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Reviewed by David Cameron for Readers' Favorite
The Blameless by E. S. Christison is the first book of a fantasy series aimed at middle-grade readers. Princess Briana is fleeing from her parents’ castle in Aldestone, where an attack has taken place. Her parents and brother have been murdered, and she is being sought by the assailants. She manages to avoid detection and seeks shelter in a smithy. Alone and afraid, she is rescued by a stranger, Flinton, and his two helpers, Derek and Kove, who lead her to safety. We learn they are part of a magical organization, The Blameless, whose aim is to protect the kingdom from forces of evil. Vaylec takes over control of Aldestone, but won’t rest until he captures Briana and overcomes The Blameless. Friends rally around the young princess, but there are forces plotting against her.
The plot in The Blameless is straightforward and follows the traditions of epic fantasy but in a form suited for young readers. The start is exciting and quickly captured me, and the action is fast and gritty. Briana is likable, her three saviors are endearing, if simply drawn, and the world is absorbing. Vaylec is a great and clearly unhinged villain who stops at nothing, even harming his own family to achieve his aims. After a very exciting beginning, the story slows as we learn more about the world, the players, The Blameless, and Princess Briana herself. The pace eventually picks up as it leads to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion, but one that makes you want to read more in the series. E. S. Christison has produced a charming world for young readers.
