The Ashlords are the ruler of this world. Their gods have gifted them with phoenix horses. Horses that can be altered by adding herb-like ingredients to the ashes of the phoenix horses. The phoenix horses die every day as the sun goes down and comes back to life when the sun rises. The Ashlords have a race each year. Their races allow you to cheat as bones on the person can be broken, ashes of the phoenix horses can be altered. The Ashlords can also get help from their gods to win the race. It is a multi day race with the course of the race unknown until the night before the race starts. Most of the riders are Ashlords. However a scholarship is given to someone who otherwise could not be in the race. Imelda is the lone Dividian (who is also the one who gets the scholarship). She has dreamed about being in the races but was sure she would never get to. Adrian, the Longhand cowboy and Pippa the teen daughter of former winners of the race are all hoping to win the race. The Dividians were invaders who failed to conquer and now live subject to the Ashlords. The Longhand cowboy is from the group of oppressed rebels. Pippa is the one favored to win the race. Will she win?

There is much more to this novel than the Phoenix horse race. There are symbols in the story that one may not realize in this fantasy novel. It is also about survival, truth, friendship or lack of friendship, family, freedom and so much more. It is a fantasy novel packed with action and unexpected surprises. I love reading how the characters dwelt with unexpected problems.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC! I am a huge fan of The Scorpio Races, and when I saw this book's description mention that it was that meets Red Rising, I was immediately interested. I've went most of my adult life trying to dispute the fact that I might be a horse girl, but y'all, I think I always have been. From collecting horse figurines to getting a dapple grey stallion as my patronus on Pottermore-- the signs have always been there. There is just something about these giant, strong, and majestic animals that instill both love and fear in me, and these phoenix ponies in the world of Ashlords are no exception. The outside of this novel will reel you in with the promise of fierce, burning beasts and the lore inside DELIVERS. This is a good time to judge a book by its cover!

I am a sucker for a story with a good and unique mythos. Ashlords throws you into a dystopian universe where the land has been divided, and the only time they converge is for The Races. Riders from all over the country vie for the opportunity to participate, but only the craftiest and most compelling make it in. Most years, it is just a collection of Ashlords (the current group in power, rich and cunning) and one Dividian representative, who comes from an outlying city on a 'scholarship' of sorts with equipment and a horse provided to them to show the goodwill of the Ashlords to their lessers. However, this year is special as they have allowed a Longhand into the mix, who are known for a failed revolution and have not been trusted ever since. What these eleven riders have in common is a shared proficiency in alchemy. Why alchemy, you ask? Well, with these Races, normal horses would never make it, and it would make for boring viewing for all the watchers at home. No, the equines in this race are phoenixes.

Hands down the coolest part of this story is learning about how the phoenix horses work. The animals are brought to life each morning by sunlight; their ashes are expertly crafted with magical components that enhance their abilities. For instance, there is one called Latchlock that will make the horse grow spikes that are invaluable when in close quarters with other riders. There are offensive moves as well as defensive ones like that, and in addition, there are poisons that can ruin a horse's chances to survive until sundown, which is when the creature must be ended to start all over again the next day. A rider can use any of these things at their disposal and are even equipped with a weapon that can be used to shatter an opponent's bones so they are rendered unable to ride-- but the only unforgivable thing is murder. Riders are even often approached by Ashlord gods such as Madness or Dread, promising help in return for a favor. These races are ugly and unfair, but god do they make for good entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, the characters we follow are all so diverse in their motivations and even how they are written; for example Pippa, a daughter of two previous champions, is a celebrity of sorts, and her chapters are told in second person and makes the feel of her POV that much more personal and hard-hitting, because such a character might be hard to sympathize with (as so many of the other Riders have a tough time discerning her true goals and feelings) without an inner dialogue. Imelda, otherwise known as the Alchemist, is a strong first person that you follow breathlessly, almost looking at her through her brother's eyes as he watches her rise to infamy. Although the novel is told in different perspectives in this way, it is very easy to keep up with and to know who's talking as they are all so radically different. It builds tension as you leave one Rider in a tough spot to catch back up with another who may be finding their way with ease.

All in all, this fantastical roller coaster ride is thrilling and once the Races begin it's impossible to put down. The lore is deep and wonderful, and I could easily see sequels or even prequels being made because there is just so much going on in this story. Whether it's the gods or ghosts or just human nature, you will be on edge from the lengths that these Riders will go through to WIN. I find it interesting as well that this book was born because of ANOTHER novel where this world made a small appearance, and readers loved the phoenix horses so much that the other idea was scraped as Scott delved into this goldmine he had found. I want more books like this! It was a joy to read and I'm excited to be posting this review on its bookday!

It’s a true testament to how engaging this book is that I managed to start and finish it on a single flight when I was totally exhausted. I enjoyed Nyxia, Reintgen’s first series, so I was excited when I heard he had a new series coming out that was focused on Phoenix racers! And this book totally lived up to my expectations. It was such a fun and engaging read, I loved getting this introduction to the world. I will absolutely be picking up the sequel when it comes out!

If you’re looking for a fast-paced YA fantasy, definitely pick this one up. The world was so cool and I loved how distinct each character was. And there’s phoenix racing!

*Disclaimer: I received an advance digital copy of this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

There was a lot going on in this book. The phoenix horses die every night and arise with the sun, and different chemical components change the horses as well. The country is complex and divided with the Ashlords and their gods ruling (and maybe not outwardly oppressing, but oppressing nonetheless) two conquered groups. And then there is the annual phoenix race, which is a combination of creativity, riding skill, fighting skill, and strategy.

The story is told in three points of view. First is Imelda, the alchemist, whose creativity is famous. However, she is a Dividian, and has none of the advantages of the other groups of people, and no money to enter the race. Adrian is a Longhand (Ashlords who don't worship the gods) and is the most physically strong competitor. And finally there is Pippa, who is the daughter of two returning champions and the favorite to win. She surprisingly turned out to be my favorite too, although I really liked all three.

I enjoyed this book a lot! But I don't want a phoenix...kind of.

I loved this! If you like darker YA fantasy this is the book for you! Scott Reintgen is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I've loved all of his books to date.

This follows three points of view, which is not usually my favorite, but Reintgen does a very good job making sure you are able to keep track of what is happening with each character and each of their storylines so you don't get confused. There are plenty of different plotlines happening in this book, but again he does a very good job of making sure things don't get muddled.

While the race is the center of the story, there is so much more to this book. There is political intrigue, mythology, magic, and plenty of corruption. The most unique part of the book is the phoenixes themselves. Each morning the rider must mix together a unique mix of their horses ashes and alchemical powders to give their horse various attributes ranging from strength and endurance to armor and the ability to defy gravity. The riders must also be trained in combat because after the sun goes down their phoenix burns to ashes only to reborn at sunrise the next day. To win the race each competitor must protect their ashes from the other race contestants because they will try to poison any ashes they come across as well as fight any competitor to near death. Only the strongest and most cunning will make it to the finish line. Alliances will be broken by trusted companions, and they will be formed with bitter enemies.

The story follows Imelda aka The Alchemist, skilled in alchemy she is from a poor region and tribe and admitted to the race on scholarship. She is not expected to win, but she is a favored by the working class. She is a bit of a social media sensation and gives the poor hope that they may one day do something more. Knowing that she can't fight her way to the finish line against her competitors, Imelda comes up with a plan of her own to compete in the races.

The we have Pippa, daughter of two former race champions. She has trained her entire life to win the race when it was her turn to compete. She is favored to win, and there is no reason not to. Pippa knows that she can win the race, but she has plans of her own. Nothing works out as planned and she must use all of her training to get out of the race in one piece.

Our last competitor is Adrian aka The Longhand, he is a competitor from an outcast tribe if you will. His people broke off from the Ashlords after a very ugly war many years ago and Adrian winning the race will be the catalyst his people need to take back what they lost all those years ago. He has also been training his entire life for this race, but what he doesn't know is that he is also a pawn in a much larger machine.

I can't wait for the next book. While this didn't end on a cliffhanger and closed off nicely, there are still plenty of unanswered questions and lots of things left to unfold in the next book. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment! I'll be recommending this book to my fantasy loving friends!

I was provided an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 STARS

Ashlords is The Scorpio Races meets The Hunger Games!


Set in a world where the Ashlords keep horses that die with the setting sun and rise reborn with the dawn (and a little alchemical help), Ashlords follows three contestants in this years Races, all vying for success, all with their own reasons. There can only be one winner of the Races, though, and Reintgen leaves the reader waiting until the very end to see who will become champion.

It’s not as simple as an outright race, though. Glory is hardly the only thing at stake. For Imelda, known as the Alchemist for her incredible skill in raising unconventional horse varieties, winning would mean providing to the Ashlords that her people, the Dividians, aren’t the lesser folk that Ashlords seem them as. For Adrian, winning the Races would be the fuel for rebellion that his father, leader of the Longhand rebels, so desperately needs. And for Pippa, daughter of two legendary racers, claiming the championship is in her blood, and it’s her ticket to a new life.

And when the Races aren’t set up to be fair so much as good entertainment, there’s no telling what will happen.

It’s these three conflicting viewpoints chasing the same goal, plus the glitz and glamour of high profile, dangerous competition, that give Ashlords a flavor not unlike The Hunger Games. I mean that in the best way, too. The Races force each character to confront the ugly truths of the world they live in, and the stakes are far too high to accept anything short of first place. You go in knowing that only one racer can take first place, and you stay there wondering who you want to back.

Naturally, The Scorpio Races comparison works its way in via the horse races and their perilous nature. Ashlords may not be racing along the coast with ravenous water horses, but the pitfalls along the way hold their own challenges.


“A storm wouldn’t be all that fun without a little noise.”


Ultimately, though, Ashlords is its own book, and an exciting one at that. I fell in love with it because of those competitive aspects worked so thoroughly into the plot, and because phoenix horses are an incredibly original concept.

I also fell in love with the characters. At first, only Imelda was especially compelling to me, talented as she is in her alchemical pursuits. She thinks outside of the box, and has natural talent that can’t be taught. Plus, she knows where to draw the line, where to say she’s had enough, and she follows through on it. There’s only so much she can do, one girl against an entire corrupt system, but the spark is there in her, and it’s burning bright.

Meanwhile, Adrian seemed too simple at first, but I grew to appreciate the place he found himself in. Caught between his father’s far-reaching plans and his own values, what starts off as a quest for revenge becomes more skeptical and nuanced. Throw in some divine interference (which I love, thank you, please send more mortal-immortal antagonism my way) and a budding sense of independence, and you end up with a character who isn’t going to take anything lying down.

Pippa, though, takes the cake for me. While Imelda and Adrian have first person POVs, Pippa’s share of the story appears in second person. You step into her shoes, into her head, and you see the weight of her decisions as each one cashes in on the consequences. The shift from first to second person was at first jarring, but in hindsight, I found it exceptionally clever. A first person POV would have made Pippa seem shallow and entirely non-viable as a protagonist. Second person, though, brings all of her strengths and weaknesses into the light, and makes every change visible. It’s an unorthodox approach, but it’s particularly effective. I think she could be a protagonist or an antagonist in the sequel, and it’s a very compelling place to be at.


When the sun goes down, though, something is missing.


Truly, I loved the concept of phoenix horses, and I can’t get enough of competitions that force characters at odds. Throw in some impressive character growth and the looming threat of rebellion, the threat of choosing sides, and I should be all over it.

Looking back, though, I needed more, and didn’t get it.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what’s missing. Do I feel it’s almost too much like THG? Do I have too many questions about how certain characters carried out their plans? Am I left wanting in the world-building? As terrible as it feels to answer “yes” to all of these questions, I think that’s the case. I have questions about some of the stunts Imelda pulled, largely questions of how. I couldn’t get THG far enough from my head while I was reading. And the use of gold coinage in a world that has some equivalent to YouTube threw me for a loop. Pile some rather under-utilized gods into the mix, and I crave more about the world than Ashlords offered me.


3.5 stars is still a positive rating, however!


Even if some aspects of Ashlords led to a shade of disappointment, it’s still a strong book with a captivating premise and tense progression. I suspect I’ll happily return for the conclusion of the duology when it arrives, and in the meantime, I’ll recommend it readily.

Thankfully, it releases tomorrow, January 21st, so there’s not long to wait before you can place it on your shelf! If you’ve been searching for something to fit the hole in your soul THG left behind, or need a Scorpio Races fix without a reread, this should do it. And if you just like the idea of alchemy tied to horse racing, and the alarming image of horses with sharp teeth, then this is still a book for you!

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this ARC!

Ashlords by Scott Reintgen has it in it to become the next Hunger Games. It combines the obsession with social media (riders make videos of their phoenix-back stunts) with a dangerous trial (the Races) and a background of oppression and revolution.

The Ashlords rule their kingdom and run the races, a deadly sporting event that takes place on the back of phoenixes that must be summoned through alchemy, created to survive the challenges of the course, and killed at the end of the day. Reintgen's strengths include a thorough knowledge of horses, giving readers a sophisticated, hard-headed glimpse of what war costs, and the creation of a rich and vivid world. (I can't prove it, but in that world I thought I sensed the influence of Hamilton and She-Ra Princess of Power...)

The work isn't without its share of weaknesses though. Despite using interesting methods (like second person) to distinguish the narrators, I had to rely on the chapter titles to tell who was narrating each section. And while I knew who the author wanted me to root for, everyone felt a bit too flawed (or distant) to win my respect. The world and the horses really held my attention though, so I hope a next installment will introduce new characters (or solidify these ones) and keep building on the Ashlords' imperiled realm. A unique read to kick off the new year!

I really wanted to love this book, ostensibly about Phoenix horses and riders in a Hunger Games x Scorpio Races competition. Yes, please!

Unfortunately, it was more about politics and rivalries, told from the POVs of 3 characters who I found to be pretty 1-dimensional. We had the privileged girl (whose POV was annoyingly told in 2nd person and I still can't figure out why), the scrappy poor girl given the chance of a lifetime, and the brave boy fighting for something larger than himself.

And, after 50% of the book just setting up the races and the characters' motives, they don't even interact with each other! When they finally converge, they stay in their own narratives, unaffected by the others'; no banter, no personal challenges, no understanding of the others' stories, nothing.

Also, I couldn't get a good sense for the world. I totally understood the politics, because it was described ad nauseam the first half of the book. But the people travel by horse and carriage, have tech like YouTube and means by which to watch race contestants virtually, wear "business" dresses and suits, but carpet is a luxury. Also, gods and their priests would pop up unexpectedly, and people were kind of unimpressed with the supernatural beings, and some even made deals with them or controlled them. So gods and tech live side-by-side, but don't interact...?

The race itself felt glossed over, with most attention given to riders fighting with each other off horseback. And the phoenix horses, which are the huge draw, were like a side note, or an after-thought. They aren't given personalities and are treated like tools or vehicles.

Ultimately, the characters and the first half of the book did not pull me in, and although the race itself was more interesting, I think an awesome story concept was lost in all the politics. 2.5 stars.

Ashlords is the first book in a YA fantasy duology following three very different, but equally compelling, individuals who are participating in the annual phoenix horse races. There is Pippa, the daughter of two former champions and the year’s favorite to win. Adrian is the son of a revolutionary whose entry is meant solely to spark the fire of rebellion throughout the Empire. Finally, there is Imelda, the scholarship entrant who is meant only to be a pawn in a game between those wealthier than her. Of course, she has other plans.

Ashlords was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020 and I am happy to report that it did not disappoint! Although it is my first book by Scott, it will most definitely not be my last. From the first page the book sucks you in with its descriptive writing and captivating scenes. His characters are diverse, distinct and relateable, albeit flawed and very, very human.

While Pippa, Adrian and Imelda are all striving for the same goal: to win the Races, I found myself rooting for each of them in turn and the author flawlessly keeps you guessing as to who, if any of them, will come off victorious.

The alchemy horses were probably my favorite part of the entire book. Every day, powders consisting of basic elements, metals and other components must be properly laid out and mixed to create different horses. At the end of every day, the phoenix horses die and each rider must do everything in their power to protect their horse’s ashes throughout the night.

There are also deals made with gods that some of the characters employ that adds another element of uncertainty and complexity as immortal beings aid some riders and hinder others with steeper and steeper costs to the racers and their sanity. I look forward to learning more about the world of the gods in the next book.

Down to the very last page I could not read fast enough and I was definitely not prepared for how the race, and the book, ended. I cannot wait for the next book in the duology and will definitely be tackling Scott’s backlist in 2020.

I give it 5/5 unapologetic, enthusiastic stars and highly recommend it for readers of Sara J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir and Maggie Stiefvater.

Well, this confirms it. Scott Reintgen is one of my favorite authors. The Nyxia Triad  was great. Saving Fable was great. And now, with Ashlords, he's done it again.

This book has one of the coolest concepts I've ever read. Phoenix horses? Alchemy involved in resurrecting them? With a competition aspect thrown in, there was no way I wasn't going to love this one. The story was so fun and unique, actually managing to live up to the hype in my mind. Engaging from start to finish, I couldn't put it down. And while it didn't have any big twists like some of Reintgen's other books, the story itself went in directions I wasn't expecting, making it feel fresh and exciting.

The characters were really great! Ashlords alternates between three points-of-view and doing so helped to make it a really quick read. I felt that they all three had unique voices and compelling stories that didn't make me dread reading any of them, which is a problem I sometimes have with multiple point-of-view books. One this that really stood out to me was that one character's point-of-view was written in second person. At first I was super iffy about it. I mean, second person is pretty uncommon, at least for me, and what I have read of it was really tricky to pull off well. So yeah, I was worried. Once I was a ways into the book though, I began looking forward to those chapters, and by the end Pippa was my favorite character to read. I would absolutely love to know exactly why Reintgen chose to write Pippa in second person, and I'm really glad he did as it's one thing that will always make this book stand out for me.

I always hesitate to compare books in any way to The Hunger Games, but one of my favorite aspects of Ashlords was how much it reminded me of the Capitol from those books. I've always wished I could read about more of the Capitol, and I feel like this book finally gave me that in some ways. The people, the fashions, the class differences, it all just gave me Capitol vibes and I really loved it as a setting.

Overall, I think Ashlords will end up being on of my favorite reads of 2020. It's a really fun, unique read. The story and characters are both compelling. It leaves just enough open at the end to make a sequel very welcome. I can't wait to read more in the world that Reintgen has created, and I will be highly recommending this one for a really long time.

The cover of this novel is absolutely gorgeous. As a horse girl, I simply could not resist. The description of the book made me think of the Hunger Games and the Scorpio Races, so I could not wait to get into it. Although I liked the idea of the book and the paths that it steered down, it took me a long time to read and I just never really got into it.
The setting of the novel is sort of futuristic western. They have all of this technology (the wristbands that can track riders, holographic windows), yet deal in alchemy and use single shot guns and whips for weapons. It was interesting and confusing all at once.
The most frustrating part, for me, was the mythology of the phoenixes. There was a brief blurb at the beginning, but I never really understood how these horses came to be or how they work. Every description made me picture either a normal horse or a horse/beast leveling up on armor in a video game. I wanted so much more of these creatures and their place in this world.
The three characters we get to follow were pretty cut out. Imelda was the poor girl looking to rise up in the world, Adrian was the perfect son destined to be great, and Pippa was the princess who had something to prove. I don’t think of them really stood out and although I didn’t dislike them, I didn’t care for them either. I did not care for Pippa’s second person narrative though.
The plotline is where I lost a lot of interest as well. The beginning went pretty quick and had me getting into the idea of a great race. And then I kept waiting. I liked seeing the different perspectives, but felt that the gaps that were created switching from one character to the next left unanswered questions, especially later in the book.
The race did not begin until the 50% mark. After that, there were some major issues that just didn’t make any sense to me. I can see that this is being positioned as a series and, while I would have liked to read more, the way that this book is set up in the second half should have been split into the following books. Imelda’s choice was off putting in this novel as it created a completely new storyline. While it may have come together a little in the end, it was a hard to go back and forth from her character. There are also some loopholes dealing with her storyline that cannot be overlooked by even a browsing reader.
There is just too much shoved into the second half of this novel that there is not enough attention on the details. I would have liked this better split into three novels from the different perspectives, rather than a giant mush from them all at once. This became less about the races and more about politics that many readers will lose interest. I hope that this goes through some editing changes or that if there are future installments they will be more detailed and streamlined. I really did like this idea and the issues that it brings forth, I just wish that it had been presented clearer.

Thank you so much to Crown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for letting me read a copy of Ashlords early! I read the synopsis and it seemed so cool, so I was super excited to read the actual book and I was definitely not disappointed at all!

Ashlords 5/5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Every year since the Ashlords were gifted phoenix horses by their gods, they've raced them. First into battle, then on great hunts, and finally for the pure sport of seeing who rode the fastest. Centuries of blood and fire carved their competition into a more modern spectacle: The Races.

Over the course of a multi-day event, elite riders from clashing cultures vie to be crowned champion. But the modern version of the sport requires more than good riding. Competitors must be skilled at creating and controlling phoenix horses made of ash and alchemy, which are summoned back to life each sunrise with uniquely crafted powers to cover impossible distances and challenges before bursting into flames at sunset. But good alchemy only matters if a rider knows how to defend their phoenix horse at night. Murder is outlawed, but breaking bones and poisoning ashes? That's all legal and encouraged.

In this year's Races, eleven riders will compete, but three of them have more to lose than the rest--a champion's daughter, a scholarship entrant, and a revolutionary's son. Who will attain their own dream of glory? Or will they all flame out in defeat?

Ahhh my first book of the year was so good- it was a 5 star read! This book gave me major Hunger Game vibes, which I loved. I really liked both Imelda and Adrian’s points of views, but Pippa’s was…interesting. I thought making the decision to have it narrated in second person was a bold choice that I might not have made, but after the third chapter of Pippa’s point of view, I finally got used to it and I didn’t mind it anymore.

The plot of the book was really interesting and I never had a chance to get bored while reading it, which I loved! The pacing was great and honestly, I’m so, so excited for book two! Ashlords comes out on January 21, so definitely make sure you pick it up when it comes out!

Ashlords is a phenomenal new YA fantasy series about racing phoenix horses gifted by the gods across the desert. Following three different main POVs, the thing these three have in common is they're all racing this year, but they all have way more to lose than the rest of the competitors. One of the three POVs is written in second person, which I quite enjoyed. There could always be a greater reason for this. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and high stakes of the race. The story is filled with action and suspense. Desperately hoping for a sequel because this one is bound to be everyone next favorite book. Highly recommended to readers of YA fantasy with action. Be sure to check Ashlords out today!

I received a copy of this book from Crown Books for Young Readers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! In no way does this affect my rating or review.

All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.

"It’s the first time I’ve seen it all so clearly. There are two worlds, and I know exactly which one I belong in."

Content Warning: Death, Gore, Brutality, Profanity

Ashlords has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2020. The first and foremost reason, which I think is obvious if you know me, is that it’s about phoenix horses. The first half of the story was great. There is quite a lot of world building, history given, political dynamics unraveled, and “rules of the game” explained. It was the second-half where this plot-line lost my interest as it became solely focused on the political maneuverings.

Several details in Ashlords mirror plot points in The Hunger Games: a glitzy competition full of brutality (minus murder even though death happens) publicized over live television, romantic twists, betrayal, the underdog trope, etc. I think a lot of YA dystopias follow similar paths no matter what. Overall, this story contains some very unique details. Phoenix horses, alchemy, unique mythology/deities, definitely add a freshness to a story-line that has been done many times over.

Ashlords is told by three different characters. Each character is from a very different station, and do well when giving insight into their beliefs, viewpoints, and stances on life. Imelda is a Dividian. Few Dividian ever make it to the races. Through her alchemy skills and social media maneuvering, she lands an unlikely spot in the race. Pippa is from an entirely different world. Born into a wealthy Ashlord family, she is favored to win. Both of her parents were winners of the race, and she isn’t about to let them down. The final viewpoint is told from Adrian. A “Longhand,” he represents the previously failed rebellion against the Ashlords. Their previous failure doesn’t stop his father’s pursuit in overthrowing the Ashlords, and is his reason for running the race.

While I genuinely appreciated several unique points of this plot, there were a few things that I didn’t like so much. One was the changing POV voices. I don’t mind stories told by multiple characters. It’s not my favorite, but I’m fine with it. What is different about Ashlords is that the voice of the POV changes from third to second, but only for Pippa’s voice. I’m not sure, but I’m hoping that singling out Pippa for this POV has a reason and not just a choice of style. If it has a reason, it has the potential to be a clever technique utilized by the author. If not, it’s just a confusing addition to the narrative.

Secondly, where are the phoenix horses? I was really hoping that this special horse would take front and center when it came to this story. Maybe I’m being too critical here, but I’m a horse-lover, and am dying for some solid horse representation in YA! What was offered here was motivational for the plot, but didn’t give anything extra for the reader. What was necessary was told, but those (many, I imagine) embellishments of the phoenix horses didn’t exist. They were more robotic, than anything. Horses have just as much character as humans do, so I was hoping for them to also be more individually characterized than they were.

The writer is undoubtedly very talented. Certainly, many readers will connect with these characters. For my personal tastes, I didn’t care for how the plot shifted focus. I’m getting the feeling at my medial reaction to this story is a hint that I need to take a long break from dystopia-style plots, because they just aren’t grabbing me much anymore. Perhaps, at a different time in my reading “career,” I would feel differently about how this plot strikes me. I think Ashlords offers a unique world, but I didn’t connect with the characters much at all, and therefore, lost my focus.

Vulgarity: Minimal.
Sexual content: Minimal.
Violence: Moderate. (See Content Warning.)

My Rating: ★★★1/2

I was given the e-arc of this on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you'll excuse me I'm just gonna be yelling for a bit. I mean dang, what an intense, andrenaline filled ride. An absolutely addictive read. The different threads of the story wove together in fascinating ways and I enjoyed getting to know the complexities of each of our main cast. I was extremely invested in their journeys and I still am. I need book two yesterday. Such a wonderful set up to what I believe is set to be a duology. I've only just finished Ashlords 5 minutes ago and I'm already dying for book two.
I've seen Ashlords compared to the Hunger Games and it certainly had the same air of intense competition as well as the dynamism that kept me hooked but I'd be willing to say that Ashlords goes a step further by delving deeper into the world building and into the various players themselves. By revolving around 3 different competitors, each from very different worlds, we got a much broader sense of the large and complex world and I was very much here for it. I can't wait to see what is next for our players and what comes from the conclusion of Ashlords. The stakes are, no doubt higher now than ever.
I would rate this book a solid 4.5, I spent much of the book just going yessssssssss. and really reveling in all the details and cultures as well as the dangerous pantheon of the Ashlords. By criticisms are slight and perhaps biased by personal preference. I appreciated the efforts made to differentiate the 3 voices of our central point-of-view characters, but starting out, having Pippa's persepctive told in second-person was jarring and, at first, distracting. Stylistically, it was not my favorite. I eventually got to the point where I didn't notice because I was reading big chunks at a time. It may not bug anyone else but it can make for a slower start.
MINOR KIND OF SPOILERS FOLLOW THIS POINT.
My other complaint was more a matter of taste. I kept waiting and anticpating when the narratives of the 3 main characters would come together. When unusual circumstances of the race would throw them together. I really wanted to see how these three wonderful and complex chqaracters that came from such different walks of life would mesh when their storylines convergerged....but it never really happened? We got a couple passing scenes between Pippa and Adrian and each of the characters acknowledging each other in terms of the race, but, for the most part, their storylines reamined separate even though they were 3 of 11 competitors in a tight race, they never really interacted much and I found that frustrating. That being said, things seem poised for more interactions in the next book and I really really hope that is the case. The chemistry between Adrian and Pippa, even in their brief interactions, was palpable and very exciting to me especially given their backgrounds. I would also be interested in seeing how either might interact with Imelda. their is a lot of great potential there and I can't wait to see it play out.
END OF MINOR SPOILER ZONE.
Overall, this was a very exciting read and I am so happy that I got to read it. I highly recommend it.

It pains me to dnf this because I was all ready to love the phoenix horses, and I still think that it is a great idea. However the set-up of the book is just not for me. There are 3 point of views that we follow and one of them is written in second person point of view. I found it incredibly jarring to read the constant you's and it makes me not want to pick this back up again. I'd rather dnf and try another Scott Reintgen book than torture myself through something that has elements I really won't enjoy.

Stil rating it 3 stars on netgalley because the story was fine so far and it is more of a me thing. It certainly will work for other readers. I won't review this book seperately on the blog.

I love love LOVE the concept of this book - alchemical phoenix horse racing is 1000% right up my alley - but I struggled with the execution. From the summary blurb, I assumed that the majority of the plot would be focused on the actual race, but in reality 2/3 of the plot covers secret political revolutions. I also really wanted more time spent with the phoenix horses, but they felt more like vehicles than actual living breathing creatures/characters.

Really interesting concept with the phoenix horses, but execution and characterization fell flat for me. I will still definitely recommend this title to fantasy-loving teens at my library (especially if they enjoyed titles like The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, etc.) because I really think the potential here will capture their imaginations. And also they will be more forgiving of books than my critical adult eye. :)

This book was a whirlwind. I wasn't sure how Reintgen's fantasy would be, but it sure turned out crazy good. It was a weird combination of a firey horse race in a fantasy world with a western clan, noble a**es, and science magic.

At times, it reminded me of what I liked most about The Hunger Games (though sometimes almost a little too borrowed, but the world kept it fresh) and the three perspectives kept the already quick pace moving quicker. I thought everyone had a good stake in the race too. And I loved the descriptions of the chemical combinations racers chose- they felt really well though-out and easily believable. And Reintgen pulled an element from Nyxia that I really liked, which was to keep readers in touch with the player rankings. It kept an edge to the story that was necessary.

My only catch with this story is that I didn't like the tense choice for Pippa's narration, as I often got caught up in it. I believe she's the character we're supposed to see ourselves in, but she wasn't the one I connected most with- so the "you" just didn't click and I had to keep forgetting it.

That being said I'm 100% on board and eager for book two...and this one isn't even on shelves for another two weeks...

This book caught my eye because it features phoenix horses how cool is that!! As soon as I read the description this was a book I had to read. I loved the story and mythology behind Ashlords it definitely does not disappoint!

This is my first book by Scott Reintgen and it won’t be my last. I have added this author to my favorites list.

Ashlords is an imaginative fantasy and I loved the inclusion of the phoenix horses so unique and fierce. One of the cooler aspects of the story is that the alchemy involved with the resurrections of the horses could be simple or complicated depending on what you wanted the horse to be capable of. It was both the same beloved animal and an entirely new creature with each rebirth. It made every resurrection a gamble as the ashes could be poisoned by a competitor or fail if the calculations by the alchemist/rider were incorrect leaving each resurrection in the hands of fate and the diligence of the rider because there was never any guarantee that things were going to go according to plans. In addition to a fierce competition an entire empire laid on the brink of a revolution, every new day dawned with corruption, and an underworld filled with blood, fire and the meddling of fickle Gods.

There are three main competitors in this story from three entirely different worlds of entitlement:

Imelda Beru – a Davidian who has grown up impoverished and poor but who’s Alchemy is rivaled by none.

Adrian Ford – a Longhand cowboy born to help spark the coming revolution. Adrian is a fierce fighter and competitor but not rich or politically powerful.

And Pippa – an Ashlord who is rich, entitled and born of two previous champions who have trained her since birth to rule the arena as the next champion.

They come from three different walks of life and the story is told through their alternating viewpoints. Although each rider has different reasons they all have high stakes in the competition for they each have everything to lose if they fail to win. The competition is brutal and it quickly becomes evident that they risked their very lives with each day in the arena. Alliances are both made and broken with every nightfall and dawn.

In a competition monitored by strict rules and thousands watching eyes each willing to pay top dollar to see their favorite riders the competition grows fiercer with each passing day as the riders try to eliminate the completion, protect their phoenix and come home alive.

I read this book in one sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time. I also did not expect many of the twists and turns and was both thrilled and disappointed at many turn of events. This book does end on a pretty big cliffhanger so I assume there is much more to come. I also hope it is filled to the brim with these fantastic and beautiful creatures.

The story does switch viewpoints and is told in first, second and third person perspectives which was both interesting and unusual. I didn’t dislike it but I was thrown at first.

I soon left that behind as I was immersed into this strangely part modern part dystopian world. I actually did like that aspect of the story because it shows that through war the winners managed to keep and to continue to use technology while those having lost the war no longer enjoyed the same lifestyle.

They no longer had access to the same technology and in affect lived decades behind. Just another way the Ashford’s could keep them subservient.

This book is very reminiscent of the action and suspense of The Hunger Games. 

I loved the interactions between riders and their phoenix showing the deep connection that developed over time. The racing and fight scenes are very descriptive and leave you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series because it seems there will be a much different story arc. I wonder how or if the races and horses will still play a major part as the future unfolds. In all I just loved it and I can’t recommend it enough. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

For all the books I've read, I'm not sure I've read one like Ashlords and I. Am. A Fan. This book is fast-paced and exciting and packed with twists and turns much like the very race it's centered around.

I was initially intrigued by the concept of the phoenixes. In this world, they take the form of horses that rise with the sun and die each night, with each rebirth different based on what's mixed with their ashes. Such a cool idea and brings together two things I'm personally a fan of. Well, three if you count the science/magic aspect of it all. We're immediately introduced to the phoenixes early on with Imelda, the Alchemist, one of the three point-of-view characters.

The alternating perspectives was definitely one of the strengths of this book. Two points of view, Imelda's and Adrian's, are in first person but so distinct that it's obvious without needing to read the chapter headings who's speaking. The third, Pippa, is told in the uncommon second person which caught me off guard at first but I quickly fell into it and hers became one of my favorites. I'm not sure why Pippa was picked as the odd one out but I'm not sure it would have worked for the other two characters nearly as well.

All three castes of the empire are represented by these three racers and I loved seeing the world from each perspective, what they have to gain... and what they'll lose if they fail. While I loved Pippa's voice, likely because of the distinctive second person style, I think Imelda was my favorite character. She's the one that surprised me the most with her decisions and her story didn't follow the direction I expected at all. Which was fantastic because what ultimately happens fits so much better. Plus her alchemy is pretty badass.

I didn't dislike Adrian but he was my least favorite of the three (though since I liked them all, it required some nitpicking to rank them in any way). He's all about the rebellion his father wants to stage but how he changes by the end... I hope to see more of that in the sequel.

Because yes, this book needs a sequel. The story isn't done in Ashlords by any means. At the same time, this is a contained story. This book is about the race, the time leading up to it and everything from the starting gate to the finish line. I feared that might become predictable or copycat-ish of other competition stories but while I think readers of The Hunger Games (as I haven't read the two books Ashlords is actually compared to) but it's not Hunger Games 2.0. It stands on its own and the uniqueness of the world and way it's written definitely made it memorable for me.

Honestly, I couldn't put Ashlords down. It's action-packed with a story that ebbs and flows much like a marathon. Although this was the first book by Reintgen that I've read, it will absolutely not be the last. 

Get Ashlords on your radar. You won't want to miss this YA fantasy competition filled with the path of ambition, the consequences of rebellion, and the impact of choice. A must-read for the year!