An outcast scholar. A conflicted warrior. A vengeful daughter.
Welcome to the land of Hevastia. Natural magic disappeared 100 years ago under mysterious circumstances, leaving only a handful of corrupt mages with unnatural abilities in power. Join three unlikely allies as they find themselves at the end of each other's blades and in the middle of a centuries old prophecy.
Cire is tired of living in the shadow of his Morei partner, Kai. When he discovers an ancient prophecy promising the return of Lady Hevastia, the goddess prophesied to save the land of Hevastia from raging darkness, Cire journeys to find her.
Kai has always been loyal to the Haematitian Council, the governing body of Hevastia, and their doctrine, the True Faith. He is the strongest mage in generations. But a chance encounter makes him question everything he believes.
Eliana Bellamere desires a life beyond the confines of her mountain village. When she is unexpectedly forced out of her home, Eliana is faced with a choice—seek vengeance against the men responsible for the death of her family or join their quest to uncover the true intentions of the Haematitian Council.
Setting off on a quest for answers to the prophecy and their roles in it, each unlikely hero will battle more than the growing evil that pervades their land in order to secure their own destiny.
First off I want to thank Lacie for allowing me to be an ARC reader! I love being able to read ARC’s especially for new authors. She was so sweet and I loved sending along my reactions throughout the process.
This book was so fun! It was a fast paced book based on adventure and high stakes. It also included things like found family, tragic boys and a badass female MC. I found myself sitting down to read this book and making it through huge chunks without even knowing. The characters were delightful and had excellent banter throughout. I am very excited to get to know the two MC males Kai and Cire so much more in the coming books.The way they conflicted and grew throughout the book with themselves and each other was chef's kiss. The female MC we got to know well in this first installment which makes sense given the plot! Eliana was very fiery and FINALLY represents a non romance character in fantasy. I was so so excited for this as the trope is always female MC falls for conventionally attractive male MC. That was not the case in this book and if there was a ton of romance in this book it would have felt very off putting given the stakes and pacing. The only reason I have this book at 4 instead of 5 stars is in comparison to other things I have been reading and the fact that the pacing was a bit off to me in some parts. This was a fast paced book and was targeted to be so but I felt like some parts could have been used more, or been placed/transitioned to a little differently. That being said it didn't so heavily affect my enjoyment overall or the way I related to the characters. Near the ending I was completely IN the book and am dying for more. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think it is an excellent debut. The world and vocabulary designed for the book was done very well and was nonconfusing, it was fun, it was emotional and it had great action.
POBAF comes out on April 19th and I highly highly suggest you pick it up on kindle, amazon or etsy for signed copies and more goodies!
I received an ARC of “Prophecy of Blood And Flames” in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am very happy to have received the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Lacie and her debut novel.
One of my favorite aspects of this novel was the representation in it. Not only is one of the lead characters asexual and without a romance plot line, but there are also disabled characters, queer characters and POC’s represented.
The world itself has rich lore and solid world building that Lacie clearly put thought and effort into to bring alive.
Lacie’s talents evoke a multitude of emotions throughout the plot. Her understanding of what she is writing and how the reader connects with the characters in these moments is wonderful.
Lacie hits the ground running with this novel, the story is fast paced and sets itself apart from its contemporaries with its focus on action and the characters’ quest and growth over romance. Each character represents a different side of the story that Lacie is trying to tell and carries their role well, none outpace the others in terms of growth shown. A refreshing new work in the dark fantasy genre, I eagerly await book two!
I’d like to thank Lacie for having me as an ARC member for her debut novel!! This was such a fun read!!
This is adult dark fantasy book had action and intrigue from the start that had me hooked! This story is full of action, unique monsters, complex and diverse characters, thought out world building, and adventure. There is no romance (at least not in the first book), and honestly it was a breath of fresh air not having romance/smut (as someone who has fallen down the smut rabbit hole It was a bit refreshing), and having a story that instead focuses on the characters, their story, and their found family relationships.
Eliana is a fierce fmc who struggles with the fate she will have to learn to accept, all the while having to come to terms with her grief. I loved her character and her growth throughout the story!
Cire, was definitely one of my favorites in this book! Give me a scholarly mmc that also knows how to fight and I will automatically fall in love. I really enjoyed his character from the get go, how he struggles with what he has done for his people while also wanting to find a way for peace.
Kai was definitely a very intriguing character to me and I liked his struggle with who he has been raised to be and where his fate could lead. The complicated brotherly bond between Kai and Cire was definitely one of my favorite aspects of the book for me!
Also OMG towards the end had me STRESSED and that ending! I need more!👏😖
All in all I really enjoyed this book!🙌🔥
What to else to expect: 🔥Enemies to Allies 🔥Multi POV 🔥Chosen One 🔥Found Family 🔥Redemption & Forgiveness 🔥God Lore 🔥Unique beasts/monsters 🔥No romance 🔥Asexual rep
First I want to thank Lacie Lou for the opportunity of being an ARC reader for Prophecy of Blood and Flames. All that I write in review are my own honest thoughts and opinions.
An outcast scholar. A conflicted warrior. A vengeful daughter.
Welcome to the land of Hevastia. Natural magic disappeared 100 years ago under mysterious circumstances, leaving only a handful of corrupt mages with unnatural abilities in power. Join three unlikely allies as they find themselves at the end of each other's blades and in the middle of a centuries old prophecy.
Wow, this was an adventure! Once you started reading, you didn’t want to stop. There is action from the beginning to the end. Which makes you not want to stop reading, and want to continue on to see what our characters do next. You do have breathing moments which are nice, cause afterwords it starts right back up. Lacie has a way of writing action pack moments on the go and then having a moment to breathe that comes so naturally and flow so easily. And also learning with the world as we go without all it all being shoved in the face all at once. And that plot twist? My jaw dropped and needs the next book now.
The characters Eliana, Cire, and Kai have my heart! 💖 Watching them learn and grow just made me happy and want to root for them throughout the story. They all deserve hugs and happiness too. The way Lacie also shows realistic was of how people handle grief and other hard topics was so refreshing and made the characters feel so real to me.
I need book 2 now. Especially with that cliffhanger!
Go read Prophecy of Bood and Flames! Out April 19th!
Book one of a trilogy, PROPHECY OF BLOOD & FLAME is a debut dark fantasy book about three unlikely allies as they find themselves in the middle of an ancient prophecy promising the return of Lady Hevastia, the goddess prophesied to save the land from raging darkness and corrupt mages.
📖 Review: This book is a solid epic dark fantasy following Cire, Kai and Eliana on a quest for answers to an ancient prophecy and their roles in it. This book has all the tropes I enjoy, however, there is no romance. The story is their journey. However, I believe there will be some budding romance in book 2. The pace is steady but not fast. The character depth is okay. I wanted to be able to relate to the main characters a little more. I hope for more banter and character depth in book 2. 😊 There were a few plot holes, but it wasn’t too distracting for the story as a whole. The world building wasn’t intense and was easy and fun to follow. I am intrigued by the relationship between Cire and Kai. I am curious what will become of them in book 2. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I think it was a great debut. The ending leaves you with a cliffhanger and wanting to read book 2 ASAP.
Read this debut book if you like elemental magic ● chosen one ● god-goddess-touched ● prophecies ● hidden magic ● banter ● monsters ● 3 POVs and much more!
What a roller coaster this book was! Lacie starts us off running and doesn’t stop. This book was filled with constant adventure, action and intrigue; the characters each on a quest to save the world from the darkness it is falling in to.
🗡️ Blood magic 🗡️ The chosen one 🗡️ Creatures/beasts 🗡️ Found family 🗡️Enemies to Allies 🗡️ God lore 🗡️ NO ROMANCE 🗡️Multi POV
Characters in this book: 🗡️ Eliana, the fierce, strong and curious fmc who has to learn to accept a fate given to her all while trying to grieve and cope to the circumstances she finds herself in.
⚔️ Kai, the warrior mmc, who is conflicted between the life he has grown up in and the path set before him.
📜 Cire, the scholar mmc, is determined to bring peace to the dark and chaotic world he finds himself in.
These three main characters, alongside many others, have found themselves brought together to fulfill a prophecy set a century ago.
Some things I loved about this book: The love and bond between brothers (Kai and Cire), the strong and fierce fmc who is unique, the representation throughout, the rollercoaster of emotions I found myself walking through with each character throughout the book.
The last 20% of this book had me on edge! And that ending 😭😳🤬
✨“I will miss you too, child, but I will never be far from you. Your people will always be close in your heart.”
✨“Call me Eliana, there are no princesses here.”
✨“Listen to me, Eliana, empathy is not weakness. You could have run your dagger through their hearts, you have the strength to do so, but you also have the heart to look beyond a person’s deeds to the very core hiding deep within.”
✨“A part of myself chips off and falls into the ash coated ground all around me. My body feels hollowed out, a shell of what it was before ever meeting her, before walking away from everything I had built for myself, and before I took my brother down with me.”
Prophecy of Blood & Flames was a fantastic read and an excellent debut from a new dark fantasy author. I am choosing to leave my review completely spoiler free, so feel free to read on. Here's why you should read POBF: -You love world building and solid lore. -You really feel like to feel like you're in another world when you are reading. -You liked the intensity of the Hunger Games and the suspense of reading about things like muttations. Lots of great monsters in this world and you can feel the Goosebumps influence that Lacie mentions in her acknowledgements. -You want to sit on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens. -You resonate with the grief of losing a loved one. Lacie's own journey with grief informed how she writes Eliana and creates a backdrop of a deep message surrounding grief and what it means to truly let go. -You like to see diverse character casts (disabled characters, queer characters (#ownvoice author), and some POC). - You want dark fantasy without any spice/central romance plot lines. Eliana is Asexual, like Lacie.
I can't wait to see where Lacie is going with this series and I recommend this book without reservation. What a way to make a splash on the scene!
Prophecy of Blood & Flames ARC Review By: Lacie M. Lou Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
There is a decent amount of story building. Lacie knows how to describe the land around perfectly. It also starts off with some intense fighting scenes. Be prepared for heartbreak from the death of family and friends. Lacie knows how to make sure you are feeling the same emotions as the characters. all together this book was extremely good. Once you pick up this book you will not be bored. Be prepared to be sucked into the story along side Eliana, Kai, and Cire.
Fantastic read!!! I was immensely happy to have been gifted an ARC of this lovely book, and it delivered!!! I enjoyed reading POBAF and am already looking forward to Book 2....
In POBAF, we are taken on a journey of grief, forgiveness, and courage.
We have Eliana, who is faced with the most difficult choice in the face of soul shattering grief. But in the end, she comes into her own, finds strength, and embraces who she was always meant to be. I loved the way her character was portrayed and seeing her growth and loyalty even towards the most undeserving of persons.
Then there is Cire, a scholar and true believer that a better life awaits not only himself but also his loved ones. His unwavering faith in an ancient prophesy leads him on a quest to find the saviour of his homeland. A quest which finds him.... well, you'll have to read POBAF to know 😉
Finally, Kai is our brave, loyal, and misguided warrior. I love Kai, a strong and fierce warrior that he is. I feel like his journey was a hard one, but he rises....... I have a feeling there's a lot more in store for Kai, and I am on pins and needles as to what happens next.
Prophecy of Blood & Flames is a fast-paced fantasy that will no doubt keep you wanting more!!!! Highly recommended. 4.5 beautiful ⭐️🤌🤌
What a fun read. Lou writes a narrative that keeps the reader engaged and guessing. With 3 POV's to tell this story, we get a different perspective from our FMC who recently lost all that she knows, the warrior who leads the charge against the people of the old ways, and the "side kick" who is needed to maintain the strength of the warrior. Eliana wants to be a warrior and a force to be reckoned with, but hearing that she is the reincarnated princess they have all been waiting for was not part of her expectations. When she meets Kai and Cire, her ideas about the people her mother was hiding their village from. Could her enemies really help her to fulfill her destiny.
This story kept up the intrigue, between political dynamics, unknown identities, blood magic, trials, and new beginnings, there is a lot to offer the reader. I am interested to see where this story goes. Also a good read for someone who prefers little to no spice.
I enjoyed following the journey of Cire, Eliana, and Kai. It was fun to watch their story develop along with their relationships. There was a twist at the end that was SHOCKING... I was not at all prepared for the cliff hanger of an ending. The representation of a nonbinary character as a powerful warrior was wonderful to see! They are part of my favorite character duo... Seeing trauma represented as a force to work through as opposed to suffering against was refreshing. Though be warned, this book is trauma heavy - if you are not in a place to read something like that, I would recommend you wait to pick this up.
My drawback for the book is that it did not grab and hold my attention as strongly as I had hoped. I felt like some scenes were a little drawn out and repetitive, trying to act as filler for the plot rather than strengthening it. All in all, I did enjoy this read and am excited to see book 2!
This book was equally beautiful and devastating. 😭 I honestly felt so drawn to these characters. I loved seeing each of them confront their own beliefs about the world. The last fifty pages had me SWEATING. And the ending…. 😳 How long do I have to wait for the next one??
Small details that I loved:
✨ The lore is so amazingly written that it could have been its own book.
✨ Eliana’s feistiness during fighting scenes! 😈
✨Pronounciation guide!! Instant way to win me over.
✨Diversittyyy. There’s so much representation. 🧡
✨ Villains with blood magic!
✨ The most adorable pet. 🥹
✨ Sweet found family shenanigans.
In depth review: The world building and lore were seriously so good. I was really fascinated with the system of magic, especially the sanguinars! The multiple POVs were interesting without being confusing. If I had to compare it to other series I would say it has From Blood and Ash X Crescent City X Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes. That being said, it’s a completely unique story and feels very fresh in a genre that can feel really over saturated with similar plots.
This book is so engaging and I had a hard time putting it down! I couldn't stop turning the pages! I loved the development of the female character; after all who doesn't love a bada** female main character. I would 10/10 recommended if you are up for a wonderful fantasy world! P.S. I can't wait for the other books!
Thank you author Lacie M. Lou for giving me an ARC of POBAF!
This book was such a fun read, filled with plot twists and incredible characters. I really loved the pacing of POBAF because it didn’t feel slow in any places, but it also didn’t move too fast to the point where details got lost. I loved all of the characters, but Vendeekta is definitely my favorite! I can’t wait to read Children of Gods & Monsters next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Available now on Amazon and kindle unlimited!
* This is Lacie Lou’s debut novel and first of a trilogy!
* In this book we have 3 POV of Eliana, Kai & Cire. Lacie has written a world where magic has been gone for 100 years, with monsters & terrible beasts, lore of old gods, and a prophecy.
* A dark fantasy with lots of action, no romance, enemies to friends, found family, & representation for asexual, the deaf, and non binary.
I’d recommend this book for anyone looking for a fast paced fantasy. I may actually reread this with my teenage daughter at some point because I feel like she’d enjoy the story as well.
I was able to receive this book before release, and I must say, the writing style is one of the best out there. The author's style flows smoothly, not to mention the amount of twists (keeping it spoiler free) I hadn't expected. Even the characters, Eliana, Kai, and Cire, have a depth to them that is quite rare, almost like you can sense their emotions yourself. The worldbuilding itself is greatly explained, and the book was fast-paced enough to be gripping. The author's work is incredible and fascinating.
I just want to thank Lacie M. Lou for the chance to read this book before its release. As an ARK reader, I do my best to read without any bias and give a true and honest review.
With that said, this book had me needed more. I did not want to stop reading it. The story was just so intriguing and there are several chapters where I was at the edge of my seat. Especially the ending.
I need moreeeee.
Natural magic disappeared 100 years ago due to mysterious circumstances. There are only a handful of people that are able to use unnatural magic. The three main characters try to take a stand against the corruption of the council slowly destroying the land. While doing this, they uncover centuries old project and their roles in it.
⚜️Enemies to allies ⚜️ Vengeance VS Forgiveness ⚜️Chosen One/Prophecy ⚜️Found Family ⚜️No Romance ⚜️Magic based on Lore of gods ⚜️World Ending Stakes ⚜️Grief and Redemption ⚜️Fight Scenes ⚜️Monsters/Fantastic Creatures
This is book 1 of a series and I am so excited that it is a series!! I need more of Eliana, Kai, and Cire!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for Prophecy of Blood and Flame by Lacie M. Lou.
Firstly- The. World. Building. An amazing realm was built in this books. The story of how the world came to be in the beginning to the creatures that roam the world. Superb!
Secondly- The story…it was so amazing, you go through the whole spectrum of emotions in this first book. Happiness, sadness, and anger.
Thirdly- Eliana, Kai, and Cire. Eliana is a fierce FMC who doesn’t take lightly to being told what to do. Kai and Cire’s brotherhood during the book was a rollercoaster ride I didn’t see coming.
I cannot wait for the second book to come out because the ending of this book and the cliffhanger has me wanting to start book 2 ASAP!
A fantastic read! I already need MORE. Prophecy of Blood & Flames was an exciting read and well written. Hard to believe it is a debut novel! I was instantly hooked. I am so happy that I was chosen as an ARC reader. ____________________________________
In this story we follow three main characters: Eliana, Cire, and Kai on a quest to fulfill a centuries old prophecy that will overthrow the council and drive the darkness from their lands.
Eliana has a good heart but is fierce and ablaze with the idea of seeking vengeance.
Cire is a warrior but he also desires knowledge. In secret, he devours the writings of times past and learns that there is more to understand about the tales of his land than what he’s been taught his whole life.
Kai is a fierce warrior, steadfast in following commands from the council and finding the cure…no matter the cost. Until one day, doubt begins to creep in. ____________________________________
The story was fast paced and never without action or adventure. The writing flowed nicely and the plot was easily understood. It is written in MPOV, which is a trope that I love. There is lore and world building in the beginning as well as throughout the story. I always enjoy a unique magic system as well as mythical beasts/monsters and there were plenty of those. Something that stood out to me in this story is the diversity of the characters, there was representation for the deaf/non-verbal/queer communities and I thought was a really great addition. The characters were completely relatable and we got to see character development. There is much sorrow to be felt during this read but also moments of joy and witty banter. It was refreshing to read a no romance dark fantasy, although I am looking forward to the sweet romance coming in the future installments.
Overall, I would highly recommend. This was a fast and exciting fantasy read and I can’t wait to see what the future installments have in store for us readers!
Honestly I’d probably give it a 3.75 but I’ll round up for this purpose since I think book 2 will explain in better detail the parts that I’m a bit hazy on.
Spoiler alert, of course it starts with gods and a man that can’t just take a damn hint. This man/god is giving Claude Frollo energy .. major ick. I already hope he meets a firey death.
The creatures and the world building were pretty good and I loved watching them uncover the , lost to time, parts of the prophecy. I also hope to gain a better understanding of Cire + Kai connection. It reminds me of the parabatai bond in the mortal instruments series which i love and want to see what more it can do.
****I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. While I was provided with a copy, a review was never required, and all opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book and I hope to get the answers I seek in book 2.
I really enjoyed 'Prophecy of Blood & Flames' by Lacie Lou. This debut novel introduces us to a realm filled with danger, magic, and ancient prophecies. As Eliana, Cire, and Kai embark on a quest to fulfill a centuries-old prophecy, they navigate a world filled with danger and mystery. Lou's skillful world-building and diverse cast of characters bring this tale to life, immersing you in a rich universe.
This story was a nice change from the typical low fantasy books we see these days since the main focus is not on romance. This allowed the story to focus squarely on the characters' quests and the unfolding plot. With its vivid descriptions and fast-paced narrative, 'Prophecy of Blood & Flames' is a must-read for fans of immersive fantasy adventures.
Thank you so much for providing me with a review copy, Lacie. I can't wait to see how this story unfolds in the next book!
A fantastic debut by Lacie Lou! I was positively impressed. The world-building and magic system, in particular, were aspects that really drew me in.
I've always been a fan of blood magic, and the execution of such in this world is very intriguing. The prophecy and lore is also very well established, and I was enthused as I learned more about the true past of the world and what lay in store for Eliana, our FMC.
The plot was also very well delivered. At times I felt the pacing would get a bit slow, especially with multiple action-packed sequences in a row, and I wish there had been more character development to replace some of these action sequences. It is an epic fantasy, so it makes sense that the world-building, magic system, and plot took priority, but I would've loved to get a better sense of who Cire, Kai, and Eliana were as individuals, and see more of their casual interactions outside of the prophecy and the conflict.
Even still, all were quite likable characters. I very much enjoyed Kai, particularly his development. His character went full circle, from what we see in the beginning and to the end, and I really look forward to seeing where his character ends up.
It had been a while since I read any fantasy without romance, so this was a fun, intriguing change of pace from my usual read. Definitely get Lacie Lou on your radar, folks; she is a very talented fantasy writer!
✨The word building is meticulous, Lacie pays extra care to small details throughout her story. You are easily transported into their world.
✨The magic system is clever and easy to follow as Eliana, Cire, and Kai embark on their journey.
✨Each MC is dealing with their own personal conflict, questioning their beliefs and shaking them to their core at the revelations they discover along the way.
✨I love the brotherly relationship between Kai and Cire, it is messy and beautiful. Eliana's heart doubts her role in the new world, making her vulnerable and brave.
✨You can't help but root for all of them as they learn to work together.
✨Read this book if you love adventure, action, dark moody feels, fantastical beasts, found family, and magic.
✨Lacie does a wonderful job drawing your attention within the first few chapters and keeping you engaged throughout her story.
✨I can't wait to see her find her rightful place in the world of dark fantasy. {e-arc}
Prophecy of Blood and Flames is a dark fantasy epic adventure, with prophecy, chosen one and mythical beasts!
What I truly loved, and I have to say it first in this review, was how the friendships was developed and evolved between the characters: - Between Kai and Cire, the MMC: I felt in love with them, how Kai is trusting Cire despite everything he was persuaded of since his childhood. It was amazingly well described!! - Between the guys and Eliana, the FMC, with tentative trust, doubts, mixed feelings, shame, regrets... - Between Eliana and Hama & Alana, whom became like aunts for her, surrounding her with love and all she had lost.
The magic system with the sanguinars was totally unique, and brought another dimension to the Morei's relationships.
The author has build a complex story in a world full of danger, monsters, and she seemed to enjoy really much to throw us in it, providing only small crumbs at a time. Perfect to drive us crazy and want to know more! It is really a deep emotional journey, where the characters have to deal with loss, guilt, grief, shame, vengeance, forgiveness, and acceptance. And much more!!! just read it!!
Thank you so much to the amazing Lacie M. Lou for providing me with an e copy of this amazing book! I really enjoyed this book every step of the way and how the pacing of the book didn’t feel too slow or too fast, it was just right! I really love the main characters in this story especially Eliana and her growth throughout this book. The world building was amazing and the way the author created the story around this ancient prophecy the three main characters journey to fulfill was amazing and kept me hooked throughout the story! If you’re a fan of adult dark/epic fantasy books then I think this book is something you’ll enjoy! Thank you again so much to Lacie for providing me a copy of this amazing book!📚💕
I realized that I read this book a month ago and never reviewed it. Which I’d insane definable because this book was SO GOOD. I’d rate this one at 4.25-4.5 stars. Not quite perfect because, really, it’s book 1 of a high fantasy trilogy and sometimes the world building just drags. But can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this story as I continued through it.
Lacie outlined a fantastic story with wonderful characters. I enjoyed the diversification of character development accompanied by diverse representation. Seeing Eliana, Kai, and Cire develop as characters alone, together, and with outside characters was so cool and well thought out.
There’s no way I’m not going to be feral to finish this trilogy! I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see what will become of Eliana, Kai, and Cire!
This book was a page-turner for me from the start. Once I started, it was tough to put down. I was quickly invested in the characters and story. You can really feel the absolute heart and detail that went into this world. The queer norm world was also something I really appreciated seeing in the fantasy genre.
However, it did have some distracting errors and some confusing parts. As a result this book felt more like a diamond in the rough. With some additional polish I would easily give this book another star. The lore laid out in the book was really cool, and after the zingy action-packed ending, I look forward to seeing where the story goes next!