In the Survival of the Fittest, Not All Men are Created Equal. Some are Created Lions.Kirin Wynegarde-Grey is a young lion with a big job – ensuring the stability and order of the Upper Kingdom, a genetically-altered Empire built in the Ashes of the ‘Ancestors,’ where humans are legend and animals walk like men. When an Ancestor awakens in the West, Kirin must lead a team that includes his … his unpredictable brother, a lethal swordswoman and three mysterious specialists to eliminate this ancient threat before it can usurp the Way of Things and plunge all the kingdoms into a state of war.
It’s ‘Planet of the Apes’ meets ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.’ Fans of Tolkien, Game of Thrones, or Japanese anime will be entertained in these intelligent, beautifully written pages in a blend of science, fantasy and zoological speculation.
“Fantasy adventure fans will enjoy this.” – Publisher’s Weekly
fantasy, chinese fantasy, chinese zodiac, sword and sorcery, genetic engineering
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Carried you to a depth into the characters with just enough action and imaginative fiction to keep you hooked.
This is a really good story, full of beautiful scenes along with an really unique blend of fantasy and historical references. I will need to read book 2.
Unusual story, but excellent read.
I had this book saved for months before I actually got around to reading it. Once I did I couldn’t put it down and have since read everything the author has written. I absolutely LOVED the characters and the story, and the way she writes just brings everything to life. I read a LOT and this series ranks in my top 5. I can’t recommend it enough!
Haven’t finished it yet. Really interesting basic concept: a post-human world with sentient, civilized animals — humans are a near-mythical race known as the Ancestors, known only by their ancient ruined cities (some of which are still poisonous). There’s a rigid caste system where lions, tigers, leopards etc. all have their acknowledged positions. The collected company is sent on a mission by their Empress to find and kill the entity that is mysteriously killing the Council of Elders. Surprises, needless to say, await.
There’s a little too much girly detail for me, if I can call it that, at the beginning: characters are introduced by the shape of their lips, the styling and luster of their hair (both boys & girls), and the exquisite (or less than exquisite) cut & color of their clothes before anything else. And there’s a little more adolescent gawking & flirting than necessary: there’s one scene where the girl is staring at the boy as he trains a horse, then she falls off her rock when he notices her. (I mean, really?) That side of things is calming down, though, and it’s turning into an honest-to-goodness well-written adventure story. Questionable loyalties and hidden agendas abound, as well as witchcraft, “soul-reading” and selective memory erasure. Honestly I can’t wait to find out what happens; and if this is the first of a series, I look forward to reading more.
I absolutely loved this book. H. Leighton Dickson is an amazing author and artist. I found myself paying very close attention to the story as it unfolded and found myself enthralled with the characters and the world that was created before me. I could not put the story down. Sireth and Kerris tug at my heartstrings… and Major Ursa.. what an amazaing character. Sidala Fallon made me laugh, and I was proud of her quiet strength and intellect. I can’t wait to get the sequels and continue this amazing journey. Well done!!!
I Must have liked it,I am on book number 3 and planning to read any other ones.
Original
I enjoyed the characters and the action.
The writing is excellent, but the story was bland. The story started off very well, but unfortunately couldn’t keep up with detailed action. There were brief bright spots, but unfortunately much more plotting stage setting items. Much of the action took place in a disappointing third party manner.
As a hardcore fantasy reader, there are few stories that hooked my attention like this book. It is original and unpredictable. Several times I was left wondering what certain things would lead to. Great for a bored reader!
Slow moving. Confusing. Have up half way thru.
Somewhat slow and disjointed. However, I’m a sucker for this genre so I’ve been plowing through the series. If you are a fan of post apocalyptic literature then you will find this book acceptable.
A nice mixture of a future world with so many differences and so many links to the past (our present).
People with animal traits. Nope.
One of the few books I’ve started and been unable to finish. Just never got engaged. Too much soul searching and angst.
what a crock of weird.
not sure about this one didnt hold my interst
I stopped reading this book around the 4th chapter, I had trouble pronouncing the names of the characters and landmarks maybe the author should revamp those two things and the book might become easier to read and follow.
I really enjoyed the story early on, but slowly it lost my interest. It might be just me, as it holds many elements I like. Futuristic, post-apocalyptic what could happen? scenarios – this story has that. Animals replacing humans? Nicely put together.