The Pyromancer's Scroll

Book Review #15

The Pyromancer’s Scroll is the debut novel of Jeremy P. Madsen and is the first book in the Zenitha Saga. Written in third-person limited and spread across 478 pages, this is an epic work within the fantasy genre told primarily through Durrin, a pyromancer; Volthorn, a seasoned general; and Adara, a soon-to-be-crowned queen.

Clean Fantasy

Jeremy committed himself to writing clean fantasy, and there’s no excessive gore or vulgarity. There are a few large-scale battles, and there is some violence, but I would compare it to Star Wars or what might be called “swashbuckling violence.”

Whereas characters in other books might say something profane, in this novel they often use a tame expletive, reminiscent of the episode of Monk in which Mr. Monk proclaims “Shucky Darns!”

At times, The Pyromancer’s Scroll reminded me of Pixar films from the early 2000s, which were made to appeal to all ages.

Epic Scales

Jeremy has created a sprawling world, in which characters visit fascinating locations that could be the setting for an entire novel on their own.

There’s also several unique characters navigating a plot with more intrigue than I initially expected.

And although this story has appeal for all ages, it conveys serious themes, such as faith, redemption, and justice.

Managing Expectations

• What it is

  • Epic, clean Fantasy, with wholesome themes.

  • A long book.

  • Character and plot-driven, with some levels of intrigue.

• What it isn’t

  • Game of Thrones, or anything with cynical, McNihilistic themes.

  • A short read.

  • A PsychoMcLogical thriller.

Inside the Author’s Studio

Jeremy P. Madsen writes clean, family-friendly fantasy stories with spiritually resonant themes.

As a child, Jeremy eagerly devoured the stacks of library books his siblings brought home. But he was too timid to check out books for himself. He had no idea which stories on the shelves were clean, and which would violate his standards.

Luckily, his siblings had excellent tastes, shaping his love of fantasy through The Chronicles of Prydain, Narnia, Redwall, and Fablehaven. By 8th grade, he was a writer, acting out his own fight scenes with a cape and a plastic sword.

In college, Jeremy’s worldbuilding was shaped by his major, ancient Near Eastern studies. As he witnessed the rise of grimdark fantasy and the publishing industry’s continued decline in standards, he vowed to write stories that are uplifting, clean, and safe for all readers.

Besides his author career, Jeremy works for BK Authors, Inc. and Berrett-Koehler Publishers. His most important roles are husband to his amazing wife, father to his three children, and disciple of Jesus Christ.

He and his family live in Columbus, Ohio. He still wears capes.

Where to Buy The Pyromancer’s Scroll

The Pyromancer’s Scroll on Amazon

Book Blurb

He forfeited his soul. Now he wants it back.

Durrin Rendhart had one goal: become the greatest pyromancer to ever live. All he still needed was a forbidden scroll, promised to him by a scheming politician.

In exchange, he slew a king and sparked a war.

Now, seven years later, Durrin begins to realize the full price of his crime: his soul is condemned to eternal torment.

Desperate to rewrite his fate, Durrin vows to end the war he helped to start. But will that require giving up the scroll he once gave everything to find?

A clean, uplifting fantasy epic for anyone who loves Prydain, Narnia, Muirwood, Middle Earth, or Roshar

This story is safe for all ages PG and up. It is 100% free of profanity, excessive violence, and suggestive material.

What it DOES have is legendary duels, hard magic systems, realistic battlefield strategy, political machinations, high stakes, nuanced villains, morally guided heroes, and the clash between cosmic powers of good and evil—everything that makes an epic fantasy novel epic.