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raebrock's review
4.0
I was surprised there was a fourth book in this series because the third felt like a conclusion of a trilogy. I wondered if there would be enough new plot to remain interesting or if it would just be dragging things out. I needn’t have worried - fans of the series will be happy to know that not only was this continuance as good as the previous books, but it seems like there is definitely still more to come so I’m sure we can expect more from Faye and the Ether. Thank you Nicole Bailey for this ARC - I’ve really enjoyed this series and I can’t wait to read more!
onebookmore's review
5.0
Faye and the Heart of Fire is the gripping fourth book in the Faye and the Ether series. Some time has passed between the end of Faye and The World’s End and this book. Faye is adjusting to her new role as leader of the dragons, and her reign is fraught with obstacles, as dissenters challenge her every move, and danger lurks around every corner. When Faye is attacked, she enlists Alec to act as her personal guard to protect her and get to the bottom of who tried to kill her.
This book is very character-driven, which I enjoyed. That’s not to say there’s no action or a lack of plot because those are richly developed as well. But the story focuses on the deepening relationships between the four main characters and their lives post-war. All four major characters, Daron, Faye, Alec, and Telanes, are trying to find purpose. They are redefining themselves now that the war is over, and some are adjusting to their new roles better than others.
Faye is a strong and protective woman who wants the best for everybody, and her vision for the future of her people is admirable. Through it all, Faye stays true to herself and strong in her convictions. Of course, this proves challenging considering the immense responsibility she has and the doubt she often feels, as well as the fact that beings are trying to kill her. Poor Fsaye can’t catch a break. Her life is riddled with danger and people trying to control her, and she must figure out how to maintain her autonomy amid all of it.
Telanes, Alec, and Daron also face challenges in their new post-war lives, and each struggle in their own way to find their niche. They all have different interests and responsibilities, some of which are quite dangerous. Everything is changing in their lives, which makes for an intriguing and suspenseful read!
I also love that the story has a new perspective. The previous books in the series were told from Faye and Daron’s points of view, but this story transitions to Faye and Alec’s perspectives. It is fantastic! I love Alec and was so excited to learn more of his thoughts and feelings. He is a fierce yet charming cinnamon roll, and I can’t get enough of his story! And his relationship with Daron is so sweet and loving! It continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series. Their love is unwavering, and their chemistry is fantastic!
Faye and Telanes also have a swoon-worthy romance, though their relationship is tested throughout the story. Faye goes through so much, both physically and emotionally, throughout the story. Her life is in constant danger, her freedoms seem limited, her relationships prove complicated, and she doesn’t know who she can trust. She also fears putting those she loves in danger, which affects her relationship with Telanes. It’s interesting to see how both of these characters handle their new responsibilities, pressures, and threats. I adore Telanes! He is so devoted to Faye, and he proves it to her in countless ways. Their love, like Alec and Daron’s, are the bright spots in a darker and suspense-laden story.
Some of the minor characters are really interesting too, and I’m curious to see how they play into the series as a whole. Alec, in particular, develops some new friendships and allies, and their interactions include some laugh-out-loud funny scenes, and some scenes that totally broke my heart. I love books that pull me into the story so much that I become emotionally invested in the characters, and this series definitely does that. I have a feeling that old allies and new friends will be extremely important in future books in the series.
I really enjoyed this addition to the Faye and the Ether series. It is suspenseful and well-developed with tons of political intrigue, unique mythology, strong world-building, and two beautiful love stories. The story also tackles real-world issues like racism, homophobia, and more. The world that Bailey created continues to grow and change, and I’m eager to see what happens to Faye and the others in the next book! Thanks so much to Nicole Bailey for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is very character-driven, which I enjoyed. That’s not to say there’s no action or a lack of plot because those are richly developed as well. But the story focuses on the deepening relationships between the four main characters and their lives post-war. All four major characters, Daron, Faye, Alec, and Telanes, are trying to find purpose. They are redefining themselves now that the war is over, and some are adjusting to their new roles better than others.
Faye is a strong and protective woman who wants the best for everybody, and her vision for the future of her people is admirable. Through it all, Faye stays true to herself and strong in her convictions. Of course, this proves challenging considering the immense responsibility she has and the doubt she often feels, as well as the fact that beings are trying to kill her. Poor Fsaye can’t catch a break. Her life is riddled with danger and people trying to control her, and she must figure out how to maintain her autonomy amid all of it.
Telanes, Alec, and Daron also face challenges in their new post-war lives, and each struggle in their own way to find their niche. They all have different interests and responsibilities, some of which are quite dangerous. Everything is changing in their lives, which makes for an intriguing and suspenseful read!
I also love that the story has a new perspective. The previous books in the series were told from Faye and Daron’s points of view, but this story transitions to Faye and Alec’s perspectives. It is fantastic! I love Alec and was so excited to learn more of his thoughts and feelings. He is a fierce yet charming cinnamon roll, and I can’t get enough of his story! And his relationship with Daron is so sweet and loving! It continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series. Their love is unwavering, and their chemistry is fantastic!
Faye and Telanes also have a swoon-worthy romance, though their relationship is tested throughout the story. Faye goes through so much, both physically and emotionally, throughout the story. Her life is in constant danger, her freedoms seem limited, her relationships prove complicated, and she doesn’t know who she can trust. She also fears putting those she loves in danger, which affects her relationship with Telanes. It’s interesting to see how both of these characters handle their new responsibilities, pressures, and threats. I adore Telanes! He is so devoted to Faye, and he proves it to her in countless ways. Their love, like Alec and Daron’s, are the bright spots in a darker and suspense-laden story.
Some of the minor characters are really interesting too, and I’m curious to see how they play into the series as a whole. Alec, in particular, develops some new friendships and allies, and their interactions include some laugh-out-loud funny scenes, and some scenes that totally broke my heart. I love books that pull me into the story so much that I become emotionally invested in the characters, and this series definitely does that. I have a feeling that old allies and new friends will be extremely important in future books in the series.
I really enjoyed this addition to the Faye and the Ether series. It is suspenseful and well-developed with tons of political intrigue, unique mythology, strong world-building, and two beautiful love stories. The story also tackles real-world issues like racism, homophobia, and more. The world that Bailey created continues to grow and change, and I’m eager to see what happens to Faye and the others in the next book! Thanks so much to Nicole Bailey for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
storieswithbee's review
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Release date: 17th August 2021
Genre: YA, High Fantasy, LGBTQ, Slow Burn,
Age range: 14+ years
Overall: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing and Setting: 5/5
*Content warning: mental health conditions (anxiety, PTSD, grief), graphic violence (brief), homophobia, prejudice, death, alcohol consumption, hospitalisation + end of life decisions, parental acceptance, minor swearing.* Nicole has written the above issues as tastefully and respectfully as she can and addresses these issues within her book.
The gist of my review:
This series reserves a very special place in my heart, and because of that, I outlined two main things that I really wanted to see before reading the book itself.
First of all, Nicole told us that book 4 was going to be taking us in a new direction, I really wanted to see something that really set the book apart from the rest of the series. I wanted this element to be a huge shift that would lead the series into a new and interesting territory.
Second, Faye was such a young character throughout books 1-3. The paths the led to book 4 meant that she would have to adopt a very adult stance, and to continue to grow and be challenged. In this book I wanted to see Faye develop further as a character and find a sense of elegant maturity that would really bring out all of Faye’s stunning features and her flaws.
I’m really happy to say that I got my two hopes granted, plus so much more.
Admittedly, this book wasn’t my favourite, but I can appreciate how far Faye, Telanes, Alec and Daron have come over the course of time and I know that in the next book, their destiny is going to be phenomenal and I cannot wait for it.
As always, I loved the writing as well as the scope of characters, the character types, and the new personalities. We get to witness such a wide depth and rage of emotion and turmoil that really impressed me. The experiences the characters faced seemed so realistic and relatable even though they were relevant to such high fantasy settings and events. I believe this is something that Nicole does incredibly well.
The level of intimacy between characters further developed in this book, and there is more conversations had about future goals between couples. I can appreciate this phase of a relationship because I have experienced it myself. Actually, I didn’t realise it before this point, but I see a lot of myself in Faye.
Characters: 5/5
As I’ve alluded to earlier, Faye had a lot of growth, development and character building in this book. We’ve previously seen Faye in leader type settings, but in this book, Faye’s ability to lead was put to the ultimate test. It put herself, her relationship and her friendships into some really challenging positions, but she and the people she loves find a way to work through tough times together.
One of the main things that set book 4 apart from the rest of the series is the inclusion of Alec as our counter MC, rather than Daron. Alec has always been a joyous character to have as a part of the series, but it was really interesting seeing things from his perspective. I love Alec’s humour and his wit, but also how seriously he takes his role as a protector again. This book really challenged Alec to take charge in some very pressing situations, and when he failed, he learned from his mistakes.
Then there’s Telanes and Daron. Both these characters took a more back burner approach to this book, however their influence and presence with both Faye and Alec was so vital. I loved how they both were there to encourage their respective partners, but to also provide unwavering support and to rise when the other fell.
In addition to our four regular characters, we have some new faces that made us laugh, broke our hearts and contributed some really incredible material in the book. I really loved Asheera in particular. She was a really strong female character and her banter with Alec was priceless.
Plot: 4/5
The plot was interesting. It created more suspense than I had expected and so I found that to be exciting, however, I really think that the main overarching element to the book was character development rather than the plot itself. I felt as if this book is setting up for the next book coming.
Writing and Setting: 5/5
In my review of the last book I had thought that the beginning of the book had seemed a little long winded. In relation to this book, I felt very much the same way, and I think that’s probably why I didn’t enjoy the overall story as much as I wanted to. However, I previously had thought the last book was resolved too quickly, whereas this time, we were all treated to this feel good moment that absolutely warmed my heart (and may have made me shed a tear or two) and rounded the book off at a really nice place to move forward with.
The writing itself is imaginative, descriptive and has this incredible ability to take you on this amazing journey. As a reader, I find it so easy to immerse myself into the world and be surrounded by the creatures, people and places within the Ether and sometimes that’s really hard to come by.
Thank you to Nicole for providing me with an advanced copy of Faye and the Heart of Fire. This review is of my own opinion and is not paid or partnered.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Blood, Violence, Terminal illness, Medical trauma, Grief, and Death
Minor: Alcohol and Cursing
richellemelynda's review
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
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