Rules of Ascension: Book One of Winds of the Forelands

by David B. Coe

Book Overview

David B. Coe, winner of the William L. Crawford Award for Best First Fantasy Series for the LonTobyn Chronicle , continues his rise to the top rank of fantasy writers with Rules of Ascension , the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 081258984X
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 672 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.7" x 1.5" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

COMPLEX CHARACTERS WELL PLOTTED FRESH TALE

I'm very happy with this series. Currently reading the second book and no loss of steam power from the author. What I don't get is why more people haven't discovered this book. DOH! Must be that Tor didn't market it as hard compared to more mediocre fantasy novels. The best way to view the story is to imagine a lot of petty kingdoms with dukes as vassals to these kings. The first book focuses on several of the dukes of one kingdom as well as other characters who come into and out of the tale. There's also a race of albino type beings who have short life spans, practice magic and lost big time against the humans in a war from long ago. I would say the character complexities are close to that of George R.R. Martin's fantasy series. Coe spends a lot of time developing such characters, and, like Martin, he's big on believable History of the realm. PROS (1) At heart this is a murder mystery and conspiracy tale, so, if you like such things, this is good. (2) Complex characters; (3) No long typical fantasy tale journeys where it gives the characters and excuse to bore us with the rules of magic or a long, boring tale of Historical stuff that could have been spread out in the novel.; (4) He doesn't follow the typical fantasy archetype adventure which is refreshing.; (5) Lots of interesting Historical detail which feels different and not a rehash of previous fantasy books; and (6) Magic is low and not like some bad RPGing game. CONS (1) There are a ton of names and places to keep track of, but, if you hold out, it's worth it b/c it makes the story more complex than the simple tales. If you prefer the simple ones, and, that doesn't mean you're stupid by the way, then HARRY POTTER or ERAGON should do nicely. It's too bad the book doesn't have an appendix of names and places but this is probably more a decision of the publisher than the author.; (2) If you want to spend all your time with only one main character, then, this is surely not the book for you.; and (3) Not a ton of battles, although there are a few, so, if you need a lot, this isn't it. Think intrigue more than hack and slash/break the door down/charge style.

Amazing worldbuilding, even better story...

David Coe's new fantasy series is among the best that I have read in a lifetime of books cluttering every room of my home. His first series, dealing with the inhabitants of the world of Lon Tobyn, introduced me to Coe's uncanny ability to write characters that are so real, I almost felt like I knew them from next door. In Rules of Ascension, David Coe exceeded my expectations, weaving an intricate plot around the mysteries that face everyone at one point in their lives -- dealing with a thirst for power (be it your own or someone around you), insecurity, parent/child relationships, friendship and betrayal. The strength of Coe's writing is that his characters are real, and that you care about them, warts and all. The flaws in each character in this epic novel only serve to make them more endearing, and more intriguing. This is a masterpiece that any serious fantasy reader should own. I eagerly await book two. This is one book on my shelves that was worth the price and then some. I only wish there were a rating above five stars, for David Coe has earned each and every one with this novel. Kudos to the author.

Fantastic novel that kept me going

I have been looking for the next great series of high fantasy ever since I finished George R.R. Martins last book and have been going through a dry spell until I happened on Mr. Coe's book.The worst thing about this book is the cover.Some of the ideas and the characters are very similar to other writers, but his development of the families and such is very unique and his manner of writing and dialogue are wonderful. I will say that his first installment in very similar to Mr. Martin's Song of fire and ice, although it is with less violence and sexual conotation. I will anxiously await the Seeds of Betrayal and hope that I can now find another novel to tide me over until Jordan, Martin, or Willimas come out with another novel.

Great epic fantasy

The Forelands consist of seven dukedoms reporting to a central monarch. The land is sent into turmoil with the deaths of the current king and his heir until the RULES OF ASCENSION prevail with Javan becoming the ruler and his self-centered teenage son Tavin next in line. As required of the rite of passage of a sixteen-year-old, Tavin visits a Qirsi seer to learn his fate. Instead of glorious royal trappings, Tavin sees a future in chains inside a dark dungeon. Not long afterward, the foretelling occurs as Tavin is incarcerated for murdering his girlfriend based on strong physical evidence that include the means and opportunity. The incident leads to war among the dukedoms. To prove his innocence, save his life, and ultimately the kingdom Tavin reluctantly turns to the Qirsi, but that race is divided between loyalty to the throne and a desire to take the crown. On the surface RULES OF ASCENSION is a typical sword and sorcery epic adventure set in a feudal land. In actuality, the first novel in David B. Coe's Winds of the Forelands is a fast-paced story line loaded with political intrigue that would have awed the whole line of King Henrys and a conspiracy who-done-it for mystery aficionados. The charcaters and the land feel genuine so that the audience for accepts the authenticity of the magical abilities of the Qirsi. Fantasy lovers will fully enjoy this tale that can stand alone, but the author has cleverly planted the seed for book two.Harriet Klausner

A great read

This fantasy adventure has as many twists and turns as a castle labyrinth. Devious plots, epic battles, gentle love, poignant sacrifice. It's all played out on a field of shifting political and personal fortunes. It always kept me guessing. The Qirsi race is a wonderful creation, eerie and mysterious, and I can't wait to find out more about them. I love having my assumptions turned on their heads. There I am, thinking I'm so smart and I have it figured out, and then the writer takes me by surprise.If you like intrigue and characterization along with interesting magic and blowout battle scenes and sense of wonder, this is for you.