What do you think?
Rate this book
Wahrheit #1
Conspiracy
The Truth is a weak thing. It has no power. The only power the Truth holds is the power we grant it.
For six hundred years, the kingdom of Wahrheit was ruled by an unbroken line. It rose on a wave of technology and magic and stood alone—a bastion of stability built on pillars of economic and military might. The nation and her people thrived due to the strength of soldiers and the protection of dragons.
But the line has ended—the king is dead.
Noble houses vie to carve out their own domains. Foreign armies march across Wahrheit’s soil for the first time in memory. Without leadership, the king’s army watches helplessly. The fae, a source of enchantment and treachery, work unseen to secure their share of Wahrheit’s blood. And far beyond the kingdom’s borders, a growing threat looms—an empire built to right a bitter wrong.
Only a small band of conspirators stand between the kingdom and chaos: Otto Tilly, captain of the king’s Dragon Knights, the steel fist that shields the weak. Gerhard Fisher, a spy and assassin, who owes more than his life to the former king. Ilse Brinke, the quartermaster, the keeper of the kingdom’s secrets and magic. The wizard, an ancient soul who understands the cost of failure. And by fortune’s curse or fortune's favor, two orphans from the growing war must carry the kingdom forward. As has always been, the burden of the future lies across the shoulders of the young.
For six hundred years, the kingdom of Wahrheit was ruled by an unbroken line. It rose on a wave of technology and magic and stood alone—a bastion of stability built on pillars of economic and military might. The nation and her people thrived due to the strength of soldiers and the protection of dragons.
But the line has ended—the king is dead.
Noble houses vie to carve out their own domains. Foreign armies march across Wahrheit’s soil for the first time in memory. Without leadership, the king’s army watches helplessly. The fae, a source of enchantment and treachery, work unseen to secure their share of Wahrheit’s blood. And far beyond the kingdom’s borders, a growing threat looms—an empire built to right a bitter wrong.
Only a small band of conspirators stand between the kingdom and chaos: Otto Tilly, captain of the king’s Dragon Knights, the steel fist that shields the weak. Gerhard Fisher, a spy and assassin, who owes more than his life to the former king. Ilse Brinke, the quartermaster, the keeper of the kingdom’s secrets and magic. The wizard, an ancient soul who understands the cost of failure. And by fortune’s curse or fortune's favor, two orphans from the growing war must carry the kingdom forward. As has always been, the burden of the future lies across the shoulders of the young.
560 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2022
448 people are currently reading
2873 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Cobble
30 books632 followersAC Cobble is the author of Wahrheit, The King's Ranger, Benjamin Ashwood, and The Cartographer series. Signed print copies of all of his books are available at Merrick Bookshop:
https://merrickbookshop.com/collectio...
Wahrheit is a classic epic fantasy adventure. It is packed full of political intrigue, epic battles, spies & assassins, ancient magic, a little humor, a young man and woman against impossible odds, and dragons. If you liked AC Cobble's other books, you will love this series.
The King's Ranger is a clean, action-packed adventure. Rew, the titular ranger, wants only to manage the wilderness he is responsible for, but the arrival of three youths in his jail cell force him to embark on an epic journey. To protect the youths, he's forced to confront a darkness in his past and join a swirling conflict that will envelope the entire kingdom.
Benjamin Ashwood is AC's take on the classic farm boy with a sword fantasy story. It starts much like they all do, but in Ben's world like the real world, heroes are made not born, and the good guys don't always win. Try it today and find out why this series has sold hundreds of thousands of copies!
The Cartographer is a little sexier and a little darker, but has the same sense of fun and adventure as Benjamin Ashwood. Think world spanning travel and exploration, occult rituals, dark seductresses, bodies dropping like flies, and bar fights. Fans of Rhys will love Oliver and Sam. Join the adventure today!
For series artwork, maps, the newsletter signup, the blog, and more, head over to: https://accobble.com/.
https://merrickbookshop.com/collectio...
Wahrheit is a classic epic fantasy adventure. It is packed full of political intrigue, epic battles, spies & assassins, ancient magic, a little humor, a young man and woman against impossible odds, and dragons. If you liked AC Cobble's other books, you will love this series.
The King's Ranger is a clean, action-packed adventure. Rew, the titular ranger, wants only to manage the wilderness he is responsible for, but the arrival of three youths in his jail cell force him to embark on an epic journey. To protect the youths, he's forced to confront a darkness in his past and join a swirling conflict that will envelope the entire kingdom.
Benjamin Ashwood is AC's take on the classic farm boy with a sword fantasy story. It starts much like they all do, but in Ben's world like the real world, heroes are made not born, and the good guys don't always win. Try it today and find out why this series has sold hundreds of thousands of copies!
The Cartographer is a little sexier and a little darker, but has the same sense of fun and adventure as Benjamin Ashwood. Think world spanning travel and exploration, occult rituals, dark seductresses, bodies dropping like flies, and bar fights. Fans of Rhys will love Oliver and Sam. Join the adventure today!
For series artwork, maps, the newsletter signup, the blog, and more, head over to: https://accobble.com/.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 18, 2023
Oh this book deserves the full five stars! A.C. Cobble has fantastic prose that will glue your eyes to the page. The plot, the characters, the world… all of it is fantastic and I urge all fans of high fantasy to give this series a go (book two, Revenge, came out in March 2023).
I am a huge fan of political intrigue in my fantasy books. That’s why I love every book put out by Trudi Canavan, the A Song of ice and Fire series, and my favourite book in the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson is the second one, The Well of Ascension.
A.C. Cobble takes you on a wild ride of political intrigue that will grip you from the very beginning, if that’s the sort of thing you like reading. This is given agency by some very well written characters with great dialogue that sounds natural and gives each character a unique voice.
I think the most interesting thing about this book, the part of the blurb which first hooked me, was the utter turmoil this world is in. It’s chaos! And our characters have to work like hell to try and survive, never mind attempting to improve the situation.
You’ve got dragons and fae, so some cool magical elements, but they feel very much like the fantasy elements you find in A Song of Ice and Fire: grounded, and there are a few interesting fresh takes on these trope too which were thoroughly enjoyable.
Overall, I hope you give Conspiracy a go and rush onto reading the second book, Revenge soon after!
I am a huge fan of political intrigue in my fantasy books. That’s why I love every book put out by Trudi Canavan, the A Song of ice and Fire series, and my favourite book in the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson is the second one, The Well of Ascension.
A.C. Cobble takes you on a wild ride of political intrigue that will grip you from the very beginning, if that’s the sort of thing you like reading. This is given agency by some very well written characters with great dialogue that sounds natural and gives each character a unique voice.
I think the most interesting thing about this book, the part of the blurb which first hooked me, was the utter turmoil this world is in. It’s chaos! And our characters have to work like hell to try and survive, never mind attempting to improve the situation.
You’ve got dragons and fae, so some cool magical elements, but they feel very much like the fantasy elements you find in A Song of Ice and Fire: grounded, and there are a few interesting fresh takes on these trope too which were thoroughly enjoyable.
Overall, I hope you give Conspiracy a go and rush onto reading the second book, Revenge soon after!
September 30, 2022
Conspiracy is an extremely readable Epic Fantasy from A.C. Cobble. I don't want to give away any spoilers (and the blurb contains enough information), so my review will be short.
This book is as complex and rich as any of the previous books from this author. The characters are vivid and each one stands out. Yes, there are a few tropes thrown here and there, but I think you really can't write a story, especially epic fantasy without having them. The world-building is superb, easily exceeding the already good The Cartographer. Unlike the Cartographer though, the misogyny aspects have been addressed with wonderfully capable women characters, who don't take any shit from anyone.
The writing and plot are equally engrossing as well. But the one issue I have with this book is how slow it is in the beginning. I found it a tad boring and it was unlike the author's other books. But I strongly urge readers to continue since it becomes significantly more engrossing after the first thirty or so pages.
This is one series I will be looking forward to reading and reviewing.
This book is as complex and rich as any of the previous books from this author. The characters are vivid and each one stands out. Yes, there are a few tropes thrown here and there, but I think you really can't write a story, especially epic fantasy without having them. The world-building is superb, easily exceeding the already good The Cartographer. Unlike the Cartographer though, the misogyny aspects have been addressed with wonderfully capable women characters, who don't take any shit from anyone.
The writing and plot are equally engrossing as well. But the one issue I have with this book is how slow it is in the beginning. I found it a tad boring and it was unlike the author's other books. But I strongly urge readers to continue since it becomes significantly more engrossing after the first thirty or so pages.
This is one series I will be looking forward to reading and reviewing.
December 18, 2022
A beautiful blend of classic and modern fantasy!!! Politics, action, and magic all working in a a beautiful symphony.
4.5/5
The structure is my biggest gripe with the book. A lot of POV to keep track of with rotating and numbered chapters. It’s not a huge issue but it can be confusing at times to remember who is who.
The prose is accessible and the characters engaging and dynamic! I can’t wait for book 2
4.5/5
The structure is my biggest gripe with the book. A lot of POV to keep track of with rotating and numbered chapters. It’s not a huge issue but it can be confusing at times to remember who is who.
The prose is accessible and the characters engaging and dynamic! I can’t wait for book 2
July 25, 2024
Truth was a weak thing. The only power it had was the power your granted it, and in this place, the librarian held all of the power.
The House of Wahrheit had ruled as peacefully as a kingdom built on the strength of arms, steel, and magic could be ruled.
But now the king is dead.
The landgraves, the rulers of the five provinces that had been brought together, were eyeing each other like a pack of dogs circling one thick, juicy cut of meat.
It is a race to find someone to put on the throne as assassins circle, opposing nations invade, and landgraves make greedy, bloody land grabs.
"Tell me if I have it right. The king is dead, and you need a new one?
Seems straightforward enough. But he has no heir. A problem, I agree.
And for some reason, you've decided that his heir should be... me? That's insanity, obviously, but for the sake of argument, I'll leave it for now.
The conspirators involved in this plot are the two of you, a single dragon knight, a peasant, and a possible wizard who does not do magic?“
Our main characters include:
Ulrik: classic village boy who loses everything during a raid who then joins the army.
Countess Ursula Marchand who is rescued from her home during an invasion from a warring kingdom. Everyone she knows is dead.
Then we have a honourable dragon rider, a magical artifice archived who just wants to be left alone and get her work done, a quick-talking spy, and a mysterious wizard.
“You want stakes? Everything we know and love depends on this vote.”
“Right," declared Gerhard. "I'm awake now. Noah, forget the coffee. Make it two bottles of wine."
Despite this being fairly classic fantasy-esque in its predictable troupes; the prose is witty and modern, the characters keep you on your toes, and the inclusion of fae who are on the sidelines but everyone knows never to deal with them - creates an interesting story.
However, ultimately, I feel I have read this sort of story before and I am craving something extremely unique.
The problem of reading a book a day…
Bookstagram
The House of Wahrheit had ruled as peacefully as a kingdom built on the strength of arms, steel, and magic could be ruled.
But now the king is dead.
The landgraves, the rulers of the five provinces that had been brought together, were eyeing each other like a pack of dogs circling one thick, juicy cut of meat.
It is a race to find someone to put on the throne as assassins circle, opposing nations invade, and landgraves make greedy, bloody land grabs.
"Tell me if I have it right. The king is dead, and you need a new one?
Seems straightforward enough. But he has no heir. A problem, I agree.
And for some reason, you've decided that his heir should be... me? That's insanity, obviously, but for the sake of argument, I'll leave it for now.
The conspirators involved in this plot are the two of you, a single dragon knight, a peasant, and a possible wizard who does not do magic?“
Our main characters include:
Ulrik: classic village boy who loses everything during a raid who then joins the army.
Countess Ursula Marchand who is rescued from her home during an invasion from a warring kingdom. Everyone she knows is dead.
Then we have a honourable dragon rider, a magical artifice archived who just wants to be left alone and get her work done, a quick-talking spy, and a mysterious wizard.
“You want stakes? Everything we know and love depends on this vote.”
“Right," declared Gerhard. "I'm awake now. Noah, forget the coffee. Make it two bottles of wine."
Despite this being fairly classic fantasy-esque in its predictable troupes; the prose is witty and modern, the characters keep you on your toes, and the inclusion of fae who are on the sidelines but everyone knows never to deal with them - creates an interesting story.
However, ultimately, I feel I have read this sort of story before and I am craving something extremely unique.
The problem of reading a book a day…
Bookstagram
September 25, 2023
This is book 1 of the Wahrheit series. The author offered me a review copy of the audiobook, narrated by Travis Baldree, and it was a fantastic way to experience the book.
This book thrives on dialogue, characters, and political intrigue. The world is grey, if not bleak and dark, but it read like classical fantasy to me. Each chapter is in a character’s perspective giving it a weaving plot line that takes you between various towns, cities, professions, and lives. Peasants, infantrymen, countesses, and spies. The action isn’t too often, but it felt very big while it did.
The KING IS DEAD. (Without an heir). As the king is technically the only one with the ability to control the Dragon Knights, they’re left with no direction. Some will seek to replace the king and hold things together, some will seek to sow dissent. Some control, and some chaos, ensues.
The author makes you curious about the world, while maintaining a high level of care for the cast of characters. There’s magic, as well as magical creatures (the fae), but the story remained grounded the entire time. Unless they were flying dragons, of course. I really respected the choice to have the dragons be tamed animals, not sentient beings bonded with their riders, it made the entire plot feel fresh.
Personally a 5/5*, I immediately continued on with the second! Check this out!
This book thrives on dialogue, characters, and political intrigue. The world is grey, if not bleak and dark, but it read like classical fantasy to me. Each chapter is in a character’s perspective giving it a weaving plot line that takes you between various towns, cities, professions, and lives. Peasants, infantrymen, countesses, and spies. The action isn’t too often, but it felt very big while it did.
The KING IS DEAD. (Without an heir). As the king is technically the only one with the ability to control the Dragon Knights, they’re left with no direction. Some will seek to replace the king and hold things together, some will seek to sow dissent. Some control, and some chaos, ensues.
The author makes you curious about the world, while maintaining a high level of care for the cast of characters. There’s magic, as well as magical creatures (the fae), but the story remained grounded the entire time. Unless they were flying dragons, of course. I really respected the choice to have the dragons be tamed animals, not sentient beings bonded with their riders, it made the entire plot feel fresh.
Personally a 5/5*, I immediately continued on with the second! Check this out!
December 15, 2022
For 600 years Wahrheit’s unbroken line has ruled. Protected by its knights & dragons. Now the King is dead with no successor. A weakness quickly exploited as enemies plot & march. A time when a small few conspire to keep a kingdom intact.
Fantastic! Gritty action that pulls you in. One of the best I’ve read this year.
Fantastic! Gritty action that pulls you in. One of the best I’ve read this year.
August 16, 2022
I picked up the audio edition by supporting the Kickstarter.
AC Cobble is a new-to-me author, but the book promised to be interesting and it didn't disappoint! It's epic fantasy, thus is narrated by a broad cast of characters. Some I liked more than others.
The meat of the story is that the king is dead and has left no heir. The kingdom of Wahrheit is thrown into disarray, with enemies ready to swoop in and claim her and the nobles working their own machinations from within. An unlikely band of conspirators must work together to find a new monarch and place him or her on the throne. Easy enough, right? (Of course not.)
My favorite among the diverse cast was the spy Gerhard Fisher. His wit and backstory appealed to me. The other characters are all wonderful, but when book 2 comes out I NEED to know what goes on with Gerhard.
AC Cobble is a new-to-me author, but the book promised to be interesting and it didn't disappoint! It's epic fantasy, thus is narrated by a broad cast of characters. Some I liked more than others.
The meat of the story is that the king is dead and has left no heir. The kingdom of Wahrheit is thrown into disarray, with enemies ready to swoop in and claim her and the nobles working their own machinations from within. An unlikely band of conspirators must work together to find a new monarch and place him or her on the throne. Easy enough, right? (Of course not.)
My favorite among the diverse cast was the spy Gerhard Fisher. His wit and backstory appealed to me. The other characters are all wonderful, but when book 2 comes out I NEED to know what goes on with Gerhard.
January 14, 2023
Great story marred by poor proofreading.
Interesting and intricate characters abound in this maelstrom of intrigue. Well crafted actors on a new stage that I want to learn more about soon. Please, please, find a better proofreader, they lost you a 5 star review from an avid fan.
Interesting and intricate characters abound in this maelstrom of intrigue. Well crafted actors on a new stage that I want to learn more about soon. Please, please, find a better proofreader, they lost you a 5 star review from an avid fan.
July 29, 2022
4.5 stars
A wood worker's son. A countess. A spy. A dragon knight. A dead king.
These, and a few more characters, make up our premise. The essence of this book is actually quite simple. It's all about political scheming to try to keep a country together. It is not broken up, paced, or plotted like your average fantasy book. This is a political novel through and through. Even the battles and fights all have heavy political undertones. I think this is some of the best political writing I've read from a fantasy author and I really loved it! Magic plays a very subtle role, although I hope to see more to come. Simply, this book is our ensemble of characters sprinting to get the "job" done.
A.C. Cobble was a new find for me. I backed him on kickstarter partly because Michael J. Sullivan drew my attention that way. However, I'm convinced Conspiracy is a great addition to my collection!
A wood worker's son. A countess. A spy. A dragon knight. A dead king.
These, and a few more characters, make up our premise. The essence of this book is actually quite simple. It's all about political scheming to try to keep a country together. It is not broken up, paced, or plotted like your average fantasy book. This is a political novel through and through. Even the battles and fights all have heavy political undertones. I think this is some of the best political writing I've read from a fantasy author and I really loved it! Magic plays a very subtle role, although I hope to see more to come. Simply, this book is our ensemble of characters sprinting to get the "job" done.
A.C. Cobble was a new find for me. I backed him on kickstarter partly because Michael J. Sullivan drew my attention that way. However, I'm convinced Conspiracy is a great addition to my collection!
August 4, 2022
Just finished Conspiracy and it was SO GOOD! Very much so a political intrigue type of story told using multi-POV. It changes with each chapter, but it’s easily labeled and easy to follow. There was great character development, you could understand their personal struggles and motivations, and it carried the story forward making you want to cheer for them. I love Ulrik. Can’t wait to see where his adventure takes him, and I truly hope his friends come around.
I can’t wait to follow the rest of this story as it releases!
I can’t wait to follow the rest of this story as it releases!
August 23, 2022
If AC Cobble's writing career was a Jedi's personal growth arc, Conspiracy would be the part where Luke reveals himself on Jabba the Hutt's sail barge and takes out the trash. He's at the top of his game, and just getting started.
December 5, 2022
Please read my review at the following link:
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
May 5, 2023
intriguing, powerful book one…
I enjoyed reading this strongly written book one of this series. Well done AC Cobble. I am anxious to see where this story leads next…so many possibilities…Onto book two. Thank you, AC Cobble.
I enjoyed reading this strongly written book one of this series. Well done AC Cobble. I am anxious to see where this story leads next…so many possibilities…Onto book two. Thank you, AC Cobble.
September 10, 2022
Great Read!
Love all of A.C. Cole's books and characters but this one is by far the best. Plot has great depth and left me wishing I hadn't read it in one weekend.
Love all of A.C. Cole's books and characters but this one is by far the best. Plot has great depth and left me wishing I hadn't read it in one weekend.
September 7, 2022
Very good. I have the audio book and I am hooked. Lots of interesting things going on and the pace is very good. Always had me wanting to know what would happen next. Cant wait for the rest of the series
July 30, 2022
I have read the Benjamin Ashwood series, The Cartographer Series, and the Ranger’s series. All were great reads. To be honest I listened to them as Audible is my best friend, LOL. Having finished Conspiracy, I must say A.C. Had upped his game. I’m not sure how many books are planned by the complexity of the world is rich with curiosities. I feel that book 1 is almost a teaser. I wish the kickstarter for the next book started today! The audio narration is great too. I’m not going to reveal any details but suffice it to say if you like action, intrigue, and magic, set in a massive fantasy world then you have come to the right spot.
August 2, 2022
This book had a lot of great components: mystery, conspiracy (obviously), dragons, fighting, magic, and more. I think it's a really intriguing entry into what will hopefully turn out to be a must read series. Can't wait to see how things develop!
Also, with Travis Baldree narrating the audiobook you can't really go wrong with listening.
This was my first Cobble book, but will be trying some others while I wait on the next in this series.
Also, with Travis Baldree narrating the audiobook you can't really go wrong with listening.
This was my first Cobble book, but will be trying some others while I wait on the next in this series.
August 16, 2022
Off to a good start.
I've been reading A.C. Cobble's books since he had only 3 of the Benjamin Ashwood books out. I've thought that with each series he releases the books get a little better. With the Wahrheit series I think he has taken an even bigger step than with his previous series. It's like he's "grown up" as an author and is hitting us with his masterpiece.
I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I've been reading A.C. Cobble's books since he had only 3 of the Benjamin Ashwood books out. I've thought that with each series he releases the books get a little better. With the Wahrheit series I think he has taken an even bigger step than with his previous series. It's like he's "grown up" as an author and is hitting us with his masterpiece.
I can't wait for the next book to come out.
July 26, 2022
This was my first book by A. C. Cobble. I got on the Kickstarter because of Michael J. Sullivan and his son who was promoting the book. I was very impressed with the book and am greatly looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 9, 2024
There is no real protagonist; each chapter is from the POV of a different character and there are at least 8 different characters who get their own chapter (or 2 or 3). It’s too many main characters without a lead.
April 4, 2023
I got this from Cobble's Kickstarter campaign because, I figured, if I can support an author and get their ebook a little early, why not? While I believe A.C. Cobble has written some well received fantasy books, my foray into his Benjamin Ashwood series just didn't do it for me. So, while I was fine supporting the Kickstarter, it was not a priority read for me. However, I hit a lull before Sanderson's Secret Project #2 and Will Wight's new book, so I decided to give it a go.
I have to say, this was a slow start and I was concerned about how long it was going to take for me to finish it. However, at a certain point, the story sucked me in and I started reading with a bit more urgency. This is a story about a kingdom whose king had died without an heir and little incentive for the powerful nobles to keep it together instead of splitting up into smaller indepenant fiefdoms. There are some, however, who have the longterm perspective in mind and know that a whole kingdom is essential. Thus comes the titular conspiracy to find a new king and put them on the throne before they are assassinated. (One aside - I thought it was pretty funny how the king-led kingdom was described in glowing terms on one page but then all of the political assasinations were described on the next.)
This book has a lot going for it if you can get past the slow start - politics, spycraft, dragons, dragon riders, magical weapons and armor, and solid character arcs. While I really did enjoy the book, I dinged it a star because I never really felt that connection to the characters that would put it over the top to 5 stars. Perhaps that will come in the next book with greater familiarity. But unlike the Ashwood series, I'll definitely pick up book 2.
I have to say, this was a slow start and I was concerned about how long it was going to take for me to finish it. However, at a certain point, the story sucked me in and I started reading with a bit more urgency. This is a story about a kingdom whose king had died without an heir and little incentive for the powerful nobles to keep it together instead of splitting up into smaller indepenant fiefdoms. There are some, however, who have the longterm perspective in mind and know that a whole kingdom is essential. Thus comes the titular conspiracy to find a new king and put them on the throne before they are assassinated. (One aside - I thought it was pretty funny how the king-led kingdom was described in glowing terms on one page but then all of the political assasinations were described on the next.)
This book has a lot going for it if you can get past the slow start - politics, spycraft, dragons, dragon riders, magical weapons and armor, and solid character arcs. While I really did enjoy the book, I dinged it a star because I never really felt that connection to the characters that would put it over the top to 5 stars. Perhaps that will come in the next book with greater familiarity. But unlike the Ashwood series, I'll definitely pick up book 2.
September 12, 2023
Unfortunately, both the rather nice prose and a potentially interesting story were marred by one of the most info dump heavy narrations I’ve ever read. I got to about page 150 and each chapter (from multiple povs) followed the same format- set the scene then devolve into 1-3 pages of lore that was often something we’d heard before, just repeated with a little more depth. It’s clear that the author wanted this to be a politically deft and complex story with the history and the governance of the kingdom fleshed out completely but the world building comes inserted so terribly that it took me right out of the story. None of the elements were convoluted enough that they needed to be repeated or explained as much as they were, which gave me the unfortunate feeling that Cobble didn’t trust in the intelligence of his reader. I thought the characters were largely mouthpieces for the lore with one or two sentences alluding to their shallow personalities thrown in there just to remind us that these are supposed to be real people. None of the POVs of the four or five I’d read so far grabbed my attention past the history lessons they were made to spout. A beautiful book but ultimately a shallow one.
February 22, 2025
I gave this 4* on my Amazon review but the more I think about it 3* is better. Congratulations AC on ruining an ending! I literally went from looking forward to the next book to "what the...." just happened & will not be following the series! Quite a lot of story building so there are bits where not a lot is happening, pretty hard to pinpoint who if anyone the story is about, possibly 4 MC's, not too bad at the minute as they are all in the same place but going forward it might be an issue, one that I've come across before,once they have gone elsewhere. It's very hard to not put a spoiler in but suffice to say that if the book had ended 30-40 pages earlier, I would have already ordered Book 2 but unfortunately the ending/big reveal is so far out of left field that I won't be continuing. Honestly the "twist" barely gets 2 sentences in the previous 500 or so pages & I think that I'm being generous with 2 sentences. As the reader I can't help but think that the author didn't need an additional storyline unless it's all some greater plan to get more books out of the deal but as stated previously this reader is done!
December 17, 2022
First off, let me start by saying that I am beyond picky when it comes to the high and/or epic fantasy genre, especially when the period or setting is medieval. But when I saw the campaign fire this story on KickStarter, I knew that it was going to be different and unique enough to fit within my tastes. And oh boy did it! Even though it was a little slow in the beginning, the story picked up and had enough special moments that it captured my interests and wanting to know what happens next. Not sure if one would consider the plot original, but I felt that it was different enough to be considered original. Nevertheless, the premise had me hooked and invested in what was happening to these characters. As soon as the author made the campaign for the next book, I knew that I had to back it as well. For you fantasy nuts out there, this author may have made me become one of you, so I definitely recommend giving this a read!
March 4, 2023
A unique, political, action-packed, epic fantasy book. And it does all of those things well!
A well-written, very readable story. The chapters are from all different perspectives so it can be a tad hard to follow, but there aren’t too many characters who get that treatment, and they appear in each others’, so it’s not as difficult as, say, A Song of Ice and Fire.
The magic system is archaic (as in, the world is less magical than it used to be), but relatively unique for fantasy. The politics are engaging and surprising, though it seemed to go mostly well for the main characters.
The characters ranged from “insanely overpowered” to “literally have no idea what’s happening”, which was fun. And while there were more male characters (which makes sense for a medieval setting), there were a refreshing number of badass and strong female characters.
I’m happy I backed this on Kickstarter, and I’m looking forward to the next one coming out!
A well-written, very readable story. The chapters are from all different perspectives so it can be a tad hard to follow, but there aren’t too many characters who get that treatment, and they appear in each others’, so it’s not as difficult as, say, A Song of Ice and Fire.
The magic system is archaic (as in, the world is less magical than it used to be), but relatively unique for fantasy. The politics are engaging and surprising, though it seemed to go mostly well for the main characters.
The characters ranged from “insanely overpowered” to “literally have no idea what’s happening”, which was fun. And while there were more male characters (which makes sense for a medieval setting), there were a refreshing number of badass and strong female characters.
I’m happy I backed this on Kickstarter, and I’m looking forward to the next one coming out!
June 20, 2023
While I enjoyed the world that this was placed in, a large amount of this book felt like filler. None of the characters were people I cared about greatly and I found the writing style quite difficult to immerse myself in - this might have been due to the amount of info dumps that occurred throughout.
Another problem I had was with Ulrik. He was a random peasant but managed to without any trouble lead a group of men to complete victory when breaking a siege. I understand it if a fair but of this was fluke, but he just suddenly became a confident killing machine with no trouble leading a bunch of much older men he'd never seen before. Ummm
I'll see what the reviews of the next book say before deciding whether to continue. The world is so interesting that I would like to keep reading, if some other aspects of the book are refined.
Another problem I had was with Ulrik. He was a random peasant but managed to without any trouble lead a group of men to complete victory when breaking a siege. I understand it if a fair but of this was fluke, but he just suddenly became a confident killing machine with no trouble leading a bunch of much older men he'd never seen before. Ummm
I'll see what the reviews of the next book say before deciding whether to continue. The world is so interesting that I would like to keep reading, if some other aspects of the book are refined.
September 13, 2023
Finally finished this book, I’ve been meaning to read this book, since I backed the kickstarter back in April 2022.
However, I have a TBR list that is longer than the Great Wall of China.
It has been staring at me from the end of my bed for some time now and I decided to just bite the bullet.
I’m so glad I did.
I loved this book, it’s fast intriguing and the plot is very interesting, all while moving at a steady pace, which quickens when the action is on.
The characters are interesting to follow and I’m finding myself really enjoying the Gerhard POV chapters. I’m an old fashioned guy who loves a good assassin plot.
The story is quite digestible and easy to follow, as I’m able to keep up whilst reading it with small children running around screaming.
Overall, excellent entry and I’ll continue to back.
However, I have a TBR list that is longer than the Great Wall of China.
It has been staring at me from the end of my bed for some time now and I decided to just bite the bullet.
I’m so glad I did.
I loved this book, it’s fast intriguing and the plot is very interesting, all while moving at a steady pace, which quickens when the action is on.
The characters are interesting to follow and I’m finding myself really enjoying the Gerhard POV chapters. I’m an old fashioned guy who loves a good assassin plot.
The story is quite digestible and easy to follow, as I’m able to keep up whilst reading it with small children running around screaming.
Overall, excellent entry and I’ll continue to back.
January 12, 2023
I thought this was a very solid first entry for a series. It set the groundwork well and introduced several main characters in a way that worked well for me. The variety of character perspectives works well as a way to tell the whole story and these characters' part in it. There were not any sections of the story where I found it dragging and so the pacing worked well for me. I also never found myself putting it down to start something else or rushing through it to get to the next title on my list. I will definitely continue this series as it's entries are released.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews