A review by natashaleighton_
So Let Them Burn (ARC) by Kamilah Cole

adventurous emotional 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

5.0

A gorgeously immersive, fantasy debut that captured my heart just as much as it did my imagination! The writing was phenomenally lush and the complicated but heartfelt bond between sisters (and Dual POV characters) Faron and Elara had me emotionally invested from the very start. Did I also mention, it has DRAGONS?!!!

Set within a post-war, Jamaican inspired world, where the newly independent island (San Erie) is still recovering from the war with their former oppressors—and the colonial legacy left in their wake. 

I LOVED every second of this and was blown away by the level of emotion that Kamilah Cole manages to imbue. Both through her detailed and emotionally nuanced characters but also the in-depth world-building and vivid, sensory descriptions that I literally couldn’t get enough of. 

Like the descriptions of Deadegg, and its fossilised dragon egg, serving as a constant reminder to Faron of the cruelty and suffering inflicted by Langley (via Faron’s incredibly evocative and emotional flashbacks.) Or The Victory Garden and its lush, verdant greenery serving as a sign of a brighter future; in a Palace that had once been a barren, death shrouded ruin. 

Given how intrinsically linked the themes of anti-colonialism, genocide, war and trauma are to the narrative —it’s hard not to find similarities in current real-world events. Making for a deeply emotional and highly relevant read, so do be sure to check trigger warnings. 

However, unlike most fantasy novels (which end after the big battle), I loved that Cole starts hers at the end of one. Giving us a front row seat to the resilience and hard-work that goes into not only rebuilding a country destroyed by war, but also in working through the trauma that comes from experiencing such violence and destruction. 

It still boggles my mind that our protagonists were only just hitting their teens when they first headed into battle—Faron being just thirteen when she took on the mantle of The Childe Empyrean, (and her sister Elara not much older.) It’s a very real aspect of war (especially in terms of the psychological impact for survivors) and one that was explored in such a nuanced and sensitive manner—I was soo emotionally invested in both of their journeys.

Though, I do admit that Elara’s arc did resonate with me the most (especially as someone with two older sisters.) And I loved that, despite feeling like she’s living in the shadow of Faron’s (already vast) legacy, she doesn’t let it affect the love she has for her. Honestly it’s one of the most realistic (and relatable) sibling relationships I think I’ve ever read! 

Overall, an emotionally powerful and action packed debut that anyone who loves epic fantasy, dragons, or books exploring complex sisterly bonds should definitely consider picking up, it’s AMAZING! 

Also, a huge thank you to Katya over at Little, Brown UK for the proof 
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