Publishers Weekly
06/26/2023
Molles (the Remaining series) takes readers into the heart of a genocidal empire in an impassioned if flawed epic fantasy. The Brannic Empire, led by the Church of Alchemy, slaughters children suspected to have magic and uses their ashes as a power source, though what exactly they’re using it to do is only hazily established. Sgt. Lochled Thatcher, whose own daughter was taken away by the Church, is assigned to lead a mission into the conquered Leftland to gather ashes from the Tickers, the land’s magic-wielding native inhabitants, whom the Church deems “low-minded beings.” As Lochled and crew, including new recruit Rony Hirdman, loot and murder their way across the Leftland, infighting breaks out among the soldiers and realization slowly dawns that the Tickers may not be what the Church has made them out to be. Molles renders this bone-crunching war with gore galore and a strong sense of camaraderie among the soldiers. Though the unlearning of years of bigotry and indoctrination happens unbelievably quickly, it’s still a powerful message. Military fantasy readers will find plenty to enjoy. (Aug.)
New York Times bestselling author of the Hell Dive Nicholas Sansbury Smith
A no-holds-barred dive into a gritty fantasy world from a true master of multiple genres. Molles has crafted one of his deepest and most brutal tales yet.”
New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry
A Harvest of Ash and Blood is a chilling, unnerving, absolutely wild blend of fantasy, action, magic, and mayhem. D.J. Molles goes for the throat with this one!”
Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Thai Chinese writer Pim Wangtechawat’s bold, melancholic, and ultimately beautiful first novel, The Moon Represents My Heart, explores the good and the bad of family legacies…This heartfelt story of loss, disenfranchisement, and rebuilding showcases Wangtechawat’s skill and sensitivity.”
Library Journal
07/01/2023
Lochled, a disillusioned soldier, heads off for yet another crusade, even though he is filled with self-loathing for the things he once fought for and the things he failed to fight for. Rony resorts to desperate measures to save her brothers by joining his squad, and for her, heroics haven't yet lost their luster. Ord is a priest who wrestles with heretical doubts, and Kayna is a mysterious Seeker with hidden motivations. In order to fuel a nation that is built upon the ashes of their dead children, these characters embark on a gripping and perilous quest to slaughter an enemy whom they hate but don't understand. This blistering and bloodthirsty war story is effortlessly readable. The characters are a crew of unlikely and morally ambiguous heroes, who confront past traumas and war with their own inner demons. Their crusade exposes the dangers of weaponized religious fervor, and the intensely chaotic battle sequences burst with raw and savage energy. VERDICT This new novel from Molles (The Valley) is perfect for fans of grimdark fantasy, where the pages are packed with visceral mayhem and mutinous conspiracy.—Andrea Dyba
