I genuinely enjoyed this book! It was like Hunger Games meets...idk, something with horses. Or races. There was a lot of action, the world building was super interesting, and the way the author wrote Pippa’s chapters was really well done. ( )

Fantastic fantasy/sci fi, rollicking adventure--think The Scorpio Races meets 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. ( )

Ugh I love Scott Reintgen’s work. His writing just pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Ashlords is full of action with a phoenix-horse racing competition and a growing rebellion. In this world, there is a social hierarchy in which the Ashlords are at the top, the Longhands or those who live in the Reach are in the middle, and the Dividians are at the bottom. The Ashlords rule over the other two ”in fire and blood”.

This novel follows 3 povs; Pippa who is an Ashlord, Adrian who is a Longhand, and Imelda who is a Dividian. Pippa is the daughter of two former champions and she believes she is destined to win. Adrian is the son of the leader of the growing rebellion and will be their symbol once he wins the race to begin their war. Imelda is known as “the Alchemist” because of her crazy phoenix rebirths. The fame that this brought her gave her a 1 in a million chance to be a part of the race. However, she soon realizes that she never stood a chance at winning.

I give this book a 4.5/5 because I do love the writing and the world building. The characters are diverse and different. I, personally, did not like Adrian. It seemed like the writing was too focused on how he’s a big strong man who could win a fight against anyone when it could’ve been said in less words. My favorite character actually ended up being Pippa, which I did not expect lol. I love how Scott makes his female characters so unapologetically badass and clever. ( )

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommend: Yes
Level: High School

I’m not a huge fan of “race” books and it took me a bit into the book to figure out the world building but once it all clicked I was completely hooked. Our three characters represent the three groups in this world's class structure: upper, ruling class, defeated rebellion, and current oppressed working class. Our main characters I liked the unique blend of science, mythology, and game tactics that made up the suspenseful plot. The three main characters all had very different POVs which made for a great read putting the pieces together. The cliffhanger left me wanting to read more so I’ll definitely pick up the next book. ( )

4 Stars
The Hunger Games meets The Scorpio Races in book one of Scott Reintgen’s new fantasy duology, Ashlords. Warrior phoenix horses were made to race, and that is what the Ashlords have done annually since they received these creatures from their gods. But, more than speed is required to determine a winner. Contestants must use specific blends of ash and alchemy to summon unique talents and skills within their phoenix horses each day until they burst into flame at sunset and then protect those ashes from their competitors because the looming threat of violence and sabotage is always lurking in the battle to crown a champion. It is a contest for more than pride and the purse money, it is a showcase of three competing cultures, and only one can be the winner.
This year is no exception, but a few of the characters have more to lose and gain than most. Pippa, the daughter of two former champions, who was born and bred to race as well as a natural favorite as an Ashlord, the ruling class. Adrian, a Longhand and son of a revolutionary, who hopes to become the symbol of freedom for his people to rise against the Ashlords. And Imelda, a Dividian, the lowest class and there only as a scholarship entry, but her fame as “The Alchemist” from her online videos makes her a compelling entrant and wildcard. Told in alternating chapters by each of the characters, the race is only the beginning.
Reintgen does a create job building individual characters with finesse and flaws that make them connectable. You will join the crowd, rooting for your favorite as they race. The only downside is, that because you become invested, the race itself seems rushed and segmented. As a reader, I wanted more details, more descriptions, more everything and it came to an end too quickly. Ashlords lays a great foundation for the next book, providing a conclusion, but also setting the stage. Hopefully, Reintgen will explore and flesh out some of the things that were only hinted at and touched on in book 1- particularly the background histories, the gods, and the magic. Solid 4 stars and looking forward to book 2.

Valerie Smith
@baseball_val ( )