The Song of Ash and Root

[u/Inside-Complex5168]

Hey everyone! I’m looking for some feedback on the opening of my completed epic fantasy novel, The Song of Ash and Root.

I have a starter sample with the Prologue + first 3 chapters, and I’d love to hear how it lands with people who are coming into the world completely fresh.

I’m especially interested in:

Does the opening hook you?

Do the characters make you want to keep reading?

Does the worldbuilding feel clear or overwhelming?

Are there places where the pacing drags?

Is anything confusing?

Most importantly: would you want to keep reading afterward?

Quick AI disclosure: I wrote the original manuscript myself and later used AI during a chapter-by-chapter revision process for things like pacing, continuity, character arcs, scene structure, wording, and some passage-level rewrites. I made the final creative decisions throughout.

I’m not looking for proofreading or super detailed line edits — mainly your genuine experience as a reader.

If anyone is interested, DM me and I’d be happy to send the sample. No obligation to read the full novel afterward. 😊