THE CRIMSON SPIRE

A high fantasy novel offers magical powers, high-stakes duels, and competing kingdoms.

In this first installment of a series, Prince Gerard Caltheos, 17, is undergoing some intense training. Gerard is, at the behest of his alcoholic father, Genthar, attempting to unlock something called the Flame. Flame is one of the powers that the Thaumas wield: magical abilities that are present in the land of Tamaria and include Cold, Wind, Water, Earth, and Light. It is all new territory for Gerard and Genthar, as they are not from Tamaria but a nearby kingdom that has not always had peaceful relations with its neighbor. Gerard’s training is a dangerous endeavor. What’s more, it is conducted in secret. Meanwhile in Tamaria, a tournament takes place where contestants utilize the powers in duels. The winner will become the next High Thauma, an important rank of distinction that even comes with some land. Cobain Scott of Greyhill, 22, really wants to win, yet his efforts fall short in his final duel. Nevertheless, he is rewarded for getting so far in the tournament by being assigned to protect King Norwin Zakarian’s family. This new gig puts Cobain in direct contact with the beautiful Emillira, the monarch’s daughter. Emillira’s father is in poor health and her brother, Dane, is set to inherit the throne. While Norwin is keen on keeping the peace with neighboring Averose, Dane advocates for a more combative stance. Elsewhere, it is rumored that a different magical ability is being put to use: the power of Dark. It is something that has not been seen in decades and certainly spells trouble.      

Readers meet a multitude of intriguing characters, all with their own concerns and motivations, from the get-go. And these players are not ones to sit idly by. There are marriage considerations, troop movements, and discussions of war, to name just a few topics. Even with so much in motion, Parker’s story unfolds in a digestible manner. While it may take readers a few pages to understand the Thaumas’ powers, they are revealed without too much extraneous explanation. Likewise, the concerns about an upcoming major clash are summed up nicely by Dane: “We grow too complacent.” Once the conflict is in play, readers are kept in suspense as to how it will all end, particularly with moments like “The air was thick with the scent of death, the lingering smoke of burnt flesh.” Many characters also have backstories that add to their depth, such as Cobain’s strained relationship with his father. Still, at times the swift pace is slowed down by details and comments that are not entirely necessary. Discussing the many differences between Dane and his sister, the story notes: “Where Dane wielded words like reckless strikes, Emillira wielded them like a physician’s scalpel—precise and careful.” At other times, individuals simply state the obvious. During a battle, someone comments: “I wish I was out there fighting.” Such assertions do not add much to a story that, though extensive and expansive, still manages to be under 600 pages. And despite some clutter, those pages provide a nuanced take on the high fantasy genre.

Epic in scale, this enticing adventure features plenty of tense moments and striking characters.