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Rise of Tyrants Whispers of War: Dark Epic Fantasy
Every war begins with a whisper…
When rival kingdoms stir toward bloodshed, a single choice can topple thrones.
A boy hunted by fate.
A noble bound by honour.
A queen whose ambition could drown continents in war.
If you love grimdark intrigue, multiple POV epics, and low-magic worlds carved by steel and political cunning, you’ll be hooked from page one.
As alliances fracture and shadows gather, lives become weapons in a game none of them chose.
Some will rise. Some will fall.
Perfect for fans of
✓ Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law
✓ George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire
✓ John Gwynne’s sweeping battles and moral complexity
Praise for the Rise of Tyrants
★ “An intense, gripping tale with rich world-building and powerful characters.”
★ “I’m genuinely blown away by the dedication and craftsmanship behind this book.”
★ “It fully immerses you in its world, and it doesn’t let you go.”
Begin the saga where kingdoms fall, tyrants rise, and destiny is written in blood.
When rival kingdoms stir toward bloodshed, a single choice can topple thrones.
A boy hunted by fate.
A noble bound by honour.
A queen whose ambition could drown continents in war.
If you love grimdark intrigue, multiple POV epics, and low-magic worlds carved by steel and political cunning, you’ll be hooked from page one.
As alliances fracture and shadows gather, lives become weapons in a game none of them chose.
Some will rise. Some will fall.
Perfect for fans of
✓ Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law
✓ George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire
✓ John Gwynne’s sweeping battles and moral complexity
Praise for the Rise of Tyrants
★ “An intense, gripping tale with rich world-building and powerful characters.”
★ “I’m genuinely blown away by the dedication and craftsmanship behind this book.”
★ “It fully immerses you in its world, and it doesn’t let you go.”
Begin the saga where kingdoms fall, tyrants rise, and destiny is written in blood.
571 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2025
35 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 6, 2025
It was a little refreshing to read a grounded fantasy book. I am always worried with these big long planned fantasies that I will lose track of the POVs but they were handled really well. You follow two main stories with some other POVs laced in setting up future plot points and story and I had no trouble investing myself with any of the characters.
You are set in largely two nations, Norden and East Kadun. A fragile peace holds each nation together and you slowly see it start to unravel through a number of different means. In Norden ones ambition to rise beyond and in East Kadun because of tension and personal fragility of those in power built on a weak foundation of peace hidden in glamour.
This first novel (of six!) does a fantastic job of really setting the stage, building the tension, executing small key steps in everyone's journey and I really loved the pace, another thing I often struggle with in epic fantasy stories. The payoff wasn't explosive but clean, swift and really fitting of the characters and story that was being told. All neatly wrapped up perfectly for the next book at the end.
One I thing I liked is that it was a more like a chapter coming to close rather than a cliffhanger. You felt satisfied that this first chapter was done and everything was in place for the next.
The author done a fantastic job of building the bigger picture while setting the stage for a satisfy book one story. Definitely one to watch, if the next books are any where near this good the series should be a fantastic epic fantasy.
Highly recommend. Give it a shot.
You are set in largely two nations, Norden and East Kadun. A fragile peace holds each nation together and you slowly see it start to unravel through a number of different means. In Norden ones ambition to rise beyond and in East Kadun because of tension and personal fragility of those in power built on a weak foundation of peace hidden in glamour.
This first novel (of six!) does a fantastic job of really setting the stage, building the tension, executing small key steps in everyone's journey and I really loved the pace, another thing I often struggle with in epic fantasy stories. The payoff wasn't explosive but clean, swift and really fitting of the characters and story that was being told. All neatly wrapped up perfectly for the next book at the end.
One I thing I liked is that it was a more like a chapter coming to close rather than a cliffhanger. You felt satisfied that this first chapter was done and everything was in place for the next.
The author done a fantastic job of building the bigger picture while setting the stage for a satisfy book one story. Definitely one to watch, if the next books are any where near this good the series should be a fantastic epic fantasy.
Highly recommend. Give it a shot.
May 8, 2025
Epic, Gripping, and Full of Intrigue – A Must-Read for Fantasy Fans!
Rise of Tyrants: Whispers of War pulls you into a richly imagined world on the brink of collapse, where ambition, betrayal, and destiny intertwine with chilling intensity. The political intrigue is layered and smartly written—every court, every alliance, and every character feels like a powder keg waiting to explode.
Queen Karak Thørn is fierce and calculating, yet her struggle for power feels deeply human. Lord Malum’s unraveling house, the mysterious prophecy in the south, and the nameless boy caught in the storm add depth and suspense that kept me turning pages late into the night.
This book doesn't just set the stage for war—it ignites it with whispers, secrets, and unforgettable characters. If you love sweeping fantasy with complex world-building, multiple POVs, and a slow-burning path to epic conflict, this is a fantastic read.
Can’t wait for the next installment!
Rise of Tyrants: Whispers of War pulls you into a richly imagined world on the brink of collapse, where ambition, betrayal, and destiny intertwine with chilling intensity. The political intrigue is layered and smartly written—every court, every alliance, and every character feels like a powder keg waiting to explode.
Queen Karak Thørn is fierce and calculating, yet her struggle for power feels deeply human. Lord Malum’s unraveling house, the mysterious prophecy in the south, and the nameless boy caught in the storm add depth and suspense that kept me turning pages late into the night.
This book doesn't just set the stage for war—it ignites it with whispers, secrets, and unforgettable characters. If you love sweeping fantasy with complex world-building, multiple POVs, and a slow-burning path to epic conflict, this is a fantastic read.
Can’t wait for the next installment!
September 3, 2025
A spectacular stage for a new epic saga.
'Rise of Titans: Whispers of War' successfully sets the scene for a new Game of Thrones-style epic, promising a sprawling narrative that will obviously unfold over the series. The book's foundation, complete with maps, crests for the different realms, and a comprehensive mythology of gods and ancient conflicts, is impressive and indicative of the author's dedication to creating a particularly strong world that makes the story feel both rich and authentic. What I particularly enjoyed was that the story was not just about grand battles but also about the political machinations and personal struggles that lead to war. Highly recommended for lovers of epic fantasy established in a complex and extremely well-crafted universe.
'Rise of Titans: Whispers of War' successfully sets the scene for a new Game of Thrones-style epic, promising a sprawling narrative that will obviously unfold over the series. The book's foundation, complete with maps, crests for the different realms, and a comprehensive mythology of gods and ancient conflicts, is impressive and indicative of the author's dedication to creating a particularly strong world that makes the story feel both rich and authentic. What I particularly enjoyed was that the story was not just about grand battles but also about the political machinations and personal struggles that lead to war. Highly recommended for lovers of epic fantasy established in a complex and extremely well-crafted universe.
June 27, 2025
In Rise of the Tyrants - Whispers of War you get to know East Kadun and the royal family and Nordon and it’s rising Queen and warriors. Filled with suspense and plot twist through this journey you will learn that you may not favor the characters you thought you would as much as you begin to favor the characters you want to dislike. Viking, mythology, medieval, and fantasy collide in an explosive tale of manipulation and fractured families as well as questions of loyalty. This is a must read for the year. I look forward to what Tides of an Avalanche: Book 2 has to offer!
June 13, 2025
A deftly woven tale
An orphan, a queen, an entitled young man and a world of epic adventure. This book has all the ingredients of an operatic and exciting tale. The world building is elaborate and starts on page one. I love books with maps!
Early on in the boy a young boy gets brutally beaten. It was intense to read, so if that kind of thing triggers you this should be considered .
Very political and layered, great for fans of epic fantasy!
An orphan, a queen, an entitled young man and a world of epic adventure. This book has all the ingredients of an operatic and exciting tale. The world building is elaborate and starts on page one. I love books with maps!
Early on in the boy a young boy gets brutally beaten. It was intense to read, so if that kind of thing triggers you this should be considered .
Very political and layered, great for fans of epic fantasy!
September 2, 2025
An atmospheric and richly woven tale of power, betrayal, and prophecy. The narrative deftly balances political intrigue with the looming sense of something much greater stirring beneath the surface, making every character’s ambition feel both dangerous and fragile. With its vivid world-building and a nameless boy thrust into the center of destiny, it captures the grandeur and tension of epic fantasy at its best. A gripping foundation for what promises to be a sweeping, storm-filled saga.
September 8, 2025
This book’s got teeth! It dives straight into the muck—power grabs, betrayals, old magic, all that good grimdark gear—but it still finds time for real emotional weight. There’s something properly satisfying about a fantasy world where no one's safe but you’re still clinging on, hoping your favourites make it out. Brooks doesn’t overcook it either—just lets the tension simmer ‘til it boils over. I don't recommend reading it before bed unless you want strange dreams.
November 29, 2025
Rise of tyrants by Callum m brooks is a gripping dark fantasy that blends brutal warfare, political intrigue and haunting mythology. The world building is rich, the characters morally complex, and the prose atmospheric. A powerful and immersive start to what promises to be an epic saga
December 10, 2025
Guy says in his intro he isn’t a reader and it shows. It’s not a story it’s a poor attempt at writing what he thinks is a novel.
I hope the writer for his next book picks up at least half a dozen books and learns from them
I hope the writer for his next book picks up at least half a dozen books and learns from them
January 5, 2026
Five star review. Epic fantasy book. Keep you on edge of your seat. I highly recommend everyone reads this epic fantasy book today. Author is very talented too. 10 out of 10 experience. No spoilers review. Enjoy!.
March 25, 2025
The sense of impending doom is palpable, and I love the complexity of the different factions. I’m excited to dive in!
August 12, 2025
A gripping and richly woven epic that masterfully blends political intrigue, prophecy, and unforgettable characters on the brink of a world-shaping war.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Betrayal, Prophecy, and War, I was hooked
This book hooked me right from the start. The characters feel real, the tension is constant, and I am looking forward to book two.
This book hooked me right from the start. The characters feel real, the tension is constant, and I am looking forward to book two.
December 13, 2025
Enjoyed the book very much. Time well spent. 100% worth a read.
January 27, 2026
This novel is an outstanding achievement in epic fantasy, delivering a richly woven world, compelling characters, and a storyline that masterfully blends political intrigue, prophecy, and emotional depth. The writing is atmospheric and immersive, balancing large-scale stakes with intimate character arcs. From Queen Karak’s steely ambition to Necruss Khan’s eerie patience, the narrative pulses with tension, myth, and humanity.
Thematically, it tackles legacy, unity vs. division, power, and survival with nuance. The pacing steadily builds to a powerful climax, leaving the reader both satisfied and eager for the next instalment.
Thematically, it tackles legacy, unity vs. division, power, and survival with nuance. The pacing steadily builds to a powerful climax, leaving the reader both satisfied and eager for the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews