September Book Review #2: Of Sea and Smoke by Gillian Bronte Adams

***Read Sept. 11, 2025

About this book

He rides a seablood, a steed of salt and spray,

born to challenge the tides.

Six years ago, the wrong brother survived, and nothing will ever convince Rafi Tetrani otherwise. But he is done running from his past, and from the truth. As civil war threatens Ceridwen’s tenuous rule in Soldonia, Rafi vows to fight the usurper sitting on the imperial throne of Nadaar, even if it means shouldering his brother’s responsibilities as the empire’s lost heir.

The stolen shipload of magical warhorses offers just the edge he needs. But the steeds have been demanded in ransom by the emperor’s ruthless assassin, and if Rafi hopes to raise a band of riders, he must first outwit his brother’s murderer.

Yet when his best efforts end in disaster, and an audacious raid sparks an empire-wide manhunt, even forging an unexpected alliance might not be enough to help Rafi turn the tides, let alone outrace the wave of destruction intent on sweeping them all away.

Seas boil and jungles burn in this tempestuous second installment of The Fireborn Epic as the outcast queen, captive missionary, and royal rebel strive to unearth the mysterious power that hungers for their world.

*Book 2 of the Fireborn Epic

*Genre: Young Adult Epic Fantasy (recommended for ages 14+ for battle violence and a few frightening/intense scenes.)

My thoughts

Shades! I was not ready for that shock of a cliffhanger!

WOWEEE, I'm so glad my character-friends and I made it! This was such a stormer of a ride! Full of wars, treachery, and shocking revelations after another! My poor friends were fighting for their countries; it felt as if things were getting worse and worse! And yet... that one arrival of a beautiful, sacred solborn horse changed everything! That Aodh was still in control... even if we can't see it.

In this sequel, we mostly follow Rafi and his seablood steed Ghost as he struggles to rally the Que rebellion... overcome the demons of his past. (I still love his attempts to bring humor!) But we also return to Soldonia with Ceridwen in her own struggle to unite her people while fighting against traitors... especially when she learns a shocking truth about Rodhri. And then there's Jakim, still wrestling with his faith in Aodh while enslaved by the Soldonian traitors.

You can see all three of them are struggling. Struggling against enemies and the demons of their pasts and inner selves. But what made this story all the more beautiful is the eventual interactions! Rafi and Ceridwen have so much in common-- despite Rafi's easy-going manner that often grates on Ceridwen's nerves. And the quick friendship between Jakim and Finian made me grin! All four of them, and even other familiar characters like Liam, Markam, Iakki, and brand-new ones all shone throughout the pages!

But I'll never forget that moving scene... involving light... Aodh... and Ceridwen's brand! (I've said too much, but.... it was just beautiful!!)

Now... thanks to that frustrating cliff-hanger... I'll have to wait for MONTHS for Of Dawn and Embers ... but it's definitely going to be worth it! Especially that Jakim FINALLY has a beautiful steed!

To quote a grumpy old Shadow-Rider Commander: Rise and Ride again!

Bonus: To get a sneak peek of this world, you can access a free short story by signing up on her newsletter!

About the Author

Gillian Bronte Adams writes epic fantasy novels, including the award-winning Of Fire and Ash and "The Songkeeper Chronicles", and loves strong coffee, desert hikes, and trying out new soup recipes on crisp fall nights. Her favorite books are the ones that make your heart ache and soar in turn. When she’s not creating vibrant new worlds or dreaming up stories that ring with the echoes of eternity, she can be found off chasing sunsets with her horse, or her dog, Took.

Website: gillianbronteadams.com

Instagram: @gillianbronteadms

Facebook: Gillian Bronte Adams Author Page

Facebook Reader's Group: Readers of Gillian Bronte Adams