I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two women from vastly different backgrounds must work together to discover the truth behind their shared beliefs in a dangerous race to stand up for what is right in author Brendan Corbett’s “Blood and Flame”, the first book in The Quinate’s Faithful series.

The Synopsis

Two young women from vastly different worlds.

A magical quest that will test all that they believe.

Beneath the shroud of darkness, two Initiates await their future. Both seek the same-to undergo the Rite of the Faithful and become Mages in the Quinarium.

For Dara, becoming a Blood Mage is a way to flee poverty and leave her past behind, while Wynne’s desire to be a Flame Mage means rebelling against her family’s wishes and turning her back on her wealth and status.

Paired together to perform their unusual rite, they must stop the mysterious slaughter of a village’s livestock and investigate rumors of an impossible source of mana, the fuel used for magic.

Their quest sends them on a fantastical journey across the world of Llendshold, from dangerous Fae forests, across treacherous waters, and deep underground into a dwarf city.

In seeking answers, their loyalty to the Quinarium is shaken to breaking point. Nor can they ignore the power of their growing bond.

But if they stand up for what is right and embrace the truth, will it mean losing all that they hoped for?

Blood and Flame is Book One in The Quinate’s Faithful, a fantasy trilogy filled with magic, action-packed adventures, and a touch of slow-burn romance.

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping fantasy read. The author brilliantly expands on this mystical world of fae and ogres, as well as many other creatures, while also showcasing the powerful magic that fuels this adventure. The worldbuilding was top-notch, really emphasizing the different classes of mage and the different approaches to magic that they embody. This also helped fuel the character arcs of this narrative, as the more ruthless blood mages often clashed with the healing and light fire mages. Yet, the book offers great LGBTQ representation through protagonists Dara and Wynn. Their journey does a fantastic job not only of allowing them to see one another but also of bringing them closer together as a result.

The themes explored in this book offer a unique perspective on the fantasy genre, as they examine what happens when organized religious institutions co-opt a particular faith, forcing those driven by faith to question who they follow and why. The slow-burning storytelling and time to explore every faction of this world helped elevate the strength of this religion and its profound impact on the world.

The Verdict

Thrilling, entertaining, and mesmerizing, author Brendan Corbett’s “Blood and Flame” is a must-read fantasy novel and a grand entry in the Quinate’s Faithful series. The twists and turns that this story takes, the balance of religious undertones, and the relatability and passion for these two protagonists and the cast of characters they encounter will leave readers breathless, as the cliffhanger ending keeps them eager for the next installment in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Brendan Corbett grew up in a military family, always on the move. Books, particularly fantasy, were both stabilizing and the ultimate escape, companions to other worlds that could journey with him even when friends could not. As an adult his career turned away from the arts, though a wide range of experiences have brought him back to his love of writing. He now resides in Oregon with his wife, son, dog and two kittens. While writing consumes much of his time, you might also find him at one of his ridiculous list of hobbies, including cooking, gardening, hiking, gaming, archery, volunteering, and woodworking.

https://authorbrendancorbett.com/

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