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Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey – Review by Lucy Vincent

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey

Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey is the first installment of the Obscured Throne Trilogy. It’s a book full of detail, and the way he weaves the story together almost reminds me of G.R.R. Martin mixed with a bit of Tolkien, and even a little C.S. Lewis. I know there were probably some details that I missed, so I fully intend to re-read this book. I did enjoy it, and if you like fantasy, it’s perfect for you. Highly recommend it, just make sure you take extra time to take in all the details!

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Robbyn Perkins

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read by Russel Archey and it did not disappoint. The first book in a trilogy and it was a perfect start to grab my attention and keep me excited for the next book. I really enjoyed how the author was able to weave a multi-layered story into a dystopian world. I found myself getting lost in this unique writing style.

The world of Alda is broken, destroyed by an event the survivors call “The Rupture.” All the different stories told within this story line forming a larger tapestry that shows the scope of the horror and insanity brought by the elusive and mind-numbing entity known as the Obscure Throne. The world was once saved from this threat and Alda was hidden and sealed away by 55 seals. Now, an ancient and shadowy cult called the Black Gnarl have broken enough seals to expose Alda to the Obscure Throne.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Alexandra Nay

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Thorne Trilogy Book 1)Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashes of Aldyr is the first book in the Obscured Throne Trilogy, and the first book I have read by Russell Archey. The best way to describe the feel of this book is past-post apocalyptic. Elves, humans, dwarves, and magic trees, what more could you ask for?! As a full time working single parent, I loved how there were many short stories that all connected. I felt this was a very good book for putting down and picking up again later. It is very dark and rather spooky, a perfect read for the season.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Karen (Melody) Marsh

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey took me for a ride! I love fantasies, but recently saw this one and knew I had to read! It was so descriptive and very well written! (I am a stickler for writing style and I flew through this book!)

This was a dark fantasy with twists and turns. I will say the beginning was a little confusing as it starts in medias res and doesn’t slow down, but once you get your brain on the right gear I swear only ten minutes had passed and I was done with the book! Must read!!

@karenmmarsh
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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey was just purely amazing. This was my first read by Russell Archey and I was definitely not disappointed. While I have not read Mr. Archery before the cover, blurb, and title all really grabbed my attention. So I picked it up and went off to discover a whole new world where characters are all perfectly written, and while this book has some dark undertones it was a perfect blend of dark and fantasy. This is the first installment of The Obscured Throne Trilogy series and I for one am very happy that it’s a series because I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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Ashes

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Thorne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Thorne Trilogy Book 1)Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The land of Alda is broken, ever since an event known as The Rupture creatures of darkness have appeared and ravaged the land and its people, there was once a time where these creatures had been sealed away behind 55 seals created from different branches of magic and they held until a cult known as “The Black Gnarl” came along. Slowly this group have worked in shadows and secrecy to break these seals and bring forth the one known as the Obscure Throne into Alda, but they are still waiting to be released, however, they have sent their lesser creatures ahead to wreak havoc on the world in preparation for their arrival.

There are god and goddess like beings whom are both terrible and horrific in the way that their presence infiltrates and exerts their influence in the areas around them, bringing destruction, madness and all in between which leaves the land dying. The life giving and magical Aldyr trees are slowly dying and the elf-kind whose life is connected to them are dying as well, the dwarves are retreating from the lands they called home to the mountains where they hope to find solace and an escape. All the while, the humans are trying to survive in their newly made world and the dangers that come with it as they scrape together what little they can to live off.

This is a story woven from many threads which describe all aspects of The Rupture and the effects it has had on Alda as a whole and told through the eyes and tongues of the few survivors who have both mentally and physically survived long enough to share their experiences. The book leaves you both disturbed and needing to know more as you read through it to discover the who, what, where, when and why of The Rupture, The Obscure Throne and those whose lives revolve around it.

Review by @roxsannel

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Thorne Trilogy Book 1)Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey

Ashes of Aldyr is the first book in The Obscured Throne Trilogy by Russell Archey . Holy Cow what an epic dark Fantasy. I’ll admit what I just read was no where near what I expected to find when I started reading. It’s a grab you from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. It’s a fast paced story that takes you on quite the adventure and the characters are well developed and easy to keep up with. I could quite easily imagine how things looked and a couple times I literally got chills. This is a new to me author but he just got himself a new fan. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens. I can’t wait for the next book in this Trilogy.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Shelly Kittell

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Thorne Trilogy Book 1)Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey

The Ashes of Aldyr is probably one of the best dark fantasy stories that I’ve read in a bit. It’s usually not my genre but I had read such great review that I had to give it a try. I am so glad I did. Action, thrills and dark adventure. The evil kind of gives you such creeps that you want to crawl in a hole too. I found myself holding my breath waiting for the next thing to happen. I wanted to keep reading but life (eating, sleeping, etc.) got in the way. The author’s descriptions are so clear that I can almost visualize the characters and places in my head. A definite winner for me. This is a great book. Give it a shot! I don’t think you’ll be unhappy. Highly recommend.

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Ashes of Aldyr ( The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1 ) by Russell Archey – Review by Carla Clemmons

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really good dark fantasy read! This was my first read from this author and I will be reading more from them. As you read this book you see that all aspects of the story come together. I really enjoyed the character building and the descriptions of all the different places. Not everything is as it seems in this story. Definitely looking forward to book 2 and can’t wait to see what’s in store!

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Paula R Sayers

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archery begins with The Rupture taking place. Each chapter is a story with its own characters. These characters all have a part in the story of the Obscured Throne. Each story has its own horror. This is the first book in a trilogy.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Liz Vrchota

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was interesting… I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to get into with it because I have never read anything by Russell Archey prior but I was intrigued by the cover, synopsis, and a few teasers so I decided with spooky season and whatnot to give it a go. This novel definitely has the dark undertones to set the mood and really builds the worlds beautifully. I will say the skill set there is strong for Mr. Archey. I did however struggle with the layout of the storytelling overall. I just had a difficulty with the way things flowed and couldn’t get into a groove that I wanted to find and look for often with my reading. I think that is something I often fear with fantasy type novels and this one unfortunately fell into that rut for me. However, the world building, the imagination and the time obviously spent in developing the characters and the background was ever prevalent and kept me reading until the end at the least. I would say I would be interested in seeing what book two holds and seeing if things flow a bit smoother for me in reading that one. I enjoyed the darkness that kept me on my toes and intrigued as well. Not bad for a new author to me and what seems to be a newer author in general so I will give it a solid three and a half stars.

Review by @lizaileen
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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Amber Poole

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was quite interesting. At first the book seemed very dark and I wasn’t sure i would like it. However, it grabbed my attention and I needed to know how the story played out. I liked the format of the book. Instead of number chapters it was presented more like acts or parts of the story. Its very action packed

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Rachel Moss

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashes of Aldyr was a really good book! The world building is so intricate and the characters are very well written and well done. This book is divided into different sections with different characters and stories that all center around one main ot and it’s just really unique and well done. This definitely a darker fantasy book, almost horror like in the way certain events are described. This book gave me chills and kept me up reading. This is an entirely new author to me and I’m so glad I picked this book up. I can’t wait to read the next book in this trilogy!

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Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashes of Aldyr is a dark and disturbing work. The language struck me immediately – it is dripping with imagery that is terrifying and putrid. The stories, collectively, weave together a hellish world where dark magic abounds, and souls are ripped away into the inky black. At the centre of this is an ancient tome called The Dread Praises, which is the key to all the madness. Can the evil be stopped before everything is lost? Give it a read to find out.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archery – Review by Anna Hirsch

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archery
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archery
3 Stars

I love fantasy and horror books. This seemed like a mixture of both so I was excited to read it. It ended up not being what I expected. The same theme flows throughout the novel but it is like a bunch of short stories put together to form one book. The world of Alda is dying. Monstrosities abound and atrocities occur daily. Each story shows different events happening to different people. I enjoyed the story about the garden and the lady of the tower. These stories occurred more towards the beginning of the book and unfortunately the rest didn’t capture my attention. The stories were too short for me to get attached to the characters therefore I honestly couldn’t care less what happened to them. I couldn’t finish the book. I completely lost interest. This book wasn’t for me personally but it is well written and unique. I’m sure there are many readers who would enjoy it.

Review by @AnnaHirsch
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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Jenni Bishop

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Thorne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey. This is the first book I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I must say his work reminded me of JK Tolkien the hobbit works. This dark tale is steeped in evil causing havoc in the new world that Russell has created. The delicate and multilayered threads that have been painstakingly weaved together has become an intriguing and engrossing read.
It’s a great, fast-paced narrative that has enough Tolkien to be familiar yet not be a cut-and-paste copy. The story is riveting and you’ll find yourself wondering what comes next. There are small issues with the story but these are not glaring for those who enjoy good plotlines.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This fantasy horror/thriller really had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. It starts out with a few different perspectives and then settles into the main characters. I felt like I was right there along with them, trying to figure things out and trying to navigate complex emotions. I really can’t see what happens next!

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new author for me which I enjoyed from beginning to end. This is a well written story that took me on an adventure of magic and creative characters that made the story fun and entertaining to read. The characters are not only relatable but brought the story to life on each page. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and hard to put down. Alda is a world that is broken and as a result of that the magical tree and Elf-kind are dying. Creatures and humans are hiding out in their homes. What happens next you will need to read this book to find out. There is a lot happening but the author did a great job of keeping details straight and not confusing. It is worth the pick up and I am glad that I did. I really enjoyed the adventure it took me on and highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Kerry Baker

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey is the First book in the Obscured Throne Trilogy. This is an absolutely captivating book that I juat could not put down. I knew that I was going to be in for a treat when even the blurb of the book got me excited but I was not expected to be so blown away! I was engrossed in this book right right the word go and loved every second of it.
I thought the story was so unique. It isn’t like anything I have read before and that made the whole thing even more excited. I loved this authors writing style too. It just sweeps you up with the story and pulls you along for the ride. It is the first book that I have read by this author and it is a fantastic introduction. This is easily one of the strongest starts to a series I have read for a long time and I cannot wait to get my hands on book two.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Kerry Carr

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this first book in The Obsecured Throne Trilogy. The author has a fantastic way of writing that makes the story believable even though the characters are mystical. This is a really dark fantasy adventure that keeps you gripped from the beginning and doesn’t let go. At first I found it a bit confusing as it is a story with different characters and than spans time, however it wasn’t so complicated that it was hard to read.

This is a story that will drag you in. It is the first story in a while that I have truelly lost myself in. I lost all concept of time while reading this  book as I couldn’t put it down without knowing what was going to happen next. I really can’t wait to read the next book in this Trilogy.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Piper Foster

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The world is broken and not as we know it. Fantasy creatures. Unfortunately for me this book didn’t capture me at all. I keep dipping in and out as I couldn’t connect to the characters and found it a hard read. However the writing style is nicely done.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Angela Hayes

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

“He looked to his left at the aldyr tree that grew precariously near the edge of that mighty drop. It should have remained blooming throughout the fall and winter despite cold, darkness, and snow. Now, it was dead—a lifeless reminder of what was happening to his world. Lush and full of timeless vigor, the aldyrs are sacred to the world. Now, they all lay dry and lifeless; broken like the world that once was.”

Ashes of Aldyr is the first book in The Obscured Throne Trilogy by Russell Archey. This is my first read by Mr. Archey, so I really didn’t know what to expect from his work- but the title , cover and blurb captured my attention, so I grabbed a copy and set off to explore.
This is a really great start to the trilogy- which, if this book is anything to go by, looks set to be fantastic. I loved Mr. Archey’s darker take on an epic fantasy story- weaving an action-packed adventure I won’t soon forget. He has a bold and dynamic style that really works well with this genre. His world building skills are also excellent- crafting a world that came to life before my eyes. It was so easy to imagine everything he was describing, like it was playing out on a screen, not merely words written on a page. I can see this making a great movie or television series.
This is a bit of a multi-layered story- with a bit of a dystopian feel in places. The storyline is quite original, with lots of dramatic developments and other clever and unique touches that made the story an intense page turner. I started the story thinking I would just read a few chapters and then go to bed- well, several hours later and wayyy past my bedtime, I finally finished and came up for air. Sleep is over-rated…. right?.
This is a series I definitely want to continue…. I am hooked and can’t wait for more- the sooner the better!
If you love fantasy with a darker, edgier feel- then this is definitely the book/series for you!
Bring on Book #2!

Thank you, Russell Archey!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was very interesting to read, I was not expecting the way or how this book is written. I enjoyed it very much thou and couldn’t put it down. I just had to find out what was going to happen next. The many story lines with the book really had me wanting to find out what was going on. And everything to do with the aldry trees. This book was very entertaining to read, and a page turner. Can’t wait for what’s going to happen next.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book literally had me hooked right from the start! I can not begin to say how good and amazing this book was as well as the this amazing author’s writing. I felt I was right there with the story as well as enduring the dark danger that lurked near by! his was a must read for sure, highly recommended!

In truth, these branches were sacred. They each had a piece of life, and had t be protected and upheld, power comes with a price, and if the wrong hands were to obtain it, who knows what would happen right? The story as well as the branches the story and plot weaved, were so convincing and griping, I was sucked in learning and questioning all things. I loved the take on the fantasy mixed with some horror. This book had quickly become of my favorites. I loved this amazing novel, there was a lot of wonderment and suspense for me upon reading, and I could not put this down, I had more answers to seek!

This is a novel that is the start of a new series, and I will defiantly with an anxious heart be waiting for the next installment. This is a book that you really need to read, and to truly understand my love for this book to feel the feelings I had upon reading, the characters and their stories, it can truly be felt from the reader. The author knew exactly what they were doing when they wrote this! Yes, I was highly impressed the story keeps you interested and brings more things to light when you think you have figured something out, its gripping and full of amazement even at the dark moments!

The book is a perfect blend of fantasy for my linking, and the hint of darkness and horror was very much welcomes. I was on the edge of my seat for the duration I was hooked right in from the beginning and I could not let go, perhaps I was held together by branches of something pulling me back? All I know is that this book surpassed my expectations and truly was awesome! High recommendation for this book!

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey

~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~
Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey
Genre – Dark Fantasy, Horror, Fantasy
Page Count – 358 pages
Cover Designer – Marianne Nowicki
“The world of Alda is broken, destroyed by an event the survivors call “The Rupture.” The aldyrs, magical trees connected to the soul of the world which once grew in breathtaking groves, are dead. Elf-kind, who shared a close bond with these trees, are dying out as a result. The dwarves have retreated into their mountain homes. Humans gather in crumbling settlements. Sinister, god-like beings, each uniquely horrific, exert their influences over the world. Each story is a different thread forming a larger tapestry that shows the scope of the horror and insanity brought by the elusive and mind-numbing entity known as the Obscure Throne. The world was once saved from this threat and Alda was hidden and sealed away by 55 seals. Now, an ancient and shadowy cult called the Black Gnarl have broken enough seals to expose Alda to the Obscure Throne…and It’s coming.”

~ AMAZON ~

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Russell Archey has been writing since he was old enough to hold a pencil. His love for narratives, world-building, and story-telling has fed into nearly every aspect of his life: from his video and board game hobbies to pressing his most cherished books onto his unfortunate children (who will, one day, read the Lord of the Rings trilogy whether they like it or not). When he’s not creating new worlds and horrifying things to threaten them with destruction, he’s bringing other author’s fantastic works to life as an audio book narrator, spending time with his two children, and pressing his dear wife’s eternal patience with his quirky habits.

Author Interview With ​​Russell Archey

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