To Bind Fire is a great first installment in the world of Empire of Ash and Song. It feels like a first in a series (cliffhangers), but I know it will be well worth the wait. There is a prequel to this novel free from the author, and you can check out Casandra’s Dragon here.

Ratings

Story: 4/5
Worldview: 5/5

The dual POV of Iris with the Traders and Price Besaun in the palace was well done. Great tension with Iris’s fear of ability and Besaun’s desire to be free of the crown, but some parts were slower. Tabin and Jacin (Traders traveling with Iris), were interesting characters but they each had their flaws. Casandra also made an appearance from Casandra’s Dragon! I would’ve liked for the reader to know more of what she was doing, but Casandra’s Dragon explored most of her motives, I guess as a hint to the reader to check it out first.

Note: story includes suicidal thoughts, violence, and one character getting drunk and handsy (but portrayed as bad), a couple sleeping next to each other, light kissing. 

Worldview was 5/5 because I could see the biblical themes woven throughout—unity, sacrifice, being born-again and baptism, and free will. Very well done. One snag was a bit confusing with the “Star Princes.” I couldn’t tell if the author was saying there was more than one God? Mainly, I think the issue was that the allegory elements connected in the wrong way, so it sounded like angels built other worlds. I also couldn’t tell if the author was presenting Iris to be something like Jesus? I guess we’ll find out later. 

Overall Thoughts: To Bind Fire

Overall 4.5/5, and I’ll definitely pick up the next one. If you want to see more on To Bind Fire by D. E. Carlson, check it out here.