Of Fire and Ash Book Review

I decided I wanted my first read of 2024 to be for me. Like one of my most anticipated reads from my TBR. And guys, I decided to go big. Yep this 462 page book, hardcover, fantasy novel (the genre I probably read the least even though I really enjoy it). It blew me away. I mean, I had to limit my reading time so I could tend to other things. It was SO GOOD! And how many times do we have a 5 star read as our very first read!? Not very often for me anyways. I am thrilled to share this book with you today. Also….does anyone have book two? I need it like right now lol.

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About the Book

Of Fire and Ash
Author Gillian Bronte Adams
Published by Enclave Publishing
on September 13, 2022
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Animals / Horses, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Fantasy / Epic, Young Adult Fiction / Religious / Christian / Fantasy
Pages: 480

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.

Amazon | Goodreads

My Perspective

Wow. Just wow. Gillian Bronte Adams is a masterful writer. The way she weaved the plots, the POVs, the everything. And beyond that, her imagination is so stunning, so creative, I just want to peek inside it for a day. Just one day. Not only that, but to keep everything straight – between the abilities of the people, the horses, the worlds, all of it really – I don’t know how she did it. I mean I could follow along reading just fine, but creating it? She must have had about a million index cards around when she was writing lol. Either that or just a very sharp mind – yeah I’m betting it’s actually that one.

Let’s start with our heroine, Ceridwen. She is all in, a warrior, ready to sacrifice, willing to put her life in danger to protect others. She had vulnerabilities throughout the story, and I’m glad Adams put those in there. Made her seem more relatable. But the relationship between her and Finnian was what I really enjoyed. It’s not a romance, though honestly I could see one brewing. It’s fun, a little banter happening, a lot of protecting happening, and I just really enjoyed them working together.

Then we have the two other plots – Rafi and Jakim. I could see bits of the story of Joseph in Jakim, and I really like how Adams put a twist on that. Again, just a nod to her creativeness. Plus the faith theme was great. Though it doesn’t say “God”, you can tell who they are talking about through the book. And I marked some great quotes that really can serve as inspiration on a daily basis.

And don’t even get me started on that ending. I mean I should have known it would be a nail biter and a cliff hanger, but WOW. I need book two right now. I cannot wait to read it!!!!

My Favorite Quotes

Aodh’s purposes are not always apparent. Now does his hand always guide where we expect.

Love like the sea. Forgive like the sand.

But sand was not cursed with memory. Nor did the sea recall.

His eyes constantly snagged on the first line, inked so neatly below his wrist: Aodh is true.

The unachievable is often but one stride more from reality.

It is… why he is named the Bearer of the Eternal Scars. He offers mercy for the guilty and justice for the innocent, and carries their suffering in mind.

About the Author

Gillian Bronte Adams is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, wander-loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, through epic battles, and onward to adventure. And at the end of a long day of typing, she can be found saddling her wild thing and riding off into the sunset, seeking adventures of her own (and more coffee). She loved to connect with readers online.

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