Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to let us share our excitement for books coming out soon.
I loved Retribution Falls, but never read the rest of the series for some reason (I think it took a while to get published in the US?). Seeing Wooding try his hand at fantasy has me really excited, and while I only see it right now with Gollancz, I am really hoping that I get my hands on a copy.
The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding
Published by Gollancz on May 17th 2018
Pages: 368
A land under occupation. A legendary sword. A young man’s journey to find his destiny.
Aren has lived by the rules all his life. He’s never questioned it; that’s just the way things are. But then his father is executed for treason, and he and his best friend Cade are thrown into a prison mine, doomed to work until they drop. Unless they can somehow break free . . .
But what lies beyond the prison walls is more terrifying still. Rescued by a man who hates him yet is oath-bound to protect him, pursued by inhuman forces, Aren slowly accepts that everything he knew about his world was a lie. The rules are not there to protect him, or his people, but to enslave them. A revolution is brewing, and Aren is being drawn into it, whether he likes it or not.
The key to the revolution is the Ember Blade. The sword of kings, the Excalibur of his people. Only with the Ember Blade in hand can their people be inspired to rise up . . . but it’s locked in an impenetrable vault in the most heavily guarded fortress in the land. All they have to do now is steal it. . .
Designed to return to classic fantasy adventures and values, from a modern perspective, this is a fast-moving coming-of-age trilogy featuring a strong cast of diverse characters, brilliant set-pieces and a powerful character and plot driven story.
Ohh, I love the sound of this one – I haven’t read this author yet but I did recently buy a copy of Retribution.
Lynn 😀
Retribution Falls was really fun, hoping this is too
This does sound good, I’ve never read Wooding before. Hopefully a US edition will pop up, or maybe you can get your hands on the UK version!
I think you would enjoy his books. And yes, definitely hoping of a US edition, will see.
Ooo is this like a King Arthur retelling? It sounds interesting!
Yes, it does sound that way, doesnt it? Hoping it is as fun as it sounds!
Hmm, I like the sound of “classic fantasy adventures and values” but I’m not sure I have the patience for another “coming-of-age trilogy” (I think I’ve outgrown that trope).
ah, I seem to still enjoy it as long as I mix in enough other stuff 🙂
Yep, I’m all about this. This fantasy/coming-of-age nevers gets old for me. Deff want to check this one out more.
It is a fun trope!
Intriguing cover there! I didn’t know about it
It is rather nice!
This one looks fun! I love the sound of a traditional fantasy with diverse characters, and it has an amazing cover too. That one definitely makes me want to read it! 🙂
It really does sound like a fun traditional style fantasy, which is really appealing right now
I like Chris Wooding’s writing – many thanks for sharing this one, Lisa:)
You’re welcome! 🙂 Always happy to spread the word about books
Yeah, I had this book on my watchlist too, but noticed that it’ll only be available from Gollancz…hopefully a US publisher will pick it up too.
Yep, I’d be happy if they just released audiobook over here 🙂 Will have to wait and see. I’ve been disappointed before with some UK releases not becoming readily available over here so I hate to watch them too close
I’ve heard so many good things about Wooding but never got around to reading his stuff myself. A new series seems like a great place to start!
Exactly! As long as we can get our hands on copies of it! 🙂