The Avatar's Flames

Through the Fire #1

by Benjamin Medrano

Ruethwyn’s life was promising. Talented in magic, the young elven woman didn’t fit in in her hometown, but was scheduled to attend the most renowned academy of magic in the kingdom, and was even building up the courage to confess her love in the hope that it might be returned.
That all ended in a dragon’s fire. Resvarygrath the Gilded, lord of the Golden Dominion, destroyed Ruethwyn’s village, killed her parents and teacher, and stole away the young women of the village. Maimed by the dragon’s flames, Ruethwyn was spared by a curious dark elf, who gave her a chance; she had two years to rescue her beloved, or risk losing her forever.
Now, Ruethwyn has little time to recover as best she can. Missing an eye and an arm, her magic half-crippled and her wounds impossible to heal due to a curse, Ruethwyn’s prospects at the academy are limited, but she refuses to give up. No matter what challenges she may face, she is determined not to surrender. She’s lost too much and refuses to lose another.
First, though, she needs to survive long enough, which proves more challenging than Ruethwyn expects.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Lesbian, LGBT, Dragons, Elves, Romance

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2018

About the author

I was born in October, 1985. Not much of my history would likely be of interest, but I grew up primarily in Utah, a land of ultra-conservative people, and yet oddly open to Science Fiction and Fantasy.

I started trying to write in high school. That didn't go well, and I mostly lost the spark for a long time, only rarely finishing writing a story, as most of my inspiration instead went into tabletop role-playing games, like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. In the process I developed a possibly unhealthy obsession with elves and succubi. If I ever write a story without either, it's probably Science Fiction...and there are even odds that someone will body-mod themselves to look like an elf. Trying to be honest here.

My writing tends to focus on the relationships between characters, though it may not seem like it at times. The stories in the background are just that, a backdrop for the development of the characters and situation. I try to fully think them through, but it's not always the case.

Anyway, not much more to be said. I'm an oddball, and I know it. I'm also somewhat stunned at the success my work has attained thus far, and am trying not to panic over it.

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still in the mood that this is kind of perfect for. I've no idea why. This is RPG adjacent with world building cribbed from fantasy gaming, though not like any actual systems I know of. I'm pretty sure it's the same world as Soul Bound, though I think this is before that one. Soul Bound is certainly written post this series.

Anyway, Avatar's Flames is primarily about Ruethwyn and her path back from being caught in dragon fire. The right side of her face and that arm have been destroyed and cursed such that rejuvenating magic can't touch it. An interesting start. Complicating matters is that she only lived through the trauma with the help of a minion of the dragon who apparently has a motive all her own. That minion has pledged to do all she can to protect the girls captured as war prizes for two years, giving Ruethwyn time to rescue them.

Damaged and with a mission to save the girl she was secretly in love pining for, Ruethwyn has to figure out what she can still do with her unique brand of magic (atavism—borrowing the aspects and abilities of elementals she has made deals with for that purpose) and figure a way around her limitations—not least trying to figure out how to break the curse on her wounds. Since she was headed to the largest source of magical training anyway, she heads there to see what she can learn and to prepare for a nigh-hopeless mission, like crafting and testing magical items she can see she might need.

Medrano includes a hefty amount of PoV shifting, so we see the captured girls as they are protected and trained to be servants in a dragon's household. Essryl, the minion in charge of training them (and the one who saved Ruethwyn and gave her a time limit), is an interesting character in her own right and one I've enjoyed seeing develop.

Anyway, most of this story is a magical school with classmates and discussions about learning magic and that was a bit odd with the setup (though not out of place). The story is a bit patchwork with events coming up for reasons that make sense for the setting, but don't cohere as an overarching plot, really. Ruethwyn isn't the most important person in her world and she has to fit her goals around the events and capabilities and resource constraints of others. Which is what makes this low-fantasy, in my opinion. It's four stars worth of entertaining, for me, at least partially because it fit my mood. I'll definitely be picking up the next one in the series.

A note about Chaste: Ruethwyn is horribly maimed and not seeking romance in any way. There are some intimate scenes with other PoVs, but none that equate to explicit sex or even kissing, really. We do have one character expressing interest in Ruethwyn in a non-creepy way and Medrano establishes her as honestly about the person so this will likely build as a slow burn and I'm good with that. At any rate, this is pretty chaste, I think.

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

Has a good inciting incident that is then squandered.

For someone with a 24 month deadline, our MC is surprisingly chill about being several months being lost by the time we get to the academy. She's surprisingly unconcerned with time in general in fact. If there was any attempt to make it feel like she was trying desperately to save someone it failed. As far as I can tell she's just a girl with serious injuries attending magic school. Where's this drive our antagonist keeps referencing?

Also, her obsession with a girl who she's never even spoken to is creepy. The fact that the emotional catalyst of the opening scene is her worry over this girl and not, say, her parents (who it is made clear she loves) is quite bizarre. We don't even see her find their bodies, they just die off-screen and we're told to care. I mean one of them doesn't even makes an appearance in the story.

Further, I think the writing is getting worse. Ancient Dreams and Lilith's Shadow weren't great but the writing was at least tolerable. Here it feels like almost nothing but telling.
And the repetition, my gosh the repetition. She keeps giving the same information to different people.
Yes, technically they don't know that information, but the audience does and it gets old fast.

The atavism is never explored and given the status of this as a trilogy it seems like this is another Medrano setting I'm doomed to never get the chance to experience outside of a very narrow slice. So many interesting sounding places that there's no way we have the time to explore at the rate this story is progressing.

It's all very depressing.

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjamin Medrano's The Avatar's Flame is the first book in the indie fantasy series Through the Fire. It is a classic style indie fantasy full of magic, resilience, and power progression all wrapped up in an anime-esque style story. We got that classic D&D type fantasy world blended with some anime and magic school tropes.

The story followed Ruethwyn Sylaris, a young elven woman whose life takes a devastating turn when her village is annihilated by the dragon Resvarygrath the Gilded. She was severely injured in the attack, she lost an eye and an arm and had her magic half-crippled by a curse that prevents healing. Ruethwyn was only spared by a mysterious dark elf named Essryl because her fight amused the dark elf. Essryl offered her a grim bargain: two years to rescue her captured crush, Anara, or lose her forever.

Despite her terrible injuries Ruethwyn was determined to rescue her village crush and the others that got captured. She made her way to Selwyn, the premier mage academy in her country, hoping to hone her unique atavistic magic. Atavism was pretty cool magic. It had the ability to borrow aspects and abilities from elementals she has formed pacts with and to summon them in general. At the academy, she sought to prove her capabilities while navigating the challenges of her disabilities and the skepticism of a few of the others. Along her journey she made some friends from a group of fellow students. Those included Sella, an aspiring healer, Tadwin, an aspiring mage-knight and an enthusiastic kitsune named Korima. As Ruethwyn raced against time to grow stronger at college we got glimpses of the villains pulling strings in the background via some small POV segments with Essryl which I felt added some depth and additional intrigue to the tale.

The Avatar's Flame was a fun and engaging tale that kept my attention even if it did not quite reach five-star quality. The fantasy world we got was intriguing and the magic system, particularly Ruethwyn's atavism, offered a cool and unique element to the story.

The lead, Ruethwyn, was incredibly easy to root for. Her journey to overcome the horrific injuries and disabilities she sustained early in the story was a fun hook for the story. Following her fight to prove herself as a capable student, despite such significant setbacks, emphasised her strength and made her pretty easy to root for. I was a fan of the fact that she had to overcome both physical limitations as well as issues with her magic.

The supporting characters were another definite strength of this first installment. They offered depth to the story and were pretty interesting in their own right. The interactions between Ruethwyn and her new companions as well as the dynamics with other students at the academy added some fun layers to the world and story. It was not all friendship at the magic college but it was not overly stuffed full of bullies either and I enjoyed that balance. The occasional glimpses of the tales villains were well placed and helped build anticipation for future happenings.

The story was not without its flaws but many of these were easy to overlook, especially if one looked at this story through an anime-inspired lens. The engaging plot, likable characters, and interesting magical elements made The Avatar's Flame a decent start to the Through the Fire series. It had plenty of action but that was balanced out with a lot of slice of life moments as well.

I’ll definitely read the next instalment of the series. That said, being familiar with two of Medrano’s previous series has left me with a slight trepidation as those series had a tendency to exacerbate initial flaws in the later books. One can only hope that this series will sidestep this tendency and continue to build on the strengths of this enjoyable first volume.

Rating: 3.5 stars. I’ll round up to 4 stars here at Goodreads since I got through this pretty quickly and that tends to be a good sign.

Audio Note: I took a bit of time to warm to her performance but in the end I felt Ruth Urquhart gave a good performance of this one.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts with a backdrop of what life is for Ruethwyn, portray what life is for the "nobody," bookworm that is Ruethwyn. A daughter of two minor mages, who are disappointed in her and her inadequacy to make friends and so she tries to please them by going to the town's square. "Who is that," "noway, is it Ruethwyn?" "I thought she never left the library."

Most of us who have been in any book can understand this, we've all had this moment, we've questioned ourselves, "would they even accept me as their friend?" So we do the next best thing, our only defense go back into the library, pick another book and look through the window. The best things to have happened to her were in that library, even without magic, or the ability to dance, she could at least dream of cities, countries beyond her realm. That sense of loneliness is incredibly to relate to, and I have felt for Ruethwyn in those moments, and it is an incredible contrast to what happens later when the Librarian finds this young girl sneaking into the library to find books. She was about to kick her, but when she leads her by the hand, she finds something she hasn't felt for a long time. This young girl is just like her, she felt a strange sense of warmth from the little girl, a bit of spreads meaning into the old Lady's heart. She became her friend and mentor.

When you are depraved of an emotional connection, and you find someone important, that person becomes even more important than anything else. This is what Ruethwyn was to the Librarian. This book's inciting incident is trying to show a contrast between what Ruethwyn had, and what she had to lose. Her village had thousands of people, but her world had less than 5 people in it. They are her motivation. I would say this is one of a few incidents, sadly in the book. It is rather slow, and it doesn't have many incidents in it. I thought it was consistent, but not consistent with the direction of the beginning at all.

Rue has 2 years, that was the time given to her in the inciting incident of the book. I don't think she is using her time wisely in this book, this book spends a lot of time on conversations and perspectives of what the world is. There are a lot of moments where the characters are openly explaining things, outright explaining things. Those moments felt largely like "did you know this about our world?" I wish the book spent more on something there rather than something [irrelevant] is out there in the world.

This is a problem that is consistent in academy-based novels, the world is not explored, it is studied. Though I still enjoyed it, but every time the book went out to show you it was a lot more interesting.

Ruethwyn I found was a great character, after the dragon attack left her completely disabled. Her struggles I found were something that I felt for, she would walk through a backyard (somewhere she hoped would have few people) and she would still get the eyes. It was especially powerful when it was showed through the perspective of other people. She was so talented that she got into the school with her magic core crippled, that is her fuel for her magic. She is a league above everyone else, but no one knows. The thing they focus on is her the state of her body, she is "ugly." This book isn't about drama, or depression, even though I wish it showed more of her struggle rather than the initial, and occasional "bursts." Every time she showed her strength, her enemies got lost, I absolutely loved it when he showed her cards she usually kept so close to her chest. She is clever, she uses machines to help her overcome her disability, she crafts her tools. I wish there were more examples of it in the book, but the book is dominated by characters I thought were largely uninteresting.

Verdict: I liked it, I wish there were more things happening. There are a lot I could say, but I think I've said enough.

P.S. I was also given a book, I live in a country where homosexuality is illegal, and Amazon refuses to sell LGBT books here. I contacted the author and he was gracious to give me the entire series for free.

[Dave Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting protagonist / Study in courage
I got this book to read about elves kissing, I got a story of personal character and courage.
A fairly standard magical academy story with the all the check boxes checked. not up to the 'Ancient Dreams' level. The F/F aspects are low key, school girl crush. Thank god Benjamin toned down the school bully cliche. WELL DONE! that school bully is getting so damn tired.

Now, the hero. Ruethwyn is something new and special.
This hero is half blinded and crippled by dragon fire. She is the only survivor of an attack that destroyed her village, family, beloved teacher, and the library she spent most of her life in. What is worse than losing an eye, an arm, a leaving gruesome burn scars on her face and body, her Mana core was fractured when she tried to fight the dragon. Casting spells causes her extreme pain and she has lost much magical strength and mana pool.
What I love here is that Benjamin Madrano dose not create a "one legged man" who then roller skates the rest of the story. Ruethwyn has one arm. She can not tie her shoes, do up her buttons, or hold a cup and a plate at the same time. Benjamin never forgets this when it becomes convenient for the plot. Also Ruethwyn is off balance due to having one arm. Do you know how many writers would never have even realized this? or had her "Get used to it" and never mention it again. the loss of depth perception and drastically reduced field of vision are also dealt with realistically.
What's the big deal? Too many writers treat injuries as a cosmetic annoyance. The character is expected to "get used to it" and there by overcome it with sheer force of will. Wile the "Blind Kung-fu master" is a neat fictional character, it's left many people expecting the disabled to magically "compensate" for missing limbs and senses and go become super heroes.

Anyway. the story is passably good/average. the supporting cast is out of central casting. I'm enjoying it because it is a well constructed pastiche of what I enjoy.

The clincher for me is the villain and the stakes. The stakes are low by fantasy standards. simply the life and self worth of the hero, and 6 elf maidens. WOW! that's amazing! Not the fate of the entire multiverse? Nope, just the life of the hero and the fate some girls who were never nice to her. She is not the chosen one of prophecy. Theoretically Ruethwyn could just walk away and go live a quiet life in a burn ward.
The Villain likewise is not purest evil incarnate, just ordinary garden variety evil. the dragon cares not one bit that our hero lived or died. she is nothing in the dragons eyes.
Why this matters!
Ruethwyn chooses to walk the heroe's path. With her life in the balance and the struggle being near insurmountable she chooses to do the impossible not because the world is at stake, but because it's right and no one else will. She could just go back to bed and not train to face a dragon.
That is what I love about this book. That's why I gave it 4 stars.
Being the hero isn't as heroic with a gun to your head. If that gun is to the head of the whole world and you will all die, then even less so. Writers all seem to be competing to see who can be the most bombastic with higher and higher stakes against greater and eviler mega villains. It all becomes sound and fury. here is a story about character. and I simply love it's simplicity.

[monica.b.czuba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Avatar's Flames (Through the Fire Book1)

This was an interesting story of a young woman who saw her whole village destroyed by a Dragon and black elvens. She is seriously injured but one of the elven saves her after she tried to fight her laughing at her. Some of the villagers were taken by the dragon. The elven is impressed by her bravery. This was a good read and cannot wait for the next one. Benjamin Medrano did a a good job writing this and cleft me hanging having to wait for the next book. Would have given it 5 stars but maybe the next one 5+ stars.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good but not without its imperfections. It's a great read if you want something relaxing with a classical hero wanting to save the damsel but with a lesbian spin on it.

Characters are well written, all with their own agenda and very intriguing, plot is woven with an expected flow of the story but I like the exploration of the lore, it feels very realistic even though we haven't had much detail. It's simple but effective.

Overall it's a fun read that won't offend any reader but can interest fantasy fans who like variety in races and thought through lore.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating start to a series

What a captivating start to a series!! An action-packed, entertaining story with interesting characters & riveting plot lines.

Its a unique & interesting storyline that makes this a very entertaining & captivating book. It was enjoyable with nice flow & effortless progression to its engaging narrative & easily relatable & likeable characters made it easy to lose myself in.

[Anthony Hoban · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite book from this Author thus far, I find he is best at strong openings but has some trouble sticking the landing(ending). That said he has yet to write a book I did not enjoy and this one is no different I recommend this at the very reasonable purchase price or you can read on Kindle unlimited.

[Cloak88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good!

Full review to fellow.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it had decent pace and was very easy to read. It also had enough interesting twists to make it standout from the many other ‘School of Magic’ books.

[RodTheWay · Rating 5 out of 5]

great new series.
entertaining. good dialogues.
nice story. I liked the characters.
I will surely read book 2.
bye

[Lonnie Hammitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book.

A smart heroine using her head to overcome issues instead of simply being much more powerful than anyone else makes for an interesting and engaging story.

[charles clayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reserving My Review For After I've Read The Last Book !

[Niffler · Rating 2 out of 5]

too childish for me...

[William · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay

I guess okay. Nothing much happened in book one. If it were food, it would be a bad gas station snack.

[Koffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benjamin Medrano, an author that is on my top 5 Best Fantasy Authors ever. He has a way of writing that has you turning page after page or listening until you crash and fall asleep. I have read/listened to every book he has published and I love every single 1 of them. That is unusual for me as I often find I like some book series from authors more than others. So let's just say I'm a big fan and I had to try and forget about this books existence, until it's audiobook version was released since I wanted to listen to it first.

The narrator did a great job, truly made the book come alive for me. I was a bit surprised at whom the narrator was at first, but within a few minutes, it just felt like a great fit for this series.

The book had everything I had come to expect from Benjamin Medrano and within the first few words I was hooked. A tragic tale that turned into a quest for power to protect the MC's loved ones. Having to go through hardship after hardship and realizing how easy things where for others that she just couldn't do any longer. It was heartbreaking what had happened to her and how ppl looked down upon her for it. But at the same time it was just so exciting to see her try and try to overcome everyone's expectations of her. With a serious handicap and constant pain she struggled and you can't help but be impressed and start rooting for her. All the side characters where great and really well developed, with their own personalities and goals and yet being drawn to Ruethwyn.

I don't have a single negative thing to say. It's Benjamin Medrano for gods sake what are you waiting for go buy the book NOW!!!! Already bought book 2 as well so awesome.


Re-read in preparation for the release of book #3 (19/01/12 - 19/01/13).
It was just as awesome the second time around as it was the first. Though with the first listen still so fresh it did feel a bit like I knew everything but it was still great and certain things felt like a word here or there I felt like I'd forgotten. On to re-read book #2 in the series

[Cara Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 4.5*.

I picked up The Avatar’s Flame looking for something light, easy, and fun—something to put on in the background - but this ended up being so much more! It wasn’t perfect, but it was fun, and I loved it so much more than expected. It’s queer and follows a young woman who survives an attack on her village. She’s disabled from that attack and is trying to hone her magical craft to rescue those kidnapped. The book handled ableism and friendship really well.

[Jennifer Reaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This was a great start to a well thought out story. I am looking forward to the second installment. I hope the third part follows quickly.

Follow up: I have hear the story several times via Audible. I am now waiting for the third part to come out on Audible.