The Mantle of the Past

A Scattering of Leaves, Book One

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
769 Pages
Reviewed on 11/21/2024
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Lewis is an award winning author from South Wales and comes from a mixed Welsh and Italian background.

Studying History at university, he went on to join the British army, whilst also studying for a Master’s degree in International Security and Development. Moving on from the army, Lewis moved into the political world working in the UK Parliament. In this role he honed his skills as a writer having to produce everything from reports, policy documents, through to political speeches.

Lewis then went to work for various Government bodies in senior communications roles, work that included writing newspaper articles, hosting round-tables and giving presentations to large and diverse audiences.

​He created the world of Kolgennon as a way to explore his love of history and mythology and to exercise creativity in a way that cant be found anywhere else.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

In The Mantle of the Past, Lewis A. D'Ambra creates a rich and immersive epic fantasy that explores the fragile legacy of a recently fallen empire. Following the death of Tekolger, the King of Kings, the vast lands of Kolgennon stand on the brink of chaos. What once was a unified domain inches toward civil war as generals squabble over power, subjugated people plot rebellion, and ancient enemies resurface. Against this backdrop, whispers of ancient forces, long dismissed as myths, begin to emerge, hinting at deeper dangers ahead. D'Ambra crafts a tale of ambition, betrayal, and how history tends to repeat itself, painting a world in flux where old loyalties and grudges collide with the hopes of a new age.

From the very first pages, the appeal of The Mantle of the Past lies in its layered storytelling and the sense of a world teeming with life and complexity. The opening scene, centered on Kalasyar Sisosi and her grandfather Koseun, sets the tone for the narrative with its intimate portrayal of family, politics, and power. Koseun, a former statesman turned teacher, exudes wisdom and resilience, making him a compelling figure. Through his lessons, Lewis A. D'Ambra does a great job of establishing the cultural and political intricacies of Butophulo and its place within the fractured empire. The characters are deeply drawn, their motivations nuanced, and their relationships rich with tension and history. Readers are quickly drawn into Kalasyar's inner conflict and her family's precarious position in a world where alliances shift like sand. Lewis A. D'Ambra’s storytelling is intricate and so are the worlds he creates, with detailed descriptions that bring the settings and characters to life. The narrative flows effortlessly between personal struggles and sweeping historical events, balancing grand battles and moments of quiet reflection. This is a masterful start to the Scattering of Leaves series, promising readers an epic journey filled with intrigue, emotion, and a sense of timeless wonder.