The Blameless

"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 heart-warming and innocent upper-middle-grade fantasy."

"E.S. Christison bewitched me with her magical debut 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."

"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."