The Balefire Express

by Donovan Lewis

When the dead walk, you have a few You can run, you can hide, or you can put those monsters to work. That is the path that the couriers of the Balefire Express walk. Ghouls make great sled dogs after all; They don’t sleep, they don’t tire, and as long as the enchanted flame of your balefire brazier stays lit, they probably won’t rip you to shreds. Winona, though young, thought she had seen it all in her time as a undead hordes, bandit attacks, whiteout blizzards, and more. But when tasked with transporting medicine to a remote northern city, she stumbles onto something far more sinister, a growing power that will shake the foundations of everything she believes. But there is still a job to do, and the Balefire Express always runs on time.

423 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2023

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. If you like unique fantasy, this is for you! The author is a genius and deserves every award! I'll be telling every one of my friends to buy and read this one!

[Mark Fenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a sea of tropes being used over and over, the retreading of long mapped out paths and routes, this story takes you in a new, undiscovered direction. This was a very nice change of pace from your typical contemporary fantasy fare. There is a very interesting magic system at play here with the harnessing of the undead, the kind that has you asking questions about its application and speculating about possibilities, and at the same time that magic system also opens up alot of room for charm and characterization, enough for you to grow attached. Lewis has a very good grasp and painting a beautiful picture of a snowy, artic countryside. You feel as though you are right alongside Winota as she "Baltos" herself to her destination. Additionally, the depictions of violence are visceral and graphic, while also being very creative, given the nature of the tools being implemented. If you like a good zombie fight scene, and all that might ent(r)ail, this is a good place to look. This is a really strong debut novel, and I really do hope there can be a sequel to continue Winota's story.

[Lewlew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, I have rarely been drawn to the fantasy genre...but once this novel reached my hands, I simply could not put it down! In Lewis' debut novel, the author creates a brilliant and captivating world filled with beautiful imagery and unique characters that encompass depth and individuality. Winona is my perfect heroine...young, yet experienced...opinionated, yet imperfect in a beautiful way...awkward, yet full of strength and intuition. Winona's world is palpable, as the author flawlessly depicts this arduous journey, perilous situations,, monstrous humanoids, and the unraveling of a sinister plot. Enthralling throughout, The Balefire Express is a must read for anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, connection to the world around us, and relating to the battles within us all.

[R.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this fantasy book very enjoyable and Donovan hit it out of the park for a first novel. The characters are three dimensional, the world breathes and when it needs to get briefly bloody it doesn't over do it. If you're looking for a ghoulishly great read you found it.