Through Ashes and War: Epic Dragon Fantasy - A Deep Dive Review

In R.M. Schultz's Through Ashes and War: Epic Dragon Fantasy, the aftermath of the Dragon Wars leaves the kingdoms of Cimeren scarred and fractured. Cyran Orendain, a hero burdened by loss, grapples with a hatching dragon egg and a conspiracy threatening his king. Meanwhile, Jaslin struggles to share her knowledge of dragon magic in a world unwilling to listen, while in the north, the vengeful Cimerenden hordes advance, wielding the Sky Sea Pearl. Amidst this chaos, Pravon the Dragon Thief pursues Cyran, caught between his guild's orders and his own desires. As the world teeters on the brink, the fate of humans and dragons intertwines, demanding they adapt or face oblivion in this epic fantasy tale.

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4.4 / 23 ratings

Review Through Ashes and War

"Through Ashes and War" is a rollercoaster! This third installment in "The Forged and the Fallen" series throws you headfirst back into the richly detailed world of Cimeren, picking up right where the last book left off, leaving you breathless. The pacing is relentless, a whirlwind of action and political intrigue that kept me glued to the pages. I loved how the author seamlessly weaves together multiple perspectives, following Cyran, Jaslin, Pravon, and even the Dragon Queen on their individual, yet interconnected, journeys. Each character's arc feels earned; their struggles, both internal and external, are vividly portrayed, making them deeply relatable, even when their actions are questionable.

The world-building continues to impress. R.M. Schultz has created a truly unique fantasy landscape, populated not just with humans and dragons, but with a whole host of intriguing creatures and magic systems that feel both familiar and refreshingly original. The dragons themselves are spectacular; each one feels distinct, with their own personalities and powers, adding depth and wonder to the already captivating story. I particularly appreciated how the author expands on the lore surrounding dragons and their interaction with humans, making their relationship far more nuanced than your typical "good versus evil" trope. I found myself completely immersed in this world, constantly surprised by the twists and turns of the plot.

While some reviewers have noted similarities to other fantasy series, I found "Through Ashes and War" to maintain its own unique identity. Yes, there are elements that might echo other popular stories, but Schultz uses them as building blocks rather than direct copies. The author takes established fantasy tropes and reimagines them with surprising originality, creating a compelling narrative that feels fresh and exciting. The political machinations, the battles, the betrayals—it’s all expertly woven together to create a truly epic experience.

However, the book isn't without its minor shortcomings. The pacing, while thrilling, can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading to a few moments where I had to pause and absorb everything that had just happened. And while I loved the multiple perspectives, some storylines felt slightly underdeveloped compared to others, leaving me wanting a bit more depth in certain areas. But these are small criticisms in the face of such a grand, sweeping narrative.

Overall, "Through Ashes and War" is a fantastic addition to the series. It's a thrilling adventure that will keep you guessing until the very end. The characters are captivating, the world is breathtaking, and the story is undeniably epic. While I acknowledge some readers might find the plot predictable at times or see similarities to other works, the unique worldbuilding and character development elevate the story above these criticisms. I eagerly await the next book in the series to see how this incredible saga concludes. Highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy and those seeking a thrilling read that leaves you wanting more!

Information

• Dimensions: 5.25 x 1.37 x 8 inches
• Language: English
• Print length: 546
• Publication date: 2024

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