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A Promise of Iron: Echoes of Illyria Saga: Book One
I am a man born of two worlds. I’m no hero— heroes are fools and dead men. I’m just another half-Ruk bastard wishing for a better life. The Cyllians say they have brought us peace, but it’s a peace filled with the unease of hate and the impatience of idle spears. We are a conquered people all the same. That’s why I want to bring it all down, stone by stone, brick by brick. There may be little measure to the worth of my salt, but I will prove them all wrong… for I hear the words whispering upon the wind. And I seek a promise… a promise of iron.
“A Promise of Iron” is book one in the epic fantasy series Echoes of Illyria. This fresh character-driven fantasy tale features familiar motivations of greed, lust, and revenge, all delivered in a meticulously crafted world complete with unique magical systems, swordplay, and compelling battles. Themes of imperialism, racism, and sexism are woven throughout, forming the backdrop for a low man’s journey that is as much about mystery and intrigue as it is of sword and sorcery. This blend of epic and dark fantasy should delight readers of multiple genres. If you liked “The Name of the Wind” and “The Black Company” then this one is for you.
“I am SO excited about this book! Brandon’s made an amazing adventure! If you like epic fantasy, well-thought out world building, and relatable heroes that you cheer for and cry with? This book is for you.”
-Carrie Jones internationally and NYT bestselling writer of NEED & other books
“A thoroughly wonderful and enjoyable world… where iron is more valuable than gold and greed, corruption, and treachery are rampant. Would I read another book by this author? H*’ LL YEAH!”
-Amazon Reviewer
“A fresh take for fantasy lovers with great world creation and colorful characters… Great first book and I can’t wait for the story to continue.”
-Amazon Reviewer
“A Promise of Iron” is book one in the epic fantasy series Echoes of Illyria. This fresh character-driven fantasy tale features familiar motivations of greed, lust, and revenge, all delivered in a meticulously crafted world complete with unique magical systems, swordplay, and compelling battles. Themes of imperialism, racism, and sexism are woven throughout, forming the backdrop for a low man’s journey that is as much about mystery and intrigue as it is of sword and sorcery. This blend of epic and dark fantasy should delight readers of multiple genres. If you liked “The Name of the Wind” and “The Black Company” then this one is for you.
“I am SO excited about this book! Brandon’s made an amazing adventure! If you like epic fantasy, well-thought out world building, and relatable heroes that you cheer for and cry with? This book is for you.”
-Carrie Jones internationally and NYT bestselling writer of NEED & other books
“A thoroughly wonderful and enjoyable world… where iron is more valuable than gold and greed, corruption, and treachery are rampant. Would I read another book by this author? H*’ LL YEAH!”
-Amazon Reviewer
“A fresh take for fantasy lovers with great world creation and colorful characters… Great first book and I can’t wait for the story to continue.”
-Amazon Reviewer
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2020
About the author
Brandon McCoy
1 book10 followersBrandon was born and raised near Sacramento, CA. By near, he means somewhere in that general vicinity as he moved around a lot as a kid. His parents were pretty good people, each doing their best to teach the values of hard work and responsibility. Most of his early years were spent goofing around, reading fantasy books, and playing D&D games on PC. Brandon was not what any teacher would consider a great student. He was intelligent, sure, but equally opinionated, lazy, and a world-class know it all. He would also do anything for a laugh (sorry, Frau Wilson). Needless to say, he graduated high school by the skin of his teeth, adhering to the philosophy of, "If you set your sights at mediocrity, you will never be disappointed."
Thankfully we all grow up.
He got married, had a kid, went to college, applied himself, worked hard, and found that responsibility suits him quite nicely. He also wrote a book… and considering he is not classically trained in writing, or particularly well versed in literature— It's pretty okay… maybe even better than okay.
He continues to write and hopes that one day he can write enough books so that he can go back to goofing around, reading fantasy books, and playing D&D games on PC.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 25, 2021
This is something completely different to what I usually read.
It starts with a woman in the future who has a journal of a life in the past.....
The year is 1272
The story focuses on a young man Faerin, his life is hard, he wants to become something better. But in a world that wants payment for everything, how will he ever rise to be something more?
Elizabeth makes an appearance several times in the book to remind us that we are being told a story.
I like the fact you can have memories removed and stored (a little like Johnny Mneumonic) but there is something in the future that will have you wondering if it has some significance in the past!!
That was a really well thought out book, Elizabeth in the future, trying to read the journal that holds the story of Faerin and his past.
Fight scenes? Yes there is, and they are pretty good.
Romance? A little, but it’s not really that important here.
And in the future, Elizabeth is having her own issues. The book holds great interest to those who have been waiting to get their hands on it.
So she has to discover the secrets before her biggest rival gets here. Because when he does she may lose the book!!
And when Faerin comes into a possession of an sword, he will do anything and everything in his power to retain and look after the sword.
He has a couple of friends who he likes as brothers, but I wasn’t sure! If people will sell their souls for iron, then can he trust his friends?
Iron we take it is a valuable commodity, people will kill to have it, in fact it’s more coveted than gold!!
Why? There seems to be a story behind the reasons why iron is so wanted.....
Magic and mystery come together in a really great read. There is also a lot of going’s on in the background, there is double dealings, backstabbing and money that exchanges hands for information.
Some parts get a little bogged down with too much detail, but there isn’t too much thank goodness. Politics and social views are a big thing as well.
The equality and sexism didn’t really worry me as such, if you put yourself in the time period, then women were a lower class, as were the common man.
But I do love the class divides, it’s clear there is a hierarchy, it’s clear there are people who make money of the backs of the unfortunate, and they don’t hide that fact.
OH!!! It ends on a cliffhanger..... Do I want to know what happens next? I certainly do.
Pick it up, you won’t be disappointed.
🦋
It starts with a woman in the future who has a journal of a life in the past.....
The year is 1272
The story focuses on a young man Faerin, his life is hard, he wants to become something better. But in a world that wants payment for everything, how will he ever rise to be something more?
Elizabeth makes an appearance several times in the book to remind us that we are being told a story.
I like the fact you can have memories removed and stored (a little like Johnny Mneumonic) but there is something in the future that will have you wondering if it has some significance in the past!!
That was a really well thought out book, Elizabeth in the future, trying to read the journal that holds the story of Faerin and his past.
Fight scenes? Yes there is, and they are pretty good.
Romance? A little, but it’s not really that important here.
And in the future, Elizabeth is having her own issues. The book holds great interest to those who have been waiting to get their hands on it.
So she has to discover the secrets before her biggest rival gets here. Because when he does she may lose the book!!
And when Faerin comes into a possession of an sword, he will do anything and everything in his power to retain and look after the sword.
He has a couple of friends who he likes as brothers, but I wasn’t sure! If people will sell their souls for iron, then can he trust his friends?
Iron we take it is a valuable commodity, people will kill to have it, in fact it’s more coveted than gold!!
Why? There seems to be a story behind the reasons why iron is so wanted.....
Magic and mystery come together in a really great read. There is also a lot of going’s on in the background, there is double dealings, backstabbing and money that exchanges hands for information.
Some parts get a little bogged down with too much detail, but there isn’t too much thank goodness. Politics and social views are a big thing as well.
The equality and sexism didn’t really worry me as such, if you put yourself in the time period, then women were a lower class, as were the common man.
But I do love the class divides, it’s clear there is a hierarchy, it’s clear there are people who make money of the backs of the unfortunate, and they don’t hide that fact.
OH!!! It ends on a cliffhanger..... Do I want to know what happens next? I certainly do.
Pick it up, you won’t be disappointed.
🦋
February 10, 2021
I loved the world building and the characters. The separation of classes and various races, the unique economy, the wars, the rebellion group, the deceit, and the greed were all so well done. The main character very well-written. Not some typical godlike 'carved from Mount Olympus' type of hero, but one that makes mistakes that you end up loving because of his character and just overall nature. I loved the tying into the future and look forward to see how that plays out.
January 4, 2021
Written In Blood🔪!
ADULT Historical Medieval🏰🔪 Fantasy with Paranormal Elements from Another Time, Another Place....
The book begins with a woman from a futuristic society in possession of an ancient tome, thousands of years old. Unfortunately, the pages of the heavy, thick book appear to have nothing on them, blank. She has yet to discover the secret of the book's contents....
Year 1272 by Cyrllian Imperial Count.
This is a thoroughly wonderful and enjoyable if somewhat slow going Medieval style fantasy🐺💪🔪 about a world 🌎where Iron is the most valuable metal and spies lurk everywhere. It's a world where everyone expects to be paid for the smallest bit of information, service, or kindness, where greed, corruption, and treachery are rampant, where rebel factions against the oppressive government of the Empire face death if caught.
Where it is a crime to forge iron🔪 unless licensed. Where iron🔪 is more valuable than gold.... Where The value of an unknown iron sword🔪 recovered from the ancient burial site of a warrior is more valuable than life.
The book's hero, Faerin, a half Rukish soldier🐺🍆⛲💪🔪, is apparently not one of the most favored species of humans in the order of things. He just wants to gain his stars or ten, which will make him a commissioned officer. The book chronicles his life, difficulties and the dangerous extremes he goes through to possess the ancient iron sword🔪.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This book does end in a cliffhanger....Would I read another book by this author📚? H*'LL YEAH!
ADULT Historical Medieval🏰🔪 Fantasy with Paranormal Elements from Another Time, Another Place....
The book begins with a woman from a futuristic society in possession of an ancient tome, thousands of years old. Unfortunately, the pages of the heavy, thick book appear to have nothing on them, blank. She has yet to discover the secret of the book's contents....
Year 1272 by Cyrllian Imperial Count.
This is a thoroughly wonderful and enjoyable if somewhat slow going Medieval style fantasy🐺💪🔪 about a world 🌎where Iron is the most valuable metal and spies lurk everywhere. It's a world where everyone expects to be paid for the smallest bit of information, service, or kindness, where greed, corruption, and treachery are rampant, where rebel factions against the oppressive government of the Empire face death if caught.
Where it is a crime to forge iron🔪 unless licensed. Where iron🔪 is more valuable than gold.... Where The value of an unknown iron sword🔪 recovered from the ancient burial site of a warrior is more valuable than life.
The book's hero, Faerin, a half Rukish soldier🐺🍆⛲💪🔪, is apparently not one of the most favored species of humans in the order of things. He just wants to gain his stars or ten, which will make him a commissioned officer. The book chronicles his life, difficulties and the dangerous extremes he goes through to possess the ancient iron sword🔪.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
This book does end in a cliffhanger....Would I read another book by this author📚? H*'LL YEAH!
February 11, 2021
This book is really well written ,believable and has a great storyline!!
Several cultures clash, a special sword is found as is true love. and a low mans life journey from lowly to Lordship is told . An enchanted book , wars and treachery , betrayal and loyalty, even the revealing of a type of elemental and beastly beings. I could hardly put it down! Read it and enjoy
Several cultures clash, a special sword is found as is true love. and a low mans life journey from lowly to Lordship is told . An enchanted book , wars and treachery , betrayal and loyalty, even the revealing of a type of elemental and beastly beings. I could hardly put it down! Read it and enjoy
April 2, 2021
Part of me feels left with a lot of questions upon finishing this book, uncertain about what exactly my feelings are on various aspects. I will say that, overall, this is a pretty good book. But, there are also numerous minor things within it that I didn't particularly care for. For example, the pacing isn't great, both draggy in parts and rushed in others.
Where this book truly shines, though, is its characters. McCoy is unquestionably quite skilled in writing some exceptionally realistic and believable characters. Were I to rate this book on nothing else, I probably would have given it five stars.
Full review to come.
Where this book truly shines, though, is its characters. McCoy is unquestionably quite skilled in writing some exceptionally realistic and believable characters. Were I to rate this book on nothing else, I probably would have given it five stars.
Full review to come.
April 10, 2021
This was one of the best books I have read recently. The world is very detailed and clearly a lot of thought has been put into building it. The courage and determination of Faerin was inspiring but he was also shown as flawed as well. I loved the trickery and intelligence displayed by Lira in coming into possession of Nahdril and her father's money. I also enjoyed following the discovery of the secret to wielding Nahdril effectively. My only complaint is that Elisabeth from the future time period was not in this much but if there is a second book I will look forward to seeing her more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed A Promise of Iron: Echoes of Illyria: Book One! The author did a fine job creating the environment so that you could picture it in your head and understand the history and politics of the day. After setting the scene the pace quickens as the real story begins to unfold. I finished the book quickly and eagerly await the next installment after a clever, cliffhanger of an ending that I did not anticipate.
December 22, 2020
I might be biased but I thought it was a great book. Epic fantasy with a focus on realism and a dash of humor. There are familiar elements welcome to any fantasy book but told in what should be an unfamiliar way. A Promise of Iron has plenty of intrigue, adventure, magic, romance and mystery to keep the pages turning. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Blessings!
June 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. BM did a great job with character/environment development and closed it out with a slew of action and twists. I'm really excited to see where the last line of the book takes us in the future and can't wait to see how the story within the story impacts the story... come on book two!
February 11, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed every lost minute, make that hour of lost sleep this tale caused me!
Characters are well fleshed out and their story is revealed slowly as the tale continues. I hope there is more to come as this is the first book published only recently. Enjoy!
Characters are well fleshed out and their story is revealed slowly as the tale continues. I hope there is more to come as this is the first book published only recently. Enjoy!
May 31, 2021
An excellent read. A good cultural story that other reviewers have commented on and I dont need to go into any more detail except that it is well worth reading.
April 20, 2021
A Promise of Iron is a rapidly evolving epic fantasy novel centered around a young man with a troubled past who finally sees his dreams in reach. But who is friend and who is foe in this quest for the rare metal. As we see this adventure unfold we are introduced to a rich and detailed world and characters, but some things will stay a secret for now, others take a twist
With an unusual introduction to the setting, author Brandon McCoy tells a story that in a way is only the beginning. His writing style often reminds of Patrick Rothfuss, it keeps you turning pages to see what happens next. I’m looking forward to the next part.
With an unusual introduction to the setting, author Brandon McCoy tells a story that in a way is only the beginning. His writing style often reminds of Patrick Rothfuss, it keeps you turning pages to see what happens next. I’m looking forward to the next part.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews