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A review by kmartbooks
From Dust, a Flame by Rebecca Podos
mysterious
reflective
tense
4.0
A compelling and multi-layered young adult sapphic contemporary fantasy, this story immerses readers in a world rich with Jewish folklore and history. It is an emotionally resonant exploration of family, identity, and transformation.
This is the story of a young woman named Hannah who has spent her life in constant motion, along with her adopted brother Gabe, under the care of their enigmatic mother. This nomadic existence leaves them with no roots, no history, and no connections beyond their small family unit. However, on Hannah's seventeenth birthday, her life takes an unexpected turn when she wakes up with a startling physical and monstrous transformation. This transformation is just the beginning of a series of impossible mutations that both intrigue and terrify her.
When their mother abruptly leaves to get answers, Hannah and Gabe are left to fend for themselves. As days turn into weeks without their mother's return, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth about their family's history and the mysterious curse that now haunts them. The narrative skillfully weaves together past and present, taking readers on a journey from Hannah's contemporary struggles to her grandmother's experiences, to her mother's experiences at Hannah's age. Through Jewish mysticism and legend, the story unveils a tragic and fantastical family history that holds the key to breaking the curse.
One of the standout elements of the novel is the complexities of familial relationships and the importance of both found family and blood ties that are central to the narrative. The sibling dynamic between Gabe and Hannah is particularly well-developed, adding depth and authenticity to their bond. Gabe's story matters just as much as Hannah's.
This is a story about finding belonging in unexpected places and unearthing the hidden secrets of one's heritage. It beautifully combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and family drama, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful. This narrative delves deep into themes of family, identity, isolation, and the quest for truth and cultural understanding. It's a story about the power of stories and how they shape our sense of self.
This is the story of a young woman named Hannah who has spent her life in constant motion, along with her adopted brother Gabe, under the care of their enigmatic mother. This nomadic existence leaves them with no roots, no history, and no connections beyond their small family unit. However, on Hannah's seventeenth birthday, her life takes an unexpected turn when she wakes up with a startling physical and monstrous transformation. This transformation is just the beginning of a series of impossible mutations that both intrigue and terrify her.
When their mother abruptly leaves to get answers, Hannah and Gabe are left to fend for themselves. As days turn into weeks without their mother's return, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth about their family's history and the mysterious curse that now haunts them. The narrative skillfully weaves together past and present, taking readers on a journey from Hannah's contemporary struggles to her grandmother's experiences, to her mother's experiences at Hannah's age. Through Jewish mysticism and legend, the story unveils a tragic and fantastical family history that holds the key to breaking the curse.
One of the standout elements of the novel is the complexities of familial relationships and the importance of both found family and blood ties that are central to the narrative. The sibling dynamic between Gabe and Hannah is particularly well-developed, adding depth and authenticity to their bond. Gabe's story matters just as much as Hannah's.
This is a story about finding belonging in unexpected places and unearthing the hidden secrets of one's heritage. It beautifully combines elements of fantasy, mystery, and family drama, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful. This narrative delves deep into themes of family, identity, isolation, and the quest for truth and cultural understanding. It's a story about the power of stories and how they shape our sense of self.