The Sceptre of Morgulan (Bk. II: From the Ashes of Ruin)
- Series: From the Ashes of Ruin
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- Series: From the Ashes of Ruin
- Category: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
- Published: Nov. 10, 2015
- Words: 119,350
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9781311837271
Looking for a vampire that actually kills people? So was I. So, I created one: Lucian val Drasmyr. He's not a teen heart throb. He's a killer. My first novel, Drasmyr, features him as the chief antagonist and a formidable force for darkness. Just in case I was unclear: he is pure evil. Unholy. Diabolical. A true scourge from Hell.
I'm Matthew D. Ryan and I'm a fantasy author. My topics of choice include the aforementioned vampires, as well as dragons, wizards, magic … that sort of thing. I get my inspiration from multiple sources, not least of which is my almost complete immersion in the fantasy genre over many, many years. I've read more fantasy novels than I can remember; I've been playing RPG games like D&D as both Dungeonmaster/Gamemaster and player for nearly forty years; and I've watched innumerable movies and television programs steeped in the fantastic and miraculous. All of that gives me a fertile imagination and a rich background of experience to draw upon. Writing about vampires or dragons is almost second nature for me now.
My first novel, Drasmyr, started out as a short story. Then it grew into a stand-alone novel. Then it shifted into the prequel to my dark fantasy series, From the Ashes of Ruin. I've also written several small collections of short stories, a couple novellas, and even a non-fiction book about my struggles with mental illness. I've run a number of web-sites and blogs in my day, as well; and I've also done a couple speaking engagements on both worldbuilding and the writing process.
So, if you like vampires or dragons, or are just into the fantasy genre in general, I'm your guy. Download one of my books now. I heartily recommend Drasmyr.
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Reviews of The Sceptre of Morgulan (Bk. II: From the Ashes of Ruin) by Matthew D. Ryan
Thank you Matthew D Ryan for giving me a copy of this book to review! I think this is the best book in the series yet, and I loved the cliffhanger ending! Matthew's writing draws you right into the story, it is easy to visualize exactly what is happening. I think one of his greatest gifts is foreshadowing, you get hints at what is coming from the first book, the second book, and throughout the third. The Sceptre of Morgulan is a wonderful blend of fantasy, adventure, and horror. The series has left me rooting for everyone but Korina, including the dreaded vampire. I also like that the tale has moral lessons; for example, the higher classes are forced to realize that everyone has a value whether they are wizard or servant. Many of my favorite elements are in this epic tale, jI love magic, vampires, demons, adventure, and horror. I can only hope that Matthew Ryan will include me once again in the ARC reading of his wonderful creation, because I am very excited to find out how this all comes to a conclusion!
I don't often read fantasy but I was a big fan of Matthew D. Ryan's blog atoasttodragons and gladly accepted an offer to read an advanced copy of his latest book in exchange for an honest review. I had read Drasmyr and The Children of Lubrochius and loved the idea of blending vampire horror with wizards and goblins more generally associated with the fantasy genre.
The timing was perfect since it was spooky Halloween season and nothing says October and autumn like Vampires and Demons and blood sacrifices, oh my! I can't even put into words how well this story fulfilled all my fright-night desires. No wussy, romanticized vampires here, oh no. This is the real deal - blood sucking, life stealing, raw evil power on display. My only complaint is that some of the plot points were loudly telegraphed in advance and would have provided more of a shocker had they emerged in a more surprising way (or maybe I'm just really good at figuring stuff out, but I doubt it). But on the whole, this installation in the series deftly moved the story along and left this reader impatient for the next book in the series (in which I hope someone finally does a Nurse Ratched on that horrible Korina, evil, greedy seductress that she is!). Strangest thing is, as much as I like our cast of heroes, I really kind of want to see Lucian destroy them all. Call me twisted, but I'm rooting for the vampire!
This book is the best in the series so far! Honestly, it is. I found myself being a silent participant of the wizards guild, a ghost following along with Coragan, Galladrin, and Borak, and a spy spying on the cult the Children of Lubrochius. Korina is as evil as ever and she is going to stop at nothing to get what she wants. That means even summoning a demon that could destroy her and everything she has worked for. As for creepy vampire, well lets just say he has a few things up his sleeves. Lets hope the Wizards Guild will be able to save their city and people.
I couldn’t put this book down, I was so enthralled by it that I was even sneaking reads while working! If you are into creepy stories, vampires, wizards, demons, and cults, this is a book for you! The story is great and I can’t wait to see what lies a head for every character! I’m very happy I got this book as an ARC read!
Still, not a sparkle in sight! Another wonderful read, detailed, exact, and imaginative. Fantasy and a bit of horror done well.