The Flame Gifter

by Mike Diener, Ariana Tosado (editor)

How do you move forward when you have no purpose?

Alone in an alley, Louise hides from the world. The steel orb that once burned with life now rests frozen in her pocket, a reminder of how unforgiving life has been to her. With each person that passes by, Louise sinks further into despair until one man stops and demands to see her flame.

39 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2023

Reviews

[Mel Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

a dystopian short that feels like a fable you read when you were younger and remember every now and then as you grow older. the writing is succinct, tonal, and reassured, allowing the characters to take center stage and lead with their emotions. although chronological and brief, the theme of gradual self-acceptance is what shapes this story into such a reflective piece. a soothing and introspective afternoon read!

[McKenna Rowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story that will touch your heart. A must read!!

[Dana Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars - Lovely story about generosity

The Flame Gifter by Mike Diener is a lovely little story about generosity. Though only 40 pages long, it has depth and a clear plot and doesn't feel rushed at all. I love the messages featured in it and how The Flame Gifter not only reminds us that we can all make a difference and help those in need but also points out that the most generous of people need someone to be there for them as well.

The Flame Gifter had great messages and was an all-around good read that can be enjoyed by adults but would also be good for children (maybe middle-school-aged. There is one--non-descriptive--death that might not go over well with younger children) to help give them perspective when it comes to generosity.

Thank you, Mike Diener, for providing me with a free copy of The Flame Gifter in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily E. Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this!
Mike wasn’t kidding when he said it was a 45 minute read. This was such a wonderful short story and I adored every minute of reading this.
The idea behind The Flame Gifter is so lovely, and doves deeply into society and ideas people have when interacting with one another.

It is truly well written and gives you something to think about.

Also - I can see this being made into a Disney short - that’s how wonderful, thoughtful and amazing this read is.

Well done Mike, another book of yours I’ve fallen for! ✨❤️

[Kairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

its only 39 pages and some how I was so invested and honestly I wish this was full length novel because this was good

[Amelia E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read that pulls on heartstrings and leaves you sad but satisfied. Great message and cool concept :)

[Elsa Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good read and really meaningful story! Highly recommend if you want a short story to read or if someone you know would like a short story to read! :)

[Morgan Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story that is easy to read and will stick with you. It encourages you to look out for the needs of others, even those who seem at first to be the strongest. If there were a full-length novel of this story, I would definitely read it! This is something that ought to be shared. :)

[Amy Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, short read that reminds you of the power of seemingly small steps and also of taking care of yourself in your quest to serve others.

[Daphne Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flame Gifter is such a fascinating short story. It's well written and the characters are nicely developed. It has great themes woven throughout, and should definitely be on your to-read list!

[Jessica J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story. Short stories usually always feel, well, too short for me and like they're lacking in depth but this one carried so much meaning in its 44 pages that I'll be thinking about for a long time.
The concept of the flame gifter was a beautiful picture for sharing your light with others and how even the biggest light givers sometimes need light themselves.
I will definitely be rereading this in the future.

[Paris Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little story. If you worry about not being enough, or being broken, then I encourage you to take the time to read this book. It comes with the reminder and encouragement to start small. <3