Professional reviews
Review by K. C. Finn for Indies Today
With a flair for imaginative wordplay that brings a story world to life, Matthew D. Devitt has penned an epic, imaginative start to a bold new sci-fi trilogy in The Quest For Freedom. Fletcher Rush is a powerful, defiant protagonist you can’t help but root for, thanks to some very relatable dialogue and description. This characterization is only part of this novel’s magic formula for sci-fi success. The skillful development extends into an equally realistic setting, and the author’s world-building on Affer is rich, layered, and utterly immersive, laying great groundwork for the many strands of the plot. The compelling mix of planetary politics, interspecies conflict, and personal determination moves along at a natural pace and balances context, detail, and action well so that there is never a dull moment. The blockbuster action scenes cut in sharply, but there are also deeper themes of freedom and resilience to explore, and a truly harrowing portrayal of humanity’s fall and the spark of rebellion that inevitably follows is totally believable. An expansive opening that promises more high stakes, sharp twists, and dramatic confrontations to come, The Quest For Freedom is a must-read for fans of science fiction epics who love rebellion against impossible odds.
Review by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Matthew Devitt’s imaginative epic fantasy took me by surprise in
many ways. The world-building is unique and spectacular, where
different species coexist with each other, and I enjoyed the distinct
cultures, politics, and dynamics in the various cities. The narrative
begins with a background story of Affer's history and quickly follows
Fletcher, who has spent eleven years crafting weapons for his
demon overlords while secretly working on a plan for revenge.
Characterization is also stellar in The Quest For Freedom, and my
favorite characters were Fletcher, of course, and his quick-witted
friend Ji. Tor is a gentle giant whose strength is matched only by his
sense of justice, and it was fun following him as well. Crystal is a
survivor who is as haunted as she is deadly. The conflict is cleverly
explored, and I enjoyed how the fight for freedom is depicted as
costly. Fletcher’s struggle for independence has the potential not
only to topple kingdoms but also to destroy humanity. You’ll love
the excellent prose, the complex characters, the quick pacing, and
the relentless drama. For me, it was an immersive tale.
Review by Erick Ramos for Readers' Favorite
The Quest for Freedom by Matthew Devitt moves quickly, showing
everything from Fletcher's escape to his gathering of allies and his
plans to conquer enemy kingdoms. There are a lot of fights,
bloodshed, and gruesome deaths that are explicitly described.
Fletcher is a very resilient person with high endurance, and I
enjoyed reading about how much Ji believed in him. I also liked
Crystal's story; the girl who escaped the Angel species when she
was 8 and lived alone in Admont for 11 years until she met Fletcher
and Ji. The main theme of this book is freedom, loyalty, and
resilience. The author was very descriptive, from the fights to the
discussions, making his writing style stand out. It's a good fantasy,
and I gladly recommend it.
Review by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
The Quest for Freedom by Matthew Devitt is wonderfully written,
and once you start reading, there is no putting it down. The writing
is engaging and filled with well-crafted dialogue that brings the
story and the characters to life. I loved the themes explored,
including perseverance, determination, and the power of
consistency. The plot flows seamlessly, leaving no room for
confusion. The author ensured all the events were vividly described,
which helped create a mental picture of what was happening.
Readers will also appreciate the amazing narration, which adds to
the overall beauty of the work. This thought-provoking work also
got me thinking about how underestimating one's enemies can be
catastrophic. This was an excellent read, and I look forward to the
second book in the series.
Review by Alija Turkovic for Readers' Favorite
Matthew Devitt's The Quest for Freedom is a fascinating, fast-paced
novel that will get your attention and keep you on the edge of your
seat throughout. The world-building is deep and thoughtful. The
author merges different species, histories, and conflicting agendas
into a world that's vibrant but dangerous. The cities, landscapes,
and power divisions aren’t merely backdrops—they help bring the
characters and their realities to life. This novel is similar to The
Wheel of Time, where politics and personal stories converge into an
unforgettable tale. Fletcher’s character arc is one of the book’s
most emphatic moments. Watching him grow from a character on
the verge of desperation to a determined fighter who embraces his
destiny as a strong leader is powerful and inspiring. Fantasy
enthusiasts who enjoy character-driven stories with an ethical twist
will connect with this thought-provoking tale.
Review by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Quest for Freedom is an action-packed story filled with
intriguing characters and a fast-paced plot. It conveys powerful
lessons about perseverance, building trust, resilience, and
teamwork. The odds are definitely against Fletcher, yet he
continually finds a way to gain the upper hand. His cocky
determination and unwavering confidence drive him forward. I
appreciate that he acknowledges his mistakes and expresses
gratitude to his fellow humans for their support. The narrative is not
solely about battles; it also includes a romantic subplot, as Ji and
Crystal wrestle with their feelings for one another. Matthew Devitt's
storytelling is suspenseful, as he writes from multiple points of
view, allowing readers insight into the elves' strategies and the
imminent threats Fletcher’s army may face. The story is accessible,
and the dialogue is easy to follow. While the action and gore may
be disturbing to some sensitive readers, overall, this is a wonderful
read for anyone who enjoys epic tales featuring formidable
characters, mythological references, and a blend of romance and
friendship.
Review by Nicole Yurcaba for The US Review of Books
This fast-paced book takes its audience through sweeping, fantastical landscapes. It is a realm where humanity's realms gave way for new beings and new social structures to thrive. The book offers a sci-fi-driven take on revolutions and social collapse. It also places concepts such as colonialism under a new, thought-provoking lens. Thus, the book's ability to pose and consider socio-political elements inherent in today's current events conversations makes it stand out from other books in the genre. The book is also a testament to the magic of worldbuilding and the potential a blank page offers an author with a keen, clear imagination. Fletcher, too, is an inspiration. Fletcher's boldness and determination, as well as his concern for others, make him an intriguing character who is well developed throughout the book. Fans of sci-fi and fantasy will truly appreciate this adventuresome novel.
Review by Heather Curran for Reader Views
Matthew Devitt’s fantasy novel The Quest for Freedom is the first novel in The Conquest Trilogy and is an adventure through a dystopian world where humanity must fight for their freedom. Nearly five centuries before the novel’s opening, human beings were conquered and enslaved by five other groups: the angels, the demons, the dammed, the hybrids, and the elves.
On the planet Affer, Fletcher Rush literally breaks the bonds of slavery and, with his friend Ji, escapes from the demon-controlled city where Rush has been held. A blacksmith by trade, Fletcher has reached his breaking point and is determined to lift humanity from the chains enslaving them. After a valorous fight against his captors, Fletcher and Ji flee the city and head south into the elf territory. Given that the elves are considered the weakest of the conquering races, Fletcher concentrates on usurping control from them first with the intent of steadily moving across the continent, freeing people along the way.
Devitt’s Affer is a modern world infused with fantasy elements. Although Fletcher and Ji drive a car out of the demon territory, their primary weapons are swords and knives. In many battle sequences, armor-wearing combatants are embroiled in hand-to-hand combat or wield weapons reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Gunpowder and cannons are used, adding to the feel of a hybrid modern-fantasy world. Affer is no Harry Potter type of world, with magicians and wands. It is reminiscent of our present-day world, when characters use “transmitters” to communicate with one another. At times, the world-building feels disjointed, but the novel’s swift pace and massive battle sequences kept the pages turning.
The Quest for Freedom by Matthew Devitt has elements of The Lord of the Rings mixed with Braveheart. Fletcher’s epic quest has many moments when he gives rousing speeches, encouraging his followers to embrace the life and death battle they wage so they can finally be free. Fletcher’s speeches reminded me of Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day speech when he calls his fellow soldiers his “band of brothers” and how they will live, fight, and fall together.