Book Review: Embers of Fate by Michele Quirke

Genre(s): Historical Fantasy / Fantasy Romance

Content warning: There are a few scenes that may be disturbing for some readers that feature kidnapping, physical assault, and execution.

Elizabeth and Gregory are still in exile and on the run from their father, the king’s, forces as they attempt to flee the kingdom. Their journey takes them into the Skudge, a forest rumored to be dangerous and inhabited by magic-wielding pagans. When Elizabeth is bitten by a snake, she’s taken to the pagan settlement for treatment, where she learns she’s the subject of a prophecy. It’s one she’s not keen to fulfill.

Embers of Fate picked up directly where The Fires of Treason left off. (I read The Fires of Treason a few months ago; if you’d like to see my thoughts on the first book in this series, you can read my review here: The Fires of Treason.)

Elizabeth’s character is much the same throughout both books. She’s young, impulsive, and has a habit of acting without thinking things through. Gregory’s character goes through a darker period during this second book, but by the end he’s made a couple decisions that sets him back on the right path. Even though Greg had less POV/page time than Elizabeth, I felt his character showed more growth throughout the book.

I liked the theme of learning to accept others’ beliefs that was featured. Both Elizabeth and Greg are Christian, but when they’re forced to interact with the pagans in the forest, they both learn that even though they don’t believe in the same god(s), they can still find common ground and make lasting friendships. Elizabeth was a bit less accepting at first, but she came around eventually – especially after her attachment to Matthias occurred.

I liked the first book a lot, and while this one was still very good, it went down a distinctly romantic path with Elizabeth’s and Matt’s story. It was less historical fantasy and more fantasy romance – and romance was definitely the main plot in Embers of Fate. (By the time I realized this was the author’s intent, I’d already had the book on preorder. Even though I’d prefer less romance in my books, I figured I’d still give this one a shot.)

Based on the epilogue, I’m thinking book three is going to head back into the historical fantasy realm, so I’ll definitely have it on my list of books to watch for. I’m also eager to see where Greg’s story goes in the next book, based on this one’s ending. I think he’s a more interesting character, and it might be nice to finally see his combat skills put into action, since it’s been alluded to throughout both books that he’s quite the swordsman.

As I said, I liked this book and it had a cute story. If you’re into more romance and less action than I am, definitely give Embers of Fate a try, even if you haven’t read book one. I think this one carries its own story well enough to act as something of a standalone.

Author website: michelequirkewrite.wixsite.com

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