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theemptybookshelf's review
5.0
Anything and everything that J.D.L. Rosell writes is my comfort food. The First Ancestor is no exception. The follow-up to the absolutely stellar The Last Ranger (Read my review here) builds on the history filled wildland. I picked this up again because the sequel, The Hidden Guardian, releases very soon and I wanted every little detail to be etched in my brain.
‘She would honor the lodgemaster’s philosophy. She would do what she must. She only wondered how deeply duty would cut this time.’
This is a story broken down into eight parts, each of which begins with a glimpse into what made Leiyn into the woman she is today. I loved these flashbacks so much as they added great depth and reason to her choices in the present. I looked forward to each part ending so I could get more backstory. But it was the present timeline that was the most alluring part of The First Ancestor.
This book is the direct continuation of the events displayed in The Last Ranger and it takes all of that knowledge and history we were exposed to and cranks it up to 11. The story is slow and deliberate. There is no explosive action or grand battles for most of the book, unlike what one might expect in their fantasy. Instead we get shown Leiyn under the tutelage of her new gast mentors as we learn a whole lot about the world and its many creatures together. I was enthralled throughout on this re-read and any issues I might have had the first time around were misplaced as I approached this book differently this time around. I expected the slow buildup and the preperation for future books. This isn’t a middle book slump, it is necessary groundwork and exposition for the entirety of the Ranger of the Titan Wilds series.
‘Truth crawls, rumors fly, indeed.’
Once again it’s the idea of Titans that boils below the surface of this series. These giant monsters that come in all shapes and sizes bring so much depth to this story. They add mystery and build-up as we get to explore Leiyn’s ability to communicate with them.
I couldn’t be more excited to get my hands on The Hidden Guardian, the third book in the series, in the coming weeks. I backed the Kickstarter even though I’m an ARC reader, so as soon as it drops into my email I will be putting everything aside to continue Leiyn’s journey. Let’s just hope that like Josiah’s other series, The Runewar Saga, that this one doesn’t end with only three books.
Lastly, the addition of interior artworks by Felix Ortiz is just an incredible delight. As you can see above these illustrations just add so much beauty to a book that already has one of the best covers around. Josiah sure knows how to put together a beautiful looking novel.
Rating: 4.5/5
‘She would honor the lodgemaster’s philosophy. She would do what she must. She only wondered how deeply duty would cut this time.’
This is a story broken down into eight parts, each of which begins with a glimpse into what made Leiyn into the woman she is today. I loved these flashbacks so much as they added great depth and reason to her choices in the present. I looked forward to each part ending so I could get more backstory. But it was the present timeline that was the most alluring part of The First Ancestor.
This book is the direct continuation of the events displayed in The Last Ranger and it takes all of that knowledge and history we were exposed to and cranks it up to 11. The story is slow and deliberate. There is no explosive action or grand battles for most of the book, unlike what one might expect in their fantasy. Instead we get shown Leiyn under the tutelage of her new gast mentors as we learn a whole lot about the world and its many creatures together. I was enthralled throughout on this re-read and any issues I might have had the first time around were misplaced as I approached this book differently this time around. I expected the slow buildup and the preperation for future books. This isn’t a middle book slump, it is necessary groundwork and exposition for the entirety of the Ranger of the Titan Wilds series.
‘Truth crawls, rumors fly, indeed.’
Once again it’s the idea of Titans that boils below the surface of this series. These giant monsters that come in all shapes and sizes bring so much depth to this story. They add mystery and build-up as we get to explore Leiyn’s ability to communicate with them.
I couldn’t be more excited to get my hands on The Hidden Guardian, the third book in the series, in the coming weeks. I backed the Kickstarter even though I’m an ARC reader, so as soon as it drops into my email I will be putting everything aside to continue Leiyn’s journey. Let’s just hope that like Josiah’s other series, The Runewar Saga, that this one doesn’t end with only three books.
Lastly, the addition of interior artworks by Felix Ortiz is just an incredible delight. As you can see above these illustrations just add so much beauty to a book that already has one of the best covers around. Josiah sure knows how to put together a beautiful looking novel.
Rating: 4.5/5
stemtheatre's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
argentrabe's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
the_midwest_library's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is a really solid sequel to a series that I think deserves far more love and hype. The first book was really fantastic, so I think my review is book 2 is in the context of that comparison. The world is becoming fuller, the races and political backdrop more complex. There was great character development in our MC in this one which was a relief for me, as my biggest worry after book 1 was that she would revert to her "old ways." I do feel like the book has some pacing issues, there was a lot going on at times but I didn't always feel grounded in the world and don't yet fully appreciate/understand the magic system. Something just isn't clicking for me in that regard but I feel like as the series progresses that will become a lesser issue. Overall really solid if you liked book 1 you'll certainly like book 2.
kitvaria_sarene's review
5.0
I don't think I need to tell you yet again just how much I loved the first book in this series. I fell in love with it from the very first moment, and this is a worthy sequel!
It's a lot slower paced than The Last Ranger, but I didn't mind because we get to discover a whole new section of the world, and meet a lot more gasts.
I love how Leiyn has grown throughout book one, and is a lot more secure in herself and able to trust people now. However, she's still willful, rash and prone to thinking after getting herself in trouble. Good thing she's so handy with weapons in hand...
This books has a bit of romance in it, but after some way too heavy hints in the beginning, it was written well and with a light touch, so even my stoic heart didn't mind it. So you can add LGBT inclusion to the pros of this series as well!
I enjoyed the new characters we meet, especially finding someone able to match Leiyn in skill and stubbornness, it definitely helped to round up both her character and the cast.
For my personal enjoyment the now didn't get enough action, but there's plenty of magic, titans, new enemies, training and mysteries to explore to make up for a lack of arrows.
The First Ancestor manages to finish it's on arc in a satisfying way, while leaving the overarching plot open enough to make you crave more of the characters and world.
Once again, highly recommended if you love fantasy that has a big if a classic feel to it, but still feels fresh and unique!
Oh, and btw I was given an ARC by the author, because I just wouldn't shut up about how much I loved the first book. So my enthusiasm paid out in me not having to wait too long for this sequel!
It's a lot slower paced than The Last Ranger, but I didn't mind because we get to discover a whole new section of the world, and meet a lot more gasts.
I love how Leiyn has grown throughout book one, and is a lot more secure in herself and able to trust people now. However, she's still willful, rash and prone to thinking after getting herself in trouble. Good thing she's so handy with weapons in hand...
This books has a bit of romance in it, but after some way too heavy hints in the beginning, it was written well and with a light touch, so even my stoic heart didn't mind it. So you can add LGBT inclusion to the pros of this series as well!
I enjoyed the new characters we meet, especially finding someone able to match Leiyn in skill and stubbornness, it definitely helped to round up both her character and the cast.
For my personal enjoyment the now didn't get enough action, but there's plenty of magic, titans, new enemies, training and mysteries to explore to make up for a lack of arrows.
The First Ancestor manages to finish it's on arc in a satisfying way, while leaving the overarching plot open enough to make you crave more of the characters and world.
Once again, highly recommended if you love fantasy that has a big if a classic feel to it, but still feels fresh and unique!
Oh, and btw I was given an ARC by the author, because I just wouldn't shut up about how much I loved the first book. So my enthusiasm paid out in me not having to wait too long for this sequel!
joelee__'s review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
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