Ash : A Secret History

I had been waiting to read this book for a long time. Now, after about 1000 pages, I'm partly disappointed. In my opinion, Ash is a great story (as other reviewers have already pointed out), and a perfect example of what non stereotypical fantasy should be. However, the book has two great flaws, which I have found quite annoying. The first of them is the book structure, and the contemporary framework which - through the emails exchanged by a researcher (who, in the fiction, is translating the manuscripts about Ash) and his agent - surrounds the main story. First of all, the idea that the text is the translation of medieval manuscripts is not credible. The authour could have portrayed it as a fiction work based upon ancient sources, but to portray it as an academic work... Sometimes, especially in the early sections of the book, the emails are also quite repetitive and boring (but fortunately, the contemporary sections are particularly short!). The second problem is the ending of the book. Without revealing too much to prospective readers, I must say that most of the story is very realistic and often crude, while its ending suddenly comes to contradict everything (in terms of both philosophy and content). However, I still recommend the book: not only for the idea behind the story and the superb storytelling, but also for the characters, which are very well depicted, and make the reader wish to know more about them and their lives. Moreover, in a time of precooked books, it is funny to read a novel without understanding which label could describe it. At first, one has the impression of reading an historical novel; a little later, discrepancies start to be unveiled and Ash becomes an alternate history novel; in its second half, hovever, it seems to turn definitely towards fantasy, and in the last section, it could be described as an hard science fiction work. Hard to believe? Try it!

If you're looking for a gripping story with a ferociously strong heroine... If you get a little tingly and wistful during History Channel programs on weapons and warfare of the middle ages; If you love fantasy and sci-fi and would love to read an epic adventure on a par with Tolkien, but admittedly a tad darker in the narrative; read this book. This is an award-winning book (won the Sidewise award in 2000) that has consistently earned critical acclaim over the years. The use of "swashbuckling" above in the review makes you think of Disney and pirates. This is far, far from Disney. It is at times grim and dark, and in its 1000+ pages has on two occasions visited images of the atrocities of war so unspeakable that I sort of wish I didn't have the images in my head now. But the book is worth it. The story and the characters and the writing are worth it. This isn't like Bernard Cornwell - the violence is part of the story, not simply gratuitous. Ms. Gentle is a master swordsman herself and has a master's degree in War Studies. It shows in the writing. I'm already getting a little panicky wondering what I'll read next that won't be like cheap table wine after a fine claret, or Lone Star after Guinness.

Middle ages novels with fantasy content you've already seen, but this is different. You'd think you're reading about oru world and history, but...what's this "Green Jesus"? And what Carthage has to do with it? You'll discover all in this rich and strange novel, full of intriguing lore, battles and a curiously twisted history...viewed through the eyes of a fascinating character, the female warrior and heroine Ash. An unique marvel to read!

This book was great! I read the entire 1000 (or so) page volume in several days. It is reminiscent of the popular The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon, but, dare I say it, better. It's a very realistic, gritty military fantasy set in medieval France. Ash, a girl, grows up as an orphan in a mercenary camp. At one point, she discovers a voice in her head that gives her tactical advice during battles. With the help of the voice, she grows into a brilliant mercenary leader . The story is like alternate history/fantasy/hint of scifi. Historical fantasy shows a hint to alternate history when Carthage invades Europe. And the brilliant general leader of the Carthagian forces happens to look exactly like Ash and also respond to a voice in her head. What is the voice? Is it hallucination, a demon, or a computer? Great adventure, thrilling battles, mysteries, and discoveries. The main character is a vibrant strong woman, very realistically portrayed. I wish there had been more romance. Ash is in an arranged marriage with a man she's really attracted to, on a base physical level, who has nothing but distaste for her. But, since this is not a trashy romance novel, she dismisses her lust for him for what it is, has no trouble beating him up or sticking to her grand plans of conquest and adventure. I loved it. I do wish that there was more sex though. After all, once the battle is won, the warrior herione must get her reward in the arms of a handsome boy, right?