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BOOK DESCRIPTION (FROM AMAZON)
England is on the brink of collapse. After a mysterious plague ravaged the world during the American Civil War, the Crown imposed decades of isolation. The King now turns once again to colonization, and to save what little family he has left, James Barlow, an imprisoned resistance leader, is forced to join an expedition across the Atlantic to America. Waiting for them, however, is a scorched land ruled by a brutal cult. Hunted relentlessly, the expedition is split up, and James is captured. But the cult will soon learn that James is more than a mere prisoner. He is a born rebel.
THE ASHEN WAR is a raucous action-packed journey through a re-imagined America changed by an apocalyptic event during the country’s most fragile period that speculates what cultures, religions, languages, and societies might have emerged. Follow the adventure of smart-mouthed rebel James Barlow and the well-read but untested Liz Stillman, whose journeys will take them through ruined cities, crumbling mining towns, and the fiery, smoke-filled lands of a vicious cult as they try to come to terms with their past while saving what they can of the future. THE ASHEN WAR is the cinematic debut novel by Dan Le Fever and the first of a planned trilogy.
BOOK REVIEW
This is exciting, action-packed alternate history. The premise is fascinating–America was ravaged by a plague during the Civil War, changing it forever. The British isolated themselves for decades, trying to avoid the plague, and their strict control measures resulted in a civil war of their own. When they decide to finally venture out, they send their most expendable to see what happened to America. The new America that the author Dan Le Fever has built is fascinating in its fanaticism and brutality. The belief that dragons destroyed America has gripped a large community of people. The idea that a myth can be used to control others is explored, as well as mankind’s ability to both inflict torture and to withstand it. The effects of extreme isolation on a civilization are shown in haunting detail. In the same way, determination and a fighting spirit are also an agent of change, and they are embodied in our main character and others.
The chance to visit a reimagined America is fascinating. Familiar names are attached to vastly different circumstances, and the states in America have changed completely. The effects of a plague on a people are explored, as well as the brutality of slavery. An interesting question arose: Which is worse, a plague or a war? I was not as connected with the book for about the first ten percent until they arrived in America, and then the action did not stop. This is a compelling look at an alternate America and Britain that will keep you enthralled. Fans of alternate history with a bit of fantasy and lots of adventure will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan Le Fever is just a guy from Lynn, MA who puts one word after another in the hopes that it makes sense in the end. He has two short stories published by Fundead Publications. The first is a horror story titled PANIC and can be found in One Night In Salem. The second is Land of Promise, an American Gothic tale set in the Dust Bowl era, found in Exquisite Aberrations. His first Eerie River published story is Xook, which will be released in It Calls From The Sea. His first full-length novel, The Ashen War, was released on 9/27/22.
BEFORE YOU GO
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Bonnie Reads and Writes 
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