‘Of Blood and Fire’ by Ryan Cahill

4 Stars

This is the first novel in The Bound and The Broken series with (so far) three novellas and three hefty novels. I did not read The Fall, a prequel novella, prior to diving into Of Blood and Fire and I did not feel that I missed out on any important plot points or world building elements. BUT I will be picking up ‘The Fall’ very soon and will be sure to relay my thoughts!

The story is an obvious yet lovingly homage to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings with fellowship, magic, mystical beings/creatures, long journeys, and found friends along the way.

This book made me feel that I was a part of the fellowship. Traveling through enchanted woods and provincial villages; experiencing a rite of passage; running away with a first love; coming into adulthood and struggling new responsibilities… Ah the memories!

With multiple POV’s I was able understand and appreciate our main characters decision making. I always enjoy it when an author is able to have their character show us, well… ahem, their character. (Especially the humor and affection between the young whipper-snappers Dann, Rist, and Calen.)

Why not 5 stars if I enjoyed it as much as I did? There were a few scenes in the writing/storytelling which wasn’t fully detailed and I was thrown out of the story trying to piece together the description of the scenes. Again, there were only a few instances and I would chock this up to a new’ish, at the time, author.

I am very eager to continue on with The Bound and The Broken (which more than likely I will marathon read) so make sure you stayed tuned for my future reviews on the series!

A ridiculously good book one to an epic fantasy series.

- Steph
a doddering reader

And before I forget, as a canine companion advocate, Faenir stole my heart!