In Gillian Bronte Adams’s sprawling nation of Soldonia, banished king’s daughter Ceridwen patrols the land on a horse with special talent. This beast can blast Of Fire and Ash’s titular elements. Other horses can harness powers such as shadow, water, and storm. But then, blazes, smoldering tensions ignite when hostile armies assault her land. Ceridwen’s repeated volatile actions and battle crescendos may threaten to overrun this kingdom. Yet the Fireborn Epic’s first book also benefits from two side trails, following young runaway Rafi as well as enslaved scholar Jakim, who serves the one God, Aodh. His faith, plus glimpses of Soldonian culture beyond the battlefields, can help readers ride far into this world of elemental equestrians.

Best for: Fans of horses and epic fantasy scenes, who don’t mind tracking wide impressions from large casts of characters.

Discern: Frequent battle damage of moderate description, including lost blood and limbs as well as one significant and tragic beheading; male and female riders share war powers; a few fantasy-vulgarities, usually relating to combustion.