For those who don’t know about SPFBO (the Self Published Fantasy Blog Off) – this is a competition created and run by Mark Lawrence.  The competition is now in its tenth year and you can find more about all the other entrants and judges over on Mark Lawrence’s blog.

I separated my books into three batches which you can find here, here and here.  Having read the first 25% (at least) I’ve chosen five books that I intend to read further before choosing potential semi finalists to pass to the Critiquing Chemist to read. Today I am posting my first SPFBO review for Fortitude’s Prize by Ceril N Domace.

Well, this was a really good way to start the last step of my reading for phase 1 of SPFBO.  This is an adventure story told by a young man who acts as healer and alchemist aboard a flying ship

Edward Bardsley is our MC.  I really enjoyed the narration and the way he tells his story.  He’s likable and relatable.  He’s keeping a secret which makes him cautious and also intriguing.  As the story begins the airship that Edward works on has taken a new commission.  It’s going to involve travelling to the other side of the Isles and will be dangerous.  They’re retrieving something stolen from Fortitude’s Master, something priceless.

The setting, well we predominantly spend time aboard the flying airship which is a setting I enjoyed.  We get to meet the key members from the story, mainly the captain and their partner together with a couple of other characters who are fundamental to the plot.  Cook was a favourite.  He spends a lot of time with Edward, particularly as he is able to lend Edward some of his magic to help enforce runes, etc.  I wouldn’t say that the magic or the flying is explained in any great depth but I didn’t find this a problem.  There are two engineers who are responsible for keeping the vessel afloat and whose story feeds nicely into the plot.  The place itself has the feeling of familiarity whilst at the same time as having a fantasy spin, for example, the engineers agree to teach Edward Mandarin in exchange for the assistance he gives them.

What I really liked about this.  The writing is smooth, the pacing is good, it’s only a short(ish) book but it has good world building and an interesting story and the ending is particularly intriguing.  I’m not sure if there are any other instalments planned but I think there should be.  There is mystery and dramatic chases, storms and hairy landings.  Also, a sprinkling of magic, griffins and more.

I don’t really have any criticisms.  In a way it feels like this is a set up book somehow, like we’re only just dipping our toes into the water and discovering who Edward really is and where his adventures will take him next.

I received a copy courtesy of the author, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.