Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is a wild ride. Russell Archey has a way to pull you into every character’s mindset. You really can feel the world around them. This story is a great dark fantasy book that will bring you to a new sense of being.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m a romance reader through and through but I always challenge myself to pick up something out of my comfort zone every now and then. This one caught my eye so I decided why not. I was so glad I found it. This story took me on quite the ride in a world I didn’t want to leave. The characters and storyline are so well written you just simply sink into the pages while the outside world passes by. From start to finish I was completely hooked and couldn’t put this book down. This is a newer author to me but I’m really excited for more. I’m really looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this one to anyone who asks. Four big stars! Can’t wait for the next one!
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
This book was a really good read… it made me think and was throughly a curl up on the couch in your fave blanket with soft music playing in the background and a hot cup of something!!!! The characters are very well written and you get sucked into the goings on from the very beginning!!! Can’t wait until the next book comes out!!!
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey is the First book in the Obscured Throne Trilogy. This dark fantasy is filled with expansive details of a world recreated. You can easily visualize this unfamiliar place and quickly become immersed into the struggles of those trapped in the horror. Truly a unique tale.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book opens up with a BANG! We are hit immediately with The Rupture.
This is unlike any fantasy or dystopian that I have read before. It never ceased to keep me from wondering what happened next.
Many are sick and many are dying. With the way that it ends, I cannot wait to pick up the next!
Reviewed by @michellerenee6590
View all my reviews
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book drew me in from word one! I was captivated by the stories of the different characters, and couldn’t stop reading because I really wanted to know what came next. The world is so original and I can’t say I wanted to be there because it’s scary, but I wanted to know why everything was happening and understand what was going on in the world. I just really didn’t want to stop reading and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting read about “The Rupture”. The sky ruptures and evil is unleashed on the land. The story is told in a fashion I have not read before. Each chapter or portion of the book is from the experience of the characters at that point and time. Although you are switching and reading the stories of varying people, the author keeps the basis of the story at the heart of the matter. It all really does come full circle. Some of the chapters are very gruesome and disturbing. This was a dark fantasy that makes you think of the evils of the world.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The time of prosperity and safety is over. Ygiddra and the Others now walk the world for good or for bad. Elves, dwarves, and humans alike must find a path that will lead them to safety or risk their lives trying. Set in a world of monsters, the unknown is a constant reality and horrors can be around every corner. As time passes, the lives of individuals across the land are told and the experiences they encounter are shared with horrific detail. No one knows what will happen to the world of Aldry but the ashes are falling and time continues on.
I had a lot of hope for this book and there were some great moments but overall I couldn’t connect with it the way I wanted to. The style of telling this story through a variety of different lengths of short stories of the slow decline of Aldry into chaos was an interesting choice and clearly works for so readers. For me personally, I had a hard time connecting with characters or even caring at times what was happening because we would then switch time and perspective. Since I couldn’t connect with the characters as well, when we switched locals and time periods, it was really hard to get back into the story. With this type of story telling, I think I would have been able to follow along better with what was happening if there was some type of map since so many different locations are mentioned. Personally, it would help me visualize the spread of Ygiddra and the Others’ power across the land better. I did feel a lot more connected with the characters and found my intrigue in the story greater for the longer stories. The potential was there for me to really enjoy this with all the mythological creatures, the weird plants, and the moments of time and space being ripped open. Overall, not for me but I’m happy I gave it a try since there were moments that I did enjoy and get creeped out by.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW! I don’t usually pick books that are fantasy, but I was willing to give it a shot and I am so glad that I did. I don’t understand why I don’t read more fantasy, since I love LOTR and the like. I was instantly drawn in as Russell Archey explains in the prologue just how uniquely the book is constructed. As a fellow writer, I love how Russell Archey put the book together. I love how each story is distinct but there remains an over all story line.
I was instantly captured by “The Rupture” and I knew I couldn’t stop then. Like the mysteries in the first chapter, I was swallowed whole, and all memory of any other story that I have read was swept from my memory. That is just how much I enjoyed this book.
Another fabulous perk to Russell Archey’s writing is the grotesque but amazing detail of his conjured creations. Some of the beasts in this book! Absolutely made of nightmare’s! I still find myself wondering how he dreamed up such horrid things. I loved the descriptions of these “things” because my mind gets to paint vividly, horrible creatures.
I’m hooked on this series and so glad that this is just book one!
Reviewed by @danihoneycutt
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1)
By: Russell Archey
Genre: Fantasy/Horror
Pages: 375
Let’s start off with admiring the cover art because that’s why I chose to read this book. Georgia’s and enticing.
This book I felt had many points of views, different stories that keep you wanting to read to the end.
The world that is known is dying and there are challenges and quests that will ensure survival.
Now in parts you will want to close your eyes and take a second cause it gets creepy.
This gave me Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secret vibes.
I would recommend this as a perfect read on a cold and rainy night.
It did not disappoint I liked fantasy but now I love it.
Archey is a five star author and with this series I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Rupture has destroyed every town around it. This book gives me serious LOTR vibes, that my inner nerd loves. Any book that involves Elves already draws me in. Anticipating book 2!!!!
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I loved the character and world-building in this book. The descriptions and feelings within the characters encountering any number of terrors and horrific otherworldly creatures were simply fascinating. Although slightly jarring to jump from story to story from different characters in different times and places in the world, the way they all piece together takes the reader on a journey not unlike the one the characters trying to decipher the Dread Praises find themselves on. It took me a bit longer to truly get hooked into the book than I would normally experience, but I also felt far more invested in the story by the time I finished. I’m truly looking forward to where the series leads next.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I usually love fantasy but am not really into horror so I was interested to see how the author added that to the genre. I think that darker aspect was done really well. However, this is more of a series of short stories related to a single event called the ‘Rupture’, which I didn’t realise going in and was very confused. Although I like short story collections, I found it difficult to connect with the characters and there wasn’t really enough about the Rupture itself to really learn any details about it. I also found the world-building almost too descriptive and I would have preferred much more dialogue and action. Having said all that, I did enjoy the writing and that seems promising for the rest of the trilogy. Overall, a unique dark fantasy read.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Russell Archey has written a great fantasy that fans of Lord of the Rings will enjoy. It is a dark fantasy that will keep you hooked to your kindle till you’re finished. The characters are incredibly well-written. This is a fantasy series I look forward to continuing. Be prepared to get lost within this story.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay. First thing first: the cover? EYECATCHING. The title: intriguing. This was a bit of a “darker” book for me and I enjoyed it. This was my first book by Russell Archey and I’m excited for more! Ashes of Alydr was written with such description I could really feel and enjoy the world building that was taking place around me! I’m a HUGE sucker for elves and I definitely got my fix. I’m eager to read the rest of the series (because YAY more books!!!) and see more of the characters and work be fleshed out. I’m also really excited to learn more about Alda and it’s inhabitants. I’m a sucker for fantasy and this hit the spot for me! I can’t wait to read the next! Check it out y’all 💖
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh sweet magical fantasy realms of awesome sauce, I really loved this book. It was new and refreshing and just a delight to read.
Ever since The Rupture darkness has dealt a hefty blow to Alda; the Aldyrs are dying, the elves are going with them and the dwarves have retreated to their homes safely tucked away in the mountains. Humans are all gathered together in settlements that have seen better days and nasty ass gods do nasty ass things to the world.
I’ve got to say that I love this, it’s always a good sign when a book leaves you just a little bit breathless with wonder. Archey has created a wonderful world that is just bursting with awesomeness. Really recommend reading this book and am looking forward to the next installments.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A story unlike any other. It takes place in the world of Alda. The book takes you through a journey after “The Rupture” takes place. How those left are struggling to survive. The world seems to be dying along with the once lively aldyr trees that were magical. Everyone is feeling the consequences of this as the Elf-kind are dying off, the dwarves are retreating to the mountains and humans are barely surviving together in run down settlements. You are introduced to beings that are worshipped and each has their own horrific power and influence over the people and the world. Each chapter takes you through a journey with different characters that all play a part in a bigger picture. You are then introduced by a dark cult called the Black Gnarl that is exposing the world to all the dangers it has been hidden away from and something sinister is coming.
This book to me held so much promise. A few of the chapters could have been expanded slightly and been books completely their own. The jumping to different characters each chapter and never having the same ones again made this a frustrating read for me. I would have liked to focus more on the characters and broken up each chapter to get more details and build up the characters more. Once you seemed to be able to connect with the characters then that was over and it was moving on to something else. Although all of these stories are based around one event, sometimes that event was barely mentioned and all in all these were all very separate stories. Separately I actually enjoyed each chapter’s story and wanted more from the characters, but feel like it could have been structured better.
I would recommend this book for anyone who goes in almost looking at it like several short stories that have some connection, but nothing overlapping. There is mystery on what is going on with the aldyr trees and learning about the different god-like beings that are portrayed. Also, wanting to discover what is happening to the world and what exactly caused “The Rupture”. I would not recommend if you want a book where you get emotionally invested in characters and character development continues to be important through the whole book.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey is the first book in this new trilogy, and I couldn’t have picked a better time to read it! The author is wonderful at writing compelling descriptions and including multi-dimensional characters that it is so easy to slip beyond the pages and tumble into the world of Alda. This is the first book by this author I have picked up, and I am SO GLAD it is only the first book in a series! I am a long-time lover of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series by Tolkien, and this book absolutely has a Tolkien-feel to it. This dystopian, fantasy story is great for curling up with and forgetting the hours as they tick away. Can’t wait for book two! 5 enthusiastic stars!
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A perfect book for Halloween! This book is a dark fantasy so be prepared to get some chills.
Ahes of Aldyr takes place in a land called Alda which has been destroyed by a sinister cult and the beings they worship. This cults mission was to break through 55 seals to release the creatures and God like beings of the Obscure Throne who quiet literally bring hell on earth. People are being taken and forgotten, creatures wreak havoc on the ones still there, strange plants and smells are taking over cities and the remaining surviors are just doing what they can to survive.
I absolutely loved this book because it is like nothing I’ve ever read before. Each chapter is a different story told from a different point of view and even time. At the beginning it doesn’t seem to make sense but once you let go of the traditional way of story telling you start to see the bigger picture of this book and what the author did. Usually when you read a book its only from one or maybe a few points of view. Which can be very limiting especially in a dystopian story. However Archey told this story from everyone’s point of view. From the cult members, the low and the high society members, the innocent and the guilty, and the different beings that make up Alda. This book gives the reader the imagery of an entire world that has fallen and how it came to be that way. The world-building that came from Archey’s mind is brilliant and genius. With each chapter we see the same world but from others eyes and it created something beautifully horrific. This book is truly a one of a kind and I cannot wait to read the rest of this trilogy.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Russel Archey’s newest novel, “Ashes of Aldyr” is a collection of short stories, all with a dark fantasy vibe, all taking place in the same location, featuring different characters.
The Land of Alda has been torn apart by “The Rupture” and now every town within its boundaries is suffering. The aldyr trees, once magical and powerful, have all but become extinct and no elf, dwarf or human is immune to its destruction. Each one of Archey’s stories features a character (or two) who are dealing with the darkness in their own way- whether it’s fighting it, coping with it or creating it and in this manner, the reader gets to experience the “Rupture” and the cold-hearted, malevolent beings behind its Creation.
“Ashes” has a “A Game of Thrones” or “The Lord of the Rings” vibe, with its mythical creatures and its magical sects. However, the fact that this novel was a collection of stories took away some of its potential sway and power. I did not get a chance to bond with one character over another, and therefore I was not invested in the outcome. The Rupture itself and its Creators were intriguing enough for me to keep reading, as I wanted to know more of those details, but I could not connect to any of the characters.
Archey begins the book with a plethora of fancy, thick and pretty language, and it feels like the beginnings of a poetry novel where nothing of substance is said, but the words are big and long and flowy. Archey gets over this manner of writing rather quickly, thank goodness, and I was able to become more engaged in the novel.
“Ashes” is the first book in “The Obscured Throne Trilogy” and I’m intrigued as to what the other two novels will look like. The ending of “Ashes” gave some hints as to a potential character who could take over a storyline, but to me, the novel was completely wrapped up in one shot, and any further novels would be superfluous (although I’d love to be proven wrong!).
“Ashes of Aldyr” is a dark, fantasy novel full of magi, elves and humans with magical powers that takes place in a land that has seen an epic level of destruction. There are some stories in this novel I enjoyed more than others, and it was these that I wanted more of. I could not relate to any of the characters as I did not get a long enough time with them to bond, but they were all likable on the surface. The environment of Alda is unique and creative, and the writing flows well. Archey’s “Ashes” checks all the boxes of a fantasy novel, and die-hard fans of the genre will definitely enjoy this dark trilogy.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr is my first book by Russell Archery. I was instantly drawn to this book by the cover which gave me the dark and slightly spooky vibes that I love during this time of the year, plus I love most dystopian novels. It took me a little while to get into the book as each chapter tells the story of different characters which made it a little difficult for me to connect with them. However, I really enjoyed it and was intrigued by Archery’s style of writing. Overall, the story was engaging and unique!
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First I just want to say…WOW. This read came onto my plate at the perfect time for a dark and menacing read during the spooky season. I don’t typically read dark fantasy, but this book seemed to whisper to me in a way I simply couldn’t resist. Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey was unexpectedly gripping from the beginning through the end, I seriously couldn’t put it down.
The reader gets transported through several different character perspectives, each one not only haunting but also very well developed. I found myself lost in their tales.
Russell did an amazing job putting you right there in the world of Alda…hang on, because as you read you may find your spine tingling with fear right alongside the humans, dwarves, and elves of Alda.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archeyis the first book in The Obscure Throne trilogy. This was my first read by this author and it will not be my last. The world they create with their writing draws you in from the first page to the last page. I could not put the book down as I just needed to know what was going to happen next.
The story starts off in the middle of action in an event known as “The Rupture” giving the reader a sense of what they are reading. The characters are as unique as the tale itself. As you read you get different views that all lead back to the original event. What was once done in the past to seal away darkness behind 55 seals, but now those many of those seals are broken and the fate of the world is in danger. It is a dark fantasy that does not disappoint.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Neglected by a father who put the power of knowledge before his child. What attraction can do to the opposite sex. It can make you abandon your morals to make an impression on your crush. A book inside a book that choose who can understand the text that is written. For the ones who aren’t chosen is just gibberish.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first read of a book by Russell Archey. I was prepared for a typical dystopian fantasy tale, was I ever wrong. Nothing about Ashes of Aldyr is typical. It has a unique premise and writing style with unique characters and with what I like to call “grab you by the throat and drag you between the covers” feel to it.
The story begins with an event known as “The Rupture”. Instantly throwing the reader into the action, drama and plight of all characters that are affected. I love learning about each character’s specific challenge in each new chapter. The characters and world Mr. Archey created is so detailed you really get a sense of having been there and met the characters.
I felt this was a great entry book to this series and can’t wait for book two!!
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book way more than I realized I would, it’s a lot different than what I normally read, so I wasn’t sure how much is enjoy it. Archery wove together a collection of tales from different areas of the world Alda, combining them to build a view of the darkness spreading through their entire world. I’m truly looking forward to the next book of the trilogy and hoping to see the fates of several characters.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had never heard of this author before now and what a way to kickstart!
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect because elf related books don’t really strike my fancy but I’m really liking dystopian relate books these days so I figured why not?!
This book was full of action that left me wanting to read nonstop!! I’m excited to know there’s more than one!!
My only complaint was that it was hard to get into in the beginning.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr is the first book in the Obscured Throne Trilogy. There is everything you could ask for in this book! Elves, dwarves, humans, etc. When I read the synopsis, I was expecting a Lord of the Rings vibe to it. It was not what I expected but it did not disappoint! Even after reading the into chapter I was hooked!
I love reading fantasy but not so much horror. This book has both elements but was written in such a way that I loved everything even the horror aspect.
Russell Archey has a way with words. The book was very descriptive and well written. I could not put the book down! The way the author described the evil, you’d think they were evil as well. I found my heart was beating harder and I could not stop reading. I cannot wait to read the other two books in the trilogy! Highly recommend!
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mr. Russell Archey is a new author to my growing list of favorite authors. This book is a fantasy book but it is on the dark side of fantasy. The attention to detail really makes this book stand out for me. It has all types of characters in the story. There are magical trees, elf-kind, humans, and some nasty god-like characters. I felt like I was one of the characters in the book. The adventure that I went on was one of dark arts. It held my attention with each passing page. The storyline has many levels throughout the book but Mr. Archey does an amazing job of keeping it all straight for me.I highly recommend reading this book as it is an amazing journey. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Krista Vaughan
A dark, apocalyptic fantasy that takes place after “The Rupture”. Aldyr branches are now scarce and the Elves are dying because of it. Danger lurks around every corner. This is a non stop gripping tale of darkness looking to destroy what remains of the world. Alda is hidden but will it stay that way? The first book in “The Obscured Throne Trilogy”, this is a must read!
