From Unseen Fire

By: Cass Morris

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam

Length: 16 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

From Unseen Fire is the first novel in the Aven Cycle, a historical fantasy set in an alternate Rome, by debut author Cass Morris

The Dictator is dead; long live the Republic.

But whose Republic will it be? Senators, generals, and elemental mages vie for the power to shape the future of the city of Aven. Latona of the Vitelliae, a mage of Spirit and Fire, has suppressed her phenomenal talents for fear they would draw unwanted attention from unscrupulous men. Now that the Dictator who threatened her family is gone, she may have an opportunity to seize a greater destiny as a protector of the people - if only she can find the courage to try.

Her siblings - a widow who conceals a canny political mind in the guise of a frivolous socialite, a young prophetess learning to navigate a treacherous world, and a military tribune leading a dangerous expedition in the province of Iberia - will be her allies as she builds a place for herself in this new world, against the objections of their father, her husband, and the strictures of Aventan society.

Latona's path intersects with that of Sempronius Tarren, an ambitious senator harboring a dangerous secret. Sacred law dictates that no mage may hold high office, but Sempronius, a Shadow mage who has kept his abilities a lifelong secret, intends to do just that. As rebellion brews in the provinces, Sempronius must outwit the ruthless leader of the opposing Senate faction to claim the political and military power he needs to secure a glorious future for Aven and his own place in history.

As politics draw them together and romance blossoms between them, Latona and Sempronius will use wit, charm, and magic to shape Aven's fate. But when their foes resort to brutal violence and foul sorcery, will their efforts be enough to save the Republic they love?

©2018 Cass Morris (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

LOL Definitely not for the politically weary!!

This book is primarily about political intrigue, basically a dramatization of congressional elections really. Not bad... but if you live in America right now probably won't be the escapism you were hoping for. lol For me the magic is a bit too limited, either by tradition, law or by the very source of the power, there doesn't seem to be a lot they can do with it. Granted that is one of the things that the protagonists are trying to change. On the other hand as a lover of Greek and Roman mythology i am quite the fan of the magics lore. If i had to make a nitpick of this book i would say that it really needs a guide. a lot of latin terms are used and i had no real idea what they meant, just vague guesses based on context. I also confess that i am more familiar with the Greek pantheon than the Roman and did not know who all the gods and goddesses they referred to were. All and all it is a pretty decent first book and i look forward to the next one.

Just amazing

This was an amazing book. a Historical Fantasy set in Ancient Rome? Hell yes!

I love the slow build, the setting, the magic, the characters. Political intrigue is becoming one of my favorite sub-genres. And it's always great when there are fantastic female protagonists.

I am eagerly awaiting my next credit to get the sequel

Intriguing

I listened to this book on the recommendation from the Disney Origin Stories podcast and the recommendation did not disappoint me. I didn’t know that what I wanted was a tale of personal and political ambition in a magical version of Ancient Rome!

Excellent narration from Khristine Hvam as well.

I look forward to the next installment in this series by Cass Morris.

A Remarkable World

If you enjoy studies on ancient Rome, or Game of Thrones, you'll love this world!