They slaughtered his people. They sealed his magic. Now, Vilas’s rage rivals his grief and he vows to incinerate everything in his path.
Title: Knee-Deep in Cinders
Author: Ashley Capes
Genre(s): Fantasy
Word Count: 50,000
Publisher: Close-Up Books
Publication Date: 9/4/2024
Summary: Vilas is a man consumed by anger. Kept prisoner in the city that slaughtered his people, he dreams of the day his magic is unsealed so he can burn everything to ash. When the city’s queen asks for his help hunting down rebel cultists, he agrees in exchange for his freedom, his magic, and a night in her bed.
Given access to only a fraction of his magic and forced to work alongside a jailor who can seal it entirely, a quick escape is impossible. Vilas knows his freedom hinges on his wits—and his self control. But every day he’s reminded of the horrors done to his people, testing the limits of his restraint. Can Vilas outwit the queen and have his revenge on the city, or will his all-consuming rage be his undoing?
My Review:
They slaughtered his people. They sealed his magic. Vilas, imprisoned in Queen Irma’s dungeon, is haunted by the massacre of his people and the sealing of his magic. With dreams of fiery retribution, his chance for freedom arrives when the Queen offers him a deal: his freedom, his magic, and a night in her bed in exchange for hunting a rebel cult threatening her kingdom. Author Ashley Capes crafts a compelling tale of vengeance, loss, and the struggle for identity.
Known as the Beast of Khiya, Vilas embodies an inextinguishable fury, fueled by the destruction of his homeland. As his investigation into the rebel threat draws him to the decay and ruin he once called home, the reader gains a sense of rage and grief as he fights to hold himself together. It is impressive the way that Author Ashley Capes captures the internal battle between Vilas’s righteous fury toward his jailor while coping with his raw, inconsolable grief for a kingdom that can never be again. As he unravels the mystery behind the cultist rebel group, the reader peels back the layers of the beast of Khiya.
The worldbuilding in this novel is another standout element. When Vilas and his traveling companions reach his hometown, the setting is steeped in a haunting atmosphere. The innovative bridge over a toxic lake sparks curiosity about the dangers lurking in this desolate landscape. The eerie creatures that populate the story add a thrilling edge, enhancing the tension as Vilas seeks to uncover the truth behind the rebels.
Overall, Knee-Deep in Cinders is a captivating read, offering a fresh fantasy experience that stands apart from longer series. It’s a powerful exploration of vengeance and the quest for justice, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Highly recommended for those seeking a rich, immersive story filled with emotional depth and thrilling intrigue.