Succession & The Gathering Dark by Brett Armstrong {Blog Tour}

Hey Gems!!! Thanks for stopping by my blog for the tour! I want to give a huge thank you to Just Reads Tours for having me on the blog and to the author for sending me copies of his books. Keep reading for my thoughts and review. Don't forget to check out everyone else on the tour!

Title: Succession
Author: Brett Armstrong
Series: Quest of Fire #0.5
Age: Young Adult
Genres: Christian Epic Fantasy
Publication Date: November 10, 2020
Publisher: Christian Epic Fantasy
Source: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Synopsis:

Son of the Northern Realm’s Defender, raised among the dwarfs of Ordumair, Meredoch was anticipated to succeed his father. Some whispered he would bring the longed-for peace between Ordumair and their ancient foe, Ecthelowall. All of that changes when Ordumair’s Thane is killed and Meredoch and his family are exiled. From prestige to poverty, the young boy must chart a new course.

As the years pass and the idol that was his father’s legacy tarnishes, his past threatens to resurface. An artifact of immeasurable worth to Ordumair is found and if recovered by the cruel Elder Ulster it means disaster for those Meredoch cares about. Battling creatures he believed only myths and racing Ulster’s minions to the prize, Meredoch must face the truth of his place in the world and claim his right of succession.

My Rating: 

Prequels are always hit or miss for me, but this one was a good length and it was actually very helpful to understanding more about the knights and Meredoch. I loved seeing him a bit younger before all the craziness begins in his life. You can see the "purity" within him before life goes over the cliff for him. 

This was easy to read. I would say you could definitely read it before the first book, but I read it upon completion which made the read way more exciting.

I would definitely recommend this prequel to those who are going to be jumping into the series.

Title: The Gathering Dark
Author: Brett Armstrong
Series: Quest of Fire #1
Age: Young Adult
Genres: Christian Epic Fantasy
Publication Date: June 24, 2020
Publisher: Expanse Books
Source: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Synopsis:

Jason is an expert at running from his past. But when it catches up, he finds himself hiding in a peculiar inn listening to a tale from centuries past.

The story is Anargen’s, a teen who is pulled from all he loves to follow his oaths of loyalty to the fabled King of the Realms. Together with his mentor, Cinaed, he rides north on a special quest to mediate peace talks between ancient foes—the men of Ecthelowall and the dwarfs of Ordumair. Nothing goes as planned. Many on both sides of the dispute despise Anargen’s Order. Worse, an arcane evil has returned to the North. This “Grey Scourge” seeks to ruin the peace talks and ensure a lost treasure held by the dwarfs is never found by those for whom it is meant.

As Anargen’s story unfolds, Jason begins to wonder whether it is truly just a fable. He soon finds himself drawn into the conflict Anargen faced. A battle which has shaped and can destroy his world.

My Rating:

This is definitely an epic fantasy that will leave you at the edge of your seat! I was invested in the characters, the world and the plot. This reads liking a coming of age so it's a mix of action and growth. Meredoch really calls for attention from the beginning to the end. I loved the writing and how easy it was for me to be pulled into the world. I loved the creatures of the world. I enjoyed the stakes and danger that came about for Meredoch and the other characters. I am a major fan of these books and can't wait to continue on with the series and more of Brett Armstrong's writing.

About the Author

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a story inspired prize package including:

• One copy of The Gathering Dark and Succession (Winner’s choice print or e-book)

Custom signed bookplates for each if print chosen

• One copy of Wardrobes, Wizards, and Halflings: A Faith in Fiction Devotional (Winner’s choice print or e-book)

• Two pieces of book swag (winner’s choice from bookswag pics)

• Flash Drive with Digital print of previously unreleased The Gathering Dark artwork, MP4 of Quest of Fire’s theme music “Lament for Father” and Digital poster “The Making of Wirgerd” describing the visual and story development of Succession’s monstrous villain!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 26, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 2, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Blessings,