The beautifully presented epic fantasy novel, The Crimson Fire---first of the Memories of Kenjir series, focuses on two very likeable protagonists Shadi and Darjin, a noblewoman and her bodyguard, and their complicated life in a fictional world that is shaped around the whims of Gods and their descendants. The author’s primary focus is on character evolution and he masterfully crafts characters that you are guaranteed to fall in love with. Oh, and the ending is one hell of a banger. Didn’t see that coming. At all.

The initial part of the book, or the entirety of the sample on Amazon, may lead you to believe this was a fast-paced action adventure, but that turns out to not quite be the case. When the focus shifts to Shadi’s POV, who gets most of the screen time, the pacing slows down significantly as we meander through slices of her life. The initial hook serves its purpose though, because in its absence I likely wouldn’t have continued with the story.

For a long while the plot direction is unclear, and I found myself repeatedly asking why I was reading this. There is no obvious answer beyond - because the author wants you to get to know Shadi’s background better. I am glad I stuck it out though, because in hindsight Shadi’s accomplishment towards the end wouldn’t have been that incredibly impressive if you didn’t fully connect with her personality, and her inner turmoil.

Darjin was impressive too, and her loyalty admirable, however I felt the plot doesn’t do full justice to her as a character who is brought forth as something of a highly-respected legendary warrior. She doesn’t get as many chances to prove her mettle - at least in this book. In the few solid action sequences we do get towards the end of the book, she is mostly pitched against opponents who are rather unevenly matched and she gets through only because of outside help, or magical artifacts that she hitherto didn’t have access to etc. which dims her own contribution and legacy. There are also some cases where mid-action Darjin drifts into deep inner-contemplation which stifles the momentum.

It is evident that the author’s primary focus has been on character development, and Shadi is where his brilliance truly shines. A protagonist who is neither conventionally attractive, nor magically gifted, or talented with the blade---a girl who just wants to run back to her library---somehow distinguishes herself gloriously. And that deserves an applause. Her path is not a conventional progression, and every step of the way her life feels like treading on the edge of blade while managing the myriad expectations thrown at her esp. by her mother. I am sure most readers would find her, and her conflicts, very relatable. She was just fascinating.

The world building was interesting, but it came across as a relatively lower priority for the author, something which often takes a backseat. Many aspects are left vague, with glimpses here and there---which I hope will get clearer in future books in the series.

But---did I say the ending was spectacular? Yes, I did. And it was worth repeating. Go read this book. Now.