Lies of Descent by Troy Carrol Bucher – a Review

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Description:
The Fallen Gods’ War drove the remnants of a victorious army across the ocean in search of a new homeland. A thousand years later, the lifeless continent of Draegora is largely forgotten, a symbol for the regiments that remain. Demons to some. Protectors to others. The power of their god-touched blades has forged a nation, though many resent their absolute control.

Riam and Nola are unknowing descendants of the old world. When it’s discovered they carry enough Draegoran blood to serve in the regiments, they are dragged away from their families to begin training. If they survive, they will be expected to enforce the laws of the covenant, to fight the Esharii tribesmen who raid along the border, and to be judge, jury, and executioners for those accused of crimes.

For Riam, who welcomes his escape from an abusive father, the power to protect those who cannot defend themselves is alluring. For Nola, who wishes to return home, it is a betrayal by all she holds dear.

Neither is given a choice…and neither may ever get the chance to serve.

Lies of Descent begins an epic trilogy of fallen gods, betrayal, and magic–where dark motives often dwell within the true and just, and where the things most feared sometimes lead to salvation.

Review:

Lies of Descent by Troy Carrol Bucher is the 1^st book The Fallen Gods War trilogy. As stated in the description above, The Fallen Gods war drove a victorious army across the ocean for a new homeland, but a thousand years later, Draegora has fallen apart and two factions, Draegoriana and Eshari are still determined to destroy each other .

We meet our young hero, Riam, who after watching his hated father get killed, is taken away by a Draegoran warrior to begin training to be able to fight Eshari tribesmen, as he has the ‘blood’.  Which means that he has ties to other Draegoran descendants, and has possible powers. 

Riam will meet a young girl, Nola, who has also been violently taken from her family.  She too has the blood, and will also go to training.  However, in a short time they are attacked by Eshari warriors, and though Riam escaped, Nola is taken.

What follows is a slow and at times exciting journey, with POV’s between Riam and Nola, as they both go difficult and separate directions.  Both Dragegoran and Eshari see in the Riam or Nola their abilities that could help either group fight and win the war.   This is a difficult review to write, as this world building at times is confusing, and telling too much would be spoilers.  I did like Riam and Nola, and found it interesting in the different roads they each travelled.

Lies of Descent was well written by Bucher, as it was an epic fantasy about fallen gods, magic in dark violent world.  If you like epic fantasies, I suggest you read Lies of Descent.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher