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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hamilton Murray is a solid writer, clearly possessing a strong understanding of the fundamental elements. Each line works, and I never once found myself pulled from the story due to an awkward sentence or an odd phrase/word. I didn’t even put the book down once.
Content-wise, I think this is a strong YA fantasy with a well-rounded plot and world building elements. Sure, it contains widely popular tropes, including trials, but because of the solid foundation (i.e basic proper good writing) it has legs to stand on and grow.
I think this is a book that is good for someone looking to dip a toe into fantasy, and even those like myself, who have read the “Greats” and seen/read many of the same books and tropes ten times over.
I truly have no real issues with this book, and I’m excited for the next installment.
Content-wise, I think this is a strong YA fantasy with a well-rounded plot and world building elements. Sure, it contains widely popular tropes, including trials, but because of the solid foundation (i.e basic proper good writing) it has legs to stand on and grow.
I think this is a book that is good for someone looking to dip a toe into fantasy, and even those like myself, who have read the “Greats” and seen/read many of the same books and tropes ten times over.
I truly have no real issues with this book, and I’m excited for the next installment.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content considerations: no spice, descriptive kisses, death, LGBTQ+ representations
adventurous
dark
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:
Complicated
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I absolutely HATE love triangles, and this story apparently featured a prominent one, but I disagree In reality, the "love triangle" is more so a "I have a crush I'm trying to ignore and another crush on someone who isn't interested in me so that was an unexpected happy surprise. I really liked this story, and I look forward to continuing the series. The only thing I didn't like/understand was Blaze's uncharacteristic hate of Fox. You mean to tell me after she's been judged her whole life for the "horrible deed she did" that she's immediately just going to hate someone based solely on other people's opinions of them? It just seemed outside of her character/did not align with what you would assume she would think. It seemed forced to encourage a future "'enemies to lovers" troupe
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗦 by Lauryn Hamilton Murray is a sweeping, high-stakes YA romantasy that sweeps you into a world where magic isn’t just power — it’s the price of the throne. Blaze is a Rain Singer born into a family of fire-wielders, and her catastrophic birth left her haunted and hidden. Years later, she’s forced back into the spotlight to compete for a crown she never wanted — and for magic she no longer trusts. Blaze’s journey is one of self-discovery and defiance. She’s flawed, hesitant, yet fiercely determined to define herself beyond the world’s fears. The palace intrigue crackles with secrets and sabotage, and the elemental magic system feels vivid and beautifully imagined. The twin dynamics with Flint add warmth, while the romantic entanglements create delicious tension without overshadowing Blaze’s quest for identity and strength. Although some parts slow down, the finale delivers an intense punch, setting the stage for more political twists and magical revelations.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
YA at its best. This book pulled me in immediately. I liked the characters, the concept, and I was able to guess most plottwists in time to make me feel smart but not frustrated with the characters for not seeing it yet. I hope the worldbuilding and the magic system are deepened out a bit in the second book though.