[Review] - Flesh and Fire by Laura Anne Gilman

Title: Flesh and Fire
Author: Laura Anne Gilman
Series: Vineart War
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: October 13, 2009

I received this book from Simon & Schuster.

Summary:  Once, all power in the Vin Lands was held by the prince-mages, who alone could craft spellwines, and who selfishly used them to their own gain. Now, fourteen centuries after a demigod shattered the Vine, it is the humble Vinearts who know the secret of crafting spells from wines, the source of magic, and they are prohibited from holding power.

But a new darkness is rising in the vineyards, and only one Vineart, Master Malech, senses the coming danger. He has but one weapon to use against it: a young slave named Jerzy, whose origins are unknown, even to him. Yet his uncanny sense of the Vinearts’ craft offers a hint of greater magics within—magics that Malech must cultivate in his new apprentice before time runs out. For if Jerzy cannot unlock the secrets of the spellwines, the Vin Lands will surely be destroyed.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this one. The idea of wine and magic, really pulled at me to want to read this book. Flesh and Fire is original and rich in detail. It stands out because there is nothing out there like it, at least that I know of. The weaving of wine making and magic in a fantasy setting makes for one powerful read.  A wondrous story that sucks you right in. The first bit was a bit slow for me. But the background information given is vital to the story. The world building in this book is amazing. Main character Jerzy is a real likable character.  I look forward to the rest of his journey.

Score: 3 Stars

Author Website: http://www.lauraannegilman.net/blog/

Vineart War series:
Flesh and Fire
Weight of Stone
The Shattered Vine

Author talks about the inspiration for her Vineart war series.