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Power, Duty, and Loyalty
The Mantle of the Past follows the inhabitants of a vast kingdom where their king has died, who now face an uncertain future as different factions battle for control. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I studied history at university and the ancient mediterranean has always fascinated me. Tales from the history of Greece and Rome as well as kingdoms such as Egypt and the Achaemenid empire are where I get most of my inspiration and so often in their stories it is when the strong ruler falls that their history changes. I wanted to explore that situation myself.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
Kolgennon is largely inspired by the ancient mediterranean in the classical and hellenistic periods as I have always enjoyed the history, but also the literature that we have from that period. I wanted to create a world that felt familiar, but also somehow alien to a modern reader, with a hint of the classical epic in the stories I told there. As I wrote I found more and more of my inspiration coming from different cultures of the ancient world, it started as very heavily inspired by the Greeks, but I increasingly found myself drawn to Egypt, Persia and many other places and cultures for ideas and concepts. I think I also found myself delving into myths and legends more than just history as I developed my ideas further as well.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore power and the pull of duty and loyalty, but the major theme was to look at the absence of those. Tekolger, the all conquering king, is deliberately presented as almost the main protagonist in the story, but has died before the book begins. So there is a void where the hero should be, I found that a fascinating idea to study, what happens when the hero is gone and others have to pick up the pieces? Is his legacy a good thing, or has he just created problems for the world?
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I am working on book two right now, but i think it will be a while before I am finished yet. Maybe in a year or so. It will take readers deeper into the heart of the empire of the Doldun, but also further explore some of the more metaphysical elements of Kolgennon and perhaps answer some of the questions that are implied in the fringes of the first book.
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The dust has only just begun to settle on the conquests of Tekolger, King of the Doldun, who exploded out of the east to forge an empire not seen since before the ancient cataclysm known as the Dusk. His body has not yet been brought home, his armies have not yet returned from his final campaign, but already plots have begun, factions are forming, and rivalries ancient and new are starting to stir.
All the while old powers thought long passed into memory, or simply fictions of fevered imaginations, are once again troubling the minds of men and showing themselves on the fringes of civilisation.
Will the rise of the Doldun prove to be a false dawn? Or will the conquests of the King usher in a new age of peace and prosperity for Kolgennon.
The Mantle of the Past
The Mantle of the Past by Lewis A. D’Ambra transports readers into the richly woven world of Kolgennon, a realm brimming with historical depth and mythological intrigue. This first book in the A Scattering of Leaves series captures the essence of epic storytelling through a tapestry of interconnected characters and events that shape the fate of their world. The narrative follows multiple protagonists, each struggling with their destinies against the backdrop of a tumultuous era marked by divine interventions and mortal ambitions.
D’Ambra’s writing is nothing short of captivating. His ability to craft detailed settings and intricate character arcs is reminiscent of classic historical epics. The world-building is particularly impressive; D’Ambra meticulously constructs Kolgennon with its diverse cultures, political intrigues, and mythological history. One of my favorite sections describes the construction of Tekolgertep and the vision of King Tekolger, which provides a vivid illustration of how the city’s grandeur came to be through sheer determination and visionary planning. The book’s strength lies in its complex characters and their evolving relationships. D’Ambra deftly explores themes of power, loyalty, and identity. The character of Kalu, for instance, provides a compelling study of leadership and the burdens it carries. His journey from a student of philosophy to a key player in the political machinations of the realm is both engaging and thought-provoking. Similarly, Sanae’s trials and her quest for identity amidst divine and mortal expectations add a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. The plethora of characters and overlapping timelines may initially overwhelm some readers. Keeping track of the intricate plots and numerous characters requires careful attention. Still, for those willing to immerse themselves fully, the payoff is substantial as the storylines converge and reveal the grand tapestry of D’Ambra’s world.
The Mantle of the Past is a remarkable work of historical fantasy that will appeal to fans of epic sagas and richly detailed worlds. D’Ambra’s meticulous world-building and deep character explorations create a compelling narrative that rewards attentive readers. This book is perfect for those who appreciate complex histories, mythological elements, and character-driven plots. If you’re ready to dive into a world where every character’s fate is intricately tied to the past and the divine, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 769 | ASIN : B0D5TX635R
LITERARY TITAN 