Patricia Okongwu's "The Invisible Sword of Flames: Dragon of Darkness" is a captivating narrative that skillfully weaves together adventure, fantasy, and a hint of sci-fi. Set in a world where faith is fading and darkness looms over the land of Perea, the story follows six siblings, known as the Followers, who embark on a daring quest to rekindle belief in the mysterious Forever One.

Okongwu has created a vibrant universe filled with fascinating characters and compelling obstacles. Each sibling brings distinct personalities and strengths to the table, forming a strong core to the tale. Their steadfast faith and deep familial bonds shine as a beacon of hope against the encroaching shadows. The plot is further enriched by the character of Mathias, a solitary figure whose fate intertwines with that of the Followers, adding depth and intrigue to the overarching narrative.

While the book excels in character development and world-building, it occasionally stumbles in pacing. Some plot points could be fleshed out further, leaving readers yearning for a more profound connection to the story. However, the author’s imaginative storytelling and the underlying themes of hope and perseverance more than make up for these minor drawbacks.

The seamless blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure elements offers a refreshing and engaging reading experience. The six siblings are well-crafted and relatable, each driven by their own motivations. The narrative underscores the importance of belief and the strength found in unity when facing adversity.

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys character-driven fantasy adventures. It’s especially suitable for those seeking an inspiring tale of hope and resilience amid challenges, as well as fans of young adult fiction.

"The Invisible Sword of Flames: Dragon of Darkness" marks a promising beginning to a series that holds the potential to ignite readers' imaginations of all ages. While there is room for improvement in pacing and plot development, its strengths lie in captivating characters, rich world-building, and an inspiring message. I eagerly anticipate how the series will unfold and how the Followers will continue their battle against the Dragon of Darkness.

I did not finish this.

I very quickly felt like I was being preached to, with the story very much based on Christianity.

This was not for me.

This was heavily steeped in religion and it was good it was a short story as I would have probably have DNF'd if longer

Six people of faith came to a city to renew its faith and to defeat an evil enemy. Overall, this story was about faith, finding it, what it can achieve and even if you lost it you can be found again. I would call this Christian fantasy. There were bible passages in the beginning of chapters and references were very easy to identify as Christian elements.

One problem for me was that it didn't explain what made their faith personal to each person. It just stated they had faith without it having any connotations or what particularly appealed to them about the religion. It felt like, to me, if you took away the overt Christian references and bible passages that it could be any religion or a statement that the world circles the sun.

Also, the characters were one dimensional. It is a short story/novella so it is difficult to develop complex characters but it can be done and this was lacking. The evil was even less defined and the finale was over quickly.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.

DNF - page 16 (55%)
Review disclaimer: I chose not to finish this title as it very apparently became Christian fiction in the first few pages. As a person of a non-Christian religion, I try to avoid reading Christian literature as I, obviously, don't find it personally relevant, interesting, or useful.

I actually really like the concept of this story - a group of six characters who may have little in common but united by a single cause, traveling together? How very D&D!
I wish there had been a more explicit note in the novella description that this was Christian fiction. Rather than choosing to go the way of C. S. Lewis or Tolkein, choosing allegory to strengthen the connection between this story and faith, each chapter began with a Bible passage. Jesus is invoked more than once by the characters. The Holy Spirit is also a character in itself, interestingly, and actively speaks to one of the characters.
The dialogue itself felt very modern and at odds with this seemingly more traditional fantasy setting. A battle scene that could have been an inventive way to show the characters using their individual strengths, buoyed by their faith, turned into a three paragraph solution where the name of Jesus killed an undescribed monster in three paragraphs.

While I'm absolutely not the target audience, I found the writing to be disappointing. I was hoping for a fun, short, ragtag fantasy and found myself with a Christian Bible lesson instead.

I read this novella thanks to net galley. Honestly I do not believe in religious stuff to begin with. thankfully this was only 29 pages otherwise I would not have bothered to read it. I think this novella wasn't interesting enough, no detail what so ever. the bible quotes were taken and basically spun into a mini story but it had no bearing on each other. I am sure it is for someone, every book is enjoyable to some one but not my preference.

Embrace the Adventure with The Invisible Sword of Flames - A Tale of True Belief

The Followers of the Forever One have lost their faith, but six travelers cross mountains and rivers to revive their passion. Led by four brothers and their sister, who have unwavering faith in each other and the Word of the Forever One, they set out to show the people that the divine power they seek is still relevant. But as a disguised enemy endangers their mission, can they protect the town of Perea and restore peace? Immerse yourself in a journey like never before, filled with mystery, divine power, and the unyielding will of true believers in Part One of The Invisible Sword of Flames.

Rekindle Your Faith with The Invisible Sword of Flames - A Journey of Divine Power.

The Followers' belief in the Forever One is wavering, but a group of six travelers from a distant land arrives to reignite the passion of the people. With unbreakable faith and trust in each other, the brothers Nikolaos, Vassilis, Topher, Michalis, and Yiannis, and their sister Kleopatra, set out to instill a renewed belief in the value of the Word of the Forever One. But when a disguised enemy threatens their mission, will they be able to protect the land of Perea and bring peace back to its people? Join these true believers on a twisting, turning adventure filled with mystery and divine power.

This wasn't really a book for me. I didn't realize it was going to be biblical and I am not religious in the slightest. For what it was, it wasn't bad though. I really liked the short chapters as it made it's point simply and kept moving. I also liked the end notes where it told you the meaning of the names! That was such a nice touch and put more meaning behind the story.

this is my first review and im glad i choose this as i just read it and i have to say its It's short and simple and admiring story and to see that their name actually had special meaning behind them its a good story