One Wild Ember

by Gisele Stein

London, beware: there’s a new witch in town, and she’s about to ignite the city’s streets…

Expelled from witch college for her unruly conduct, twenty-six-year-old Sofia Hausmann heeds the call of her foster father, Mardequai, summoning her to join his crusade for magical dominance over humanity.
An ancient druid of immense power, Mardequai isn’t exactly disappointed by Sofia’s expulsion—quite the opposite. He’s elated to witness his protégé’s transformation into a fearsome—yet slightly unhinged—witch with an insatiable hunger to make a name for herself in the city’s underworld.

Plunging into shady Shoreditch alleys and grubby Soho clubs, Sofia embraces her darkness, fanning the flames of her burgeoning magical prowess. Her reputation spreads like wildfire, and Mardequai knows exactly how to harness it from the shadows. Naturally, Sofia is aware she’s a pawn in his game, yet the leash is long enough to let her revel in the chaos she craves.

But every symbolic figure needs a name to match, and Mardequai’s blazing spearhead is poised to forge a new identity, shedding the one gifted by her mysteriously deceased parents.

Reborn from the ashes, Sofia will become EMBER, a formidable new force in London’s mystical underbelly...


ONE WILD EMBER is the free prequel novella to an intoxicating new urban fantasy series of magic and matriarchy, love and loss, where ‘Practical Magic’ meets ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (full series title & blurb tba).

👉👉👉 Sign up to the Gisele Stein Reader's Group today and receive this free story straight into your inbox to start your next witchy fantasy obsession…

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction

62 pages, ebook

First published July 10, 2024

About the author

Gisele Stein is an Australian author whose work explores witches, women, and the wild. Her urban fantasy series, The Pyre Song Trilogy, blends history and myth with the rawness of nature to tell a story about female power and memory. Through fantasy rooted in real landscapes, her witch novels ask what happens when we start listening again to the wild parts of ourselves. If you love stories steeped in wonder and witchcraft, with a strong dose of female badassery, she’s your girl.

Book One in the Pyre Song trilogy, THE FLAMES THAT FORGED US, released in 2025: Think 'Practical Magic' — but with rage, rebellion, and reckoning, set across centuries of magic and matriarchy, love and loss… A modern witch book about female rage, witches fighting the patriarchy, and deeply rooted sisterhood.

For a free witchy story, join her Reader Group here:
www.giselestein.com/free-story

Reviews

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This pink cauldron is about to boil over, and he's going to get burned. [...] I have a patriarchy to overthrow."
Mischief managed.
This was fun! What a wild ride, what a sassy protagonist. Nothing ventured, nothing gained 🖤🔥
Female empowerment, London's high society and a witch unleashing herself - perfectly splendid.

There's nothing better to add to the atmosphere and mood than music. I really enjoyed the book's playlist, additionally these songs played in my head while reading: ▪︎ Rihanna - Man Down ▪︎ Ciara - Paint It, Black ▪︎ Billy Idol - Rebel Yell ▪︎ Taco - Puttin' On The Ritz

Can't wait to dig deep into this upcoming witchy series (especially after that ending!) and understand how the spells are cast, get to know the characters better, "resting witch face and all".

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One Wild Ember" is a captivating novella blending witchcraft with the modern world. The story of hidden witches facing an imminent uprising against humans immediately hooks you with its intriguing premise and sophisticated, descriptive writing.

The richly developed characters and fast-paced plot create layers of tension and mystery, leading to a suspenseful climax. The cliffhanger ending leaves many questions unanswered, setting the stage for an exciting sequel.

A must-read for fans of modern witch tales and supernatural conflicts, "One Wild Ember" stands out with its engaging plot, strong female character, and sophisticated writing. Can't wait to see what happens next! 🌟✨

[Luminea · Rating 5 out of 5]

“All it takes to spread a fire is one wild ember.”

Magic meets scorching feminine rage, and the patriarchy is about to go down in flames! 🔥

This novella was a fast-paced and vibrant introduction to Gisele Stein's new series, The Pyre Song. Suffering from PTSD and possibly a little unhinged, Sofia is a gifted young witch who rises from the ashes to become Ember Wild. She is determined to spark change for the better and to lead a passionate revolution of change.

I enjoyed this well written and intriguing story. I'm excited to read The Flames That Forged Us and find out what happens next.

[Kalliste · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the direction this series is going, but I found this to be a bit of a tough read. Sofia was particularly unlikeable, made even more so by wiping poor Pippa's memories rather than dealing with the choices she's making.

I mean, we've all seen the Buffy episode where Willow makes Tara forget rather than being in a fight, right? It feels icky.

The way the novella ended makes me feel like there will be a redemption arc for Sofia, and I'm hoping that is true.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun to read! This novella is a wild and very promising start for the upcoming series by Gisele Stein. I cannot wait for it and to learn more about Ember and her fight against patriarchy. Highly recommended!

[Sabine Schlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to follow up on the story. Wild Ember is a power full woman/witch you shouldn't underestimate. Amazing "appetizer" for a hopefully glorias book series. Gisels's books have always been worth a read. And I am sure fabulous stories will follow.

[Ann-Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a first glimpse into Gisele Steins' upcoming series. I read it in one go and found it so captivating that I'm already very much looking forward to the publication of the first book from this series in the upcoming witchy season! Stay tuned all you witches out there!

[Jojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and am already looking forward to the sequel.
Ember is a strong fighter who challenges the patriarchy.
Even in this short novella, the author manages to work her magic on the reader. A refreshing new interpretation of the world of witches.

[Marie-Pierre Budin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again in awe of Gisele Stein's imagination and talent to put it into words. I loved ONE WILD EMBER and literally cannot wait for the full story! Well-done!!
A bit of romance, revolution, witching and a lot of daring will get you hooked to Sofia's yet-to-unfold story!

[Orini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella. How? How did Stein build a magical world and create such passionate characters in such a short read?! It must be magic! One Wild Ember is a ride! Such an exhilarating short read, the perfect taste for what's next to come.

[Maike Thumel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sceptical at first as I’m not usually reading fantasy novels, the story around Sofia grew on me quickly and now I can’t wait for the first book in the series to be released ☺️
I’ve read all Giselle Stein books and there’s something about them that draws me into her stories every time.

[Thewitchesbookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooohhh, I absolutely can not wait for the first book to come out after reading this Novella, I am dying to read what Ember does next.

[Daniel Afanasjev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Novella, enjoyed reading it. Can't wait for the next part of it. Loved the idea of witches planning to reveal themselves to the world, with the conflict with in the world of magic.

[Belinda Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully vivid novella that leaves you holding your breath for more.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Definitely got me stoked to read the full novel. Quite different from Gisele’s other books (a bit more feisty and spicy 🔥), but still thoroughly enjoyable.

[Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited for the books that follow after this teaser!

[Erika Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun little teaser to what is sure to be a great series! I can’t wait to see more to come from this author!

[Anna P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the vibe of the book and the power of Ember Wild. Looking forward to the full story. Perfect combination of magic, empowerment and wildness.
Smash the patriarchy!

[Celesté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts coming soon…

[Izi Loe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this novella sets up an interesting storyline for the upcoming series - looking forward to reading the next instalment 🔥