Introducing The Ashen Ring
“The ring is forged, the beasts awaken and cities are browned in darkness."
As part of the Inkfort Press Derby, I collaborated with a few other fantasy authors and we’re helping promote one another before the publishing date on 25 Sept. As such, here’s the first one!
The ring is forged, the beasts awaken and cities are drowned in darkness.
These are the images that haunt the dreams of Tokihide, battlescribe and interrogator of house Ishikawa. It is not the first time visions have hidden in his sleeping moments, and he sets about uncovering the truth of things.
Disturbing reports from the Outlands point to them being more than mere nightmares, and when his investigations find signs of cult activity in the Luminescent worlds, the very heart of civilisation, he is left with little choice but to take more drastic action.
Help is offered from an unusual place, and he would be mad to accept it.
But as the blood flows, Tokihide's ethics may be sacrficed in the process. Yet, when failure would lead to the deaths of millions, he places his faith in the purity of his mission and trusts he will be vindicated with the destruction of the ashen ring.
My thoughts?
Firstly, I’d like to say that I’m a huge fan of unique worlds and world building. So yes, while the characters are awesome and different and interesting, I am much more in love with the world Barnett introduced and the amazing mix of magic and technology and *the sea*!
I don’t want to spoil anything, but basically, my understanding of physics was flipped on its head in a beautiful way that had me flipping the digital pages faster and faster to learn more about this amazing world.
Throw in some epic pinch points, a truly interesting premise, unique characters, and (again) and absolutely stunning world and I was hooked after the first chapter.
If there is one bad thing I have to say about this book, is that I have to wait for the next one because the setup and action in this one was so good and there is so much happening that I can’t wait to see how it all converges, climaxes, and becomes even more epic.
Thank you to HM Barnett for an amazing read that kept me flipping the pages without stop.
Quick interview with H.M. Barnett
Q. What inspired your story?
A. I've always loved science fiction like stargate and combining the idea of space monsters / aliens with steampunkesque fantasy felt like a crazy but fun oportunity!
Q. Who was your favourite character to write and why?
At this point Tokihide is pretty much the majority of the book, so I sort of have to say him as the others don't really come into their own until the next parts of the story. Still, I did really enjoy trying to blend the Asian and elven themes into the character.A.
Q. Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
A. Hopefully a thirst to find out what happens, and a desire to discover the secrets of the ashen ring!
Q. And, lastly, what is one book your would recommend for your readers? Is it something similar or something completely different?
A. Christopher Russell's Rebirth for sure. It's a political military fantasy with a lot of futuristic themes too.
Don’t miss out on this amazing book by H.M. Barnett coming out 25 Sept and available for pre-order now!
Want to know more about the Derby? Check out my old post here:
And don’t forget to take a look at my own derby book Soultaming the Serpent, coming out 25 Sept and available for pre-order now.