Commanding Flame And Shield: Grayshell Rising, Book One is an action-packed romantic fantasy novel by S.J. Barnett that centers on a reluctant, prophesied leader and an immortal warrior who must fight demons wh
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Commanding Flame And Shield: Grayshell Rising, Book One is an action-packed romantic fantasy novel by S.J. Barnett that centers on a reluctant, prophesied leader and an immortal warrior who must fight demons while navigating a fated, slow-burn romance. The novel is the first in the multi-book Grayshell Rising series, which features a magical twist on Christian mythology.
Synopsis
August Porter lives a seemingly perfect life as a successful investor, but is tormented by violent nightmares. He convinces himself they are only dreams until he meets Alvara, a legendary, centuries-old warrior of Grayshell. Alvara's life's missions are to protect humanity from demons and to help half-angel (Nephilim) souls ascend to their own dimension when their powers manifest.
Alvara has been inexplicably drawn to August for months and realizes he is the key to an ancient prophecy, his soul evading her powers in a way no other has. August must confront his destiny, choose between his normal life and his calling to join Alvara's cadre of warriors, and help them fight the demons who are hunting his powerful soul. The story is a dual POV narrative, known for its slow-burn romance, found family elements, and extensive world-building, where the female lead is the strong, experienced warrior and the male lead is the rookie.
Reviews and Key Themes
Expert and user reviews generally praise the book's unique premise, engaging characters, and detailed world-building, though some note that the pacing can be uneven due to its length and focus on character development.
- World-building and Plot: Reviewers praise the author's ability to create an intricate world with a unique magic system and a compelling twist on religious lore involving angels, demons, and Nephilim. The plot is described as having action, drama, and unexpected twists.
- Characters and Romance: The dynamic between the badass, immortal Alvara and the 29-year-old, rookie August is a major highlight, offering a reverse age gap trope. The romance is a prominent, intense slow burn that has been described by readers as "electric" and "worth the wait".
- Themes: The book explores themes of destiny, choice, found family, and the battle between light and darkness.
Purchasing Options
Commanding Flame And Shield: Grayshell Rising, Book One was published on January 23, 2023, by Flame and Fiction LLC and is available in various formats.
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