“Christison takes the tropes of epic fantasy and strips them of their angst, crafting a feel-good page-turner. Brie is a likeable protagonist surrounded by good-natured, slightly larger-than-life companions. Flinton is especially striking with his bearlike size and caring nature, but even Vaylec—the villain—has a personality and depth beyond the genre’s typical evilness for evil’s sake. Christison refuses to manufacture conflict, focusing instead on a central premise and the characters that underpin it. Though the plot is simple and the book is long, Brie’s story plays out with an endearing breeziness. As is often the case with series, the ending of this first novel comes as an interruption rather than a denouement. Nonetheless, there’s a great deal here to ensnare young readers. A heartwarming and innocent upper-middle-grade fantasy.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A magical debut with strong writing and lovable characters. I rooted for Brie as if she were a member of my own family, and all the uncles were my favorite. As soon as my superpowers develop, I’m volunteering to be one of the Blameless. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book.” —Karen Amanda Hooper, author of The Kindrily series
“Princess Brie’s provincial life is shattered in one night as Aldestone falls at the hands of a brutal betrayal. Her family is gone, her life is irreparably unwound, and she is now swept away by three strangers of unknown intent. Her path to royalty is permanently detoured, or so it would seem. Magic, adventure, and new friendships await as she rises from the ashes to take her rightful place among the Blameless. In this series debut, Christison expertly transports the reader to a richly written fantasy world where self-sacrifice and honor are held above all. Well, at least for most. Fresh, original, and exhilarating, The Blameless is a must-have for your fantasy bookshelf.” —S.P. O’Farrell, author of the Simone LaFray series
“Reading The Blameless is the closest I’ve ever come to feeling the way I felt when reading Harry Potter as a child, which says a lot! I used to dream J.K. Rowling’s world of magic would come true, because it felt so real. I’d never found a book again to give me quite the same feeling until The Blameless. E.S. Christison creates a realistic world full of excitement, terror, happiness, goodness, and hope. The characters are genuine and solid, with personalities just like people you would want to know in real life. They never become predictable or dull. Some of them would make such awesome friends! I found myself smiling, laughing out loud, and (almost) crying in several places throughout the book. I never wanted it to end! I don’t remember any boring passages anywhere—how rare is that? This book is written for fantasy lovers who indulge in every part of a well-written story. If you are a bookworm like me, and always on the lookout for great stories, then snuggle up and get comfy. This is a book for you!” —Bettina Ruhe, English teacher, grades 5-7
2020-03-27
A young princess adopted into an extended family of magic wielders discovers her own special powers in Christison’s debut novel for children ages 10 to 14.
On the night the castle at Aldestone is attacked, 13-year-old Princess Briana, known as “Brie,” sees her parents and brother murdered. Brie flees but is hunted through the streets. She escapes thanks to three mysterious rescuers: Derek the archer; Kove the knife-thrower; and big, gentle Flinton, whose sword appears out of nowhere whenever it is needed. These three are “the Blameless,” or heroes who can “control the weather, heal the sick, and end wars.” Each has committed a great selfless act and, in consequence, has manifested magical abilities, as has Brie. By putting the kingdom’s interests first, the princess develops powers of her own. Derek, Kove, and Flinton become her honorary uncles. Vowing to protect and train her, they take Brie to Mount Elrad, the secret stronghold of the Blameless, where she joins Flinton’s household and becomes best friends with his sister Cassie and—begrudgingly—Kove’s brother, Taeo. Despite the murders that caused her to flee her castle, Brie finds happiness at Mount Elrad. But her life is soon upended again. The ruthless usurper Vaylec has found a way to take control of individual Blameless. By harnessing their powers, he snatches Brie and returns her to the castle at Aldestone. What cruelties does he have planned? Will Brie ever be reunited with her new family? Christison takes the tropes of epic fantasy and strips them of their angst, crafting a feel-good page-turner. Brie is a likable protagonist surrounded by good-natured, slightly larger-than-life companions. Flinton is especially striking with his bearlike size and caring nature, but even Vaylec—the villain—has a personality and depth beyond the genre’s typical evilness for evil’s sake. Christison refuses to manufacture conflict, focusing instead on a central premise and the characters that underpin it. Though the plot is simple and the book is long, Brie’s story plays out with an endearing breeziness. As is often the case with series, the ending of this first novel comes as an interruption rather than a denouement. Nonetheless, there’s a great deal here to ensnare young readers.
A heartwarming and innocent upper-middle-grade fantasy.
