Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
In a world where magic illuminates the lives of all it touches, our main character Ingrid wants what she doesn’t have—flare. And flare is power, it’s everything. Those with flare run things, and if Ingrid wants in on the glory and get her share, she knows that means rising to the top alongside someone else. Someone like Linden, heir to a massive legacy of flare, the most of all.
The only thing standing in Ingrid’s way is Linden’s father. He isn’t her biggest fan, in fact, he doesn’t really think much of her at all. But when the opportunity arises for Ingrid to do him a favour as he runs for president—to spy on the opposite team—she hopes it will be enough to get on his good side and gain approval. Only, things don’t go as smoothly as she hoped. Playing off both sides and being deceitful is unlike her character, and through pitting her loyalty against her desires, she’s faced with the question of how far she’ll go to stand alongside the Holts or go it alone.
Overall, Fire Becomes Her was as decadent as it’s glorious cover. Oozing character and charisma from the get-go, I was enthralled by the entire composition that it held. Ingrid showed massive character development and I thoroughly liked her character. I do wish that we got to see some of the other characters become multifaceted and lean into some of the romance plots, but I definitely think the golden hue of the magic was the core focus and it definitely shone as brightly as fire. If you’re a fan of political fantasy novels, you will love this. Shiny four stars!
The only thing standing in Ingrid’s way is Linden’s father. He isn’t her biggest fan, in fact, he doesn’t really think much of her at all. But when the opportunity arises for Ingrid to do him a favour as he runs for president—to spy on the opposite team—she hopes it will be enough to get on his good side and gain approval. Only, things don’t go as smoothly as she hoped. Playing off both sides and being deceitful is unlike her character, and through pitting her loyalty against her desires, she’s faced with the question of how far she’ll go to stand alongside the Holts or go it alone.
Overall, Fire Becomes Her was as decadent as it’s glorious cover. Oozing character and charisma from the get-go, I was enthralled by the entire composition that it held. Ingrid showed massive character development and I thoroughly liked her character. I do wish that we got to see some of the other characters become multifaceted and lean into some of the romance plots, but I definitely think the golden hue of the magic was the core focus and it definitely shone as brightly as fire. If you’re a fan of political fantasy novels, you will love this. Shiny four stars!
For my full review check out my blog.
I read this book in one sitting. The plot moved fast enough that I couldn’t bring myself to put down the book for the possibility of missing what was coming next. Some of the conflict might have been a bit obvious, but I still found that it didn’t go in the way that I was expecting.
This book was absolutely amazing! Such a great book to start 2022 off with. I absolutely loved this world and these characters. I would love more of this world; I just don’t think it’s likely (though I’d kill for a book of Gwendolyn). The plot was entrancing, and I couldn’t bring myself to put the book down once I started it. It was amazing!
I read this book in one sitting. The plot moved fast enough that I couldn’t bring myself to put down the book for the possibility of missing what was coming next. Some of the conflict might have been a bit obvious, but I still found that it didn’t go in the way that I was expecting.
This book was absolutely amazing! Such a great book to start 2022 off with. I absolutely loved this world and these characters. I would love more of this world; I just don’t think it’s likely (though I’d kill for a book of Gwendolyn). The plot was entrancing, and I couldn’t bring myself to put the book down once I started it. It was amazing!
Some YA works for me but this felt too immature for my tastes, simplistic and slowly-paced. I’m sure it’s good for the right age/audience, it certainly has potential, but I found I didn’t want to see it through.
(Also it’s tagged as queer but at 30% I hadn’t gotten far enough to see that aspect of the MC’s identity.)
(Also it’s tagged as queer but at 30% I hadn’t gotten far enough to see that aspect of the MC’s identity.)
Points for the Jazz age setting and the interesting fire magic, but the plot is so predictable I could've told you everything that was going to happen 50 pages in. The book centers around politics, but its fairly shallow and painfully heavy-handed with its messages. A case of great premise, not great execution.
The one thing that I think differentiates it from a lot of YA I've read is the aromantic characters. Ingrid and Linden's relationship is frustrating and tired, but her queerplatonic relationship and process of realizing she's aro is actually nicely done.
The one thing that I think differentiates it from a lot of YA I've read is the aromantic characters. Ingrid and Linden's relationship is frustrating and tired, but her queerplatonic relationship and process of realizing she's aro is actually nicely done.
I am extremely happy that this book exists.
I have to admit that there were parts of this book that were slow, or I just did not find as interesting as I wanted to, because I'm not a huge fan of politics in books (or politics in real life, actually).
But the last hundred or so pages were AWESOME, and can I just mention that the rep (aroace rep, aroace rep, aroace rep!) was awesome! It was so amazing to see not one, not two, but THREE aroace spec characters, including a queer platonic relationship between two of them at the end!
Pre-read:
Why is February first soooo far away???
So like....AAAAAAH
Another book by Rosiee Thor!!! I loved Tarnished are the Stars (check out the review on my blog here and my author interview with Rosiee Thor here) and this one is a FANTASY. Since I generally prefer fantasy to sci fi I am totally HYPED for this.
I have to admit that there were parts of this book that were slow, or I just did not find as interesting as I wanted to, because I'm not a huge fan of politics in books (or politics in real life, actually).
But the last hundred or so pages were AWESOME, and can I just mention that the rep (aroace rep, aroace rep, aroace rep!) was awesome! It was so amazing to see not one, not two, but THREE aroace spec characters, including a queer platonic relationship between two of them at the end!
Pre-read:
Why is February first soooo far away???
So like....AAAAAAH
Another book by Rosiee Thor!!! I loved Tarnished are the Stars (check out the review on my blog here and my author interview with Rosiee Thor here) and this one is a FANTASY. Since I generally prefer fantasy to sci fi I am totally HYPED for this.
Felt like it was trying too hard to shoehorn representation into every corner. Story was fine, but a little simplistic and on the nose.
One of the most annoying main characters I've ever come across. She's super wishy-washy, hypocritical, and contradicting. Her boyfriend doesn't deserve her, and I actually like him a lot more. For someone who goes through a character arc pretty quickly, she's not at all understanding or gracious towards her boyfriend who is trying to change while still under his father's thumb. Tbh I only stuck around because the worldbuilding/concept was super cool, but even that disappointed me in the end.
adventurous
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Classism
Moderate: Violence, Police brutality, Murder
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Mediocre. I appreciate that it is a stand-alone in a world of unneeded multi-book series. I love the time period and the world that Thor creates, but I just wanted more--more action, more drama, more more more. The gender/sexuality inclusivity felt more throw-away when it could have made the characters even stronger and a more interesting focus that could have made the lack of action more tolerable. I wish that the heavy handed focus on love/relationship was not as present--that part was disappointing. Overall a solid MEH.