Of Fire and Ash by Gillian Bronte Adams

Epic Fantasy. 496 Pages. 5 Stars

Synopsis:

She rides a fireborn, a steed of fire and ash, trained for destruction.

Ceridwen tal Desmond dreams of ruling like her father over the nation of Soldonia, where warriors ride to battle on magical steeds—soaring on storm winds, vanishing in shadow, quaking the earth, and summoning the sea. After a tragic accident claims her twin brother, she is exiled and sworn to atonement by spending her life—or death—for her people.

But when invaders spill onto Soldonia’s shores and traitors seize upon the chaos to murder her father, Ceridwen claims the crown to keep the nation from splintering. Combatting overwhelming odds and looming civil war, she begins to wonder if the greatest threat to the kingdom may, in fact, be her.

With fire before her and ash in her wake, how can she hope to unite instead of destroy?

Flames rage and oceans rise in this explosive first installment of The Fireborn Epic as the exiled heir, a novice priest, and a reluctant rebel wage war against a hidden power that threatens to shake the world.

My Review:

G.U.Y.S. is that cover not stunning. And have you seen the cover for the sequel yet? Speaking of the sequel, can I have it now?! Please?

So, this story was the very definition of epic fantasy. I loved these elemental horses. Favorite part of the world building, hands down. The Fireborn, the Seabloods, the Riveren, Storm riders (can’t remember what they’re called), and Earth ones, and more I’m sure to be forgetting. Oh, the Shadow riders! Dude, just. Cool.

The cultures were rich and the world felt so encompassing. Admittedly, it was a lot of names at first and it was hard to keep up with who and what and where. I struggled for the first five or six chapters to keep things straight, but eventually, I got the hang of things and I started caring more about the plot and characters and less about the names anyway XD

The characters were so fun! I loved Rafi and cannot wait to see more of him. But Ceridwen was so relatable in so many ways. I’ve felt just like her and I’m rooting for her to come out on top. We’ll see. Jakim was intriguing and I’m curious to see where he goes. I have a suspicion, but I’ll keep that to myself so as to let others form their own opinions. And the side characters were a blast. Iakki and Sev and Nef and Finnian. I am not ashamed to admit I was hardcore shipping. I just fell in love with these characters and their world that came so alive.

The plot is tight. And I do mean tight. Adams has mastered the cliff hanger. I can’t count the number of times I was like *gasp* noooo *flips page only to find POV change* But I didn’t really get bored with any of the povs. I mean, I had my favorite *clears throat* Rafi. But Ceridwen was a close second and Jakim was by no means a bore. But I was fascinated to see how each and every scene built upon the last, how each one was so vital to pushing the story forward. That’s such an amazing skill and one I hope to hone one day in my own writing.

I’m so very much looking forward to the second. This may be my favorite book of the year so far. So well done!

Content: there’s some in world swearing, but none by our “real world” standards. There’s only the barest hint of a possible romance, but it was a delicious hope to dangle. There is much violence. The whole premise of the book centers on a great war with honorable warriors and glory-seeking, power-seeking cultures. Fantabulous, but definitely some death and injuries and threats of torture. I never found anything tastelessly done or gory, but Adams didn’t shy away from the grit and grief and loss and injustice of war. The story deals with topics like loyalty, power, trauma, loss, shame, belonging, worth, identity, purpose, and so much more. I’m amazed at how many beautiful themes Adams managed to so naturally weave in and touch on. Incredible story. Probably recommended for 15/16+

More:

Book 2 of the Fireborn Epic is Of Sea and Smoke

Book 3’s title hasn’t been released yet, but Of Sea and Smoke comes out in a few months and I cannot wait to read it! Check out the link for more info on GR.