The Firelings

by Carol Kendall, Felicia Bond (Illustrator), Michelle Chessare (Cover Illustration)

The Firelings, who live precariously on the edge of the Volcano Belcher, must offer the volcano a sacrificial victim or escape through the Secret Way of the Goat.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens

252 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Carol Seeger "Siggy" Kendall was an American writer of children's books. She has received the Newbery Honor, Ohioana award, Parents choice award, and the Mythopoeic Society Aslan award.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally tracked down this prequel to The Gammage Cup, and it was worth the hunt. The Firelings have lived for generations on the slopes of Belcher, an active volcano. They survive by following strict rules on how to live and where not to go, along with an occasional human sacrifice down the Long Slip when Belcher gets hungry. But Belcher gets really sick, doom hangs over the Firelings, and their only chance of survival is in breaking all the rules.

It is full of memorable characters and plenty of action. It is also an exploration of the danger of unquestioning belief and conformity.

[Stephen Poltz · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mixed bag of a book. This one is considered young adult; some even consider it children’s lit. I felt like I was the wrong audience, even though I usually enjoy books for teens and even younger. I didn’t connect with it. I eventually got caught up in the plot, but not really the characters. The writing is kind of okay and the concept is okay, but that’s about it. Despite winning the 1983 Mythopoeic Award, it hasn’t lasted in popularity. And I’m not sure if should. It was just kind of okay.

Come visit my blog for the full review…
https://itstartedwiththehugos.blogspo...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third Carol Kendall book I read, and each one just got better and better. The Firelings is special and not one to miss: http://readingandwritingandmoviesohmy...

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flawlessly creepy kidlit. A very cool and unique universe and a highly engaging plot. One of my favourites since forever.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was eloquent, the characters were soul-warming, the plot twists were delicious, and the ending was satisfying. Great book!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful escapist fantasy.

[Bryn]

I would like to finish this but I got it through ILL and have run out of time! It is very clearly Kendall's work, her tone is the same as in her children's books and her whimsical names and her interesting small-town people -- all of her books I've read so far remind me very much of The Hobbit, actually, in the everyday people thrust into magic -- but without the huge High Fantasy backdrop.