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.

Review

            I absolutely loved this little book! I have enjoyed this series so much; it is honestly one of the best I have ever read. I do think you should at least read the first book in the series before you read this one but you might fully benefit by reading the two full-length novels before this one. I loved getting to know new characters and I am very excited to see if they are included in the next book. I thought the pacing was perfect for a novella. It kept my attention the whole time I was reading. The characters were so endearing that I was immediately invested in them and I wanted to see them be victorious. Thomas and Mia were such interesting characters and I thought their interactions were very entertaining with their banter. The action drives the plot forward without becoming routine or boring. I needed to see if the characters were going to be okay. I was so good!

The faith element of this series has been one of my favorite parts throughout all the books and this one is not different. I enjoyed how the author navigated the struggles and zeal that new believers may experience. I felt that it was portrayed very realistically and can be very inspiring for, not only readers new to their faith, but also those who have been saved for many years. The inclusion of a more mature believer helping a newly regenerated person was also amazing to see portrayed in a book. The author also tackles real-life struggles and how God can help a person to realize they are more than their circumstances and how He can use anybody in His sovereignty. Every time I read a book in this series or even reread one of them, I am always struck by how the author has managed to bring the characters’ faith into the story seamlessly to drive the characters’ decisions. Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this book and series. It is amazing and I will definitely recommend reading it!

WARNING: This book does have actions scenes but they are not glorified or overwhelming. The violence is not reveled in by the main characters and some feel the heaviness of having to use it. There is also some magic but I hope that does not discourage parents from letting their teens read this book. Magic is portrayed as evil and it is never shown in a good light. It is shown to be sinful and against God’s will for His people. There is also some talk of suicide but it is passing and not a main focal point in the book. I understand people need to abide by their conscience, which is why I listed these. I do not think they detract from the story and I hope you will give this book and the whole series a read. They are amazing and the faith element is so strong that I think it will get older children, teen, and even adults thinking and focusing more on their faith,

Thank you for reading my review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

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