Book Review: Steal Fire from the Gods

Steal Fire from the Gods by Clint Hall

Dystopian. 288 Pages. 4 Stars

Synopsis:

The Human Alliance knew the war was over when the machines started using magic to cast fire, shake the ground, conjure storms, and part the seas.

We fought back anyway.

22-year-old soldier Gunnar Graves lost his faith and his family when a platoon of AI-driven war machines—led by an android fire mage—destroyed his unit. Forced to live in a machine-controlled village and hiding a dark secret, he spends his days trying to learn elemental power so he can take his revenge. After years of failure, his ability ignites when he least expects it.

On the run and hunted by the war machines, Gunnar discovers that an ancient, life-based strength has awakened to help humanity fight back. Joined by the other life mages, Gunnar is thrust into a mad world of android overlords, cyborg clans, and evil forces bent on his destruction.

To protect his newfound family, Gunnar must discover the truth behind a power he doesn’t understand and wage a war he doesn’t believe they can win.

My Review:

I’ve heard such good things about this book and so I’m glad I finally made time for it!

From the very beginning, this book felt like Terminator with magic (with some mild I, Robot and 1984 vibes in there, too!). A cool fantasy/sci-fi mash up in a world where AI has conquered humanity – for their own good, of course – and elemental magic?!

The story was engaging and kept me wondering what would happen next. There were plenty of unexpected twists and turns (sometimes back to back!) to keep me guessing! There was an almost adventurous feel to the story with different settings and obstacles and subcultures in the world. I really enjoyed the variety of beliefs the characters held (both MCs and those we encountered along the way).

Gunnar kind of gave me Winston (1984) vibes a little in some places. It was interesting to watch him navigate his world. He seemed to both give up and rebel all at the same time, if that makes any sense. Catriona was a lot of fun and I really liked learning more about her. Her conviction juxtaposed with her experience and choices made her an intriguing character. And the ragtag band of supporting characters definitely drew my interest.

I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters, the diversity of settings we experienced, and the subtle themes of discovering faith, purpose, and wrestling with power and fate. A thought-provoking read with all the sci-fi favorites – war machines, cyborgs, advanced technology, and of course, rebel humanity.

Content: no swearing, some sci-fi/fantasy violence, and clean romance. Suitable for an early teen.