Published: May 2017
Pages: 538
Series: The Echoes Saga #1
Summary
Mankind has lorded over the land of Illian for a thousand years, building on the ruins left by the elves, as if it were their birthright. A thousand years is a long time for an immortal race to see the truth of things, a truth that has remained unsaid for a millennium – elves are superior. They are faster, stronger and connected to the magical realm in a way that man could never grasp. Illian should belong to them.
Unaware of the shadow that looms in the east, the six kingdoms of man are fractured, unallied, and clawing at each other’s gates for more power.
This isn’t just war set to ravage the land, but a slaughter – the world of man cannot hope to survive.
Thrown into the heart of this war is a man known by many names; an Outlander of the wilds, an assassin, a ranger. Asher was born a thousand years ago, to a life he doesn’t remember. Forty years of brutal training and killing for money has beaten the earliest years of his life away, leaving his ties to the oldest of evils a mystery to all…
My thoughts
This is the first book of a trilogy which is part of a huge universe so I was very daunted to start this. Once I figured out this was the best book to start with I just went for it. I am so glad that I did!
This story embraces many of the classic fantasy tropes – a dark prophecy, a world divided by humans and elves, and a highly mysterious hero. There is also lots of fast-paced action across quite a few characters. There are so many characters and once I finally sorted it out in my head, it was a much smoother experience. However this book does manage a large cast of characters and multiple storylines well without becoming convoluted, whilst developing the overarching mystery and setting the stakes.
“Pain leads to anger, and anger never wins in combat. Only when pain feels like an old friend will you free yourself from the shackles that bind so many men.”
The novel is centered around Asher and my goodness, he was giving Aragorn. A ranger with a dark, mysterious past he can’t remember, and this book focuses more on his journey. He is strong and honest but has a compassionate soft spot underneath it all. I loved all the scenes with him, he made things a lot more interesting.
“Pray that you never discover the true depths of duty. Men and elves alike are capable of great atrocities if they can do it in the name of another, be it gods or kings. Duty can give you courage and a sense of honour, but it can give you cause to act without thought.”
The other perspectives really helped build the tension and set the scenes so it really provided a deeper understanding of the political and cultural divides at play. Although I didn’t feel as connected to some characters they each felt essential to the plot and I probably need to read on to find out how the different plot lines come together.
The world-building is expansive, with a deep history hinted through ancient prophecies and by showing us the strained relationship between humans and elves. While the book introduces a lot of lore and characters, it never feels overwhelming. I also really enjoyed the fight scenes, Asher is a badass and he shows his training and commitment through his movement and skill. (I love Asher).
There are dragons which if I need a reason to come back to this series I will come back for the dragons and Asher. We have some other very classical fantasy elements including a magical school which felt different – in a good way – to the schools in some recent books I’ve read. I can’t quite pin my finger on why, maybe its the lack of drama or the writing style but it felt like the school from Ursula’s Earthsea series which I also really enjoyed (my dear Sparrowhawk!).
Would I recommend?
If you enjoy classic fantasy where you’ve probably read these elements all before but want it in a fresh new way then I’d give this a try. The writing is really well done and although I didn’t love all the characters, I was kept engaged throughout where I now have my own theories.. I will have to pick up book two to find out more!