Book Review - ENGINES OF CHAOS by R.S. Ford

 
(Title: Engines of Chaos / Author: R.S. Ford / Publisher: Orbit / Publication Date: April 4, 2023 / Total Pages: 608)


Back Cover Blurb
Torwyn burns as Sanctan Egelrath tightens his grip on power. The Draconate Ministry has gathered its forces, determined to eradicate the Guilds, but Rosomon Hawkspur still stands in their way.

Her only hope could lay with Lancelin Jagdor, sent to gather allies in their struggle against the usurper. Can even the greatest warrior in Torwyn hope to succeed with so many adversaries determined to stop him.

Tyreta returns home with newfound strength and mysterious sorcerous abilities, only to discover it is not the land she left behind. She will have to call upon her untested powers to survive when she embarks on a mission that could turn the tide of war. 

Conall, trapped in a dangerous land, has his own enemies to defeat before he can hope to escape and join the conflict that threatens his family. Even if he succeeds, he must overcome the demons that threaten from within or face damnation.

Though Rosomon is vastly outnumbered, and her family lost, she is determined to strike back against her enemies. But saving her homeland might prove an impossible task.



Review
R.S. Ford's opening book in The Age of Uprising trilogy Engines of Empire was such a wonderful blend of epic and heroic fantasy. I really enjoyed it a lot when I read it last year and it definitely struck me as a series with a ton of potential. So when I saw the cover reveal for book two ENGINES OF CHAOS a few months ago I started getting excited again as I couldn't wait to continue my journey with these amazing characters and compelling world. Soon thereafter I was fortunate enough to snag an early copy thanks to the publisher Orbit and away I went, sucked back into what has quickly gone from "potential" to one of the best fantasy series out there right now.

As this is the second book in the series I will stay away from any possible spoilers with regard to book one and stick with how this sequel made me feel and how I believe it advanced the story. ENGINES OF CHAOS is one of the few middle books that doesn't fall into the setup syndrome. In fact, this book takes the action to unheard of levels and doesn't relent one iota from the opening pages to the breathtaking final chapter. Honestly this is one of those sequels that makes you ask yourself why more authors don't take this approach. I found it completely refreshing and the action just made me want to have book three in my hands yesterday.

Having finished the first two books now I can say that I adore everything about this story. The treachery, intrigue, suspense, warring factions, captivating world with an interesting history, just all of it is epic fantasy the way it should be written. And what I love best is that Ford is not shy about putting his characters in extreme peril and yes even killing some off if necessary. Absolutely no one is safe. These to me are the books I enjoy reading the most because they keep the palms sweaty and the nerves frayed at all times, making the reading experience that much more rewarding.

Make no mistake the stakes are upped significantly in ENGINES OF CHAOS and this is all leading up to what I have a strong suspicion will be a finale that will both shock and delight in equal measure. We use the term "must read" series quite often as reviewers but if any series is worthy of that label, this is the one. If you like fantasy that is dripping with conspiracies, political maneuvering, heart-stopping battles, conniving villains and inspirational heroes, then you better get into The Age of Uprising series right now. This truly is fantasy that breaks all of the popular conventions and delves into uncharted areas with extraordinary results. And I for one cannot wait to find out how it all ends.

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