Of Blood and Fire feels very classic fantasy to me. It’s been a while since I’ve read about Uraks and hero journeys. As book one, you can really tell Cahill is setting the foundation. Find Of Blood and Fire for my full thoughts.
Summary
Born in fire. Tempered in blood.
Epheria is a land divided by war and mistrust. The High Lords of the south squabble and fight, only kept in check by the Dragonguard, traitors of a time long past, who serve the empire of the North.
In the remote villages of southern Epheria, still reeling from the tragic loss of his brother, Calen Bryer prepares for The Proving—a test of courage and skill that not all survive.
But when three strangers arrive in the village of Milltown, with a secret they are willing to die for, Calen’s world is ripped from under him and he is thrust headfirst into a war that has been raging for centuries.
There is no prophecy. His coming was not foretold.
He bleeds like any man, and bleed he will.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Of Blood and Fire is very much classic fantasy which will remind you of epics like Lord of the Rings. With Uraks and hero journeys, this felt nostalgic. As a series starter, you can tell Cahill is getting ready for the sequels. In some ways, it feels a bit like a long part one and exposition where Cahill is setting up the board. Pacing wise, it feels like a slow and steady build with this omniscient narrator which gives it a looming vibe. We are aware that we don’t even know the full scope and everything going on in the background. What would we do to stop power from going into the wrong hands? Who would we sacrifice? And what consequences do our choices have?
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That being said, I was really drawn to Ella’s character. I loved seeing how our lives are impacted so much by forces we don’t see. I wish we had seen more of Ella in Of Blood and Fire. The chapters are a bit short at times which is good for pacing, but also can be a bit confusing a times. As a whole it’s a very classic series starter in terms of world and plot pieces introduced. Of Blood and Fire looks at these different characters and threads tightening. I appreciated how Of Blood and Fire examines how fate is fluid. As a series starter, it’s solid and if you love classic fantasy this could be for you. Find Of Blood and Fire on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, & Blackwells.