"That which is aether may never truly die."
My Rating: ★★★≛
Genre(s): Young Adult Fantasy
Publication: July 27, 2021 (Red Spark Press)
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review Holly Rose's debut novel, Ashes of Aether, prior to its publication this summer. It was my first ARC, and there's something so exciting about helping to promote a new author's debut work.
With this first installment in the Legends of Imyria series, Rose has proven that she has the world-building chops to create some truly stunning fantasy. From page one, I was totally drawn into this realm of magi, spells, elemental magic, and aether -- a fifth element that lives in the blood of all mages and which is the source of their magic. From elemental duels to necromancy to a majestic and legendary mage academy, Rose has crafted an immersive and compelling world that will both satisfy and leave you itching to learn more.
While the world is intriguing, I did feel that the characterization was not as strong as it could have been. Reyna Ashbourne, daughter to the powerful Grandmage of Nolderan and adept of the mighty Arcanium, must learn to wield her magic in order to pass the harrowing Mage Trials and become a full-fledged mage -- and, most importantly, to become powerful enough to protect those she loves. Reyna is, at first, not the most likeable protagonist. She comes off as self-centered and childish, and it seems that there is not much that she takes seriously. The sudden loss of those she loves serves as both a sobering and, in a way, empowering force in Reyna's life, and it is after her loss that she begins to become likeable. The change in Reyna before and after her loss does feel intentional, but her initial immaturity was a bit too much for me, and I found her to be eyeroll-inducing at times.
I was happy to find that Reyna does become much more relatable as the story progresses, particularly with regard to her anxiety. She repeatedly displays these anxious thought patterns that I recognize in myself, and this helped endear her to me. What's more is that she did not let her anxiety hold her back -- her courage and determination almost always overcomes her anxiety. Since I believe that characters are both flawed reflections of ourselves as well as exemplars of overcoming those flaws, I very much appreciated this quality in Reyna, and it added to her complexity.
Sadly, Eliya is the only other character who I feel is fleshed out enough to be likeable. I thoroughly enjoyed her friendship with Reyna. She is clever and bold, and she both challenges and supports Reyna at every turn. A part of me feels as though she exists within the story only to be Reyna's best friend, but at the same time, her personality is so bright and entertaining that I'm loath to truly make this criticism.
Unfortunately, I feel like the story was lacking where it had the most potential, and that lies with Arluin and his exiled, necromancer father. The first third of the book, in part, tries to establish Arluin's backstory and his relationship with Reyna. Not only does this lead to some sluggish pacing, but it does not succeed in setting up Arluin to be the complex character the story needed him to be. Instead, he is rather flat. The only depth he has revolves around his father's practicing of dark magic and his love for Reyna. I'm not sure that there is much to comment on with regard to his personality. Such lacking characterization lessened the impact of his relationship with Reyna and, therefore, a significant portion of the book's plot. Had he been fully fleshed out from the beginning, the story's greatest payoff would have been much more powerful.
Despite this plot-based weakness and the pitfalls of the first third of the book, I found the last two-thirds to be a highly interesting read, and I ended up bingeing it in less than a day. Rose seems to find her footing with the pacing, the conflict stemming from the Mage Trials heightens the tension, and it becomes easier and easier to root for Reyna as she progresses as a mage. It does become a bit of a page-turner, and the ending is surely a flurry of shock, excitement, and, ultimately, a cliffhanger that will leave readers wondering where Reyna could possibly go next.
Overall, Ashes of Aether is an enjoyable read and a great debut. Though in some ways it falls short of what it could have been, Rose did succeed in creating an intriguing fantasy world that I am excited to return to with the next book in the Legends of Imyria series. For now, though, I encourage you to support this highly imaginative new author by picking up a copy of Ashes of Aether, which releases on July 27th. You won't regret it!
Content Warnings: death, violence
Synopsis:
Loving a necromancer's son comes at a perilous price . . .
As the daughter of Nolderan's most powerful mage, Reyna Ashbourne has only ever faced two obstacles: her father's wrath for slacking with her magic studies, and being shunned by many for loving Arluin, a necromancer's son.
But Reyna's life takes a bitter turn when Arluin's exiled father returns to wreak his vengeance upon the city. With the living dead plaguing the streets, the boy she loves is forced to choose between his heart and his blood.
When those dearest to her perish, Reyna vows to become as mighty as her father. However, the path of the magi is no easy one, and she must first complete her Mage Trials to prove she has the required strength of heart, mind, and magic.
Yet the shadows of the past rise once again, threatening to tear Nolderan asunder.
And so too her heart.
Comments