Two women from opposite ends of a fractured, post-empire world—one seeking redemption for her cursed village, the other striving to claim her denied royal birthright—embark on a perilous journey to the legendary city of Nivela, encountering lost gods, ancient magic fueled by faith, and a reluctant companion along the way. Their slow-burn romance unfolds amid richly detailed worldbuilding and philosophical reflections on power, faith, and the aftermath of conquest, ultimately leading to a bittersweet, realistic ending rather than a traditional happily-ever-after.

Reader Review Summary

"Idolfire" is an ambitious and imaginative sapphic fantasy novel that takes readers on an epic journey inspired by the fascinating era of the fall of Rome. Author Grace Curtis has crafted an immersive and vibrant world filled with stolen gods, ancient curses, and the remnants of a once-mighty empire.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its superb worldbuilding. Curtis excels at vividly depicting the diverse cultures, rituals, and lifestyles across the lands her characters traverse. From the dying village of Wall's End to the opulent Kingdom of Ash, each locale feels richly realized and imbued with a sense of history and mythology. The magic system involving "Idolfire" - the consuming of accumulated faith in deities - is an ingenious concept that adds depth to the world's lore.

The novel's two protagonists, the determined Kirby and the arrogant yet capable Aleya, make for a compelling duo propelling the narrative forward. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and temperaments, their reluctant partnership blossoms naturally over the course of their arduous journey. Readers will find themselves invested in their fates as well as their slow-burn sapphic romance that simmers tantalizingly. The introduction of a third perspective from the intriguing Nylophon also breathes new life into the latter chapters.

Curtis's vibrant descriptive prose and knack for dramatic action set pieces shine throughout. Moments like the awakening figurehead of a ship and the characters' perilous journey through an underwater tunnel demonstrate her ability to conjure awe-inspiring fantastical visuals. The combat sequences are equally gripping, highlighting Aleya's combat prowess while allowing the more gentle Kirby to contribute in her own ways.

While the pacing is admittedly slow at times, mirroring the long and winding road the characters tread, it allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the richly-textured world. Curtis also deserves praise for her willingness to subvert genre expectations with the book's poignant, bittersweet ending that stays true to the characters' journeys.

Overall, "Idolfire" is a captivating and emotionally resonant work of epic fantasy that deftly blends sweeping adventure with intimate character moments. With its sapphic romance, morally complex characters, and masterful worldbuilding inspired by a pivotal historical era, this is a book that will likely linger in readers' minds long after the final pages. Fans of immersive fantasy adventures would do well to experience the engrossing quest at the heart of this standout novel.