Book Review: The Trials of Ashmount by John Pallidino
The Trials of Ashmount was a fast-paced grimdark spanning over three continents. The readers were treated to morally grey characters, a rich history, sinister political machinations, and magic that promises to expand ever onward.
We are introduced to the world of Cedain by 5 separate POV’s, and in all honesty it is the characters and their unique lives that really make this story.
In no particular order we follow Seradel Wintlock, a fleeing refugee whose world has been torn apart by war. We are introduced to her as a somewhat stubborn but innocent young woman whose remaining days of frivolity are shattered in an instant. She will have to step up to the fight or die trying.
Next, we have Edelbrock Brendis, A fallen noble, whose get rich quick scheme turns disastrous. Fuelled with thoughts of revenge he will fight his way through the Buzzards Bowl and remain standing.
Then we have Villic, A nomadic warrior, blessed with the voice of a God granting countless powers, except one that will make his human interactions more comfortable. This was an interesting character in my opinion and one that I cannot wait to see step up in later entries to this series.
Next up Demri Slarn, if you are a fan of Glokta from First Law, you are going to LOVE Demri. This dangerous criminal is on the run, his broken body and revenge tracked mind could lead to his uprising or demise, only time will tell.
Finally, we have Kelden Stoole, an ambitious student, undertaking the Trials of Ashmount themselves. He will have to use his arrogance and wit to his advantage if he is going to make it through and learn everything the school has to offer.
Each of these characters played their part in a wonderfully interwoven grim dark tale. I would caution people going into this book that I would classify it as dark. There are desolate settings, morally grey characters, and a fair amount of violence.
My praises for The Trials of Ashmount are plenty. First, this is a complex book which is extremely approachable, and the ways once can enjoy this tale are multifaceted. You could go into this book, be entertained and have a great time without thinking too deeply on what is going on between the pages. Or you have the opportunity to start piecing this puzzle together for yourselves. The interludes invite the reader to start making connections of the bigger political picture and heighten the stakes if you are looking for them. These were by far my favourite experience within the book, and it makes me really excited for the future of John’s work.
Next up, the world building, by following five separate characters over five very different life experiences, the world already feels expansive. We have deserts, volcanos, extremely harsh and cold terrain and even some comfortable fantasy villages. Every part of this world feels different, the author does a great job of showing us these terrains and continents rather than just telling us they are there.
Another strength is the character work, from the introduction to each of our key players you can see we are dealing with a wide range of beliefs, skills and outlooks. But it doesn’t stop there. Pallidino has also created compelling characters within the interludes, again if you are looking for them. Characters who I have a feeling are going to be come more and more important during Cedain’s downfall.
Lastly the magic, not only are we introduced to a magic school teaching the future enforcers, collectors, healers etc of the world, it expands beyond people with the trace and extends out to other cultures. We are treated to different representations and beliefs surrounding the magic system which means we as readers have a lot more to discover.
If Cedain is destined to collapse. I for one, cannot wait, to watch it fall.
