A magical pairing of fantasy and adventure.
When Calen Bryer and his two closest friends, Dann and Rist, take part in The Proving, a rite of passage that will put their survival skills to the test, they are forced to overcome extreme challenges and unexpected aggressors. The glory of victory is quickly replaced with sorrow and grief as Calen experiences severe loss soon thereafter. His world is changed forever, setting him on a path that leads him away from everything he’s ever known. A trio of foreigners that are protecting a valuable object at any cost guides Calen and his friends into a wide world of unexpected enlightenment. Although Calen is initially motivated by revenge, his quest leads him into the throes of war between kingdoms. But will the young man be able to rise to the challenge when he realizes just how much he is truly capable of?
Of Blood and Fire is a magical pairing of fantasy and adventure. The unpretentious banter between Calen and his friends is realistic, and their camaraderie makes them an enjoyable group to follow as they find themselves thrown into some intense situations where they have to make impossible decisions with serious repercussions. Besides seeing Calen evolve as a person, a few likable secondary characters and a number of interesting developments add to the exciting story. As the plot takes shape, it is easy to be absorbed in not only the unfolding tale but also the Tolkienesque world that the author has forged. Cahill has the wonderful ability to depict an immersive setting without bogging down the text with unnecessary details. The first installment in what promises to be a thoroughly engrossing series, Of Blood and Fire balances vivid action scenes with a few surprises as it draws on a number of classic fantasy elements and elevates them into a hypnotic and fresh novel. Fantasy lovers won’t want to miss the opportunity to join Calen in an epic journey as he discovers dragons and magic, and realizes that he has the ability to become the hero that he is truly meant to be.
