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Tears of Flame #1
A Spark From Embers
A spark smolders within every fading ember. Awaiting the right moment to reignite. To blaze into an inferno.
Eighteen-year-old Sadie’s fiery ambitions have faded to embers. Her dreams of escaping the shackles of her conventional life and seeking heroic adventures have been doused by an arranged marriage. Women in 1914 were expected to be Helen of Troy, not Achilles. Doomed to the life of obscurity she always feared, Sadie takes a chance on an anonymous note—and finds a mirror portal to Arwé, the parallel world featured in her shunned great-grandfather’s book.
But when she steps through, the portal closes behind her.
Cut off from her brother Connor and stuck with Tristan, the enigmatic man sent to guide her to Arwé, Sadie learns it will take more than trading the mundane for the magical to reignite the embers of her heart. Controversial fire and forbidden celestial magics threaten to consume her, layered secrets mask friend from foe, and she’s caught in a civil war she inadvertently accelerated. Walking through that portal should have been freeing. Empowering. So why did she feel more trapped?
Convinced his sister is gone forever, Connor enlists in a war he doesn’t believe in. Before long, he uncovers a dark conspiracy rooted in emerging electrical science.
When her enemies offer her the chance to return home, Sadie discovers not even her wild imagination has prepared her for the sobering reality of what happens when you play with fire.
A SPARK FROM EMBERS is The Ten Thousand Doors of January meets the Narnia series, except if Lucy had gone through the wardrobe alone, leaving Edmund to enlist and battle the demons of his inner Witch.
Eighteen-year-old Sadie’s fiery ambitions have faded to embers. Her dreams of escaping the shackles of her conventional life and seeking heroic adventures have been doused by an arranged marriage. Women in 1914 were expected to be Helen of Troy, not Achilles. Doomed to the life of obscurity she always feared, Sadie takes a chance on an anonymous note—and finds a mirror portal to Arwé, the parallel world featured in her shunned great-grandfather’s book.
But when she steps through, the portal closes behind her.
Cut off from her brother Connor and stuck with Tristan, the enigmatic man sent to guide her to Arwé, Sadie learns it will take more than trading the mundane for the magical to reignite the embers of her heart. Controversial fire and forbidden celestial magics threaten to consume her, layered secrets mask friend from foe, and she’s caught in a civil war she inadvertently accelerated. Walking through that portal should have been freeing. Empowering. So why did she feel more trapped?
Convinced his sister is gone forever, Connor enlists in a war he doesn’t believe in. Before long, he uncovers a dark conspiracy rooted in emerging electrical science.
When her enemies offer her the chance to return home, Sadie discovers not even her wild imagination has prepared her for the sobering reality of what happens when you play with fire.
A SPARK FROM EMBERS is The Ten Thousand Doors of January meets the Narnia series, except if Lucy had gone through the wardrobe alone, leaving Edmund to enlist and battle the demons of his inner Witch.
478 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2024
9 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Prime
3 books30 followersKaylea Prime is the author of the fantasy series, Tears of Flame. She is also a librarian with a passion for planning epic programs that immerse kids and teens into their favourite literary worlds. When she’s not writing or working as a librarian, she can be found exploring the beautiful wilderness around her home in Clearwater, British Columbia, with her two kids, husband, and two golden retrievers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 28, 2024
This debut weaves a captivating narrative, skillfully guiding readers through a realm where magic, adventure, and familial bonds converge with an effortless grace. Prime's prose is nothing short of enchanting, possessing a lyrical, poetic nature that transcends time, making the story both timeless and deeply relevant. As someone with two younger brothers and a sister, the sibling relationship between Sadie and Connor resonates on a personal level, capturing the authentic essence of familial connections. While this story mostly focuses on Sadie, Connor does get some POV time and really shines in his pages. I just wanted to drop that here before I get back to Sadie, because this story is undeniably epic, and I have the feeling we might be branching out to more POVs as the series progresses. Connor has my heart.
The setting of Canada during WWI, an uncommon backdrop in fantasy, adds historical authenticity to the fantastical elements, creating a rich and immersive world. Sadie's relationships with her parents, and living in the shadow of her older sister, are portrayed with raw emotion, resonating with readers on a deeply personal level. The feminism in the narrative is tastefully handled, rooted in its beliefs without being preachy, making Sadie's journey a celebration of empowerment and resilience.
Sadie, a young woman struggling for relevance in a man’s world, is instantly likable as she fights to defy the societal constraints of the early 1900s, fueled by a yearning for something more. Her journey begins with a daring leap to follow the footsteps of a pariah (we-don’t-talk-about-Bruno) relative, leading her to a world filled with all the things her favorite stories promised her, and more. Adventure. Danger. Purpose. Passion. The emotional turmoil, budding maturity, and high moral compass of Sadie make her a relatable and multidimensional protagonist. Yeah, she can be reckless sometimes, but who wasn’t reckless in their teens? Teens made bad choices, people. And the beauty of this is watching her grow. Her struggle to navigate the unfamiliar, guided only by a man she barely knows, adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
Arwé, the parallel world Sadie steps into, captivates from the start. Prime's world-building is unparalleled, breathing life into the setting and its inhabitants. Tristan's initially sketchy character adds intrigue, and the banter between him and Sadie is priceless, contributing to the narrative's charm. The pacing is masterfully handled, with a perfect blend of slow scenes that deepen character development and fast-paced moments that drive the plot forward.
The villains are realistic, the magic system is deep, dark, and delicious, and every aspect of the story feels rich and tangible. Side characters, including the brilliant Tamlin (she’s like a female Gandalf!!), contribute to the overall brilliance of the narrative, subverting traditional tropes while delivering a world that feels like coming home. As a reader, this is the fantasy story I wished for as a teen/young adult, and I am grateful to vicariously experience it now through Prime's craftsmanship.
A Spark From Embers feels like a complete and deep story, yet it leaves us yearning for the unexplored depths that lie ahead. The anticipation for the next chapter in Sadie's journey intensifies, creating a sense of wonder and excitement that lingers long after the final page. This book isn't just a story; it's an immersive experience that leaves an indelible mark on the heart and soul.
The setting of Canada during WWI, an uncommon backdrop in fantasy, adds historical authenticity to the fantastical elements, creating a rich and immersive world. Sadie's relationships with her parents, and living in the shadow of her older sister, are portrayed with raw emotion, resonating with readers on a deeply personal level. The feminism in the narrative is tastefully handled, rooted in its beliefs without being preachy, making Sadie's journey a celebration of empowerment and resilience.
Sadie, a young woman struggling for relevance in a man’s world, is instantly likable as she fights to defy the societal constraints of the early 1900s, fueled by a yearning for something more. Her journey begins with a daring leap to follow the footsteps of a pariah (we-don’t-talk-about-Bruno) relative, leading her to a world filled with all the things her favorite stories promised her, and more. Adventure. Danger. Purpose. Passion. The emotional turmoil, budding maturity, and high moral compass of Sadie make her a relatable and multidimensional protagonist. Yeah, she can be reckless sometimes, but who wasn’t reckless in their teens? Teens made bad choices, people. And the beauty of this is watching her grow. Her struggle to navigate the unfamiliar, guided only by a man she barely knows, adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
Arwé, the parallel world Sadie steps into, captivates from the start. Prime's world-building is unparalleled, breathing life into the setting and its inhabitants. Tristan's initially sketchy character adds intrigue, and the banter between him and Sadie is priceless, contributing to the narrative's charm. The pacing is masterfully handled, with a perfect blend of slow scenes that deepen character development and fast-paced moments that drive the plot forward.
The villains are realistic, the magic system is deep, dark, and delicious, and every aspect of the story feels rich and tangible. Side characters, including the brilliant Tamlin (she’s like a female Gandalf!!), contribute to the overall brilliance of the narrative, subverting traditional tropes while delivering a world that feels like coming home. As a reader, this is the fantasy story I wished for as a teen/young adult, and I am grateful to vicariously experience it now through Prime's craftsmanship.
A Spark From Embers feels like a complete and deep story, yet it leaves us yearning for the unexplored depths that lie ahead. The anticipation for the next chapter in Sadie's journey intensifies, creating a sense of wonder and excitement that lingers long after the final page. This book isn't just a story; it's an immersive experience that leaves an indelible mark on the heart and soul.
January 30, 2024
⊱⋆⊰───⊰⊱ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ⊰⊱──⊱⋆⊰───⊰⊱ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ⊰⊱──⊱⋆⊰
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC
2.5/5 stars 😔 🛑Minor Spoilers🛑
Unfortunately I had a few issues which prevented me from rating it much higher.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Writing and Language
I genuinely loved the writing style, the descriptions were truly beautiful and you felt as if you were standing in a faerie world. My only criticism would be that there were a lot of them, far more than actual events in the book. I found myself reading, waiting for it to get interesting and it wasn’t, there would be some dialogue and something small and then description, description and more description and I felt like I was dragging myself through it.
Which brings me to my next point. In my humble opinion for a 478 page book, there just wasn’t enough happening, in terms of action and even character development, for the side characters more, not the main one. I’d say it picked up the pace around page 346, so for me, the majority of it was quite slow.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Plot
The plot had great potential, and an interesting start, especially the prologue but those beginning scenes were not followed up on and so again, it was rather slow and uneventful. For me, it felt like there was more travelling than anything else. I do understand that it is the first book in a series but for a 400+ page book, I feel like it has to be more engaging.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Characters
Disclaimer, this is going to be the bulk of my review. So, my main issue with this book was our fmc, Sadie Sheldon. I found her so irritating that she quite ruined the book for me. Not like Lucy Pevensie at all :(
My main gripe is the feminist attitude she has. I have nothing against feminism in books lol, and I loveee strong female characters a lot but I felt like the WAY that feminism was portrayed here was irritating and rather toxic.
Feminism when well done, subtle enough to not feel like it’s being shoved in your face and impactful enough to create that feeling in the reader, produces a badass female who we’re all cheering on and sighing in satisfaction over.
So, Sadie rant pt 1: She was constantly complaining about the world they lived in, which was not accepting or welcoming to women having opportunities and ambitions, but when it came to actually DOING something, trying to take a stance, make a change, DO something to achieve her goal, what happened? Nothing, her ‘feminism’ consisted of childish tantrums, rude exchanges with her mother and sighing about the horrible world she lived in, where she would NOT be like other women and she would be ✨different✨
Which brings me nicely onto pt 2, which was the main source of my annoyance. Sadie, in her enlightened feminism, mocks, looks down on and insults her mother and sister for their choices in life. She thinks of them as weak, compliant and submissive. As having no minds of their own and that all gives off this condescending, superior feeling from her. She hates her mother for wanting her to get married and settle down, the mother is portrayed as quite the villain, but the mother is simply trying to give her daughter the best chance in life and comfort in an undeniably misogynistic world. But because her wishes for her daughter to be safe, settled and happy in the REAL world do not align with Sadie’s fantasies, she’s made out to be the oppressor.
As for her older sister, Sadie thinks of her as the ‘perfect’ daughter, and just like their mother, weak-willed. First of all, Sadie has no idea about anything in her sister’s life. Do I think her sister was born to fit the mould? No, rather I think she became the victim of her parents worries and high expectations and so she surrendered her own wishes to please them (as most eldest children do :’) and so part of the reason Sadie HAS this freedom to think and act somewhat how she wants, is because her sister ended up shouldering most of their parents’ scrutiny (Luisa Madrigal anyone?) The other thing is that feminism at its core, is about giving women opportunities and freedoms, about having CHOICE. Feminism is not about putting down other women and their decisions and lifestyles because it does not align with your own values, which Sadie decided to do.
Having said all that, we do see the beginnings of a character arc for Sadie which I was VERY happy about but it started rather late so I’m not sure if this IS the beginning of Sadie developing sense.
(Mini rant, I’m sorry but she’s just so whiny and stubborn and insists on doing things she can’t do so she can prove she’s a strong, independent women or some rubbish like that and she ends up causing more problems and I wanted to tear my hair outttt)
I did like the other characters a lot more, but I don’t feel like they were developed enough for me to have a connection with, which, considering the length of the book, is not an unfair expectation, no?
⊱⋆⊰───⊰⊱ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ⊰⊱──⊱⋆⊰───⊰⊱ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ⊰⊱──⊱⋆⊰
That’s ittt, I’m done! Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk everyoneee 💞
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC
2.5/5 stars 😔 🛑Minor Spoilers🛑
Unfortunately I had a few issues which prevented me from rating it much higher.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Writing and Language
I genuinely loved the writing style, the descriptions were truly beautiful and you felt as if you were standing in a faerie world. My only criticism would be that there were a lot of them, far more than actual events in the book. I found myself reading, waiting for it to get interesting and it wasn’t, there would be some dialogue and something small and then description, description and more description and I felt like I was dragging myself through it.
Which brings me to my next point. In my humble opinion for a 478 page book, there just wasn’t enough happening, in terms of action and even character development, for the side characters more, not the main one. I’d say it picked up the pace around page 346, so for me, the majority of it was quite slow.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Plot
The plot had great potential, and an interesting start, especially the prologue but those beginning scenes were not followed up on and so again, it was rather slow and uneventful. For me, it felt like there was more travelling than anything else. I do understand that it is the first book in a series but for a 400+ page book, I feel like it has to be more engaging.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Characters
Disclaimer, this is going to be the bulk of my review. So, my main issue with this book was our fmc, Sadie Sheldon. I found her so irritating that she quite ruined the book for me. Not like Lucy Pevensie at all :(
My main gripe is the feminist attitude she has. I have nothing against feminism in books lol, and I loveee strong female characters a lot but I felt like the WAY that feminism was portrayed here was irritating and rather toxic.
Feminism when well done, subtle enough to not feel like it’s being shoved in your face and impactful enough to create that feeling in the reader, produces a badass female who we’re all cheering on and sighing in satisfaction over.
So, Sadie rant pt 1: She was constantly complaining about the world they lived in, which was not accepting or welcoming to women having opportunities and ambitions, but when it came to actually DOING something, trying to take a stance, make a change, DO something to achieve her goal, what happened? Nothing, her ‘feminism’ consisted of childish tantrums, rude exchanges with her mother and sighing about the horrible world she lived in, where she would NOT be like other women and she would be ✨different✨
Which brings me nicely onto pt 2, which was the main source of my annoyance. Sadie, in her enlightened feminism, mocks, looks down on and insults her mother and sister for their choices in life. She thinks of them as weak, compliant and submissive. As having no minds of their own and that all gives off this condescending, superior feeling from her. She hates her mother for wanting her to get married and settle down, the mother is portrayed as quite the villain, but the mother is simply trying to give her daughter the best chance in life and comfort in an undeniably misogynistic world. But because her wishes for her daughter to be safe, settled and happy in the REAL world do not align with Sadie’s fantasies, she’s made out to be the oppressor.
As for her older sister, Sadie thinks of her as the ‘perfect’ daughter, and just like their mother, weak-willed. First of all, Sadie has no idea about anything in her sister’s life. Do I think her sister was born to fit the mould? No, rather I think she became the victim of her parents worries and high expectations and so she surrendered her own wishes to please them (as most eldest children do :’) and so part of the reason Sadie HAS this freedom to think and act somewhat how she wants, is because her sister ended up shouldering most of their parents’ scrutiny (Luisa Madrigal anyone?) The other thing is that feminism at its core, is about giving women opportunities and freedoms, about having CHOICE. Feminism is not about putting down other women and their decisions and lifestyles because it does not align with your own values, which Sadie decided to do.
Having said all that, we do see the beginnings of a character arc for Sadie which I was VERY happy about but it started rather late so I’m not sure if this IS the beginning of Sadie developing sense.
(Mini rant, I’m sorry but she’s just so whiny and stubborn and insists on doing things she can’t do so she can prove she’s a strong, independent women or some rubbish like that and she ends up causing more problems and I wanted to tear my hair outttt)
I did like the other characters a lot more, but I don’t feel like they were developed enough for me to have a connection with, which, considering the length of the book, is not an unfair expectation, no?
⊱⋆⊰───⊰⊱ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ⊰⊱──⊱⋆⊰───⊰⊱ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ⊰⊱──⊱⋆⊰
That’s ittt, I’m done! Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk everyoneee 💞
Read
February 3, 2024A Spark From Embers is my debut novel, and has been almost twenty years in the making. Twenty years on and off of dreaming, planning, worldbuilding, drafting, and editing (over and over again). Sadie and Connor reside in my soul, and their found families have claimed my heart. Wonder and magic abound in this coming of age story of self-acceptance, and all the nuanced complexities that idea brings.
I consider A Spark From Embers to be a crossover between Adult and Upper YA.
A few things you'll find in this story:
- Strong female protagonist
- Elemental & Celestial magic
- Dual POV
- WWI Era
- Lush worldbuilding
- Mythical creatures
Content warnings include:
- Violence/gore/blood
- Death/Grief
- Profanity (minor)
- Brief scene of attempted assault
Step through a portal and join me in Arwé, a world of manifested dreams. The time to claim your almost moment is here.
I consider A Spark From Embers to be a crossover between Adult and Upper YA.
A few things you'll find in this story:
- Strong female protagonist
- Elemental & Celestial magic
- Dual POV
- WWI Era
- Lush worldbuilding
- Mythical creatures
Content warnings include:
- Violence/gore/blood
- Death/Grief
- Profanity (minor)
- Brief scene of attempted assault
Step through a portal and join me in Arwé, a world of manifested dreams. The time to claim your almost moment is here.
February 12, 2024
Review originally on
JamReads
A Spark from Embers is the first book in the epic fantasy series Tears of Flame, the debut novel of Kaylea Prime (who previously published A Ballad of Hate and Hope, a novella set in the same universe); comped as Narnia meets the Ten Thousand Doors of January, it was the perfect comp for me. And I can say that it fulfilled my expectations, being an excellent portal fantasy proposal, with a great female main character, a world full of secrets and a secondary plot that kept me hooked to the page.
Sadie's ambitions have faded to embers. In 1914, women are just expected to become wives, and that's not an exception for Sadie's family; except she would love to avoid a conventional life and get into adventures. Far seems the world that her great-grandfather described in his book; however, when she finds an anonymous note, she ends finding a mirror that acts as a portal to that world, Arwé.
At the moment of crossing it, the portal closes behind her, caught in this new world and in the company of Tristan, a man sent that guided her to Arwé. Together with Tristan, she will start a journey through the world, getting to learn more about the magic inside herself, and that threatens to consume her like a fire. Sadie soon finds herself in the middle of a civil war that will put her between the wall and the rock, when her enemies offer her the possibility of returning home; an intense POV that allows us to learn more about Arwé and the immensity of this world.
In the background, we have Connor, Sadie's brother, who is devastated by the disappearing of his sister; especially after the funeral for his sister is organized. Moved by hopelessness, he decides to alist into the war; but soon he discovers there's a conspiracy rooted in the new electrical science. Prime excellently portrays the relationship between both siblings, how the bond between them is, and how deeply it goes (it is really relatable).
The world of Arwé is imaginative, taking some elements from classical fantasy but modernising it; Prime's prose does an excellent job of creating images of the different locations, with a great focus on descriptions. The conflict itself goes hard, giving nuances to the classic bad versus good. It is also worth to mention that it is original to see Canada being used as the Earth location, a rather unexplored place in fiction.
A Spark from Embers is an excellent first instalment in this series; if you loved Narnia like me, this book is perfect for you. Kaylea Prime has created a special world that I hope I can return to the next books.
A Spark from Embers is the first book in the epic fantasy series Tears of Flame, the debut novel of Kaylea Prime (who previously published A Ballad of Hate and Hope, a novella set in the same universe); comped as Narnia meets the Ten Thousand Doors of January, it was the perfect comp for me. And I can say that it fulfilled my expectations, being an excellent portal fantasy proposal, with a great female main character, a world full of secrets and a secondary plot that kept me hooked to the page.
Sadie's ambitions have faded to embers. In 1914, women are just expected to become wives, and that's not an exception for Sadie's family; except she would love to avoid a conventional life and get into adventures. Far seems the world that her great-grandfather described in his book; however, when she finds an anonymous note, she ends finding a mirror that acts as a portal to that world, Arwé.
At the moment of crossing it, the portal closes behind her, caught in this new world and in the company of Tristan, a man sent that guided her to Arwé. Together with Tristan, she will start a journey through the world, getting to learn more about the magic inside herself, and that threatens to consume her like a fire. Sadie soon finds herself in the middle of a civil war that will put her between the wall and the rock, when her enemies offer her the possibility of returning home; an intense POV that allows us to learn more about Arwé and the immensity of this world.
In the background, we have Connor, Sadie's brother, who is devastated by the disappearing of his sister; especially after the funeral for his sister is organized. Moved by hopelessness, he decides to alist into the war; but soon he discovers there's a conspiracy rooted in the new electrical science. Prime excellently portrays the relationship between both siblings, how the bond between them is, and how deeply it goes (it is really relatable).
The world of Arwé is imaginative, taking some elements from classical fantasy but modernising it; Prime's prose does an excellent job of creating images of the different locations, with a great focus on descriptions. The conflict itself goes hard, giving nuances to the classic bad versus good. It is also worth to mention that it is original to see Canada being used as the Earth location, a rather unexplored place in fiction.
A Spark from Embers is an excellent first instalment in this series; if you loved Narnia like me, this book is perfect for you. Kaylea Prime has created a special world that I hope I can return to the next books.
March 28, 2025
This author has so much beautiful potential. Her prose is gorgeous and the way she describes both physical things and feelings is hypnotizing.
However, her characters need work. They feel bland, stereotypical, very shallow. Pretty one-dimensional, so I couldn’t really bring myself to care about any of them. The storyline was cliche but that can work if the characters are unique and fleshed-out enough. They just weren’t this time around.
Ever though the book is in third person, Sadie, our main character, speaks the exact same way the narration speaks. It makes immersion hard when there’s no break between what the characters are saying and what the narrator is describing. So I’d prefer more showing, less telling from our characters.
All that being said, I will definitely be following this author though. Excited to see where she goes!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2024
I sat on this book for minute before I felt like I could write a proper review. Overall, the world building and elements within the world were phenomenal. I felt immersed within the world and it was beautifully written. I enjoyed the characters and loved the story. There were a few parts I skimmed over to get to the exciting bits but more for the anticipation and anxiety of waiting to see what happens than for boredom. I really liked it and I’d read it again. Kaylea effortlessly intertwined elements of history with magic and took all the best fantasy tropes and put them into a helluva great story. Would recommend for anyone looking for an overall great fantasy epic with a lot of detail and good storyline.
Thank you to BookSirens & Kaylea Prime for an ARC of this book, it was fantastic!
Thank you to BookSirens & Kaylea Prime for an ARC of this book, it was fantastic!
February 13, 2024
Devoured this magical fantasy!
"But that was the thing about fairy tales - they brimmed with false hopes and dark twists, and when you stood on the precipice of happily ever after, became elusive."
Sparks from Embers grabbed my attention from the first pages. The story is captivating and weaves a new tale of adventure and self exploration. I devoured this story. It is a great escape from reality. It's easily becoming one of my favorite fantasies. The words had me memorized in the way it was beautifully written. I am impatiently waiting for the next book to be released. I highly recommend this 5-star tale.
"But that was the thing about fairy tales - they brimmed with false hopes and dark twists, and when you stood on the precipice of happily ever after, became elusive."
Sparks from Embers grabbed my attention from the first pages. The story is captivating and weaves a new tale of adventure and self exploration. I devoured this story. It is a great escape from reality. It's easily becoming one of my favorite fantasies. The words had me memorized in the way it was beautifully written. I am impatiently waiting for the next book to be released. I highly recommend this 5-star tale.
December 29, 2023
A great look at a what it takes (inner and outer battles) to just be you, only slightly apologetically, and follow your own path. Mistakes (*gasp*) included! If I could have given it 4.5, only because if she only had a touch more faith in herself!, I would have. Very good story and can’t wait to see what mess Sadie finds herself in next!
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December 28, 2023What a riveting book! The adventure, magic and family themes to be had left me wanting to follow Sadie Sheldon into her next adventure and beyond. This is a great read and was hard to put down when life interrupted.
December 29, 2023
Love this book, couldn’t put it down. One of my best reads in a long time.
September 24, 2024
Been meaning to read this one for a while, now that I have, it was definitely an intriguing story, balancing the struggles of a fantasy kingdom with the tumultuous events of the First World War (I've always enjoyed stories that blend history with fantasy...)
"Sadie Sheldon longs for adventure and exploration, desperate to escape the dull, vapid life of a socialite in 1914 Vancouver, before her ambitious mother forces her into marriage. Finding escape through a book written by a mysterious ancestor of hers, she's swept away into a world that teeters on the brink of oblivion, summoned to help restore it to peace. All the while, her brother Connor, bereft after the mysterious disappearance of his sister, tries to find new purpose in the battles ravaging Europe... "
Sadie and Connor were definitely the best elements of this story, though other characters like Tristan, Tamlin and Haldin also impressed me (it was a gut punch when one of them falls), and the villains definitely were so vile you couldn't help but enjoy it when they fell. There's a lot to take in with some parts of the story, but a fascinating beginning to a new series that definitely makes me want to read the next one...
"Sadie Sheldon longs for adventure and exploration, desperate to escape the dull, vapid life of a socialite in 1914 Vancouver, before her ambitious mother forces her into marriage. Finding escape through a book written by a mysterious ancestor of hers, she's swept away into a world that teeters on the brink of oblivion, summoned to help restore it to peace. All the while, her brother Connor, bereft after the mysterious disappearance of his sister, tries to find new purpose in the battles ravaging Europe... "
Sadie and Connor were definitely the best elements of this story, though other characters like Tristan, Tamlin and Haldin also impressed me (it was a gut punch when one of them falls), and the villains definitely were so vile you couldn't help but enjoy it when they fell. There's a lot to take in with some parts of the story, but a fascinating beginning to a new series that definitely makes me want to read the next one...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
Overall Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Wow, just wow 😍
I was honestly a bit worried about picking an ARC over 400 pages, but it was well worth it!
Author Kaylea Prime has done an amazing job with this book, and I'm very eager to see more from this series!
Whilst I was reading, I actually felt like I had been transported back in time. The writing style was incredible and so descriptive.
She did an incredible job with the storyline and world/character building.
This book wasn't my normal style of fantasy, though I really enjoyed the more simple things that fantasy has to offer - Portals and magic.
*I received a copy of this eARC for free, and this is my honest opinion*
Wow, just wow 😍
I was honestly a bit worried about picking an ARC over 400 pages, but it was well worth it!
Author Kaylea Prime has done an amazing job with this book, and I'm very eager to see more from this series!
Whilst I was reading, I actually felt like I had been transported back in time. The writing style was incredible and so descriptive.
She did an incredible job with the storyline and world/character building.
This book wasn't my normal style of fantasy, though I really enjoyed the more simple things that fantasy has to offer - Portals and magic.
*I received a copy of this eARC for free, and this is my honest opinion*
July 2, 2024
Sadie, a young woman struggling for relevance in a man’s world, fights to defy the societal constraints of the early 1914’s, the start of WW1. Yearning for adventure and freedom she enters a portal to a different world.
This has great magic, characters, action – lots to love. A very detailed world building is well done. A very enjoyable read.
Sadie did get on my nerves a few times with her stubbornness to be an independent woman. (why it's only 3 stars) That could be because it is so different than now.
I will continue this series when another book comes out.
This has great magic, characters, action – lots to love. A very detailed world building is well done. A very enjoyable read.
Sadie did get on my nerves a few times with her stubbornness to be an independent woman. (why it's only 3 stars) That could be because it is so different than now.
I will continue this series when another book comes out.
January 8, 2024
Utterly delightful! If C.S Lewis and Mark Hodder (Burton & Swinburne) collabed, this is the type of glorious creation that would be produced.
Kaylea Prime hits all of my favourite tropes with this utterly delicious story; historical fiction, a strong fmc, a journey of self discovery magic, steampunk vibes and epic battles. Absolutely invigorating!
If you could re-create yourself by walking throuh a portal, would you? Could you? Could you travel through the wadrobe to Narnia on your own?
This story combines themes artfully and creates a world in which I want to get utterly lost and have adventures
Very much looking forward to more in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kaylea Prime hits all of my favourite tropes with this utterly delicious story; historical fiction, a strong fmc, a journey of self discovery magic, steampunk vibes and epic battles. Absolutely invigorating!
If you could re-create yourself by walking throuh a portal, would you? Could you? Could you travel through the wadrobe to Narnia on your own?
This story combines themes artfully and creates a world in which I want to get utterly lost and have adventures
Very much looking forward to more in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2024
I enjoyed the story line but book was too wordy. The book just ran on and on. I really liked Sadie and Tristan both were good strong characters. The secondary people were quite well done too I just felt like I was reading in circles. I think that there was too much run on with the words. I believe that the book would have been stronger if it had been more straight forward instead of just running on and on with words.
ARC copy with voluntary review.
ARC copy with voluntary review.
March 23, 2024
Incredible. And not just debut book incredible, like any book out there incredible. I don’t give 5 stars lightly but this book absolutely deserves it. The storyline is enticing and Kaylea’s writing is so descriptive it makes it easy to get hooked. I loved the characters, the plot and the magic of it all. I even found myself so deep into reading my imagination started wondering if we really do have parallel worlds and if I might stumble through my own mirror one day. I absolutely loved Sadie, her journey and the feminism that Kaylea has woven between the pages. I will 100% be reading this again and can’t wait for her next Novella, and book 2!
January 6, 2024
Kaylea Prime, A Spark From Embers (Storms & Starscapes Publishing, 2024) 544p
Kaylea Prime (A Ballad of Hate and Hope) introduces Tears of Flame Series. A Spark From Embers is the first book of the series. Upon opening the book, the map of Central Carmelle pops out. Thomas’ time is up. Therius asks him where he could find Curie. Thomas Sheldon, trapped in the flame-drenched cabin, would be the first to burn. On July 1914 at Vancouver, British Columbia, Sadie fears that her mother’s ambitions are far more than a fatal rooftop fall. Her mother thought marriage would tame her nearly nineteen-year-old daughter, Sadie is against it. Sadie and her brother, Connor stumbles upon a signage which reads “Adventures in Carmelle Thomas Sheldon”. Sadie had heard the name Thomas Sheldon whispered furiously behind closed doors. Connor shows Sadie a book. After ten years, the enigma of Thomas Sheldon had resurfaced in her life, and the timing seemed too fortuitous to ignore. At the ball, Connor meets Mabel. On the other hand, Sadie dances with Derek Spencer. She is smitten by him who is also interested in reading books. Whether his intentions were honorable or not, the mystery of him was far more intriguing than Tanaya’s upcoming nuptials. However, his mystery did not loom nearly as large as Thomas Shelon’s. Derek sends Sadie a surprise gift which shocks Sadie. All Sadie wants is to find a purpose while her mother strongly insist of being successful which means being married to a wealthy man. A wall of flames roared along the crest of one of the hills, hazy smoke billowing into the air. Sadie’s heart leapt to her throat and stopped beating. Sadie wonders the possibility of Thomas Sheldon being alive and in Carmelle, they need her help. She made the decision to take the adventure, to go to Thomas. Finally, Sadie is free. She no longer needs to marry Derek. Sadie meets Tristan West who tours her around Carmelle. As it turns out, Sadie possess a certain power and Connor decides to join the Army with the thought that Sadie is dead. Will Sadie return to earth?
As a fan of Narnia, I find this story very interesting. I recommend it to young women who are looking for independence and refuse to go with the current norm that society imposes upon them as a woman. A Spark From Embers ignited curiosity and a rebellious spirit for young adult readers to enjoy this book. Honestly, I will not recommend this book to more matured audience and prefers an individualistic culture rather than a collectivist culture.
Kaylea Prime (A Ballad of Hate and Hope) introduces Tears of Flame Series. A Spark From Embers is the first book of the series. Upon opening the book, the map of Central Carmelle pops out. Thomas’ time is up. Therius asks him where he could find Curie. Thomas Sheldon, trapped in the flame-drenched cabin, would be the first to burn. On July 1914 at Vancouver, British Columbia, Sadie fears that her mother’s ambitions are far more than a fatal rooftop fall. Her mother thought marriage would tame her nearly nineteen-year-old daughter, Sadie is against it. Sadie and her brother, Connor stumbles upon a signage which reads “Adventures in Carmelle Thomas Sheldon”. Sadie had heard the name Thomas Sheldon whispered furiously behind closed doors. Connor shows Sadie a book. After ten years, the enigma of Thomas Sheldon had resurfaced in her life, and the timing seemed too fortuitous to ignore. At the ball, Connor meets Mabel. On the other hand, Sadie dances with Derek Spencer. She is smitten by him who is also interested in reading books. Whether his intentions were honorable or not, the mystery of him was far more intriguing than Tanaya’s upcoming nuptials. However, his mystery did not loom nearly as large as Thomas Shelon’s. Derek sends Sadie a surprise gift which shocks Sadie. All Sadie wants is to find a purpose while her mother strongly insist of being successful which means being married to a wealthy man. A wall of flames roared along the crest of one of the hills, hazy smoke billowing into the air. Sadie’s heart leapt to her throat and stopped beating. Sadie wonders the possibility of Thomas Sheldon being alive and in Carmelle, they need her help. She made the decision to take the adventure, to go to Thomas. Finally, Sadie is free. She no longer needs to marry Derek. Sadie meets Tristan West who tours her around Carmelle. As it turns out, Sadie possess a certain power and Connor decides to join the Army with the thought that Sadie is dead. Will Sadie return to earth?
As a fan of Narnia, I find this story very interesting. I recommend it to young women who are looking for independence and refuse to go with the current norm that society imposes upon them as a woman. A Spark From Embers ignited curiosity and a rebellious spirit for young adult readers to enjoy this book. Honestly, I will not recommend this book to more matured audience and prefers an individualistic culture rather than a collectivist culture.
February 3, 2024
Overview:
Sadie Sheldon longs for adventure. She longs for something other than being forced to marry and be complicit in high society life. She’s not happy where she is, and with her mother saying that she is going to be 19 and can no longer live in her imagination and her daydreams she is trying to find her way out. She dreams of being a hero. Tanaya her sister is the “good one”, marrying as her mother sees fit (it does appear that she does indeed love Henry though, so that's good). Connor her younger brother tries everything he can to keep Sadie from losing her mind, until one day he finds a book that he thinks would interest her. A fantasy book written by her Great-Grandfather Thomas Sheldon. A Sheldon no one talks about. She goes on to dig for information about Thomas Sheldon and no one will give her answers. She succumbs to the thought that she really isn’t destined for anything more than marrying and staying quiet in high society life in Vancouver. Until one days she doesn’t. After that day, we follow her on the biggest adventure of her life and meet some amazing characters, watch as the characters that are left behind on Earth mourn her even though she can sometimes see what is happening there. There is war festering in both worlds and she has a fate involved in one of them, but can’t press out the feeling that she failed Connor by leaving him behind on Earth.
Review:
If you like fantasy, you’ll like this book. The world building was superb, and I felt like I was there. I had SO many feelings while reading this book, I couldn’t contain them. I FELT what Sadie felt, I FELT what Connor felt, and I fell in absolute love with Tristan. Tamlin is an amazing character all on her own, and I can’t wait for book two to hopefully hear more of her story and see how she relates back to Thomas as well.
This author and this book made me fall absolutely in love with characters, mourn losses, and have fear of what was to come right alongside the characters in this story, so much so that I read this book agonizingly slow to continue to live in Carmelle a bit longer. I have not felt this way about a book in a long time and I already CANNOT wait for the next one in this predicted series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sadie Sheldon longs for adventure. She longs for something other than being forced to marry and be complicit in high society life. She’s not happy where she is, and with her mother saying that she is going to be 19 and can no longer live in her imagination and her daydreams she is trying to find her way out. She dreams of being a hero. Tanaya her sister is the “good one”, marrying as her mother sees fit (it does appear that she does indeed love Henry though, so that's good). Connor her younger brother tries everything he can to keep Sadie from losing her mind, until one day he finds a book that he thinks would interest her. A fantasy book written by her Great-Grandfather Thomas Sheldon. A Sheldon no one talks about. She goes on to dig for information about Thomas Sheldon and no one will give her answers. She succumbs to the thought that she really isn’t destined for anything more than marrying and staying quiet in high society life in Vancouver. Until one days she doesn’t. After that day, we follow her on the biggest adventure of her life and meet some amazing characters, watch as the characters that are left behind on Earth mourn her even though she can sometimes see what is happening there. There is war festering in both worlds and she has a fate involved in one of them, but can’t press out the feeling that she failed Connor by leaving him behind on Earth.
Review:
If you like fantasy, you’ll like this book. The world building was superb, and I felt like I was there. I had SO many feelings while reading this book, I couldn’t contain them. I FELT what Sadie felt, I FELT what Connor felt, and I fell in absolute love with Tristan. Tamlin is an amazing character all on her own, and I can’t wait for book two to hopefully hear more of her story and see how she relates back to Thomas as well.
This author and this book made me fall absolutely in love with characters, mourn losses, and have fear of what was to come right alongside the characters in this story, so much so that I read this book agonizingly slow to continue to live in Carmelle a bit longer. I have not felt this way about a book in a long time and I already CANNOT wait for the next one in this predicted series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This extraordinary tale revolves around a young girl navigating a time when women were relegated to the sidelines, valued only for their looks. Undeterred by societal limitations, Sadie immerses herself in a fantastical world where she becomes the hero, fighting epic battles. Her brother, Connor, stands as her sole supporter. The plot takes an unexpected twist when they discover Thomas Sheldon's book, unveiling a mysterious realm filled with strange and fantastical creatures.
Her journey takes an unexpected turn as she crosses over to the realm of Carmelle. The adventure kicks off alongside Tristan, a soldier whose intentions she questions. Tristan seems like another force aiming to stifle her spirit and confine her to an uncertain and challenging future. However, it's not just external pressures she battles; she grapples with her own internal constraints, making regrettable choices that spiral into unforeseen consequences. Will she risk the very fabric of Carmelle in her desperate attempt to reopen a portal to Earth? In the end, will she prioritize her ego over her heart? Amidst a looming evil threatening Carmelle's existence, Sadie faces a formidable challenge. Can she summon the strength to combat this malevolent force?
I resonate deeply with Sadie, finding solace in escaping the ordinary world through magical books and embarking on fantastical adventures. Anticipation builds as I eagerly await the unfolding of the next chapter in Sadie's journey. Despite the current shadows of tragedy, there lingers a captivating sense of wonder, an enduring spirit of adventure, and the enchantment of magic. Isn't there a part of us that yearns for a world where magic flourishes? As highlighted at the start, this has been an exciting journey, and my longing for more intensifies.
This extraordinary tale revolves around a young girl navigating a time when women were relegated to the sidelines, valued only for their looks. Undeterred by societal limitations, Sadie immerses herself in a fantastical world where she becomes the hero, fighting epic battles. Her brother, Connor, stands as her sole supporter. The plot takes an unexpected twist when they discover Thomas Sheldon's book, unveiling a mysterious realm filled with strange and fantastical creatures.
Her journey takes an unexpected turn as she crosses over to the realm of Carmelle. The adventure kicks off alongside Tristan, a soldier whose intentions she questions. Tristan seems like another force aiming to stifle her spirit and confine her to an uncertain and challenging future. However, it's not just external pressures she battles; she grapples with her own internal constraints, making regrettable choices that spiral into unforeseen consequences. Will she risk the very fabric of Carmelle in her desperate attempt to reopen a portal to Earth? In the end, will she prioritize her ego over her heart? Amidst a looming evil threatening Carmelle's existence, Sadie faces a formidable challenge. Can she summon the strength to combat this malevolent force?
I resonate deeply with Sadie, finding solace in escaping the ordinary world through magical books and embarking on fantastical adventures. Anticipation builds as I eagerly await the unfolding of the next chapter in Sadie's journey. Despite the current shadows of tragedy, there lingers a captivating sense of wonder, an enduring spirit of adventure, and the enchantment of magic. Isn't there a part of us that yearns for a world where magic flourishes? As highlighted at the start, this has been an exciting journey, and my longing for more intensifies.
August 16, 2024
A Spark From Embers is genuinely an great debut novel that hooked me from the opening pages. I loved the characters. I loved the narrative. I loved the writing style. It takes a period of history and brings it to life, but it also brings to life an imaginary world with it's own politics and issues. I was absolutely in love well before Sadie even finds the door to this world though; the characterisations had me hooked long before we hit the fantasy elements.
My main gripe is that I was looking forward to a two pronged narrative with equal weight given to both Sadie's story and Connor's. It's described as "'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' meets the Narnia series, except if Lucy had gone through the wardrobe alone, leaving Edmund to enlist and battle the demons of his inner Witch". I assumed it would be half in the portal world following Sadie and half focussed on Connor's grief and his decision to enlist in World War I. This never really materialised. The novel is 95% Sadie and brief glimpses of Connor's life.
Don't get me wrong, Sadie finding herself in the new portal world is very well done and despite some pacing issues that led the middle of the novel where it felt very slow and bulked up with travel. Arwé as a world is exceptionally well built, imaginative and fully realised with different races as well as detailed world building with politics and factions. The people Sadie meets along the way are vividly described and come to life. Sadie's journey with Tristan as she comes into her own and learns of her magical potential is fascinating, the conflicts they are thrown into at least partially due to her fiery nature are well depicted.
All in all, this is an excellent debut novel. I liked the contrast of the 1914 attitudes to women and Sadie's refusal to be painted into the corner society want her in with Arwé's far less regressive attitudes. And the depiction of the historical real world is excellently done, so you can't help but lean into the push and pull of Sadie's wishes against parental expectations of her place in the world. I'd have just loved to see more of this after Sadie steps into Arwé.
My main gripe is that I was looking forward to a two pronged narrative with equal weight given to both Sadie's story and Connor's. It's described as "'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' meets the Narnia series, except if Lucy had gone through the wardrobe alone, leaving Edmund to enlist and battle the demons of his inner Witch". I assumed it would be half in the portal world following Sadie and half focussed on Connor's grief and his decision to enlist in World War I. This never really materialised. The novel is 95% Sadie and brief glimpses of Connor's life.
Don't get me wrong, Sadie finding herself in the new portal world is very well done and despite some pacing issues that led the middle of the novel where it felt very slow and bulked up with travel. Arwé as a world is exceptionally well built, imaginative and fully realised with different races as well as detailed world building with politics and factions. The people Sadie meets along the way are vividly described and come to life. Sadie's journey with Tristan as she comes into her own and learns of her magical potential is fascinating, the conflicts they are thrown into at least partially due to her fiery nature are well depicted.
All in all, this is an excellent debut novel. I liked the contrast of the 1914 attitudes to women and Sadie's refusal to be painted into the corner society want her in with Arwé's far less regressive attitudes. And the depiction of the historical real world is excellently done, so you can't help but lean into the push and pull of Sadie's wishes against parental expectations of her place in the world. I'd have just loved to see more of this after Sadie steps into Arwé.
February 10, 2024
A Spark From Embers is a fantasy novel that explores a unique magical realm. The novel's world-building is so detailed and vivid that the reader feels like they are actually there. The story follows the journey of a young woman seeking her purpose in the world.
The story is set in Canada during World War I, a setting that adds a fresh perspective to this novel. Sadie and her brother Connor share a close bond, coming from a wealthy family with specific expectations for their future. However, Sadie desires more than a conventional path of marriage and motherhood. Determined to break free from societal norms, she seeks a mystical mirror that serves as a gateway to another world. Transported to a magical realm visited by her great-grandfather long ago, the story reflects a structure similar to the enchanted wardrobe in Narnia.
Without revealing too much, readers can expect to encounter a diverse cast of characters, epic battles, and witness significant growth in Sadie. While the story may have a slow start, the narrative gains momentum once Sadie enters the magical realm, leading to a thrilling adventure filled with mysteries.
3.5-4 Stars
The story is set in Canada during World War I, a setting that adds a fresh perspective to this novel. Sadie and her brother Connor share a close bond, coming from a wealthy family with specific expectations for their future. However, Sadie desires more than a conventional path of marriage and motherhood. Determined to break free from societal norms, she seeks a mystical mirror that serves as a gateway to another world. Transported to a magical realm visited by her great-grandfather long ago, the story reflects a structure similar to the enchanted wardrobe in Narnia.
Without revealing too much, readers can expect to encounter a diverse cast of characters, epic battles, and witness significant growth in Sadie. While the story may have a slow start, the narrative gains momentum once Sadie enters the magical realm, leading to a thrilling adventure filled with mysteries.
3.5-4 Stars
March 5, 2024
This story had my heart from the beginning!! Sadie a young adult who comes from high society hates being told what to do with her life and how to live it. Lives with her family in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1914. Sadie and her brother are partners in crime but Sadie’s mother wants her to grow up and find her self a husband. But Sadie’s feisty, loyal, and head strong personality is unmatched. Her willingness to do anything for anyone and is not afraid to speak her mind. Sadie was given a map that takes her to a portal to another world. Once through she finds out Tristan is to help find her way through Carmelle to Alldian Lord of Lantie. Her banter with Tristan as they travel through Carmelle is light hearted and will have you snickering along side them. Along her journey their company grows. Absolutely enjoyed watching Sadie grow through the story along side her friends and watching as she learns her place in this world.
World building is phenomenal!
If your seeking to escape your everyday tasks and fall into a world that has so much to offer. This book is for you! I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!!
World building is phenomenal!
If your seeking to escape your everyday tasks and fall into a world that has so much to offer. This book is for you! I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!!
February 8, 2024
I mean, WOW, just wow 😍
Kaylea Prime has written a masterly story with fantastical beasts and magical elements blended with historical facts. You can tell she’s a librarian from the detailed historic outline and knowledge that has been poured into the pages and her descriptions of places, scenic events and emotional states is painted in a way that has you visualizing what feels like the exact scene and landscape it’s portraying.
I like the way Kaylea keeps you in touch with Earth via Connor’s chapters throughout Sadie’s journey in Arwé, so you can see how the two worlds’ events are mirroring each other.
I’m super excited to see how the next book in the series will unfold!
Note: there’s a vocabulary and character presentation in the back of the book that can come in handy when you’re reading (I first noticed it at the end of the book 🤦♀️).
Note 2: It is a little long and can be a little ‘heavy’ to read sometimes due to the very thorough descriptions and high lix vocabulary (which I love) and some of the chapters are a bit long pagewise.
Kaylea Prime has written a masterly story with fantastical beasts and magical elements blended with historical facts. You can tell she’s a librarian from the detailed historic outline and knowledge that has been poured into the pages and her descriptions of places, scenic events and emotional states is painted in a way that has you visualizing what feels like the exact scene and landscape it’s portraying.
I like the way Kaylea keeps you in touch with Earth via Connor’s chapters throughout Sadie’s journey in Arwé, so you can see how the two worlds’ events are mirroring each other.
I’m super excited to see how the next book in the series will unfold!
Note: there’s a vocabulary and character presentation in the back of the book that can come in handy when you’re reading (I first noticed it at the end of the book 🤦♀️).
Note 2: It is a little long and can be a little ‘heavy’ to read sometimes due to the very thorough descriptions and high lix vocabulary (which I love) and some of the chapters are a bit long pagewise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2024
Holy roller coaster ride! A young woman lost in her own world feeling she does not belong in the early 1900’s takes an adventure leap to follow one of her quirky relatives she knows almost nothing about. She is naive and stubborn with a high moral compass and the air of privilege. She finds herself in another world with her emotions in turmoil and her immaturity and lack of socializing shows as she tries to navigate this new world with only a man she barely knows to guide her. New peoples, dragons, unicorns, mages and so much more are part of her travels. Her found family and the consequences of her actions help her learn some very real lessons! I had an emotional connection to a lot of this novel and it affected me in a way no book has in quite some time and I am so grateful for the authors realistic writing the entranced me at different points in the story! I cannot wait to see what will come of the next novel!! Highly recommended!!
January 28, 2024
In A Spark From Embers by Kaylea Prime, Sophie wants to escape her life, but as she is living in 1914 women do not have any say in what to do. She dreams of adventures and when she finds a note she somehow gets transported to another world. Thankfully there is this man who will help her, but she does not know anything about him.
This book reminded me a bit of Narnia, but it is something different as well. Sophie meets all kinds of (magical) characters. She is a wonderful character and I found myself liking her more and more. The storyline is great and I kept on reading, though I found it a bit hard to get into the story at first. When I read the prologue I was a little bit confused. But that changed when I got immersed into the book.
The worldbuilding is amazing, you can see it before your eyes. And the writing style is flowing, fast paced. This book has surprised me, it’s a wonderful fantasy novel and I can’t wait for the sequel.
This book reminded me a bit of Narnia, but it is something different as well. Sophie meets all kinds of (magical) characters. She is a wonderful character and I found myself liking her more and more. The storyline is great and I kept on reading, though I found it a bit hard to get into the story at first. When I read the prologue I was a little bit confused. But that changed when I got immersed into the book.
The worldbuilding is amazing, you can see it before your eyes. And the writing style is flowing, fast paced. This book has surprised me, it’s a wonderful fantasy novel and I can’t wait for the sequel.
January 28, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s been a while since I was so engrossed in a fantasy book I forgot to sleep, but this one did it for me! It reads like something between Narnia and Game of Thrones in the best way, and I greatly enjoyed it.
The world building is excellent. There are a few spots where characters from another world speak like American high schoolers that get a bit shaky, but overall it still held me absolutely fascinated. I also enjoyed the personal development of the main character, Sadie. It falls into cliches at times, but is still done well enough to let it feel authentic.
All in all, I definitely recommend this book if you like fantasy, and I look forward to reading more of the series when it comes out.
It’s been a while since I was so engrossed in a fantasy book I forgot to sleep, but this one did it for me! It reads like something between Narnia and Game of Thrones in the best way, and I greatly enjoyed it.
The world building is excellent. There are a few spots where characters from another world speak like American high schoolers that get a bit shaky, but overall it still held me absolutely fascinated. I also enjoyed the personal development of the main character, Sadie. It falls into cliches at times, but is still done well enough to let it feel authentic.
All in all, I definitely recommend this book if you like fantasy, and I look forward to reading more of the series when it comes out.
September 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I felt empathy with Sadie restricted to expectations for women in 1914, wanting to be and do more than be pushed into a marriage for the benefits a profitable marriage would provide, instead wanting to have the freedom of making her own choices and the adventure of seeing and being more. It was refreshing to see her relationship with her brother, Connor, who always tried to support her. As so often in life, what we dream of and what actually happens when opportunities arise to fulfill our dreams, things rarely go as planned and reality forces one to reevaluate plans and adjust however we can. The relationship Sadie has with Tristan slowly grows to best friends and I sincerely hope future stories will have their friendship progress to something more. I love the surprising twists within the story!
January 12, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reading copy of this book. This review is purely of my own, and i have not been paid or incentivized to review the book. I enjoyed the story. I struggled with the author's writing styles and her heavy use of comparisons. However, toward the end of the book, it definitely got easier to read as there were fewer needs for such intense descriptions. As a ready of all kinds of novels and storylines, I founs the story to be different from the ones I've read before. I would be interested in reading the next book. I found myself longing to hear the rest of the story and enjoying the flow between conflict and travel.
January 25, 2024
I really, really enjoyed this one. This was a blend of fantasy and history. The history side carries one side of the main character's world, fantasy the other. In typical fantasy fashion we watch the main character grow from hesitant, doubtful and angry to strong, compassionate and reaching to learn more. There were a couple of interesting twists and the ending sets up well for the rest of the series. There is enough mystery to draw the reader into a sequel and the promise of even greater adventures to come.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2024
A Spark from Embers is a coming of age fantasy following Sadie as she escapes her confined life into another world, one where she discovers she has the freedom to shape her own destiny. What most struck me about this book is how beautiful the writing is, full of the kind of lush descriptions I could really sink into. The world presented to us is rich, full of different places and people, and is one prime for exploration.
I especially liked the dual POVs between Sadie and Connor, in which their journeys parallel each other between Arwé and Earth. I didn't quite get along with Sadie, whose bloated and often didactic sense of entitlement rubbed me up the wrong way at times. Connor felt a more well-drawn character, especially when, in his grief, he joins the Canadian army to fight in the Great War. The side characters, such as Tristan and villain Griswald, were memorable and added a lot of colour to the story.
I think the book would have benefitted from firmer editing to make it a tighter read, but it sets up an interesting world that I would love to explore more as the series progresses. Even as I'm writing this a week later, many scenes from A Spark from Embers are still vivid in my mind, showing the strength of the world Prime has created and her writing.
I especially liked the dual POVs between Sadie and Connor, in which their journeys parallel each other between Arwé and Earth. I didn't quite get along with Sadie, whose bloated and often didactic sense of entitlement rubbed me up the wrong way at times. Connor felt a more well-drawn character, especially when, in his grief, he joins the Canadian army to fight in the Great War. The side characters, such as Tristan and villain Griswald, were memorable and added a lot of colour to the story.
I think the book would have benefitted from firmer editing to make it a tighter read, but it sets up an interesting world that I would love to explore more as the series progresses. Even as I'm writing this a week later, many scenes from A Spark from Embers are still vivid in my mind, showing the strength of the world Prime has created and her writing.
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