Rating: 
Summary: Great epic fantasy
Review: The Forelands consist of seven dukedoms reporting to a central monarch. The land is sent into turmoil with the deaths of the current king and his heir until the RULES OF ASCENSION prevail with Javan becoming the ruler and his self-centered teenage son Tavin next in line.
As required of the rite of passage of a sixteen-year-old, Tavin visits a Qirsi seer to learn his fate. Instead of glorious royal trappings, Tavin sees a future in chains inside a dark dungeon. Not long afterward, the foretelling occurs as Tavin is incarcerated for murdering his girlfriend based on strong physical evidence that include the means and opportunity. The incident leads to war among the dukedoms. To prove his innocence, save his life, and ultimately the kingdom Tavin reluctantly turns to the Qirsi, but that race is divided between loyalty to the throne and a desire to take the crown.
On the surface RULES OF ASCENSION is a typical sword and sorcery epic adventure set in a feudal land. In actuality, the first novel in David B. Coe's Winds of the Forelands is a fast-paced story line loaded with political intrigue that would have awed the whole line of King Henrys and a conspiracy who-done-it for mystery aficionados. The charcaters and the land feel genuine so that the audience for accepts the authenticity of the magical abilities of the Qirsi. Fantasy lovers will fully enjoy this tale that can stand alone, but the author has cleverly planted the seed for book two. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Bravo
Review: This is a very unique book. The Qirsi have been defeated in battle. Some have assimilated into society and others have decided to fight for independence from those that do not have magic. They have carefully guided history to fit their agenda. I pray that the author does not end this series with a Qirsi / human marriage. I would be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Great Story Book
Review: This is the first I've read of David Coe and I'm glad I bought it. The story was slow getting started, but then after about the 4th chapter I couldn't put it down. It's very easy to read and he doesn't throw in these huge made up names that takes about 5 minutes just to try to pronounce before you move to the next word. He doesn't go into a lot a wordy details just to fill up the pages. He gets right to the juice of the story and tells a great one. Some people who are use to wordy fantasy novels, like Jorden, will think this book is a bit sketchy. But those of you who like to read D&D novels, Wiseman & Hickman, will love his style of writing. I can't wait for book 2.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome fantasy
Review: This was a total impulse buy on my part based on the title and cover art. I can honestly say that I am very glad that I did buy it and am eagerly awaiting the release of the second book. This book is a wonderful blend of intrigue, sorcery, action, and everything else that is an element of good fantasy. I think that this book has not received the credit that it is due, I have recommended it to many of my close friends and not a single one has come back and told me that they did not like it. If you are looking for a good fantasy novel, with interesting characters, strong plot, and lots of excitement, Rules of Ascention is the way to go.
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