The Quest for Freedom (The Conquest Trilogy #1) is the first book in Matthew D. Devitt’s Conquest Trilogy, a fast-paced fantasy tale centered on rebellion, loyalty, and the fight to reclaim a stolen future. Blending intense action with emotionally driven character bonds, it follows a group of unlikely allies determined to challenge centuries of oppression. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from this gritty, battle-heavy opener.
About the Book: The Quest for Freedom
On the earthlike world of Affer, humans have lived under slavery for centuries. Fletcher Rush, born into bondage but unwilling to accept that fate, dares to imagine a life beyond chains. With raw determination and a dangerous plan, he sparks the beginnings of a rebellion that will challenge the powerful species who rule the planet. As alliances form and battles ignite, Fletcher must navigate loyalty, loss, and a destiny far greater than he ever expected.
BookHookup Review: The Quest for Freedom
The Quest for Freedom kicks off the Conquest Trilogy with a gritty, rebellion-driven story rooted in fierce camaraderie and constant action. Fletcher Rush, once a slave, now an emerging leader, anchors the narrative with his flaws, stubborn courage, and heartfelt desire to see his people freed. His humanity is one of the book’s strongest elements; he fails, learns, and pushes forward in ways that feel real and relatable.
The relationships in this book are its beating heart. As Fletcher gathers allies and builds the foundation of an uprising, the bonds forged through hardship feel genuine and meaningful. These connections add emotional weight to every battle, and the story’s brisk pacing keeps the tension high from start to finish.
Readers who enjoy action-heavy fantasy will find plenty to love here. The novel is packed with fights, skirmishes, and brutal confrontations. Fletcher endures extreme injuries, often to superhuman degrees, yet continues to press on. For fans of high-adrenaline sequences, this contributes to the book’s intensity; for readers seeking realism, it may require some suspension of disbelief.
Where the story falters is in its world-building. Several species, including elves and demons, feel only lightly differentiated from humans in speech and behavior. Elves retain long lifespans and pointed ears, but lack the heightened senses, agility, or magic often associated with their kind. Even the demon race, intriguing but briefly introduced, reads surprisingly human. This sameness makes the world feel less expansive than it could be.
The mix of technology can also be jarring. Characters fight with medieval-style weapons: swords, axes, and similar tools, yet automobiles, refrigerators, and other modern conveniences exist in the same world. With little explanation for this contrast, the setting may feel inconsistent to some readers.
Stylistically, the book leans heavily on modern profanity, especially the F-word. It appears across species and in nearly every context. For readers who avoid strong language or prefer cleaner fantasy, this will likely be a dealbreaker.
A few smaller inconsistencies stand out—for example, a malnourished survivor who has scraped by since childhood suddenly having access to a hot bath and shampoo. These details don’t ruin the story but momentarily disrupt the immersion of an otherwise harsh, survival-driven world.
Despite these drawbacks, The Quest for Freedom delivers where it matters most: emotional connection. The loyalty among characters, the determination to reclaim freedom, and the spark of hope against overwhelming odds give the story meaningful depth. Devitt crafts a tale of rebellion, found family, and resilience that resonates even when the world-building feels uneven.
For readers who enjoy fast-paced, battle-rich fantasy focused on relationships and uprising, this book offers a compelling start to a larger saga. Those sensitive to strong language or seeking more intricate world-building may want to proceed with caution, but fans of gritty, character-driven rebellion stories will find much to appreciate.
BookHookup Note
I focus on YA and clean fiction across genres, and The Quest for Freedom contains frequent strong profanity and intense violence, which may not be suitable for all readers. While the emotional core is strong, the language level is high enough to merit a clear content note. Recommended for adults and mature teens who enjoy gritty fantasy with nonstop action and strong character bonds.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
An action-heavy epic fantasy featuring a revenge-driven protagonist, nonstop combat, and high-stakes battles. Ideal for readers who enjoy gritty, battle-driven fantasy stories.
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
A classic epic fantasy about rebellion against tyranny, strong character relationships, and a well-developed magic system. Known for polished world-building and less graphic content.
***
As BookHookup, I received a copy of this book for review consideration though Black Phoenix Book Tours. I have not received compensation for this review or for recommending the book. All thoughts are my own. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Enjoyed this review? Let’s connect!
I focus on clean fiction across genres, historical romance, fantasy, suspense, crime, children’s, and more. When books include content that may not be suitable for all readers, I provide clear disclaimers so you can choose wisely.
- 📖 Read more book reviews on BookHookup
- ⭐ Follow me on Goodreads for updates and reviews across all genres - Goodreads Books I've read
- 📸 Join me on Instagram for quotes, bookish highlights, and behind-the-scenes posts My Instagram
- 🐦 Follow me on X (Twitter) for quick book insights and discussion as well as news about my own books. On X I'm known as Birdiesquill
- 👍 Share this review with readers who enjoy thoughtful, clean, and engaging fiction!
Let’s explore great books together—one page at a time
Comments