What do you think?
Rate this book
Tempest of Bravoure #1
Kingdom Ascent
We live brave. We die free.
Darkness has fallen upon the golden kingdom of Bravoure. Once the beacon of an alliance uniting four races, Bravoure is now under the oppression of an elven prince from beneath the surface. Not even the prophecy, the one that foretold his demise in the holy fires of the Dragonborn, was able to stop him.
Ahna, a runaway mage, rises above the decades of grief and returns to the fight, joining the united soldiers of the Resistance. Despite her origins, she is accepted by these brave heroes who will never let their differences stand in the way of freedom.
She and the rebels embark on a covert mission to save the kingdom, but the past and the secrets she keeps will soon come knocking, and Ahna will face her demons as she faces the false king.
Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent is the first book of the Tempest of Bravoure series.
Darkness has fallen upon the golden kingdom of Bravoure. Once the beacon of an alliance uniting four races, Bravoure is now under the oppression of an elven prince from beneath the surface. Not even the prophecy, the one that foretold his demise in the holy fires of the Dragonborn, was able to stop him.
Ahna, a runaway mage, rises above the decades of grief and returns to the fight, joining the united soldiers of the Resistance. Despite her origins, she is accepted by these brave heroes who will never let their differences stand in the way of freedom.
She and the rebels embark on a covert mission to save the kingdom, but the past and the secrets she keeps will soon come knocking, and Ahna will face her demons as she faces the false king.
Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent is the first book of the Tempest of Bravoure series.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2020
30 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Valena D'Angelis
5 books21 followersValena D'Angelis was the pen name of author V. M. Couture when she self-published a debut series set in the world she'd kept in her head for years. Though she now writes under a different name, these stories remain as they were always meant to be: an echo of a time when she was learning everything about writing, about publishing, and about herself. Expect epic battles, classic fantasy magic, and characters who go through hell and come out changed. These books were written with passion, and left here with no regrets.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 20, 2022
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Much is made, in other reviews, of the maps that begin this book. I agree; there is nothing like a map to make me feel the author's made a serious investment in their secondary world. I was very glad this story started on such a high note.
Ahna soon came to feel like every other embittered heroine in every other fantasy novel I've tried to read over the years. Her Scooby-group of friends, Kairen and David (Kairen's husband), are the relief from Ahna's darkness. The secondary world's well-enough built but, unless you're a big fan of fantasy quest novels, this one's not likely to ring your soul like a bell.
For the fantasy-loving crew, this woman-authored, woman-led series will ring bells all over. There are two more as of now. It's only $2.99 on Kindle so the risk to your budget is low.
My Review: Much is made, in other reviews, of the maps that begin this book. I agree; there is nothing like a map to make me feel the author's made a serious investment in their secondary world. I was very glad this story started on such a high note.
Ahna soon came to feel like every other embittered heroine in every other fantasy novel I've tried to read over the years. Her Scooby-group of friends, Kairen and David (Kairen's husband), are the relief from Ahna's darkness. The secondary world's well-enough built but, unless you're a big fan of fantasy quest novels, this one's not likely to ring your soul like a bell.
For the fantasy-loving crew, this woman-authored, woman-led series will ring bells all over. There are two more as of now. It's only $2.99 on Kindle so the risk to your budget is low.
February 18, 2021
Meriel Ahn Arkamai is dokkalfur, a dark elf, on the run from her past, and heading into a future she’s very unsure of. Going by the her preferred name Ahna, she has kept her true identity and magical abilities safely hidden away for fifty years. The world she lives on is called Terra, but she’s a Dwellunder by birth, feared and respected in equal measure.
The war which led to the Prince of Mal, Xandor Kun, becoming the Dark Lord Sharr, took everything from Ahna: her home, her family, her reason to be. So she left it all behind, with only her friend, the woman who calls her ‘sister’, Kairen, keeping her from straying into total despair. Ahna has, for years on end, spurned Kairen’s call to join the Resistance, but another encounter leads her back into the fold. Ahna isn’t accepted by all, though. Her race leaves others suspicious of her intentions, as Lord Sharr is a dark elf himself, but she gets by because Kairen and her husband David trust her. Ahna doesn’t have the luxury of time to settle in with her new kinfolk, because the Resistance is plotting a new attack, focussed on Bravoure City, the fabled City of Gold.
Valena D’Angelis is a new author, and she debuts with Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent, an intriguing addition to the genre of epic fantasy fiction. I finished it over the course of four days, frantically swiping my Kindle to find out where her story was heading. Sure, it has most of the tropes of the genre front and centre: there’s a prophecy; there’s the heroine’s journey; there’s a dark lord to be vanquished; there are diverse races living on or beneath an Earth-like environment; and there are monsters — dragons to be precise. So far, there’s enough here for fans of JRR Tolkien, Terry Brooks, and Robert Jordan.
Valena pulls no punches when it comes to her action scenes; they’re bombastic in scale, and as violent as anything you’d read in modern fantasy. She inhabits her world well with a decent number of likeable characters, important to both plot and main character, that when a couple of them inevitably meet their end, you mourn them. It’s easy to root for Ahna, and while the villain of the piece can be a little boo-hiss from time to time, he has a reason to be who he is and do what he does.
A major subplot I found compelling was the relationship between Ahna and Cedric Rover, a shrike captain, who’s initial loathing of both himself and the dark elf evolves over the course of the book, in a couple of very surprising ways. In this book, secrets are everywhere, but family, in the end, is everything.
One thing I’d like to say, though, is the world of Terra is vast and well-populated. It appears to have a history that goes back eons, with events important to the overall story mentioned briefly and then we move on. I would have enjoyed this book more if it was longer. I know a lot of readers don’t enjoy massive tomes, but in the fantasy genre especially, world-building is a vital part of what makes fans like me really get into a story. Here, there’s a lot of telling without showing, and a part of me was disappointed that there was no deep dive into Terran history, politics, and magic systems. However, I hope in the forthcoming books, we’ll get more exploration.
I give Valena D’Angelis all the kudos in the world for putting her book out there. I know in my heart that she will get better with each novel she publishes. She has made a great start here, and I look forward to reading the second book in this series, Castaway, some time in the near future.
May 8, 2021
Tempest of Bravoure tells a classic story of a pack of rebels fighting for freedom and righteousness and focuses on the main protagonist Ahna, a dark elf from the dwellunder living on the surface and finally decides to join the resistance.
The story reads as if you were tagging along on a Dungeons and Dragons Campaign or similar RPG. We get to know Ahna and the people she is close to quite well. But that doesn't mean the supporting characters aren't fleshed out or lack a backstory, many of them are interesting and would be able to tell their fair share of stories about their adventures. The story contains slower paced sections that focus on the interaction between the characters and building their relations interspersed with quick paced action scenes and fights. If you're into RPG's you will likely enjoy Tempest of Bravoure.
Having one main storyline also keeps the book more accessible when compared to the complexity of epics like Lord of the Rings and Song of Ice and Fire (which are my frame of reference), that contain several complex parallel story lines and expect the reader to be well versed in fantasy lore.
The approach to build a diverse world is a very nice departure from the the usual strong male knights who do the fighting and the fair ladies who do the damsel in distressing that I'm used to reading about in fantasy novels. The resistance movement we as the reader join is build on equality and is group that bands together irregardless of ones origins, religion, gender or race. Having this underlying worldview made me at times feel like a warm blanket being laid around the shoulders whilst the fighting and magic battles were happening in the story. The diversity is certainly noticeable but not forced. It's noticeable because queer characters aren't presented as sinful and their queerness isn't used to advance the plot, they just are. Just as female warriors are just regular occurrence throughout the book and not the exception that proves the rule.
The downside of reading stories by starting independent authors is the lack of online resources on the world that the stories are set in. So there is no place to geek out on the world building with others or dive into the history of certain characters or places. If you are like me and have trouble remembering all names and characters and the relationships between them in any book of film there is no quick online reference to consult. For the next book in the series that I certainly intend to read, I might keep some notes on who's who.
The story reads as if you were tagging along on a Dungeons and Dragons Campaign or similar RPG. We get to know Ahna and the people she is close to quite well. But that doesn't mean the supporting characters aren't fleshed out or lack a backstory, many of them are interesting and would be able to tell their fair share of stories about their adventures. The story contains slower paced sections that focus on the interaction between the characters and building their relations interspersed with quick paced action scenes and fights. If you're into RPG's you will likely enjoy Tempest of Bravoure.
Having one main storyline also keeps the book more accessible when compared to the complexity of epics like Lord of the Rings and Song of Ice and Fire (which are my frame of reference), that contain several complex parallel story lines and expect the reader to be well versed in fantasy lore.
The approach to build a diverse world is a very nice departure from the the usual strong male knights who do the fighting and the fair ladies who do the damsel in distressing that I'm used to reading about in fantasy novels. The resistance movement we as the reader join is build on equality and is group that bands together irregardless of ones origins, religion, gender or race. Having this underlying worldview made me at times feel like a warm blanket being laid around the shoulders whilst the fighting and magic battles were happening in the story. The diversity is certainly noticeable but not forced. It's noticeable because queer characters aren't presented as sinful and their queerness isn't used to advance the plot, they just are. Just as female warriors are just regular occurrence throughout the book and not the exception that proves the rule.
The downside of reading stories by starting independent authors is the lack of online resources on the world that the stories are set in. So there is no place to geek out on the world building with others or dive into the history of certain characters or places. If you are like me and have trouble remembering all names and characters and the relationships between them in any book of film there is no quick online reference to consult. For the next book in the series that I certainly intend to read, I might keep some notes on who's who.
May 16, 2021
I was given a free copy of Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent by Valena D’Angelis (author), fabled ink (publisher), and Net Galley to provide an honest review. Kingdom Ascent is the first book in the series with Castaway being the sequel and is also available.
This review will be spoiler free.
I would characterize Kingdom Ascent a epic fantasy.
The setting of the story is straightforward and familiar. The world-building is serviceable to the story and does not distract or take away from the story. The story features an abandoned castle, a city, and other areas which are similar to what I have read and seen in other fantasy stories.
The magic system featured in this story is also somewhat familiar, but it added to the story. It appears the magic system contains both learning magic in school-type environment and ability to use magic is more innate within certain creatures such as dragons.
A real strength of this novel are the characters. The main character is a dark elf with a mysterious past who finds herself reluctant but develops a very important role for the rebellion. Most of the other characters featured in the story are also part of the rebellion. Each of the other characters is minor, but each of them is unique, and have something to do in the story. The villain hardly appears in the story, but Ms. D’Angelis does a very good job in making references to the villain that made him seem menacing and omniscient.
I also liked the story in this novel. The main story arc kept progressing at a steady pace and I was engaged from start to finish. Even though some of the writing is a bit clunky and possibly would benefit from another editing pass, I was never taken out of the story. Ms. D’Angelis wraps up the different plot threads at the end of the story while setting up things nicely for the sequel.
Ms. D’Angelis does a commendable job of writing a first novel in a series that is engaging, interesting, and makes me really want to read the sequel.
I would recommend Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent to any reader who enjoys a story about a rebellion, finding lost family members, and magic.
I rate Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent 4.5 stars.
I would like to thank Valena D’Angelis, fabled ink, and Netgalley for the free arc.
This review will be spoiler free.
I would characterize Kingdom Ascent a epic fantasy.
The setting of the story is straightforward and familiar. The world-building is serviceable to the story and does not distract or take away from the story. The story features an abandoned castle, a city, and other areas which are similar to what I have read and seen in other fantasy stories.
The magic system featured in this story is also somewhat familiar, but it added to the story. It appears the magic system contains both learning magic in school-type environment and ability to use magic is more innate within certain creatures such as dragons.
A real strength of this novel are the characters. The main character is a dark elf with a mysterious past who finds herself reluctant but develops a very important role for the rebellion. Most of the other characters featured in the story are also part of the rebellion. Each of the other characters is minor, but each of them is unique, and have something to do in the story. The villain hardly appears in the story, but Ms. D’Angelis does a very good job in making references to the villain that made him seem menacing and omniscient.
I also liked the story in this novel. The main story arc kept progressing at a steady pace and I was engaged from start to finish. Even though some of the writing is a bit clunky and possibly would benefit from another editing pass, I was never taken out of the story. Ms. D’Angelis wraps up the different plot threads at the end of the story while setting up things nicely for the sequel.
Ms. D’Angelis does a commendable job of writing a first novel in a series that is engaging, interesting, and makes me really want to read the sequel.
I would recommend Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent to any reader who enjoys a story about a rebellion, finding lost family members, and magic.
I rate Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent 4.5 stars.
I would like to thank Valena D’Angelis, fabled ink, and Netgalley for the free arc.
February 4, 2021
I’m so conflicted on my review for this book! I actually read it through NetGalley, which I was really grateful for.
•
“You must free yourself from the guilt you feel. When you become your own jailor, only you possess the key”
•
I can’t deny, the second I saw the maps at the start of the book, I was hooked! Who doesn’t love a fantasy book where the author has spent so much time creating their own world with its unique places and their names. I definitely think this would be a good book for those who enjoy Tolkien and other similar fantasy novels.
In this novel we follow a dark elf called Ahna as she battles to overcome her own demons and join the resistance against the ‘false’ King of Bravoure. As she gets closer to battling the king, secrets from her past start to unravel causing tensions and rifts between her and fellow members of the resistance. This novel is filled with battles, dragons, elves, love, heartbreak and lessons that you can take away with you.
•
This is a different type of fantasy novel to what I’m used to but I really enjoyed it!! The concept was really intriguing to me. I really liked how the rebellion was built on acceptance of everyone, every race and their common goal to vanquish the false king in the city. I found it really easy to follow as well, although the chapters are quite long. However, the chapters do seem to be separated into sections so it allows you to break it up slightly if needs be.
Furthermore, the addition of different languages I.e Elven and Dwarven into the story was an added bonus. It just show the amount of effort and care Valena D’Angelis put in to create such a complex and intricate world.
•
It touches a great deal on racism and the prejudices that come with it, which I feel is apt with the systemic racism coming to light more regularly as of recent. It ingrains the important lesson that the colour of someone’s skin doesn’t devalue them as an individual or make them less worthy. Everyone deserves equal amounts of love and support regardless of their skin colour, you can and should change your opinions and prejudices.
It also touches on the importance of forgiving your past and the choices you made. They don’t matter anymore, what matters now is whether or not you let them anchor you to the ground so that you can’t move forward and better yourself. The choices you make now are more important to determine who you are and what you want.
•
I just found this a very refreshing fantasy novel. Who doesn’t love a book that not only immerses you into the world but also educates you and gives you something to think about. At times I was worried I was maybe drudging through it rather than being completely immersed, but the plot always kept me going and I’m really looking forward to the next novel in the series.
Overall, I’d give this book a 3.8/5 stars (rounded up)
•
“You must free yourself from the guilt you feel. When you become your own jailor, only you possess the key”
•
I can’t deny, the second I saw the maps at the start of the book, I was hooked! Who doesn’t love a fantasy book where the author has spent so much time creating their own world with its unique places and their names. I definitely think this would be a good book for those who enjoy Tolkien and other similar fantasy novels.
In this novel we follow a dark elf called Ahna as she battles to overcome her own demons and join the resistance against the ‘false’ King of Bravoure. As she gets closer to battling the king, secrets from her past start to unravel causing tensions and rifts between her and fellow members of the resistance. This novel is filled with battles, dragons, elves, love, heartbreak and lessons that you can take away with you.
•
This is a different type of fantasy novel to what I’m used to but I really enjoyed it!! The concept was really intriguing to me. I really liked how the rebellion was built on acceptance of everyone, every race and their common goal to vanquish the false king in the city. I found it really easy to follow as well, although the chapters are quite long. However, the chapters do seem to be separated into sections so it allows you to break it up slightly if needs be.
Furthermore, the addition of different languages I.e Elven and Dwarven into the story was an added bonus. It just show the amount of effort and care Valena D’Angelis put in to create such a complex and intricate world.
•
It touches a great deal on racism and the prejudices that come with it, which I feel is apt with the systemic racism coming to light more regularly as of recent. It ingrains the important lesson that the colour of someone’s skin doesn’t devalue them as an individual or make them less worthy. Everyone deserves equal amounts of love and support regardless of their skin colour, you can and should change your opinions and prejudices.
It also touches on the importance of forgiving your past and the choices you made. They don’t matter anymore, what matters now is whether or not you let them anchor you to the ground so that you can’t move forward and better yourself. The choices you make now are more important to determine who you are and what you want.
•
I just found this a very refreshing fantasy novel. Who doesn’t love a book that not only immerses you into the world but also educates you and gives you something to think about. At times I was worried I was maybe drudging through it rather than being completely immersed, but the plot always kept me going and I’m really looking forward to the next novel in the series.
Overall, I’d give this book a 3.8/5 stars (rounded up)
August 31, 2021
I'm glad I got my hands on this book despite the fact that it's not my usual go-to genre. I consider it the perfect companion for my vacation.
The story is well written and full of suspense from the very beginning. The journey with the characters leaves the reader wanting to learn more and more as the story unfolds. IT was also difficult to guess the ending, which made IT an even more enjoyable book to read.
I love how the author manages to make each reader feel comfortable by touching on a sensitive topic of diversity, inclusion and belonging without even mentioning it. Noone needs to know the nitty gritty regarding the specific groups (black, gay, lesbian etc), Just that we can all live in Harmony together. She focuses on the actions of the character rather than who they are.
Loved the mantra: We live brave. We die free!
Overall, a well written book with a good storyline. Looking forward to the next book in the 3 part series to learn what becomes of the characters especially Cedric!
The story is well written and full of suspense from the very beginning. The journey with the characters leaves the reader wanting to learn more and more as the story unfolds. IT was also difficult to guess the ending, which made IT an even more enjoyable book to read.
I love how the author manages to make each reader feel comfortable by touching on a sensitive topic of diversity, inclusion and belonging without even mentioning it. Noone needs to know the nitty gritty regarding the specific groups (black, gay, lesbian etc), Just that we can all live in Harmony together. She focuses on the actions of the character rather than who they are.
Loved the mantra: We live brave. We die free!
Overall, a well written book with a good storyline. Looking forward to the next book in the 3 part series to learn what becomes of the characters especially Cedric!
November 17, 2020
I really wanted to read this and love it but unfortunately I had to stop within the first few chapters. The author changes point of view frequently and without any clear transition. I never knew who was speaking of if it was meant to be told by a narrator. The book quite simply gave me a migraine. I really did love the idea of the book and even what I could see if the characters. However, it needs work. If the author were to do a rewrite and address the point of view issue and the issues I've seen in another review, I would definitely try it again. I just don't think this book was ready quite yet. The assistance of an editor or even a team of trusted reviewers to help find errors and issues might be beneficial. To the author, I'm sorry this is the review I have to leave. If you do a rewrite please let me know.
January 22, 2021
To be honest it took a large handful of pages to accept the world of this book, and that is more because of my own hiatus from fantasy than the book itself, D'Angelis took great care to loop in the readers throughout the novel whether it was an unfamiliar language or characteristics of a particular race. The novel artfully takes you through Ahna's journey putting her self-doubt and fear above her magic to create a story of accepting all parts of yourself even the demons. For every bit of inaction or behind the scenes of a revolution, there is a battle or thrilling task to be done, making the novel accessible to every kind of adventurer and reader. I can not wait for the next book and I hope to learn more about the inter-dimensionality of the mortal planes and the spiritual as that by far was one of the most engaging ideas presented in the novel for me. (4.5/5 stars)
January 31, 2021
“We live brave, we die free.”
Reading those lines in the description had me wanted to read Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent. The world that D’Angelis created was interesting and well planned as seen from the maps and languages that she created. At times the story reminded me of Terry Goodkinds Sword of Truth series and I really hope we continue to get such a view into this new world. When I finished reading I did find myself wanting more information on the background of some of the characters as well as more details about how things ended up the way that they were. This story is one I would recommend and I am excited to find out more!
Reading those lines in the description had me wanted to read Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent. The world that D’Angelis created was interesting and well planned as seen from the maps and languages that she created. At times the story reminded me of Terry Goodkinds Sword of Truth series and I really hope we continue to get such a view into this new world. When I finished reading I did find myself wanting more information on the background of some of the characters as well as more details about how things ended up the way that they were. This story is one I would recommend and I am excited to find out more!
February 16, 2021
Valena D’Angelis invites us to fight back against tyranny in a unique fantasy world in Tempest of Bravoure: Kingdom Ascent! The once golden kingdom of Bravoure has fallen under the wicked rule of an elven prince. Now a young mage named Ahna sets out with a group of freedom fighters to free their people. I really enjoyed D’Angelis’ fresh take on things (having an elf as the villain was fun, and he was a great badguy)! Ahna was a really good character too, packed with depth and secrets of her own. If you love your fantasy along the lines of Dragon Prince or Dragon Age, definitely come battle for freedom in Kingdom Ascent!
October 11, 2022
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Gorgeously narrated by Kathryn Vinclaire, Kingdom Ascent is a wildly, adventurous fantasy you won't soon forget. Ahna is an amazing protagonist character: well fleshed out, flawed yet fiery determined to bring together the necessary allies to bring the kingdom of Bravoure out of the darkness of the dark elf king and back to peace. With a unique narrative take upon the mythical elven races and parted with wickedly intense, engaging action; this first book of the Tempest of Bravoure, lives up to the expectations that comes with epic fantasy. Highly recommended.
November 22, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. This did not in any way affect my review.
If you are a Tolkien fan you will enjoy this book. The protagonist is a female dark elf named Anha. She leaves her life in hiding to join her "sister" in the revolution against the dark lord. The story contains many twists and turns that revealed secrets about Anha and the other characters that made them more compelling. Readers will love the characters and the adventure in this book. A great read!
If you are a Tolkien fan you will enjoy this book. The protagonist is a female dark elf named Anha. She leaves her life in hiding to join her "sister" in the revolution against the dark lord. The story contains many twists and turns that revealed secrets about Anha and the other characters that made them more compelling. Readers will love the characters and the adventure in this book. A great read!
February 8, 2021
Best fantasy novel I have read in ages
I thoroughly enjoyed this book having been lucky to receive a review copy. The story runs along at a cracking pace, with unexpected plot twists and reveals to keep you guessing. It has every ingredient you could want for in a classic fantasy saga, swords, sorcery, dragons and elves; combined with a diverse, inclusive community of rebels, that adds a slice of modern social commentary. This has the makings of a great series and so I have pre-ordered the second book already
I thoroughly enjoyed this book having been lucky to receive a review copy. The story runs along at a cracking pace, with unexpected plot twists and reveals to keep you guessing. It has every ingredient you could want for in a classic fantasy saga, swords, sorcery, dragons and elves; combined with a diverse, inclusive community of rebels, that adds a slice of modern social commentary. This has the makings of a great series and so I have pre-ordered the second book already
March 2, 2021
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, and I don’t mean that with any disrespect.
The world within this book I thought was brilliant, I did however feel several times confused at the storyline as a whole.
I did really like the map at the start of the book, I love to see it when authors put the time in to really create a new world, and the dwarves and elven languages I thought were a great touch, kudos.
My first read on NetGalley and what a brilliant start. I look forward to reading the follow up book.
The world within this book I thought was brilliant, I did however feel several times confused at the storyline as a whole.
I did really like the map at the start of the book, I love to see it when authors put the time in to really create a new world, and the dwarves and elven languages I thought were a great touch, kudos.
My first read on NetGalley and what a brilliant start. I look forward to reading the follow up book.
September 30, 2020
The story was set up to be quite interesting - rebellions, dragons, intrigue - but the dialogue and the characters were flat and lacking and emotion or feeling. It made it impossible to care about them or what happened to them. The author often told instead of showed, and the writing style was awkward containing run-on sentences and sentence fragments. The diversity of characters was refreshing though.
October 18, 2020
I'm a newbie to epic fantasy but I enjoyed this book!
The plot details were unpredictable, which i like, i enjoyed the very diverse characters and especially the badass female protagonist! Dragons, elves and sword fight in most cases also mean words I don't know or old timey use of language, but not in this case. The story is modern in a different world!
Rebels, drama and action, what more do you want?
The plot details were unpredictable, which i like, i enjoyed the very diverse characters and especially the badass female protagonist! Dragons, elves and sword fight in most cases also mean words I don't know or old timey use of language, but not in this case. The story is modern in a different world!
Rebels, drama and action, what more do you want?
November 25, 2022
I enjoyed this tale about elves and humans. The main character, a dark elf, is a mage. She fled Bravoure due to a war, and has now decided to join the rebellion – she is both a warrior and an arch-mage. This is an engrossing tale of friendship, love, and striving against all odds. This is an adult fantasy due to some swearing, and the gay/lesbian references, and one love scene. The narration was good. I received a free copy of this audiobook, with no obligation.
December 23, 2022
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Valena D'Angelis' work, and I enjoyed it. There was plenty of action, some fight scenes, lots of machinations, and dragons, but what I liked the most were the characters. They were complex and driven. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Kathryn Vinclaire's narration was great, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
January 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, I enjoy fantasy in general, but epic fantasy, especially Tolkien, I found a bit long-winded and hard to enjoy. This book brings modern language and epic sword fights together, including an immensely diverse array of characters. From the awesome Ahna to the wise Gideon, this story is immersive from the beginning with plenty of action and drama for all.
March 23, 2021
So much happened in this book, and I feel like I didn't have enough time to absorb and appreciate it all. This is one of the few occasions I wish a book could be expanded, instead of 280 pages I would've loved to read an in depth 500 page version of this story to really get into the meat and bones of the characters a relationships.
There is clearly a lot of detailed history thought up in this story, which I loved, but I would've liked more situations of seeing instead of telling.
Still a great complex tale, and I'm excited to read the sequel.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for giving me a free online copy in exchange for an honest review.
There is clearly a lot of detailed history thought up in this story, which I loved, but I would've liked more situations of seeing instead of telling.
Still a great complex tale, and I'm excited to read the sequel.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for giving me a free online copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2021
Warlocks and dragons and elves - oh my!! What a fantastic tale of siblings and rebellion and saving what you believe in. My favorite line of the book? "We live brave, we die free." Readers will enjoy the character development of the heroine Ahna as she struggles with rivalry and relationships. Throw in wickedness and dragonborn legend and you have the makings of a great series.
October 24, 2021
I received a copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only, in exchange for an honest review.
Tempest of Bravore: Kingdom Ascent is a wonderful epic and the beginning of what promises to be a fantastic series. Amazing world-building, heroic characters, and an underdog rebellion plot made this an enjoyable read. If you enjoy high fantasy this book may very well be a good choice for you,
Tempest of Bravore: Kingdom Ascent is a wonderful epic and the beginning of what promises to be a fantastic series. Amazing world-building, heroic characters, and an underdog rebellion plot made this an enjoyable read. If you enjoy high fantasy this book may very well be a good choice for you,
October 6, 2022
One caveat, I actually listened to the book via Authors Direct. This first in series is an excellent set up for more but has its own satisfying ending. Excellent world-building with a unique Magic foundation. The characters come to life over the course of the book so you gradually understand their histories and motivations. Look for Dragons, Destruction, Magic and a little romance.
April 11, 2021
Received a free copy from voracious readers. Excellent book from the start, good descriptions of the characters which you could envisage. Also how the friendships were made and how they ended up appreciating each other.Kept me gripped from the start. Looking forward to reading the next book.
May 27, 2021
Really amazing. Each chapter brings a new suprise. This book is complex in its story yet easy to read.
July 16, 2021
I haven't read a fantasy book for awhile so really enjoyed this foray back into the realm of dragons, rebels, mages and co. A good storyline and great characters.
June 19, 2023
Good narrator. Story has potential, but couldn't get past the homosexual references. I feel like it should have been more forthcoming with the controversial material that would be included.
December 13, 2021
Thanks, NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read and review!
The trilogy is a real gem. I truly enjoyed reading! As to my pleasure, the main character is a female dark elf named Ahna and her journey - so very human. We follow her adventure as it starts on the edge of despair and sorrow in a world shattered by war and suffering caused by a member of her own race. Ahna's story includes little, but true friendship, epic battles, the awesome fantasy creatures that we all love in every shape possible as well as the inner struggle to find a reason to live a life that has taken everything from you and a path to walk in a world that hates you. Definitely recommend this series to every fantasy fan!
The trilogy is a real gem. I truly enjoyed reading! As to my pleasure, the main character is a female dark elf named Ahna and her journey - so very human. We follow her adventure as it starts on the edge of despair and sorrow in a world shattered by war and suffering caused by a member of her own race. Ahna's story includes little, but true friendship, epic battles, the awesome fantasy creatures that we all love in every shape possible as well as the inner struggle to find a reason to live a life that has taken everything from you and a path to walk in a world that hates you. Definitely recommend this series to every fantasy fan!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews