Title: The Ember Blade
Author: Chris Wooding
First published September 20, 2018
824 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9781473214866 (ISBN10: 1473214866)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
In a world ruled by oppression, a fabled weapon holds the key to freedom. For Kael, life was ordinary, following the laws and customs.
However, when his father is unjustly executed, Kael and his friend, Adair, are sent to a labor camp. There, they meet a man who despises Kael but takes an oath to protect him.
As they escape, they discover the truth about their world: the rules were never meant to safeguard them, but to subjugate them. A rebellion is brewing, and Kael finds himself embroiled in it.
The only hope for success is the Ember Blade, a sword of legends that has the power to inspire their people to rise up. But the weapon is locked away in an unbreachable fortress, guarded by the most potent forces in the land.
To achieve their goal, Kael and his comrades must steal it. This is a coming-of-age tale that blends the best of classic fantasy with modern storytelling, featuring a diverse and compelling cast of characters, thrilling action, and a gripping plot.
About the Author
Growing up in a small town in Leicestershire, Chris Wooding found himself with not much to do. So, he channeled his energy into writing novels.
At just sixteen years old, he completed his first book. By eighteen, he had an agent and by nineteen, he had signed his first book deal.
After finishing university, Chris pursued writing full-time and has been doing so ever since.
Now, at the age of thirty-nine, Chris has written over twenty books that have been translated into twenty languages, won awards, and have been published internationally. In addition to writing books, Chris also writes for film and television and has multiple projects in development.
Chris has traveled extensively throughout his life. He has backpacked throughout Europe and North America, Scandinavia, South East Asia, Japan, and South Africa.
Additionally, he lived in Madrid for a period of time. During his twenties, Chris toured with bands and saw the UK and Europe from the back of a van.
Recently, Chris discovered that his family tree can be traced back to John Milton, the author of Paradise Lost. While this fact has no direct impact on Chris, he finds it interesting nonetheless.
Currently, Chris resides in London.
Editoral Review
Book Review: The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding
Chris Wooding’s The Ember Blade is a high fantasy novel that was first published on September 20, 2018. The novel is set in a world where the powerful Ossian Empire has been ruling over the land for centuries, and the story follows the journey of Aren, a young man who is determined to overthrow the empire and restore freedom to his people.
The novel is an epic tale of adventure, friendship, and sacrifice that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
The Ember Blade is a debut novel from Chris Wooding, an accomplished author of young adult fiction. The novel is a classic high fantasy story, complete with magic, swords, and epic battles.
The writing style is engaging and descriptive, with vivid descriptions of the landscapes, battles, and characters. The themes of the novel are universal, with issues of power, freedom, and identity being explored throughout the story.
The plot of The Ember Blade is complex and multi-layered, with many different characters and storylines. The main character, Aren, is a young man who has grown up under the oppressive rule of the Ossian Empire.
He is determined to overthrow the empire and restore freedom to his people, and he embarks on a dangerous journey to find the legendary Ember Blade, a powerful weapon that is said to have the power to defeat the empire.
The novel is set in a richly imagined world, with detailed descriptions of the different cultures, landscapes, and magic systems. The characters are well-developed, with each having their own unique motivations and personalities.
The conflicts in the novel are both external and internal, with characters facing both physical and emotional challenges.
The Ember Blade has many strengths, including its engaging characters, richly imagined world, and complex plot. The writing style is engaging and descriptive, with vivid descriptions of the landscapes, battles, and characters.
The themes of the novel are universal, with issues of power, freedom, and identity being explored throughout the story.
However, the novel also has some weaknesses. The pacing can be slow at times, with some sections feeling like they drag on.
Additionally, some of the characters and storylines feel underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more.
Overall, The Ember Blade is a well-written and engaging high fantasy novel that is sure to delight fans of the genre. It has many strengths, including its engaging characters, richly imagined world, and complex plot.
However, it also has some weaknesses, including slow pacing and underdeveloped characters. Despite these flaws, The Ember Blade is a must-read for any fan of high fantasy novels.
Rating: 8/10
