In his stunning debut, Ireman has built the type of world so vivid and engrossing that leaving it at the end is agony. In spite of leaning toward grimdark, where authors often enshroud every scene in depressing darkness, there is no lack of cheerful moments or brilliant scenery. Yet the pangs of near-instant nostalgia that come after you put down a book like this have less to do with the inspired setting, and far more to do with those who inhabit it. 

From savage, unremorseful heroes, to deep, introspective villains, the cast of this story is comprised of believable characters capable of unthinkable actions. And it is these characters -- the ones you wish you could share a drink with or end up wanting to kill -- that forge the connection between fantasy and reality. Keethro, Titon, Ethel, Annora. These are names you will never forget, and each belongs to a man or woman as unique as they are memorable. 

No book would be complete without a its fair share of intrigue, however, and there is no lack of it here. Each chapter leaves you wanting more, and Ireman's masterful use of misdirection leads to an abundance of "oh shit" moments. Do not be fooled (or do -- perhaps that's part of the fun) by storylines that may appear trope-ish at first. This is no fairytale. 

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The story follows a group of Landkist, powerful elemental warriors as varied as the lands they come from, as they seek to uncover the mystery at the heart of the Valley that has sheltered—and perhaps ensnared—them for a century, and the mythic guardian who has been lost to them for a generation. 

Leading the Landkist is Kole Reyna, a flame-wielding Ember, and one of the last of his kind. Kole takes on the grudging role of Valley hero, and in so doing, he hopes to learn the truth of a mother lost before her time. 

With Valley of Embers, discover the start of a new, unique epic and witness the Landkist rise up against the might of the Sages set in a world on the brink of collapse, balancing on the knife’s edge between darkness and light.

Get Valley of Embers on Amazon.com for a brand new epic fantasy series you don't want to miss.