Of Blood and Fire Review
Author: Ryan Cahill
Rating: 9.0 AMAZING
What’s it about?: Epheria is a land divided by war and mistrust. The High Lords of the South squabble and fight, only kept in check by the Dragonguard, traitors of a time long past, who serve the empire of the North. In the remote villages of southern Epheria, still reeling from the tragic loss of his brother, Calen Bryer prepares for The Proving – a test of courage and skill that not all survive. But when three strangers arrive in the village of Milltown, with a secret they are willing to die for, Calen’s world is ripped from under him and he is thrust headfirst into a war that has been raging for centuries. There is no prophecy. His coming was not foretold. He bleeds like any man, and bleed he will.
“May The Mother embrace you, and The Father protect you. May The Warrior guide your hand, and The Maiden guide your mind. May The Smith keep your blade sharp, and The Sailor see you to safe shores.”
The decision to read Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill was a quick and impulsive one. I saw that there was a read-along with the author. So I changed my schedule and dove in, and I'm so glad that I did. Of Blood and Fire did something to me that had never happened before. After finishing the last chapter, I immediately wanted to start the second book. I understand this isn’t unusual for many readers, but it is for me. Cahill tells an amazing character-driven story. He writes with such confidence that it’s easy to overlook any criticisms one may have. Of Blood and Fire is an epic fantasy novel told with love, passion, and care that oozes into every detail on every page.
“Prophecies and fate are words that are used by kings and queens to send young men and women to their death with smiles on their faces, dreaming of becoming heroes.”
The story for Of Blood and Fire is a coming-of-age tale with loveable characters put into extraordinary circumstances. The main protagonist Calen is forced to leave his home and abandon everything he knows. He is placed into situations that he is unprepared to deal with and is forced to adapt and survive in an ever-changing world. Standard fantasy tropes hold this book down a bit. The coming-of-age story with an initiation test to become a man has been done before. The plot, especially at the beginning, is my biggest criticism of the book. I got the feeling a few times that I've read this before, which was a bit disappointing to start off with. However, subverting some of that familiarity, Cahill makes some very welcome changes to the story that added a lot of depth. Staying true to the synopsis, “There is no prophecy. His coming was not foretold. He bleeds like any man, and bleed he will.” This aspect I really liked. It brought a human quality to the story that made each encounter more tense and believable. Little did I know, my issues with the plot at the beginning would quickly be forgotten with Ryan Cahill’s top tier writing and character work.
“You are our family. Maybe not by blood, but water becomes just as thick as blood if you go through enough shit together.”
Fortunately, Calen is not alone on his journey, and is accompanied by his childhood friends Dann and Rist who both know Calen like the back of their hands. It’s here where the author really shows off his abilities and provides one of the most compelling friendships I've ever read. Ryan Cahill provides a masterclass in how to portray the bonds of love and friendship between characters. You feel their genuine love for one another. It could be an eyebrow raise or a knowing glance or chuckle. It's as if words aren't even needed between these best friends. It's these details that make for a more compelling character. He doesn't just stop at the main protagonists though. Side characters get the same treatment from Cahill. You can tell that he’s had this world and these individuals living in his mind for quite some time. They are so fully realized I feel like every character is fully capable of carrying the torch as the main protagonist in their own book. It’s an incredible experience meeting characters on page 300 that I care just as much about as the ones that I met on page 1. He has the ability to get me to become attached to someone within a page or two. Even though some of these characters are so relatable and likable from the start, Cahill continues to develop them. He manages to make you like them more with each turn of the page. The results of the author's vivid grasp of its world and habitants provides one of the most warm and heartfelt displays of character relationships I have ever read.
“The click-clack of dice as they bounced off tables. The clinking of tankards as they cracked off each other. The shouts and roars of the drunken townspeople who were drowning the tiredness of a day’s work in a bellyful of mead.”
Finally, the part where I can start talking about Ryan Cahill’s writing. Simply put, amazing. I know, very eloquent, let me explain. Cahill forces nothing in this book. The writing feels so natural. I felt like I was laughing, drinking, dancing, and throwing axes right along with these characters. Clearly it's not effortless writing, but it feels that way when you're reading it. Hence, the reason the chapters flew by, and it felt like such an easy-read. I mean this in the best possible way. Don't be fooled, an easy-read doesn't always mean a simple one. There is a lot that Cahill has boiling under the surface of these interactions, which makes them that much more interesting and compelling. I found entire chapters flying past me without taking any notes, simply because I was so engrossed with the writing. Additionally, If you like inns, pubs, or taverns and all manner of revelry, then this is the book for you. From the bustle of the surrounding town with merchants peddling their wares to the faint cheers and jeers of a raucous crowd. Every inn feels alive. By the end of the book, I needed a tall mug of mead. I mean that literally, I had a craving so bad I went to my local meadery and bought some. Delicious. That says something about Cahill’s writing. He was able to paint such a fun, energetic, and exciting picture that I felt compelled to leave the comfort of my armchair and fireplace to drive 9.8 miles (15.77 Kilometers) for a drink. If you like writing where everything feels real, natural, effortless, heartfelt, and genuine, Ryan Cahill has you covered.
“Sometimes, the honourable path is not easy, and the easy path is not honourable.”
Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill is a real gem and a great start to The Bound and the Broken series. It contains some of the best and most realized characters I've ever read. The writing is a thing of beauty and sets a benchmark for how to portray friendship. The story is held down with some stale standard fantasy tropes that were disappointing. However, Cahill puts enough of his own charm, wit, and heart into each page it’s easy to overlook this criticism. I highly recommend Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill. I cannot wait to jump into the sequel…after one more mead.