In THE CELESTIAL FLAME, the first book in the Divine Flame fantasy saga by S.R. Watts, Harius is a young man from the Republic of Archaya, a realm inhabited by a race of winged humans. Having barely survived a devastating war against the flightless but technologically superior Nayzites, the Archayans live in constant fear of renewed aggression by Nayon’s power-hungry ruler, the Sovereign. Harius is part of the spiritual Zenark Order, which worships a deity known as the Divine. But while Harius is a faithful believer, the death of his mother during the war has left him angry and disillusioned. Compounding his disenchantment is his strained relationship with his father, the chancellor of Archaya, whose repressive policies and desire for technology have created a rift between them.

When a radical faction of Imperialists stages a deadly riot, the Archayans discover that the Sovereign intends to start another war, using advanced machines capable of utterly destroying the Republic. As Archaya prepares to send a delegation to Nayzite colonies that oppose the Sovereign in hopes of forging an alliance, Harius visits his grandfather and mentor, the Emissary of the Divine, who tasks him with restoring humanity’s connection with the Divine. Harius joins the Archayan peace delegation and must find a way to unlock the Ethereal Gates while evading the Sovereign’s clutches.

THE CELESTIAL FLAME offers a rich, immersive universe that is populated by nuanced cultures and brought to life through vivid descriptions. Harius’s conversations with his fellow traveler Lazara, for instance, reveal an Archayan society deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality: “Believe, and all will be well. Through the small and simple shall the Celestial Flame be worked in awesome wonder.” Watts’s portrayal of the industrialized society of Nayon, on the other hand, offers a stark contrast:

“Harius saw a thin cloud of gray smog hovering over the city’s outline with its numerous brick, steel, and glass structures towering in the distance. He was a little disappointed by how dull and colorless the buildings looked compared to the rich architecture of Archayan cities.”

While the story is engaging, there are moments when the pacing feels sluggish—particularly the political discussions. Though the political landscape is meticulously crafted and reflects the uneasy balance of power and ethics, action-hungry readers may find these sections slow or overly heavy with detail.

With its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and compelling blend of adventure, mysticism, and political intrigue, S.R. Watts’s THE CELESTIAL FLAME is a promising introduction to the Divine Flame saga that will leave readers eager to discover what lies ahead.

~Edward Sung for IndieReader