Legacy of Ash, video game designer Matthew Ward's debut novel, is the beginning to the Legacy Trilogy, a hefty fantasy epic that relies on impeccable world building, instead of savagery and sex, to build suspense. Ward has created a novel with such intention and craftsmanship that it brings back that feeling of excitement fantasy readers felt when discovering masters like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
Fifteen years earlier, Katya Trelan ignited a revolution to win the ultimate power, but paid the price with her life. Now, her children--son Josiri and daughter Caleene--must turn to Viktor Akadra, the Black Knight, to save their kingdom from external threats. This hero of the Tressian Republic is also known as the Phoenix-Slayer; he vanquished Josiri and Caleene's mother in her quest for dominance. While the three put aside their differences to work together to save the kingdom, Viktor is hiding a devastating secret: the old darkness is rising, and he just might be the vessel for its re-emergence.
As dark forces grow, the paths of men and gods merge, so that it is no longer simply a battle between kingdoms; it is now a battle between the gods among men. Steampunk-esque magic and mythology-inspired deities create a vibrant setting with intertwining storylines, thoughtful character development and impressive world building. At the end, readers will be eager for the revelations in the next books in the series. --BrocheAroe Fabian, owner, River Dog Book Co.