"A page-turning inferno of a book." -- Stephanie Garber
Red Rising meets The Scorpio Races in this epic fantasy following three phoenix horse riders--skilled at alchemy--who must compete at The Races--the modern spectacle that has replaced warfare within their empire.
Every year since the Ashlords were gifted phoenix horses by their gods, they've raced them. First into battle, then on great hunts, and finally for the pure sport of seeing who rode the fastest. Centuries of blood and fire carved their competition into a more modern spectacle: The Races.
Over the course of a multi-day event, elite riders from clashing cultures vie to be crowned champion. But the modern version of the sport requires more than good riding. Competitors must be skilled at creating and controlling phoenix horses made of ash and alchemy, which are summoned back to life each sunrise with uniquely crafted powers to cover impossible distances and challenges before bursting into flames at sunset. But good alchemy only matters if a rider knows how to defend their phoenix horse at night. Murder is outlawed, but breaking bones and poisoning ashes? That's all legal and encouraged.
In this year's Races, eleven riders will compete, but three of them have more to lose than the rest--a champion's daughter, a scholarship entrant, and a revolutionary's son. Who will attain their own dream of glory? Or will they all flame out in defeat?
Ashlords is the perfect combination of horse racing competition with the addition of phoenixes. The addition of the phoenixes and how each racer had to mix combinations of powders to create a new horse to ride each leg of the race is very intriguing. Along with this you have a battle brewing between layers of this society and that adds in a whole other element when you find out who wins the race. This book is brimming with deception, backstory and just the right mix of competitive danger. Pick this on up now before the sequel Blood Sworn comes out in February 2021.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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22 August, 2020:
Finished reading
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22 August, 2020:
Reviewed