A review by annika_cl
Fire Heart by Joyce Ch'ng

adventurous inspiring reflective 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

4.5

FIRE HEART is the story of Wehia, whose dream is to create a sword and prove herself as a sword maker. But in order to learn the craft, she must apprentice far from home, under her aunt Hadana, who demands hard work and sacrifice from Wehia. Wehia's saving grace in this time is her close companion and fellow apprentice Geri, with whom Wehia forms a closer-than-friends bond. Also lurking at the edge of civilization is the threat of bandits—but perhaps there's more to their struggle than meets the eye. Wehia must learn what it takes to become a real forge woman and sword maker.

I deeply enjoyed Wehia's story—full of fascinating insight into the life of forge workers and fill to the brim with moving depictions of a coming-of-age in a dangerous world. Wehia is prickly, stubborn, and lovable, exactly the type of young female protagonist I would have instantly seen myself in as a teenager (and still do!) Geri, Wehia's "amal" (promised), is also a standout character; she's kind and gentle but there are (literal) knives up her sleeves too. Hadana, the forge mistress and mentor to Wehia, is equally complex and interesting—she isn't always fair but she is doing her best to keep the forge running and teach the girls what they need to know.

I eagerly await the sequel, COLD STEEL, and highly recommend this book to fans of YA fantasy!