Review: Embers by Ronie Kendig

I recently took a reading leap of faith and read a book that is far outside my normal literary choice. Although I enjoy fantasy movies, I really had not read a purely speculative fantasy novel before. Knowing that I have enjoyed Ronie Kendig’s military fiction and that I like her writing style gave me the courage to step into this unknown world. I am very glad I did.

It took me a little while to get the “lay of the land”, so to speak, as well as to understand who the many characters were and how they related to each other. I read slowly so as not to get confused about plot and relationships. Then, I seemed to hit a point where everything just “clicked”. This new land, although strange and full of fire wielding beings, became an amazing back drop to an exhilarating tale.

Some things really spoke to me in this story. One was the vivid descriptions of the lands that the main characters traveled through. Another was the personal growth of the main characters. I also enjoyed seeing relationships and friendships form as Haegan and Thiel journeyed with the other young men in the story.

This book has a great combination of action and adventure, and is ripe with symbolism throughout. The story moved quickly for me, once I got my bearings in the new land, and I found myself anxiously devouring the book to see what happened next. I am very excited to follow the continuing saga in future novels. (5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

He’s coming for them. And the kingdom.

Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is physically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?

Their only hope is forbidden: Kaelyria must transfer her fire-harnessing abilities to Haegan. When she does it comes with a terrible price: Haegan’s disability is healed, but only by being transferred to Kaelyria. This decision causes their father, King Zireli, to unleash his wrath against Haegan.

Haegan flees the kingdom alone with two impossible tasks: Find a cure for Kaelyria and stop the coming war with the omnipotent Poired Dyrth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An Army brat, Ronie Kendig grew up in the classic military family, with her father often TDY and her mother holding down the proverbial fort. Their family moved often, which left Ronie attending six schools by the time she’d entered fourth grade. Her only respite and “friends” during this time were the characters she created.

It was no surprise when she married a military veteran—her real-life hero—in June 1990. Married more than twenty years, Ronie and her husband, Brian, homeschool their children, the first of whom graduated in 2011. Despite the craziness of life, Ronie finds balance and peace with her faith, family and their Maltese Menace in Northern Virginia.

Ronie has a deep love and passion for people, especially hurting people, which is why she pursued and obtained a B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University. Ronie speaks nationally, volunteers with writer’s organizations, including American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and My Book Therapy, and mentors other writers.

Connect with Ronie on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

To purchase your own copy of Embers, please click on the book cover: