SuitabookBlade of Fire
Stuart Hill
- Reading
- Because this is a sequel with many characters and shifting viewpoints, briefly revisit the earlier family and kingdom situation if needed. Pause after major battles to discuss choices, consequences and portrayals of power.
- Themes
- Disability and identity: Charlemagne is affected by childhood disease, longs to be a warrior and feels shame about being sent away. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
- Family loyalty and betrayal: A royal family faces invasion while Medea’s magical allegiance and Charlemagne’s exile place family loyalty under pressure. The book does not clearly resolve its stance on this.
- War and political alliance: The Icemark faces renewed imperial invasion, and Charlemagne travels to seek allies among imagined peoples and kingdoms. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
- Worth knowing
- Expect sustained warfare and peril, including invasion, violent deaths, bloodshed, magical attack, betrayal and banishment. Disability and illness are also important parts of the situation.