The Source of Strife by Alex Arch

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. Only stolen. Mages feed on catalysts like Dinnie to enhance their spells, and since she’s the most formidable weapon alive, they will stop at nothing to control her. Even her parents, leaders of warring realms, wage a battle for her custody, imprisoning her to prevent the other from gaining the upper hand. No more. For the first time in her fourteen years, Dinnie isn’t alone. With the help of Ghost, a glum deserter shackled to his past, she intends to flee this madness. But as they witness the horrors unleashed to retrieve her, one thing becomes clear: Her parents will never abandon their claim. Death and destruction follow in Dinnie’s wake, and she must decide if her freedom is worth the cost.

Adult • Diversity Representation/LGBTQ+ • Diversity Representation/BIPOC • Diversity Representation/Mental Health • Fantasy/Epic and High • Westerns/Adventure

Content Warning: Mentions of suicide

Reviewed by lamichi writer on 2025-11-02T17:13:53Z:

Some middle chapters of the book could be skipped without affecting the greater plot alongside a bit more worldbuilding. However, we get an awesome magic system, mental health rep and the highlight is the friendship forged between Ghost and Dinnie. A fun read.