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Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers' Favorite
Blood and Flame (The Quinate's Faithful Book 1) by Brendan Corbett features Dara, a young miner with a unique ability to handle mana. She was taken to the Academy of Ramaia to train as a Blood Mage for the Quinarium, a group that serves five gods called the Quinate. At the Academy, Dara dealt with tough training and mean peers like Jodrie and Ffionin. She met Wynne, another mage, and they grew a strong bond, falling in love. With help from Imreia, a rebel, Dara learned about the Quinarium’s dark secret: the Harvest Ceremony, where they take mana from living people. She became allies with friends like Ami, a lively Fae, and Caudro, a Paladin trainee unsure of his path, to rebel against the Quinarium’s deceit, leading them on a journey to stop the inhumane activities and redefine their faith, all while grappling with personal loss, love, and the weight of their choices.
I enjoyed how this book mixed exciting fights with real feelings. One of the most compelling aspects of Blood and Flame was the way it challenged my preconceptions about faith, power, and the nature of heroism. I loved how Brendan Corbett, through his storyline, emphasized the complex nature of loyalty and sacrifice, just like how Dara and Wynne chose to follow their own moral discipline even if it meant turning against the institution they were raised to serve. I was impressed by how the characters were well-developed and the use of simple writing. It helped in making my reading seamless and more engaging. The chemistry between Dara and Wynne was a strong highlight; I love how their romance unfolded naturally, adding a lighter touch to the darker themes. Blood and Flame inspired me to think about standing up for the right things. I recommend it to readers who love fantasy with strong female leads, magic, and stories about characters fighting against corrupt organizations.
