About the Book

Book: Quest of Fire: Desperation

Author: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Guarding his nation’s last hope, a teen must escape enemy lands.

While Anargen, Caeserus, and Bertinand are held captive in Stormridge, the war to restore Ecthelowall’s Commonwealth has been waged for months. Their friend Terrillian is on its frontline and hopes are high.

For Barons Fenwrest and Sornfold the fight is too close to their children, whose union represents the only viable challenge to the Monarchists claim to Ecthelowall’s ancient throne. Enter Thomas Fenwrest, an orphan and page to Sir Hurstwell, who is captain of Baron Fenwrest’s guard. The pair must escort the teens to Castle Yerst expecting boredom to be their only danger. Everything quickly spirals out of control when the Monarchists somehow deliver a devastating blow to the Restoration army and Thomas and Sir Hurstwell face the increasingly difficult task of keeping their charges alive. Ancient sorcery and bitter grudges combine to ensnare them. As desperation sets in for the Restoration and Thomas, to where will they turn for hope?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. 

Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

 

More from Brett

There are three things I’ve come to learn that define what Quest of Fire is and means to me. When I first started writing the Quest of Fire series years ago, I knew I wanted to tell a big story set in an even bigger world. One with all the depth and breadth of my favorite series: Lord of the Rings and Star Wars and Chronicles of Narnia. Over time, the main story of Quest of Fire and the Lowlands it’s set in have grown every bit as big and fantastical as I always dreamed.

But there was a second something I realized I wanted to do with the series as much and more than tell sweeping stories. I wanted people to be able to zoom in on the sprawling maps and look closer and closer, and see people who look real, relatable. People with struggles and questions and who don’t always feel prepared for what comes next. So, I wanted to make even numbered books in the series novellas that zoom in and tell very personal and targeted stories.

Like Thomas’s in Book 4, Desperation. Unlike Anargen in the main entries, he wasn’t raised by Knights of Light and had a rough childhood. He has plenty to be bitter about and in Desperation his world is imploding around him. He’s overwhelmed at first and then he meets a Knight of Light, Terrillian, who steps out of the main storyline to be a mentor and shows Thomas what the life of one in service to the High King of All Realms looks like. How there is light even on the darkest of nights. We never know how much and how many will be impacted when we make a stand for Christ and we model his love and teachings before others. Likewise, Terrillian may not realize how profound his faithfulness will affect Thomas.

I write Quest of Fire to tell stories to encourage believers to stand firm in the faith, to join the fight against monsters in the pages of books so that when’s life’s beasts come against us we’re better equipped to face them. At least that is my hope and my prayer. Because the most important thing I learned I wanted Quest of Fire to be is a story that helps people better understand and join in the Greatest Story written by the Author and Finisher of our faith.

MY REVIEW

One thing I have learned about the author’s style of writing is that you must pay careful attention to the details. He creates a world where characters are bigger than life and their journey is filled with danger, secrets and lessons that I didn’t expect. I have come to respect his style and find myself enjoying his books more than I thought. It is important to keep an open mind when reading a genre you aren’t geared toward. As I read more fantasy books I can see how the authors create a place that I want to escape to. Now let me give you a few things I liked about this story. 

The setting is  very easy to visualize right from the beginning. I could already tell that Thomas and Mia would be two characters to keep my eyes on. Poor Thomas is trying  to keep Mia safe, but she seems to question every move he makes. Mia is already  doubting that anyone survived the attack including her father.  If only Mia would listen to Thomas and have a little faith. Perhaps there are survivors but Mia is convinced that everyone has perished. I had to stop and think about her attitude a bit. I think I fall into  the trap of  thinking the worse at times just like Mia. Where is my faith? Looks like I need to work on that more. 

There are battles galore in the  story that at times were a bit too descriptive for  me. I understand that the author wanted readers to know how dangerous the quest was. Saving Mia’s sister Delia does take a toll on Thomas and Terrillian. Will they have the  strength to get everyone to safety?   There is a bit of sorcery in the book that leads to talk of spells and danger.

 The author dives deep into the world he has created and gives readers an adrenaline rush as the quest becomes more urgent with every move made. I began to wonder who could be trusted and if there was going to be any time  for the  characters to catch their breath. I didn’t see the oh my moments coming and believe me you will be in for a shock. Do I dare say what happens? I can’t ruin it for everyone but let’s just say not everything or everyone is as they seem. 

Greed, jealousy and power are indeed alive in this epic adventure. The author once again shines in his genre with great imagination and vivid displays of character development. I loved the emotional moments between Thomas and Mia. When Thomas is trying to console Mia he tells her, “You learn to live through the hurt. All I know is death isn’t the answer to stop the pain.”  Evil lurks among the pages in this story, but there  is always hope. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. 

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 10

By the Book, August 11

Blogging With Carol, August 12

Artistic Nobody, August 13 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, August 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 16

Through the Fire Blogs, August 17 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 19 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, August 19

Holly’s book Corner, August 20

Guild Master, August 21

The Book Club Network, August 22

Splashes of Joy, August 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of Desperation, and digital extras (exclusive map and music)!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/27731/desperation-celebration-tour-giveaway