The Mountains Rise: Embers of Illeniel, Book 1

I was lucky enough to break some bones and be confined to bed, so I read the series in a week. I think I can judge it accurately. I really want to give it 5 stars but I just can't. Read on and you'll understand.As the forward says, this is something of a dark book. I think it's good for readers to know that there is sexual assault discussed throughout the series, but it makes a particularly ugly appearance in books 1 and 3. Despite making my skin crawl, the development in book 1 was very unique. It's dark and sad, but actually adds something the the depth of the main character. I won't discuss it in detail, but it's sort of compelling. In no way does it condone these acts - quite the opposite. But I agree that the author is, as he said, "not treating it lightly." My first criticism is that the sexual assault in book 3 is actually 100% unnecessary. It adds almost nothing to the story, and there were other solutions, which makes it all the more frustrating.My second major complaint about the book is that the author for some reason feels the need to spoil the book. Between the princess-bride-like chapters where the storyteller doles out spoilers and the overly-descriptive forwards there was almost nothing in book 3 that I didn't expect. Why tell me the fate of the characters before I need to know? Why tell me what the main character accomplished before he accomplishes it? It's terrible storytelling! It saps a huge amount of the anticipation from the book.Final complaint: Manning seems to feel the need to spend a lot of time on the main character's justification for revenge, his thought process as he spirals into anger, and why he remains hateful despite it all. It starts to feel a little forced towards the end, as if the author is attempting to justify his character's actions. It goes beyond that, to the point where I was left talking to the book: I get it, he's still mad!Alright, enough of that. On to what's good about the book. There's plenty that I loved. Dialogue is interesting and generally well written. There is still suspense in the book, even if it's all sucked out by the end. You may find yourself understanding a character that you didn't expect to like or care for, only to hate him for a minute as much as he hates himself. These are complex characters.There several scenes in this book that were surprisingly emotional. I even found myself tearing up 4 or 5 times as I read the story, which is a hell of a lot for me in a three-book series. There were a few times where I felt like the author had a strong emotion phrase that I just didn't connect with (e.g. "Watch me bleed" was just strange) but in general I believe the strong emotion was well designed and carried the plot along.The primary non-human race in the book is fascinating and incredibly creative. The system of magic is internally consistent while growing in complexity but remaining understandable. The imagination in the world tempts me to give this 5 stars. I'd give the world, its creatures, and the system of magic a 5/5. It's on a Sanderson/Rothfuss level. There were no new discoveries that felt like plot devices. It felt like legitimate discovery and I had a sense of wonder regarding the other race and the magic used. Magic and world were my favorite things about the book.Overall this isn't a book that's easy to read for people with feelings. There are moments that are disgusting, heart wrenching, and touching. I'd recommend it provided you're not easily triggered by non-graphic descriptions of sexual assault. Matthew Manning clearly doesn't take pleasure in such content. It's not graphic, but it's also not easy to read. The complexity of the characters, the world, and the magic make me want to recommend it, but (for the reasons I've listed above) hesitant to suggest it without several caveats.

Daniel is a young man in a small village. He's a shepherd. He likes to play the flute. He likes this girl name Kate.He's about to have his life destroyed by one act.The Mountains Rise is the start of the prequel series to Manning's excellent Mageborn series. Normally, I'm not a fan of prequels. Usually, it's just fleshing out information you just know, but he's delving into events so far in the past with many questions not answered in the first series, that makes it interesting to read. This isn't learning how your favorite character got his lucky hat and how he met his best friend and all these other life events that somehow all happened in one small period.It doesn't feel like Manning is checking off the boxes to get all the right stuff. He's telling a well-thought out story that is interesting to read. If you can get past the beginning. Our main character is not a great guy. He does some bad stuff after having some bad stuff done to him.Manning explores a seldom discussed version of abuse that aren't often covered and how they can affect the character. It's an interesting story and made me eager to read the rest of this new trilogy.Interesting, this is narrated by his main character in the first series telling this story to a group of children so they could know about the past and the mistakes that were made. It's an interesting narrative hook with interruptions from the audience from time to time providing some humor as the children object to the more “kissy” stuff or wonder why he's suddenly glossing over details.Ultimately, this is a book about how parents shape their children. If done wrong, we make the monsters that can destroy the world.

This is the beginning of a prequel trilogy orated by Mort to his children* via a fireplace storytelling. The subject matter being the origin story of the Illenial dynasty and the genocide of the She'Har.This is an interesting history of some of the characters we met in the Mageborn series. Plus we get an extended look at the She'Har, who we never learned much about but were referenced often. One tidbit I found to be a nice twist is that these events take place in our distant future. That's right, this is actually a sci-fi alien invasion story...who knew!

I'm going to start this review by noting that I've already read and reviewed book 2, so my review is influenced by my feelings towards the sequel.That said, this book was a wonderful start to a series. The characters aren't presented in a way to allow you to get to know them, but in many cases that was a very deliberate choice of the author, who wanted you to be caught up in the uncertainty he was having the main character live through.And that made this an extremely compelling book. You have a main character who is more than a bit of a jerk at times, but still ends up being a tragic and heroic figure due to what happens to him. The supporting cast helps build that same uncertainty with actions that won't always make sense when you read them, but which clear up later once the hero understands more.Well written, and with surprisingly good characters. I rated this highly and quickly got book 2.However, I'll note that there were things that bothered me. I give this book 4 stars. It deserved it in my mind, but I could have easily justified a much lower rating if I had chosen to focus on the flaws rather than the good points. In this case the writing helped me get past the flaws, but not everyone will

I have a week off work ( holiday)...... I have to confess that I've done absolutely nothing so far which I had planned. I blame Michael G Manning !!!! I have simply spent my time walking the dog and then sprawling out on the sofa to immerse myself in these wonderful , superbly written books.

A very absorbing book and a bit of a departure from the sickly sweet, bubble gum fare of Mr Manning's usual work. I found the constant switching back to the first person storyteller both annoying and detracting from the main story.

Awesome !Didn't want to read this as I had enjoyed the Mageborn so much, I thought it 're-telling what I New etc.Manning produces a brilliant book in my view, the prologue tells of the dark side, but that was done so well it did not bother me.Cannot wait till next year for the next instalment.

I am very glad I decided to buy this book. If you loved Mordecai's story, you will fall into this with ease. It is well crafted and plays to many of the future elements in the later books. I really could not put this book down for long.I am very excited for the next chapter in this tale and the war with the SheHar. Manning has done a fantastic job.

I could not stop reading from the moment I started. I've really enjoyed the Mageborn books and this is just as good.The story has a very dark heart and Manning managed to tell a story containing a theme few could tell at all let alone tell it so that the reader is still able to engage with a lead character so flawed.My only regret is that I now have to wait so long for book two of the Embers of Illeniel.