As promised, we're back to reviewing the latest installment of the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence series called A Shattered Empire.

As I've written before about all aspects of this piece, both from the writer's side as well as mine. In this section, the writer continues to lead the story as in the previous section. Very skillfully managing several different fates.

What may be different than in other works of epic fiction is that here, there are not only two opposing sides. Hogan introduces a nation that is not of this world into the mix. Those who have escaped the destruction of everything they once knew have found a way to hide their magic and origins from everyone. However, they are embroiled in a clash of epic proportions, as is expected of this genre, but only because the same evil that destroyed their world has accompanied them to a new one. Caldan, on every new page learns, grows and becomes an incredibly powerful wizard. But he also suffers. It intertwines ancient powers, once great men, who have almost caused the destruction of their world, and some new powers. This sets him apart from everyone, and thus puts him in a delicate position that no one can be believed.

We had to wait until this part, for the writer to reveal some secrets to us, and the size of the magic system he had devised. But he is coming to the fore completely here, and I must admit to you that it is magnificent. Both in its secrets and in its simplicity.

Another thing that sets this series apart is the developments of events. The last part of the series of events unfolds with incredible speed and is constantly growing towards the climax of things. Parties that have completely different views of things and justice will together try to contain and destroy the evil that threatens them. It is certainly the perfect ending to this series. A new secret and a new adventure awaits you on each side.

Moral doubts, decisions that can be interpreted as good or bad from different angles. Characters that, in their complexity, can never seem simple at any time, even in some ordinary decisions. Suffering and pain, imbued with mystery. Secrets Within Secrets. Ancient races, and even more ancient rulers. Powers that are only available to a select few.

I have to admit that this is one of the best debut series I have ever read. I wouldn't dare compare it to any other, but it is an ingenious and original work in its own right, although in some segments it is reminiscent of many others. However, those parts and ideas that are original distinguish it significantly from the volume of the same books.

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