The Darkness Before Them - (The Soulfire Saga) by Matthew Ward (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The first in an exciting, action-packed new trilogy from epic fantasy author Matthew Ward, The Darkness Before Them introduces readers to a world ruled by a dangerous immortal king, where souls fuel magic, and a supernatural mist known as the Veil threatens to engulf the land.

These are dark times for the Kingdom of Khalad. As the magical mists of the Veil devour the land, the populace struggles beneath the rule of ruthless noble houses and their uncaring immortal king.

Kat doesn't care about any of that. A talented thief, she's pursuing one big score that will settle the debt that destroyed her family. No easy feat in a realm where indentured spirits hold vigil over every vault and treasure room. However, Kat has a unique gift: she can speak to those spirits, and even command them. She'll need every advantage she can get.

Kat's not a hero. She just wants to be free. To have her old life back. But as rebellion rekindles and the war for Khalad's future begins, everyone - Kat included - will have to pick a side.

Review Quotes

"A thoughtful examination of the limits of duty and loyalty... a promising series launch."--Publishers Weekly

"Packed with big battles, shadowy intrigue and a large cast of characters, Legacy of Ash is an absorbing debut."--James Islington on Legacy of Ash

"A perfect blend of Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom."--FanFi Addict on Legacy of Ash

"An incredibly impressive piece of fantasy fiction."--The Fantasy Inn on Legacy of Ash

"As intricate as a precision-engineered watch; as surprising as a precision-engineered watch with a concealed face-stabbing mechanism."--Gareth Hanrahan on Legacy of Ash

"Epic fantasy as it should be: big, bold and very addictive."--Starburst on Legacy of Ash

"Expertly interspersing vivid action sequences with quiet, introspective stretches, Ward guides readers and characters alike through this winding, well-crafted saga. The result is an impressive series opener."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Legacy of Ash

"Expertly wrought . . . a vigorous, bravura saga."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Legacy of Light

"Hugely entertaining."--John Gwynne on Legacy of Ash

"Magnificent and epic."--Grimdark Magazine on Legacy of Ash

"This is the first epic fantasy book I've enjoying getting immersed in for ages . . . a great romp in a brilliantly realized setting . . . I have lost sleep, forgotten food and made this the thing what I pick up every moment I can get."--SFFWorld on Legacy of Ash

"Ward sends out the mammoth and extremely rewarding trilogy that began with Legacy of Ash with this expertly wrought epic ... Ward breathes new life into familiar tropes while convincingly maneuvering his huge cast to universally satisfying conclusions. The result is a vigorous, bravura saga." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Legacy of Light

About the Author

Matthew Ward has frequently been accused of living in worlds of his own imagination, though really he lives near Nottingham with his extremely patient wife and several attention- seeking cats.