An Imperial Gambit

Wardens of Issalia #3

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

A conflict of ideals: magic versus fire-powered weapons. The fate of Issalia hangs in the balance.

A new Empire has risen to power. Already in control of the east coast, the Imperial Army sets its sights on Issalia's western kingdoms. Tensions rise as both sides prepare for war.

What deadly weapon will the Empire develop next?

Brandt and Quinn are espions - part spy, part thief, part assassin. Under false identities, these spies find themselves deeply entrenched within Empire headquarters. There, they gather information, seeking a means to foil the Empire's plans for conquest.

One misstep by either warden could result in death - their own and thousands of others.

They are joined by a small squad of fellow wardens:
Wildcats - warriors trained to fight while powered by magic  Rangers - experts in nature, these archers scout enemy forces  Gadgeteers - engineers who invent magic-powered machines and weapons  Arcanists - those who can wield Chaos - a destructive, rune-based magic  Driven by the core belief that Chaos magic is evil, the Empire seeks to stamp out this scourge. If victorious, Chaos will be outlawed. Those who can wield it...will be executed.

The wardens must stop this Imperial gambit.

Genres: Fantasy

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2018

About the author

I love fantasy, adventure, and magic. More than that, I adore my readers.

My books are written to entertain -- fantasy adventures filled with compelling characters, spectacular magic, thrilling action, constant intrigue, and a sense of discovery. I equate them to the "Marvel Movie" version of fiction, intended to be a fun escape.

I would love to have you join me and my quirky characters for one outrageous adventure after another. With over a million published words, my author journey has just begun.

Best wishes,
Jeff

_________________________________

Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer's imagination.

Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.
_________________________________

"Would you like FREE books and access to exclusive content? Join my author newsletter, which frequently includes special offers and inside info on my books.
Join at www.JeffreyLKohanek.com and download a free eBook today." -Jeff

"I LOVE to hear from readers and fans. Connect with me through email or social media."

Email - author@JeffreyLKohanek.com
Facebook - /JeffreyLKohanek

Reviews

[Jennifer (bunnyreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Wardens of Issalia series, dealing with the organisation known and ICON and their struggles against the rising Empire. The aftermath of the last book leaves the Tantari kingdom in a precarious position, with the Empire starting to gain more of a foothold in the country-endangering our friends at Icon and all Chaos-based magic users.

Like the first two books, we follow multiple pov’s.

We find Quinn and Brandt still on mission in Sol Polis. Curan, whom we met last book, arrives at the Academy. Everson is still back at the academy/Fallbrandt creating cool stuff. And Cassie is dealing with the loss of her family members, and trying not to let Brandt find out because she is afraid he will do something rash if her finds out while on mission.

We also have appearances from quite a few others as the cast in this series has grown a lot as the world gets larger, but the focus in this book has narrowed down to the important players- and I liked that it did.

Unfortunately, that means less screen time for Everson and Rena and few others, but their time on screen though smaller, was important time, and not just filling. I was ok with the sacrifice. I think the story was a lot smoother for it, and it helped to keep the pacing up.

Also, sacrificing some of the ICON characters onscreen time meant that we got some backstory for my favorite bad guy, Ikonis.
Iko is a big part of the reason I keep coming back to this series so I was really happy about getting some of his side of the story. He has always felt like he didn’t really want to be doing what he’s doing, and now we have some insight into what’s motivating him when it seems like what he is doing is eating away at his soul.

Each book has opened this world up a little more, as we learn more of the world and the people, it gets harder to tell whose side is right and whose is wrong. The series itself is just a whole lot of fun and has been a nice little breather between dark and grim. I think this is the strongest one so far.

Other thoughts:

-That was a nicely placed/timed reminder of Quinn’s and Iko’s past relationship. Far enough in that when it did remind us of the circumstances it didn’t take a way from the tension build of worrying about their meeting.

-The conversations and shared/remembered stories were so much smoother in this book.
- I am not sure how I felt about a certain revelation…hmm still debating.



-Thank you to the author Jeffrey L Kohanek, for generously providing a copy through Esme’s tbrinder matchmaking reviewer/author service, which you can find here at The Weatherwax Report-

https://weatherwaxreport.blog/2018/04...



This review can also be found at Rockstarlit BookAsylum

https://starlitbook.com/2018/12/28/an...

[Janeandjerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Imperial Gambit (Wardens of Issalia Book 3)

OMG I DON'T THINK I CAN WAIT FOR BOOK 4 TO COME OUT I WANT TO READ IT NOW!!!!!! Ok yes I loved this book and the adventures they are on trying to save their kingdoms and people I've enjoyed each book up to this point and I WANT MORE!!!! 😃😃😃😃😃

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great one in the series

This book is another great addition in the Wardens series. It is the best book so far and I like that the books keep getting better as the stakes for the characters keep getting higher.

This book focuses more on missions for various Wardens as well as some development of weaponry at the Ward. The story strikes a very good balance between these with all the events being directly related to the overall plot. There are no filler missions or filler characters which I really liked. Most of the book focuses on Quinn and Brandt. Their story is extremely interesting and somewhat unpredictable. The banter between. Them as well as Chuli and Jonah is quite entertaining. This book definitely builds up the tension between the Empire and everywhere else and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always another awesome adventure written in glourious wide sweeps of imagination. A world full of all sorts of people who are fighting to end the rule of a corrupt section of people. The characters are well written and described. The world of Issalia rocks. I love all of Mr Kohanek’s books. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this series, curling up with your favourite beverage and lose yourself in a fabulous series.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much packed into this book. I love this series, and Quinn is still my favorite. Cassie is another favorite of mine. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Natasha Clark-French · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this series by is so good! It just keeps getting better and better. Idk how he does it but Kohanek is able to create such vivid imagery that I just get lost in his books. And I love all the characters! Quinn is by far my favorite though. I admire strong, loyal, brilliant women and Quinn is a character every girl and woman should look up too. All the other characters are wonderfully dynamic and admirable too so there's never a lack of of that hopeful feeling. The world building is perfectly balanced and there's enough action to keep things interesting but enough intrigue to keep me guessing. I wasn't able to predict any of the big moments about this book which is so refreshing. I can't wait to continue this series and read everything else Kohanek writes!

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Imperial Gambit (Wardens of Issalia Book 3) my fifth read from author Jeffrey L. Kohanek. Well-written with intricately developed characters you can invest heavily in and the story-line with its intricate twists & surprises as the tension & suspense ratchets up throughout the book’s length. 315 pages but reads even longer with the attention to detail written into the story. Kohanek’s fantasy world has become one of my favorite reads with Icon being my next read, now I just need to determine the proper reading order for his multiple Issalia books. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[LooseBoots · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing adventure that was so intense my head spun at times. I had trouble sleeping in between reads .
Although there are a lot of solid characters in the story the author made it easy to connect with them all ensuring a fluid story.

Lots of heroes and villains. The journey is not over yet.

Can’t wait for the next thrilling epic episode.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one concentrates more on action and what is going on exacly. There will be lots of Quinn and much much less of Everson (I need him more as he is SO refreshing!).
Quinn and Brandt's relationship Took next steps which was cool as I really rnjouly them as an 'item'.
Good action packed story with kicka$$ characters and intriguing plot

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeffrey Kohanek has written another gem in An Imperial Gambit. The books in this series just keep getting better and better. I loved reading about the continuing adventures of my favorite characters and seeing them grow. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Shaun Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necessary Chaos

Order is fine, but a little chaos is necessary, if for nothing else to keep things interesting. Without taking risks where would we be? I like the fact that Brandt is gaining more control of his chaos and trying new things with success.

[John Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book! Such a great series! Jeffrey has created a wonderful, unique world! Amazing characters that suck you in! I highly recommend checking it out!

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 starts with a flashback to the escape from the prison mining camp that was the start of the Empire’s campaign. We get to learn about the different characters that make up the Empire forces, Archon Meryl Varius, her son Ikonis, General Kardan, Captain Sculdin and Sgt Mollis. We also get to see the follow up from the end of book 2 in which Kony, who everyone had thought was not only a relative, but Broland’s friend, and ended up being an Empire traitor. This has cost the lives of Brock and Broland, and left Queen Ashland fighting for her life in a coma, and the Kingdoms all reeling with the news of King Brock’s death at the hands of the Empire.
This is a book in which there are so many storylines running in parallel, some that are major plotlines and others that are just the odd little snippets into stories that are other minor characters that are operating on both Kingdom or Empire sides. Kohanek has produced this multi-faceted story that is utterly fascinating as it is full of adventure, political intrigue, magic, and characters that are fighting for their lives to push their agendas and causes, some in the name of evil, others like Brock and his Followers, and Quinn and the Ward all desperately trying to fight for freedom.
Quinn has been moved to the position of bodyguard having saved the Archon’s life, giving her unprecedented access and trust within the Empire, and allowing her and Brandt to supply all sorts of intel back to the Ward.
Everson continues to create amazing artifacts back at the ward, whilst working closely with Ivy and Cassie. Cassie meanwhile (without giving away too many spoilers), begins an incredible journey in this book, as she begins to really uncover the full potential of her ‘Chaos’ bloodline and what this means for some of the unknown powers she has.
Cassie has the ability to discover new Chaos Runes, seemingly just to pull them out of the air during visions – leading to her finding some particularly interesting Runes that she passes on to Brandt for experimentation (with some interesting outcomes).
We also get to see the follow-on of events from what occurs with Kony, and how this impacts Kalimar and Ashland. As a part of this storyline, we also get to see a lot more of Curan, Cameron’s son, and his character is just brilliant. As well as Curan, we also get to see Chuli, another Tantarri, who is the first to join the Fallbrandt Academy, but she is also chosen for ICON due to her exceptional abilities. Along with Thiron and Jonah, they become a Ranger party and set out on some thrilling missions that make up another sensational aspect of this story (no spoilers – but their journey is just brilliant!!)
Rena, Master Kwai-Lan and their party are sent to a small village to uncover another mystery that leads to an unsettling discovery and a difficult mission for Rena.
As well there are the Empire stories, we get to follow Archon Varius and her discussions with bodyguard Glynnis (Quinn as he alias), as well as the redeemed Jeshica. There is the plotting and scheming for not only the take over of the rest of the Kingdoms of Issalia with General Kardan and Captain Sculdin, but also the systematic eradication of anyone with the power of chaos as they see them as being evil and needing to be killed. In order to achieve this, they continue to create and use the power of flashpowder with cannons, and their new weapons (that I am not going to spoil).
The character work is just outstanding in this series, there is so much depth to all of the characters, these people are so real, with such emotional and psychological depth to each of them. The struggles that each of them is going through as they are fighting this conflict, you can feel it in the characters, it is clear in Brock and Ashland, but in the younger characters to. The evolution of Everson, who is lost in his engineering, but is now realising this thanks to Ivy, and is trying desperately to be more aware. Ikonis, who killed the one other friend he has ever had, and may have been more of a friend than Percy, and he is now struggling with intense guilt over it and wondering what is the point of all of this? Quinn, who even though she is working for the head of the enemy, actually likes and respects her, even though she knows she is wrong. The love and fear that Cassie and Brandt share through their bond, so worried about losing each other, and knowing they have to do all they can to save what their Father has built.
Around these characters is this incredible world building, all of these amazing locations, detailed on this beautiful map, but brought to life in such incredible detail. The locations in this story are just wonderful, and the comprehensive detail and background of all of the cities, the villages, castles that Kohanek has created are just remarkable, really giving the story so much realism so you almost feel like you are there, you could go and visit each of these places.
This has been such a stunning saga, from its very beginning at the first Runes book, to now, this is one of those series that you just can’t put down, you get so invested in the characters and the story, it is an absolute must read for any Fantasy lover!!

[Mary Beihl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Great plot, lot's of characters, cool story line with magic and chaos. Couldn't put the books down. Gotta go read the final book

[Melinda Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

“That bit of happiness was what she needed—a light in the dark times to come.”

An Imperial Gambit takes everything we have learned in A Warden’s Purpose and The Arcane Ward and essentially ”rolls the dice”.

So many explosive things happen in this novel. Literally and figuratively speaking. Quinn and Brandt are playing their respective rolls in the Sol Polis Citadel as they attempt to learn the Empire’s plan. Everson and Ivy have created an amazing invention called the Colossus which they hope will help the Kingdoms in the upcoming war. And then their are the other Wardens who are sent on their own harrowing missions to protect and save the kingdoms from new and horrifying creatures.

Outside the walls of the Arcane Ward, trouble is brewing and soon will come to an explosive finale. King Brock and Prince Broland are thought to be dead and Queen Ashland is in a coma after Kony uses flash powder to blow up the Royal sweet in the Kantarian Citidel. And the Devastation of loss and of being alone helps Cassilyn in her resolve to discover new ways to use her Chaos magic.

Pieces are falling into place and the Empire is set to strike. They have flash powder, crazy new weapons and enough gold to buy them an army and they will stop at nothing to end the use of Chaos once and for all.

Old friends lives are at stake and on the line and this books shoves you in so many directions at once. It is captivating and exciting and one hell of an experience.

Again, my favorite character is Brandt, but let’s talk about some of the other wonderful characters. (There are so many to choose from! Dang Jeff knows how to write characters!). I particularly enjoyed Curan in this book. He is the son of Puri and Cameron and he is such a sweet, mild tempered young man but he is also one hell of a fighter and not to be provoked. Speaking of the Tantari, Chuli is also a magnificent character. She is a great friend to Quinn, a wonderful ranger and has more courage in the face of danger than could be humanly possible.

All in all, this novel has everything! (Yes! I mean EVERYTHING!) Danger, heroism, crazy creatures, pure evil, ingenious inventors, crazy cool inventions, romance, love and loss. And you are going to have to reread it just to catch it all (I have read it 3 times now and still caught new things)!

[Alan Behan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving these books. Great to read and so enjoyable. I recommend these books for anyone who loves a good oul story of adventure, magic and intrigue. The third book is another fantastic addition in the Wardens series. It is the best in the series so far and as the story continues it gets better and better as our characters keep finding them selves in perilous situations. In this book the author focuses more on missions for various Wardens as well as some development of weaponry for the upon coming war with the Empire. Most of the book focuses on Quinn and Brand, Their story and relationship is great, Reminds me of Jace and Narine from his other series with good humour and banter between them. Driven by the core belief that Chaos magic is evil, the Empire seeks to stamp out this scourge. If victorious, magic will be outlawed and those who can wield it will be executed. Awesome worldbuilding, plot and setting, Tim Cambell continues to give a great narration performance, highly recommended...😁💥🔥

[Rally Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Imperial Gambit is the third instalment of the Wardens of Issalia series. Here we get plenty of new twist, who is on whose side, what drive people to do what they do, and this is all coming to a head now towards the end of the series. The court intrigue reigns supreme, and it’s a ride from cover to cover. There are the fabulous characters (#JustGonnaGushOnBrandtAndQuinn #SweetSWEETRomance), twist and turns, fun banter, and high-paced action scenes.

The book on a whole is hard to review without spoiling the entire series, but I have to say, this was a step up from the previous two books. Whoever isn’t hooked until now, will be so by the time they finish An Imperial Gambit. Fantastic series!

And since I’m listening to the audiobook, I might as well add that Tim Campbell continues to be great at bringing the characters to life!

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)

There's always a sense of wait, wait, rush run when you are part of a military organisation. However, when the time to become involved in a mission, the participants often looked backwards, wistfully, to their seemingly idle days.

The Wardens were fully engrossed in various missions, each facing the new threat of flash powered weapons. Learning to combat these new weapons was going to be costly, especially in lives.

This episode has some very dramatic scenes, and it's interesting to see the same time line, at different locations.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of action and we get to see Quinn and Brandt's relationship develop more. I think they are my favorite. We see a little of Everson but I wish there was more of him. I love his inventions. Ashland shows she is no push over and Rena steps up and goes in the field. The story kept me hooked from the start and I hated to put it down. There is a cliffhanger ending so we need Book 4 fast!

[Kimberly Gordon-Bercich · Rating 5 out of 5]

War on the Horizon

The Empire is taking over country by any means necessary. Quinn has been sent to the heart of the enemy. Everton is busy finding new ways of utilizing chaos in weaponry. Betrayal and espionage are everywhere. Be careful who you trust, because it just might be the difference between life and death.

[James (ObservantRaven) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon

[Johnie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read

I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like magic and intrigue with lots of action

[Marguerite BRITTAIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't get enough of this fabulous tale!

Absolutely engrossing & hard to put down. I almost don't want it to end. Of course it must, eventually, sadly.

[Leda]

It was an awesome follow-up of the story.