We’re super excited to participate in the Bookstagram & Creative Tour for Sword of Audantei by Ashley Holmquist hosted by MTMC Tours. Legendborn meets The Sword of Kaigen in this captivating YA fantasy epic. Incorporating ancient legends and a mystical atmosphere, book one in the Artifacts of Anarchy series will transport readers on an extraordinary journey full of magic, betrayal, redemption arcs, and belonging.
Now read on below for a book review, quote art + the details of an Intl Tour Giveaway you do not want to miss!
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Sword of Audantei by Ashley Holmquist
Series: Artifacts of Anarchy #1
on October 12th, 2023
Genres: YA Fantasy
Format: eBook, Paperback
Goodreads
Buy on Amazon
Source: Author, MTMC Tours
I received this book for free from Author, MTMC Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lieutenant Commander Danilo Altamura is torn between his commitment to his city and his desperate desire to escape the clutches of his deranged father, High General Llodis Altamura. When Danilo’s blood bonds with a powerful Stormthrower sword, Llodis labels him a traitor and he flees to Audantei's deadly alleyways, where survival means staying hidden. But after stumbling upon an unexpected incident during Audantei's notorious Hanging Day, his world takes a dark and twisted turn.
Seeking refuge among Audantei's enemies, the Stormthrowers, Danilo strikes a deal with their reticent leader, Enzo Sapienti. In exchange for safety, Danilo finds himself a captive among the most dangerous of their kind.
As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, Danilo's dormant magic is awakened, revealing the true extent of his exile. When the Stormthrowers capture Llodis, they discover the vengeful Royal Beseecher hunts Danilo, leaving him to choose which fate to Enzo's threats or the tantalizing promises of his father.
Incorporating ancient legends and a mystical atmosphere, “Sword of Audantei” will transport young adult readers on an extraordinary journey. Will Danilo discover his true destiny and uncover the truth behind Audantei's dark past? Find out in this captivating fantasy epic that will leave you breathless.
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Why you need to read Sword of Audantei
Set in a fantasy world with elemental magic, Sword of Audantei was a fast paced novel with intriguing worldbuilding that kept me hooked! There was so much to learn about Audantei, loved the mystery and history of this magical world, and I was specially interested in getting to know how the Stormthrowers’ powers work (people with elemental magic!!)
Our MC of this story is Danilo Altamura, a courageous young man that is passionate about his charge as a Liutenant and is torn between escaping the clutches of his father the General OR seeking his approval. However, as soon as he accidentally shows signs of magic, he becomes a threat to his city since this world is divided by magic wielders & non magic wielders (here called Storm).
I was very invested in Danilo’s story, from knowing his place as a Liutenant to being branded a traitor from something he couldn’t control. Soon his life becomes chaos and mayhem as it quickly falls apart. With nowhere to go, he begrudgingly accepts the help of the people he had sworn to hate. This is a story of someone that hits rock bottom, faces abandonment and now has to unlearn so many things that he thought were correct. Reading about his journey and struggles while learning to control his magic & befriending his new comrades was quite a ride, absolutely loved the found family trope included in this story! Getting to know Enzo and his secret hideout with the “outlaws” was fascinating, and I enjoyed the banter between them!
The intricate plot was thrilling and inspiring, Sword of Audantei was an amazing start to the Artifacts of Anarchy series. And this story wrapped up so nicely while also offering an exciting new beginning for the sequel, I’m looking forward to see what comes next!
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Quote Art inspired by
Sword of Audantei
As part of our creative stop, we decided to design stunning quote art of some of my favorite quotes that I found in Sword of Audantei. 💖✨ Huge thanks to my Melissa for helping me with them! ✨ Let me know what you think!!
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INTL Tour Giveaway!
Head over to the Instagram hashtag #SwordofAudanteiMTMC to enter the International tour giveaway with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place prizes:
1st place winner: A signed physical copy of my novel along with additional swag, a book purchased from their amazon wishlist, and a $25 amazon gift card.
2nd place winner: A book purchased from their amazon wishlist and a $25 amazon gift card.
3rd place winner: A book purchased from their amazon wishlist.
Ends on October 14th, 2023. Winner will be announced on @mtmctours’ Instagram account.
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Tour Schedule!
October 3
The Reader and the Chef – Book Blog
@Misch_is_bookish – Bookstagram
October 4
Paper Fury – Book Blog
@anabellasbooks – Bookstagram
October 5
@rozanne_visagie – BookTok
@darkfantasyreviews – Bookstagram
October 6
@purely_bookish – Bookstagram
@jlreadstoperpetuity – BookTok
@thecheeseprince – BookTok
October 7
Marie – Vocal Media – Book Blog
@readreviewcoffee – Bookstagram
@eliseberensenmeyer.books – Bookstagram
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Hosted by:
About Ashley Holmquist
Ashley Holmquist is a first-time author of the mystical fantasy-adventure series—Artifacts of Anarchy. Her short stories have been published in multiple online magazines.
She’s the eldest of five gremlin children, a socially-awkward Christian, and a book hoarder. She has been a racehorse owner, a counselling major, an office manager, an interior designer, and has travelled to multiple countries. She is also an avid gamer, so long as the video game is a solo experience.
Ashley’s writing thrives in loud and chaotic surroundings that are usually impossible to focus in. And despite that success, her writing is best done in her quiet church office, where her flawed characters can live in untamed, unabashed ruthlessness in an attempt to hide their soft hearts.
Tiktok: @ashleyauthorholmquist
