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Tangle with Fire

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In "Tangle with Fire", Theresa Gage weaves a captivating tale about Aidan, a notorious 15-year-old known more for his pranks and fibs than his heroism. Aidan's life takes a sudden, dark turn when he witnesses the murder of his father by a mysterious man who subsequently vanishes. This tragedy sparks the manifestation of magic within Aidan, forcing him to grow beyond his impulsive nature and accept an unforeseen responsibility—protecting his family and kingdom from an ambitious sorcerer. This coming-of-age novel portrays Aidan's struggle to manage his newfound powers, grapple with disbelievers, and outsmart a series of foes attempting to suppress the truth of the deadly conspiracy. As Aidan navigates this perilous journey to manhood, he must confront a potential war and deal with a dire family crisis. Gage masterfully crafts an exhilarating narrative filled with adventure, mystery, and personal growth that is bound to captivate the reader from start to finish.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 21, 2023

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6 people want to read

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Theresa Gage

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica  Brown.
72 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2025
Theresa Gage’s Tangle with Fire is a mesmerizing blend of fantasy, emotional depth, and coming-of-age drama that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Set on the futuristic planet of Xan in the year 2150, the novel introduces us to Aidan, a fifteen-year-old prince. A tragedy forces him to grow up overnight.

The narrative kicks off with Aidan finally getting his long-awaited chance to learn warrior skills from his father. But their bonding is violently cut short when Aidan witnesses his father's cold-blooded murder. This heartbreaking moment not only shatters Aidan’s world but also triggers the awakening of latent magical powers that he never knew he possessed.

As Aidan tries to understand his place in a royal family that clearly favors his older brother, Santurin, and navigate a society that views him as immature and incapable, he’s thrust into a deep and dangerous conspiracy. A power-hungry villain named Grimshaw emerges as a looming threat to the kingdom—and to Aidan personally. What’s worse is that few believe him, even as danger creeps closer to his loved ones.

Gage’s prose is accessible yet descriptive, striking a balance that works well for both young readers and adult fans of YA fantasy. The world-building is subtle and natural—Planet Xan comes alive without being over-explained.
Profile Image for bookhaven__.
974 reviews55 followers
September 27, 2023
Recently I got my hands on Theresa Gage's book "Tangle with Fire". It is a captivating story about a teenager who learned about his special powers after his fifteenth birthday. When Aidan informed his mother about his magical powers, she told him "Magic skips generation in their family. It manifests during puberty. Since Aidan didn't learn about his powers till his thirteenth or fourteenth birthday, his family thought he didn't possess magic".

Aidan saw his father being stabbed to death by a stranger. He couldn't do anything to save his father. Santurin, Aidan's elder brother, is considering himself as a king after his father's death. Aidan informed his family and friends about his powers. He has so many questions in his mind regarding magic and his powers. Even though he has heard stories about magic from his grandfather, at that time he thought they weren't real. Will Aidan be able to protect his family and kingdom?

The story is well paced and I wasn't bored anytime while reading this book. The characters feel real. I appreciate the vivid imagination of the author in creating this fantasy world. The title of the book is suitable according to the contents of the book. Go ahead with this one without any second thoughts. You would have a great time reading this book.
329 reviews18 followers
September 28, 2023
"Tangle with Fire" penned by the author Theresa Gage is a YA coming-of-age, Sci-fi/fantasy story. The main character of the story is a fifteen-year-old boy named Aidan. His elder brother is a bully and teases him constantly. Aidan also wanted to learn warrior skills like his brother but his mother doesn't allow him to learn it.

On his fifteenth birthday, Aidan received a gift from his father who is a king. Aidan's father promised him to teach warriors skills if he learns to hunt properly. Unfortunately, while giving hunting lessons to Aidan, the king was murdered. Aidan's whole world turned upside down in just a few seconds. Aidan's magical powers are newly found to him. He needs to learn to control his powers and make the right use of them. He now has the responsibility to save his kingdom from power-hungry sorcerers.

Aidan's character won my heart at his first mention in the story. The world building is impressive. The narration is smooth and strong. One could follow the story easily. Theresa has done great work in her debut book. The characters, plot, world building, etc all are well done. I would definitely be interested in reading more books by the author in the future. Add this one to your tbr if you enjoy Sci-fi stories.
Profile Image for Monika Singla.
374 reviews24 followers
October 23, 2023
I love reading fantasy stories. This time, I got my hands on the book "Tangle with Fire" by a new author Theresa Gage whom I discovered recently. This is a coming-of-age story about a fifteen-year-old boy who will impress you as soon as the story begins. Aidan doesn't stand up to his parents' expectations. His mother wanted him to be a scholar but Aidan is more interested in learning warrior skills.

Aidan and his elder brother recently lost their father. Now, the responsibilities of a king lie on the shoulders of Santurin. When Aidan revealed the truth about his magic to his mother, he was told that magic skips generation in their family. Aidan's mother advised him to not use magic for personal gains. She also told him that magic is unreliable at times, especially when you are tired.

The storyline is fascinating. The writing is clear, descriptive and twists and turns throughout the book keep you engaged and anxious to know what happens next. I will definitely be reading Theresa's future works. Would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy, coming-of-age stories. Aidan is a well written character and he felt real to me.
Profile Image for thebookaddict25.
324 reviews34 followers
October 24, 2023
What a rollercoaster this story took me on! This book from the start had me interested. It didn’t start out slow, or too fast. Being a younger sibling, I could very well relate to the character of Aidan and how he feels when his mother compares him with his elder brother. On his fifteenth birthday, Aidan's father was training him. Someone stabbed his father to death. When Aidan's family came to know this, the rumor was being spread that his father died in a hunting accident. The truth was that he was murdered.

As the story progresses, Aidan discusses with Cosmo about who killed his father. Aidan wasn't aware about the magic in his family until the age of fifteen. He learned about it after his father's death. You will enjoy figuring out who was behind his father's death and how Aidan will develop his magical skills.

The characters are engaging and relatable. If you love a good fantasy story, excellent character development, and sharp writing that keeps you on the edge of your seat, pick this book up now! I am excited to read the next book in the series.

First time reading from this author and it definitely won’t be my last.
Profile Image for Jim Clarke.
74 reviews6 followers
October 24, 2023
Aidan's mother doesn't give him the permission to learn warrior skills. However, he wants to be accepted by others. He doesn't like being called a wuss behind his back. His brother Santurin and his friends tease him. One day Aidan wanted to relax so he went fishing. He had an accident there and the river pulled him downstream. Later, Aidan had no idea where he was. He felt as if he was being followed but luckily he reached home safely.

Aidan cooked up some lies to tell to his elder brother Santurin. His fifteenth birthday brought a surprise to him. His heart always wanted one thing and that was to learn warrior skills. Today, his father agreed to it. Aidan had no idea that while learning hunting from his father, his father would be killed. He sees his brother as a king in the future with him having a blurred future for himself. I am not going to give too much away here but this story is beautifully written.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a well written plot with a captivating setting. I also found the characters very real and appealing. I'd love to meet them again in another novel.

A lovely book and it's worth a read.
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
10 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
I enjoy reading YA fiction, and this time I came across a new author—Theresa Gage—whose storytelling truly captivated me. Tangle With Fire is the first book in the Flame series, and I loved every moment of it.

The story centers around Aidan, a determined teenager eager to learn warrior skills. He wants to be able to survive and protect himself, but his mother is firmly against it. On his fifteenth birthday, his father surprises him with a promise: he will teach Aidan to fight, but only after Aidan learns to hunt. During their training session, the King was murdered. In the midst of the chaos, Aidan discovers he possesses magical powers, though he has no idea how to control them.

As the plot unfolds, Aidan finds himself burdened with greater responsibilities. Eventually, he is even stabbed—raising the stakes. Will he master his magic in time to defend himself and protect his kingdom?

This book is a must-read. The pacing is well-balanced, and the story flows smoothly. I also loved the cover design, and the title fits perfectly. Theresa Gage’s writing is accessible and engaging—I had no trouble following the plot and felt completely immersed in Aidan’s journey.
5 reviews
August 2, 2025
Tangle With Fire is a gripping read that pulled me in from the very first page and held my attention until the very end. The story follows Aidan, who has just turned fifteen. After years of waiting, his father finally agreed to train him in the ways of a warrior. But before he could keep his promise, tragedy struck—his father was murdered.

Determined to catch the killer, Aidan tries to pursue him, but the murderer manages to escape. Amidst the chaos, Aidan discovers a startling truth: he possesses magic. When he shares this with his mother, she encourages him to keep practicing and exploring his abilities.

Aidan's brother, Cosmo, reveals that a man named Grimshaw wants him dead, viewing him as an obstacle in his quest for the throne. Aidan fears that Grimshaw might target his family—his mother and elder brother, Santurin—next.

The plot is full of unexpected twists and kept me turning pages late into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed this coming-of-age fantasy and highly recommend it to fans of the genre. The world-building is rich and immersive, and Aidan's character arc is especially well-crafted. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
9 reviews
August 3, 2025
After reading Tangle With Fire, I’ve become a fan of Theresa Gage’s writing. This well-crafted YA fantasy novel immerses readers in the world of Aidan, a teenager on the brink of manhood. The story opens with Aidan’s personal struggles as he transitions from boyhood to adulthood.

His older brother, Santurin, often teases him, but Aidan’s life takes a dramatic turn when he witnesses his father’s murder. In that moment, he uncovers a long-hidden secret — the existence of magic within himself. However, Aidan has yet to learn how to harness and control his powers.

Encouraged by his mother, Aidan begins to train and practice his magic. With the king gone, Santurin must take on the responsibility of leading the kingdom. Meanwhile, dark forces begin to stir, threatening the safety of Aidan's loved ones. He must be ready to face whatever dangers lie ahead.

This is one of the best stories I’ve read in a while. The author’s writing is smooth and engaging, and the title perfectly reflects the heart of the story. I’m eager to continue with the next books in the series. If you enjoy YA coming-of-age fantasies, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Profile Image for _sassy_39.
2,603 reviews160 followers
September 26, 2023
"Tangle with Fire" written by the author Theresa Gage is the first installment in the Flame Series. The main character of the story is a fifteen-year-old boy named Aidan. He wanted to learn warrior skills like his elder brother. Aidan's father promised to teach him warrior skills if he learns to hunt first. When his father took him for a hunting lesson, he was stabbed in the back by a hooded figure.

The king is dead now and Aidan feels like he lost his mentor and his hero. After his father's death, Aidan learned about his special powers. If he would have known about them earlier, he could have saved his father's life. Read this story to know how Aidan learns to manage his powers. How will things go without a king?

The story is intriguing and hooked my attention until the last page. The writing style of the author is amazing and the cover photo looks nice. The characters are written well by the author and I loved Aidan's character the most. Those who love reading fantasy stories should definitely get their hands on this book.
120 reviews11 followers
October 23, 2023
Those who love reading coming-of-age stories should get their hands on Theresa Gage's book "Tangle with Fire". The story begins from a far away future. It is the year 2150 and the planet is Xan. Aidan is the main character of the story. He always wanted to learn fighting skills but his mother wanted him scholarly.

His elder brother Santurin is perfect in his mother's eyes. His brother would be king one day and Aidan's future looked bleak to him. On his fifteenth birthday, Aidan's dad surprised him by mentioning to him that he would teach him warrior skills. When his father was training him, he was stabbed by someone. Aidan couldn't do anything for his father and lost him forever. After his father's death, what strange thing Aidan will find out about himself?

This is an intriguing story with a gripping plot. It has magic, action, adventure, comparison between brothers, murder, etc. The story captivates you into a world filled with characters you can’t help but love. The hero is likable and it is an engaging read. Add it to your TBR now.
1,328 reviews62 followers
July 31, 2024
Theresa Gage's novel 'Tangle with Fire' kicks off an exciting new series set in the year 2150 on the distant Planet Xan. The story follows Aidan, a young boy overshadowed by his elder brother, Santurin, who can do no wrong in their mother's eyes. Aidan, on the other hand, can do nothing right.

From a tender age, Aidan grapples with his place in the world, aware that his brother is destined to become king. Despite his mother's disapproval, Aidan seizes the opportunity to learn hunting from his father. Tragically, his father dies that day, and Aidan discovers he possesses unique powers. The story unfolds as Aidan struggles to harness these newfound abilities.

This book comes highly recommended for young readers. Theresa Gage's writing is captivating, and the plot is thoroughly engaging. Many siblings will resonate with Aidan's feelings, as the theme of parental comparison is universally relatable. Aidan's character left a lasting impression on me, and this story is sure to linger in my mind for a long time.
10 reviews
August 2, 2025
Tangle With Fire by Theresa Gage is the first installment in the Flame series. This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I ended up binge-reading it in one go.

A coming-of-age YA novel, the story is gripping and full of energy. It follows fifteen-year-old Aidan, who’s eager to learn fighting skills from his father. However, his mother strongly disapproves. Eventually, Aidan is given a chance—his father agrees to teach him warrior skills, but only if he first proves himself by learning to hunt. Just as he begins his training, tragedy strikes: the king is assassinated. With the kingdom’s fate now resting on his brothers’ shoulders, Aidan must master his powers in time to protect his people from looming threats.

To find out how the story unfolds, you’ll need to dive into the book yourself. Theresa Gage has created a compelling world, and I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in it. Aidan quickly became a favorite character of mine. Kudos to Theresa for crafting such an engaging and imaginative tale!
23 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2025
One moment, Aidan was an ordinary fifteen-year-old eager to learn survival skills from his father. The next, he witnessed his father’s murder at the hands of a mysterious man who vanished without a trace. In that devastating moment, Aidan's latent magical powers awakened.

His mother revealed that magic runs in their family—but skips generation. It typically emerges during adolescence. She explained that while Aidan could learn to harness his powers through persistence and practice, nothing could bring his father back.

As Aidan begins to understand the extent of his abilities, he uncovers a dark truth: Grimshaw is the one responsible for his family’s tragedy. But will the rest of his family believe him?

This is a gripping tale of good versus evil, filled with magic, responsibility, and the forging of a young warrior. Aidan stood out to me as the most compelling character—I’m sure he’ll become a favorite for anyone who dives into this YA fantasy. If you enjoy stories rich with magic, conflict, and personal growth, this book is not to be missed.
18 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
Aidan knew nothing about being a warrior or how to fight. He had pleaded with his mother many times to let him train, but it was only when his father finally agreed that tragedy struck—he was murdered while giving Prince Aidan his first hunting lesson.

With the kingdom’s future uncertain, Aidan’s elder brother Santurin was expected to take charge. Meanwhile, Aidan recently discovered he possesses magical abilities. Now, he must learn to harness and control them in order to protect his brothers from the dark forces of Grimshaw and others who seek to harm them and seize the throne. The responsibility lies with Aidan—can he truly master his powers in time?

I really admired how Aidan began stepping up to care for his family after his father's death. His character is kind-hearted and deeply compassionate, which makes him easy for readers to connect with. I especially loved how Book One concluded and can’t wait to get my hands on Book Two of the Flame series.
Profile Image for tracysmith15_.
29 reviews
August 3, 2025
Tangle with Fire is not just a fantasy adventure—it’s a deeply emotional journey of a boy becoming a leader, battling both external enemies and internal fears. It echoes the best of classic YA fantasy while offering a fresh voice and unique setting. Fans of series like Eragon, Percy Jackson, or Throne of Glass will find much to love here.

We see Aidan's character development in the story. Initially, Aidan wanted to learn warrior skills but after his father's death, he had to look after his family and kingdom even if he doesn't have the proper skills. Aidan was surprised to learn that he possesses magic and it skips generations in his family.

Aidan has to deal with Grimshaw who betrayed his family. Grimshaw is after the throne and Aidan needs to do everything he can to keep his loved ones safe.

With Book One setting such a high bar, I am excited to read the next installment in the Flame Series. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
8 reviews
August 3, 2025
Aidan is a teenager who has recently turned fifteen. One day, his father was murdered when he was with Aidan to teach him hunting. Aidan saw the mysterious man escaping and at the same time learned that he possesses magic. He has to do lots of work to control it.

Aidan's elder brother Santurin takes the responsibilities as the next heir after king's death. Aidan is aware that the life of his family is in danger because of Grimshaw who is greedy for the throne. Find out what Aidan can do to protect his people.

Gage writes Aidan's transformation beautifully. He wrestles with grief, self-doubt, and responsibility—all while trying to understand magic that comes with no manual. His empathy, loyalty to his family, and refusal to be underestimated make him a protagonist readers will root for.

Fans of character-driven stories with real emotional stakes will have a great time reading this book.
6 reviews
August 3, 2025
Aidan is a beloved protagonist, admired by all. Determined to be prepared for challenging times, he seeks training and readiness. However, his mother is deeply concerned and doesn't want him risking his life. The story also features Aidan's twin brother, Cosmo, and his older brother, Santurin.

Following their father's death, Santurin is next in line for the throne. A dark presence looms in the form of the sinister Councilor Grimshaw, whom Aidan suspects of being a sorcerer. Grimshaw harbors ambitions of ruling the kingdom and is willing to eliminate anyone who stands in his way.

The author does a great job with dialogue, and I particularly enjoyed the tone of the story. The writing is rich and descriptive, with well-developed characters. As the plot unfolds, layers of suspense and hidden secrets are gradually revealed, making the story increasingly engaging. I'm glad I discovered Theresa Gage's work.
Profile Image for Sakshi.
91 reviews9 followers
July 31, 2024
"Tangle with Fire" marks my first encounter with Theresa Gage's writing. The character of Aidan instantly captivated me from the outset. A tragic turn of events occurs when Aidan, on a hunting trip with his father, witnesses his father being fatally stabbed just after he shoots a wildcat.

Following his father's death, Aidan discovers he possesses extraordinary abilities. He is tormented by the realization that had he known about his powers sooner, he might have saved his father. The narrative of Aidan honing his abilities and striving to protect his loved ones held my attention throughout the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am eager to dive into the second installment. The title is fitting, and the cover art is appealing. The story maintains a steady pace, and Theresa Gage's storytelling has left a lasting impression on me.

Rating 4.5/5
Profile Image for Winslow Hart.
9 reviews
October 25, 2025
Our book club was completely drawn into this story. I think what struck us most was the emotional honesty. Aidan isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes him unforgettable. We talked a lot about how his choices mirror the ones real people make when they’re trying to prove themselves. Theresa Gage has a rare talent for showing growth without making it feel forced. The writing feels lived in, full of small details that make the world come alive. Several of us said it reminded us of the fantasy books we loved growing up, but with more emotional depth. By the time we finished, we were already asking when the next one comes out.
Profile Image for Amelia Parker.
6 reviews
October 25, 2025
Theresa Gage created a world that feels both new and familiar. Our group talked about how the story balances hope and hardship. Aidan’s journey is full of mistakes, but he keeps trying, and that’s what makes him inspiring. We all agreed the pacing was perfect, and several people said they could picture it as a series on screen. What I personally loved most is how the author writes emotion with restraint. Nothing feels forced or exaggerated. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you close it.
Profile Image for Lorna Matthews.
19 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2025
This book had such an impact on our club. We ended up going off-topic for a while because people started talking about their own experiences with loss and friendship. That’s what a powerful story does, it opens the door to real conversation. Gage writes with compassion and honesty. Every chapter feels like it has a heartbeat. We loved the descriptions of the landscapes and the cultural details. The book’s ending gave us chills. It’s rare for everyone in the club to give the same rating, but Tangle With Fire earned unanimous five stars.
Profile Image for Verity Collins.
9 reviews
October 25, 2025
I appreciated how Tangle With Fire manages to be exciting and thoughtful at the same time. It’s not just battles and spells; it’s about what courage actually looks like. During our book-club chat, we talked about how Aidan’s bravery isn’t loud, it’s quiet, the kind that means showing up even when you’re scared. Theresa Gage writes that kind of strength beautifully. The writing style is clean and immersive, and the dialogue feels natural. We all finished the book feeling hopeful and a little sad to leave the characters behind
Profile Image for Harper Lewis.
4 reviews
October 25, 2025
Theresa Gage created a world that feels both new and familiar. Our group talked about how the story balances hope and hardship. Aidan’s journey is full of mistakes, but he keeps trying, and that’s what makes him inspiring. We all agreed the pacing was perfect, and several people said they could picture it as a series on screen. What I personally loved most is how the author writes emotion with restraint. Nothing feels forced or exaggerated. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you close it.
Profile Image for Evelyn Scott.
6 reviews
October 25, 2025
This was one of those rare books that made everyone in our group stop scrolling, sit down, and really read. The world is rich and imaginative, but it’s the people that make it shine. Gage writes relationships that feel genuine. We laughed, we argued, and we even got emotional over a few moments that hit close to home. One reader said she saw parts of her younger self in Aidan insecure, hopeful, brave when it matters. That’s the kind of connection you don’t get often. It earned every one of those five stars.
9 reviews
October 25, 2025
I didn’t expect Tangle With Fire to move me as much as it did. During our discussion, someone said it felt like a story about finding light after loss, and that really stayed with me. Aidan’s grief is written with care and understanding, and the way he rebuilds himself is powerful. We also loved the friendships messy, complicated, real. Theresa Gage doesn’t shy away from emotion. She gives her characters room to breathe, and you can feel that in every chapter. Our entire club gave it five stars because it sparked such a heartfelt conversation.
Profile Image for Daxen Pierce.
3 reviews
October 25, 2025
Our book club had one of those nights where the conversation didn’t end when the call did. Everyone was still messaging afterward because Tangle With Fire left us with so much to think about. Aidan’s story hit home for a lot of us the pressure to live up to expectations, the guilt of mistakes, and that constant question of ‘Who am I becoming?’ Theresa Gage has such a sensitive way of writing about emotion without making it heavy. The pacing felt natural, the dialogue believable, and the ending stayed with me long after. We all agreed it deserves every bit of praise it gets
Profile Image for Owen Reed.
2 reviews
October 28, 2025
I loved how different this story felt. It’s not trying to copy other fantasy books; it’s quiet, emotional, and kind of hopeful even when it’s dark. I liked the little moments, like when Aidan second guesses himself or when his friends tease him just to make him smile. That’s real life. Our book club couldn’t stop debating one thing though: do you think Juliana actually understood Aidan, or was she just trying to help because she felt sorry for him? Everyone had a different opinion. Theresa Gage wrote those relationships so honestly.
Profile Image for Sage Lucien.
7 reviews
October 25, 2025
We finished the book and immediately started guessing what comes next. That’s always a good sign. The story had just the right mix of emotion and adventure. A few readers in our group thought the pacing slowed a bit in the middle, but others enjoyed that breathing space. We agreed it’s the kind of fantasy that feels personal rather than distant. Theresa Gage clearly understands her characters, and that’s why the book works so well.
Profile Image for Seraphine Ronan.
5 reviews
October 25, 2025
From the very first chapter, I knew Tangle With Fire was something special. The descriptions are cinematic, but never overwhelming. The dialogue flows naturally, and the emotional beats land right where they should. We talked for a long time about the themes, grief, courage, and the fear of growing up too fast. Gage handles them with grace. It’s rare to find fantasy that feels both thrilling and deeply human. Our group all agreed it’s one of the best stories we’ve read together this year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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