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izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
Wow ok I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the two main characters and the world they were in. My only “complaint” is that I wish they dove more into the world building and the characters a little more.
Wow ok I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the two main characters and the world they were in. My only “complaint” is that I wish they dove more into the world building and the characters a little more.
ameserole's review against another edition
3.0
I have received this ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Divided Fire has been sadly sitting on my kindle app waiting patiently for me to finally dive into it. I'd like to say that I'm super sorry for waiting so long but I have so many books on there, especially ARCs, that it's easy to get lost when scrolling through them.
That being said, I finally had time to catch up on some eARC love. In it, you will meet Miren and Kesia. They two are sisters but only Kesia is a Fire Singer. Which leaves Miren slightly jealous because of this. Yet, when Kesia gets kidnapped by pirates Miren will do anything she can to get her back in one piece.
So the adventure begins!
Along the way, we meet a lot of interesting characters. Plus we see how 'singers' aren't always welcomed to certain groups of people. Some are slaves and others don't really know how to use their power because they weren't properly trained. Not going to lie, some parts were a bit hard to read but I honestly couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know how it was all going to end.
In a way, the ending didn't feel complete to me which is slightly annoying due to it being a standalone. Not sure if Jennifer is going to write another book and make this a duology at one point.. but I just didn't think the answer was finale (you know?).
Divided Fire has been sadly sitting on my kindle app waiting patiently for me to finally dive into it. I'd like to say that I'm super sorry for waiting so long but I have so many books on there, especially ARCs, that it's easy to get lost when scrolling through them.
That being said, I finally had time to catch up on some eARC love. In it, you will meet Miren and Kesia. They two are sisters but only Kesia is a Fire Singer. Which leaves Miren slightly jealous because of this. Yet, when Kesia gets kidnapped by pirates Miren will do anything she can to get her back in one piece.
So the adventure begins!
Along the way, we meet a lot of interesting characters. Plus we see how 'singers' aren't always welcomed to certain groups of people. Some are slaves and others don't really know how to use their power because they weren't properly trained. Not going to lie, some parts were a bit hard to read but I honestly couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know how it was all going to end.
In a way, the ending didn't feel complete to me which is slightly annoying due to it being a standalone. Not sure if Jennifer is going to write another book and make this a duology at one point.. but I just didn't think the answer was finale (you know?).
thindbooks's review against another edition
4.0
*this ebook was given to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
This was a enjoyable book about two sisters. Miren, the oldest sister is protecting Kesia who has fire magic but Kesia gets kidnapped and Miren must go save her. None of the sisters have left their homes so they must face challenges along the way. Will they be able to find each other or will it be too late?
I loved the author’s writing for this book. She did an amazing job with the plot line and setting but some scenes were a little basic when there could have been more. The world building was small though and wish there could have been more for that because I still have questions. I loved the theme in this book which was family first and sisterly bonds. These two sisters are connected and will do anything to protect each other.
The characters in this book were amazing. I enjoyed both the girls and seeing each of their POVs. I mostly enjoyed Kesia’s POV because she can’t speak since she has magic and seeing her develop throughout the story was amazing. Both sisters did develop a lot and had to face many challenges without each other. There were also the side characters. Most I enjoyed but I didn’t enjoy Kesia’s boyfriend. He annoyed me at times and you will see why in the book. Now you guys are probably wondering, is there romance in this book? There is but it’s barely and it’s perfect for this book because it’s mostly about sisterly bonds then romance. So perfect for those who don’t like seeing romance a lot.
This book ended off well. I didn’t have many problems with it other then some parts being a little basic. I was hoping for more action with magic and a better world building. Other than that I enjoyed this book and I recommend it to those who want something with barely any romance and need a good sisterly book.
This was a enjoyable book about two sisters. Miren, the oldest sister is protecting Kesia who has fire magic but Kesia gets kidnapped and Miren must go save her. None of the sisters have left their homes so they must face challenges along the way. Will they be able to find each other or will it be too late?
I loved the author’s writing for this book. She did an amazing job with the plot line and setting but some scenes were a little basic when there could have been more. The world building was small though and wish there could have been more for that because I still have questions. I loved the theme in this book which was family first and sisterly bonds. These two sisters are connected and will do anything to protect each other.
The characters in this book were amazing. I enjoyed both the girls and seeing each of their POVs. I mostly enjoyed Kesia’s POV because she can’t speak since she has magic and seeing her develop throughout the story was amazing. Both sisters did develop a lot and had to face many challenges without each other. There were also the side characters. Most I enjoyed but I didn’t enjoy Kesia’s boyfriend. He annoyed me at times and you will see why in the book. Now you guys are probably wondering, is there romance in this book? There is but it’s barely and it’s perfect for this book because it’s mostly about sisterly bonds then romance. So perfect for those who don’t like seeing romance a lot.
This book ended off well. I didn’t have many problems with it other then some parts being a little basic. I was hoping for more action with magic and a better world building. Other than that I enjoyed this book and I recommend it to those who want something with barely any romance and need a good sisterly book.
hans_cosy_corner's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyable book! I am happily part of the Turn the Page Tour for this book and so was able to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review - It's so refreshing to see a fantasy YA book that doesn't just focus on romance, and instead showcases the true struggle of two siblings trying to find their way back to one another. Click here to read my full review
hiii_ris's review against another edition
2.0
Literally some characters make the most frustrating decisions/have the most enraging thought processes ever.
books_over_everything's review against another edition
4.0
Initial Thoughts
This book wasn’t on my radar before I saw the tour email and once I read it, I was totally sold. I loved the idea of songs as magic and I love a good book about the bond of sisters.
Some Things I Liked
Magic system. I really loved the magic system here. Elemental magic controlled by song is such an interesting concept.
Sign language as a theme. Due to the nature of the magic, I loved that sign language was a prominent form of communication. Everyone knew how to sign in Kaleo and it was just second nature. I love when fantasy books normalize breaking barriers.
Pirate motif. I love a good pirate story and I loved that Kesia’s kidnappers were pirates (albeit, they were the bad guys), I liked the aquatic themes.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
The romance. Romance (or lack thereof) is a deal breaker for me. I wanted more romance in this story. Hopefully, we’ll get more in future sequels.
Series Value
I really enjoyed the world building here and I’d read more of this series. I liked the characters and magic system as well. I think there is a lot of potential for more and I’d keep reading.
Final Thoughts
I liked this book. It was missing a key element for me but overall, I liked the sister dynamic, the dual POVs, and the world building.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Sisters of Shadow and Light by Sara B. Larson – if you enjoyed the sister dynamic as well as the dual POVs, try this duology by Sara B. Larson.
The Weight of the Soul – if you liked the idea of one sister going on a journey with the other sister’s boyfriend, try this Viking inspired story.
This book wasn’t on my radar before I saw the tour email and once I read it, I was totally sold. I loved the idea of songs as magic and I love a good book about the bond of sisters.
Some Things I Liked
Magic system. I really loved the magic system here. Elemental magic controlled by song is such an interesting concept.
Sign language as a theme. Due to the nature of the magic, I loved that sign language was a prominent form of communication. Everyone knew how to sign in Kaleo and it was just second nature. I love when fantasy books normalize breaking barriers.
Pirate motif. I love a good pirate story and I loved that Kesia’s kidnappers were pirates (albeit, they were the bad guys), I liked the aquatic themes.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
The romance. Romance (or lack thereof) is a deal breaker for me. I wanted more romance in this story. Hopefully, we’ll get more in future sequels.
Series Value
I really enjoyed the world building here and I’d read more of this series. I liked the characters and magic system as well. I think there is a lot of potential for more and I’d keep reading.
Final Thoughts
I liked this book. It was missing a key element for me but overall, I liked the sister dynamic, the dual POVs, and the world building.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Sisters of Shadow and Light by Sara B. Larson – if you enjoyed the sister dynamic as well as the dual POVs, try this duology by Sara B. Larson.
The Weight of the Soul – if you liked the idea of one sister going on a journey with the other sister’s boyfriend, try this Viking inspired story.
metaphorsandmisc's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, hear me out: take the elemental powers of Avatar: The Last Airbender and fuel them with singing, rather than martial arts. That absolutely golden combination lies at the heart of the world Jennifer San Filippo has created in her debut novel, Divided Fire. A captivating tale of sisterhood, magic, and the meaning of strength, this book was a quick, refreshing read with a premise at once classic and original.
Y’all may or may not know, I’m a singer. Lifelong choir nerd. Classically trained for 5 years. Performing in classical, jazz, contemporary, theatre, whatever setting, you name it–and I love seeing books that incorporate music into their plots and worlds’ construction! Music is such an integral part of human existence, and whether tangential or central to a plot, it’s nice to see it acknowledged in fictional worlds. Combining it with magic, giving characters the abilities to–stealing terminology from ATLA–waterbend/firebend/earthbend/airbend just by singing the right song, is so freaking cool. (Also, assigning each element to a voice type–earth for basses, water for tenors, fire for altos, air for sopranos–was a nice touch.) I can’t believe I’ve never read a book with this specific combination (elements + song) before!
First, quick thought: one element of this book that I found particularly fascinating was the dichotomy of speech and song. In this universe, once someone becomes a Singer–someone who can control elements with their voice–they lose their ability to speak and need to communicate exclusively via sign language. One character, a noble, finds out that he is a Singer, only to be told that he will no longer be receiving any royal training, because people who can’t speak are easily spoken over and make for poor aristocrats. There’s something striking about the idea that, in gaining tremendous power linked to your voice, you could also lose a great power that normal people take for granted. The sign language representation was also refreshing to see included here; the limitations on communication it creates (inability to communicate in the dark, difficulty getting people to notice you’ve started talking, etc.) were fairly acknowledged and not glossed over.
Now, on to more normal book considerations. I absolutely loved that this was a YA book that really did not have any focus on romance–the extent of “romantic” involvement was Kesia’s boyfriend trying to rescue her. There were no love triangles. There was no random romantic or sexual tension. It was truly a story focused on family, especially sisterhood. It also addressed bigger issues including the horrors of war, the pain of loss, and the value of human life, through not just the two main characters but also side characters they cross paths with. I can’t stress enough how important it is for there to be YA books that aren’t romance-focused and that allow for exploration of other important parts of life: defining yourself and your values, leaning into the people around you, finding your place in the world.
The two main characters were excellent and strong in different ways: bold, determined older sister Miren, and quiet, sensitive younger sister Kesia. Even when separated, both girls constantly think of each other and try to emulate each other’s better qualities, which I thought was really wholesome to watch. Miren’s companions on her quest did occasionally blur together or lose individual significance (with the exception of a cute little boy named Ori, because small children always make great characters), but each one at least served a distinct purpose and was not added randomly. And the plot and pacing were both strong, with each chapter serving a distinct purpose, no moments of action being bogged down, and generally strong forward momentum.
That said, this book had a couple moments that fell a little flat. Though I did enjoy reading about the characters and found them interesting, I did not feel any deep emotional attachment to them in a way that would elevate this to a five-star read. Some of this may also have to do with the fact that the writing was very clear and clean, but not very artful; there were not many moments where I thought, “Wow, I should highlight/save that quote,” if that makes sense.
Still, as a whole, this was a satisfying standalone, brimming with unique elements that provoked thought and made my nerdy musician heart sing. (Pun intended.)
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
Y’all may or may not know, I’m a singer. Lifelong choir nerd. Classically trained for 5 years. Performing in classical, jazz, contemporary, theatre, whatever setting, you name it–and I love seeing books that incorporate music into their plots and worlds’ construction! Music is such an integral part of human existence, and whether tangential or central to a plot, it’s nice to see it acknowledged in fictional worlds. Combining it with magic, giving characters the abilities to–stealing terminology from ATLA–waterbend/firebend/earthbend/airbend just by singing the right song, is so freaking cool. (Also, assigning each element to a voice type–earth for basses, water for tenors, fire for altos, air for sopranos–was a nice touch.) I can’t believe I’ve never read a book with this specific combination (elements + song) before!
First, quick thought: one element of this book that I found particularly fascinating was the dichotomy of speech and song. In this universe, once someone becomes a Singer–someone who can control elements with their voice–they lose their ability to speak and need to communicate exclusively via sign language. One character, a noble, finds out that he is a Singer, only to be told that he will no longer be receiving any royal training, because people who can’t speak are easily spoken over and make for poor aristocrats. There’s something striking about the idea that, in gaining tremendous power linked to your voice, you could also lose a great power that normal people take for granted. The sign language representation was also refreshing to see included here; the limitations on communication it creates (inability to communicate in the dark, difficulty getting people to notice you’ve started talking, etc.) were fairly acknowledged and not glossed over.
Now, on to more normal book considerations. I absolutely loved that this was a YA book that really did not have any focus on romance–the extent of “romantic” involvement was Kesia’s boyfriend trying to rescue her. There were no love triangles. There was no random romantic or sexual tension. It was truly a story focused on family, especially sisterhood. It also addressed bigger issues including the horrors of war, the pain of loss, and the value of human life, through not just the two main characters but also side characters they cross paths with. I can’t stress enough how important it is for there to be YA books that aren’t romance-focused and that allow for exploration of other important parts of life: defining yourself and your values, leaning into the people around you, finding your place in the world.
The two main characters were excellent and strong in different ways: bold, determined older sister Miren, and quiet, sensitive younger sister Kesia. Even when separated, both girls constantly think of each other and try to emulate each other’s better qualities, which I thought was really wholesome to watch. Miren’s companions on her quest did occasionally blur together or lose individual significance (with the exception of a cute little boy named Ori, because small children always make great characters), but each one at least served a distinct purpose and was not added randomly. And the plot and pacing were both strong, with each chapter serving a distinct purpose, no moments of action being bogged down, and generally strong forward momentum.
That said, this book had a couple moments that fell a little flat. Though I did enjoy reading about the characters and found them interesting, I did not feel any deep emotional attachment to them in a way that would elevate this to a five-star read. Some of this may also have to do with the fact that the writing was very clear and clean, but not very artful; there were not many moments where I thought, “Wow, I should highlight/save that quote,” if that makes sense.
Still, as a whole, this was a satisfying standalone, brimming with unique elements that provoked thought and made my nerdy musician heart sing. (Pun intended.)
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
always_reading_a_novel's review
4.0
Good book!
I really liked this book! I love sister stories, and I appreciated that this is a clean read. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
I really liked this book! I love sister stories, and I appreciated that this is a clean read. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
queenofthefaebaes's review against another edition
4.0
Is that it....theres not another book...
I have questions!
I have questions!
cynsworkshop's review against another edition
3.0
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
Divided Fire is an exciting fantasy that powerfully utilizes sign language.
Interesting Premise
Filippo did an incredible job of incorporating sign language into her storytelling. It was incredible to see this group of people highlighted powerfully and compellingly. Kesia does not have a voice for most of the novel; her power kept secret by her sister, causing her to feel defeated and without a voice. However, when she uses her Song to defend others and fight for captives and slaves just like herself, she grows and learns to find her inner strength through her use of sign language.
It is incredible to see sign language utilized powerfully to showcase the magic in the world. To see it applied and used throughout the novel by those who have the Song and those who do not showcases inclusion.
It sends a strong message to those in the deaf and mute community that not having a voice does not mean one is powerless but quite the opposite. It also sends a message to readers who feel like they do not have a voice that a voice is not what makes one powerful, it is willpower, the mind, and strength combined that truly make any language and voice powerful.
Characterization & Storytelling
While the novel’s premise was exciting and parts of the story engaging, Divided Fire does fall short.
The biggest issue with the novel is the pacing. Early on, there is much history thrown at the reader. This drags down the novel and bores the reader because Filippo is throwing so much at the reader that they cannot lose themselves in the story. Simply put, it is just too much information at once. Another thing that slows down the pacing is the fact that it becomes repetitive. Filippo throws a lot at the reader and then throws it in repeatedly throughout the story, slowing down the novel’s pacing, becoming dull.
Then there are the dynamics. There is character growth between the characters, but for the most part, Miren is standoffish. It is hard to connect to her because her tone is so rough. Her prejudices and attitude make her unlikable. Granted her distrust of others is smart, but her dislike of almost everyone is what makes her unlikable.
Thankfully, there is character growth, making her warmer and more likable as a character.
Final Thoughts
Divided Fire is worth the read because it is a fantasy that has compelling elements allowing it to stay unique and stray away from clichés and tropes.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
Divided Fire is an exciting fantasy that powerfully utilizes sign language.
Interesting Premise
Filippo did an incredible job of incorporating sign language into her storytelling. It was incredible to see this group of people highlighted powerfully and compellingly. Kesia does not have a voice for most of the novel; her power kept secret by her sister, causing her to feel defeated and without a voice. However, when she uses her Song to defend others and fight for captives and slaves just like herself, she grows and learns to find her inner strength through her use of sign language.
It is incredible to see sign language utilized powerfully to showcase the magic in the world. To see it applied and used throughout the novel by those who have the Song and those who do not showcases inclusion.
It sends a strong message to those in the deaf and mute community that not having a voice does not mean one is powerless but quite the opposite. It also sends a message to readers who feel like they do not have a voice that a voice is not what makes one powerful, it is willpower, the mind, and strength combined that truly make any language and voice powerful.
Characterization & Storytelling
While the novel’s premise was exciting and parts of the story engaging, Divided Fire does fall short.
The biggest issue with the novel is the pacing. Early on, there is much history thrown at the reader. This drags down the novel and bores the reader because Filippo is throwing so much at the reader that they cannot lose themselves in the story. Simply put, it is just too much information at once. Another thing that slows down the pacing is the fact that it becomes repetitive. Filippo throws a lot at the reader and then throws it in repeatedly throughout the story, slowing down the novel’s pacing, becoming dull.
Then there are the dynamics. There is character growth between the characters, but for the most part, Miren is standoffish. It is hard to connect to her because her tone is so rough. Her prejudices and attitude make her unlikable. Granted her distrust of others is smart, but her dislike of almost everyone is what makes her unlikable.
Thankfully, there is character growth, making her warmer and more likable as a character.
Final Thoughts
Divided Fire is worth the read because it is a fantasy that has compelling elements allowing it to stay unique and stray away from clichés and tropes.
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Spotify Podcast | YouTube | BookBub | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn