Title: The Quest for Freedom

Author: Matthew Devitt

Genre: Fantasy

 

In Matthew Devitt’s The Quest for Freedom, Fletcher escapes slavery and leads a revolt and uprising against the other races on Affer who have enslaved humans for centuries. Joined by his best friend Ji and a woman named Crystal who’s great with the bow and arrow, they slowly build their army and take on conquering the weakest of the races first: the elves. This is the first book in a series, and Fletcher’s journey will continue as his army invades the other races.

Devitt has solid worldbuilding. His book includes a map of the mythical land of Affer in the front, divided by kingdoms based on race. The humans were all enslaved during the Great War several hundred years earlier, but under Fletcher’s leadership, that is slowly changing. Fletcher is a colorful character. His background is as a blacksmith, and a running joke is that he wasn’t skilled at making armor but at weapons, which serves him well, as he spent years training before freeing himself. His camaraderie with Ji and others add humor to the otherwise intense plot.

There are many battles throughout the book as the humans go from city to city. Devitt keeps all this action fresh by introducing new characters and conflicts. Fletcher is also a skilled strategist, so there are elements of surprise throughout. That said, many scenes describing cutting off various body parts and blood gushing everywhere may not be for everyone. The humans are viciously ruthless more often than not when they encounter the elves in battle, and although many humans also die, the price doesn’t seem as heavy as it could. They were slaves, so it’s understandable that they’re angry and seeking revenge.

The humans, repeatedly, seem to have the advantage in battle, overtaking city after city too easily. Additionally, Fletcher and others are described as sustaining multiple wounds and injuries, which would realistically keep them incapacitated much longer than a few days. When they’re battling again after just having been injured a few days earlier, it stretches the bounds of belief.

However, there is a subplot on the elf side left open at the end, so it will be interesting to see where the author takes that going forward. One elf escapes prison, and another uses her position and beauty to her advantage in a compelling way. The payoff may be worth the wait.

While the history of the races and divided kingdoms is well established and Devitt shows skill at worldbuilding, he could have taken it further. The Quest for Freedom is high fantasy, being established in a world that’s not Earth, but oddly, there are no magic or mythical creatures. What is also confusing is why the humans and elves fight using swords and bows and arrows, but they have the technology of cars and electricity. They communicate by transmitting messages, which could be more clear, whether it’s Morse code or something like texting. Either way, it’s more modern than medieval warfare, which incorporates a fascinating element.

The Quest for Freedom is an entertaining fantasy novel that sets the pace for the series. Devitt has created exciting characters and plot points, and for lovers of action/adventure, his novel will prove enjoyable. The Quest for Freedom is a solid story in the fantasy genre.

 

 

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.