A classic fantasy tale with a twist…

Kill the dragon. Find the blade. Reclaim her honor.

It’s that, or end up like countless knights before her, as a puddle of gore and molten armor.

Maddileh is a knight. There aren’t many women in her line of work, and it often feels like the sneering and contempt from her peers is harder to stomach than the actual dragon slaying. But she’s a knight, and made of sterner stuff.

A minor infraction forces her to redeem her honor in the most dramatic way possible, she must retrieve the fabled Fireborne Blade from its keeper, legendary dragon the White Lady, or die trying. If history tells us anything, it’s that “die trying” is where to wager your coin.

Maddileh’s tale contains a rich history of dragons, ill-fated knights, scheming squires, and sapphic love, with deceptions and double-crosses that will keep you guessing right up to its dramatic conclusion. Ultimately, The Fireborne Blade is about the roles we refuse to accept, and of the place we make for ourselves in the world.

I was looking for something new and short to read, when Charlotte Bond’s The Fireborne Blade became available for review. With no preconceptions, I dove right in, and found myself quickly swept up by the story and writing. I really enjoyed this.

It’s really difficult to review this, without spoiling most or all of the story. I shall, therefore, keep this very short.

Bond’s novella introduces readers to a fantasy world that is both familiar and distinct. The novella has the feel of many classic fantasy stories; especially sword-and-sorcery tales. The story brings together knights, dragons, even the fiction-equivalent of a dungeon-crawl. There are so many familiar components to the story, but the author brings some modern twists and original takes on classic tropes, therefore making the book feel very fresh. I loved the author’s take on dragons, ghosts, and the knightly orders. There’s a fantastic twist at the end, very well plotted and revealed, and Bond sticks the landing perfectly.

If you’re looking for a fresh, new take on classic fantasy, then I would highly recommend you give The Fireborne Blade a read. Bond’s characters are engaging and well-drawn, and the story is told in excellent prose and with great pacing. An excellent novella, and one of my favourite fantasy reads in years. I can’t wait to read whatever Bond writes next.

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Charlotte Bond’s The Fireborne Blade is due to be published by TorDotCom in North America and in the UK, on May 28th.

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Review copy received via NetGalley