Title: Flames of Eader

Author: Carina Steinbakk

Genre: Fantasy

 

In Flames of Eader, Grey is plucked from his ordinary life and thrust into a mysterious realm full of fairies, dwarves, dragons, mind readers, healers, and more. In this strange place called Eader, Grey learns that his destiny is deeply intertwined with Eader’s mission to balance the Light and the Dark. Does he have what it takes to be the person Eader needs him to be?

All Grey wanted was to take a walk. What he finds is Eader, “the Between.” Eader isn’t a faraway land or a planet in another galaxy. It is a border realm where time moves slowly and fantastical beings live. But Grey has a connection to this place, and he alone can decide its fate.

From the beginning of the book, readers will pick up on Grey’s distinct voice. Though his youthful voice mirrors that of a typical young adult novel, Grey is actually in his mid-twenties, making his character relatable to a wide audience. Quick, witty, and full of banter, Grey’s dialogue and voice fit perfectly in this fast-paced narrative. Grey’s narration has a habit of becoming a tangent, and though this fits his personality, it gets a bit distracting at times.

As Grey learns more about Eader, he meets people (and creatures) of all kinds. With such a colorful cast of characters, the relationships between the characters are one of the strongest aspects of the story. Each character has a memorable and vibrant personality, and their relationships with each other are just as electric as they are. They laugh, cry, and fight alongside each other, forming intimate, tight-knit bonds that will model for young readers the value of friendship and family.

Most of what we learn about Eader is told through narration or dialogue. At times, this can feel like excessive info-dumping, leading to an overwhelm of information and not enough action to paint a picture and build this new world for readers. The world-building could have been further enhanced with more descriptive storytelling and action, rather than relying solely on dialogue and narration.

Grey’s journey isn’t just about uncovering the secrets behind Eader. Along the way, he uncovers secrets behind his life and his history. While Grey is generally goofy and doesn’t take himself too seriously, we also learn about and connect with him about the most vulnerable parts of his past. Grey undergoes an incredible evolution during his time in Eader, but he never loses sight of who he truly is. Steinbakk weaves themes of identity, destiny, and the power of choice throughout the narrative, elevating Flames of Eader beyond a typical fantasy adventure.

Flames of Eader is a modern tale of an ordinary man discovering an extraordinary world, and a battle between Light and Dark. Flames of Eader takes readers on a whirlwind adventure filled with magic, humor, and a cast of unforgettable characters. With pop culture references galore, Flames of Eader is the perfect fantasy for experienced fantasy readers looking for a fun and thought-provoking adventure.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.