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Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
In G. S. Scott’s Fire and Ruin, the God of Chaos has controlled the world for five hundred years according to the Game of the Gods, which allows one of them to rule for that number of years, after which the other gods are allowed to return. An outcast named Dabria refuses to believe in any god, which costs her the respect of her village. When Dabria saves Baju, a glaeba warrior serving Princess Huna, from drowning on a remote island expedition, they become friends just as the old gods return. But something more terrifying also happens: a dragon sleeping inside the island's mountain wakes up. The dragon destroys Dabria's village, trapping the survivors and Baju’s father in an underground keep. The two friends set out for the capital to seek help. What they find is a hostile emperor, court intrigue, and a hidden enemy working to release something even worse than the dragon. Can Dabria and Baju fight against a dragon so powerful and vicious?
If you watched The Desolation of Smaug, then Fire and Ruin is the perfect read for you. The story cleverly examines faith versus reason, a theme that is channeled through Dabria’s struggles and skepticism about the gods. I was fascinated by the magical city system, which features crystals used for healing, strength, and social rank; the setting is finely drawn, with details of the swamp and creatures such as the grunkin and the giant vase-lilies. G. S. Scott creates a unique world with its own language and beliefs, which itself becomes an immersive element of the story. The pacing allows readers to feel the atmosphere in court and in the village before being blown away by the exhilarating scenes of the dragon attacks and the escalating tension. A well-plotted fantasy with memorable characters and a conflict that keeps the pages turning.
