Lord of Flames

My Thoughts on Lord of Flames

"Lord of Flames" presents an interesting premise: a protagonist reborn as a sentient flame, gaining power through worship and building a kingdom. It's got that compelling mix of fantasy, kingdom-building, and a touch of system mechanics that often grabs my attention. However, after diving in, I found myself with mixed feelings, echoing some of the sentiments I've seen expressed elsewhere.

First Impressions

The initial chapters were definitely intriguing. The concept of evolving from a simple flame to a powerful god is a strong hook. I was genuinely curious to see how the protagonist would navigate this new reality and establish his influence. The early stages of village development and the reactions of the first believers were quite engaging.

What Works Well

The core concept of a flame-turned-god using modern knowledge to guide his followers in kingdom building is fun. The pacing of the early development, the slow but steady growth of the settlement into a thriving city, is satisfying. There's a certain charm in seeing how the protagonist's influence shapes the world around him, especially when interacting with outsiders who are new to this burgeoning civilization.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the execution doesn't always live up to the potential. Several aspects felt underdeveloped. The characters, for instance, often felt more like placeholders than fully realized individuals. I struggled to connect with them on an emotional level, which made it difficult to stay invested in their stories. The world-building, while present, could be more fleshed out. Some elements, like the sudden appearance of races, felt a bit arbitrary.

Then there are the, shall we say, interesting choices in the kingdom's development. The reliance on potatoes as a staple food and the introduction of advanced technology like electricity without adequate consideration for the necessary infrastructure raised some eyebrows. It pulled me out of the story a bit, making it harder to fully immerse myself in the world.

Final Verdict

"Lord of Flames" has a unique and engaging premise, and the early stages of kingdom building are enjoyable. However, the underdeveloped characters, somewhat questionable world-building decisions, and a loss of momentum later in the story prevent it from reaching its full potential. It's a decent read, but be prepared for some bumps along the way. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, especially if you're a fan of the genre and willing to overlook some of its flaws.