The world of Elerea was dying, and Asahn was the only one who could save it. At least that’s the tale Old Durn the tribe storyteller was weaving this time. It seemed absurd at first, but then everything spun out of control. A strange new religion is hunting the Kahn Shogal, and the secret to why may reside in the clouded history of Asahn’s people. The mighty Highlands warriors are left with no … with no choice but to flee into the wilderness of their homeland, but it has become a harsh and unforgiving place as the world withers.
While the Kahn Shogal face danger on every side, their great chieftain is too consumed by pride and tradition to lead them. Only Asahn, heir to the Kah Hrah, has the authority to confront his father in his missteps. But for a son who always looked up to his father, such betrayal will not come easily.
With every step, Asahn will confront new dangers to his people and his world. And with every step, he will drive himself against all odds to become the person Old Durn swears he can be, their only salvation.
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This is an amazing read which opens with the enthralling story of the history or mythology of the Elerea world. We immediately then meet Asahn, the sixteen-year-old chieftain’s son of the proud Kahn Shogal tribe and Durn, the local historian and Asahn’s teacher (though he doesn’t seem to admit it at first). Asahn has been skirting his responsibilities, but he begins seeing with new eyes what is happening to his people. He understands he can’t continue to sit on the sidelines, that he must embrace the road set before him. Once he sees the aftermath at times though, we watch him question his decisions, wonder what the cost will be, and try to keep his mounting frustration from exploding as he balances the threats from all sides to save his people. Perhaps one of the worse realizations is confronting the truth his own father is not the hero he envisioned, at least for this time for his people. However, as Asahn looks upon the threat coming through his tears already, he wonders can he be the salvation everyone thinks? Their world is literally dying, and they don’t know how to regain the greatness that once marked the Kahn Shogal. They have already gotten a taste of the threat to come. They didn’t come through unscathed by any means either. This terror will not stop until it has destroyed everything and brought the Kahn Shogal including the entire Elerea world to its knees. Many more tears promise to fall from Asahn’s eyes before the battle is done. Alexander has woven an incredible read blending an intriguing mythology/history with a spellbinding story starring a character that truly transforms into a hero before our eyes.
While this book has a slow start, pushing through the first 30% will be well worth it.
The characters are well flushed out, and the father, son dynamic is perfection. Anyone who has been through or witnessed a father, son power struggle, will love the full circle of this relationship. While the beginning is slow, it is weaving history to the tribe that is well worth the effort of reading, especially if you are a lover of lore, and tales of days past.
From the storytelling of the clan historian to the inter-workings of the clan drama, all aspects of clan life are well placed and meticulously laid to engulf you into their world. By the end of I was feeling their fears, and hopes right along side them. I also enjoyed the deep political intrigue that flows throughout the story. Each person had a unique perspective and added to the overall understanding of the clan. A well told story of the wise giving way to the young, hard to accept unknown futures, where deep seeded tradition once ruled.
The religious/political commentary is perfectly woven to give voice to many of the real life experiences we face today with false prophets. The various aspects of magic are woven into the world with care, and add to the intrigue and mystery the clan faces as their world changes before them. I look forward to the next installment of this series.
Epic. Simply epic. Join Asahn in his world of Elerea. Where Gods have been born and died leaving a once Eden-like world barren and hard to live off of. But the Khan Shogal do live off it. Led by Kah Hrah Hazahn and Kah Asahn, they are a nomadic tribe who has roots in ancient history. It’s time for their annual pilgramage and there is danger afoot. Sycophants and traitors. Loyalists and surprising support. Asahn encounters all of it. Grows and learns. Becomes a man in his own right, not just due to age. The story is like a thief in the night. Comes and takes you away. To Elerea, where you meet the Dulhar and Ailewah and hear of ancient Gods and magic. Ride with the Khan Shogal. Engage in politics and lies. Experience friendship and loyalty that knows no bounds. Encounter things you never thought possible. I’ve only ever wanted to live in one fantasy world. Now I want to live here too. It’s harsh and beautiful and tragic. Some parts bring tears immediately. Some parts make me so mad I want to scream. It’s an emotional journey and so worth the ride.