Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill: A Book Review
Genre: Fantasy
Cahill pays homage to Tolkien and George R.R. Martin in his work, Of Blood and Fire. While giving a slow start, Cahill tells of a group of friends in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Unfortunately for them, because of this, their worlds turn upside down – particularly Calen’s. As the MC, its noticeable that Calen is centralized to the story the moment he is brought in. In the beginning of the story, this centralization makes no sense, though. It centralizes around Calen, but Rist (his friend) seems to have a stronger story behind him. It isn’t until Rist is out of the picture that Calen’s importance is actually shown – which, as a reader, was quite disappointing. As a writer I look at it as, Cahill wanted to have Calen be the main character and realized the only way for him to be that was for Rist is magically disappear – and so he did. While how Rist disappears makes sense – and how Calen grows in importance makes sense as well – the story seems unparalleled front to back. Personally, I feel that once Rist was taken away the beginning of the story no longer mattered and, quite frankly, the only way I can see Cahill saving the series as a total would be to make Rist the villain at the end – make him the Voldemort.
Of course, I may be bias. I did not like Calen. Compared to other characters he seemed very 2 dimensional and lacked any sort of personality away from the group. Dann, of course, is the perfect replica of Ron Weasley or Samwise Gamgee. Rist was taken away too soon, but seemed to be a replica of Hermione Granger. The only thing left would be Dumbledore. Calen has a total of three mentors that each equal Dumbledore or Gandalf in their own ways. Therin in teaching Calen magic and feeling a debt to his family. Aeson in that how he uses Calen for his “mission”. Gaeleron in his loyalty to helping Calen – even though the word loyalty may be tested.
While I might read the second book, I would only truly consider reading the third if varies things happened in book two, those being:
- More interaction between Calen and Gaeleron. I feel that Calen will only be able to grow and become a better character if Gaeleron is allowed to push him.
- Rist must come back, but on the side of “evil”. I feel the story would better progress as a series if there is tension between Rist, Calen, and Dann especially since how heavily Cahill threw around the idea of them being like brothers.
- Ella must develop a strong attachment to Farda whether romantic or not. Unless this happens, I wonder why Cahill even kept her alive.
While I completely understand that Cahill might have something else in mind for the story and that his plans may be even better than what I envision the story to be like. I feel these three things will both enhance, invigorate, and push the story forward – especially since how the story relies so heavily on plot to move forward.
In short – would I recommend the book? No. Read George R.R. Martin or Tolkien instead. It would be a better use of your time. If this changes after book two, I’ll let you know – but I’m not holding my breath.
Who would most enjoy the work and who should stay clear (if necessary):
Fans of Game Of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings would especially enjoy this book. Cahill takes inspiration from Tolkien, George R. R. Martin, and J.K. Rowling all of which show through his work.
Other books like the one reviewed:
GOT series
LOTR series
| Plot: | 8.5 / 10 |
| Characters: | 8.5 / 10 |
| Writing: | 9 / 10 |
| Editor: | 9 / 10 |
| Total | 35 / 40 |
Title: Of Blood and Fire
Author: Ryan Cahill
Edition: First
Published: April 2021
Publisher: Independent
ISBN: 9781838381813
If you want to get it: Amazon; Barnes&Noble
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