Rules of Ascension: Book One of Winds of the Forelands (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author) "After the bright glare of the dirty road and sunbaked fields, it took Pytor's eyes some time to adjust to the darkness of the tavern..." (more)
Key Phrases: gleaning tent, master armsman, forgetting chamber, Lady Brienne, Rules of Ascension, City of Kings (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Magic and mayhem, politics and personal sacrifice weave a sophisticated tapestry in this first in an epic fantasy series from award-winner David B. Coe. Once, the magic-wielding Qirsi fought the Eandi clans for control of the Forelands. Defeated by a traitor, the Qirsi have been uneasily absorbed into Eandi society, serving as councilors to the powerful, but they are still mistrusted. Now a Qirsi faction hopes to subvert the rules of ascension to the Eandi throne. Tavis, a young noble in line for the kingship, becomes a target of the conspiracy and finds that he must turn to an unlikely source for help--a powerful and enigmatic Qirsi who may be more than he seems.

The opening chapters take the time to develop the politics, history, and customs of the Forelands. The patient reader will be rewarded with adventure, betrayal, love, and hope set against a well-realized blend of epic events and the beginning of Tavis's personal hero-quest. --Roz Genessee --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Some 900 years ago, the war between the magically gifted Qirsi and the people of Eandi ended with the destruction of the most powerful Qirsi mages, called Weavers. Now a plague of assassinations threatens the ruling houses of Eibithar and the world draws closer to another war. Only an unlikely alliance between a Qirsi seer and a fugitive noble can prevent a tragic conflict that promises to unleash chaos upon the land. The author of the "Lontobyn Chronicle" (e.g., Children of Amarid) begins a new fantasy epic set in a world of rival nobles, sinister mages, and a few men and women of courage and conviction. Well-developed characters and an intriguing political background recommend this title for most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 672 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1st THUS edition (May 18, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081258984X
• ISBN-13: 978-0812589849
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #342,188 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great epic fantasy, March 12, 2002

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Rules of Ascension (Winds of the Forelands, Book 1) (Hardcover)

The Forelands consist of seven dukedoms reporting to a central monarch. The land is sent into turmoil with the deaths of the current king and his heir until the RULES OF ASCENSION prevail with Javan becoming the ruler and his self-centered teenage son Tavin next in line.

As required of the rite of passage of a sixteen-year-old, Tavin visits a Qirsi seer to learn his fate. Instead of glorious royal trappings, Tavin sees a future in chains inside a dark dungeon. Not long afterward, the foretelling occurs as Tavin is incarcerated for murdering his girlfriend based on strong physical evidence that include the means and opportunity. The incident leads to war among the dukedoms. To prove his innocence, save his life, and ultimately the kingdom Tavin reluctantly turns to the Qirsi, but that race is divided between loyalty to the throne and a desire to take the crown.

On the surface RULES OF ASCENSION is a typical sword and sorcery epic adventure set in a feudal land. In actuality, the first novel in David B. Coe's Winds of the Forelands is a fast-paced story line loaded with political intrigue that would have awed the whole line of King Henrys and a conspiracy who-done-it for mystery aficionados. The charcaters and the land feel genuine so that the audience for accepts the authenticity of the magical abilities of the Qirsi. Fantasy lovers will fully enjoy this tale that can stand alone, but the author has cleverly planted the seed for book two.

Harriet Klausner

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read, March 12, 2002

By	"gofalus" (Zimiamvia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rules of Ascension (Winds of the Forelands, Book 1) (Hardcover)

This fantasy adventure has as many twists and turns as a castle labyrinth. Devious plots, epic battles, gentle love, poignant sacrifice. It's all played out on a field of shifting political and personal fortunes. It always kept me guessing. The Qirsi race is a wonderful creation, eerie and mysterious, and I can't wait to find out more about them. I love having my assumptions turned on their heads. There I am, thinking I'm so smart and I have it figured out, and then the writer takes me by surprise.

If you like intrigue and characterization along with interesting magic and blowout battle scenes and sense of wonder, this is for you.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic novel that kept me going, April 15, 2002

By	Plan B (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rules of Ascension (Winds of the Forelands, Book 1) (Hardcover)

I have been looking for the next great series of high fantasy ever since I finished George R.R. Martins last book and have been going through a dry spell until I happened on Mr. Coe's book.

The worst thing about this book is the cover.

Some of the ideas and the characters are very similar to other writers, but his development of the families and such is very unique and his manner of writing and dialogue are wonderful. I will say that his first installment in very similar to Mr. Martin's Song of fire and ice, although it is with less violence and sexual conotation.

I will anxiously await the Seeds of Betrayal and hope that I can now find another novel to tide me over until Jordan, Martin, or Willimas come out with another novel.