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Weaves of Empire #3
The Way of Courage
Set on a terraformed planet, lightyears from Earth, in humanity's distant future, 'Weaves of Empire' tells the story of Bess, a girl found to have the potential to manipulate aether. Taken from poverty at the extremity of Tarlonin's New Dominions, she is brought to the centre of the Empire to become a mage.
In the Way of Sacrifice, Bess is found to have the potential to be a mage and becomes the Apprentice of Mage Michael Firestorm, who is forced to hand her over to an enemy of his, Mage Marin Seafarer, for transport to Tar Eylia, the first city of the Tarlonin Empire, to be trained at the Tarlonin Academy of Magic. Marin does all she can to destroy Bess' opportunity and succeeds by denying Bess the ability to access the aether which exists within her and having her expelled from the academy as faulty. Unfortunately, on the way, Bess has made enemies, and these eventually catch up with her. Capturing her, they abuse and torture her until she is on the verge of death. As she lies on a pile of corpses, thrown out to die, Bess finally has the breakthrough and gains access to her aether.
The Way of Justice tells of Bess’ journey to deal with those who tortured and abused her. Before looking for justice, she needs time to master her ability to access aether and somewhere to hide from the mages who would look to control her. To do this, she turns to one of the Forsaken, Earnest Goldbroker. While recuperating, Bess discovers that her abuse has resulted in her becoming pregnant with twins. Once the mages stop looking for her and she has been declared dead, Bess, now in control of her aether and trained by Earnest’s enforcers, Bess begins to hunt down those who tortured her. While dealing with her assailants, Bess uncovers information that details the events which led to the enslavement of Marin’s niece by the Kish and foils a plot to kill one of the imperial princesses. Returning to Tar Eylia after a trip to the city of Tar Londium to kill a High Priestess of the Blood Shades, Bess discovers that the imperial eyes sent to investigate the deaths of her first two victims have uncovered proof that she is still alive. The Emperor rewards Bess for uncovering the various plots, making her a duchess.
In the Way of Courage, Bess agrees to help rescue the Emperor’s granddaughter, Marina, from the hands of Lord Kish, ruler of Kishmeld.
[Spoiler (maybe): Weaves of Empire is set in the same universe as The Stork Tower. The connections will eventually become more apparent; the intervening years will be fleshed out in other series (not yet written).]
In the Way of Sacrifice, Bess is found to have the potential to be a mage and becomes the Apprentice of Mage Michael Firestorm, who is forced to hand her over to an enemy of his, Mage Marin Seafarer, for transport to Tar Eylia, the first city of the Tarlonin Empire, to be trained at the Tarlonin Academy of Magic. Marin does all she can to destroy Bess' opportunity and succeeds by denying Bess the ability to access the aether which exists within her and having her expelled from the academy as faulty. Unfortunately, on the way, Bess has made enemies, and these eventually catch up with her. Capturing her, they abuse and torture her until she is on the verge of death. As she lies on a pile of corpses, thrown out to die, Bess finally has the breakthrough and gains access to her aether.
The Way of Justice tells of Bess’ journey to deal with those who tortured and abused her. Before looking for justice, she needs time to master her ability to access aether and somewhere to hide from the mages who would look to control her. To do this, she turns to one of the Forsaken, Earnest Goldbroker. While recuperating, Bess discovers that her abuse has resulted in her becoming pregnant with twins. Once the mages stop looking for her and she has been declared dead, Bess, now in control of her aether and trained by Earnest’s enforcers, Bess begins to hunt down those who tortured her. While dealing with her assailants, Bess uncovers information that details the events which led to the enslavement of Marin’s niece by the Kish and foils a plot to kill one of the imperial princesses. Returning to Tar Eylia after a trip to the city of Tar Londium to kill a High Priestess of the Blood Shades, Bess discovers that the imperial eyes sent to investigate the deaths of her first two victims have uncovered proof that she is still alive. The Emperor rewards Bess for uncovering the various plots, making her a duchess.
In the Way of Courage, Bess agrees to help rescue the Emperor’s granddaughter, Marina, from the hands of Lord Kish, ruler of Kishmeld.
[Spoiler (maybe): Weaves of Empire is set in the same universe as The Stork Tower. The connections will eventually become more apparent; the intervening years will be fleshed out in other series (not yet written).]
571 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2022
32 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 25, 2022
I have missed reading about Bess and her cultivation progression. I adore her kiddos and I can't wait to see what they're like when they're able to talk and communicate with others. This was a rough read, as I keep wanting things to be easy for Bess but I suppose it wouldn't be a great story without seeing her struggle and overcome those struggles.
Still hoping that Corden writes Bess as a lady loving lesbian!!!!
Still hoping that Corden writes Bess as a lady loving lesbian!!!!
September 1, 2024
If taken in parts, this is an excellent story. I like the action, the set-backs and successes. I like the characters and the hardening magic system.
What I didn't like was the ridiculous approach to the rescue behind enemy lines. I think Bess should have realized that she wouldn't pass by when slaves were being abused. How did she expect to make it into the heart of the enemy's territory when she'd have to stop every time she witnessed injustice? This, in a country that enslaved and abused more than half their population.
I also felt the ultimate battle was a letdown. Despite all that, I had a great time and am looking forward to the series' conclusion.
What I didn't like was the ridiculous approach to the rescue behind enemy lines. I think Bess should have realized that she wouldn't pass by when slaves were being abused. How did she expect to make it into the heart of the enemy's territory when she'd have to stop every time she witnessed injustice? This, in a country that enslaved and abused more than half their population.
I also felt the ultimate battle was a letdown. Despite all that, I had a great time and am looking forward to the series' conclusion.
September 27, 2022
I really enjoyed three quarters of this book, the only very minor criticism was there were a few times the author over explains and seems to take forever to get to the point.
I wasn’t as convinced by the last quarter of the book, it was still an interesting read, but I felt the story got away from the author. For me it just went too far ‘over-the-top’ trying to be ’bigger and better’.
However it was still a great story.
I wasn’t as convinced by the last quarter of the book, it was still an interesting read, but I felt the story got away from the author. For me it just went too far ‘over-the-top’ trying to be ’bigger and better’.
However it was still a great story.
November 27, 2022
The Way of Courage ( Weavers of Empire=Book 3)
This being the third book of the series, and what a fantastic story and brilliant read was, The characters were excellent too. This time. Bess the mage, Stone the assassin and his son ELsin who is learning how to control his magic, and going to kishto rescue the Princess Marina who was kidnapped by King
Kish years ago. Using her and her nobles six were travelling with her.
This involves slaves, men,women,children who are being forced to work in the Mines for gold & precious jewels.
This continues from the second book. Also right from the start =middle=to the end, it was as excellent. One of the best I've read but my only concern was the ending it left a
it of unanswered questions?. What I'd like to know is what happens next.
Tony Corden (author) if there going to be another book in this series (PLEASE,).
Highly recommended==5*****Stars
This being the third book of the series, and what a fantastic story and brilliant read was, The characters were excellent too. This time. Bess the mage, Stone the assassin and his son ELsin who is learning how to control his magic, and going to kishto rescue the Princess Marina who was kidnapped by King
Kish years ago. Using her and her nobles six were travelling with her.
This involves slaves, men,women,children who are being forced to work in the Mines for gold & precious jewels.
This continues from the second book. Also right from the start =middle=to the end, it was as excellent. One of the best I've read but my only concern was the ending it left a
it of unanswered questions?. What I'd like to know is what happens next.
Tony Corden (author) if there going to be another book in this series (PLEASE,).
Highly recommended==5*****Stars
February 17, 2023
I Am Beginning To Hate Series
This is an excellent series which pulls you into the hero's world and "unsullied" mind. I found myself emotionally exhausted after reading some of the scenes especially in Way of Sacrifice. The series is ongoing, and I need to at least wait for closure of the events in Book 1. I hope Book 4 meets this criteria. Hurry Up.
These books are a good training manual for women in a man's world and how to exceed as a passive -aggressive. Tony are you female?
This is an excellent series which pulls you into the hero's world and "unsullied" mind. I found myself emotionally exhausted after reading some of the scenes especially in Way of Sacrifice. The series is ongoing, and I need to at least wait for closure of the events in Book 1. I hope Book 4 meets this criteria. Hurry Up.
These books are a good training manual for women in a man's world and how to exceed as a passive -aggressive. Tony are you female?
September 23, 2022
Need more!!!
I really can’t get enough of these books along with the Stork Tower series. I’m so excited every time a new one is out and honestly a little disappointed when I’ve finished the book and have to go read books by other authors while I wait for the next one.
Bess is great. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
I really can’t get enough of these books along with the Stork Tower series. I’m so excited every time a new one is out and honestly a little disappointed when I’ve finished the book and have to go read books by other authors while I wait for the next one.
Bess is great. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
September 26, 2022
Excellent Series
This story of a young lady who becomes a mage was a very disturbing fascinating read. In this world mages are tortured to open themselves to magical powers. The sub plot is the real background cliffhanger. Are they Earth humans or are they the humans that terraform Earth colonies,or us in the future…?
This story of a young lady who becomes a mage was a very disturbing fascinating read. In this world mages are tortured to open themselves to magical powers. The sub plot is the real background cliffhanger. Are they Earth humans or are they the humans that terraform Earth colonies,or us in the future…?
March 27, 2023
A delight !!
I'm up to date with all of Tony corden's current series , and its a joy. Absolutely loving the interplay of themes between separate stories. Mr cordens main characters , Bess in this book , can only be a reflection of a real woman in his life , if its his wife , he's a lucky man and deeply in love.
I'm up to date with all of Tony corden's current series , and its a joy. Absolutely loving the interplay of themes between separate stories. Mr cordens main characters , Bess in this book , can only be a reflection of a real woman in his life , if its his wife , he's a lucky man and deeply in love.
September 23, 2022
Left wanting more!
Yet another fantastic book in this expanding universe. We finally get some more insight into how things connect, and it is goooooooood!
Fantastic story, with well structured flow and riveting action.
Yet another fantastic book in this expanding universe. We finally get some more insight into how things connect, and it is goooooooood!
Fantastic story, with well structured flow and riveting action.
September 24, 2022
Love love love it
I have waited for a new book from this author for ages, and the wait has been worth it, the progress and the story really forgive it justice, cannot recommend the author and series he writes enough credit!
I have waited for a new book from this author for ages, and the wait has been worth it, the progress and the story really forgive it justice, cannot recommend the author and series he writes enough credit!
September 28, 2022
unexpected
It’s so nice when a book you don’t know is coming suddenly pops up.
If you like the first two then you will like this as well. Bess continues to break new ground. It will be entertaining to see how news of her actions are met by the Academy.
It’s so nice when a book you don’t know is coming suddenly pops up.
If you like the first two then you will like this as well. Bess continues to break new ground. It will be entertaining to see how news of her actions are met by the Academy.
July 31, 2023
Great series
I am a huge fan of Stock Tower and had not realised that the author has a new series. Impossible to put down and so vivid I can not wait for the next book to be published. I highly recommend reading it.
I am a huge fan of Stock Tower and had not realised that the author has a new series. Impossible to put down and so vivid I can not wait for the next book to be published. I highly recommend reading it.
February 24, 2025
An amazing trilogy
This is the second time I have read this trilogy. With such well formed and endearing characters, it just begs for a further series. If you enjoy a mix of magic, sci-fi and medieval battles, this is for you. Highly recommended.
This is the second time I have read this trilogy. With such well formed and endearing characters, it just begs for a further series. If you enjoy a mix of magic, sci-fi and medieval battles, this is for you. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2022
Great continuation of the series
This is a great continuation of the series, with the world building being amazing as Tony explores more of the world, and Bess kicks more a**.
This is a great continuation of the series, with the world building being amazing as Tony explores more of the world, and Bess kicks more a**.
October 3, 2022
Love the story telling!
Just so good! A story I couldn't put down and just enjoyed so much! Can't wait for the next installment!
Just so good! A story I couldn't put down and just enjoyed so much! Can't wait for the next installment!
October 8, 2022
great story
It’s been a long wait. It was great to see the author’s struggle with long covid had zero impact on the story. Great read.
It’s been a long wait. It was great to see the author’s struggle with long covid had zero impact on the story. Great read.
May 9, 2023
Great author
Good book love the series can't wait until the next one hope it comes out soon been reading them over again.
Good book love the series can't wait until the next one hope it comes out soon been reading them over again.
October 13, 2022
Another great read
This is another great read and I am glad to finally be able to find out what happened next. I eagerly await ever thing Cordon writes, especially in his main 3 novels. I'm hopeful that I don't have to wait another year for his next release. Good job, Sir
This is another great read and I am glad to finally be able to find out what happened next. I eagerly await ever thing Cordon writes, especially in his main 3 novels. I'm hopeful that I don't have to wait another year for his next release. Good job, Sir
November 12, 2025
Putting on pause cause if it ends in a cliffy w no next book I’ll actually explode.
49%
——
15 April 2025:
So i caved. Finished reading it. & it ended on a cliffhanger (shocker 😱, not). Now God knows when book 4 will be out. Only myself to blame.
49%
——
15 April 2025:
So i caved. Finished reading it. & it ended on a cliffhanger (shocker 😱, not). Now God knows when book 4 will be out. Only myself to blame.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews