Elements of magic and mystery usually play a minor role in contemporary fantasy literature. However, this is different in “The Fireborne Blade” by Charlotte Bond, a novel that provides an insight into a captivating world of ancient dragons, gallant knights, cunning magicians and lesbian love.
Before picking up this book I thought I was a fantasy reader, but Bond suddenly made me realise what a real fantasy book should be and it was a refreshing change from my usual reading. For a novella of only 164 pages, Bond has created really complex and realistic characters, each with their own motivations and backgrounds.
Maddileh is a knight, a rare profession for women, who must regain her honor and dignity by stealing an ancient blade from a deadly dragon. After she is banished for a minor offense and loses her knight’s armor, Maddileh must get her life back on track by retrieving the Fireborne Blade, a legendary weapon with a bloody history. The only problem is that death is certain and danger lurks around every corner.
Maddileh is accompanied by Petros, a squire with a mysterious and rather suspicious background. Together they venture into the White Lady’s cave, where the truth comes to light and the past is revealed. However, a web of deception lies beneath the characters, and the only question that needs to be answered is who the real spider is.
With each page turned, you’ll switch between past and present, between one reality and a lost one. Killing dragons is no easy task, but finding allies with mages and squires is no easy task either. In addition to killing the dragon and earning her redemption, Maddileh must battle dragon magic and mysterious entities that threaten her entire quest. There’s more to this story than meets the eye, though, and as the puzzle pieces come together, you’ll look back and see how each little piece contributes to the bigger picture.
Maddileh’s story of ambition and living in a world where women are pigeonholed touched me deeply. I flew through this novella and can only hope there is more of this story to come.
• Avis Downs is a bookseller at Inklings Bookshop. She and other Inklings staff review books here every week.
