Commanding Flame and Shield by S.J. Barnett

Oh boy, where do I start!? After reading so many fantasy books, it’s very hard to find something “outside the box”, but S.J.Barnett did just that ! The World Building and Plot are completely unique, as well as the ‘ Magic’ System.Ĭommanding Flame and Shield starts off slow, as an introduction to the rest of the series. I received an ARC in exchange of a honest review! Join Alvara and August as their worlds collide in this thrilling, fantastical first installment in the Grayshell Rising series. Grayshell, Chicago…even Hell itself-she won’t stop fighting until his soul is safe with her. Yet, this mysterious man evades her power when no mark ever has. The legendary Alvara of Grayshell is haunted daily by his face. Will he trust the light, or succumb to the dark? At least, that’s what he convinces himself…until he comes face to face with a fierce stranger promising salvation…if he leaves everything he’s ever known behind. Overall if you want a fantasy read partially set in the 'real world', that deals with light vs dark, demons vs half-angels, past lives, fated soul mates, and a ton of action, this book is for you.August Porter’s nights are spent fighting for his life-trying to escape talons that drag him into darkness, fleeing monsters promising an end to his future. The ending of the book gave us a sweet reprieve after all the battle scenes and also left a lot open for book 2 to dive into. Lots of near death battles and sacrifices, as well as some major reveals.

The last third of the book is where a ton of action happens. If you like Throne Of Glass, you'll enjoy the plot-pacing and action style of this book. It is just used to help explain the world and the characters and the 'why' of what they do. There is a religious undertone for this book, but not in a preachy way. There is a ton of action, we get foreshadowing for the big bads, and underneath it all, we get the slowest of slow burns between the two main characters and their budding romance. The middle third is where the book really dives into the characters. The first third of the book is heavy with setting up the characters, worlds, explaining the magic system, etc.

First, this book is chunky, I believe over 700 pages.

Commanding Flame and Shield by S.J. Barnett