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Her Hidden Fire #1
Her Hidden Fire
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
4 days and 15:08:02
100 copies available
U.S. only
The first book in a searing new romantasy trilogy, perfect for fans of POWERLESS
If he has the ability to wield magical powers, everyone will rejoice – especially the girl who loves him.
But what happens when they realize she has the gift?
In a world where dragons stalk the skies and magical abilities are an elite privilege, the ruling family of Ailm’s Keep is on a knife can Ionain, the heir apparent, channel magic, or will the family be cast out and replaced by a cruel master from a neighbouring land?
So when Éadha, a servant girl who loves Ionain, discovers that she can draw power, she finds herself in grave danger. It’s extremely rare for a girl to have this talent, and certainly never outside the great families. At Ionain’s moment of truth, Éadha makes a desperate gamble to save him, Ailm’s Keep, and ultimately herself.
As Éadha and Ionain enter a whirlwind of patriarchy, class, heartache and jealousy, they learn about power’s terrible cost – a price others willingly pay to maintain theirs.
How far would you go to empower the one you love?
If he has the ability to wield magical powers, everyone will rejoice – especially the girl who loves him.
But what happens when they realize she has the gift?
In a world where dragons stalk the skies and magical abilities are an elite privilege, the ruling family of Ailm’s Keep is on a knife can Ionain, the heir apparent, channel magic, or will the family be cast out and replaced by a cruel master from a neighbouring land?
So when Éadha, a servant girl who loves Ionain, discovers that she can draw power, she finds herself in grave danger. It’s extremely rare for a girl to have this talent, and certainly never outside the great families. At Ionain’s moment of truth, Éadha makes a desperate gamble to save him, Ailm’s Keep, and ultimately herself.
As Éadha and Ionain enter a whirlwind of patriarchy, class, heartache and jealousy, they learn about power’s terrible cost – a price others willingly pay to maintain theirs.
How far would you go to empower the one you love?
448 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2026
155 people are currently reading
28888 people want to read
About the author
Cliodhna O'Sullivan
2 books81 followersClíodhna O’Sullivan is a writer based in Co. Louth, Ireland. She works part-time as a legal counsel. In the last few years, she has taken part in several writer events, including as a panel moderator at a Terry Pratchett conference in DCU and panellist at the Cymera festival in Edinburgh. She’s reasonably fluent in German and plays in a band, Molasha (you can find them on Spotify!). She is married with three children, one of whom is autistic, as well as far too many cats and a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
November 5, 2025
Dragons + magic + kissing, set in a unique world!
Actually there was SO much f-ing kissing but never with the right guy!
This was a wild ride, a bit slow to start but picked up at 40% and then I stayed up till 2:30am to finish.
This is a rare occasion where I think it’s worth it to stick it out through the slower start. The middle is moving and the pay off at the end is worth the mild slog at the start. The potential for the rest of this series has me screaming “I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW,” despite knowing this book isn’t even released yet.
The folklore, the world, and the magic were interesting and felt fresh enough. I won’t detail specifics (potential spoiler) but I will say the author does some really cool things with the magic and the book itself feels like an allegory for a major real world problem.
Overall I had a really great time with this book and I’m definitely continuing
I do think this book has a few problems and I’m actually hopeful it’ll get a few more editing adjustments prior to pub. One of my biggest issues was repetition in the prose. We’d be told something, then told again a few paragraphs later. I am reading this quite early though (6 months prior to pub) so I’m curious to see if these will be caught as something to edit out or if it’s intentional repetition for the age rage (12+).
Whats to love…
- love triangle (I’m sat for this resurgence in these)
- interesting world, magic, folklore
- DRAGONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- hidden powers, secrets, and lies
- political intrigue
- Corrupt governments
- ridiculously passionate kissing
- utterly HATEABLE villains
Whats not to love…
- repetitive prose
- overly descriptive at times (do we need to know so many physical details about every single person we encounter?)
- all that kissing made the kiss that we want to happen lose a bit of its specialness
4.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Penguin for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Actually there was SO much f-ing kissing but never with the right guy!
This was a wild ride, a bit slow to start but picked up at 40% and then I stayed up till 2:30am to finish.
This is a rare occasion where I think it’s worth it to stick it out through the slower start. The middle is moving and the pay off at the end is worth the mild slog at the start. The potential for the rest of this series has me screaming “I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW,” despite knowing this book isn’t even released yet.
The folklore, the world, and the magic were interesting and felt fresh enough. I won’t detail specifics (potential spoiler) but I will say the author does some really cool things with the magic and the book itself feels like an allegory for a major real world problem.
Overall I had a really great time with this book and I’m definitely continuing
I do think this book has a few problems and I’m actually hopeful it’ll get a few more editing adjustments prior to pub. One of my biggest issues was repetition in the prose. We’d be told something, then told again a few paragraphs later. I am reading this quite early though (6 months prior to pub) so I’m curious to see if these will be caught as something to edit out or if it’s intentional repetition for the age rage (12+).
Whats to love…
- love triangle (I’m sat for this resurgence in these)
- interesting world, magic, folklore
- DRAGONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- hidden powers, secrets, and lies
- political intrigue
- Corrupt governments
- ridiculously passionate kissing
- utterly HATEABLE villains
Whats not to love…
- repetitive prose
- overly descriptive at times (do we need to know so many physical details about every single person we encounter?)
- all that kissing made the kiss that we want to happen lose a bit of its specialness
4.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Penguin for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
March 5, 2026
Her Hidden Fire
by Cliodhna O'Sullivan
Her Hidden Fire #1
Fantasy YA
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Mar 3, 2026
Penguin/Viking for young readers
Ages: 16+
Growing up as Ionain's companion, Eadha would do anything to assist her friend, but when she discovered she had the power to channel magic and he didn't, she saved him by sending her magic to him.
But as a girl and a servant, she wasn't supposed to have that kind of power. With the help of another, she found she could hide enough of it so to pass as a keeper, thus able to accompany Ionain to an academy of magic, where she must find a way to keep sending her magic to him to keep both of their secrets.
Paired with a heartless Channeller instead of Ionain, Eadha learns that there is a patriarchy to the school, and because she is the lowest class, she is fodder, as are those from whom the Channellers get their power from.
This story started off right away, though it was a little vague with the history and magic, but it did explain more as it went, though I still feel things are missing, which could be included in the next book of the series.
As with most 'school' stories, there is rich vs poor, highly gifted vs lesser, and all of those 'class' separations. And of course there's the 'evil bully', the innocents, and 'romantic interest'. I felt that the romance/sacrifice for love was a little repetitive, and because I'm older and have experienced the b.s. boys put girls through, I saw Eadha weak because she willingly put up with it, but I also get it. I was that person once.
Even though it's typical, the 'bully' is scary, and I can see the importance they will play in upcoming books, especially with where the magic comes from.
It was pretty clear as soon as it was introduced that the 'animal' will have a major role in this/upcoming stories, so I felt that its introduction didn't have enough 'feeling', so I didn't get attached to it. There should've been more heart in the writing to express it, but instead it felt vague/hurried, thus lazy, so the overall impact in this book was lessened.
There is violence and a little adult content, making this not suitable for readers under sixteen.
I will be looking for the next in this series.
3 Stars
by Cliodhna O'Sullivan
Her Hidden Fire #1
Fantasy YA
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Mar 3, 2026
Penguin/Viking for young readers
Ages: 16+
Growing up as Ionain's companion, Eadha would do anything to assist her friend, but when she discovered she had the power to channel magic and he didn't, she saved him by sending her magic to him.
But as a girl and a servant, she wasn't supposed to have that kind of power. With the help of another, she found she could hide enough of it so to pass as a keeper, thus able to accompany Ionain to an academy of magic, where she must find a way to keep sending her magic to him to keep both of their secrets.
Paired with a heartless Channeller instead of Ionain, Eadha learns that there is a patriarchy to the school, and because she is the lowest class, she is fodder, as are those from whom the Channellers get their power from.
This story started off right away, though it was a little vague with the history and magic, but it did explain more as it went, though I still feel things are missing, which could be included in the next book of the series.
As with most 'school' stories, there is rich vs poor, highly gifted vs lesser, and all of those 'class' separations. And of course there's the 'evil bully', the innocents, and 'romantic interest'. I felt that the romance/sacrifice for love was a little repetitive, and because I'm older and have experienced the b.s. boys put girls through, I saw Eadha weak because she willingly put up with it, but I also get it. I was that person once.
Even though it's typical, the 'bully' is scary, and I can see the importance they will play in upcoming books, especially with where the magic comes from.
It was pretty clear as soon as it was introduced that the 'animal' will have a major role in this/upcoming stories, so I felt that its introduction didn't have enough 'feeling', so I didn't get attached to it. There should've been more heart in the writing to express it, but instead it felt vague/hurried, thus lazy, so the overall impact in this book was lessened.
There is violence and a little adult content, making this not suitable for readers under sixteen.
I will be looking for the next in this series.
3 Stars
February 15, 2026
thank you to netgalley for sending me this arc. as a preface, you always know by a book’s first chapter whether it’s going to be a hit or miss. this varies from author to author and highly depends upon certain factors, mainly writing style. if i can’t picture the setting which is ESPECIALLY important for a fantasy book, i’ve already knocked you down a star. off the bat, i was mildly impressed…with simple the names of our main characters ionáin and éadha (finally something unique, but don’t ask me how to pronounce either 😀), along with the concept of, “the reckoning,” a special test to determine those born with the gift.
it was also very simple to follow along with the magical and hierarchal system, including the legends behind their power origins. ‘her hidden fire,’ really diverged from the typical memes of not understanding anything that’s going on within the first 100 pages of a fantasy book. perfect for beginner fantasy readers!
our setting is in land of domhain, ruled over by the ailm family. the magical aspect is composed of, ‘channellers,’ ‘keepers,’ and even DRAGONS… yes and YES. what’s more to love? a magic training academy (a fav microtrope)! it’s located on group islands called, ‘lambay,’ where the gifted are trained by the ‘masters’. i loved reading about the variety of classes, their strength and endurance training, as well as, the many heated peer rivalries (get it heated rivalry 🤭😉).
however, there is darkness surrounding the source of their power with the reality of their magic being drawn from the fodder, people’s life force.
our young orphan, éadha, learns to navigate her newfound life as a uniquely powerful channeller, after being isolated in the keep as a servant her whole life. she struggles with maintaining this secret out of loyalty to her childhood friend/ heir and battles with the constant temptation to make certain choices that can change her future. themes of oppression, exploitation, fighting-the-system and unlikely allies are prominent. what’s a good fantasy, without a good romance subplot? it is there, but very subtle (not poppy war subtle…if you catch my meaning). there’s a potential love triangle brewing and i already know who i’m rooting for. mr “you’re worth running away for.” gry >>>. genuinely did expect to dislike ionáin, but he continuously proves to have redeeming qualities. still #teamgry. they need more scenes together please. more dragons in book 2 as well!!
sidenote 1: seoda dying gave me flashbacks to rue dying (never a good sign for my mental health).
sidenote 2: the absolute joy i felt when she revealed her powers to senan and beat him up🤩. slow burn romance? maybe? hopefully? but also slow burn power reveal. chapter 31 was EXTREMELY satisfying. difficult to put into words…
excellent for a debut novel, 4⭐️. might be the first arc that i continue reading the series!
fav quote & suiting the valentine’s theme: “this is what love is. making the hard choices, not the cleanest ones.”
it was also very simple to follow along with the magical and hierarchal system, including the legends behind their power origins. ‘her hidden fire,’ really diverged from the typical memes of not understanding anything that’s going on within the first 100 pages of a fantasy book. perfect for beginner fantasy readers!
our setting is in land of domhain, ruled over by the ailm family. the magical aspect is composed of, ‘channellers,’ ‘keepers,’ and even DRAGONS… yes and YES. what’s more to love? a magic training academy (a fav microtrope)! it’s located on group islands called, ‘lambay,’ where the gifted are trained by the ‘masters’. i loved reading about the variety of classes, their strength and endurance training, as well as, the many heated peer rivalries (get it heated rivalry 🤭😉).
however, there is darkness surrounding the source of their power with the reality of their magic being drawn from the fodder, people’s life force.
our young orphan, éadha, learns to navigate her newfound life as a uniquely powerful channeller, after being isolated in the keep as a servant her whole life. she struggles with maintaining this secret out of loyalty to her childhood friend/ heir and battles with the constant temptation to make certain choices that can change her future. themes of oppression, exploitation, fighting-the-system and unlikely allies are prominent. what’s a good fantasy, without a good romance subplot? it is there, but very subtle (not poppy war subtle…if you catch my meaning). there’s a potential love triangle brewing and i already know who i’m rooting for. mr “you’re worth running away for.” gry >>>. genuinely did expect to dislike ionáin, but he continuously proves to have redeeming qualities. still #teamgry. they need more scenes together please. more dragons in book 2 as well!!
sidenote 1: seoda dying gave me flashbacks to rue dying (never a good sign for my mental health).
sidenote 2: the absolute joy i felt when she revealed her powers to senan and beat him up🤩. slow burn romance? maybe? hopefully? but also slow burn power reveal. chapter 31 was EXTREMELY satisfying. difficult to put into words…
excellent for a debut novel, 4⭐️. might be the first arc that i continue reading the series!
fav quote & suiting the valentine’s theme: “this is what love is. making the hard choices, not the cleanest ones.”
February 28, 2026
Her Hidden Fire is an intriguing and unique debut by Cliodhna O’Sullivan. The worldbuilding and magic system were rich and atmospheric and immediately pulled me into the story. The hierarchy of Channellers and Keepers, the tension surrounding the Reckoning, and the political and school intrigue were all layered and immersive, and I like how the story combines political pressure, hidden magic, and an academy setting that gives off major dark academia vibes.
Éadha was such a great protagonist! She’s smart and brave, and I love how much she grows by the end of the book. Loyal and self-sacrificing, her choices often focus on others, like Ionáin, as well as the limits of her station and societal dictates, but little by little, she starts questioning what she wants for herself. Oof. She really goes through it, and there are some parts that were tough for me to read. I would definitely suggest checking out the trigger warnings before starting this one. There are a lot of odds stacked against her, and though she makes mistakes and struggles with guilt, shame, fear, and doubt, she also becomes stronger and more self-aware. The only thing I wished was that she stuck up for herself more with one of her love interests. He didn’t treat her well for a good part of the story, and I couldn’t understand why she kept sacrificing for him considering how her treated her.
The love triangle was probably my least favorite part of the book, but that is more of a personal preference since it’s never been a trope I enjoy. In this particular triangle, there’s one clear better choice. One love interest is more giving and kind, while the other seems very selfish and doesn’t treat Éadha well. I already have a favorite, but Éadha doesn’t, and I’m a little curious to see how the whole thing plays out.
The book also has an interesting plot with hidden powers, a patriarchal system riddled with secrets, lies, and manipulations that serve the societal elite. There are also a few twists and revelations about characters and how the magic works in this world, which added some interesting layers and thought-provoking messages to the story. Overall, I think this is a strong debut, and I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Éadha was such a great protagonist! She’s smart and brave, and I love how much she grows by the end of the book. Loyal and self-sacrificing, her choices often focus on others, like Ionáin, as well as the limits of her station and societal dictates, but little by little, she starts questioning what she wants for herself. Oof. She really goes through it, and there are some parts that were tough for me to read. I would definitely suggest checking out the trigger warnings before starting this one. There are a lot of odds stacked against her, and though she makes mistakes and struggles with guilt, shame, fear, and doubt, she also becomes stronger and more self-aware. The only thing I wished was that she stuck up for herself more with one of her love interests. He didn’t treat her well for a good part of the story, and I couldn’t understand why she kept sacrificing for him considering how her treated her.
The love triangle was probably my least favorite part of the book, but that is more of a personal preference since it’s never been a trope I enjoy. In this particular triangle, there’s one clear better choice. One love interest is more giving and kind, while the other seems very selfish and doesn’t treat Éadha well. I already have a favorite, but Éadha doesn’t, and I’m a little curious to see how the whole thing plays out.
The book also has an interesting plot with hidden powers, a patriarchal system riddled with secrets, lies, and manipulations that serve the societal elite. There are also a few twists and revelations about characters and how the magic works in this world, which added some interesting layers and thought-provoking messages to the story. Overall, I think this is a strong debut, and I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
You say dragons and magic and I am sold! No but for real, Her Hidden Fire went above my expectations and I could not put it down. What a strong debut from Clíodhna!
In this book you enter a world where magic is reserved for the elite. So when Éadha, a servant girl, finds out she can channel magic, and Ionáin, the son of the ruling family, cannot, they are in quite a pickle. Éadha decides to channel for him and let him believe he does have his own powers. Ah yes, young love and all that. When they start their training, horrible things come to light and less horrible things happen, like Gry. Man, do I love Gry!
The worldbuilding in this book is so nice. We get a good grasp of the world without it going into too much detail. Since this is the first book in a trilogy, things sometimes got a bit slow but I can definitely look past that in a first of a series. And that action-packed scenes in this book totally made up for it. The writing is really well done so honestly you read through this book so fast. The plot and story are unique and still easy to follow. The characters really drag you in, like I hated some of them with my entire being and then there were some (cough Grey cough) that I loved with all my heart.
Oh, did I mention there are also dragons?! Not too much of them in this first book, but that ending sure promises a lot of climaxes in book 2 (and 3). I'm so excited to see more of the world, dragons, characters and their journey in the rest of this trilogy!
In this book you enter a world where magic is reserved for the elite. So when Éadha, a servant girl, finds out she can channel magic, and Ionáin, the son of the ruling family, cannot, they are in quite a pickle. Éadha decides to channel for him and let him believe he does have his own powers. Ah yes, young love and all that. When they start their training, horrible things come to light and less horrible things happen, like Gry. Man, do I love Gry!
The worldbuilding in this book is so nice. We get a good grasp of the world without it going into too much detail. Since this is the first book in a trilogy, things sometimes got a bit slow but I can definitely look past that in a first of a series. And that action-packed scenes in this book totally made up for it. The writing is really well done so honestly you read through this book so fast. The plot and story are unique and still easy to follow. The characters really drag you in, like I hated some of them with my entire being and then there were some (cough Grey cough) that I loved with all my heart.
Oh, did I mention there are also dragons?! Not too much of them in this first book, but that ending sure promises a lot of climaxes in book 2 (and 3). I'm so excited to see more of the world, dragons, characters and their journey in the rest of this trilogy!
September 12, 2025
This fantasy novel delivers a rich blend of worldbuilding, courtly drama, and political maneuvering. The author skillfully crafts a realm where shifting alliances, hidden agendas, and the struggle for power feel just as dangerous as any battle fought with steel.
The characters are layered and morally complex, each driven by ambition, loyalty, or survival. Protagonists are rarely purely heroic, and antagonists are never wholly villainous—everyone operates in shades of gray, making their choices both believable and compelling. The political intrigue drives the story forward, with betrayals, secret pacts, and unexpected twists that keep the reader guessing.
The characters are layered and morally complex, each driven by ambition, loyalty, or survival. Protagonists are rarely purely heroic, and antagonists are never wholly villainous—everyone operates in shades of gray, making their choices both believable and compelling. The political intrigue drives the story forward, with betrayals, secret pacts, and unexpected twists that keep the reader guessing.
Want to read
November 25, 2025pre-read notes:
ARC received! You had me at dragons + magic academy 💛
ARC received! You had me at dragons + magic academy 💛
March 26, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Obsessed!
I was skeptical going in, since the premise for this book sounds very generic, but it didn’t feel that way to me at all while reading it. I loved the way the magic was set up in this book, I don’t see it done that way in many books and it was really interesting!
The characters were great and felt very complex (particularly for YA), making silly conclusions that teenagers would jump to, and I particularly liked that the fmc actually faces some consequences for her dumbassery! She makes mistakes and hurts people and the people do NOT sweep it under the rug and forgive her bc she’s hot or whatever. These dynamics made the love triangle actually interesting and tbh I’m not sure who I want the endgame love interest to be (although I have a feeling I know who it is)
The dragons were sparse in this book, but I can’t wait to see them (hopefully) take a larger role in the next book!
My two main critiques are that the actual world didn’t feel the most descriptive and fleshed out, it had some vibes and impressions but if we could’ve added a bit more descriptions it would’ve really put the cherry on top of everything. And the second critique is that I really dislike when the main character’s power is personified like it’s its own entity: “her power responded” or “her power blazed up in response “ etc etc. It should be an extension of the character more directly and not a separate thing (imo) but other than those two things I have no notes
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Obsessed!
I was skeptical going in, since the premise for this book sounds very generic, but it didn’t feel that way to me at all while reading it. I loved the way the magic was set up in this book, I don’t see it done that way in many books and it was really interesting!
The characters were great and felt very complex (particularly for YA), making silly conclusions that teenagers would jump to, and I particularly liked that the fmc actually faces some consequences for her dumbassery! She makes mistakes and hurts people and the people do NOT sweep it under the rug and forgive her bc she’s hot or whatever. These dynamics made the love triangle actually interesting and tbh I’m not sure who I want the endgame love interest to be (although I have a feeling I know who it is)
The dragons were sparse in this book, but I can’t wait to see them (hopefully) take a larger role in the next book!
My two main critiques are that the actual world didn’t feel the most descriptive and fleshed out, it had some vibes and impressions but if we could’ve added a bit more descriptions it would’ve really put the cherry on top of everything. And the second critique is that I really dislike when the main character’s power is personified like it’s its own entity: “her power responded” or “her power blazed up in response “ etc etc. It should be an extension of the character more directly and not a separate thing (imo) but other than those two things I have no notes
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
December 9, 2025
This book had great pacing for the story. I'm excited to read the next book!
March 5, 2026
Picked this up after attending her release event at my local bookstore and have eaten it up in a day! The character connection is beautiful and absolutely dimensional. The setting is mysterious and magical and I felt so transported by the author's storytelling.
Finding hope in the darkness is such a powerful theme and one that we need a constant reminder of....I can't wait to continue the series and see where the next installment takes me
Finding hope in the darkness is such a powerful theme and one that we need a constant reminder of....I can't wait to continue the series and see where the next installment takes me
March 14, 2026
Set in a world where powerful families rigidly control magic, this story follows Éadha, an orphan servant girl who discovers she has this forbidden (to her) magic... one that could save the boy she loves or destroy both of them. What starts as a desperate choice quickly pulls her in over her head into a dangerous system. The VIBES (though not the darkness) and the overall atmosphere in this one reminded me a bit of A River Enchanted.
The world-building is surprisingly dark for a YA fantasy. Magic isn’t just rare, it’s sustained through something deeply disturbing, with powerless people essentially treated as expendable. It’s the kind of concept that feels uncomfortably close to things we’ve seen in real life (perhaps with a certain LIST), which gives the story WAY more bite than I expected. As always with these concepts, it is more horrifying to think about the ramifications of this element and it feels uncomfortably close to our own reality. The moral ugliness gives this story a lot more weight than you might expect for a YA book, which is something that I ADORE.
However, Éadha definitely feels her age. She makes some frustrating decisions, and yes, I rolled my eyes more than once, but it also felt realistic for someone her age suddenly thrown into a terrifying situation with very little control. Her naivety and tendency to cling to people treating her poorly can be frustrating, but they are super understandable. I, too, was an idiot at that age. This is very much a coming-of-age story wrapped in court politics and dangerous magic. And while the romantic elements are present, they don’t overwhelm the larger story. The love triangle is there, but it has a specific focus and I look forward to the love story slowly being set up here.
I’d heard the book was slow, which is true, but I NEVER felt bored. It reads like a long setup for something much bigger, carefully laying the groundwork for future books rather than rushing from plot point to plot point. The pacing feels deliberate, focused on laying groundwork rather than rushing. By the end, it feels like we’ve only just begun to understand the world and that’s exactly what made me excited to continue! We’ve only scratched the surface of this world and its darker possibilities.
Overall, this is a really strong start to a series with huge potential. The darker ideas, the oppressive system, and the promise of larger conflicts ahead all left me eager to see where the story goes next. I'm super excited to get to the next because I see the massive potential here!
Thanks so much to Storygram Tours, Penguin Teen, and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The world-building is surprisingly dark for a YA fantasy. Magic isn’t just rare, it’s sustained through something deeply disturbing, with powerless people essentially treated as expendable. It’s the kind of concept that feels uncomfortably close to things we’ve seen in real life (perhaps with a certain LIST), which gives the story WAY more bite than I expected. As always with these concepts, it is more horrifying to think about the ramifications of this element and it feels uncomfortably close to our own reality. The moral ugliness gives this story a lot more weight than you might expect for a YA book, which is something that I ADORE.
However, Éadha definitely feels her age. She makes some frustrating decisions, and yes, I rolled my eyes more than once, but it also felt realistic for someone her age suddenly thrown into a terrifying situation with very little control. Her naivety and tendency to cling to people treating her poorly can be frustrating, but they are super understandable. I, too, was an idiot at that age. This is very much a coming-of-age story wrapped in court politics and dangerous magic. And while the romantic elements are present, they don’t overwhelm the larger story. The love triangle is there, but it has a specific focus and I look forward to the love story slowly being set up here.
I’d heard the book was slow, which is true, but I NEVER felt bored. It reads like a long setup for something much bigger, carefully laying the groundwork for future books rather than rushing from plot point to plot point. The pacing feels deliberate, focused on laying groundwork rather than rushing. By the end, it feels like we’ve only just begun to understand the world and that’s exactly what made me excited to continue! We’ve only scratched the surface of this world and its darker possibilities.
Overall, this is a really strong start to a series with huge potential. The darker ideas, the oppressive system, and the promise of larger conflicts ahead all left me eager to see where the story goes next. I'm super excited to get to the next because I see the massive potential here!
Thanks so much to Storygram Tours, Penguin Teen, and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
March 14, 2026
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Her Hidden Fire by Cliodhna O'Sullivan is an excellent debut, I loved the magical elements and the world in which this tale that is set. Imagine a training academy on a group of islands where dragons fly above.
The magical system is so unique and Eadha the lead female character is brave and loyal and a likeable heroine. Eadha grew up an orphan and sheep herder and a companion and shadow for Ionian a male heir who once he turned seventeen would find out if he had the ability to channel magic otherwise his family would lose everything. Eadha who loves Ionian takes a desperate gamble when Ionian is tested for the gift of Channeling.
The corrupted and violent realm is driven by survival and ambition, there are bullies, shifting alliances and struggles for power. The Masters ensure Channellers get hooked on power and they can’t imagine life without it.
There is a love triangle, heartache and jealously, secrets and of course there is a dragon! A real page turner and I highly recommend.
I enjoyed the ending and I’m absolutely invested to see where the series goes next! Her Rising Flame is the next book which I believe will be released later this year.
Publication Date 10 March 2026
Publisher Penguin
Thank you so much Penguin Books Australia & Penguin Teen Australia for a copy of the book
Her Hidden Fire by Cliodhna O'Sullivan is an excellent debut, I loved the magical elements and the world in which this tale that is set. Imagine a training academy on a group of islands where dragons fly above.
The magical system is so unique and Eadha the lead female character is brave and loyal and a likeable heroine. Eadha grew up an orphan and sheep herder and a companion and shadow for Ionian a male heir who once he turned seventeen would find out if he had the ability to channel magic otherwise his family would lose everything. Eadha who loves Ionian takes a desperate gamble when Ionian is tested for the gift of Channeling.
The corrupted and violent realm is driven by survival and ambition, there are bullies, shifting alliances and struggles for power. The Masters ensure Channellers get hooked on power and they can’t imagine life without it.
There is a love triangle, heartache and jealously, secrets and of course there is a dragon! A real page turner and I highly recommend.
I enjoyed the ending and I’m absolutely invested to see where the series goes next! Her Rising Flame is the next book which I believe will be released later this year.
Publication Date 10 March 2026
Publisher Penguin
Thank you so much Penguin Books Australia & Penguin Teen Australia for a copy of the book
February 28, 2026
Her Hidden Fire by Cliodhna O’ Sullivan
Thank You NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is Book 1 of a new romantasy trilogy. It is a Young Adult novel. Eadha and Ionain grew up together. Ionain, the male heir, is from a well-to-do family and Eadha grew up in their household as a servant girl. There is a reckoning coming for all those turning 17 years old. They are al tested to see who has the ability to wield and channel magic. Whoever cannot, the entire family is cast out. Unfortunately, Ionain is unable to wield. But Eadha realizes she has a great power in her. She decides to help Ionain without telling him and channels her power to him, but she keeps her ability hidden from everyone. Those with power get sent to a special school to train. Ionain becomes a Channeler and Eadha a mere Keeper. But so much more is going on. People are being used as Fodder, a form of power the channelers pull from to wield, but ends up killing many innocents in the process. When Eadha finds out from her friendship with fellow keeper, Gry, she wants to do something about it!
I don’t want to spoil anything so I will stop her. There is lots of action, kissing, love triangle, magic, secrets, dragons, fighting, and a corrupt government! I really enjoyed reading this and cannot wait to find out what happens in the rest of the trilogy. AVAILABLE March 3, 2026
Thank You NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is Book 1 of a new romantasy trilogy. It is a Young Adult novel. Eadha and Ionain grew up together. Ionain, the male heir, is from a well-to-do family and Eadha grew up in their household as a servant girl. There is a reckoning coming for all those turning 17 years old. They are al tested to see who has the ability to wield and channel magic. Whoever cannot, the entire family is cast out. Unfortunately, Ionain is unable to wield. But Eadha realizes she has a great power in her. She decides to help Ionain without telling him and channels her power to him, but she keeps her ability hidden from everyone. Those with power get sent to a special school to train. Ionain becomes a Channeler and Eadha a mere Keeper. But so much more is going on. People are being used as Fodder, a form of power the channelers pull from to wield, but ends up killing many innocents in the process. When Eadha finds out from her friendship with fellow keeper, Gry, she wants to do something about it!
I don’t want to spoil anything so I will stop her. There is lots of action, kissing, love triangle, magic, secrets, dragons, fighting, and a corrupt government! I really enjoyed reading this and cannot wait to find out what happens in the rest of the trilogy. AVAILABLE March 3, 2026
August 20, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
I was a little apprehensive about the Powerless comparison because I don't like books that read as a list of tropes. However, I also don't take book comparisons too seriously because I've found comparisons to other popular books to only be ~40% accurate. I do think the Powerless comparison wasn't very accurate because technically the general idea of people with magical powers vs people without was there but there really wasn't anything in common. I can see the appeal of Powerless because of it's trope-y writing but this book didn't really seem to have tropes.
Initially, I wasn't going to request this book but the references in the blurb to a patriarchal society got me excited because I love feminist-rage books and critiques of the patriarchy. Having a fantasy book also based off of Ireland was definitely a unique choice as the generically British and French fantasy settings, or German if the author is feeling spicy, tends to get a little dull.
There's a helpful pronunciation guide in the beginning that I liked as well as a handy little map too. Starting the book out with an established romantic relationship was definitely a refreshing choice. I like seeing characters with a clearly defined love interest rather then the angsty and overdone will-they-will-they-won't. I loved how the relationship between Éadha and Ionain was done! It was so different and refreshing and they actually felt like people with personalities outside of each other. I didn't like though, that Éadha kept it a secret that she was a Channeler and was faking Ionain's powers from Ionain as I feel like it would have been much more interesting had they been plotting together.
The writing style was definitely very interesting. It actually reminds me of The Luck Uglies in that it's very fantastical and easy-to-read but with a certain grittiness to it. The world-building was fascinating too. There are layers of patriarchy, class, and privilege that feel all-too-real like the way that using channeling literally drains energy out from innocent people (I saw that coming but the metaphor was done so beautifully) so that the powerful (and rich) could benefit.
I will say that I wish the differences between a Keeper and a Channeler were explained a little better. I wasn't exactly sure what exactly a Keeper was and what powers they have that made them different and weaker then Channelers.
TW: Sexual Assualt
I was a little apprehensive about the Powerless comparison because I don't like books that read as a list of tropes. However, I also don't take book comparisons too seriously because I've found comparisons to other popular books to only be ~40% accurate. I do think the Powerless comparison wasn't very accurate because technically the general idea of people with magical powers vs people without was there but there really wasn't anything in common. I can see the appeal of Powerless because of it's trope-y writing but this book didn't really seem to have tropes.
Initially, I wasn't going to request this book but the references in the blurb to a patriarchal society got me excited because I love feminist-rage books and critiques of the patriarchy. Having a fantasy book also based off of Ireland was definitely a unique choice as the generically British and French fantasy settings, or German if the author is feeling spicy, tends to get a little dull.
There's a helpful pronunciation guide in the beginning that I liked as well as a handy little map too. Starting the book out with an established romantic relationship was definitely a refreshing choice. I like seeing characters with a clearly defined love interest rather then the angsty and overdone will-they-will-they-won't. I loved how the relationship between Éadha and Ionain was done! It was so different and refreshing and they actually felt like people with personalities outside of each other. I didn't like though, that Éadha kept it a secret that she was a Channeler and was faking Ionain's powers from Ionain as I feel like it would have been much more interesting had they been plotting together.
The writing style was definitely very interesting. It actually reminds me of The Luck Uglies in that it's very fantastical and easy-to-read but with a certain grittiness to it. The world-building was fascinating too. There are layers of patriarchy, class, and privilege that feel all-too-real like the way that using channeling literally drains energy out from innocent people (I saw that coming but the metaphor was done so beautifully) so that the powerful (and rich) could benefit.
I will say that I wish the differences between a Keeper and a Channeler were explained a little better. I wasn't exactly sure what exactly a Keeper was and what powers they have that made them different and weaker then Channelers.
TW: Sexual Assualt
Read
February 23, 2026This was heavy for a YA, but I really enjoyed it
A critique of patriarchal society and the subjugation (literally and metaphorically) it demands, and how one yields, or learns a new way of power
I liked the main character's fire (haha) and the descriptions of the magic were beautiful (silver fish! such a lovely choice!)
Why are we doing all this for a man girl x
Disclaimer I work for PRH, not involved in book production!
A critique of patriarchal society and the subjugation (literally and metaphorically) it demands, and how one yields, or learns a new way of power
I liked the main character's fire (haha) and the descriptions of the magic were beautiful (silver fish! such a lovely choice!)
Why are we doing all this for a man girl x
Disclaimer I work for PRH, not involved in book production!
November 2, 2025
I really enjoyed reading Her Hidden Fire! A fantasy story set in a Irish-like world, filled with dragons and magic. It was slow to start out, but the final half made me glad that I stuck with it! The author does an amazing job of making the story both relatable and heart wrenching.
The main character, Éadha, was very easy to root for. She had a strong spirit, and cared deeply about others. She constantly questioned the unjust norms of her society, even when she later paid the price for it. Her bravery and courage throughout the story was inspiring. My only complaint with her was her initial choice in men! (She deserved so much better!)
I can't wait to read the next two books!
Thank you Penguin Teen for an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
The main character, Éadha, was very easy to root for. She had a strong spirit, and cared deeply about others. She constantly questioned the unjust norms of her society, even when she later paid the price for it. Her bravery and courage throughout the story was inspiring. My only complaint with her was her initial choice in men! (She deserved so much better!)
I can't wait to read the next two books!
Thank you Penguin Teen for an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
I AM COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK. It made me ache from the inside out. The forbidden love that creates a pull to do the unthinkable, until the pressure becomes unbearable and you must face the question of whether it can withstand the strain. THE DRAGONS, something so subtle, but incredibly important and always there. The magic system that upholds power, and those that are fighting, in their own ways, to bring that power away from those who have warped it for their own gain.
This book is incredible. It is everything fantasy is supposed to be, and I love it with my whole entire heart. It is a gut-punch, but is is one that that is so spectacular.
This book is incredible. It is everything fantasy is supposed to be, and I love it with my whole entire heart. It is a gut-punch, but is is one that that is so spectacular.
October 25, 2025
This was slow and I just felt terrible for the FMC the entire book. I really wish the magic was more explained, you just kind of get thrown right into it.
I really wish we could have gotten more scenes with the dragons. The FMC never want to let go the first love interest was infuriating seeing as he definitely didn’t act like he loved her back.
I really wish we could have gotten more scenes with the dragons. The FMC never want to let go the first love interest was infuriating seeing as he definitely didn’t act like he loved her back.
February 21, 2026
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.This was an ARC I got at the AASL convention back in October. I know my high school students want to read more romantasy as it gets bigger, and while I do have Fourth Wing in my library, I am always open to more geared to the YA level stories whenever possible. And this book definitely is perfect for that. Not only is it perfect for the age level, I loved the story so much! It had me not wanting to stop reading after lunch break, to go to bed, etc.
Now, at first, I did have a little trouble trying to remember how to actually pronounce all the names with their Irish spellings. So much whenever those names came up, at first I was repeating them out loud as I read. Don't get me wrong, I love that kind of thing, but it did take me a minute. Once I got going in the story though, I was too hooked and devouring every word to be tripped up by that though.
This story may end up with a bit of a love triangle, but personally I would not be shipping Éadha with her childhood best friend Ionain. No matter how he explains away that the way he treated or snubbed her as being what was best to keep her safe, still no. At certain points if I was Éadha I would have gone ahead and let everyone know I was the one with the power, not him.
However as we get farther into the story, we learn that if she did do this, she wouldn't be welcomed with the power as the others were from their own reckonings, because she is no one. Not one of the families that the Channelers come from, or have always come from. There is a moment with a dragon towards the beginning of the story, and I wanted from that moment more of the dragon, I knew that there had to be more to their part of the story, and when we get it later on, I was even more hooked on the story.
The way the end of the story was going, and knowing there is at least one more book, I was so scared about how we would end. I could see so many of the bad things happening and that being where we were left off, worrying about Éadha. Fortunately, the story went way past that and the ending was so good! While it could possibly be an ending if for some reason they don't publish the next book, it also left us with more things to learn about this world, and to see Éadha help change the world for the better, to get it away from these elite families who only want to do things their way, a horrible way for others who they use as fodder to feed their power.
A wonderful story, and I think maybe book 2 comes out later this year? At least that is what it says on Goodreads and I hope that is true, because I can't wait!This review was originally posted on Lisa Loves Literature
Now, at first, I did have a little trouble trying to remember how to actually pronounce all the names with their Irish spellings. So much whenever those names came up, at first I was repeating them out loud as I read. Don't get me wrong, I love that kind of thing, but it did take me a minute. Once I got going in the story though, I was too hooked and devouring every word to be tripped up by that though.
This story may end up with a bit of a love triangle, but personally I would not be shipping Éadha with her childhood best friend Ionain. No matter how he explains away that the way he treated or snubbed her as being what was best to keep her safe, still no. At certain points if I was Éadha I would have gone ahead and let everyone know I was the one with the power, not him.
However as we get farther into the story, we learn that if she did do this, she wouldn't be welcomed with the power as the others were from their own reckonings, because she is no one. Not one of the families that the Channelers come from, or have always come from. There is a moment with a dragon towards the beginning of the story, and I wanted from that moment more of the dragon, I knew that there had to be more to their part of the story, and when we get it later on, I was even more hooked on the story.
The way the end of the story was going, and knowing there is at least one more book, I was so scared about how we would end. I could see so many of the bad things happening and that being where we were left off, worrying about Éadha. Fortunately, the story went way past that and the ending was so good! While it could possibly be an ending if for some reason they don't publish the next book, it also left us with more things to learn about this world, and to see Éadha help change the world for the better, to get it away from these elite families who only want to do things their way, a horrible way for others who they use as fodder to feed their power.
A wonderful story, and I think maybe book 2 comes out later this year? At least that is what it says on Goodreads and I hope that is true, because I can't wait!This review was originally posted on Lisa Loves Literature
March 16, 2026
Sometimes societies are not as they seem, sometimes they hold deep dark secrets. To hold the power that these secrets are intertwined in the government must control their people. Unfortunately Eadha lives under this communist like rule.
The people are told what to do and if they step out of line they are taken care of.
Eadha does not realize how deep this corruption runs until she helps her friend Ionain pass a test. The two travel to a well known training facility that the commoners can only dream of going to. Here they are wined and dined and taught the ways of deception and a path to heartlessness. Magic powers are the main focus of this school, learn to harness them and protect your kingdom, feed your people, or so they want you to believe.
Through this journey Eadha realizes her powers are not normal as the other students, but something special. Something her government wants to hide and abolish. For if this power is acknowledged to exist it could crumple the existing system and turn the pages on a government for the people and not against them.
I tried very hard not to give anything away! This I found to be a very intriguing book. It kept me wanting to read and turning the pages. It is a longer read, but it is full of excitement. Be prepared to binge read.
If I had to compare it, it would be to hunger games and twilight due to the love triangles and government systems in place in the book.
This book unfortunately can not be used for my classroom due to the things I have listed below that are not ok for sensitive readers. I can recommend it for a good read. Ages 15 + to understand the seriousness and weight of the situations. I think 12 may still be a little young for some readers to understand what some of the situations mean that arise and how wrong and serious in real life they are.
Be aware this book is not cozy and is fast paced action almost throughout.
Spoilers and stuff for sensitive readers: so do not scroll down if you want to be surprised.
There are many scenes of making out, but no closed door scenes.
There is attempted rape that is talked through in detail
Curse words including the F word and B word
Death and torture
Blood
The people are told what to do and if they step out of line they are taken care of.
Eadha does not realize how deep this corruption runs until she helps her friend Ionain pass a test. The two travel to a well known training facility that the commoners can only dream of going to. Here they are wined and dined and taught the ways of deception and a path to heartlessness. Magic powers are the main focus of this school, learn to harness them and protect your kingdom, feed your people, or so they want you to believe.
Through this journey Eadha realizes her powers are not normal as the other students, but something special. Something her government wants to hide and abolish. For if this power is acknowledged to exist it could crumple the existing system and turn the pages on a government for the people and not against them.
I tried very hard not to give anything away! This I found to be a very intriguing book. It kept me wanting to read and turning the pages. It is a longer read, but it is full of excitement. Be prepared to binge read.
If I had to compare it, it would be to hunger games and twilight due to the love triangles and government systems in place in the book.
This book unfortunately can not be used for my classroom due to the things I have listed below that are not ok for sensitive readers. I can recommend it for a good read. Ages 15 + to understand the seriousness and weight of the situations. I think 12 may still be a little young for some readers to understand what some of the situations mean that arise and how wrong and serious in real life they are.
Be aware this book is not cozy and is fast paced action almost throughout.
Spoilers and stuff for sensitive readers: so do not scroll down if you want to be surprised.
There are many scenes of making out, but no closed door scenes.
There is attempted rape that is talked through in detail
Curse words including the F word and B word
Death and torture
Blood
March 3, 2026
HER HIDDEN FIRE - CLIODHNA O'SULLIVAN
Her Hidden Fire is the first book of what promises to be an excellent young adult romantic fantasy trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book. Although the story starts off slowly, and there's a fair bit of repetition, I LOVED the build up to and the perfect execution of *that* ending.
Éadha is an orphaned servant girl who has grown up with Ionain, the son of the ruling family who lives at Ailm’s Keep. As they grow up, their friendship starts to turn into something more - until it's time for Ionain's Reckoning, where it will be discovered whether he can draw magical power or not. When Éadha discovers that she can draw magic while Ionain cannot, she makes a decision that kickstarts a dangerous series of events that neither of them can stop.
Rich with Irish folklore and language, Her Hidden Fire exposes a magical system that carries a disgusting cost, whilst being upheld by patriarchy and elitism. The stakes are increasingly heightened, especially as Éadha finds it almost impossible to keep acting as Ionain's source of power.
I won't say anymore except for this: there are dragons too. I thoroughly recommend this book, and thank Cliodhna O'Sullivan and the publisher for the chance to read it.
Release date: 5 March
Review score: 4.5/5
TWs: d*ath, v*olence, injury detail, t*rture, misogyny, s*xual assault
Her Hidden Fire is the first book of what promises to be an excellent young adult romantic fantasy trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book. Although the story starts off slowly, and there's a fair bit of repetition, I LOVED the build up to and the perfect execution of *that* ending.
Éadha is an orphaned servant girl who has grown up with Ionain, the son of the ruling family who lives at Ailm’s Keep. As they grow up, their friendship starts to turn into something more - until it's time for Ionain's Reckoning, where it will be discovered whether he can draw magical power or not. When Éadha discovers that she can draw magic while Ionain cannot, she makes a decision that kickstarts a dangerous series of events that neither of them can stop.
Rich with Irish folklore and language, Her Hidden Fire exposes a magical system that carries a disgusting cost, whilst being upheld by patriarchy and elitism. The stakes are increasingly heightened, especially as Éadha finds it almost impossible to keep acting as Ionain's source of power.
I won't say anymore except for this: there are dragons too. I thoroughly recommend this book, and thank Cliodhna O'Sullivan and the publisher for the chance to read it.
Release date: 5 March
Review score: 4.5/5
TWs: d*ath, v*olence, injury detail, t*rture, misogyny, s*xual assault
February 14, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
I devoured this!! I couldn’t put the book down, I’m intrigued by the unique magic and where the plot will take us in book 2 after the revelations we had in book 1.
I’m so livid at some of the character choices because where did your sense go in certain situations and some characters had such an inflated sense of self importance I needed the FMC to drop the nice girl vibes and beat people up. We get some real villains in this like completely bad vibes, no redemption arc on the horizon. Then we get characters worth fighting for and really renew your faith in people, but the nice ones never get what they deserve I fear.
I’m excited to see how the world opens up in book 2 as we expand on the betrayals, political structure and questionable choices we’ve come to know in book 1. My heart breaks for the FMC even though she’s one of my questionable choice makers, she has a heart of gold and I think it’ll have to severely harden in book 2.
There’s a yearning and longing in this book I haven’t seen in a little while and I loved it. The story isnt romance heavy, but connection and loyalty is a strong motivator for our FMC and I’ll be keen to see where that leads her.
I devoured this!! I couldn’t put the book down, I’m intrigued by the unique magic and where the plot will take us in book 2 after the revelations we had in book 1.
I’m so livid at some of the character choices because where did your sense go in certain situations and some characters had such an inflated sense of self importance I needed the FMC to drop the nice girl vibes and beat people up. We get some real villains in this like completely bad vibes, no redemption arc on the horizon. Then we get characters worth fighting for and really renew your faith in people, but the nice ones never get what they deserve I fear.
I’m excited to see how the world opens up in book 2 as we expand on the betrayals, political structure and questionable choices we’ve come to know in book 1. My heart breaks for the FMC even though she’s one of my questionable choice makers, she has a heart of gold and I think it’ll have to severely harden in book 2.
There’s a yearning and longing in this book I haven’t seen in a little while and I loved it. The story isnt romance heavy, but connection and loyalty is a strong motivator for our FMC and I’ll be keen to see where that leads her.
March 6, 2026
I am so grateful to have received an eARC of this book from the publisher on Net Galley.
First of all, I loved the magic system based on channellers and keepers, which centre around the reckoning when an individual turns 17. This magic system reminded me of The Second Death of Locke (which I loved and would recommend if you read adult fantasy), but this book had a particularly interesting angle with the source of the magic. I won’t say more to avoid spoilers but I’ve not seen anything like this done before.
This book is great for YA or those looking for an ‘easy’ read (language isn’t overly complex, plot straightforward to follow), although note the dark themes that are covered. Ultimately, it’s a story of a girl who has to dim her own power to survive and protect her best friend/childhood love. This story is explored with themes of misogyny, class, power, being ‘gifted’ vs ‘ungifted’ and also explores sexual assault and violence.
The book was a touch repetitive in places, but I think this is due to the genre rather than a reflection of the quality of the book. It’s also one of my pet peeves when a person can just intuitively use their powers with no training. This wasn’t quite the case here, but I didn’t see as much practice as I would have liked!
The second half was particularly addictive and I flew through it, with plenty of twists and turns to keep it engaging. There is a love triangle and I’m excited to see where that goes, although I’m mostly interested in Éadha’s journey and what she will do with her power, as well as to see some further character development of all the key characters.
Finally, there are dragons. If that doesn’t convince you to read it, I don’t know what will.
First of all, I loved the magic system based on channellers and keepers, which centre around the reckoning when an individual turns 17. This magic system reminded me of The Second Death of Locke (which I loved and would recommend if you read adult fantasy), but this book had a particularly interesting angle with the source of the magic. I won’t say more to avoid spoilers but I’ve not seen anything like this done before.
This book is great for YA or those looking for an ‘easy’ read (language isn’t overly complex, plot straightforward to follow), although note the dark themes that are covered. Ultimately, it’s a story of a girl who has to dim her own power to survive and protect her best friend/childhood love. This story is explored with themes of misogyny, class, power, being ‘gifted’ vs ‘ungifted’ and also explores sexual assault and violence.
The book was a touch repetitive in places, but I think this is due to the genre rather than a reflection of the quality of the book. It’s also one of my pet peeves when a person can just intuitively use their powers with no training. This wasn’t quite the case here, but I didn’t see as much practice as I would have liked!
The second half was particularly addictive and I flew through it, with plenty of twists and turns to keep it engaging. There is a love triangle and I’m excited to see where that goes, although I’m mostly interested in Éadha’s journey and what she will do with her power, as well as to see some further character development of all the key characters.
Finally, there are dragons. If that doesn’t convince you to read it, I don’t know what will.
March 13, 2026
This debut blew me out of the water. It’s not often a book keeps me up until the early hours of the morning because… 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓.
Éadha’s story pulled me in from the very start. An orphaned girl in love with a boy so close to her, yet so far out of reach, untill hidden powers bring them together and they embark on an adventure I did not see coming.
I don’t think this should necessarily be shoe boxed into the Young Adult category. The magic system has a dark edge that genuinely made my jaw drop. I did not expect that twist.
And the love triangle? Full of angst, tension, and so much yearning.
Reading this took me back to how I felt the first time I read Fourth Wing. Maybe it’s the academy setting, the writing style, or just the strength of the plot, but I could not put it down.
My copy includes a few chapters from book two, Her Rising Flame, and there’s a shift to multi POV, which I loved. Experiencing the trauma from different angles adds so much depth and connection to the other characters.
If it’s not obvious, I’ll scream it in your face: I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Highly recommend, even if YA Fantasy isn’t your usual go to. Trust me, this leans heavily into romantasy with a gripping plot that will keep you up until the wee hours.
Éadha’s story pulled me in from the very start. An orphaned girl in love with a boy so close to her, yet so far out of reach, untill hidden powers bring them together and they embark on an adventure I did not see coming.
I don’t think this should necessarily be shoe boxed into the Young Adult category. The magic system has a dark edge that genuinely made my jaw drop. I did not expect that twist.
And the love triangle? Full of angst, tension, and so much yearning.
Reading this took me back to how I felt the first time I read Fourth Wing. Maybe it’s the academy setting, the writing style, or just the strength of the plot, but I could not put it down.
My copy includes a few chapters from book two, Her Rising Flame, and there’s a shift to multi POV, which I loved. Experiencing the trauma from different angles adds so much depth and connection to the other characters.
If it’s not obvious, I’ll scream it in your face: I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Highly recommend, even if YA Fantasy isn’t your usual go to. Trust me, this leans heavily into romantasy with a gripping plot that will keep you up until the wee hours.
March 5, 2026
I don’t read as many YA books as I used to but I’m so happy I took a chance on Her Hidden Fire. It had everything: magic, power struggles, politics, romantic entanglement and life lessons.
Her Hidden Fire had a slow start but before long I was swept into Éadha’s journey. And what an experience it was. The quiet joy, the simmering tension, the dangerous connections and the life-or-death moments all had my heart in my throat. We didn’t get to see a lot of dragons but I’m content for now because I know they’re coming!
Éadha was resilient and resourceful. As she continuously found herself in difficult positions, she did her best to remain calm and collected. But just because she chose acquiescence didn’t mean she was helpless. Éadha silently fought back. She absolutely lived up to her potential. I relished her show of powers when she was pushed beyond her breaking point. Éadha and the dragons have limitless possibilities!
The magic in Her Hidden Fire was fascinating but also brutal. I understood the principle (give and take) but it didn’t make the ugliness of the truth any easier to swallow. The Fodder were cruelly used- nobody deserved such treatment. It’s a testament to humanity that goodness still existed underneath all that pain. “Being able to do something for another is, after all, the essence of living rather than merely existing.” (arc, p. 318) I hope justice comes soon for the takers.
The love triangle in Her Hidden Fire has me conflicted because both love interests have commendable traits. I want to root for Ionáin because as Éadha’s first love, he’s the reason she held on (to hope). His unwillingness to give up Éadha was comforting. Gry, on the other hand, sacrificed so much to protect Éadha. He guided her and shielded her from threats. Éadha has a tough decision ahead of her.
A heart-wrenching tale of love and resilience, Her Hidden Fire exceeded my expectations. “Being surrounded by the blind doesn’t make you invisible.” (arc, p. 65) I’m so invested and will be waiting in agony until the next book. Just the title, Her Rising Flame, has me fired up!
Her Hidden Fire had a slow start but before long I was swept into Éadha’s journey. And what an experience it was. The quiet joy, the simmering tension, the dangerous connections and the life-or-death moments all had my heart in my throat. We didn’t get to see a lot of dragons but I’m content for now because I know they’re coming!
Éadha was resilient and resourceful. As she continuously found herself in difficult positions, she did her best to remain calm and collected. But just because she chose acquiescence didn’t mean she was helpless. Éadha silently fought back. She absolutely lived up to her potential. I relished her show of powers when she was pushed beyond her breaking point. Éadha and the dragons have limitless possibilities!
The magic in Her Hidden Fire was fascinating but also brutal. I understood the principle (give and take) but it didn’t make the ugliness of the truth any easier to swallow. The Fodder were cruelly used- nobody deserved such treatment. It’s a testament to humanity that goodness still existed underneath all that pain. “Being able to do something for another is, after all, the essence of living rather than merely existing.” (arc, p. 318) I hope justice comes soon for the takers.
The love triangle in Her Hidden Fire has me conflicted because both love interests have commendable traits. I want to root for Ionáin because as Éadha’s first love, he’s the reason she held on (to hope). His unwillingness to give up Éadha was comforting. Gry, on the other hand, sacrificed so much to protect Éadha. He guided her and shielded her from threats. Éadha has a tough decision ahead of her.
A heart-wrenching tale of love and resilience, Her Hidden Fire exceeded my expectations. “Being surrounded by the blind doesn’t make you invisible.” (arc, p. 65) I’m so invested and will be waiting in agony until the next book. Just the title, Her Rising Flame, has me fired up!
March 2, 2026
5 stars. Oh my goodness, 5 stars EASY! Honestly, it was more like 6 if I’m being honest.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a eARC of this book prior to its release date. I honestly think this one has climbed up to my favorite book I’ve read this year.
I could literally do nothing else but read this. It was so so good! The character development? Perfection. Plot? Perfection. World building? Utter perfection.
Seriously, I have nothing bad to say about this, and I CANNOT FATHOM HOW IM SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT?!
It seriously gave me all the feels. Joy, sadness, pain, love, rage. Literally, I found myself feeling such love for a fictional female main character whose strength and resolve gave me goosebumps throughout the whole book!
Basically, everyone needs to read this.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a eARC of this book prior to its release date. I honestly think this one has climbed up to my favorite book I’ve read this year.
I could literally do nothing else but read this. It was so so good! The character development? Perfection. Plot? Perfection. World building? Utter perfection.
Seriously, I have nothing bad to say about this, and I CANNOT FATHOM HOW IM SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT?!
It seriously gave me all the feels. Joy, sadness, pain, love, rage. Literally, I found myself feeling such love for a fictional female main character whose strength and resolve gave me goosebumps throughout the whole book!
Basically, everyone needs to read this.
Did not finish
March 18, 2026Thank you so much @storygramtours and the publisher for the gifted copy.
Her Hidden Fire
by Cliodhna O'Sullivan
💭 My thoughts:
Unfortunately this ended up being a DNF for me. Although I am not the target audience, I usually enjoy YA but this one was hard to get into. The pacing was a tad slow for me and it was hard to stay interested. However, because I am not the target audience, I am sure it will be great for many others especially YA.
Happy reading 📖
Her Hidden Fire
by Cliodhna O'Sullivan
💭 My thoughts:
Unfortunately this ended up being a DNF for me. Although I am not the target audience, I usually enjoy YA but this one was hard to get into. The pacing was a tad slow for me and it was hard to stay interested. However, because I am not the target audience, I am sure it will be great for many others especially YA.
Happy reading 📖
January 26, 2026
I absolutely adored this book!! Such a unique fantasy system, I loved our range of characters (one of which I hope we see more of in the next book 😉). Any fantasy with dragons immediately catches my eye!! I immediately want to move on to the next book, I hope November comes around quick so I can get my hands on it!!
February 12, 2026
Do you love romance, dragons and magic? This is a story that incorporates all of those within a twisted and dangerous world. Here is my spoiler free review of “Her Hidden Fire”
In this book we follow Eadha as she follows her heart in trying to protect her best friend who also happens to be the boy of her dreams. However, while doing so, many secrets from the past reveal themselves about the truth of the life they lead and expose the lies that have been told for generations.
Eadha does everything in her power to keep her best friend safe without exposing a few secrets that she, herself has and is withholding from him and many others.
As Dangerous situations arise, she learns more about the evil and destruction in the way they live.
She chooses kindness and safety of others. She chooses the truth as it’s revealed. This puts her in an extremely vulnerable position which causes her to make a life altering decision. One that ends the book on a cliff hanger…. And I can’t wait to read the next book.
I loved this book so much. A Young Adult fantasy with some light romance scenes within.
The world building is well done and detailed enough for the reader to be able to envision the land. The plot was well thought out while the story weaved perfectly in and out as it progresses.
I can’t wait until the next book to see how the story plays out. I am suspecting it’s going to be good against evil.
In this book we follow Eadha as she follows her heart in trying to protect her best friend who also happens to be the boy of her dreams. However, while doing so, many secrets from the past reveal themselves about the truth of the life they lead and expose the lies that have been told for generations.
Eadha does everything in her power to keep her best friend safe without exposing a few secrets that she, herself has and is withholding from him and many others.
As Dangerous situations arise, she learns more about the evil and destruction in the way they live.
She chooses kindness and safety of others. She chooses the truth as it’s revealed. This puts her in an extremely vulnerable position which causes her to make a life altering decision. One that ends the book on a cliff hanger…. And I can’t wait to read the next book.
I loved this book so much. A Young Adult fantasy with some light romance scenes within.
The world building is well done and detailed enough for the reader to be able to envision the land. The plot was well thought out while the story weaved perfectly in and out as it progresses.
I can’t wait until the next book to see how the story plays out. I am suspecting it’s going to be good against evil.
Read
January 7, 2026Dragons. Magic. Kissing. Need I say more? Her Hidden Fire is one hell of a debut from Cliodhna O’Sullivan. Althoughhh, everybody’s name has diacritical marks (HELP). This is when I skip them over and make up my own pronunciations haha. Like “oh yeah, that’s Edna!” Besides my inability to pronounce anything, I highly recommend this to any romantasy lover. O’Sullivan is one to watch! 🐉💛
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