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When Embers Burn
Keothi buried her scream and in return an ancient forge answered.
She was meant to marry power, not challenge it. When her strength draws the eye of a ruthless king, she's forced to choose between her desires and her home.
Amid the gilded cage and wordless servants, Keothi begins to fracture until something within her stirs. A shadow in the glass. A reflection that refuses to bow.
As the lines between flesh and flame blur, Keothi must decide what kind of weapon she'll the one they demand or the one she chooses herself to forge.
She was meant to marry power, not challenge it. When her strength draws the eye of a ruthless king, she's forced to choose between her desires and her home.
Amid the gilded cage and wordless servants, Keothi begins to fracture until something within her stirs. A shadow in the glass. A reflection that refuses to bow.
As the lines between flesh and flame blur, Keothi must decide what kind of weapon she'll the one they demand or the one she chooses herself to forge.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy
I really really enjoyed this book. It was very character driven, which I was a huge fan of. It is emotional and honest and so well done. It hooks you from the beginning, holds an even pace throughout, and keeps you fully engaged to the end. Im also deeply in love with the prose, the writing style. Not flowery, not quite lyrical. I would call it poetic and direct. I saved 68 quotes. I think its written beautifully
Kessar dove deep into the exploration, understanding, and embracing of self in this book. Meeting yourself where youre at, and growing through accepting every aspect of you. I will be thinking of Keothi and Spoon specifically long after Ive finished reading. I think this book ends in a way a lot of people wont expect, but I think it is exactly what the story needed. There is deep trauma, found family, rebellion, strength, and acceptance threaded throughout When Embers Burn
The only reasons this didnt quite hit the 5 star mark for me are because of a few technical issues and one element of the storytelling. More in the second half, there are some issues with punctuation and capitalization. As for the storytelling element, there were a few parts of the story I had to reread a time or two because the writing was so focused on a character's feelings or inner monologue that I felt like there was a little missing context for what was happening outwardly in the scene. No major issues tho, I think this book is really solid
Immerse yourself in the world, know the characters, and maybe even learn to accept some unexplored aspects of yourself as you read. Absolutely recommend you check it out!
*I was sent an ARC of this book through Indie Book Bound Sisterhood. This has not affected my rating at all
Kessar dove deep into the exploration, understanding, and embracing of self in this book. Meeting yourself where youre at, and growing through accepting every aspect of you. I will be thinking of Keothi and Spoon specifically long after Ive finished reading. I think this book ends in a way a lot of people wont expect, but I think it is exactly what the story needed. There is deep trauma, found family, rebellion, strength, and acceptance threaded throughout When Embers Burn
The only reasons this didnt quite hit the 5 star mark for me are because of a few technical issues and one element of the storytelling. More in the second half, there are some issues with punctuation and capitalization. As for the storytelling element, there were a few parts of the story I had to reread a time or two because the writing was so focused on a character's feelings or inner monologue that I felt like there was a little missing context for what was happening outwardly in the scene. No major issues tho, I think this book is really solid
Immerse yourself in the world, know the characters, and maybe even learn to accept some unexplored aspects of yourself as you read. Absolutely recommend you check it out!
*I was sent an ARC of this book through Indie Book Bound Sisterhood. This has not affected my rating at all
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This book was an ARC review sent by Indie Book Bound Sisterhood LLC and is an honest review and is not influenced by the author or any other influence.
This book is very well written. It is character driven and the plot and setting are very well developed. The author has a beautiful way of painting a scene, has amazing character building skills and does a wonderful job of creating an image in the readers imagination of exactly what the scene looks like and how the character is feeling in the moment. The wording is beautiful and it does a wonderful job of capturing the reader and helping them to feel what the characters are experiencing in the moment. At times it gets a little too descriptive and can slow the reading down a bit. There are a few punctuation and capitalization errors as you delve into the book but nothing that cannot be overlooked. The author captures the feeling of the characters very well using a combination of mental dialogue, verbal exchange and scene setting which helps to immerse the reader deeper into the story. I recommend reading this book to anyone who enjoys experiencing the growth and maturation of a character as they overcome trauma and expectations placed upon them by their family and society and how they battle with the need to forge their own path versus the need to satisfy the expectations placed on them due to societal norms. This is a story of growth, resilience and inner strength that is well worth exploring. I recommend that you add this book to your library today.
This book is very well written. It is character driven and the plot and setting are very well developed. The author has a beautiful way of painting a scene, has amazing character building skills and does a wonderful job of creating an image in the readers imagination of exactly what the scene looks like and how the character is feeling in the moment. The wording is beautiful and it does a wonderful job of capturing the reader and helping them to feel what the characters are experiencing in the moment. At times it gets a little too descriptive and can slow the reading down a bit. There are a few punctuation and capitalization errors as you delve into the book but nothing that cannot be overlooked. The author captures the feeling of the characters very well using a combination of mental dialogue, verbal exchange and scene setting which helps to immerse the reader deeper into the story. I recommend reading this book to anyone who enjoys experiencing the growth and maturation of a character as they overcome trauma and expectations placed upon them by their family and society and how they battle with the need to forge their own path versus the need to satisfy the expectations placed on them due to societal norms. This is a story of growth, resilience and inner strength that is well worth exploring. I recommend that you add this book to your library today.
July 19, 2026
***I received a free digital copy of the text as part of an ARC read for the sequel- my review for this book was not required and receiving it for free did not impact my review***
Everyone else seemed to rave about this book but I had to keep re-reading parts because I was certain I was missing something.
By the end of it, I guess it mostly came together. Honestly, I still have a lot of questions left unanswered
The first 45% of the book, I kept asking myself: what is happening? What is the gift or pier or curse? Who is this king? Where did Trond go?
After that, I was just like “well, let’s keep going, I guess”…
In truth, I LOVE Keothi and her journey. I totally swooned for Revin. And I shed a tear for Spoon. I’m still pissed that Trond didn’t have a bigger role. I enjoyed the forge aspect. Barnaby made me giggle toward the end.
And that ending?? I still don’t understand who Vorik is and why he’s such a big bad.
On to book 2 and hopefully some answers.
Everyone else seemed to rave about this book but I had to keep re-reading parts because I was certain I was missing something.
By the end of it, I guess it mostly came together. Honestly, I still have a lot of questions left unanswered
The first 45% of the book, I kept asking myself: what is happening? What is the gift or pier or curse? Who is this king? Where did Trond go?
After that, I was just like “well, let’s keep going, I guess”…
In truth, I LOVE Keothi and her journey. I totally swooned for Revin. And I shed a tear for Spoon. I’m still pissed that Trond didn’t have a bigger role. I enjoyed the forge aspect. Barnaby made me giggle toward the end.
And that ending?? I still don’t understand who Vorik is and why he’s such a big bad.
On to book 2 and hopefully some answers.
May 7, 2026
#WhenEmbersBurn by Lady Kessar, might be my favorite read of the year so far. Not only is it phenomenally written, but the MC (Keothi) is a strong, female lead that felt authentic. You follow Keothi on her journey to reclaim her homeland and find herself and come into her own, becoming her own hero. You feel every bit of her struggle; you root for her to prevail and share in her triumph.
The writing was clear, concise, and emotional. Believe me when I say this book had my blood boiling, had me feeling the emptiness Keothi experienced as she fought for her identity and voice, and had me pumping my fist in the air at the end.
If you like fantasy with a strong, female MC, PLEASE read this book.
The writing was clear, concise, and emotional. Believe me when I say this book had my blood boiling, had me feeling the emptiness Keothi experienced as she fought for her identity and voice, and had me pumping my fist in the air at the end.
If you like fantasy with a strong, female MC, PLEASE read this book.
February 23, 2026
Kessar is able to bring characters to life by using rich, beautiful imagery to show us not only what is taking place in this world, but also the complex and insightful experiences of each character. This story takes us along as witnesses to the complexities of trauma, personal growth, forgiveness, the pathway to unmasking our true selves, and radical self acceptance. If you enjoy stories of overcoming, of adventure, strong female roles with supportive relationships, or just beautiful world building, I recommend reading this book.
This beautiful book was provided as an ARC read by Indie Book Bound Sisterhood. This opportunity has not influenced my rating.
This beautiful book was provided as an ARC read by Indie Book Bound Sisterhood. This opportunity has not influenced my rating.
September 4, 2026
I was pretty well hooked throughout the story. There was a lot that really worked for me, like a ton of really poetic badass one liners or passages. Really loved the setup and the concept of the antagonist. Wasn’t expecting some of the messed up stuff that happens! My only real issue is how it feels like we kind of float through time and space between set pieces which doesn’t take away from the story being told but I just felt unsteady and unsure of where or how we got somewhere
Overall really good read and can’t wait to get my hands on the ARC of book 2!
Overall really good read and can’t wait to get my hands on the ARC of book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This book was provided as an ARC read by Indie Book Bound Sisterhood, this has not influenced my rating.
I absolutely loved this story so much. I love the characters. Their arcs felt natural and realistic. I loved the style of writing, the prose.
The Nordic representation was beautifully crafted.
I need you to pre order this immediately!
I absolutely loved this story so much. I love the characters. Their arcs felt natural and realistic. I loved the style of writing, the prose.
The Nordic representation was beautifully crafted.
I need you to pre order this immediately!
March 1, 2026
This book is intense. Took me only 2 days to complete it. Its an emotionally and soul heavy book, well worth the read. Duties and masks are a revolving theme. In my mind, this is not a standalone book. There has to be more connected to the story. I'm excited to see if im correct and where it takes me. 10 out of 10 recommend
April 15, 2026
Original and fast-paced
Kessar does a fantastic job of story telling with emotional beats, humor, beautiful metaphors, and a powerful overall message. I loved the bucking of expectations for these characters. This book will stick with you, and is especially potent if you're feeling some feminine rage!
Kessar does a fantastic job of story telling with emotional beats, humor, beautiful metaphors, and a powerful overall message. I loved the bucking of expectations for these characters. This book will stick with you, and is especially potent if you're feeling some feminine rage!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I received this book as an ARC this is a fair and honest review.
I read through this book so quick! I can NOT wait to get a physical copy. The story building was fantastic to me and really appreciate the feral fmc who didn't need to be a damsel in distress to get the job done.
I read through this book so quick! I can NOT wait to get a physical copy. The story building was fantastic to me and really appreciate the feral fmc who didn't need to be a damsel in distress to get the job done.
April 16, 2026
Is six stars an option? Seven? Because this book is that and more en epic story with fun and interesting characters a plot that is easy to follow without being too simple and a gut punch that makes you want to curse the author couldn't recommend more.
PS Kessar, this is a hydration sticker
PS Kessar, this is a hydration sticker
July 23, 2026
This was such an easy, captivating read from start to finish. Watching the female main character evolve throughout the story was easily the highlight—her growth, strength, and unwavering determination to stand by her family and friends through every challenge was deeply moving.
August 9, 2026
Wow, that is the first word that comes to mind when I think about how I would describe When Embers Burn. This book was one that I expected to enjoy, but not to the degree that I did. To say that this was awesome simply wouldn’t do it justice.
To start, Keothi is such a brilliant character, and I was invested from the beginning. There was a steady development of her character throughout the book, which is something I adore. We are always adding those nuances and getting further into her mind, and it deepens the connection. You start to relate more to her; once that happens, you are ingrained so deep the words simply flow into your mind.
The world-building was fantastic; it was lived in, and though bleak at times, you could picture it all in your mind. This book does an excellent job of painting a picture that feels effortless. There is a complexity to it, and the side or non-descript characters are still done justice.
One huge bonus for me was having Keothi be a badass instead of a damsel; I think there is a shift back to damsel in distress, but this book ignores that. Instead, we see her stand up as a force of nature. She is a reckoning, and I loved seeing that expanded upon.
Everything was given its due in the spotlight, which helped solidify that point of how well written this was. I believe that at every turn we are given enough to help that picture continuously grow, until you can close your eyes and replay it like a movie.
The ending caught me off guard; it was wild and unexpected, but in a good way. I found myself at a loss for words, and quite frankly breathless. Without going into spoiler territory, I will use a word that I’ve previously mentioned: wow. I was sent the second book as an ARC, but I wanted to read this for understanding, and now I am already hooked.
In conclusion, I would say that this book for me was easily a 4.5. It should be plastered on every bookstagram, booktok, and booktube page.
To start, Keothi is such a brilliant character, and I was invested from the beginning. There was a steady development of her character throughout the book, which is something I adore. We are always adding those nuances and getting further into her mind, and it deepens the connection. You start to relate more to her; once that happens, you are ingrained so deep the words simply flow into your mind.
The world-building was fantastic; it was lived in, and though bleak at times, you could picture it all in your mind. This book does an excellent job of painting a picture that feels effortless. There is a complexity to it, and the side or non-descript characters are still done justice.
One huge bonus for me was having Keothi be a badass instead of a damsel; I think there is a shift back to damsel in distress, but this book ignores that. Instead, we see her stand up as a force of nature. She is a reckoning, and I loved seeing that expanded upon.
Everything was given its due in the spotlight, which helped solidify that point of how well written this was. I believe that at every turn we are given enough to help that picture continuously grow, until you can close your eyes and replay it like a movie.
The ending caught me off guard; it was wild and unexpected, but in a good way. I found myself at a loss for words, and quite frankly breathless. Without going into spoiler territory, I will use a word that I’ve previously mentioned: wow. I was sent the second book as an ARC, but I wanted to read this for understanding, and now I am already hooked.
In conclusion, I would say that this book for me was easily a 4.5. It should be plastered on every bookstagram, booktok, and booktube page.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews