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hiking_reader's review against another edition
4.5
For anyone keeping up on my reads, I just knocked out book one a couple of weeks ago. I'm making a bit of a blitz through the series as our buddy read group is planning on tackling book three in June. I don't get a chance to read sequential books very close together like this. But in this case it just worked out that way with Kings of Ash.
With that being said, I continued onto book Kings of Ash listening another great performance by Ralph Lister. He really does do an excellent job with so many characters in this series.
For quite the epic fantasy story, the pacing is done rather nicely in Kings of Ash. The only warning I'll give readers is the fact we do have a bit of timeline hopping here and there so you have to make sure you're paying attention you may miss those shifts. Other than that this was another smooth flowing pace with plenty of action or emotion to keep you moving along.
The world building continues to be on a grand scale. Not only do we still have different regions, nations and cultures but we also expand even more into Ruka's realm of the dead. I believe the latter mentioned realm is the part that stands out making this series unique at this point. This magical realm is so interesting to me. The things that can and do happen there. Another aspect that kind of touches on the pacing (timeline), world and characters is how so much is interwoven through out this story. You will come to find some many connections later on as you progress through book two, which will make you look back and think, wasn't that… oh yeah!
Lastly is the character development. We certainly see many unique characters throughout this series and Kings of Ash seems to be no exception to this. The relationship between Ruka and Kale is amazing too. So different yet still such a strong connection between them that I don't think we've seen the extent of even yet.
So far the Sand and Ash series has only gotten better as the story progresses. It does get rather dark and depressing and times but there is often just that glimmer of hope to keep things alive. I think for me one of the unique aspects of this series is my ability to feel both for Kale and his situation as well as Ruka and his. It's a constant emotion struggle.
As usual I'd certainly recommend this book and series to fans of epic fantasy! I anxiously awaiting next month when our little group wraps up the trilogy with Kings of Heaven.
With that being said, I continued onto book Kings of Ash listening another great performance by Ralph Lister. He really does do an excellent job with so many characters in this series.
For quite the epic fantasy story, the pacing is done rather nicely in Kings of Ash. The only warning I'll give readers is the fact we do have a bit of timeline hopping here and there so you have to make sure you're paying attention you may miss those shifts. Other than that this was another smooth flowing pace with plenty of action or emotion to keep you moving along.
The world building continues to be on a grand scale. Not only do we still have different regions, nations and cultures but we also expand even more into Ruka's realm of the dead. I believe the latter mentioned realm is the part that stands out making this series unique at this point. This magical realm is so interesting to me. The things that can and do happen there. Another aspect that kind of touches on the pacing (timeline), world and characters is how so much is interwoven through out this story. You will come to find some many connections later on as you progress through book two, which will make you look back and think, wasn't that… oh yeah!
Lastly is the character development. We certainly see many unique characters throughout this series and Kings of Ash seems to be no exception to this. The relationship between Ruka and Kale is amazing too. So different yet still such a strong connection between them that I don't think we've seen the extent of even yet.
So far the Sand and Ash series has only gotten better as the story progresses. It does get rather dark and depressing and times but there is often just that glimmer of hope to keep things alive. I think for me one of the unique aspects of this series is my ability to feel both for Kale and his situation as well as Ruka and his. It's a constant emotion struggle.
As usual I'd certainly recommend this book and series to fans of epic fantasy! I anxiously awaiting next month when our little group wraps up the trilogy with Kings of Heaven.
fantasylover's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
gunjit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kellygooch's review
Got to chapter 24, may go back to it just wasn’t in the mood for this particular story at the time.
stevetalksbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Moving, bold, unforgiving, epic and brutal. Amazing work.
lenapakal's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
markymark09's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tbloehrlein's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wjsanger's review against another edition
5.0
I will destroy this land of ash, and make my followers kings in paradise
This is grimdark at its absolute peak. I am completely blown away. Ruka, Son of Beyla is one of the most captivating characters I have ever read. I hate him. I love him. I root for him. I root against him. He is perhaps the most frightening fantasy character that still maintains a realness and even a vulnerability. Incredible character work from Richard Nell. Everything in this second book was masterfully crafted and if you are a fan of grimdark, you should give this a go yesterday. I truly cannot wait to see what the final book has to offer.
This is grimdark at its absolute peak. I am completely blown away. Ruka, Son of Beyla is one of the most captivating characters I have ever read. I hate him. I love him. I root for him. I root against him. He is perhaps the most frightening fantasy character that still maintains a realness and even a vulnerability. Incredible character work from Richard Nell. Everything in this second book was masterfully crafted and if you are a fan of grimdark, you should give this a go yesterday. I truly cannot wait to see what the final book has to offer.