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snowwhitehatesapples's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Also on Snow White Hates Apples.
It has been an age since I’ve read a brilliant sequel that builds and improves on the foundations set by the first book, so Rebel Fire ending up in my hands? A joyous occasion for sure because it just so happens to be the type of sequel I always long for.
Picking up right after the conclusion of Rebel Skies , Rebel Fire mainly focuses on Kurara’s true identity, plus the hidden secrets and truths regarding shikigami and Crafters — all while Kurara, Haru, Tomoe and Sayo are on the run from Princess Tsukimi who will stop at nothing to have the shikigami children within her reach.
The gorgeously lush worldbuilding remains strong in this book, but what’s even better is finally getting the equally strong character development I wanted from the first book. Many of the main characters have grown. They are no longer simply black or white and have instead, become more complex, gaining more depth and realism to their characterisations. The magic system has also been expanded upon and solidified here, providing a deeper understanding of how such beautiful magic could also be dark.
My utmost favourite aspect of Rebel Fires is the multilayered associations to and executions of the universal theme of good and evil. From the magic system and the characters to the nature and history of shikigami and Crafters, this complex theme has been brilliantly interwoven with the story. In various ways, it reiterates that there are always two sides to a coin — that the world is greyer in reality.
All in all, Rebel Fire is an easy and enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down even for a moment. Ann Sei Lin has done an amazing job with this fast-paced, heart-pounding sequel and I am so, so excited for the conclusion of this trilogy.
It has been an age since I’ve read a brilliant sequel that builds and improves on the foundations set by the first book, so Rebel Fire ending up in my hands? A joyous occasion for sure because it just so happens to be the type of sequel I always long for.
Picking up right after the conclusion of Rebel Skies , Rebel Fire mainly focuses on Kurara’s true identity, plus the hidden secrets and truths regarding shikigami and Crafters — all while Kurara, Haru, Tomoe and Sayo are on the run from Princess Tsukimi who will stop at nothing to have the shikigami children within her reach.
The gorgeously lush worldbuilding remains strong in this book, but what’s even better is finally getting the equally strong character development I wanted from the first book. Many of the main characters have grown. They are no longer simply black or white and have instead, become more complex, gaining more depth and realism to their characterisations. The magic system has also been expanded upon and solidified here, providing a deeper understanding of how such beautiful magic could also be dark.
My utmost favourite aspect of Rebel Fires is the multilayered associations to and executions of the universal theme of good and evil. From the magic system and the characters to the nature and history of shikigami and Crafters, this complex theme has been brilliantly interwoven with the story. In various ways, it reiterates that there are always two sides to a coin — that the world is greyer in reality.
All in all, Rebel Fire is an easy and enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down even for a moment. Ann Sei Lin has done an amazing job with this fast-paced, heart-pounding sequel and I am so, so excited for the conclusion of this trilogy.
Thank you so much Pansing for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! Rebel Fire by Ann Sei Lin is available at all good bookstores.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
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