A review by sungmemoonstruck
Mortal Fire by Elizabeth Knox

4.0

Canny is a mathematical prodigy who can see something Extra in the world around her. When she goes with her stepbrother and his girlfriend on a trip to the site of an old coal mine disaster, she's plunged into a world of magic and mystery. Like Knox's other books set in Southland, Mortal Fire is full of exquisite detail and a fully developed world and characters. The plot is truly unpredictable, as its twists and turns are never what the reader thinks they'll be. It's challenging, but ultimately rewarding. What kept this book from being 5 stars for me, however, was Canny. She was a complex and intriguing character, but I couldn't like or sympathize with her. Like Laura in the Dreamhunter Duet, she often makes questionable decisions but I couldn't see her side of the story like I could with Laura. Instead I often found myself being tired of her lying and manipulating everyone around her, even if her intentions were honorable. Overall, a book for committed and patient readers who will appreciate the rich world, ideas, and plot.