Foes of Hope – Book Review
A sweeping epic of rebellion, resilience, and royalty in a fractured world.
I was so excited to receive an advanced reader copy of this upcoming book, set to release on June 30, 2025.
Before I get into the story itself (spoiler-free), I have to first say that I love a great dedication, especially when it’s a heartfelt one. This book is dedicated to the author’s late brother, Anton, who he says encouraged him to write this novel. Having read it, I know Anton would be so proud. Now, let’s dive in!
A war-torn continent full of intrigue, revolt, and harrowing personal struggles serves as the setting for Brendon James’s vividly envisioned coming-of-age fiction, Foes of Hope. This debut novel is worth reading if you enjoy slow-burning, character-driven storytelling, ethically complicated characters, and deep world-building.
The plot revolves around the royal line of Eirene, a once-glorious kingdom that is now in danger of collapsing and is set in the alternate Victorian-era continent of Vasarea. Four royal heirs must face their deepest wants and greatest fears in order to decide not only the fate of their country but also their own identities, as shaky alliances fall apart, and a sinister cult known as the Harbingers threatens to spark a revolution.
The way that Foes of Hope skillfully combines enormous fantasy with intimate storytelling is what really sets it apart. The journeys of each sibling are complex and emotionally stirring. Our own inner struggles with identity and belonging are poignantly reflected in Pistis’ quest for meaning and self-worth. Yagmur gives readers a unique representation of mental health and resiliency in the fantasy genre with his unvarnished, strong, and refreshingly honest battle with addiction. Tension and gravity are added by Cadfael, who is torn between duty and desire and must make choices that could fundamentally change their universe.
Although there is a lot of action and tension due to the political scheming, cult plots, and growing civil conflict, this is fundamentally a drama about people – flawed, suffering, and exquisitely human. The majesty of lofty imagination and the intimacy of personal drama are well balanced in James’s poetic yet grounded prose.
The book is beautifully formatted and illustrated, and professionally edited. It’s apparent from the beginning and all throughout that a lot of care and attention was put into delivering not just a great story – but to have it wrapped up in a nice package as well. There aren’t typos or formatting errors that distract you from reading. There are 39 chapters and an Epilogue and the chapters have titles, which is just a personal thing I love. I enjoy reading the titles and getting a little teaser or glimpse into what is to come.
There’s also a glossary of terms and other sections to help you understand the world and the characters better. This makes it easier to fully immerse yourself into the story, and gives you something to reference when needing a reminder. The beautiful illustrations also help bring it all to life. And from the very first chapter, we are pulled into a riveting story that captures your attention and won’t let go. You will not want to put this book down.
Foes of Hope tells a gripping and emotional story that stays with you long beyond the last page, with its thematic focus on hope, atonement, and the struggle to reclaim one’s destiny. It’s a bold, genre-bending debut that foreshadows much bigger things in subsequent releases.
Final Thoughts:
The cost of legacy, the weight of personal demons, and the unwavering strength of hope are all explored in the emotionally packed, character-rich fantasy novel Foes of Hope. With his breathtaking debut, Brendon James has earned a place on every fantasy fan’s radar.
Preorder now to avoid missing out on this fantasy world rising sensation!