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Brightmoon #5
The Fire Mages’ Daughter
A girl fighting her destiny. A living god. A war with the Blood Clans.
Seventeen-year-old Drina just wants to hide away with her books, but as the daughter of two powerful mages and heir to the ruler of Bennamore, her wishes are rarely considered. Summoned to the capital, she is plunged into a maelstrom of politics and power struggles. The only compensation is Arran, the handsome bodyguard she grows to love.
In her new role as a diplomat, she visits Bennamore's mysterious neighbours, the Blood Clans. There she discovers there are other, darker forms of magic in the world than the familiar spells of the mages. Driven onward by a living god, the Blood Clans' magic drags both their countries to the brink of war. Surrounded by enemies, Drina must find a way to tame the power of a god before everything she loves is destroyed.
Seventeen-year-old Drina just wants to hide away with her books, but as the daughter of two powerful mages and heir to the ruler of Bennamore, her wishes are rarely considered. Summoned to the capital, she is plunged into a maelstrom of politics and power struggles. The only compensation is Arran, the handsome bodyguard she grows to love.
In her new role as a diplomat, she visits Bennamore's mysterious neighbours, the Blood Clans. There she discovers there are other, darker forms of magic in the world than the familiar spells of the mages. Driven onward by a living god, the Blood Clans' magic drags both their countries to the brink of war. Surrounded by enemies, Drina must find a way to tame the power of a god before everything she loves is destroyed.
392 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2016
64 people are currently reading
822 people want to read
About the author
Pauline M. Ross
11 books363 followersI live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 11, 2015
(Received an ARC from the author)
Surprisingly political! So once again I very much enjoyed the latest Brightmoon book.
Pauline Ross has a skill for writing very real people and Drina is no exception. I like that she's abrasive manipulative and, well, spoiled as a child, and she grows from it. I like that I don't automatically like her as a person. I like the consistent application of "non-traditional" relationships as part of the stories. The whole idea of "drusse" is fascinating in particular.
The only complaint I have, as ever, is how many things are left unanswered about the world. I want this to build to a bigger arching story, but I think that's just greed on my part. Each Brightmoon story stands alone, even this one which is the first that's a more direct sequel. I'm excited to read the next one, and despite having the ARC copy still have this one on pre-order because I think buying it is worth it.
Surprisingly political! So once again I very much enjoyed the latest Brightmoon book.
Pauline Ross has a skill for writing very real people and Drina is no exception. I like that she's abrasive manipulative and, well, spoiled as a child, and she grows from it. I like that I don't automatically like her as a person. I like the consistent application of "non-traditional" relationships as part of the stories. The whole idea of "drusse" is fascinating in particular.
The only complaint I have, as ever, is how many things are left unanswered about the world. I want this to build to a bigger arching story, but I think that's just greed on my part. Each Brightmoon story stands alone, even this one which is the first that's a more direct sequel. I'm excited to read the next one, and despite having the ARC copy still have this one on pre-order because I think buying it is worth it.
January 15, 2016
Thrilled to Read this!
Okay, I have two things judgment here; one, I have read all of the books in the series, two, I was given an Advanced Readers copy, an ARC , for a genuine review of this book. The only reason I got the copy was because I wanted to read it months before it came out. I pre-ordered the book myself before it ever came out .
I absolutely love this author. Her books are long and I wish they were longer. The books are deep, really, really deep. This is not a bit of fluff to read . All of the books have been incredible. When I got my copy, I made sure I ate first, got a shower, went to the bathroom. Because I knew once I started reading I wasn't going to want to stop. Of course, I did occasionally have to stop. But I really hated that ! Like all of her books you learn the main character's motivation. Our hero in this very young, and gets pulled away from the home she has always known, to go to the equivalent of the Queens house. Through her deceased father's family, she is an heir. Other than the fact that she likes to read, she has shown very little talent to take on the job. Her mother's mage, as her father was. Not only does she not show any magical ability, it takes magic to keep her on an even keel. Someone else's magic. Otherwise, she is very weak. This is just a lead-in. We have an intelligent girl who doesn't want to be a member of royalty . She does everything in her power not to be considered in line for leadership . I just love her character.
The book takes you through ups and downs , all the while rooting for the main character . I hate giving too much away. But, I guarantee you, if you love a good book, you want this one . And you will want to read all of the others. And even though they are long, you will wish they were far longer still.
Okay, I have two things judgment here; one, I have read all of the books in the series, two, I was given an Advanced Readers copy, an ARC , for a genuine review of this book. The only reason I got the copy was because I wanted to read it months before it came out. I pre-ordered the book myself before it ever came out .
I absolutely love this author. Her books are long and I wish they were longer. The books are deep, really, really deep. This is not a bit of fluff to read . All of the books have been incredible. When I got my copy, I made sure I ate first, got a shower, went to the bathroom. Because I knew once I started reading I wasn't going to want to stop. Of course, I did occasionally have to stop. But I really hated that ! Like all of her books you learn the main character's motivation. Our hero in this very young, and gets pulled away from the home she has always known, to go to the equivalent of the Queens house. Through her deceased father's family, she is an heir. Other than the fact that she likes to read, she has shown very little talent to take on the job. Her mother's mage, as her father was. Not only does she not show any magical ability, it takes magic to keep her on an even keel. Someone else's magic. Otherwise, she is very weak. This is just a lead-in. We have an intelligent girl who doesn't want to be a member of royalty . She does everything in her power not to be considered in line for leadership . I just love her character.
The book takes you through ups and downs , all the while rooting for the main character . I hate giving too much away. But, I guarantee you, if you love a good book, you want this one . And you will want to read all of the others. And even though they are long, you will wish they were far longer still.
February 11, 2016
Magnificent
Once again Pauline has written another outstanding book. I couldn't put it down. Truly a wild imagination with a different type of characters with war,magic,sex, politics either sex would enjoy her books! Anxiously, awaiting for "Dragon Egg" and the sequel "The Second God".
Once again Pauline has written another outstanding book. I couldn't put it down. Truly a wild imagination with a different type of characters with war,magic,sex, politics either sex would enjoy her books! Anxiously, awaiting for "Dragon Egg" and the sequel "The Second God".
February 26, 2018
I liked the overall story. The writing style is good, but not great. I thought there was too much romance and sex that took away from the main story.
October 15, 2016
The Fire Mages' Daughter is the follow-up to, well, The Fire Mages, set in Pauline Ross's Brightmoon World. Fire Mages is one of my favorite books in this loosely-connected series, and I enjoyed The Fire Mages' Daughter just as much.
Drina, the daughter of Kyra and stepdaughter of Cal, is another one of Ms. Ross's strong-willed young women. Drina is a sickly child, dependent on her mother's magic, when the Drashona, ruler of Bennamore and wife (I believe; the relationships in these books can get complex) of Drina's late father, calls in Kyra's promise to turn Drina over to her for fostering and possible grooming to be the Drashona's heir. Even though she thrives in the magic-rich atmosphere of Kingswell, the capitol, Drina wants nothing to do with the arrangement and comes up with all sorts of schemes to get herself sent home. None of them succeed; they only convince the Drashona that Drina has the intelligence and spirit that would make her a good heir.
So, with that setup, we follow Drina through her early duties as possible heir, which introduce her to the Blood Clans, mysterious tribes with a threatening reputation. We watch Drina gain maturity as she handles her responsibilities and strives to avert and then stop a potentially disastrous war. While she starts out rather self-centered, she becomes quite a remarkable young lady towards the end. I had to admire her clear-sighted vision of the war and Bennamore's responsibility for it while still doing everything she could to save her country.
The book also has a complicated romantic storyline, with Drina torn between the bodyguard she's had a crush on for years and the shy, mysterious, and strangely compelling young man who is the embodied god of the Blood Clans. As I often do with Ms. Ross's heroines, I found myself telling Drina, "No, no, not him, the other guy! That's the one you want!" and it's great fun to see if I'm right or wrong about the two guys and how the relationships all work out. I'll just say that the unconventional customs of Bennamore, allowing for both marriages and legally contracted lovers, provide means for everyone to be happy in the end.
The story is told in Ms. Ross's brisk prose, with attention to detail that brings her world and characters to life. Some of the incidents seemed episodic as I read them, not really related to the plot of the story as I understood it at the time, but it all comes together at the end.
Another enjoyable installment in the Brightmoon Annals, and at the end I was ready to dive into the follow-up novel, The Second God, which fortunately was released right about the time I finished. Highly recommended for those who enjoy unique high fantasy with interesting female main characters and unusual cultures.
Drina, the daughter of Kyra and stepdaughter of Cal, is another one of Ms. Ross's strong-willed young women. Drina is a sickly child, dependent on her mother's magic, when the Drashona, ruler of Bennamore and wife (I believe; the relationships in these books can get complex) of Drina's late father, calls in Kyra's promise to turn Drina over to her for fostering and possible grooming to be the Drashona's heir. Even though she thrives in the magic-rich atmosphere of Kingswell, the capitol, Drina wants nothing to do with the arrangement and comes up with all sorts of schemes to get herself sent home. None of them succeed; they only convince the Drashona that Drina has the intelligence and spirit that would make her a good heir.
So, with that setup, we follow Drina through her early duties as possible heir, which introduce her to the Blood Clans, mysterious tribes with a threatening reputation. We watch Drina gain maturity as she handles her responsibilities and strives to avert and then stop a potentially disastrous war. While she starts out rather self-centered, she becomes quite a remarkable young lady towards the end. I had to admire her clear-sighted vision of the war and Bennamore's responsibility for it while still doing everything she could to save her country.
The book also has a complicated romantic storyline, with Drina torn between the bodyguard she's had a crush on for years and the shy, mysterious, and strangely compelling young man who is the embodied god of the Blood Clans. As I often do with Ms. Ross's heroines, I found myself telling Drina, "No, no, not him, the other guy! That's the one you want!" and it's great fun to see if I'm right or wrong about the two guys and how the relationships all work out. I'll just say that the unconventional customs of Bennamore, allowing for both marriages and legally contracted lovers, provide means for everyone to be happy in the end.
The story is told in Ms. Ross's brisk prose, with attention to detail that brings her world and characters to life. Some of the incidents seemed episodic as I read them, not really related to the plot of the story as I understood it at the time, but it all comes together at the end.
Another enjoyable installment in the Brightmoon Annals, and at the end I was ready to dive into the follow-up novel, The Second God, which fortunately was released right about the time I finished. Highly recommended for those who enjoy unique high fantasy with interesting female main characters and unusual cultures.
February 29, 2016
I give this book three out of five stars for being an entertaining read with competing magic systems and atypical representations of women in power and leadership positions.
What I like about the book:
1) Ross has a consistent style with ideas that construct vivid cultures, magic, and fantastical societies. I can count on this author for breathing new life into old ideas or showcasing things new and different ways.
2) This is a strong feminist piece, yet I don’t think the author intends it to be such. The heroine, the mentor, the primary antagonist, and two of the largest supporting characters are women. Basically the coolest characters in this book are women, and men comprise roles which women are more commonly cast.
What I think could have been done better:
1) EMOTION, where is it? The book is written from a first person point of view, but most of the time it feels like reading something third person. The ideas and magic in Ross’s books are so vivid yet something is consistently is missing: emotion. The characters withhold how the action in the story impacts them and most major feelings are not conveyed well to the reader. In general I only found out a character was distraught when the character said they were crying. If the reader could be in tune with the characters emotions more this book would be a five star home run.
What I like about the book:
1) Ross has a consistent style with ideas that construct vivid cultures, magic, and fantastical societies. I can count on this author for breathing new life into old ideas or showcasing things new and different ways.
2) This is a strong feminist piece, yet I don’t think the author intends it to be such. The heroine, the mentor, the primary antagonist, and two of the largest supporting characters are women. Basically the coolest characters in this book are women, and men comprise roles which women are more commonly cast.
What I think could have been done better:
1) EMOTION, where is it? The book is written from a first person point of view, but most of the time it feels like reading something third person. The ideas and magic in Ross’s books are so vivid yet something is consistently is missing: emotion. The characters withhold how the action in the story impacts them and most major feelings are not conveyed well to the reader. In general I only found out a character was distraught when the character said they were crying. If the reader could be in tune with the characters emotions more this book would be a five star home run.
February 14, 2016
I enjoyed this book so much I finished it in two days. It's well-paced, exciting and has a wonderfully deep world. The protagonist Drina is a driven, multi-faceted character. The whole book has a positivity that's refreshing after reading a lot of grimdark.
July 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I'm not sure what the page count for this book is compared to The Fire Mages, but this one felt shorter, primarily I think because a lot of the world building was established. I was very happy to see old characters return, and loved a lot about this book.
My only real complaint is about Drina's love life. I did not like Arran, and unfortunately it seems he shall return in the sequel. My dislike for him has to do with how he treats Drina. At first she's a meal ticket. Ok fine, that's an established part of this world. Then there is some actual emotional attachment on his part, as well as hers (she loves him), but then he screws around. NOT OK. But she forgives him. Then the cycle repeats. It does not make for a pleasing love story. I would have preferred no love story at all to this giant mess of stupidity. To me it seems like Drina is emotionally immature. Given her age I suppose I can understand that, but why in the world is everyone else supporting this completely unhealthy situation. Or maybe I'm the crazy one because I simply cannot relate to loving someone so much that you completely forgive when they're stomping all over your heart. It's like Arran is her OTHER addiction. My only hope is that in the sequel to this one she wakes the hell up and drops his ass, but I'm not optimistic about that.
My only real complaint is about Drina's love life. I did not like Arran, and unfortunately it seems he shall return in the sequel. My dislike for him has to do with how he treats Drina. At first she's a meal ticket. Ok fine, that's an established part of this world. Then there is some actual emotional attachment on his part, as well as hers (she loves him), but then he screws around. NOT OK. But she forgives him. Then the cycle repeats. It does not make for a pleasing love story. I would have preferred no love story at all to this giant mess of stupidity. To me it seems like Drina is emotionally immature. Given her age I suppose I can understand that, but why in the world is everyone else supporting this completely unhealthy situation. Or maybe I'm the crazy one because I simply cannot relate to loving someone so much that you completely forgive when they're stomping all over your heart. It's like Arran is her OTHER addiction. My only hope is that in the sequel to this one she wakes the hell up and drops his ass, but I'm not optimistic about that.
September 11, 2019
The synopsis of the eBook reads, "A standalone epic fantasy set in the Brightmoon world.
I don't think the author realises that standalone means you do not have to read other books in that world to understand it. I was lost from the first page. DNF
I don't think the author realises that standalone means you do not have to read other books in that world to understand it. I was lost from the first page. DNF
July 14, 2017
Solid 3 i think. I found some things very obvious but it is decent overall. Would read more
April 21, 2020
I really didn’t care for the main characters. The one group started a war and were surprised when their enemy retaliated. Contains: sex, strong language (only a few times), some violence
March 13, 2017
While certain aspects of the book fell flat, the world building and magic included was amazing! I really enjoyed the politics involved and found it very fascinating. I have no idea how I didn't know this was a part of a larger series, but now I'll be going back to the beginning to read more!
February 25, 2017
Great story!
Loved this! Magic, eagle mounts, blood spirit beasts, oh my! The protagonist, Drina, is a multi-faceted character who keeps the story intriguing and eventful. Despite discovering how she USUALLY reacts in stressful situations, there are times she completely surprises you. It isn't an over-the-top character change; just Drina growing and learning. Her magical "ability" is a concept I never would've thought of! Such a good idea! She has a so-called "love triangle" but it isn't what you would expect. She doesn't choose how I would've personally chosen which is another reason I just kept swiping left ;)
Loved this! Magic, eagle mounts, blood spirit beasts, oh my! The protagonist, Drina, is a multi-faceted character who keeps the story intriguing and eventful. Despite discovering how she USUALLY reacts in stressful situations, there are times she completely surprises you. It isn't an over-the-top character change; just Drina growing and learning. Her magical "ability" is a concept I never would've thought of! Such a good idea! She has a so-called "love triangle" but it isn't what you would expect. She doesn't choose how I would've personally chosen which is another reason I just kept swiping left ;)
September 27, 2016
Another excellent book by Ms. Ross. Full review coming soon.
March 6, 2017
Ly
Chose this rating because this book is an attention grabber such that once started it must be read through. Anyone interested in mage magic should read this book.
Chose this rating because this book is an attention grabber such that once started it must be read through. Anyone interested in mage magic should read this book.
March 23, 2017
The key thing I found useful was to re-read the Fire Mage's novel, as it gave so much background. It definitely helps if you have read the previous books in the series, but that one in particular.
I did enjoy it, and I didn't quite see some of the twists, but overall a good book which I enjoyed reading.
I did enjoy it, and I didn't quite see some of the twists, but overall a good book which I enjoyed reading.
January 28, 2025
Just as good as the first, with less betrayal (which I love)
I was a bit disappointed by this in the beginning. I couldn't begin to see how all the drusse and husband-marriage Mumbo jumbo was going to work out. But I'm glad it did, in a form that made sense. I struggled to put it down every time.
I was a bit disappointed by this in the beginning. I couldn't begin to see how all the drusse and husband-marriage Mumbo jumbo was going to work out. But I'm glad it did, in a form that made sense. I struggled to put it down every time.
April 9, 2016
Love this fantasy series
Magic and images and spellings. Such a rich story with any number of unexpected twists and turns. So unpredictable. Drinas choices always surprise me. And I love hervrelationshipcwith her mother.
Magic and images and spellings. Such a rich story with any number of unexpected twists and turns. So unpredictable. Drinas choices always surprise me. And I love hervrelationshipcwith her mother.
February 9, 2017
Fantasy with intriguing court politics
High fantasy story with intriguing native populations. Magee, power stealers, unique family affiliations provide a rich and nuanced backdrop for a powerful storyline
High fantasy story with intriguing native populations. Magee, power stealers, unique family affiliations provide a rich and nuanced backdrop for a powerful storyline
January 28, 2017
I really enjoyed the cultural aspect of the writer's world and the writing was well done. I'm not sure that I felt a big building or climax for the plotline, however it was still enjoyable.
August 21, 2017
3.5*
In this 5th book of the Brightmoon stories we are back in Bennamore. Most of the story takes place 17 years after the events in The Fire Mages. I think having read all the prior books did help but it can stand on its own. The basics from the other book are explained enough to not actually need to have read any of the others.
This time the narrator is Drina, daughter to Kyra and Drei. Her two half siblings are not great choices to succeed her step-mother and so she is called upon to train as possible heir. The story follows her attempts to be declared unfit to be heir, the diplomatic jobs she is sent to, and dealings with the leader of the enigmatic Blood Clans.
As usual the world building is wonderful and the political machinations intriguing. And sadly just as before the romance line is maddening with the MC not valuing herself enough. The set up is quite similar to The Magic Mines of Asharim in that The ending was also similar although it felt like less of a cop-out than in the prior two books that had this ending.
I loved the eagles. And I loved how the Imperial City dealt with the Blood Clan warriors. So perfectly fits into my view of the Mages as being utterly selfish.
Overall I was glad I read it and immediately started the next book.
In this 5th book of the Brightmoon stories we are back in Bennamore. Most of the story takes place 17 years after the events in The Fire Mages. I think having read all the prior books did help but it can stand on its own. The basics from the other book are explained enough to not actually need to have read any of the others.
This time the narrator is Drina, daughter to Kyra and Drei. Her two half siblings are not great choices to succeed her step-mother and so she is called upon to train as possible heir. The story follows her attempts to be declared unfit to be heir, the diplomatic jobs she is sent to, and dealings with the leader of the enigmatic Blood Clans.
As usual the world building is wonderful and the political machinations intriguing. And sadly just as before the romance line is maddening with the MC not valuing herself enough. The set up is quite similar to The Magic Mines of Asharim in that The ending was also similar although it felt like less of a cop-out than in the prior two books that had this ending.
I loved the eagles. And I loved how the Imperial City dealt with the Blood Clan warriors. So perfectly fits into my view of the Mages as being utterly selfish.
Overall I was glad I read it and immediately started the next book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews