Firelight

by Geoffrey Saemann

The monster is known by many names. But whatever you might call him, he is the living embodiment of your worst nightmares and traumatic memories. He bends us to his whims by hijacking these memories and turning them into weapons that can cause unimaginable pain and destruction to anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in their cross-hairs.

That's how a proxy war in Ukraine escalated in a number of days into a nuclear holocaust that wiped out the overwhelming majority of the population and left the entire world in ruins. Those that are left find that the brave new world they are living in greets them with a cruel and oftentimes deadly welcome at the hands of those the Puppeteer has turned to his side.

In the midst of the chaos, a small group of survivors coalesce around Jody Razitsky, a young woman who harbors a very special gift. But as the monster begins to pick off the survivors one by one as they grow ever closer to their destination, Jody must confront the terrors in her past that shattered her quiet childhood over a decade ago.

The survivors, who have their own demons to confront, must make a devastating choice between running away and following Jody into the darkness of the abyss, where the monster awaits...

620 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firelight by Geoffrey Saemann is a dark but very powerful story . It shows a world broken by war, where a terrible monster uses people’s worst memories to hurt them again and again. Reading this felt scary because it reminded me of how real pain can control our lives if we don’t face it. The way the author described the ruined world made me imagine everything so clearly — it almost felt like I was there.

The main character, Jody Razitsky, is very strong even though she carries so much pain from her past. I really connected with her because I also know what it feels like to face memories that hurt. Her journey is not just about surviving but also about being brave enough to face what scares her the most.

The group of survivors around Jody made the book even better. Each person had their own fears, and I liked seeing how they changed as the story went on. It made me think, “What would I do if I was in their place?” Would I run away or stand and fight with Jody? That question stayed in my head even after I finished the book.

I recommend Firelight to anyone who likes deep, emotional survival stories. It is dark but also full of hope because it shows that facing our fears can make us stronger. This book stayed with me even after I finished reading it, and I think other readers will feel the same.

[Sullivan Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting and unforgettable read. The Puppeteer is one of the most original monsters I’ve ever encountered, using people’s own memories as weapons is both terrifying and brilliant. The world after nuclear devastation feels raw and real, but what truly hooked me were the survivors, especially Jody. She’s complex, vulnerable, and quietly powerful, and her journey kept me glued to the pages.

The story is dark, fast-paced, and emotionally intense, with horror that cuts both inside and out. If you like post-apocalyptic fiction with psychological depth and a truly chilling villain, this is a must-read.

[Himanshu Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firelight grabbed me from the first page. The idea of a monster that weaponizes memories is chilling and completely original. The way the story escalates from a proxy war to a global catastrophe felt both terrifying and believable. Jody Razitsky is a strong, relatable protagonist, and watching her confront her past while leading the survivors kept me on edge. A few moments were intense to the point of making me pause, but that’s part of the thrill. Highly recommended for fans of post-apocalyptic suspense.

[Nikhil Sharaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting to be so emotionally invested, but Firelight hit me hard. The Puppeteer concept is horrifying, and the way trauma is weaponized is both clever and disturbing. Jody and her group feel real, with their struggles and fears adding depth to the high-stakes action. Some scenes are gruesome, so it’s not for the faint of heart, but the tension and suspense are masterfully handled. This book will stay in my mind for a long time.

[Joey Fort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geoffrey Saemann creates a world that’s terrifyingly realistic, from nuclear devastation to the psychological horror of the Puppeteer. I loved how the survivors’ personal demons are as dangerous as the external threats. Jody is an engaging protagonist, and the pacing kept me hooked. A few chapters are heavy with description, but they only serve to deepen the bleak, immersive atmosphere. For anyone who loves dystopian thrillers with psychological depth, this one is a must-read.

[William Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firelight blends apocalyptic action with psychological horror in a way I’ve rarely seen. The monster concept is unique and terrifying, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Jody’s journey is compelling, especially as she faces the traumas of her past while guiding the survivors. Some of the violence is intense, but it never feels gratuitous—it adds to the tension. Fans of fast-paced, dark thrillers will devour this book.

[Anu Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn’t just about survival; it’s about confronting the worst of human experience and memory. The Puppeteer is a nightmare made flesh, and the survivors’ journey is both harrowing and captivating. I appreciated how the story balanced action with deep emotional moments, especially through Jody’s perspective. Occasionally the plot feels slightly overstuffed with horrors, but it never loses momentum. Firelight is intense, thought-provoking, and impossible to put down.

[Ashlee Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firelight is a dark and intense read that really stuck with me. Geoffrey Saemann creates a world that feels brutal and unsettling, but also strangely beautiful. The characters are flawed and human, and the whole idea of a force that twists people’s memories and fears is both creepy and fascinating. It’s not a lighthearted book, but if you like post-apocalyptic stories with psychological depth, this one is definitely worth reading.

[Joey Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firelight is one of those rare novels that stays with you long after you finish the last page. Geoffrey Saemann blends supernatural horror with deeply human struggles, creating a story that is both terrifying and moving.

[MARILYN D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tense, imaginative survival story that blends post-apocalyptic horror with deep emotional stakes. The monster, feeding on trauma and memories, is a chillingly unique villain, while Jody’s journey adds heart and courage to the bleak setting. Fast-paced, haunting, and unforgettable.