As soon as I found out that Ashlords is about phoenix horses and a legendary race, I was all in. And while I struggled to get into the story, I still enjoyed the rich Hunger Games-like world and the three main characters, all from different classes/castes in the kingdom. Each character has a good reason to win the race and I couldn't help but cheer each one on, even though they were all obviously enemies.
A few things bothered me in the beginning. I didn't like how one point of view was in second person, for seemingly no reason at all. I didn't like how one of the characters, a big, burly guy, calls his dad "Daddy." I didn't like how the Gods were real and could visit people (but I rarely like this in any book). And I didn't like that the race didn't start until 50% through the book. But at the same time, I understand why it took so long. There is a lot of intricate world building that sets up this duology, and I think it may have felt rushed if the race came earlier.
I will definitely read the second book to this series because I am invested in all three of the characters. It's so interesting to read from such different points of view and I wonder if they will all stay enemies. All in all, a fantastic fantasy. I want my own phoenix horse now.
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.7
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
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