I bought, borrowed from the library, or got books free in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

CURSE OF ASHMEDEI

 

CURSE OF ASHMEDEI



Michal Snaerravn

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GENRE:  Epic fantasy 

 

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BLURB:

 

The Black Star approaches, heralding the cataclysm of Hell's Gate. The pawns on the chessboard have played the opening gambits as the Races vie for its power. Amnon, a young Demonblood consumed by revenge, finds himself drawn into a maelstrom of treacherous alliances and primeval magic. With a price on his head and outmanoeuvred by Druids and Trollbloods at every turn, he can't survive alone. An ancient Lycan who has lost his humanity is the only one he can trust.

 

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Excerpt:

 

The sun began to slip behind the ragged slope, staining the wisps of clouds surrounding the peak in blood red. 

 

It was late summer, and the bitter katabatic wind was making its way down the slope, rustling a few dying leaves, and chilling my bones. A lone peregrine falcon drew lazy spirals high above the erratic maze of rocks and boulders, looking for the unwary marmot that enjoyed the evening sun just a bit too long. Crouched, I carefully studied nearly invisible tracks. It was the same company I had been trailing for weeks now, consisting of an armored party of more than a dozen men and women. The tracks wound along the steep slope and entered the open scree. Soon their trail would be lost in the jumble of jagged rocks and Troll-sized boulders. I hesitated, my tail twitching as it usually did when I was annoyed. The path they were on faced directly against the sun as it dipped into the glacial valley. I knew the valley well, and it was perfect for an all-too-easy ambush. I suspected the company had already detected my presence, and it would be foolish to tempt fate, especially when facing a dozen armed men … headed by a Druid, no less.

 

 Review: 


This tale is a thrilling tale that takes the reader on a journey through a world of ancient magic and treacherous alliances. The author has crafted a vivid and intricate universe filled with fascinating races, each with their own motivations and goals. The story follows Amnon, a young Demonblood consumed by revenge, as he navigates the dangerous landscape of Hell's Gate.

Amnon's character is well-developed and relatable, as he struggles to survive in a world where everyone seems to be against him. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity make him a compelling protagonist, and his interactions with the ancient Lycan are both entertaining and heartwarming.

The supporting cast is also well-developed, with the Druids and Trollbloods serving as strong antagonists. The author has done a good job of fleshing out their motivations and making them believable threats to Amnon's survival.

One of the most impressive aspects of this novel is the rich and detailed world-building. The author has clearly put a lot of thought into the history and lore of Hell's Gate, and this attention to detail adds depth and authenticity to the story. The magic system is also intriguing, with primeval spells and rituals that play a central role in the plot.

Overall, "The Black Star Approaches" is an engaging and well-written fantasy novel that will keep readers of this novel interested. With its entertaining and well-developed characters, intricate plot, and vivid world-building, this book is sure to please fans of the genre.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Michal Snaerravn is an outdoor enthusiast, an aficionado of the martial arts, and, above all, a sci-fi/fantasy nerd. A fan of all the timeless fantasy classics, he is eager to share his imagination: "Living in seven distinct cultures and reading hundreds of novels in four languages inspired a fantasy world that had to be revealed." He considers novel writing not for the timid, or for selling a million copies; it is for those who have a vision to share. "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

 

Curse of Ashmedei: Book 1

https://amazon.com/dp/1779418035

 

Golems of Beithir: Book 2

https://a.co/d/hW1YFT7

 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Michal-Snaerravn/author/B0DHDBSC55

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amnonofhadur/

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

 

Michal Snaerravn will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5173




 follow the tour and comment; The tour dates can be found here:  https://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/05/review-tour-curse-of-ashmedei-by-michal.html



3 comments:

Goddess Fish Promotions said...

Thank you for featuring and reviewing CURSE OF ASHMEDEI today.

Rita Wray said...

I liked the excerpt.

Michael Law said...

This should be a very interesting novel. Thanks for sharing.

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