Posted on  02/06/2020 14:04:28

My rating: 5 ashen stars

Do you like riddles? And how about games of trickery and deceit? All within a tale written in a wonderful, poetic and expressive prose?

You do?
Then this is a must read!



Fledgling is one of the most unique and refreshingly original reads I have stumbled upon. It turns deception and trickery into a game one must not only master but also balance on a knife's edge. And it's so very beautifully written!!!

Balagir awakened at a fire with no recollection of his past and discovered he is an ashen—a mysterious group of black-eyed vagabonds. Addicted to the smoke they must pay the ghostly piper in exchange for power.
He had nothing save an empty pouch, the garments on his back, an awkward belt with disks reflecting oaths he would be compelled to take, and an inkling of destiny. Well, that and that nagging feeling 'he had walked into a trap without truly understanding what the trap might be.'

Hoping to somehow have his memory restored, Balagir sets off on a path, not quite of his choosing. He must traverse the northern wilds, cross seas and survive foreign wars if he is to discover the truth behind the Ashen Levels. All the while trying to fulfill oaths and escape curses, and juggling trickery and deceit, set as traps along his path in the most unexpected places, by the unlikeliest foes.

In Fledgling, Welburn gives us a dark and riveting tale with a distinctive Gothic atmosphere, unique and wonderfully creepy characters and an ingenious debt and reward system that involves oaths, with smoke for currency. All told in a beautiful and at times downright poetic prose that is an absolute pleasure to read.

From the world, to the atmosphere, plot, pacing and characters, everything here conveys an otherworldly feeling, typical to that of a gripping fairytale. Even the lack of a fully fleshed out background for the characters themselves, only adds to the mystery of the story itself.

Fast paced and with an intriguing mystery, this little page turner is one hell of an adventure that will have you ensnared from the very first chapter.

If you are on the lookout for a unique and truly imaginative read, dark, fascinating and wonderfully written, Fledgling (The Ashen Levels #1) is A MUST READ.

Give it a chance and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Check out this book and more of C.F. Welburn over at: http://www.cfwelburn.com/