BLAISE

A deposed ruler undertakes a fateful journey to regain his stolen kingdom in Barrett’s fantasy novel, one in a series.

The realm of Imbria, divided into the three main factions of Veruca, Kymir, and Samirra, seems headed toward war as leaders jostle for power. Blaise, the Fire Keeper, burns things with his magical powers when angry, and in this book his frustration is high. He ruled Veruca, but it was stolen by his cousin Logaire when Blaise was away fighting against the blood-drinking Fomori. Adding to Blaise’s woes, his love Orabelle, the Water Keeper, perished in battle while still angry at him. Joining Blaise on his mission are Orabelle’s brother Thyrr and Guardian Damian. The group tries to enlist help and heal divides, but Blaise has many enemies: Khymir’s leader, Maialen (Orabelle’s sister), hates Blaise for personal reasons; Logaire, tasting power, doesn’t want give up Veruca; and Samirra’s half-Fomori ruler, Chaote, seeks revenge for his imprisonment in a cave. Blaise’s staunchest ally is Kaeleb, an orphan he rescued, but Kaeleb’s just a kid. On the journey Blaise encounters another child, Eolande—the most powerful person in the kingdom. Eolande is the “Solvrei,” the chosen one foretold through prophecy. Blaise tries to help Eolande control her magical ability. She wants no part of it, but others hope to harness her power for their own gain. Barrett tells a vivid story never lacking in surprises or plot twists. Creative imagery overflows—there are giant eagles transporting people, Sirens “singing out a tender lullaby” in the water, and an ancient dog god seeking Eolande’s help to die. There are also abundant compelling characters. Blaise starts out arrogant, impatiently incinerating people, but he grows by caring for Kaeleb and Eolande. The queens of the rival territories, though seeking war, have understandable motivations. Even the minor characters are intriguing, like the ambitious fake seer Sybylla. Perhaps because it’s the third book in a series, the beginning chapter overwhelms readers with a tangle of names and relationships. But the exciting flow of the narrative takes over, gaining more clarity as it hurtles forward.

A fantasy tale bursting with excitement, fascinating characters, and emotional impact.