Genres: NA Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Epic Fantasy | Release Date: 12 October 2023 | Series: Flame & Sparrow | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 662 | Indie Author | Review
“Sometimes it’s safer in the dark.”
S. M. Gaither
Overview:
Don’t you just love this beautiful Fabled edition of Flame & Sparrow by S. M. Gaither?! I couldn’t resist getting a copy of this NA romantic fantasy, and I am so very glad I did. Is it a wonderfully chonky beast of a book? You know it is, when it comes in at 662 pages (ebook version)! But at no point did this gorgeous story feel too long, and I was devastated when I arrived at the final page. So without further ado, let’s give you an overview before I get carried away with my excitement!
Determined to avenge the disappearance of her sister five years ago, Karys has spent her time planning the downfall of the gods. She knows they were behind it, and refuses to let this crime go unpunished. But when Karys is captured by the humans and about to perish by fire, an unlikely ally comes to her aid… Dravyn, the God of Fire and Forging, has a bargain to make. And something about Karys intrigues him. Will Karys find a way to destroy the deities from inside the divine realm? Or will the gods’ trials see the end of her own life? And what happens when the volatile spark between Karys and Dravyn forces her to reconsider everything she’s ever known?

The beautiful dragon by Plushlike Creatures was just as enchanted with its magic.
Happiness Boost:
What a journey this romantasy took me on! Flame & Sparrow has been such a page turner, I’m in awe of the intricate details Gaither gives us concerning the divine realm. Add to that the trials the gods require of Karys? They are unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and it is *so* exciting that I get to say that! Glitterbugs, if you love fantasy tales which feature tricky trials that require more than just pure strength? Ones that push the character to their limits and then even beyond that? I’m telling you right now, look no further… Because this beautiful book needs to go to the top of your TBR right now!
Within Flame & Sparrow, Karys is forced to examine her prejudices. She’s also forced to remember that she needs to be her own person, rather than trying to be her lost sister. As you can probably tell, this makes for a particularly powerful story. And the fact that this NA fantasy also gives us gods with quirks and failings of their own? I adore how nobody is perfect! The way Gaither pulls at all of the threads within this story to create a magical tapestry full of colour and heart is nothing short of exceptional.
Okay, there’s a *lot* I could fangirl about when it comes to this romantasy. We all know it, just as we know I’d be here forever if anyone gave me the slightest hint to keep talking. But you know what I’m going to end my happiness boosts on? Moth. This griffin has wormed his way into my heart so very easily, and I can’t find it in me to regret that. We all love an animal sidekick right?! Technically an imperfect creation by Dravyn, Moth is an adorable and hilariously dramatic creature. You best believe I hope there’s even more appearances from him in the second book of this duology (Ash & Feather)!
Downside:
Trust me glitterbugs, if you want to read an enthralling romantic fantasy? You won’t find any downsides with this one!
Final Thoughts:
Flame & Sparrow by S. M. Gaither is an exciting romantic fantasy full of trials, magic and earth-shattering betrayals. Will I be hoping Fabled give us a copy of the sequel, to match the beautiful hardcover I own of this one? Of course! But I can tell you right now I already have the next book ready to go on my Kindle, because there’s no way I’m waiting to read the rest of this story! Love what you’ve heard from my review? Just click any of the links below to grab your copy of this beautiful book! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order Flame & Sparrow via these links:

