A fantastic continuation. The Fire King picks up where Stormless left off. We find Castien fleeing his home, searching for the truth while battling his own anxiety. Meanwhile, Faelyn sets off on his own journey to avenge his father's death, no matter the consequences. No one knows who to trust as it becomes clear that their understanding of their own country's history is missing quite a few pieces. Who is pulling the strings, and who will be left standing when the dust clears?

I read half of this novel nearly a year ago, and just finally got back to it (due to personal life events). I was so glad to get back into this world. Yet again, I am blown away by how well fleshed out the setting is. These characters have real emotions, and it's refreshing to see it. I loved getting the answers to many of the questions I was left with after Stormless, though there's still much to be revealed in future installments, I'm sure. I look forward to picking those up as well when they are released.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Real Rating: 3.5* of five

Literally picks up where the previous book leaves off. Feels more like one long book simply cut in half, in which case I say good decision! This afforded me the chance to rest between battles. This is a thing that the characters get little chance to do.

We are still within the male-dominated narrative of Western European high fantasys Chosen One plot. Betrayal, sadness, and loss are the dominant modes for most of the book. I think it bears repeating that Author Stitle is a seventeen-year-old writing sensitively and well about heavy, hard topics that many much older can do less with than he does. This is very impressive inner-directed writing, given the general trope of fantasy for tormented heroes. These men grieve realistically.

Still fully within genre conventions, though. Nothing breaks the mold...but it does not need to when it is molded so well.

A new fantasy author is born. Try him out.