Fire From Ashes by Jessica Barberi is a high-fantasy book of a classical dragon archetype and survival built around a strong core character narrative.
This book’s strength lies in its character work. Ciran is a solid protagonist, being both reasonably likable, flawed, and believable; though it is how the author uses his character narrative that makes him, and thus the book shine. He is constantly making decisions that impact the shape of the narrative, and those decisions have real consequences.
The final chapters of the story are excellent in particular for this concept, putting Ciran in a near impossible situation, forcing him to make a decision (rather than Deus Ex Machina bailing him out) and then forcing him to live through the consequences of that decisions. And it keeps compounding on that decision and its consequences, building to a rich narrative high of character and story that is both immensely rewarding and satisfying.
But, Fire From Ashes core theme is that of a dragon book, and it succeeds in this theme. The bond between the dragon and Ciran is compelling, but also allowed to form and grow as opposed to leaping into being fully shaped. The dragon being a bit more wild adds layers to their interactions and challenges, but there is enough sapience there for the dragon to be an actual character in the narrative.
The main criticism I would leverage against the book is that I found the initial section of the narrative, the survival segment, un-compelling. Some of this is due to there not being an objective I was invested in, and some of it was due to the backstory, which, while vital to the character narrative and eventual pay-offs, lacked immediate purpose and relevance.
The prose was solid and the world-building sufficed for the needs of the story.
All together, Fire From Ashes is a good high-fantasy that delivers on its core archetype of dragons with some excellent character work and well-plotted writing.
Readers who enjoyed Eragon, with probably enjoy this story as well.
FIRE FROM ASHES
High-fantasy book review
Fire From Ashes by Jessica Barberi is a high-fantasy book of a classical dragon archetype and survival built around a strong core character narrative.
This book’s strength lies in its character work. Ciran is a solid protagonist, being both reasonably likable, flawed, and believable; though it is how the author uses his character narrative that makes him, and thus the book shine. He is constantly making decisions that impact the shape of the narrative, and those decisions have real consequences.
The final chapters of the story are excellent in particular for this concept, putting Ciran in a near impossible situation, forcing him to make a decision (rather than Deus Ex Machina bailing him out) and then forcing him to live through the consequences of that decisions. And it keeps compounding on that decision and its consequences, building to a rich narrative high of character and story that is both immensely rewarding and satisfying.
But, Fire From Ashes core theme is that of a dragon book, and it succeeds in this theme. The bond between the dragon and Ciran is compelling, but also allowed to form and grow as opposed to leaping into being fully shaped. The dragon being a bit more wild adds layers to their interactions and challenges, but there is enough sapience there for the dragon to be an actual character in the narrative.
The main criticism I would leverage against the book is that I found the initial section of the narrative, the survival segment, un-compelling. Some of this is due to there not being an objective I was invested in, and some of it was due to the backstory, which, while vital to the character narrative and eventual pay-offs, lacked immediate purpose and relevance.
The prose was solid and the world-building sufficed for the needs of the story.
All together, Fire From Ashes is a good high-fantasy that delivers on its core archetype of dragons with some excellent character work and well-plotted writing.
Readers who enjoyed Eragon, with probably enjoy this story as well.
This high-fantasy book can be bought at Bookshop.org
If you enjoyed this review, consider subscribing so that Adventuresome Book Reviews goes directly to your email.
Help other readers find books to read via sharing Adventuresome Book Reviews. We specialize in indie/small press publications.
