The Flames That Forged Us: A spellbinding witchy fantasy of magic, sisterhood, and ancient secrets

The Pyre Song #1

by Gisele Stein

PRACTICAL MAGIC — but with rage, rebellion, and reckoning, set across centuries of magic and matriarchy, love and loss...It’s one thing to fear the dark, but quite another to know it lives inside you… Alva Hausmann has spent her life running from her magic. The echoes of another lifetime haunt her; a witch so feared her name still carries a curse. But when the magical council summons her to London for the global reveal of witchcraft, the past she buried refuses to stay silent – and neither does her rebellious twin Ember Wild, the fiery heart of London’s witching underground. Presumed dead, she is now dangerously entangled with Mardequai Guise, the immortal druid who leads a powerful male order with no magic of their own and every intention of keeping witches under control.

As tensions ignite, Alva finds herself under the reluctant guard of Cornelis Kettering, a druid who despises her for the crimes of her past self yet can’t stop himself from saving her life. Together, they uncover a horrifying truth that binds the twins' fate directly to Mardequai's – and implicates every witch since the pyres of the Inquisition.

Now Alva must harness every ounce of her underdeveloped magic to survive, stop her sister from lighting the world ablaze – and history from repeating its burning past. But her greatest battle will be against the darkness smouldering within herself…

If you liked A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness, THE CHANGE by Kirsten Miller, THE ONCE AND FUTURE WITCHES by Alix E. Harrow, or WEYWARD by Emilia Hart, you will love THE FLAMES THAT FORGED US.

Genres: Fantasy

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2025

About the author

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

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

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

Reviews

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are all brought forth out of darkness
Into this world, through blood and through pain
And deep in our bones, the old songs are waking
So sing them with voices of thunder and rain

We are our mother's savage daughters
The ones who run barefoot
Cursing sharp stones
We are our mother's savage daughters
We will not cut our hair
We will not lower our voice
-Savage daughter-

Focussing on sisterhood against patriarchy, balance in all matters in life and magic, earth's resources and the exploitative way people treat them, this urban fantasy mixes current topics with ancient knowledge of nature.
The story mainly unfolds in a magical, pulsating London. The narrative pace is rather slow, but therefore the reader gets to dive deep into the atmosphere of the setting and the motivation of the two protagonists Alva and Ember, two opposing twins. They themselves form a balance by their differences, like yin and yang.

Grab a blanket and a hot beverage and get cosy with this witchy tale.
I recommend reading the novella "One Wild Ember" first to learn about Ember's becoming and her sassiness. I look forward to reading the next installments in the series.

[Ann-Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The flames that forged us“ by Gisele Stein is the first part of a trilogy about two witch sisters who couldn’t be more different but must work together to fight patriarchy and an ancient yet mostly unknown danger/enemy. During the book the past of the once separated twin sisters unfolds increasingly, and you get to know more about the deeply rooted connection between witches and nature.
It’s difficult to describe this amazing book in just a few words but let’s just say: I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end! I loved everything about it, from the beautifully and authentically described locations all around the world, the complex characters with great dynamics (whether between the sisters, in romantic relationships, between witches and droids, etc.) or how current topics like climate change, exploitation of nature, diversity, peace, feminism, human right are woven into the story
Gisele Stein manages to incorporate all these important topics into her story in such a profound way without overloading the main characters' journey and the captivating story of witches and immortal droids, the opposite – it carries the story.
The story and the characters’ actions and decisions aren’t predictable but at the same time they also don’t act implausible so that you’re annoyed as a reader.
I can’t wait for the other two books to be published and to dive even deeper into this magical world. Even though I massively enjoyed all her books and novels, this is my absolute favourite so far. A beautiful development in her writing.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fantasy lovers and the witch within you

The Flames That Forged Us is a powerful novel about feminism, sisterhood - both literal and figurative - and the untamed force of Mother Nature. Alva Hausmann enjoys a quiet life in her cosy mountain cabin, until the magic council summons her to London for an emergency meeting. Suddenly, she must find her place in a world that sees her as a powerful witch - and along the way she discovers that her twin sister, Ember, has become the leader of a daring magical revolution.

At first, the story unfolds slowly, but once the pace picks up, it becomes truly gripping. Told from both Alva’s and Ember’s perspectives, the narrative allows us to dive deep into the minds of two strong women, each powerful in her own unique way. I particularly enjoyed the clever twists and the richly drawn characters: from the fearless women at the heart of the story, to the slightly quirky Kettering, to Mardequai with all his secrets. London, too, proves to be the perfect setting - its atmosphere made the magical scenes come alive in my imagination.

This book is a wonderful recommendation for anyone who loves urban fantasy, witchy vibes, strong female leads, and surprising plot turns. A perfect companion for long autumn evenings.

[Anabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if magic were real? What if it could offer a solution to today’s global climate change issues? What if only women were able to wield it? Would today’s society manage to present a united front to save the planet or would superstition and deeply rooted patriarchy lead to certain doom?

While the first half of this book was a bit of a slow read for me, the story really picked up in the second half. With centuries old schemes slowly being unveiled, Alva’s internal struggles becoming more prominent and something that could turn into a hate-to-love-relationship slowly heating up this book has everything that’s needed to kick off the series. (Almost) Nothing seems black and white in this book about sisterhood, magic and the importance of balance in all matters of life (and magic). I’m excited how Alva’s and Ember’s story continues and how they might overcome all these obstacles thrown in their path. If you enjoy reading stories about urban magic, strong women and characters with dark pasts that won’t seem to let them go, give this book a go and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Flames That Forged Us is a perfect cosy, witchy, urban fantasy read. The cover is beautiful and pulled me in from the second I saw it.

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book is so much more than just another witchcraft story though. It tackles complex topics such as: strained relationships, sisterhood, feminism, patriarchy and connections between magic and nature.

I truly enjoyed the author’s writing, everything felt incredibly detailed and immersive. A few times while reading, I would close my eyes and I could almost feel like a part of the story, a witch wandering the streets of London.

I loved Alva, her internal conflicts and the desire to unravel her past, made her a very interesting character.

Alva’s twin- Ember, I found less likeable.

The one thing I will never forget about this book is my new favourite saying: WITCH, PLEASE.

That was perfection. 100/10

I cannot wait to read the next books and see how the story unfolds.

[Katrin Neber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flames That Forged Us is a gripping urban fantasy that pulls you into a world where magic simmers beneath the surface of society, and history’s darkest chapters threaten to repeat themselves. Alva Hausmann is a compelling lead—reluctant, powerful, and deeply haunted by a past life that refuses to stay buried. Her journey is both thrilling and emotional, especially as she’s forced to confront her estranged twin Ember, whose fiery revolution could burn everything down.

The tension between the sisters, the political intrigue of the magical council, and the looming threat of Mardequai make for a fast-paced and layered story. The settings—from a secluded cabin in the German mountains to the electric pulse of London’s magical underground—are atmospheric and vivid.

This story had me hooked from the first page, and I can’t wait to see where the next book takes Alva, Ember, and the world they’re trying to reshape.

[Sabine Schlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is about two witch sisters, who both believed the other twin has died in a car accident with there parents years ago.
They find each other again and are part of the big reveal of magic to the non-megical world as well as a underlying battle between witches and druides - or women and men.
I really enjoyed the book a lot. I flow down the pages easily. Since it's the first part of the story I can't wait for the next book.
I wonder if G is a Harry Potter fan since some things like a prophecy or DA have some similarity. But maybe it's just the witch world.
As a woman I saw a lot of analogies between the witch's fight and the problems woman's face in patriarchy world. I can definitely recommend this book especially for woman or everyone believing in equality of genders. A fantasy novel which can encourage female empowerment.

[Kehs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I enjoyed this book! The story of the two sisters, and indeed, all of the women and the relationships that they all find themselves in, is captivating. Just when I thought I had figured out the big picture, a twist or turn came along and caused me to recalibrate my thinking. I love that. There are also little gems that pop up: Gisele's herbalism is spot on. Her subtle statements about the current state of society adds depth to the character development. And, vivid imagery adds to the storytelling.

There is more going on than simply the narrative. On a deeper level, Gisele is posing questions about life, connection, relationships, and the balance of energies. It's a delightful journey. Unfolding the story feels a bit like remembering something that should not have been forgotten in the first place. I'm so excited for the journey to continue in the next book.

[Judith Bergkemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading just the first few pages, I couldn't put “The Flames that Forged Us” down. Sofia and Ava, two very different sisters, immediately captivated me. Their journey takes them from the German mountains to London – set in a fascinatingly well-thought-out parallel world of witches and druids.

I found the concept of magic particularly exciting: directing energy while maintaining balance—a powerful image that mirrors our own ecosystem and the responsibility we humans bear. Ancient myths and the history of witch hunts are interwoven with highly topical issues: images of women, sisterhood, social cohesion, and the need for global solutions.

The author combines all this with a gripping story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. For me, this is a fantasy novel with depth – and I'm already looking forward to the sequel!

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Flames That Forged Us is an atmospheric and fast moving start to the Pyre Song Trilogy. I loved how easily the story flowed. Alva is a compelling lead, caught between the shadows of her past life and the danger rising around her, and I enjoyed watching her try to control a magic she’s spent years avoiding. Ember brings a wild, rebellious spark to every scene she’s in, and the tension between witches and druids adds a great layer of conflict.

Cornelis and Alva’s dynamic was one of my favorite parts. There’s history, mistrust and slow growing understanding that kept me invested. The world feels rich and layered, especially with the mix of modern settings, old magic and long buried secrets. By the end, the stakes had grown so much that I found myself wishing I already had book two in my hands.

[The book in my backpack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary
With her new start into the witchy triology Gisele Stein takes us into a fantasy novel with extraordinary world building. Everything falls into place. The reader embarks on a journey into the city of London, which somehow seems to contain another world no-one knew about. I would not be surprised if the magical community would reveal themselves to us humans tomorrow.
Her world building matches her view of the world, especially earth and nature.
Th characters are well written and seem like friends if the reader. Dennis is such a typical German. Also the reference to Giseles own German background can't be overlooked and makes the book such more humorous, especially if you speak German yourself 🤣
Looking forward to the next book.

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

Writing that I loved this book is an understatement. It is genuinely one of my favourites of this kind so far, and I can't wait for the next one in this Pyre Song series from Gisele Stein!
With the Flames That Forged Us, you will plunge into a witchy world set in our time, with major underlying questions that do occupy our thoughts. Alva and Ember are full of fire and passion, and the book takes you into an adventure you will not want to get out of! Very well written, bringing us readers from Germany to London, and onto further away ;)
I can only recommend reading this one, you will not regret it!

[Daniel Afanasjev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The world-building is absolutely outstanding, so vivid and immersive that I felt drawn into every scene. I loved how the story blends magic with real themes like resilience, sisterhood, and empowerment without losing the sense of adventure. The characters felt real, flawed, and relatable, and I found myself fully invested in Alva and Ember’s journey. The balance between quiet, emotional moments and intense action worked really well, and the atmosphere kept me hooked throughout. A powerful and memorable read that I’d definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy with depth.

[Natascha Kreye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do we need magic to save our planet?
Two dissimilar sisters, coincidentally also witches, and the big question of whether we need magic to solve our planet's problems. Even if you're not usually into fantasy, the main characters in G.'s book deal with issues that many women face. The tension between competition and sisterhood, how to deal with outdated patriarchal structures, but also with our own dark side, and, last but not least, how we can use our personal abilities to make this world a better place? All woven into an thrilling journey through magical places in Europe and abroad.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Can’t wait for the second book!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, loved it so much. Can't wait for the second book in the series.
I have read most of Gisele Stein's books and they are all so wonderful.

[Barb Niles · Rating 5 out of 5]

thankyou for the early sneak peek of this witchy fantasy!
I loved it! it was captivating and pulls you in from the start!

[Belinda Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't been much of one for Urban fantasy but I absolutely loved this book.
Gisele brings fantasy into our world so beautifully and creates wonderful characters.
I was taken in from the start and can't wait to continue Alva and Ember's story.