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mratina's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.0
alliways's review against another edition
3.0
*Read for Around the Year in 52 Books 2017, challenge #16: A Mystery*
3.5 Stars! I did enjoy this, it was creepy and suspenseful but I keep comparing it to her first book, The Ice Twins, which I LOVED and this one just didn't do as much for me as that one.
3.5 Stars! I did enjoy this, it was creepy and suspenseful but I keep comparing it to her first book, The Ice Twins, which I LOVED and this one just didn't do as much for me as that one.
shallwehavetea's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! From the very first moment I was hooked and I couldn't put this book down. Having my own family ancestors traced back to Cornwall made me feel right at home with this novel, the mines and cliff faces are something I know a lot about.
The Fire Child by S.K. Tremayne is filled with nothing but edge of the seat suspense, a ghost story wrapped up inside a thriller, wrapped up in a mystery. We follow along with Rachel, learning about her backstory slowly as we move through the book. We start of with Rachel and David in his ancestral home, a beautiful old home in Cornwall.
Based over a few months, we have a count down to Christmas where David's son has made a startling prediction, a prediction which puts fear and worry in to Rachel's own mind. Not only that, the more she learns about David's first wife, Nina's death, the more she starts to wonder, what really had happened the Christmas she had died.
Struggling to come to terms which start to happen, as well as the danger she starts to feel both, within the house and her own mind. With a step son who says things which scare her and who seems to be close at times and then scarily distant at others, Rachel starts to question everything she knows.
And then the worst thing which could happen happens. David changes from the perfect husband to someone she doesn't really know any more. With him being banished from the house, Rachel has to defend herself and her mental status while trying to look after a young boy who refused to leave the house, but doesn't talk to her.
Everything starts to come to the boiling point as Christmas day starts getting closer and closer. Will Jamie's predictions come true for Rachel or will everything work out for the good and better?
The Fire Child by S.K. Tremayne is filled with nothing but edge of the seat suspense, a ghost story wrapped up inside a thriller, wrapped up in a mystery. We follow along with Rachel, learning about her backstory slowly as we move through the book. We start of with Rachel and David in his ancestral home, a beautiful old home in Cornwall.
Based over a few months, we have a count down to Christmas where David's son has made a startling prediction, a prediction which puts fear and worry in to Rachel's own mind. Not only that, the more she learns about David's first wife, Nina's death, the more she starts to wonder, what really had happened the Christmas she had died.
Struggling to come to terms which start to happen, as well as the danger she starts to feel both, within the house and her own mind. With a step son who says things which scare her and who seems to be close at times and then scarily distant at others, Rachel starts to question everything she knows.
And then the worst thing which could happen happens. David changes from the perfect husband to someone she doesn't really know any more. With him being banished from the house, Rachel has to defend herself and her mental status while trying to look after a young boy who refused to leave the house, but doesn't talk to her.
Everything starts to come to the boiling point as Christmas day starts getting closer and closer. Will Jamie's predictions come true for Rachel or will everything work out for the good and better?
brewtifulfiction's review against another edition
5.0
Like the authors previous book, this one is a hard one to review without giving away the twist and it needs to be kept a surprise as it is so cleverly done. I wrote my full review over on my blog but I thought it only fair to share some here too....
The story begins with Rachel having just got back from honeymoon, moving into the grand Carnhallow House in Cornwall. Having given up her life in London, her days will now be spent restoring this rather large abode and making it a home again.
Her husband David works away a lot so it is also partly her responsibility to look after his son, her step-son Jamie, along with her mother in law who is showing strong signs of dementia and their live in help Cassie.
At first glance things couldn't be anymore perfect, she seems to have a good relationship with her step-son and Rachel has taken to coastal life like a duck to water but slowly cracks appear and that perfect life that she so longed for doesn't appear to be all as it seems.
"You will be dead by Christmas"
"fingers of fire reaching up, inside, clawing into the house..."
This is an absolute page turner. Hauntingly beautiful with an abundance of mystery making it truly eerie. Every time I thought I'd guessed the twist I was proven wrong in the next paragraph. Fast paced, I was hooked from the first pages right to the last. An absolute must read!
The story begins with Rachel having just got back from honeymoon, moving into the grand Carnhallow House in Cornwall. Having given up her life in London, her days will now be spent restoring this rather large abode and making it a home again.
Her husband David works away a lot so it is also partly her responsibility to look after his son, her step-son Jamie, along with her mother in law who is showing strong signs of dementia and their live in help Cassie.
At first glance things couldn't be anymore perfect, she seems to have a good relationship with her step-son and Rachel has taken to coastal life like a duck to water but slowly cracks appear and that perfect life that she so longed for doesn't appear to be all as it seems.
"You will be dead by Christmas"
"fingers of fire reaching up, inside, clawing into the house..."
This is an absolute page turner. Hauntingly beautiful with an abundance of mystery making it truly eerie. Every time I thought I'd guessed the twist I was proven wrong in the next paragraph. Fast paced, I was hooked from the first pages right to the last. An absolute must read!
lindzy's review against another edition
3.0
Original Review Here
The Fire Child is one of those books where I feel like I’m missing a trick. The reviews are really positive. But I had a reading session just to get through it because I was bored and thought it was working too hard to be a thriller.
Let’s begin with the characters. Rachel has a traumatic past. That being said, my initial thoughts of her was that she was shallow. She loves David, but loves his house, the sex and the escape he offers more. This is also another female character that spends the entire book desperate to have his child, even when she stops trusting him.
We know from the beginning she is hiding something. Only this feels like a plot done a thousand times now – hints that something is being concealed dropped throughout before unravelling at a crucial time. But we also know Rachel lies and its apparent she has a history of mental illness. This made her an unreliable narrator, to the point where I couldn’t trust any of her narration. This distanced me from the main character and stopped me being emotionally invested in her.
David is controlling in his own way; their sex life is a power play (which really surprised me considering what is revealed about Rachel) and at one point, he tries to order Rachel to do something. But after an incident (no spoilers) for which he is entirely to blame, David plays the “woe-is-me” card and acts like Rachel orchestrated the whole thing to fleece him for his money and house. The whole event was his fault!! Absolutely no sympathy for his character whatsoever.
There is a lot of description about Cornwall and the mines. It slowed the pace and lost my interest on multiple occasions, to the point where I had to force myself to keep reading just for things to move on. Juliet (David’s mother) suffers from dementia and is prone to rambling speeches. While this is a symptom of the illness, it did make it a struggle to remain engage with the conversations when they were quite literally adding nothing to the plot. The tension would have been far more extreme if it didn’t feel like there were several detours to look at the scenery along the way.
While I have no knowledge of the industry, there were also a few occasions where the medical professionals were involved. Personally, I didn’t think their actions were strictly professional, which undermined their realism.
This novel didn’t have a satisfying conclusion for me. The answer to all the problems seemed implausible and a little too much of “oh-what-a-coincidence!”. But while this answer did explain a few things, it did not explain how two characters who teetered on the edge of madness for the entire book suddenly accepted that this explanation solved everything. I wasn’t buying it.
The tension did increase at the end and I did genuinely want to know how the book would resolve. But this one didn’t work for me.
The Fire Child is one of those books where I feel like I’m missing a trick. The reviews are really positive. But I had a reading session just to get through it because I was bored and thought it was working too hard to be a thriller.
Let’s begin with the characters. Rachel has a traumatic past. That being said, my initial thoughts of her was that she was shallow. She loves David, but loves his house, the sex and the escape he offers more. This is also another female character that spends the entire book desperate to have his child, even when she stops trusting him.
We know from the beginning she is hiding something. Only this feels like a plot done a thousand times now – hints that something is being concealed dropped throughout before unravelling at a crucial time. But we also know Rachel lies and its apparent she has a history of mental illness. This made her an unreliable narrator, to the point where I couldn’t trust any of her narration. This distanced me from the main character and stopped me being emotionally invested in her.
David is controlling in his own way; their sex life is a power play (which really surprised me considering what is revealed about Rachel) and at one point, he tries to order Rachel to do something. But after an incident (no spoilers) for which he is entirely to blame, David plays the “woe-is-me” card and acts like Rachel orchestrated the whole thing to fleece him for his money and house. The whole event was his fault!! Absolutely no sympathy for his character whatsoever.
There is a lot of description about Cornwall and the mines. It slowed the pace and lost my interest on multiple occasions, to the point where I had to force myself to keep reading just for things to move on. Juliet (David’s mother) suffers from dementia and is prone to rambling speeches. While this is a symptom of the illness, it did make it a struggle to remain engage with the conversations when they were quite literally adding nothing to the plot. The tension would have been far more extreme if it didn’t feel like there were several detours to look at the scenery along the way.
While I have no knowledge of the industry, there were also a few occasions where the medical professionals were involved. Personally, I didn’t think their actions were strictly professional, which undermined their realism.
This novel didn’t have a satisfying conclusion for me. The answer to all the problems seemed implausible and a little too much of “oh-what-a-coincidence!”. But while this answer did explain a few things, it did not explain how two characters who teetered on the edge of madness for the entire book suddenly accepted that this explanation solved everything. I wasn’t buying it.
The tension did increase at the end and I did genuinely want to know how the book would resolve. But this one didn’t work for me.
riri_28's review against another edition
2.0
This book is either a hit or a miss... And in my case it's definitely a miss. I really wanted to like this book and I tried super hard to delve into it and let's just say that I did after a lot of tries. I picked this book up earlier but a couple pages in, I dropped it. It was much too slow and much too boring.
This year for our holidays we went to Europe and I decided to take this book. Why? Because I knew that I had a 9 hour train journey to Prague and the boredom would definitely make me wanna read.
I heard that this book got better and better as it progressed so I kept my patience and read on.
The premise of this book is interesting and it would certainly grip anyone. Getting into it, I immediately liked Rachel. Her whirlwind of romance with David was fast and I already knew it was not gonna last.
Jamie was eerie, and he was supposed to be. His character did make me shiver and squirm with uncomfortableness (is that even a word?) and I did like that.
I will admit, this book did manage to pull my attention near the end, I wanted to know the mystery and how and why Nina Kerthen died. I wanted to know how Jamie was able to predict things.
I liked the glimpse of past on Rachel's side. It made sense on why she was psychotic because to be honest, I was starting to think she was psychic too. However, her character did deteriorate and I did not enjoy her dynamics any more. To be honest, Jamie was the only character who stayed consistent throughout.
The main reason on why I did not enjoy this book at all was because of the twist. IT MADE UTTERLY NO SENSE TO ME. It did not explain how Jamie was able to predict stuff, it was just WEIRD and I don't know, I just have a problem with the ending. I will admit though, that I hadn't seen it coming but like still.... People have claimed to erupt with tears or whatever, but I legit sat with a straight face throughout.
The author's writing style was poetic and unlike any style I had previously read however it was much too detailed. You know, when you get bored with descriptions and skim through the pages. Yeah, that happened to me through the whole book. However, I will say that the style is appreciated.
The two reasons on why I gave the book two stars:
1. It did do what it was supposed to do - it's a mystery book, and it kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting for answers. It was eerie, twisty and suspenseful. Agenda achieved :)
2. I'm unaware of Cornwall and Cornish history, so it was nice to delve into a heritage I didn't know and learn new things. I will be researching more on Cornwall soon, cause it does interest me.
3. I like the pictures. If a book has pictures, then it automatically gets a star from me [you gotta learn to appreciate them illustrations ;)]
Overall, if you like slow-burn books and mystery then give it a shot. Otherwise, spare yourself the boredom.
This year for our holidays we went to Europe and I decided to take this book. Why? Because I knew that I had a 9 hour train journey to Prague and the boredom would definitely make me wanna read.
I heard that this book got better and better as it progressed so I kept my patience and read on.
The premise of this book is interesting and it would certainly grip anyone. Getting into it, I immediately liked Rachel. Her whirlwind of romance with David was fast and I already knew it was not gonna last.
Jamie was eerie, and he was supposed to be. His character did make me shiver and squirm with uncomfortableness (is that even a word?) and I did like that.
I will admit, this book did manage to pull my attention near the end, I wanted to know the mystery and how and why Nina Kerthen died. I wanted to know how Jamie was able to predict things.
I liked the glimpse of past on Rachel's side. It made sense on why she was psychotic because to be honest, I was starting to think she was psychic too. However, her character did deteriorate and I did not enjoy her dynamics any more. To be honest, Jamie was the only character who stayed consistent throughout.
The main reason on why I did not enjoy this book at all was because of the twist. IT MADE UTTERLY NO SENSE TO ME. It did not explain how Jamie was able to predict stuff, it was just WEIRD and I don't know, I just have a problem with the ending. I will admit though, that I hadn't seen it coming but like still.... People have claimed to erupt with tears or whatever, but I legit sat with a straight face throughout.
The author's writing style was poetic and unlike any style I had previously read however it was much too detailed. You know, when you get bored with descriptions and skim through the pages. Yeah, that happened to me through the whole book. However, I will say that the style is appreciated.
The two reasons on why I gave the book two stars:
1. It did do what it was supposed to do - it's a mystery book, and it kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting for answers. It was eerie, twisty and suspenseful. Agenda achieved :)
2. I'm unaware of Cornwall and Cornish history, so it was nice to delve into a heritage I didn't know and learn new things. I will be researching more on Cornwall soon, cause it does interest me.
3. I like the pictures. If a book has pictures, then it automatically gets a star from me [you gotta learn to appreciate them illustrations ;)]
Overall, if you like slow-burn books and mystery then give it a shot. Otherwise, spare yourself the boredom.
sh3's review against another edition
2.0
2/5 stars ...
I can't believe this the same author who wrote ice twins. This was soooooo boring and the 'twists' were so far fetched and over dramatic ugh what a waste of my time.
I can't believe this the same author who wrote ice twins. This was soooooo boring and the 'twists' were so far fetched and over dramatic ugh what a waste of my time.
jennamorrison's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved The Ice Twins so was really looking forward to reading this. The setting was very interesting and added to the atmosphere. However, after a while the descriptions got a little too much. The characters were difficult to connect with, and the story itself was a little too slow for the first part of the book.
The ending was far better and I was glad I persevered through the early chapters.
I loved The Ice Twins so was really looking forward to reading this. The setting was very interesting and added to the atmosphere. However, after a while the descriptions got a little too much. The characters were difficult to connect with, and the story itself was a little too slow for the first part of the book.
The ending was far better and I was glad I persevered through the early chapters.
colleenlovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
Find my full review at http://aliteraryvacation.blogspot.com.
I really enjoyed S.K. Tremayne's debut novel, The Ice Twins, when I read it a few years ago and was so excited when the lovely Tiffany Sanchez from Grand Central Publishing reached out to me to see if I was interested in receiving a copy of this newest novel for review. Yes please!! From the synopsis I just knew I was going to be in for another really creepy treat. And, having finished it, I'm happy to say I was correct! The Fire Child once again presents a sinister setting by the turbulent sea and creates an atmosphere of confusion and dread that sends chills down your spine.
One of the best parts of the novel is the fact that each chapter opens up with a countdown to Christmas day. This is wonderful for building up the feeling of impending dread and urgency and helped the story from dragging towards the beginning/middle as the author sought to properly develop the characters' backstories. The story is quite long at 400 pages and there are a few points along the way that allowed the overall sense of impending doom to drop away, but overall this countdown to possible death really kept me turning the pages to see if Rachel's life was truly in danger.
The characters are pretty perfect as far as suspenseful mysteries go as well. They are all so very damaged, each and every one of them, and the full extent of that damage and the lies they tell to hide their secrets slowly unfurls as the story progresses, picking up speed right towards the end. I absolutely loved this as it kept me from guessing the outcome. There's some mental illness involved, lots of bold-faced lying, and some pretty heavy subterfuge going on so that you're never quite sure if what you are reading is really what the characters are experiencing, or if what they are saying is true or not, at least until the final shoe drops and you're able to finally see how all the pieces fall into place.
Something else I love is the fact that Tremayne has an incredible ability to showcase beautiful yet terrifying landscapes and to make these inanimate, natural elements take on a life of their own and feel almost alive. In this novel our ramshackle and dangerous buildings are long abandoned iron mines and tunnels (as opposed to a dilapidated cottage as in The Ice Twins) and this combined with the thick forest surrounding the mansion and the vicious sea surrounding that leads to an overall feeling of isolation and suffocation. The mansion itself is amazingly detailed and it was so much fun going along with Rachel as she explored what had once been the servants areas and the old monastery ruins that the house is built around and on top of. The entire setting feels haunted, with creaks, whispers (was it the wind?), and dark shadows abounding, and this serves to push already disturbed people over the edge into hysteria. I, for one, had the best time watching that descent!
The Fire Child is wonderful, atmospheric suspense and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good gothic mystery. While there was some lagging in the middle and I didn't feel it needed to be quite as long as it was, overall it was a delightful way to spend the hours and I am still a firm fan of Tremayne's writing.
I really enjoyed S.K. Tremayne's debut novel, The Ice Twins, when I read it a few years ago and was so excited when the lovely Tiffany Sanchez from Grand Central Publishing reached out to me to see if I was interested in receiving a copy of this newest novel for review. Yes please!! From the synopsis I just knew I was going to be in for another really creepy treat. And, having finished it, I'm happy to say I was correct! The Fire Child once again presents a sinister setting by the turbulent sea and creates an atmosphere of confusion and dread that sends chills down your spine.
One of the best parts of the novel is the fact that each chapter opens up with a countdown to Christmas day. This is wonderful for building up the feeling of impending dread and urgency and helped the story from dragging towards the beginning/middle as the author sought to properly develop the characters' backstories. The story is quite long at 400 pages and there are a few points along the way that allowed the overall sense of impending doom to drop away, but overall this countdown to possible death really kept me turning the pages to see if Rachel's life was truly in danger.
The characters are pretty perfect as far as suspenseful mysteries go as well. They are all so very damaged, each and every one of them, and the full extent of that damage and the lies they tell to hide their secrets slowly unfurls as the story progresses, picking up speed right towards the end. I absolutely loved this as it kept me from guessing the outcome. There's some mental illness involved, lots of bold-faced lying, and some pretty heavy subterfuge going on so that you're never quite sure if what you are reading is really what the characters are experiencing, or if what they are saying is true or not, at least until the final shoe drops and you're able to finally see how all the pieces fall into place.
Something else I love is the fact that Tremayne has an incredible ability to showcase beautiful yet terrifying landscapes and to make these inanimate, natural elements take on a life of their own and feel almost alive. In this novel our ramshackle and dangerous buildings are long abandoned iron mines and tunnels (as opposed to a dilapidated cottage as in The Ice Twins) and this combined with the thick forest surrounding the mansion and the vicious sea surrounding that leads to an overall feeling of isolation and suffocation. The mansion itself is amazingly detailed and it was so much fun going along with Rachel as she explored what had once been the servants areas and the old monastery ruins that the house is built around and on top of. The entire setting feels haunted, with creaks, whispers (was it the wind?), and dark shadows abounding, and this serves to push already disturbed people over the edge into hysteria. I, for one, had the best time watching that descent!
The Fire Child is wonderful, atmospheric suspense and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good gothic mystery. While there was some lagging in the middle and I didn't feel it needed to be quite as long as it was, overall it was a delightful way to spend the hours and I am still a firm fan of Tremayne's writing.