What is your opinion?
Born of the Flame
"I really enjoyed it! Hopefully there will be more to this story?"
Great story
"Great story. Seems to be well thought out. Looking forward to the rest of the story. Curious type of characters emerging."
So engaging
"I particularly loved the vivid dialogues. Also, the atmosphere throughout the story is so specific, with a touch of a mystery. Really enjoyed reading it."
Born of The Flames
"It's a very interesting novel that I suggest to everyone loves this kind of reading. Although out of known time (year 208 from what?) and space (where are Kappland and Reikland?), the characters are very realistic. The main protagonists, Ryden the Smith and Melca the Baker, at the beginning, are two boys, who suddenly have lost everything, their village and the dearest ones. During their journey from Cadmir to Rector, from childhood to manhood, both of them have the other to protect and trust. What puts them together is not only friendship but their common purpose: to avenge their world's end and to try stopping a war that could destroy this world completely. Here the shadow - man from prologue ( who, at the beginning, I thought and I'm worried he was Ryden) enters in scene. Will they succeed on that? We can't know, it needs a sequel that shows who Allisad really is:the friend- protector or the maker of their adversities? Only a criticism: according to me, there are too many and long descriptions about duels and archery's tryouts."
Don't leave me...
"on a cliffhanger! The book ended quite abruptly, and I'm eagerly waiting for the next book to be published. Love how The Author has set this story waaaay into our future after our current population has been kinda wiped out and Balenor slowly discovering artefacts. Great dynamics between the characters and how their story intertwined into a tapestry and begs to be continued."
An exciting read!
"One of the best fantasy novels I have read for some time! The different perspectives keep the narrative engaging and exciting, and many of the characters are well developed and have their unique personalities. Can't wait to read the next installment!"
Worth the time
"This is such an amazing novel. There is no boring part. every detail makes you hunger for more. Its these kind of novels that keep you awake at night. its a good read. you won't regret it. looking forward to reading more of it!"
Thrilling story!
"I couldn't stop reading this story once I started. It was thrilling to journey with Ryden and Melca from Cadmir, the place of their happiness and innocence, to Sharbury and Jalapa, and finally to Rektor, where they are finally given the opportunity to exact revenge on those who destroyed hometown and as a result their lives as they knew it. I loved the contrasting, complementary personalities of quiet but optimistic Ryden and naggy but realistic Melca, because while they keep each other in check with their different perspectives, they always keep each other's best interests at heart and push each other onward. After finishing the story I saw with pride how much the two friends have grown from a novice smith and a young baker to two men who can fight to save themselves and what they believe in and even stop the war that can completely destroy their country. I'm excited to read its sequel!"
Great one!
"Really nice piece of good read! Highly enjoyed - would love to see it published! The book ofers all from interesting plot, catchy narrative style, well-shaped, real-like heroes you can simply picture and enjoy following. Definitely worth spending time on!"
#BotF I'm sold on this genre now
"Born of the Flame engaged me from the start, a frequent reader of historical fiction I don't often read fantasy; however the rhythm of this story moves rapidly and builds upon established conventions of this middle England-esque adventure tale. Yes there are some surprising elements, gags and inspiring similes that can place the reader in company with a Blackadder folly, but at the bare bones of this piece of escapism is the day to day life of Ryden, the insightful detail into living and surviving in this monarchist if realm. Thoughtfully composed with one or two twisting moments to keep you guessing at the inspirations for this story. Clearly a piece for people with one foot in the past, and a thirst for the 'ye olde worlde' but credible characters and a really well drawn landscape to set this adventure amongst. The old cliché of un-put-down-able really applied for me with this, a brilliant read on holiday in a hammock, I even cancelled plans to keep reading this. Surely a sequel is begging to be written."
Excellent
"Born Of The Flame is action packed, highly entertaining and adventurous. It has everything you want in Fantasy book."
Keeps you on the edge of your seat...
"This story will take you on a journey to another time. It will stretch your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat. A real page turner!"
Next one please
"I liked how the. relationship between the two main characters developed. The plot kept me engaged throughout. Looking forward to the sequel."
Born Of The Flame
"I am a big fan of this genre and Kavanagh has written a belter of a book. Ryden's journey is described in a brilliantly engaging way. I have no reservation in recommending this book."
Pleasure to read
"Great piece of work! I really enjoyed reading it - strongly recommend to all! I liked the plot of this story and writing style - very sophisticated! Well done! Anna Kruk"
Good book
"I liked the characters in this book and the occasional addition of humour helped keep it a rather enjoyable read. Always wanted to read on, which is a good sign."
Great way to remind why fantasy books are so absorbing
"It's been a while since I read my last fantasy book and I'm glad Mike's book was the one which welcomed me back to the world of fantasy literature. Characters are very well developed and the plot is convincing. In certain way the story reminds me of my favorite Wheel of Time series. Definitely worth reading and looking forward to what happens next!"
A flaming good read!
""Born of the Flame" is proper fantasy. The kind of Fantasy writing that is increasingly hard to find these days in a literary world that more resembles a cocktail bar with unending "High Concept" stories that mash up fantasy elements like dinosaurs and knights plus aliens. With "Born of the Flame" we get a fantasy story that eschews the trappings of "High Concept" and has one, admirable goal. To take us into the fantasy world of the author's imagination and show us a rollocking good time while we are there. Mr Kavanagh has clearly steeped himself in the genre with the requirements (Blacksmiths, Destiny etc) all satisfied gives it a twist and all the while manages to keep things on track and breezily moving through the story. While at times, I wished we had a little more time to revel in the world, Mr Kavanagh has created, I couldn't argue with pacing of the story, which can be a real problem in fantasy literature. If you have even a passing interest in the genre, I implore you to jump into the flame and let Mr Kavanagh's heated story warm your soul. 9/10."
Nice
"Having not read a book for over 10 years i found myself strangely intrigued with this, not just the plot but the style it was written, I found myself questioning what was coming next and found it worthless second guessing as i was always drawn up the wrong path. This is a good thing as being able to predict what is coming next is obviously boring. All in all i thoroughly enjoyed it and would be very interested in reading any follow up the author comes up with, great start to a writing career and i am sure there is a lot more to come."
Sequel needed
"I have really enjoyed reading this book. Generally I read a lot of fantasy fiction and this book easily holds its own against some larger published authors. In style, it is probably closest to the works by David Gemmell and Raymond E Feist, a proper swords and sorcery novel in every respect, but with nods to Mikes’ broader interests and sense of humour. 'You’re my horse now, Dave'. My only criticism would be that it isn't long enough and either it would benefit from a few more chapters, or, preferably, a sequel....I look forward to reading more from this author."
