say is that I've gone on to read not only this first book - but the next four, and starting the 6th. I was very impressed with how the author was able to create such an interesting and perilous world. I was surprised in ways I didn't see coming, and I've grown to appreciate each character. A big plus for me which is very difficult to succeed in - is the faith based themes and patterns the author seamlessly integrates. I appreciate it all. Highly recommend!
June 1, 2022
WARNING: This review contains spoilers.
This is a land of fantastical and frightening, medieval and real, in a world refreshingly unlike ours, yet scarily the same. At the center of this world and leaping off the page is Prentice and Amelia. Both are unstoppable, unforgettable, and all their choices past and present go their way mostly, they both seem to come out on top i.e. staying alive and able to see tomorrow.
This is a land of fantastical and frightening, medieval and real, in a world refreshingly unlike ours, yet scarily the same. At the center of this world and leaping off the page is Prentice and Amelia. Both are unstoppable, unforgettable, and all their choices past and present go their way mostly, they both seem to come out on top i.e. staying alive and able to see tomorrow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
Loved it!
Loved this story! Great characters, well paced, and great ending! I don’t understand why these books aren’t more well known. I read a lot of fantasy and I enjoyed this as much as any that I’ve read in a long while. Can’t wait to get into the second book in the series, and I’m super excited because there are 7 books already published with number 8 soon to come! I know what I’m going to be reading for a while! :)
Loved this story! Great characters, well paced, and great ending! I don’t understand why these books aren’t more well known. I read a lot of fantasy and I enjoyed this as much as any that I’ve read in a long while. Can’t wait to get into the second book in the series, and I’m super excited because there are 7 books already published with number 8 soon to come! I know what I’m going to be reading for a while! :)
May 23, 2025
A dark medieval fantasy with an unconventional hero. The story very well told with detailed description, knowledge of medieval history and knighthood. My personal thoughts are that I would have enjoyed more character development of the protaganist, Prentice Ash, sooner in the story, and the spiritual focus could have had more description or "more scenes" which I hope to see in the next novel. I am moving on to book two!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews