4.25 stars. After reading and loving this author's first series, Nyxia, I knew I'd need more from him. Ashlords was exactly what I was waiting for! This book centers around horses called Phoenixes that die each night in a burst of flames and are raised from their ashes each morning using alchemy and magic. The alchemists choose what strengths and features their horse will have based on the chemicals used.

It's such a unique premise and I loved it. Ashlords is The Scorpio Races meets The Hunger Games meets Hidalgo.

There's a major race every year and this year Pippa, Adrian, and Imelda are 3 of the riders. Each teen comes from a different background and the story is told from their alternating points of view. The race is grueling, and extremely dangerous, especially since the racers try to knock each other out of the competition.

What I really liked was the YouTubing aspect and how 2 of the protagonists film everything for the fans. The race itself is also live reality TV similar to The Hunger Games.

This book kept me up late into the night and now I can't wait for the sequel!!

*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Childrens for the advance copy!*

This book is incredible!! It's pure adrenaline with the phoenix horse racing competition. I love the concept of the riders having to summon their horses with alchemical powders, and I loved Imelda. She's such a strong character and starts out the story as the underdog of the competition. I loved her "youtube' video concoctions and how her passion for phoenix horse racing was conveyed through her videos.

The story follows multiple perspectives of each of the racers in the competition, and I loved getting to see the different racers from their different castes and having different insights and personalities. Overall, I am super excited to see where the next story goes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinion was not affected by the free copy.

I'm a simple girl: I see a horse on the cover, I request it. Though the idea of phoenix horses did propel my interest in this book even more. It's an amazingly cool idea, and I think for the most part the world was established well. I got a pretty good sense of who all three of the main characters were-- their personalities, how they saw themselves and the world around them, their goals, et cetera. I usually do my critiques first, so let's get on with it.

The book is broken down into three main POVs: Pippa, Adrian, and Imelda. Except for some reason Pippa is in second person while the other two are in first person. It always bugs me a little when authors single out one of the POVs like this; there never seems to be a purpose and only makes that one narrative stand out. There's no reason or purpose behind Pippa's section being in second person. It's constantly distracting whenever it cuts to her.

Also, this is going to sound weird, but I feel like there was too much plot going on. It's pitched as a mesh between Red Rising and The Scorpio Races. I've only read a few pages of Red Rising, so I was seeing more Hunger Games, but it's still the same idea: some group is being suppressed by the ruling class, there's a violent competition that is entered every year where people pay big money to watch and gamble on the winner, someone from the suppressed class enters said game, there's talk of revolution and war... I don't want to spoil, but there are definitely a lot of comparisons. My problem is that this book would've been just fine if it was a cool race between these athletes from different walks of life. The rebellion and war was adding stuff that wasn't needed, nor did I really get why it would spark war if Adrian won.

There are some pretty big plot holes with the world created here. As much as I loved the gods being involved, it feels like there could be a lot of bad consequences. Murder is treated like a non-issue if it's handled in the right way. There's actually a scene where someone is poisoned during a party and nobody even bats an eye. Yet things like that are not really explored in depth.

I admit I was wanting to see the bond between rider and horse a bit more. Since this is all about the horses needing to die and be reborn every day, I was hoping the book would show the connection. But we don't really get that. I don't mind the focus on the race since it was cool and exciting, and all the creative ways the phoenix horses were used was really fun to imagine. Also, all the characters are interesting but their arcs feel like they all happened very suddenly. They each reach a moment where their thinking shifts, but it's very quick. Also, the climax and resolution happened very quick as well. It honestly felt rushed. Again, if it'd just been about the race, we wouldn't have that problem.

But the world-building is very cool. All the different gods are interesting and I'm very intrigued by how involved they are in the world. They actually go down in "person" to interact with people. I would honestly read another book just about the gods. The phoenix horses are extremely creative and the race itself is exciting. My heart was actually pounding when I read through those parts. I really wanted to see who won and what would happen next. The society is pretty interesting as well. If this is just going to be a duology, that's a shame, because there is so much going on in this world that it can really grow and become richer with more books. Of course, I say that while also thinking the story could've been a lot more simple.

I still enjoyed this book a lot and I'll be checking out the sequel. It has some incredible creativity and imagination. I just feel like maybe it's a little too big, and if I'm being honest, I'm getting a little tired of the "start revolution against oppressive ruling government" cliche in YA books.

I want to love this book I just cant get into it. Love the concept but have to DNF for now. Will pick up hopefully again in the future.

I really wanted to like this book but I ended up not really liking it. The plot was okay but I was bored about half way through.

Its a very intriguing concept for a book but I felt like transition between the different perspectives was poorly done and left me feeling confused. INstead of creating different voices for the characters they just used like first person for one character, third person for a different one, etc. And the characters themselves were very two dimensional. I couldn't get into the book.

This arc is a tough one to review. The first 3/4 of the book was wonderful. I loved the world-building and the characters. I was excited to write a glowing review until I reached the end of the book, which was full of plot holes. The action was also difficult to follow because of inadequate description.

At this point, I can't recommend the book because of the end. I suspect the author has since revised the end and that work just didn't make it into the arc. If this is the case, I can post a review after the revised text comes out.

All the best,
Rebecca

I absolutely loved this book! It was reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Scorpio Races while remaining it's own story. It was a bit of a slow burn but I did not want to put it down. A world with phoenix horse races is so interesting and unique. Fans of both previously mentioned books and rebellion will enjoy this one. Full review to come on the blog closer to release date.

INCREDIBLE!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I had trouble with this book and kept pushing myself to read it, but as I got a little over halfway through, it started getting more exciting. The beginning was a slow burn and i was getting impatient because the races hadn't started till a little ways over half of the book. Once the races started, it got a lot more exciting! I hope the sequel is alot more action packed than the first though. Here's to hoping it is!

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 3.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

I requested an e-galley of Ashlords from the publisher without reading the synopsis. It had a fiery horse on the cover and the most important part Scott Reintgen was the author. So it was automatic request due to author.

I was not disappointed one bit.
This book follows three main characters Imelda (a Dividian), Adrian (a Longhand), and Pippa (an Ashlord, the favorite) as they prepare for and compete in a race. The Dividians are basically the lowest caste, they make less money, they are governed by Ashlords, etc. Imelda is chosen as a qualifier for the race because she cannot afford the entry fee herself. The Longhands are basically middle caste and dislike being pushed down by Ashlords. And the Ashlords are the ruling and richest caste. Adrian is in the race in hopes of starting a revolution for his people. Imelda just wants to actually win. And Pippa was born and bred to win the race.

They ride Phoenix horses and the components they use to rebirth the horses each morning help create the horse and their strengths, which is the coolest thing I've ever heard of and my favorite part of the book.

Not only does this story include freaking PHOENIX HORSES! But it also includes betrayal, revolution, deceit, and a TON of action. Like I could barely put the book down the entire second half. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed reading this. An interesting story with fun characters. Well written.

Such an amazing ride! I LOVED every single bit of it!

Scott Reintgen has a way with words and, again, has proved that he can create an astonishingly complex and rich world populated by tridimensional, unforgettable characters (I still cannot decide which one is my favourite: I found myself rooting for all three of them, enjoying the suspense created by the POVs alternation).
His narrative style is so gripping and the story so original that you will find impossible to put it down, believe me.

I simply cannot wait for the next instalment and I'll definitely read anything else by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the e-arc!

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. While I really wished that the characters we got POVs from interacted more, I still loved it and audibly gasped a few times.

Characters: So.... I finished this a week ago or so, and the more removed I am from it, I love them more and more. Imelda, my broody boy (i forget his name), and Pipa are my kids. They all have some issues, but we truly and honestly understand them and their choices.

Plot: While the plot was less interesting than I'd hoped (because they rarely interact), this is a flipping beautiful character driven story.

Writing Style: I love Scott's writing. He gets me interested immediately. Every time.

World Building: Can I get to know more about phoenixes yet?! I know I get a bunch of it in the story but i seriously want more. SO MUCH MORE.

Fantastic fantasy/sci fi, rollicking adventure--think [book:The Scorpio Races] meets [book:The Hunger Games] but its own unique book for sure. Three main characters are all drawn to The Races for different reasons. Over the course of several days they will ride in a cross-country endurance race on "phoenixes"--special magical horses that burn to death every night and are reborn in the morning sun's first rays. But, it's not just a matter of who has the fastest phoenix or is the smartest rider, but also who is physically the strongest--because riders have to guard themselves and their phoenix's ashes against attacks by other riders--and which rider is the best alchemist--blending different chemicals to bestow different characteristics in their phoenix for what they need it to do. And behind it all sound the drumbeats of rebellion against the ruling Ashlords; long ago they subjugated two other sects of people, who are not always going to stay quietly in their place. I couldn't put this book down! Love it! Great action scenes, and interesting set up for the political machinations. Can't wait to share it with our middle and high school students, and also, to read the next book in what I assume will be a series.

Lightening DOES strike twice. Having loved the Nyxia series, I was terrified this next effort by Mr Reintgen would fall short of my expectations. I needn't have worried.

Ashlords sweeps you into its grasp right from the start, with well drawn, intricate characters and world building every bit as good as virtual reality. You feel the heat from fire, your throat is dry from the dust at their feet, your heart pounds wildy as they race to an uncertain fate. Only a few chapters in and you know in your heart you've known Imelda, Adrian and Pippa for ages.

With constant action, intrigue, plot twists and turns, you have a hard time catching your breath as you turn the pages as quickly as you can. The tale is set in an unknown land, with a mysterious history and people divided into three classes: rulers favored by the gods, the subjugated and the enslaved. For decades things have gone on the same, but the youth of this generation have had enough. It is time to rise up, fight, and take back their freedom. Even if the price is steep, and their odds aren't good.

I simply cannot wait for the next installment. Read this, and you won't be able to either.

Solid first entry. A little Hunger Games, a little Scorpio Races. I would have like it to have been a longer book in order to both develop the characters and extend the competition. I didn't get the sense that it was a grueling event; it seemed to last just a few days.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc!

Wow, there was a lot going on in this book! Warring clans. Magic. Revenge. Horses from the underworld. Yep, you heard me.

ASHLORDS follows three POV's, Imedle, a Dividian alchemist, Pippa, an Ashlord who comes from a family of Racing champions, and Adrian, a Longhorn whose only focus is to win. I love multiple POV's so having three was no bother. It helped me get a perspective of each clan. I did not even know who to root for; I loved them all.

This story was incredibly unique. As the synopsis states, it is compared to one of my favorite books of all time, THE SCORPIO RACES, and although ASHLORDS was lacking the heart of TSR, it was not diminished. I mean, horses that are phoenixes (as they are rightly called in the story) and have the ability to rebirth themselves with attributes depending on how the rider pours in the components into their ashes is f43king awesome. As I said, this did lack a bit of the feels, but it was a good story nonetheless. ASHLORDS had a lot to tackle and Scott did it with expertise. I cannot wait to read the second!

Title: Ashlords

Series: Untitled Duology #1

Author: Scott Reintgen

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

:Pages 368

Crown Books For Young Readers

January 21,2020

Rating: 4.5

Red Rising meets The Scorpio Races in this epic fantasy following three phoenix horse riders--skilled at alchemy--who must compete at The Races--the modern spectacle that has replaced warfare within their empire.


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?


My thoughts

Would I recommend it? yes

Will I be going on with the series? yes

Would I read anything else by this author? yes

This isn't the first time I've read this author in in fact this is the third time , the first to times I read and reviewed books one and two of his series Nyxia Triad and I loved those so as soon as I got the litter from the publisher and saw the cover I was like yes please ,and I'm glad I did, the story is told in the views of three different characters that each come from different backgrounds.And the story is in a world where there is alchemical powers that is used to rise a breed of horse called Phoenix Horse , yes you read that right Phoenix horse and just like phoenixes they rise from the ash and are race against each other ,and there is different ones that can be summing , you just have to know which one to call and what the summing is , not only does it centers on the competition, but it also talking about the empire , corrupt gods, and the people who exist in a world of fire and blood and how it came to be the way it is. It also brings to life that some of the riders ride for glory, others ride for not themselves but for the love of their people and family and some ride to bring about a revolution , but to find out who is who you need to pick up the book for yourselves with that said I want to say thank you to Netgalley as well as the publishers for letting me read and review it .

Some things I have come to expect from Scott Reintgen:

A sharp voice
Stunning world building
Stellar action
Kick-ass diverse characters
Things he delivered in his newest book, Ashlords:

ALL OF THAT AND MORE!!!!

This review may sound like an adventure in fangirling, and you know what? It is. And I’m not even sorry about it. The morning I opened my email with the link for Ashlords, no joke, I squealed. The experience did not diminish from there.

First, this cover makes me drool. I want a phoenix horse, like, today, in real life, can I order one on Amazon, k thanks bye. It’s gorgeous! Dark and flaming and seriously it is absolute perfection.

But the world. Oh my dark delights, this world is INSANE!!!

Phoenix horses that rise from the ashes is merely the start. Riders have to be proficient in alchemy, bringing the same horse back, but with alterations. Perhaps a stronger stamina, or fierce armor. There are any number of components to create a myriad of rebirths, each unique to what the rider wants to accomplish during their ride. I mean, WHAT??!?!!?

“She looks plain as sand. But that’s the beauty of alchemy and phoenixes: they’re like an ace hidden up a sleeve, magical if you know how to make the trick work.”

And the creativity Reintgen pours into this book doesn’t stop with the world, or the story. He plays around with narration, giving us one perspective in a captivating second person point of view. Honestly, it may be one of my favorite characters. Being kept at arms length while also racing with them, I’m hooked. So hooked.

The world of the Ashlords explores the concept of corruption and power. Told through three different perspectives, we get an incredible depth to how this world is viewed and experienced depending on what group of people you belong to. This is an enormous world, and yet, somehow I felt fully immersed within the first few chapters. Reintgen does an amazing job bringing this complex society to life.

So we have magic. ✅ Captivating voice. ✅ Intriguing characters. ✅ Exquisite world building. ✅ Did I mention the rebellion??? Oh yes, there’s a rebellion brewing. And it all depends on the outcome of The Races.

Basically this book has all my favorite things. And while I can rave about it, for HOURS, I also don’t want to give any of this wild ride away. Especially since this adventure doesn’t even spring into action until January. JANUARY!!! I can’t even. All I know is, I am dying for all of you to meet my sweet baby Bastien, because he is LIFE!!!

“Bloodshed is knocking at the door, and Bastien looks excited.”

I mean, for real? How is he NOT written for me??!?!

Anyway. Get ready for more from me in the upcoming months. Perhaps there’s an interview. Maybe there’s some character fun. I guess we’ll all have to just wait and see!

In the meantime, order yourself a copy of this divine book so you can obsess over all the things with me. It comes out January 21, 2020 at all your favorite retailers.

Thank you Crown Books for sending me an advance copy via Netgalley!