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beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
I was drawn to this book by the concept of the story. The story starts out really fast. Almost to the point that it seemed like I the reader, came into the middle of the story and not the beginning. It starts with sisters, Meg, Janat, and Rennika running away. It was not very clear what had transpired to cause the girls to run until about several chapters later.
There were many other characters introduced in a short amount of time all at once as well. It was a bit hard to keep them all straight. After a while though; I did figure out who was who and what part they played in the overall storyline.
I will say that the latter half of the story is better. This is because I had everyone figured out and could just settle into the story. However, I do agree with another reader that I do wish that the magic was more prominent in the story. It was slowly built up. This may because this is book one. Still a good start to a series.
There were many other characters introduced in a short amount of time all at once as well. It was a bit hard to keep them all straight. After a while though; I did figure out who was who and what part they played in the overall storyline.
I will say that the latter half of the story is better. This is because I had everyone figured out and could just settle into the story. However, I do agree with another reader that I do wish that the magic was more prominent in the story. It was slowly built up. This may because this is book one. Still a good start to a series.
someonetookit's review against another edition
4.0
So, first off, look at this cover. It is so freaking gorgeous; I can’t even put I into words.
So, Bursts of Fire promises to be a good old fashioned fantasy novel full of plots and intrigue, but its so much more. The tale of three sisters who have been banished from their home for being the daughter of the local magiel (a magic user who can send their consciousness through time is about the best way to describe them) who is now being hunted by the King. They are initially accompanied by their Nanna, but this soon changes when she sacrifices herself to ensure their freedom.
Forest writes each girl with such passion and precision that each has their own independent personality from the very get go. The eldest, Meghra takes on the role of the caretaker for the tiny family and is willing to do anything to survive; the majority of the novel features Meg at the centre of attention and she is the main sibling whose consciousness moves through time. Janat is the middle child and seems a little blasé about the whole ordeal for the most part; she always looks to her older sister for advice but is willing to take risks in order to remain unfound by the kings men. Which brings me to Rennika, the youngest child. Although she is the smallest and recognised the least for her abilities (her mother made her look like a full worldling), this tiny tween is a magical powerhouse when she needs to be.
Most of the story focusses around the three siblings avoiding notice by the guards and King’s people in order to survive, so there is a lot of stealth operations that go on rather than the sword fights and magical battles one would usually expect from a fantasy novel. For the most part however, this doesn’t affect the pacing or how enthralling the story is. Yes, there are slow points whereby I got a tad bored, and others where I was a little confused as to how I got there but it was generally well paced and fairly even in its intensity.
Here is where I want to discuss Forest’s masterful world building talent. Whether in a busy town square or hidden away in a random persons home, the reader is drawn into the story, able to feel the closeness of the buildings, smell the scents of a busy kitchen. Having gone into Bursts of Fire, oblivious to Forest’s previous works, this expert worldbuilding took me by surprise and really drew me in.
Overall it felt like a well-paced novel with a few twists and turns thrown in for good measure. While not the punchiest and attention-holding novel of the year, it was still worth the read.
So, Bursts of Fire promises to be a good old fashioned fantasy novel full of plots and intrigue, but its so much more. The tale of three sisters who have been banished from their home for being the daughter of the local magiel (a magic user who can send their consciousness through time is about the best way to describe them) who is now being hunted by the King. They are initially accompanied by their Nanna, but this soon changes when she sacrifices herself to ensure their freedom.
Forest writes each girl with such passion and precision that each has their own independent personality from the very get go. The eldest, Meghra takes on the role of the caretaker for the tiny family and is willing to do anything to survive; the majority of the novel features Meg at the centre of attention and she is the main sibling whose consciousness moves through time. Janat is the middle child and seems a little blasé about the whole ordeal for the most part; she always looks to her older sister for advice but is willing to take risks in order to remain unfound by the kings men. Which brings me to Rennika, the youngest child. Although she is the smallest and recognised the least for her abilities (her mother made her look like a full worldling), this tiny tween is a magical powerhouse when she needs to be.
Most of the story focusses around the three siblings avoiding notice by the guards and King’s people in order to survive, so there is a lot of stealth operations that go on rather than the sword fights and magical battles one would usually expect from a fantasy novel. For the most part however, this doesn’t affect the pacing or how enthralling the story is. Yes, there are slow points whereby I got a tad bored, and others where I was a little confused as to how I got there but it was generally well paced and fairly even in its intensity.
Here is where I want to discuss Forest’s masterful world building talent. Whether in a busy town square or hidden away in a random persons home, the reader is drawn into the story, able to feel the closeness of the buildings, smell the scents of a busy kitchen. Having gone into Bursts of Fire, oblivious to Forest’s previous works, this expert worldbuilding took me by surprise and really drew me in.
Overall it felt like a well-paced novel with a few twists and turns thrown in for good measure. While not the punchiest and attention-holding novel of the year, it was still worth the read.
deafandbookish's review against another edition
4.0
This book started slow for me but it's an epic fantasy where a lot of the world they story takes place needs to be established. I think the magic system could have been explained better but it didn't suck from the start. There was more, it had mental health and the characters were good, very believable. I always love stories with great sister power! I enjoyed the story and hope there's a sequel.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC to read!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC to read!
archivy's review against another edition
3.0
Oh man...I was all in on giving this book a full four stars literally right up until the last quarter of the book which just fell so, so flat. Anticlimactic isn’t even descriptive enough for me to use for describing my feelings towards the ending of the book.
I mean, you have this book that builds up this very intriguing world and magic system (that, admittedly, could probably use a bit more explaining - there we’re parts about the god/gods and heaven(s) that I’m even still a little unclear about) and has pretty great timing and use of “time travel” (for lack of a better phrase) to set the stage for the ending and then....just....nothing really happens? And there’s no real explanation for any of it...and then the book just......ends. Like, what??
I totally understand trying to set things up/leave cliffhangers for the next book but this was just not even that. It almost felt like the author gave up trying to tell the story and was like “eh...I’ll finish it later.”
I’ll still probably read the next book if I remember it, if only to see if it turns into one of these series where the second book is where it really starts to shine but we’ll see.
I mean, you have this book that builds up this very intriguing world and magic system (that, admittedly, could probably use a bit more explaining - there we’re parts about the god/gods and heaven(s) that I’m even still a little unclear about) and has pretty great timing and use of “time travel” (for lack of a better phrase) to set the stage for the ending and then....just....nothing really happens? And there’s no real explanation for any of it...and then the book just......ends. Like, what??
I totally understand trying to set things up/leave cliffhangers for the next book but this was just not even that. It almost felt like the author gave up trying to tell the story and was like “eh...I’ll finish it later.”
I’ll still probably read the next book if I remember it, if only to see if it turns into one of these series where the second book is where it really starts to shine but we’ll see.
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this but unsure if would return to it again. Characters written well, plot was good, but for me too dark/no sign of happiness at times. I like dark books but I find there is always some levity or dark humour to be found, but this just seemed to be a little sad and hopeless in a sense. Maybe too much of a mirror of real life for me, but I’m sure many will enjoy this more because of this.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
history_bot's review against another edition
2.0
Content warnings: Death, suicide, self harm
You can read a more in-depth review of Bursts of Fire over on my blog.
This book had a lot of potential, but it also had a lot of structural issues that impeded my enjoyment. The characters were interesting and the magic system is unique and cool, but the pacing and the plot struggle a lot. The plot is all over the place, and doesn’t seem to have a solid direction, and the reader is left floundering. The pacing is inconsistent and unclear. Although this book started out really well, I struggled a lot to finish it.
The potential is there, so I think there’s hope for the rest of the series, but it was a bad start.
You can read a more in-depth review of Bursts of Fire over on my blog.
This book had a lot of potential, but it also had a lot of structural issues that impeded my enjoyment. The characters were interesting and the magic system is unique and cool, but the pacing and the plot struggle a lot. The plot is all over the place, and doesn’t seem to have a solid direction, and the reader is left floundering. The pacing is inconsistent and unclear. Although this book started out really well, I struggled a lot to finish it.
The potential is there, so I think there’s hope for the rest of the series, but it was a bad start.
jeanette13's review against another edition
5.0
An awesome book I had trouble putting down! If you like epic YA fantasy, this book should be on your TBR list.
As an epic YA Fantasy spanning several books, the world building and setting must be complex and realistic. Although the book has a slow start, it was necessary to do an amazing job of creating the world and the magic system for this series.
It's hard to write a strong heroine on a difficult journey, but it’s even more difficult to write about three heroines on three different journeys. I loved Meg for her strength and courage, and I enjoyed following her story. Janat was hard to like because she seemed very selfish, and Rennika is a little unrealistic since she came across as very mature for her age. However, it is an awesome tale of sisterhood. About three sisters who survive together, then grow apart, and finally find each other at the end of the book.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series to find out what happens to the sisters next!
As an epic YA Fantasy spanning several books, the world building and setting must be complex and realistic. Although the book has a slow start, it was necessary to do an amazing job of creating the world and the magic system for this series.
It's hard to write a strong heroine on a difficult journey, but it’s even more difficult to write about three heroines on three different journeys. I loved Meg for her strength and courage, and I enjoyed following her story. Janat was hard to like because she seemed very selfish, and Rennika is a little unrealistic since she came across as very mature for her age. However, it is an awesome tale of sisterhood. About three sisters who survive together, then grow apart, and finally find each other at the end of the book.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series to find out what happens to the sisters next!
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
An amazing book, I was hooked after few pages and had to read it as fast as I could.
The world building was amazing, so complex and realistic.
I loved the plot, the well written cast of characters and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The world building was amazing, so complex and realistic.
I loved the plot, the well written cast of characters and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
ksmarsden's review against another edition
5.0
It's a terrible thing, to see no future; but a powerful magiel has to protect her daughters.
The three Falkyn magiel sisters, have to embrace their fate, to survive a mad king.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
After their mother is disturbed that no magiel has seen a future beyond the year, a sign that their peaceful existence will be destroyed: she sets about planning the escape of her three daughters. They will become powerful magiels, and allies to kings and gods, if only they have the strength to survive.
I confess, when the book started, I was a little put off by the young, squabbling siblings. Meg and Janat are teenagers, and Rennika even younger. All they have ever known is a life of comfort, in the courts of kings. When their home is attacked and they have to escape, they are ill-suited to living rough, and take it out on each other.
This is only for the first couple of chapters, and things soon started to pick up. Sulwyn enters their lives, as their mother designed, and through him the girls become aware of the rebel force, gathering to oppose the king. At first, the girls are only concerned with survival; and the men in their lives see them as liabilities, mere girls that need protection. But slowly, they find their own drive and voices.
The world that Forest has created is brilliant. Different kingdoms, all ruled in a peaceful co-existence for generations.
Until an ambition king, and even more ambition magiel, conspire to break every pact and promise.
Each king has a royal magiel - someone of the highest magiel bloodline, that can access prayer stones. Their duty is to use these prayer stones to access Heaven, bring prayers to the gods, and to bring death tokens back for the people (people have to put death tokens in their mouths before they die, so their souls can go to Heaven, otherwise they are cursed to roam the land as fading ghosts).
King Artem goes against every code, when he decides that every stone should be destroyed, and only his Ruby stone preserved, forcing everybody to give up their religion and worship the One God.
Gods and the freedom to worship your own religion is at the background of this book, and drives the story, but it's done naturally and weaves subtly with the rest of the plot.
The book follows the men and women that are standing up to fight for their freedom, because you can't sit and wait for a higher power to save you.
This ended up being an intense and enjoyable epic fantasy, and I can't wait to see where the rest of the series leads.
The three Falkyn magiel sisters, have to embrace their fate, to survive a mad king.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
After their mother is disturbed that no magiel has seen a future beyond the year, a sign that their peaceful existence will be destroyed: she sets about planning the escape of her three daughters. They will become powerful magiels, and allies to kings and gods, if only they have the strength to survive.
I confess, when the book started, I was a little put off by the young, squabbling siblings. Meg and Janat are teenagers, and Rennika even younger. All they have ever known is a life of comfort, in the courts of kings. When their home is attacked and they have to escape, they are ill-suited to living rough, and take it out on each other.
This is only for the first couple of chapters, and things soon started to pick up. Sulwyn enters their lives, as their mother designed, and through him the girls become aware of the rebel force, gathering to oppose the king. At first, the girls are only concerned with survival; and the men in their lives see them as liabilities, mere girls that need protection. But slowly, they find their own drive and voices.
The world that Forest has created is brilliant. Different kingdoms, all ruled in a peaceful co-existence for generations.
Until an ambition king, and even more ambition magiel, conspire to break every pact and promise.
Each king has a royal magiel - someone of the highest magiel bloodline, that can access prayer stones. Their duty is to use these prayer stones to access Heaven, bring prayers to the gods, and to bring death tokens back for the people (people have to put death tokens in their mouths before they die, so their souls can go to Heaven, otherwise they are cursed to roam the land as fading ghosts).
King Artem goes against every code, when he decides that every stone should be destroyed, and only his Ruby stone preserved, forcing everybody to give up their religion and worship the One God.
Gods and the freedom to worship your own religion is at the background of this book, and drives the story, but it's done naturally and weaves subtly with the rest of the plot.
The book follows the men and women that are standing up to fight for their freedom, because you can't sit and wait for a higher power to save you.
This ended up being an intense and enjoyable epic fantasy, and I can't wait to see where the rest of the series leads.
archivy's review against another edition
3.0
Oh man...I was all in on giving this book a full four stars literally right up until the last quarter of the book which just fell so, so flat. Anticlimactic isn’t even descriptive enough for me to use for describing my feelings towards the ending of the book.
I mean, you have this book that builds up this very intriguing world and magic system (that, admittedly, could probably use a bit more explaining - there we’re parts about the god/gods and heaven(s) that I’m even still a little unclear about) and has pretty great timing and use of “time travel” (for lack of a better phrase) to set the stage for the ending and then....just....nothing really happens? And there’s no real explanation for any of it...and then the book just......ends. Like, what??
I totally understand trying to set things up/leave cliffhangers for the next book but this was just not even that. It almost felt like the author gave up trying to tell the story and was like “eh...I’ll finish it later.”
I’ll still probably read the next book if I remember it, if only to see if it turns into one of these series where the second book is where it really starts to shine but we’ll see.
I mean, you have this book that builds up this very intriguing world and magic system (that, admittedly, could probably use a bit more explaining - there we’re parts about the god/gods and heaven(s) that I’m even still a little unclear about) and has pretty great timing and use of “time travel” (for lack of a better phrase) to set the stage for the ending and then....just....nothing really happens? And there’s no real explanation for any of it...and then the book just......ends. Like, what??
I totally understand trying to set things up/leave cliffhangers for the next book but this was just not even that. It almost felt like the author gave up trying to tell the story and was like “eh...I’ll finish it later.”
I’ll still probably read the next book if I remember it, if only to see if it turns into one of these series where the second book is where it really starts to shine but we’ll see.