Parents' Guide to

Ashlords

By Mandie Caroll, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Alchemy and magical horses star in solid dystopian tale.

Book Scott Reintgen Fantasy 2020
Ashlords Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

ASHLORDS opens with Imelda, as she scatters components into the ashes of a phoenix horse before it's dawn rebirth. As a Dividian, the Empire's lowest social caste, Imelda can't afford to train regularly or enter races, but videos of her brilliant phoenix alchemy and wild riding tricks go viral and draw the attention of the Ashlords. They offer her a scholarship to participate in "the Races," a brutal, multi-day race that riders generally train their whole lives for. Pippa, a famous amateur racer, is the favorite -- as the Ashlord daughter of former champions of the Races, it's in her blood to win. Adrian is a Longhand, a caste of violently repressed rebels, who's in the Races to begin a new revolution against the Ashlords. Told in the alternating points of view of these three characters, the elaborate pre-race ceremonies and violent nights of the Races as riders defend their phoenix ashes or seek to preemptively end the race for other entrants make for a fast-moving read. The context of the Races -- an empire on the verge of civil war -- raise stakes that aren't resolved, laying fertile ground for Book 2.

Is It Any Good?

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Kids say (1 ):

This exciting fantasy featuring horses with phoenix powers and interesting characters is weighed down by the inclusion of too many ideas. The descriptions in Ashlords of phoenix horse alchemy, their deaths and rebirths, and the thrill of riding these magical creatures is beautifully portrayed. The tightly drawn world of the Races runs like a movie in the reader's mind. Imelda, Pippa, and Adrian have compelling motivations and conflicts. Their efforts to be better than the world expects of them are powerful.

Reintgen falters in world building and included several confusing story elements. The Dividians were failed invaders -- that's why the Ashlords oppress them -- but it's a mystery that the Dividians stayed in the Empire at all. Overlaying racial and class differences on this already complicated society means it's difficult to draw parallels to the world we live in now. There are also gods who favor the oppressive Ashlords and enslave spirits in the afterlife, but readers never learn why on either account. This book is a mixed bag -- an entertaining read that leaves the reader with lots of questions. Luckily for readers who get hooked, there'll be a sequel.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the three main characters in Ashlords. Why do you think the author chose to narrate the book through these three people? How is effective do you think that storytelling approach is?

  • What are your thoughts about the violence in Ashords? How does it compare to violence you've read in other books or seen in movies or on TV? Do books have to have violence in order to appeal to teens? Why or why not?

  • Obligation to family and community play a big role in this book. What are the rewards and costs for each character who chooses loyalty above themselves? How does your family think about obligation?

Book Details

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