On the other hand, Legacy of Ash is a big old book, and it’s a bit of an ask to re-read the whole thing, so I’m delighted to present an overview of the story so far.

Legacy of Ash opens and introduces the reader to groups of characters chapter by chapter. There is almost no world building in these chapters, instead, the reader is thrown directly into the action. Ward does an incredible job at giving the reader just enough information to piece together the plot and become part of the adventure. The Tressian Republic is a complicated place and we discover just how much unrest there is in this world. There is not a singular plot in this story, but as the book progresses each character adds to the overall plot and the small subplots throughout the book, spinning a complex web of intrigue. Soon we learn that old alliances need to be mended and new alliances created in an attempt to protect their freedom and save their world. Our introductions focus on the warring families of Tressia and the heroes that will be the main focus of this epic tale. The cottage came into view. Firestone lanterns shone upon its gable. Elda had kept the faith. Even at the end of the world, friends remained true. A clarion sounded, its brash notes cleaving through the clamour of the storm. An icy hand closed around Katya’s heart. She’d run out of time. Callanan, James (2017). "Eisenhower, the CIA, and Covert Action". A Companion to Dwight D. Eisenhower. John Wiley & Sons. pp.365–366. ISBN 9780470655214. No, not that. Katya was free of that delusion. It had cost too many lives, but she was free of it. She was not the Phoenix whose fires would cleanse the Southshires. She’d believed – Lumestra, how she’d believed – but belief alone did not change the world. Only deeds did that, and hers had fallen short.When news of this reached Tressia, Josiri determined to free his people. Viktor and his allies on the Council immediately threw their support behind him, despatching an army to confront and destroy Malatriant … if such a thing could be done. Lips parted in something not entirely a smile. “You will stand before the Council and submit to judgement.” Katya rode on past Josiri. Steel clashed, once, twice, and then the last wayfarer was gone. His body tipped over the low stone parapet and into the rushing waters below.

Hooves sounded on cobbles. The leading wayfarers spurred forward, swords drawn to avenge their master’s humiliation. The simarka, given no leave to advance, simply watched unfolding events with feline curiosity. In a press release coinciding with the book's release, the CIA claimed: "With a strong range of sources, Tim Weiner had an opportunity to write a balanced history of a complex, important subject. But he did not. His bias overwhelms his scholarship. One cannot learn the true story of the CIA from Legacy of Ashes." [3] However, The New York Times reviewed it positively, calling it "engrossing" and "comprehensive". [1] Title [ edit ] The tremor beneath his tone revealed the truth. His horse was already weary. What stamina remained would not long serve two riders, let alone three. This is a story about an old darkness left untended and growing once more, in a world where gods are not the infallible beings they might seem, and magic can be a double-edged sword. It’s a story about the increasing desperation of a nation’s rulers who have spent too long squabbling over power and not paid close enough attention to what’s happening beyond their sight, and characters with little love for each other being asked to put aside their differences and stand together in time to face off against their common enemies. As darkness grows and Tressia is beset from all sides, we see battles both large and small, twisted political machinations, and friends and families set at each other’s throats. Questions arise of spirituality, history and tradition, old grudges and wounded pride, as morally grey characters face impossible decisions and have to choose lesser evils. It’s over.” For the first time, his expression softened. “This is not the way, Katya. It never was. Surrender. Your wounds will be tended. You’ll be treated with honour.”I think it’s noteworthy to mention that we do switch POV between characters a lot, often in the same chapter, but these switches were separated by paragraphs so it never became confusing. However, if you’re inclined to be put off by this, I urge you not to, because I felt there was a fundamental purpose to this style. Each character is interconnected one way or another with each other’s narratives, for good or ill they impact each other’s lives, and therefore Ward deliberately positions each point of view to give the reader the best insight. There are many schemes, lies, misconceptions, and drama, OH THE DRAMA! I was utterly enthralled by it all. It felt like a show I was watching unfold, and I couldn’t help but feel caught in it. That’s when you know you’re reading a good book, right? When you suspend reality, and can’t help but feel a part of the story… it’s the best! But anyway, to further my point: this is a big novel, and Ward uses that expanse to flesh out the characters in fairly short scenes, and skilfully build upon their narratives. I would say that the first half of the book is a character driven story, one that explores the tenuous bonds between family, friends, and delves into the nature of legacies, and of forgiveness. Satisfied, Katya clambered into her saddle and spurred west along the broad cobbles of Highgate. They’d expect her to take refuge in Branghall Manor, or at least strip it of anything valuable ahead of the inevitable looting. But the western gateway might still be clear. Other honourable mentions were; Anastacia, who held so much magical power, she was just plain awesome. Then there was Melanna, the prince of Hadari’s daughter, who wanted nothing more than to become a warrior to fight beside her father, even though tradition dictated women could not partake in warfare. Oh and my favourite duo were Kurkas and Revekeh; these two made the most unlikeliest friendship, but somehow they were both perfect for each other, and their banter together was the absolute best!! Lastly, I’ll mention Ebigail, one of the main villains of the story, and she was the most villainiest of villains indeed! Jeez, she was ruthless; the way she could manipulate situations to ensure her dominance and power, was both maddening but also well played! It’s a cliche, but I loved to hate her.

The church spire passed away to his left. Desperate townsfolk crowded its lychpath, seeking sanctuary behind stone walls. People filled the streets beyond. Some wore council blue, most the sea-grey of Eskavord’s guard, and too many the garb of ordinary folk caught in between. Katya caught one last glimpse of Calenne’s pale, dispassionate face. Then they were gone, and the horseman upon her. Ravens scattered before Josiri’s straining horse. He glanced down at the girl in his charge. His sister she may have been, but Calenne was a stranger. She sat in silence, not a tear on her cheeks. He didn’t know how she held herself together so. It was all he could do not to fall apart. Pain stemmed Katya’s denial. A glance revealed rainwater running red across her left hand. She also felt a wound high on her shoulder. The last wayfarer’s parting gift, lost in the desperation of the moment.Viktor didn’t cheer the death. Eyes stinging with sweat, he saved every breath for the strength it lent weary arms and a flagging heart. There was only the press of bodies. The dead and the dying trampled underfoot. And the determination to outlast the foe.’ Ruling families -- once protectors of justice and democracy -- now plot against one another with sharp words and sharper knives. Blinded by ambition, they remain heedless of the threat posed by the invading armies of the Hadari Empire. The wayfarer was half her age, little more than a boy and eager for the glory that might earn a knight’s crest. Townsfolk scattered from his path. He goaded his horse to the gallop, sword held high in anticipation of the killing blow to come. He’d not yet learned that the first blow seldom mattered as much as the last. Fifteen years after Katya Trelan led the rebellious Southshires in a doomed secession from the Tressian Republic, her son, Josiri Trelan, prepared to finish what she began and free his people from the Council’s oppressive rule. His sister, Calenne Trelan, wanting nothing more to do with the Trelan name, sought escape from the family legacy through arranged marriage to the bold knight Kasamor Kiradin. Upon learning the neighbouring Hadari Empire sought to invade the Southshires, Viktor Akadra – the Council Champion, architect of Katya Trelan’s downfall, and bearer of a forbidden magical shadow – resolved to atone for past deeds by rallying the Southshires’ defenders against the Hadari. Katya glanced down the street. There’d soon be nothing left to argue over. She understood Josiri’s reluctance, for it mirrored her own. To face a parting now, with so much unsaid . . . ? But a lifetime would not be enough to express her pride, nor to warn against repeating her mistakes. He’d have to find his own way now.