I was a little unclear on some of the rules and timelines. Most of the subplots did weave together by the end, but in the first 200 pages, I wasn’t sure who to keep track of. Because of that, the first half didn’t feel as cohesive as it could’ve been. It felt like a lot, particularly in the beginning when I was trying to get a handle on the world building and figure out just whose story this was. Granted, we spend most of the story with Haegan, but we also see through the eyes of his sister, father, mentor, love interest, love interest’s brother, friends, and enemies. I counted at least ten, if not more, throughout the book. Years of miscommunication inflict deep wounds on many of the characters, and it was refreshing to see some of them begin to work through that. Themes of familial love and pain run strong. And Drracien reminded me of Avatar’s Prince Zuko in some ways. (Some of their gestures and movements reminded me of Avatar: The Last Airbender.) The wielding was fascinating! Lots of elemental-type powers sound the same from one book to another, but there was something different about the accelerants, people gifted with the ability to wield Abiassa’s Flames, tasked with serving Her with their power. By the climax, we get a whisper of who they’re all going to grow up to be, and I’m excited. A young woman full of secret shame, an accelerant running from his superiors, an even-keeled boy from a distant land, another boy with a giant chip on his shoulder, and a kid who’s wiser than all of them. Set-up for an epic “fellowship.” One of my favorite fantasy tropes is the band of misfits, and we certainly have the beginnings of one here.

Cat-like creatures with wings that fold into their shoulders? How is that not super fun?

(Well, there is one thing he seemed rather clueless about, but that could just be me. But he made up for it with heart and brains. Having been paralyzed for years, only to receive movement quite suddenly, he was physically weak, clumsy, and unpracticed. Haegan was a well-rounded hero with refreshing weaknesses to contend with. Male protagonist! There aren’t enough of those around. I was interested based on the sibling dynamic alone, never mind the disability and the fire powers. First off, I LOVE the concept of this book! A fire-wielding princess trades places with her crippled brother, and he must go on a quest to save her from his own paralyzed fate.

Accelerant by Ronie Kendig