The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira

by Lou Diamond Phillips, Yvonne Phillips (Illustrator)

From the imagination of actor Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba, Prodigal Son) comes an epic and unforgettable Science Fiction Fantasy tale.

Two worlds at war will bring them together... or tear them apart...

Everson didn't want to be a soldier. His parents forced him to serve, as all good Indiran men should. The only problem? His first battle against their mortal enemies goes horribly wrong and he winds up stranded on the enemy planet.

Now, Everson has to survive in this strange new land where everyone is out to get him. Not to mention, the planet Mano is covered in unforgiving desert. And he's the target of traitors who want to use him in a dastardly plot to overthrow their mad king, Xander the Firm, by having him retrieve a piece of mysterious and powerful ancient technology known as the Tinderbox.

But everything changes during a chance encounter with the king's daughter, Allegra. Despite her station, she's in as grave of danger from her own people as Everson is. And though their peoples have been at odds for centuries, an unlikely spark forms between them.

As their worlds come crashing down around them, their forbidden love might be the only chance to end this war forever. Or, it might just be the doom of everyone...

Imagine the intrigue of Game of Thrones mixed with the star-crossed romance of Romeo and Juliet... but in space! Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale of the same name, Soldier of Indira is perfect for fans of Dune, Aurora Rising, and Stardust.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Young Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy, Romance

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2020

About the author

Louis Diamond Phillipsis a Filipino American actor and film director. His breakthrough came when he starred as Ritchie Valens in the biographical drama film La Bamba (1987). For the Academy Award-nominated Stand and Deliver (1988), Phillips was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and won an Independent Spirit Award. He made his Broadway debut with the 1996 revival of The King and I, earning a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of King Mongkut of Siam. Phillips' other notable films include Young Guns (1988), Young Guns II (1990), Courage Under Fire (1996), The Big Hit (1998), Brokedown Palace (1999), Che (2008), and The 33 (2015). In the television series Longmire, he played a main character named Henry Standing Bear.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Lou Diamond Phillips (of which I am one), will be thrilled to see him stretching his wings with The Tinderbox — a science fiction allegory inspired by Hans Christian Andersen. The story is a wonderful mashup of Stars Wars, Game of Thrones, and one of Andersen’s most complex fairy tales. An added bonus? Yvonne Phillips's haunting, beautiful illustrations.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook ARC from the author, publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When Prince Everson of Indira is left for dead on the enemy planet of Mano, he tries to survive on the planet as a guise of a soldier not knowing that he is unwillingly part of a prophesy to end a tyrants rule. Will he be able to survive and complete the prophecy while falling in love with a princess? Read on and find out for yourself.

This was a pretty good sci-fi fantasy action adventure YA novel. This book reminded me of a cross between Dune and a sci-fi version of Romeo and Juliet. If you like these books with sci-fi action adventure fantasy books, be sure to check this book out when it officially releases to bookstores and wherever books and ebooks are sold on October 20, 2020.

[Dannii Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince Everson was forced, by his father, to serve a term as a solider, as all healthy males from the land of Indira do. However, no-one imagined a simple mission would go so horrendously wrong and that he would be left stranded in the kingdom of Mano, the mortal enemies of his people. Struggling to survive, when surrounded by those who wish him dead, brings him closer to the foreign throne and a prophecy that might just be his salvation.

This clever story was a sci-fi/fantasy retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Tinderbox. I appreciated the ingenuity but also how an understanding of the original wasn't needed, as the author reworked it into something only almost recognisable with scant scenes alluding to the former tale.

I also felt similarities to Romeo and Juliet, as two warring kingdoms were linked only by the youngest members of their ruling houses. This was a tale as tragic and as thrilling as the classic play but, yet again, with enough differences retained to make it feel fresh and unique.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Lou Diamond Phillips, and the publisher, Aethon Books, for this opportunity.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley i'n exchange for an honest review.

The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira by Lou Diamond Phillips is an addicting YA sci-fi fantasy based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale that has a little bit of something for everyone. I'm glad I had the chance to try this early because Lou Diamond Phillips is one of my favorite actors. It's great to see him expand out as an author. If this debut is any indication, he's going to do amazing. His world(s)-building is quite detailed and I loved the Star Wars-esque epic tone, and the same goes for the action scenes. I'm glad that we get to see the human aspect and cost of the action. The only aspect that I wasn't all that interested in was the romance, but honestly that's nothing new for me. Overall, if you're interested in an all engrossing, sci-fi fairy tale I can't recommend this enough. I'm looking forward to see what more he decides to write in the future.

[The Nerd Daily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Beth Mowbray

You know Lou Diamond Phillips from his roles on screens both large and small, from La Bamba to Longmire, and most recently in his current role as Gil Arroyo on the hit television show Prodigal Son. What you may not know, however, is this actor and director is also a writer and he is releasing his very first novel!

The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira is a passion project which has been over a decade in the making. And with so many years of work put into it, you might imagine this novel has a very unique inception story. The initial idea was the brainchild of Phillips’ wife, Yvonne, an artist who created a series of drawings inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale “The Tinderbox.” Phillips ran with the idea from there, initially drafting the work as a screenplay, but ultimately transforming it into a full-length novel which has Yvonne’s artwork embedded within!

Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily

[BookTrib.com]

Actor Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba, Prodigal Son) has turned his attention to writing with THE TINDERBOX: SOLDIER OF INDIRA, a science fantasy/space opera retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson tale of the same name.

The book already is receiving high praise. Author Chris Vohalian calls it “a wonderful mashup of Stars Wars, Game of Thrones, and one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most complex fairy tales.”

Learn more about this book here:
https://booktrib.com/2020/10/21/fairy...

[Lyndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid story, interesting take fusing sci-fi and fantasy/fairy tale. I listened to most of it on audio and the narrators were good. Lou Diamond Phillips has quite a vocabulary!

Good pick for the MG/YA in your household - clean, lots of action, word-play, and what could have been a predictable ending wasn't derivative.

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm mostly familiar with Lou Diamond Phillips from Longmire so this was a surprise. I had no idea he was interested in science fiction or a science fiction writer himself. However, I was very eager to get into his book and I am very pleased by the results of what I've found. THE TINDERBOX is a story about a planet that cracked in half and the two civilizations that have since developed on those who resettled it with their space-age tech,. The two sides have long been at war and have devolved into feudalist societies.

The story has a fairy-tale IN SPACE quality like Star Wars, Dune, or even Krull. There's a prophecy about the fall of one of the monarchs when his daughter marries a common soldier. This prophecy may apply to the prince of the enemy side who has been enlisted as a common soldier and is lost on the wrong side of the conflict. Despite having issues with prophecies in fiction, I really like how this story plays out.

The world-building for this is top notch with attention given to the economies, societies, and various groups that make up the two human colonies. The action scenes are also well-done with a decent level of epicness as well as attention to the human cost. The characters are all likeable and I was able to finish the story within a couple of days. If this was adapted to a movie, I'd definitely watch it.

Solid and entertaining sci-fi.

[Soo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:

Cute story with good narration, but there needed to be more active scenes to pull the story off as an adventure story with a little bit of romance. Good story for younger teens.

[Jessica Haider · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off.... Yes the author of this book is THAT Lou Diamond Phillips of La Bamba and Young Guns fame. When I was offered the chance to review his new book I was curious and said sure.

Tinderbox is a retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name....but IN SPACE! Its got a healthy dose of both sci-fi and fantasy. Generations ago, a planet shattered in two due to a mining incident. Now the two separate planets of Mano and Indira orbit together in view of two suns. These two planets are in near constant war with each other. The King of Mano fears a prophecy about the end of his reign that involves a soldier marrying his daughter, Allegra. Of course, there are members of the king's court who are working covertly to make sure the prophecy comes true. When Prince Everson from Indira is left for dead on planet Mano after a clash between the two planet's armies, a Mano's seer recruits him for a quest to get a Tinderbox...and so it begins.

This was a fun ride, though I do admit I had to really push myself through the first 15-20% of the book, but once I got into the story and had a grip on what was going on, I just went with it. It definitely had that fairy tale (IN SPACE!) feel with a bit of a Romeo and Juliet love story thrown into the mix. In my personal opinion the book could have used a bit more editing to trim the fat and make it flow better, but I see that most others seem to have been fine with this, so probably just my personal preference.

I'd rate it somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars.

What to read while listening...
Prophecy by Son Lux
Cities in Dust by Siouxsie and the Banshee
Splitting the Atom by Massive Attack
The Seer's Tower by Sufjan Stevens
Wandering Star by Portishead
Alberto Balsalm by Aphex Twin
The Night We Met by Lord Huron
Daddy Issues by The Neighborhood

Thank you to the author and the publisher for the review copy!

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from Lou Diamond Phillips’ first novel, but as I am a fan of his cinematic accomplishments I purchased the book. Reading the opening chapters -> I initially felt the pace to be slow, encumbered by extensive and somewhat disjointed detail. About midway through the book, the story really opened up to me and as my reading proceeded, I became engrossed in the prose. At the novel’s conclusion, I felt fulfilled and grateful that I had read ‘The Tinderbox’.

Subsequently I have read Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale ‘The Tinderbox’, the story which gave Phillips the idea for his science fiction novel set in galactic times. It was from Andersen’s first collection “…published in 1835 …which was different from the didactic and sentimental literature that was standard children’s fare at the time. ...The story introduces a familiar Andersen theme: a young man chosen by fate to succeed.” ~Diana Crone Frank and Jeffrey Frank’s ‘The Stories of Hans Christian Andersen’, 2003 ]

[Sabrina S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2! Lou Diamond Phillips.... he definitely has talent! This was different and fun!

[Jason Meuschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heard about this on the Sample Chapter Podcast where Lou talked about the book and even read from it. A fascinating, epic tale on a grand scale. I was completely impressed by the level of details that immerse the reader in a compelling, and enjoyable story. At times, reminded me very much of Dune yet it stands very much on its own.

[Bookwyrm Speaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not very often you see someone who's mostly known as an actor that can also add good sci-fi author to their resume. For every William Shatner and Claudia Christian, both of who's books I love, there's ten others that took a swing based on their fame and missed. I'm glad to say that Mr. Phillips' skills developed acting, directing and screenwriting are obvious throughout the book, and he uses them to finely craft a page turner of a sci-fi adventure.

PLOT SUMMARY

Everson didn't want to be a soldier. His parents forced him to serve, as all good Indiran men should. The only problem? His first battle against their mortal enemies goes horribly wrong and he winds up stranded on the enemy planet.

Now, Everson has to survive in this strange new land where everyone is out to get him. Not to mention, the planet Mano is covered in unforgiving desert. And he's the target of traitors who want to use him in a dastardly plot to overthrow their mad king, Xander the Firm, by having him retrieve a piece of mysterious and powerful ancient technology known as the Tinderbox.

But everything changes during a chance encounter with the king's daughter, Allegra. Despite her station, she's in as grave of danger from her own people as Everson is. And though their peoples have been at odds for centuries, an unlikely spark forms between them.

As their worlds come crashing down around them, their forbidden love might be the only chance to end this war forever. Or, it might just be the doom of everyone...

CHARACTERS AND WORLD BUILDING

While the plot and story are tightly paced, well thought out, and keep you turning pages wanting to know what's going to happen next, I think the characters and world building really shine brightly throughout. Everson especially is such a good character, and I mean that in multiple ways. We see he was a callow youth, struggling to get out from under the yoke of expectation and tradition his position, when he is suddenly thrust into a wholly new life as an unknown enlisted recruit in the Indiran Army, with the real possibility of combat down the road. He must sink or swim in a crucible he feels unprepared for, and it is this trial by fire that tempers him into the man he was meant to be.

Allegra is also an interesting character. Sequestered by her father King Xander of Mano due to a prophecy that she potentially spells his doom, she has lived a sheltered life, longing to be free of what basically amounts to a sumptuous prison. Her story proceeds in some fascinating directions, and we get to see the true strength she has, strengths of character, intelligence, courage and will to do what she feels is right, even in the most trying of circumstances. She and Everson are actually likable, sympathetic characters, trying to deal with destiny thrust upon them.

The secondary characters are also fully fleshed out, whether it be a simple farmer that helps the alien-to-him Everson to find an ally on Mano, to Queen Nor of Mano, seeing the potential for ruin to all that she loves, and willing to make almost any sacrifice to ensure the planets survival. The antagonists are actually quite well thought out, with more than just the usual lust for power aspirations so many villains get stuck with today. They have realistic rationales for their actions, even if they may be misguided. Definitely not the usual evil overlords laughing maniacally in their tower.

I think that the world building is incredibly creative, with a backstory that leads to the current situation in such a logical fashion. The destruction and reformation of the planet from one into two livable, but very different planets, and the disparities in technology, wealth and knowledge between the two are stark. The underlying hatred of each other based on who got to go on which of the escape ships that later returned to the two new planets set up the inevitable conflict, which only grew more heated over the years. Mano and Indira are so different, and the legends and stories try to separate the fact that they were once the same planet and the same people. Its such a good use of making the opposing side that "other" that seeks to destroy what you hold dear, with only a superficial difference between them making them the other.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I got my review copy through Netgalley, so I have to thank the fine people there for providing it. Aethon usually has a good eye for storytellers, and in this case, its another win for them. I think this book will appeal to such a wide range of sci-fi fans, and even just to people looking for a well crafted story with characters that aren't all grimdark and shades of grey, but are sympathetic and relatable. I highly recommend you give this one a read, you won't regret it. I hope to see many more books by Mr. Phillips in the near future.

[Rebecca Veight · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unlikely hero, a princess imprisoned in the palace, a war between two planets that are mortal enemies, a prophecy that dooms a kingdom. This is a scifi fairy tale in space based on a Hans Christian Anderson tale with a forbidden love, epics battles and fueled with machiavellian intrigue. What's not to love?

Phillips clearly has a fertile imagination and a tremendous amount of creativity. The attention to detail is beyond noteworthy, like a scalpel, cutting precisely where needed, with the author's descriptions bringing this world to life.

I love Everson is a realistic hero. He isn't suddenly all knowing, the man with the plan. With a beautiful respect for human life, he fumbles in his attempt to do the right thing, what is suddenly expected of him.

The author obviously has a dry witty humor that a truly enjoyed. He believes in honor and has a deep sense of the futility of war and the absurdity of prejudice. He contemplates our basic urge to 'amount to something' and the need to take matters in our own hands.

The twist on the Hans Christian Anderson tale is immeasurably clever, how the 'ingredients' from the original are taken and mixed into a recipe for a compelling adventure. The narrative is no way predictable. The author touches the subject of the gap between the have and the have nots and through his characters makes us think about the unevenness in society and what can be done about it.

Amidst all the betrayal and double-crosses and hunger for power, people given the chance rise to the occasion, may actually surprise you. Hope springs eternal.

Absolutely cinematic, there were wonder scenes that I read with glee, feeling childlike wonder take over. Intricate and exciting action scenes make the suspense nail-biting, especially as you near the end. Gifting us with a glorious and harmonious ending that made me smile till my cheeks hurt.

[Donita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had pretty high expectations for this book coming out of the gate, because I find Lou Diamond Phillips to be an intelligent, caring, and funny individual (as well as a talented actor, of course.) I'm happy to say that, despite all that, I didn't give the book enough credit!
The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira is more intriguing, more humorous, and more relevant for so many of today's issues than I ever anticipated. There are a lot of quotables in here, that I consider rare gems when I find them. As a lover of fairy tales and a lover of sci-fi, I knew right away that I would appreciate the story; I just didn't know how much! I found this book to be a very comforting and interesting experience. It's just familiar enough to make you feel like you know what you're dealing with and then throws in just enough differences to remind you that this book is it's own work, standing on it's own legs, breathing new life into an old story that you had sadly relegated to gathering dust for the rest of eternity. It's not unlike trying a familiar dish with an exotic twist. Cajun chicken alfredo, anyone?
My only concern was, at one point, the feminist in me was thinking that perhaps the book was going to be a little lukewarm/victim/passive on the female characters, but they proved me wrong on that one in the end! This shot my rating to a five star.
I recommend more than one version of the book because you cannot miss Yvonne Phillips amazing illustrations. (I've made photocopies to color. Fan art!) I bought the actual holding-in-your-hand-old-fashioned-book book. I like to sit the best books on the shelf later, like photos of dear friends. (Bonus, this version works best if you like to read in the bathtub.)
You also don't want to miss the audio version because Julia Whelan and R.C. Bray lend a lot of volume to the characters. I initially got the audio version because I have a pretty significant car commute, and I didn't want to put the book down, but I recommend it now because of their contributions and the snippet from Lou Diamond Phillips at the end.I really enjoyed listening to him explain the inspirations for the book, etc. Also worth mentioning, this is the only dual narration audio book I've ever experienced, and I loved that aspect! I will be looking for more dual narration books in the future.
I'm anxiously awaiting the next instalment to this story! And hopeful that maybe there will be other tales brought back to life by this talented team!? Maybe Queen O' the Tinkers? Tatterhood? The Goose Girl? Baba Yaga? The Twelve Dancing Princesses? Jack the Giant Killer & Molly Whoopie? The original Beauty and the Beast? Be still my heart. I can only hope!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading “Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira” and enjoyed every page of it! I don’t normally read Si-Fi but I wanted to read this because I’m a fan of the author. Beginning in 2012 I was a member of the “Longmire Posse” on social media (Promoting Longmire) which included cast, writers, execs, crew, etc. Mr. Phillips has been interacting with fans online ever since. I found him to be compassionate, intelligent, witty, and eloquent. I had no doubt I would love the book.
The story mixes Si-Fi and fantasy, it includes a war, a prophecy, a hero, princess, and a witch. I thought it was imaginative, creative, and captivating. There were such vivid descriptive details, that at one point I suddenly realized I was “watching” it rather than reading it. I took my time reading this one because I so loved where it took me every time I picked it up.
If you purchase the hardcover (mine is on the way) you also get to enjoy the intricate, detailed, exquisite drawings of the illustrator, Yvonne Phillips.
Don’t pass this one up, I recommend you get lost in “Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira".

[Shazza Maddog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everson is the prince of Indira, trapped on the sister planet of Mano due to an invasion gone wrong. The two half-planets, once joined together, have been at war forever.

King Xander of Mano, his wife, Nor, and their daughter, Allegra - as well as every other person inhabiting Mano, know of a legend that when the stars align, the princess will fall in love with a soldier and the current king will be disposed. Because of this legend, Xander and Nor have placed Allegra under strict rules, allowing her very little excursions even within the castle.

But when Everson is discovered by the Which, one of Xander's counselors, the Which starts something that throws the whole legend into the possibility of prophecy and might provide a way out of the constant warfare of the two worlds...if only Everson survives.

An intriguing retelling of Hans Christian Anderson's The Tinderbox, this is a science fantasy story with magical elements. There are a lot of fascinating characters (my favorite is the Leftist, Tobias, who's wonderment delighted me), a lot of politics and scheming at play, and a pair of worlds in danger.

A satisfying read and I hope the first of more stories from Lou Diamond Phillips.

[coty ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would've liked a bit more expansion on the lore. As is, the worldbuilding is very standard scifi, and doesn't exactly jump at me. The technology and magical elements are definitely a strength but I think underexplained to a debilitating degree. The romance is really predictable and I'm personally not a fan of Romeo and Juliet-esque love stories, but it's not exactly boring (I just wish that Allegra would have been developed a little beyond her connection to Everson and how "pretty" she is - I feel like we barely get to know her and she seems more of a prop than a genuine character.) But there's a lot of potential in the world overall, and I think some prequels that flesh out the story a bit and provide some more context could be welcome and intriguing to delve into.

3.5 rounded up to 4.

arc received via netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

[K.Z. Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done, highly imaginative tale

Well written and highly imaginative, 'The Tinderbox' delivers a fast paced adventure through an incredible landscape. Broken planets, cryptic prophecies and unlikely heroes/heroines Come toblife as they struggle through a world at war with itself.
Highly recommended!

[Diane Mcclure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mix anime, Hans. Christian Anderson, Romeo and Juliet, and put them into science fiction. There are witches and evil queens. And I love the twists in names whose origins are lost but new meanings are derived from myth-making and truth is lost. Tinderbox is correctly called a fairytale adventure.

[Troy Osgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Based off a Hans Christian Andersen story that I'm not familiar with, but will now seek out, Phillips has built an impressive and unique world. Excellent pacing, everything building to a crescendo. Mystery, leaving the story open for more.

I'm a fan of Phillips acting, now I'm a fan of his writing.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sci-fi novel. It has roots in a fairytale and is an easy-reading story with a little romance in it. If you're a person who finds sci-fi in general to be too dense and too sciency, I would suggest trying this out.

[Erik M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book as a recommendation on the Dragon Con website for science fiction. I could not find awards associated with this book, but it was recommended as a "Best Young Adult/Middle Grade" book on Dragon Con. I was initially drawn to the title because of the author, who I remember from so many movies from my childhood. I accessed the book through Audible.

As far as the reading goes, the plot is pretty good. Fairly standard sci-fi warfare with a hint of nostalgic weaponry (magnetic swords). There is also the tinderbox which is something for which the Indirans must fight, along with a romantic centerpiece which is crucial to the plot's development. Allegra's father typifies a controlling patriarch, while Everson helps to show her a different side. I think this interplay is good.

I think this is also well written. The settings pop and seem very well developed, even if they are unbelievable environments. I also think there is enough realism in spite of the genre to give this story a real connection to readers. There is a lot here that reminds me of Dune, Star Wars, and Star Trek. The characters are real people, they just live in a different world.

I think most late middle or high schoolers would appreciate this, especially if they are sci-fi fans. I can see why this is on Dragon Con's list, as the story is compelling and moves well without too much contriving for plot. I also did enjoy the audio, which I had to opt for in the interest of time. The reader's voice matches the story, I feel.

My four stars is based on maybe a positive I noted above. While this does remind me of other stories I like, I feel like it is a bit of a re-hash of sci-fi stories before it. That said, this might make for and interesting read for students to discuss how matters of the heart matter politically. Might be paired or excerpted with Pyramus and Thisbe or Romeo and Juliet.

[Beth Mowbray · Rating 5 out of 5]

You recognize the author’s name, right?! From La Bamba to Longmire to his current role on the hit TV series Prodigal Son, Lou Diamond Phillips has been starring on screens large and small for decades. And now, he has released his first novel!

The final product is a wonderful genre-bending tale of a young soldier by the name of Everson. Once upon a time, Indira and Mano were forged together as one planet; however centuries ago that planet was split in two. As son of the king and queen of Indira, Everson’s privilege has done little to help him grow up. Disheartened by his immature behaviour, Everson’s parents force him to learn responsibility by signing up to serve and defend their planet. His first battle, however, does not go as planned. Outnumbered, the Indiran forces are quickly driven to retreat … and Everson is left behind on the planet of Mano, presumed to be dead ...

In The Tinderbox, Phillips has skilfully woven together a fantastical story with realistic touchstones, feelings and experiences readers will both recognise and relate to. The plot is driving, the characters are memorable, and the writing is satisfying. Enhanced by the striking drawings, Phillips has built a world here which readers will undoubtedly wish to visit again.

Many thanks to Aethon Books, LLC and Sparkpoint Studio for gifting me a copy of this fantastic book! All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Alex Nonymous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira in exchange for an honest review.

I love fairytale retellings and this one was no exception. I am at a loss with how well Phillips transformed Hans Christian Andersen's The Tinderbox into a space-opera, but it definitely worked.

You can definitely tell Lou Diamond Phillips is used to working in a visual medium. The Tinderbox plays heavily into rich, vivid, descriptions that made it easy to forget you were even reading a book. The Tinderbox has the pacing, stakes, and imagery of a big-studio film release, paired with the nuance and depth of a novel and it worked wonderfully.

A Note: This is a 'love prophesy' book so it comes with its fair share of instalove. If that's not your thing, keep that in mind.

[Ziggy Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided a free ARC of this book by author Rhett C. Bruno (publisher? editor? confidante?) in exchange for an honest review. I will endeavour to do just that without fan-boying all over the place because, you know, um... WOW.

To my rating: 3.5 stars. Much better than the last 3-star book I read but just not quite as exciting as the last 4-star book but I'm registering it at the higher level because it was a really fun read. Overall, an incredibly well-written and florid tale that - while not all that surprising or suspenseful (things happen as foretold and we can guess most of the conclusion well in advance) - still kept me reading late at night until the final triumphant and emotionally satisfying scene played out before us. Equally so, one has to mention that Lou Diamond Phillips continues to illustrate that he is one of the most erudite and articulate figures in the creative world today. Adding fantasy/sci-fi author to his wide list of accomplishments (have you guys read his bio on Wikipedia?) is surely just another confirm his status as a true Renaissance Man even here in the back-pedaling reality of the 21st century.

Again, one of the strongest points of this book is the just delightful vocabulary and prose structure that Phillips employs, where I for one love when I can put the dictionary and/or web search functions on my Kindle to good and frequent use. The characters while not necessarily that broad in themselves - they are who they are without question nor evolution - are still quite full and realistic and in the end, each plays their role to perfection. Sure, there are some Disney-like generalizations - conniving Olaf, pure-hearted Prince Everson, tragic but beautiful Princess Allegra - but what the heck, they do have some damn fine scenes among them.

However, the book does have some less-than-stellar (sorry for the pun) aspects which are even mentioned in part in the credits section at the end:

- first, the pacing is if not slow then often quite sedate. There is more introspection and self-examination going on than action most of the time and that pulls us back in several places. I'm not sure how that could have necessarily been changed and kept this story, well, THIS story but there you go;

- secondly, I wonder how this book will read on the Audible offer because there are some parts that made my brain itch, noting I was always taught - whether it be for creative or even technical writing - to read my efforts out loud to see how it sounded and/or flowed. For example, naming the Four Tellers (also not a great title) The Why, The Where, The When and The Which was just... odd. Especially in the latter case where my inner voice called her The Witch, which (oops) may have actually been more prophetic than we expected. Perhaps I just grew up watching too much 'Welcome Back Kotter' and kept hearing Vinnie Barbarino introduce each. Who knows (ooh, did anyone think of adding The Who... ok, I'll shut up now);

- finally, there are some aspects that make this scifi tale just not work as scifi imho. Case in point: the Indirans are capable of space travel, transporting hundreds of thousands of soldiers cladestinely into battle. However, their weaponry then resembles the vehicles we were bombarded with by the toy-promoting cartoons of the 70s and 80s (seriously, their assault vehicles reminded me too much of 'Thundercats' to be funny) with hand-to-hand combat then being the strategy of choice. So, why they didn't just stay in orbit and hurl even large rocks at the Manolithic ziggurats rather than repeatedly landing with foot soldiers only to be driven away by, well, greater numbers? A little odd if you ask me. Sure, swords are traditional even with warp drive but pistols and grenades. Hrmm.

Nevertheless, this was for me an entertaining read. I am not familiar with the fable by Hans Christian Andersen but LDP has certainly peaked my curiousity to same. To conclude, this is a triumphant first book for our author and I wish him all success in his future endeavours.

[Michael Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined to be together, Prince Everson and Princess Allegra were unaware of each other.

According to the Predeciders, the ancients that came before, the planet was once whole. Millions of shafts bored into the molten core to utilize the thermal energy had weakened the planet until it split in half! Evacuating the planets population into huge spacecrafts called ARCs, the remaining populations circled the two remaining halves of their planet for hundreds of generations until the two halves were declared habitable again. The ARCs deposited the people onto the two planet halves. Some on Indira, some on Mano. Indira was a lush, tropical jungle environment that favored the dark skinned population. Mano was a harsh, desert world where water was scarce and life was difficult for the light skinned people who were deposited there.
After many generations, the two worlds went to war! Now, a terrible prophecy foretold the end of the reign of King Xander the Firm when the Princess Allegra married a soldier. Allegra had been raised a prisoner in her own room with only a single companion to keep her company. The king feared the prophecy that would end his rule to the point of insanity. Competitions between his soldiers would result in a champion to send to the TREE. Ten stories tall with a single opening at the top, the TREE could only be conquered by conquering the three DOGs and securing the Tinderbox. Nobody knew what the DOGs were or how to defeat them or what the Tinderbox was, what it could do, or how to use it. Yet the mad King kept sacrificing his best soldiers to stop the prophecy!
Prince Everson trained as a soldier of Indira, under the command of Commander Giza, leader of the Indiran army. The battle plan was to land an overwhelming army to the Mano rear, in an area backed by the Great Schism where the worlds divided. His overwhelming force was met by an even larger force of Mano warriors. This was unexpected! In addition to the ground troops the Indirans had brought their battle cars and Javelins, one man flying speeders to face the Manoan army and their battle wagons and Birduns - great flying birds appearing very much like a pissed-off ostrich. Commander Giza saw that he had greatly underestimated the Manoan commander, General Bahn. Giza ordered a retreat, but left behind an unconscious Everson. Presumed dead, Everson was on his own, his dark skin immediately ensuring his recognition as an Indiran. His only weapon a sword. His only supplies were a bag of hydreeds, grown on Indira, hydreeds expanded to several time their size with the sprinkling of a bit of water. The pulp of the hydreeds was a nutritious watery pulp that was mostly water, necessary to keep hydrated on this desert planet. Eventually captured, Everson will face the TREE, where his fate will be decided.
An amazing cast of characters keeps the storyline flowing. From the heroic Prince Everson to the beautiful but beleaguered Princess Allegra to the crazed paranoid King Xander and Queen Nor, and King Raza and Queen Patra. The other character in the story are the Leftists on planet Mano. Named Leftists because they were the population of Mano who were left behind when the planet broke in half. Sheltered underground, the Leftists were very pale from living in the dark, very tall because of the reduced gravity, their features lumpy, they were ignorant servants incapable of occupation other than labor. Underrated? Maybe! The storyline brings together the characters in romance, destiny, violence, subterfuge, and a few lessons to be learned on the way! The outstanding storyteller casts the line, wiggles the bait and waits for the reader to nibble or bite and you're caught! So tied up in the story, you forget or forgo anything but finishing the missive, anticipating the actions and reactions, and taking us on a journey to a world in a galaxy far, far away! And quite the journey it is! This is an inspiring read!

[Eliza Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Sci Fi and Scary

The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira starts with war, which is appropriate because the two neighboring planets of Mano and Indira have been at war for a long time. Mano and Indira were once one planet that split apart. When that happened, ships were used to save citizens. Those who remained on the surface burrowed underground for decades to survive. All of this background is relevant as the story progresses.

We soon learn the protagonist, Everson, isn’t just a soldier. He’s a prince, sent to war to learn some discipline.

We also learn the king of Mano is obsessed with a prophecy that hints at his ruin.

How could a young prince, stranded on an enemy planet, a prophecy, and a beautiful princess intersect? That’s what lies at the heart of the plot, but within the subtext, The Tinderbox: Soldier of Indira is saying a lot more, about a lot of issues.

Everson’s journey is really a journey of self discovery. Early on, he seems to be whipped about by the whims of fate, and he has the self-awareness to realize he’s stumbling or being pulled into situations, rather than taking charge of his life and making conscious choices. Just at the point where he realizes he should be considering his actions and decisions carefully, he starts to realize he may be destined to fulfill a prophecy.

The same prophecy Mano’s king is obsessed with.

Everson is relatable and feels real for his age. It also becomes clear that he was entitled and he needed to learn about responsibility. His experience opens his eyes to the suffering of people around him, and his self-examination causes him to center in on his values. Those values play a key role in the development of the plot.

The story itself has a lot of twists and turns, and despite a prophecy at work that is driving the narrative, it does not feel at all predictable. There are some interesting developments related to the division of the planets and the people who inhabited them. One of the obvious issues the author is tackling is racism and segregation. The Indirans are dark skinned. The people of Mano are fair. Racial segregation happened as a result of the splitting of the planets. Something else happened, though. The people who were left behind adapted to their environment. And once Mano was settled again, the people who remained became known as Leftists. Leftists are treated like an inferior group of people and do not enjoy the same rights and privileges as the other citizens. Tobias, who is a Leftist, educates Everson and helps shape Everson’s thinking and actions.

Ultimately, how we treat others and how we treat those who are perceived as lesser beings, are crucial aspects of this story. This book combines elements of sci fi with a quest structure, although Everson’s goal isn’t immediately clear to him. And although the relationship that’s destined moves swiftly, it feels earned under the circumstances.

I really appreciated the fact that Everson had a strong character arc, as well as a strong plot arc, and grew believably. This is a rich story that underscores the fact that people are stronger together than when divided by petty differences, that leadership is service, that our actions demonstrate our character, and that there are always those who are willing to do the right thing, even if it means taking big risks. These are the heroes we need right now. Not perfect and flawless, but humble, learning, growing heroes who hold on to their belief in doing what’s right.

Even if it means standing up to their parents and the established order.

4.5 stars out of 5.

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I picked this up because I'm a huge Lou Diamond Phillips fan and attended several Zoom activities where he was talking about it. I actually haven't read the fairytale this was based on (I'll have to rectify that).

Truthfully I stumbled over the first couple of chapters which felt a bit rougher than the rest of the book. Once we know Everson's (as it's mostly his story) full history, the storytelling smooths out and comes into its own. The planets Indira and Mano were once a singular planet split in a massive schism and have been at war ever since. We do not see Indira but it fared much better than Mano which is water and resource poor.

We're dropped right into a battle and its aftermath seeing Everson in the terrible position of being left for dead on an enemy planet. There is some oddness here with tech as there was an attempt to marry SF with fantasy. They are capable of interplanetary travel with ship to ground weaponry that's impressive but hand to hand is swords and guns and the Mano soldiers ride a big winged animal called a birdrun. Ah well if I can have light sabers and Tauntauns in Star Wars, I can handle it here.

Everson finds himself stranded on a hostile planet in a uniform that guarantee he'll be attacked on sight with no way home. On the other side of the story is Allegra, daughter of King Xander who believes entirely that when a certain stellar event happens, his rule will end because his daughter will fall in love with a soldier and it will be the end of him. To that end, Xander has gone a little obsessive about this prophecy to the point, Allegra has never in her life been outside the castle and has been allowed almost no friends (making her highly naive) and he's sent all the soldiers to other areas of the planet, leaving the capitol undefended but this way Allegra can't fall for and marry and soldier.

So there is going to be an obvious ending to this but that's where the titular Tinderbox comes in. Getting it could be fatal (especially since Everson has no idea what the Tinderbox is). Also mixed into this is some racial and social commentary. Everson is an endearing character and I did like him very much. There's a bit less of Allegra and she was a little less well developed (mainly because of the confines of her upbringing).

Lou's wife, Yvonne, did all the illustrations for this novel. They are great. I loved seeing them.

Overall after a bit of a rough beginning, it was a very satisfying SF retelling of a fairy tale and I'm happy to have it on my shelves.