Jon Skovron

When their father is murdered by imperial soldiers, two siblings set out on opposite paths--one will destroy the Empire forever and the other will save it--in this thrilling new Russian-inspired epic fantasy from Jon Skovron. Sonya is training to be a Ranger of Marzanna, an ancient sect of warriors who have protected the land for generations. But the old ways are dying, and the rangers have all been forced into hiding or killed off by the invading Empire. When her father is murdered by imperial soldiers, she decides to finally take action. Using her skills as a ranger she will travel across the bitter cold tundra and gain the allegiance of the only other force strong enough to take down the invaders. But nothing about her quest will be easy. Because not everyone is on her side. Her brother, Sebastian, is the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever seen. And he's fighting for the empire.

The Ranger of Marzanna

Sonya is training to be a Ranger of Marzanna, an ancient sect of warriors who have protected the land for generations. But the old ways are dying, and the rangers have all been forced into hiding or killed off by the invading Empire. When her father is murdered by imperial soldiers, she decides to finally take action. Using her skills as a ranger she will travel across the bitter cold tundra and gain the allegiance of the only other force strong enough to take down the invaders. But nothing about her quest will be easy. Her brother, Sebastian, is the most powerful sorcerer the world has ever seen. And he's fighting for the empire.

Sheila Goicea

I received an ARC of this book from Orbit Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! In no way does this affect my rating or review.



All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication. 

Content Warning: Profanity, Death, War, Adult sexual content, Gore

Hunters might strike with efficiency, thereby sparing their prey undo pain and suffering, but creatures of the wild did not take into account such things. And certainly Lady Marzanna, Goddess of Winter and Death, was not a creature that could ever be tamed.
In a Russian-inspired fantasy world of cold tundra and warring nations, The Ranger of Marzanna brings an action-packed, complex story about the ultimate sibling rivalry.
She was doing the work she had vowed to do as a Ranger, protecting the people of Izmoroz and undermining the empire that had outlawed the worship of the great Lady Marzanna.
The kingdom of Izmoroz is a diverse one, full of rich culture and people. Since it was overthrown and became part of the Empire, it has been the goal of many to return it to its original state. Multiple forces working singularly discover that many collectively work towards restoring Izmoroz, Sonya being one of them. 

One of the last Rangers of Marzanna, Sonya has been trained in combat to serve and protect the people of her nation. The Rangers are an unusual lot. They serve the Lady Marzanna, and in return, she gives each “gifts” slowly turn them into something other than human. Sadly, the Rangers were mostly killed off in battle. Crafty Sonya still found her way to Lady Marzanna through a family servant who disguised his identity in order to elude the Empire after the war. 

Sonya’s father, ironically, was one of the most renowned warriors in the Empire’s army but didn’t exactly discourage Sonya’s path. He did, however, not allow Sonya’s younger brother Sebastian, to enlist in the army as he had. Sebastian possesses elemental magic, a rare ability in the realm. It is soon apparent that he is sought out by the Empire when his father is killed in a raid on their home one night.

After Sonya discovers her family’s home ransacked and her father’s body, she decides to go after her mother and brother to free them. She breaks into a garrison, only to find out that both her mother and brother have come to terms with their position, and even embrace it. Her mother, a woman from a long line of nobility, is comfortable back in court. Sebastian is immediately enlisted into the Empire’s army. Desiring more knowledge and freedom with his abilities, he quickly gains the approval of this commander and is placed in a position of power.

Sonya and Sebastian find themselves sitting on the opposite sides of the bank--one, desiring for the freedom of her homeland. The other--enjoying his station of power, despite its downfalls. 
What a terrible thing was love. What a dreadful weapon it could become.
With the siblings at odds, each finds their own allies amongst the ranks of their enemies. Sonya seeks out the clan of undead warriors and enemies of the Empire. Her journey to them is daunting, and she loses more of herself along the way. Despite her transformation, Sonya started out lacking in character since her life is driven by the Lady Marzanna’s plans. I’m curious to see at what cost her lack of humanity will lead her in the future. 

Not unlike his sister, Sebastian also sacrifices his innocence and eventually his betrothed for esteem and power. Called to kill his own people with his powers forces him to make “examples” of wrongdoers and elicit fear to those trying to thwart the Empire.
”Just as the fate of all snow is tho melt, the fate of all mortals is to die.” 
Atmospheric, complex, yet slow-paced, The Ranger of Marzanna is an enthralling read and a promising start to this series. (I must add that I wish Sonya's loyal horse Peppercorn had a bigger role than he ended up with. But, that's my personal preference.)

Vulgarity: Markedly.
Sexual content: Moderate.
Violence: Markedly.

My Rating: ★★★★

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THIS BOOK. WITH THAT COVER. I think I've found one of my most anticipated reads for 2020?

It's a new Epic fantasy trilogy, set in eastern Europe (in the Winter, OK). It focuses on squabbling siblings, magic, and LOYAL HORSES!? Please, someone, give this to me.



(Information found on Orbit's website.)

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Ashling Brown

"It was said they had sacrificed their very humanity in exchange for power, and that they worshipped Death itself." 

There are a lot of mixed reviews on this book; however, I didn't allow these to discourage me from reading, and I'm so glad that I didn't, as I enjoyed this book!

I found the story very fast-paced, the characters engaging and the action/adventure immersive!!
I always think of the first book as the set-up, so I can't wait to continue the series and see where Skovron takes us!!

This book would be great for those who love:
- Russian/Polish legends. 
- Sibling Rivalry.
- Magic. 
- Fast-paced plot.
- Short Chapters. 
- Family, Friends, Relationships and sex. 
- Excellent world-building. 
- Unanswered questions/Cliffhangers.

The Ranger of Marzanna

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