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andy_mortimer's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
alongreader's review against another edition
4.0
Fireborn is the first in a new fantasy series for tweens. Based on the writing here, I hope the series runs for a long time.
Twelve is part of a group of young teens training to be Hunters, protectors of the scattered clans loosely allied together against their savage world. Relationships between the clans are starting to break down, and attacks are becoming far more common, but the trainees are safe inside their unbreachable compound.
Until they aren't.
I'm sorry to tell you this, but my favourite character is not Twelve (although she is awesome) or Five (although he grew on me after a while) or even Six and Seven (both cool in their own ways.) Widge is pretty great too, but it's still not him. No; like a lot of other people, my favourite character is Dog, and he became so after a certain scene in a certain forest with some certain other characters. (Trying so hard not to spoil anyone!)
There are some fabulous, really imaginative sequences here. Aisling isn't relying on the usual cliches of this kind of fiction, and both the action scenes and the quieter, character scenes are fantastic. They work together to build the story and every single scene adds to the larger arc.
I can't wait to see what new adventures there are - going by this one, there are some wonderful adventures in store. This one's going to be great.
Twelve is part of a group of young teens training to be Hunters, protectors of the scattered clans loosely allied together against their savage world. Relationships between the clans are starting to break down, and attacks are becoming far more common, but the trainees are safe inside their unbreachable compound.
Until they aren't.
I'm sorry to tell you this, but my favourite character is not Twelve (although she is awesome) or Five (although he grew on me after a while) or even Six and Seven (both cool in their own ways.) Widge is pretty great too, but it's still not him. No; like a lot of other people, my favourite character is Dog, and he became so after a certain scene in a certain forest with some certain other characters. (Trying so hard not to spoil anyone!)
There are some fabulous, really imaginative sequences here. Aisling isn't relying on the usual cliches of this kind of fiction, and both the action scenes and the quieter, character scenes are fantastic. They work together to build the story and every single scene adds to the larger arc.
I can't wait to see what new adventures there are - going by this one, there are some wonderful adventures in store. This one's going to be great.
starp0tt3r's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
lucyrambles's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 stars
Fireborn takes you on Twelve’s daring and dangerous journey to seek justice for her family after they are brutally murdered. However, when her new home is under attack, her reason for revenge shifts, and changes her life and beliefs irrevocably.
Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into reading a middle-grade novel at my age, but it was great. Some of the scenes were more suitable for teens to read as their violence and brutality were more intense.
Twelve’s character, while slightly insufferable at times, was the ideal heroine. She took it upon herself to save Seven when she was captured by evil creatures. Whilst I’d agree, this was partly a stupid decision, I appreciated her tenacity and strength. Even though she lost her family at such a young age, her maturity level would surpass some adults. She had to grow up too quickly and be thrown into a horrible, cruel world without much guidance. The Hunter’s lodge actually teaches her the survival skills she so desperately needs.
Read my full review on lucyrambles.com
Fireborn takes you on Twelve’s daring and dangerous journey to seek justice for her family after they are brutally murdered. However, when her new home is under attack, her reason for revenge shifts, and changes her life and beliefs irrevocably.
Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into reading a middle-grade novel at my age, but it was great. Some of the scenes were more suitable for teens to read as their violence and brutality were more intense.
Twelve’s character, while slightly insufferable at times, was the ideal heroine. She took it upon herself to save Seven when she was captured by evil creatures. Whilst I’d agree, this was partly a stupid decision, I appreciated her tenacity and strength. Even though she lost her family at such a young age, her maturity level would surpass some adults. She had to grow up too quickly and be thrown into a horrible, cruel world without much guidance. The Hunter’s lodge actually teaches her the survival skills she so desperately needs.
Read my full review on lucyrambles.com
kindleandkettle's review against another edition
4.0
Fireborn is a middle grade book that is set in a world of monsters. Twelve gave up her name and identity to train in the art of hunting them, but really she is seeking revenge on those who took her family from her. Twelve lives at the Hunting Lodge which is soon attacked by goblins and a fellow student is taken. Twelve finds herself on a journey to get Seven back and soon discovers more about herself.
Fireborn is set in a magical, well planned world full of terrible monsters. I found the world easy to picture while reading and the creatures described were absolutely horrible (In a good way...I seriously do not want to cross paths with a Deathspinner!). It was a fast paced story and it felt like Twelve faced one trial after another on her journey to get Seven back. I enjoyed Twelve's interactions with Five, Six and Dog (other characters on her journey) and felt they developed a familial relationship in the end.
In my opinion Fireborn is a strong start to this series and I am excited to see how this world and the characters develop. There is so much potential, especially with Twelve and Seven (sorry you will have to read it to find out what I mean). While it is a middle grade book the world is so well described that I feel like it would appeal to a wider audience. Overall it is a pretty quick read and there is extra fun of artwork throughout the story.
Thank you @harperkidsau for gifting me with a copy of this book.
Fireborn is set in a magical, well planned world full of terrible monsters. I found the world easy to picture while reading and the creatures described were absolutely horrible (In a good way...I seriously do not want to cross paths with a Deathspinner!). It was a fast paced story and it felt like Twelve faced one trial after another on her journey to get Seven back. I enjoyed Twelve's interactions with Five, Six and Dog (other characters on her journey) and felt they developed a familial relationship in the end.
In my opinion Fireborn is a strong start to this series and I am excited to see how this world and the characters develop. There is so much potential, especially with Twelve and Seven (sorry you will have to read it to find out what I mean). While it is a middle grade book the world is so well described that I feel like it would appeal to a wider audience. Overall it is a pretty quick read and there is extra fun of artwork throughout the story.
Thank you @harperkidsau for gifting me with a copy of this book.
pleasejustletmeread's review against another edition
4.0
Solid middle-grade fantasy med rigtig fine ilustrationer! Men selvom jeg nok kommer til at læse videre i serien når næste bind kommer engang, er det ikke fordi jeg føler mig voldsomt draget af nødvendigvis at skulle have en 2'er lige nu og her..
chatdunoirreadsalot123's review against another edition
5.0
THIS is a perfect example of how good middle grade fantasy can be!
btpbookclub's review against another edition
5.0
With thanks for my copy and being part of this tour. As soon as this book came through my post box I devoured it. I started it straight away and it was finished before I knew it. Fantasy. Adventure. Battle.
It was a brilliant read. Had my imagination on fire. This is a perfect read for any Harry Potter fans. Very similar but also many differences. This has huge spiders, magic, battles, ogres and many strange creatures. I just loved every page. A real page turner. Brilliantly written. I loved how the characters didn’t have names, they were known by numbers instead. Twelve is a very brave and determined young girl. Powerful. But she learns alot about herself during this book too.
The ending is kind of open… So… I am hoping and got my fingers crossed for a book two here? Please please. I would love to see my in this world. More from the characters. Highly recommend. A well deserved five stars from me. This has gone into my top reads of the year.
It was a brilliant read. Had my imagination on fire. This is a perfect read for any Harry Potter fans. Very similar but also many differences. This has huge spiders, magic, battles, ogres and many strange creatures. I just loved every page. A real page turner. Brilliantly written. I loved how the characters didn’t have names, they were known by numbers instead. Twelve is a very brave and determined young girl. Powerful. But she learns alot about herself during this book too.
The ending is kind of open… So… I am hoping and got my fingers crossed for a book two here? Please please. I would love to see my in this world. More from the characters. Highly recommend. A well deserved five stars from me. This has gone into my top reads of the year.
vinsmokerosie's review against another edition
5.0
oh my freaking goodness!
5 stars but i would rate this even higher if possible!!
i knew absolutely nothing about this book. i saw it randomly in my local waterstones and i got it because the edition that was there was simply too stunning to pass up. the gorgeous sprayed edges? i have a lot of pretty books but this one was truly love at first sight. since it’s a middle grade fantasy (for ages 9-12 i believe) i knew it would be a easy read and a good break from the usual stuff but i didn’t expect it to be just as good as it is.
favourite read of the year as a matter of fact.
first of all the banter and dynamics between all the characters are so entertaining. since the characters are young they have that kind of immature kids humour that’s super entertaining. i say this because if i see teenagers or adults act this way i would roll my eyes. i laugh so much at these little interactions when it happens but also on top of that the characters are really complex with their own pasts and even their names that they are forbidden to share. they lose all their identities to train to be hunters. some of the characters are not who they seem and they are a lot more than meets the eye. when i re-read this book i’ll definitely be annotating it and underlining so much of the meaningful messages.
the plot was so good, a complete page turner. the environments, the world building are very easy to get lost in and to understand. the drawn illustrations throughout the story are ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS and such a beautiful touch.
the main character twelve is just so human, they all are. they are written in such a way that readers can understand and empathise with. i cried a few times while reading because of how emotional it is, i did not expect this from a children’s book and i didn’t prepare for any of the twists either! usually i’m almost too good at guessing things like this but not this time. it’s so well done and i love the underlying message behind it. it’s such a beautiful book for anyone of any age. there’s no cliffhangers to worry about and the ending is satisfying, please read it!