Book review of Flame of Destiny

by Boris Kennes (Author)

Updated at: 26/02/2025

In Boris Kennes's Flame of Destiny (The Secret History of Ligeia), readers are transported to the tumultuous 3rd century AD. Follow Samira, a courageous young warrior fighting for freedom in a hidden fortress city, as she confronts the brutal nomadic tribes encroaching from the north. Meanwhile, a Kurdish queen battles for recognition amidst Persian intrigue, and a Greek scholar finds himself embroiled in Roman conspiracies. This epic saga weaves together historical events with fantastical elements, showcasing clashing empires, emerging faiths, and a hidden magical world. Filled with action, strong female characters, and a richly detailed world, Flame of Destiny offers a thrilling adventure through a lesser-known but captivating era.

4.4 / 4 ratings

Review Flame of Destiny

Oh my goodness, you guys, I loved "Flame of Destiny"! I had the pleasure of reading it as a beta reader, and honestly, the published version is even better. I just finished my reread, and I'm already itching to dive into the sequel. What a fantastic adventure!

The story immediately grabbed me with Samira. She's not your typical damsel-in-distress; she's a fierce, independent young woman with a sharp mind and even sharper sword skills. Watching her navigate the treacherous political landscape and the outright dangers of 200 AD Parthia was completely gripping. The author, Boris Kennes, clearly did his homework. The historical details felt incredibly real, weaving a rich tapestry of fact and fantasy that made the world feel both familiar and utterly unique. I loved learning about this period of history, a time and place I knew surprisingly little about. Learning about the conflicts between Parthia and Rome, seeing the clashes of cultures and beliefs, it all felt incredibly immersive. It's the kind of historical fiction that makes you want to immediately start researching the real history behind it!

And the setting! Parthia, in the region of modern-day Iran, is vividly brought to life. The descriptions are so evocative, from the snowy crags of the fortress city to the vast, unforgiving steppes. You can almost feel the biting wind on your face and smell the dust of the battlefields. I found myself constantly picturing the scenes, completely swept away by the descriptions.

But it's not just the historical accuracy and stunning setting that makes this book shine; it's the characters. Samira is undoubtedly the star, but she’s surrounded by a truly memorable supporting cast. Each character feels unique, richly developed, and deeply flawed. The author doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of their motivations, their loyalties, and their betrayals. We see love, war, ambition, and sacrifice play out in powerful and sometimes heartbreaking ways. The strong female characters especially stood out to me; they're not just strong fighters, they're complex individuals facing incredibly difficult choices in a brutal world. It's empowering to see them grapple with these challenges and find their own paths to strength and resilience.

And let's not forget the ogres and trolls! Okay, maybe I should forget them for a moment, because even with the historical grounding, the fantastical elements were seamlessly woven into the narrative. They weren't just tacked on; they were integral to the plot and added a layer of magic and mystery that perfectly complemented the historical elements. This blend is expertly done, it never feels jarring or out of place.

Finally, the writing itself is fantastic. It's clear, easy to follow, and incredibly engaging. There's a fantastic pace to the story, keeping you hooked from beginning to end. And for a self-published book, the quality is exceptional – no typos, no jarring errors. It reads like a professionally published novel, which is a testament to the author's dedication and skill. Seriously, I'm incredibly impressed.

In short, "Flame of Destiny" is a fantastic read, a blend of historical fiction and fantasy that perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and intrigue. If you're looking for a captivating story with a strong female protagonist, a richly detailed world, and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then look no further. Highly, highly recommended! I can't wait for the next book.

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