Reviews tagging 'Blood'

Faye and the Heart of Fire by Nicole Bailey

1 review

storieswithbee's review

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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. 
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