Book Review: Askefise, by Rebecca Schmid

“I have seen enough of life to know that it is the good and the upright who suffer most. And the wicked, while spared this grief, find their work never ends. Thus the only alternative is to be neither — to be no one of consequence at all.”
“Askefise — Tales of Redemeré: Book I”, by Rebecca Schmid

I’m delighted to have once again been a panelist for the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) 2023, and to be taking part in this blog tour celebrating one of the 15 finalists.

My review today is on “Askefise”, by Rebecca Schmid, the fantastic 13th place finalist, and my personal favourite read of the competition!

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on X. BBNYA is brought to you in association with The Folio Society (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group TheWriteReads.

The story:

When Rhioa and Tirzah find an unconscious traveller in their path, one sister’s misgivings are overruled by the other’s conscience, and Tyron finds himself rescued and accompanying them on the road. Determined not to embroil Tyron in their dangerous mission, they leave him behind as soon as possible, to travel to the land of Arvenir where they have been tasked to overthrow the leader.

But Tyron is not so easily put off, especially given his growing feelings for Rhioa, and is determined to help the sisters escape their life of spying and subterfuge. Soon all three find themselves embroiled in the politics of Arvenir in an effort to raise the rightful ruler to the throne. But with dangers on all sides, will the trio achieve their mission? And if they do, will the sisters ever be free of their all-powerful master?

My thoughts:

I read “Askefise” (defined as “one who blows on ashes to bring them to flame”) by Rebecca Schmid as one of the finalists in the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Awards (BBNYA) 2023 — and in fact I read excepts from it in rounds one and two as well. I was delighted to see this novel make it through to the final, and finish in 13th place — it’s a brilliant read!

When we first meet the trio of main characters, Tyron is lying unconscious, and is discovered by sisters Rhioa and Tirzah. The book is narrated in the first person, with each chapter including both Rhioa and Tyron’s viewpoint (we do not see the story from Tirzah’s point of view). Tirzah is in favour of leaving him as they found him, but Rhioa, the softer of the sisters, revives him and they reluctantly bring him with them as they travel towards the port city of Ajhal. Tyron is human, with the ability to ‘gift’ (use magic), and claims to be a traveller from the distant country of Litash. What the sisters are isn’t immediately apparent, although we see early on that they are able to shape-shift into the form of dragons; a secret, along with their homeland of Myrandi, they are very keen to keep to themselves.

It soon emerges that Rhioa and Tirzah are on a dangerous mission, and that their lives are not under their own control. The mysterious and powerful Ovok is their master, and they are forced by him to complete missions (whatever the consequence or death toll) to reorder things in the realm of Eatris as he sees fit. On this particular mission they are tasked to bring about the overthrow of the Grand Va’ Kied of Arvenir, and install his younger cousin, Count Svarik Ihail, on the throne.

Despite the sisters’ attempt to give Tyron the slip, he is determined to assist them — he’s a very persistent character! The greater part of the story takes part in Arvenir, with the three inveigling themselves into the manor of Count Ihail and working to convince him to take back the throne that is rightfully his. The mission is a risky one, but the trio make good use of their complementary skills to convince Ihail (a very likeable character, and clearly a better ruler than his cousin) to make his stand. The plot is fast-paced but detailed, and I really felt I got to know all the characters and the world they inhabit.

This book is a prequel to the “A Daughter’s Ransom” series by Rebecca Schmid and Niamh Schmid (Rebecca’s sister-in-law), and takes place in the world they have created and includes one of the antagonists from that story. However, having not read that series, I found I was easily able to read this as a standalone (although I am now very keen to check them out!).

The final part of the story takes place in the sisters’ homeland of Muranduil, and serves to set up the story for the second book (entitled “Advesperate”, defined as “to draw towards evening”), which I’m excited to see will take us to Tyron’s home of Litash. Things are left precariously for all three characters, especially Tirzah… Overall, this is a great book for fantasy fans, with flawed but likeable characters in a detailed and fascinating world. Bring on book 2!

Pages: 487
Published: 12th October 2022
Rating: 🐈🐈🐈🐈/5

About the author

Rebecca Schmid is an author and pianist from upstate New York. She credits her parents for fostering her love of books and writing. With their encouragement, she has been writing since she was a teenager (though she cringes at the thought of those early drafts) along with her best friend and sister-in-law, Niamh Schmid. Together, they co-authored the series, A Daughter’s Ransom, debuting their first book in 2020. Both have continued to explore the TetraWorlds in solo works as well as joint projects.

While books and music take up most of her time, Rebecca enjoys dabbling in many other hobbies such as painting, horse riding, history, archery, hiking, martial arts, and more. If anyone asks her why she needs so many past times, her excuse is simple: “I’m researching…for my book, of course.”

You can find her on many different social media platforms under her imprint name, Schara Reeves Press (@ScharaReeves).