Is there room for magic in our modern world of technology and science? Could higher forces protect us, or threaten us?
Miya has always known her life would be far from ordinary. Born with a mysterious gift, she can heal others and find people through vivid visions. But her true origins have been kept from her by those sworn to protect her. Now 21, Miya discovers she is a Nephilim – a daughter of an angel – and that the fire within her could save humanity or destroy it. When an ancient organization called the Citadel fails to reveal the truth in time, Miya finds herself choosing the wrong side in the eternal battle between good and evil. Her mistake could cost her her family, her soul, and the fate of the world. With the help of a fallen Archangel, Miya must face the ultimate enemy and learn the devastating secrets the Citadel has fought to keep hidden.
Karina Andrusiak writes psychological thrillers and fantasy under the pen name Lora Fray. Her stories blend dark secrets, emotional tension, morally complex characters and supernatural elements.
I was sent a copy of this as an ARC and I'm so happy I got to read it! This is a YA book about a girl named Mia, who's hiding her powers from everyone she knows except her one best friend and it begins with us following her and her friends on a vacation. Maybe 30% in I feel like the real mystery began, and turned into a real magical enigma. I found no problem following along the plot and I really liked the character Ned hehe. It's a bit fast phased, so if you're into instant love, hidden powers, fastmoving plots and a whole lot of emotional moments - this is definitely a book for you! I enjoyed it, and would absolutely read a sequel if there ever came one, because I feel like there are a lot of elements that could still be unwrapped/explored.
The only downside, is that the book switches POV's in a way that I find kind of hard to keep up with, but it didn't affect me that much. But I can imagine it being confusing for readers from time to time!
Thank you to Lora Fray for giving me the chance to read this ARC <3
Heavenly Fire is a debut English language novel from the Ukrainian author Lora Fray.
Reading the reviews here, it appears the novel has been re-edited, which can only be a good thing. This review is based on the original 2025 version.
Heavenly Fire straddles the line between young adult and adult fantasy fiction, concerning as it does nineteen-year-old Mia, a woman blessed – or cursed, I suppose – with magical healing powers. Uncertain how to control the angelic fire that burns within her, Mia seeks to banish it through aloof, borderline antisocial, behaviour, believing that sloth-like activity will dampen the passions. When that fails to work, childhood friend Rob and new boyfriend Ned attempt to uncover the truth behind her power, a journey which brings all three face to face with the powers of the secret society the Citadel and the devilish antagonist Daniel.
The story mixes Biblical and apocryphal history with cultish and businesslike modern day tropes; for instance, the Citadel is managed more like an enormous academic research centre than any kind of Satan-fighting organisation. This has advantages. The given facts of fallen angels and the Nephilim have basis in a belief system and a literary evidence, which lends the fantastic and the mystic a genuine air. The presentation of religion as businesslike feels apt, as these days religions tend to function more as corporate entities than any soul saving manna. Where the novel struggles is in matching the dark undercurrent of its themes to the romantic and conversationally fanciful overtures of the characters. There is an awful lot of talk in this story and one feels much of the dialogue could be shaved away.
This becomes problematic very early on in the novel during a sunny sojourn to a beach resort where Mia, Rob and Ned are holidaying with an assorted bunch of similar aged characters. It is supposed to be hedonistic, I guess, but it didn’t read anything of the sort, just a weary series of night and day verbal engagements. I had no sense of place or atmosphere, indeed one of the oddities of the author’s prose is the lack of detail – drinks are merely drinks, places are unnamed, clothes, foods, cars have no features attached to them. This blank canvas is distinctly interchangeably beige. If this truly was a party isle, I wouldn’t want to go there. Here, so many insignificant characters are lengthily introduced, so many pet names used and so many points of view utilised the narrative became almost impossible to follow and hence monotonously barren of excitement. A good editor should have been able to smooth the first eighty pages out, including the bizarre prologue, the happenings of which are never referred to by anyone ever.
A constantly switching POV – sometimes several times in a scene – doesn’t help matters throughout. The author needs to exert more control over her characters. Nevertheless, it would be fair to say that the main protagonist, Mia, is sumptuously drawn [from the author’s personal experience, one feels?] and the early scenes of her struggles with divine power are certainly intriguing and remarkably tense. The sudden introduction of the hermit-mystic Daniel was exceptional and his ‘kidnap’ of Mia a moment of high suspense. When we travel to Daniel’s palace monastery of benign tranquillity, the story picks up, tidies itself and eventually reaches a worthwhile, if wordy conclusion. It is a pity the early scenes are so uninteresting. This is not helped by the feeling these characters are eminently superfluous as, after halfway, Rob and Ned excepted, the others play no further part in the story. literary redemption comes towards the end, where a startling twist threatens to send us into intense psychological horror. That doesn’t quite happen, but the novel resolves muddily but satisfactorily, leaving the way for sequels, which may iron out some of the narrative dead ends.
Lora Fray was an established author in Ukraine before the Russian invasion. Heavenly Fire has been self-published in the UK through Austin Macauley. While I applaud the author for continuing to pursue her goals, we need to be honest here: the publisher has let her down badly. This novel features a multitude of grammatical, printing, scene change and structural issues which should and could have been resolved at source. Chief among them is the closing of continuous speech paragraph by paragraph, an elementary error that makes several passages of conversation difficult to follow. It doesn’t help the hero’s name is misspelt on the dust jacket.
For all that, Heavenly Fire is worthwhile fantasy adventure and with a little tidying up, it could become a humdinger of a story. As it stands, disappointingly, this fire burns a little too slowly.
I enjoy fantasy books that slowly uncover their secrets, and Heavenly Fire by Lora Fray gave me exactly that feeling. At first, it looks like a holiday story about a group of young friends, but little by little strange things begin to happen around Mia. She has always been different, hiding powers that even the people closest to her don't fully understand. As the story moves forward, the mystery grows bigger, leading to shocking truths about angels, the Citadel, and Mia's real identity.
One of my favorite parts was watching Mia struggle between living a normal life and carrying a responsibility she never asked for. I also enjoyed the friendship between Mia and Rob, and I found Ned to be a very interesting character. His growing curiosity about Mia and the conversations between them kept me turning the pages. The story has plenty of action, emotional moments, and surprising twists that made me want to know what would happen next.
On a personal level, this book reminded me that sometimes we hide parts of ourselves because we are afraid of how others will react. Mia's journey of accepting who she truly is felt honest and emotional. I liked the mix of modern life with angel mythology because it made the fantasy feel believable. Even when the story became darker, it never lost its emotional side, and I found myself caring about Mia and hoping she would make the right choices.
I would happily recommend Heavenly Fire to readers who enjoy young adult fantasy filled with hidden powers, angels, mystery, friendship, and fast-paced adventures. If you like stories where ordinary lives suddenly become extraordinary and every chapter reveals another secret, this book is worth picking up. I also feel there is still much more to explore in this world, so I would definitely be excited to read the next book in the series.
⚫️Heavenly Fire by Lora Fray pulls you into a world where the supernatural feels just a heartbeat away from everyday life. Right from the first chapter, you’re swept up in a story packed with secrets, celestial beings, and powers hiding in plain sight.
⚫️Miya, the main character, jumps off the page. She’s on this journey to figure out who she really is, and honestly, it hits close to home. Watching her wrestle with her identity and all the responsibility that comes with her gifts yeah, it feels real. There’s a great mix of action and mystery, but it’s the way Miya grows as a person that really keeps you reading. The story dives into heavy questions like what good and evil actually mean, and whether we get to shape our own destinies. It’s not just page-turning, it’s thought-provoking.
⚫️Lora Fray built a vivid setting around the Nephilim, angels, and the Citadel, weaving together history and suspense without drowning you in details. And just when you think you know what’s coming, the story throws in a twist or two to keep you on your toes.
⚫️But what really sticks with you is how the book explores choice and sacrifice there’s no simple good guy versus bad guy here. Good intentions get complicated, and the real bravery comes from facing up to your own mistakes.
⚫️If you love stories with angels, mysteries, and big emotional stakes, give this one a shot. It’s exciting and satisfying, and you’ll probably want to see where the journey goes next. Absolutely recommended for anyone who wants their fantasy with a bit more heart, suspense, and something otherworldly.
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **Spice:** 🌶️ **Tropes:** found family, magic, he falls first, shadow daddy, YA fantasy, battles, alternate realities, angels, demons, enemies to lovers.
The first thing that i noticed was the varying fonts on some pages. I'm not sure if this is the author's choice or an error, but thankfully it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.
Lora's gift for scene-setting shines throughout. Her choice of words transports you into the world she’s created; it feels like you’re really there alongside the characters, rather than just reading about them. The descriptive passages are visually stunning for those of us who like to really envision the characters and their surroundings.
This story unfolds as a slow burn, primarily following Mia through a third-person POV. She’s kept in the dark about her abilities and history, which means we are too, discovering pivotal details alongside her. This immersive experience is one of the book’s highlights.
Ned's character is intriguing, and his character development throughout *Heavenly Fire* is enjoyable to watch unfold. He grows stronger, and it’s impressive to see his journey and the difficulties he overcomes.
As the plot progresses, we dive deeper into angel lore and the secrets surrounding the demons. The addition of shadow daddy introduces plenty of twists that keep you guessing about who can be trusted, mirroring Mia's own uncertainties.
The ending beautifully paves the way for a potential sequel. If a follow-up to *Heavenly Fire* comes out, I'll definitely be picking it up!
For all YA fantasy lovers who enjoy stories about angels and demons, I think you’ll find *Heavenly Fire* quite engaging
Heavenly Fire by Lora Fey is an exciting fantasy that delivers compelling action, immersive world-building, and a cast of memorable characters that kept me invested from beginning to end.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is Miya. She is a courageous and resilient protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is both engaging and empowering. As she uncovers the truth about who she really is, her determination and strength make her an easy character to root for.
Daniel quickly became another standout character for me. His dry sense of humour provides welcome moments of levity, while his confidence and natural leadership make him a commanding presence throughout the story. He is a wonderfully balanced character with plenty of charm.
The world-building is another highlight. Lora Fey crafts a fascinating magical system that feels both imaginative and well-developed, seamlessly weaving it into the story without slowing the pace. The action is exciting and well executed, keeping the tension high throughout.
The antagonists are equally impressive. They are more than obstacles for the heroes—they actively drive the narrative forward, raising the stakes and making every victory feel earned. Their presence adds depth and intensity to the story.
By the time I reached the final page, I was left eager for more. Heavenly Fire delivers an engaging fantasy adventure while leaving enough unanswered questions to make me excited for what comes next. Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with rich world-building, dynamic action, and intriguing magic will find plenty to love here.
I originally came across an earlier version of this book and noticed a few editing issues that distracted me from the story. Later, I heard that the book had been updated and re-edited, so I decided to give it another chance and I’m really glad I did. The newer version reads much more smoothly, and it allowed me to enjoy the story properly. I love stories about angels, so that’s why I tried this one If there is ever a sequel, I feel like there are definitely still many things that could be explored or explained further. At least in my opinion, there is plenty of room to open up the world and the characters even more. I also enjoyed the romance elements, and one of my favourite characters was actually the darker one. I really liked him, even though it is a shame he is not on the right side.
Overall, I’m glad I gave this book a second chance.
3.5 stars - Heavenly Fire was an enjoyable read that blended romance, emotion, and personal growth in a way that kept me engaged from beginning to end. Lora Frey's writing is easy to get lost in, and I appreciated the strong emotional core that drove the story forward. The characters were compelling, particularly in their struggles with faith, love, and finding their place in the world. I found myself rooting for them, even when some of their decisions were frustrating. The romance had several sweet and heartfelt moments, though at times the pacing felt uneven and a few plot developments seemed predictable. What stood out most was the novel's exploration of redemption, healing, and the idea that people can find hope even after difficult circumstances. While it didn't completely wow me, it delivered an emotionally satisfying story with enough depth to make it memorable.
This was such an interesting fantasy read with a really unique concept. I loved the idea of Mia having a powerful gift that allows her to save others, but comes with a heavy personal cost. Her character was definitely the highlight for me — she’s guarded, stubborn, sarcastic, and caring all at the same time. I enjoyed watching her slowly open up and let people in. ✨
The story had a strong emotional foundation, and I was invested in Mia’s journey and the mystery behind her abilities. I did wish we had a little more world-building and more answers about her powers. Some parts felt a little slower, and I wanted the fantasy elements to be explored more.
Overall, this was a promising start with a compelling heroine, emotional moments, and a storyline that has a lot of potential. I’m curious to see where Mia’s journey goes next! 🔥 3.5⭐️
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
To be honest Heavenly Fire wasn’t quite the right book for me, but I can still appreciate what it was trying to do.
The vacation setting had a lot of potential, but I personally found the first half to be quite slow. The pacing didn’t fully work for me, and I struggled to stay engaged because many scenes felt repetitive. Unfortunately, I also never formed a strong connection with the characters, which made it difficult to become emotionally invested in their journey.
That said, I know many readers enjoy slower, character-focused romances, and if that’s your preference, this book may work much better for you than it did for me.
Overall, while Heavenly Fire wasn’t a perfect fit for my reading taste, I’m glad I gave it a chance and I’m sure it will find its audience.
An evocative novel, of which comes when a character finds out a very shocking secret about her heritage, this compelling storyline takes place when a group of young people take a holiday together, with mysterious events unfolding. The character depth is inescapably different from most novel, and the characters development is simply magnificent, world building was great too, but could be developed further in the storyline.
Mia is well developed and is a great character how she somehow keeps herself apart unless she chooses to relax, and the story arc develops around her own character, with her overwhelmingly dramatic friendship, which makes it a great story to read, I look forward to reading more stories by this amazing author.
So I finished reading this book it did take me longer then usual as I did struggle a bit with it… however I was also busy with it being the summer holidays
I did enjoy the story and if I’m honest some of the chapters were long and I found my self getting distracted from the story however I was reading from the kindle app on my phone so that might of been why they seemed long…
I love the characters however the constant changing of POVs really threw me off I wish it mainly focused on Ned and Mia I feel like the others could just of been background characters if that makes sense.
The ending was good and I do wonder if there’s more to come with this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was my first time reading a book in this genre, and I absolutely loved it! I was kindly gifted an ARC copy by the author, Lora Fray, and I have to say it did not disappoint. From the opening pages, I was completely hooked. The descriptive writing made me feel as though I was right there alongside the characters, bringing every scene vividly to life. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end, and that twist at the end had me second-guessing everything. Wow! If you're looking for a gripping read with immersive storytelling and a memorable ending, I'd definitely recommend giving Heavenly Fire a try.
I really enjoyed this one! I love stories with angels, Nephilim, and the battle between good and evil, so this was right up my alley.
The story kept me interested, and I liked the romance mixed in with the fantasy. I also found myself really liking one of the darker characters, even if he wasn’t exactly on the right side.
The only reason this wasn’t quite a 5-star read for me is that I would’ve loved a little more depth in the world-building and some questions answered. It feels like there’s still so much more to explore, and I’d definitely read a sequel if there is one.
Overall, a really enjoyable read, especially if you’re a fan of angel fantasy with a little romance mixed in.
At the beginning of the book it was confusing, as there were multiple point of views and I couldn't tell who I was following. It took me out of the emersion a fair few times.
It wasn't until we got midway where the point of view then made sense and stuck to one person. I'm unsure if its an editing error or not.
With that said, the characters are interesting, a hint of romance with modern day fantasy with some twists and turns.
I only wish there was more world building as I love some good world building. But if you don't mind that then you'll love the book. The story is interesting and so are the characters!
Heavenly Fire is an atmospheric YA fantasy that blends angelic mythology with emotional conflict and supernatural mystery. Lora Fray creates a world filled with prophecy, hidden powers and looming danger while keeping the story emotionally grounded through Miya’s journey of self-discovery. The novel’s cinematic tone and fastmoving plot make it an engaging read, especially for fans of celestial fantasy and morally complex characters. Dark, dramatic and immersive, Heavenly Fire burns brightest in the moments where fate and humanity collide.
I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
This is a YA fantasy story – don’t let this scare you. I’m in my 40s and totally enjoyed reading it. The characters are great; the plot is easy to follow and flows well. This is a world full of hidden powers, prophecy, and danger. We follow Miya and her journey of self-discovery. If you enjoy drama, secrets, emotional moments and quickly falling in love with characters – this is the book for you!! Go grab it as fast as you can!! I cannot wait to see what happens next!!
It truly is a really intriguing book. I LOVE the power dynamics between the characters. I also love the plot twists. Every single one had me like “omg what?”
That being said. I also think that there’s a lot going on in a short amount of pages/chapters. I’m not sure how to phrase that. I feel like once you get through half of one event, boom there’s another and you have to get through that one too. If you can handle that, then this book is for you. If you can’t, then I can see some people not having the same opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I tried so hard to get into this story, but I couldn't. It kept switching between character's POVs in the chapters without warning. It was also so slow with the vacation and all that I couldn't continue. The very end of the book picked up and was decent. I feel like this story has good bones and with a decent rewrite, would be magnificent.
I really enjoyed the book and loved the main character, Mia. 🤩 This story proves time and again that sometimes we make poor choices about the people we surround ourselves with, and that we can all make mistakes—but thanks to the right people who guide us in the right direction, we move toward the right goals.🙌🏻 I also really liked the author’s writing style—it’s very easy and quick to read. It was a little unusual for me to read a third-person narrative, but overall, it didn’t bother me. ✨
I enjoyed this book alot. I believe the target audience is YA but that didnt put me off (at almost 40!). The characters are well written and the plot flows nicely. Id be interested to see how this world develops. There seems to be a lot more to explore.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was interesting and a change up from my usual reads. It’s a wonderful young adult book that will keep you guessing as to what will come next. It follows the story of Mia who discovers there’s more to her power than she was led to believe and she now must find who to trust. This is great for anyone looking for a fantasy read for themselves or their young adult.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was great. Suspenseful with characters I came to care deeply about. Kept me reading until I got to the end and read it almost in 1 sitting. My only criticism would be that it was a slowish start and then rapidly gained speed, however I quite liked this as it kept it pacy and kept me interested!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unfortunately some of the text was missing and the writing was a bit all over the place. 25% in and slightly unsure about whats going on. I might try again at some point.