Magic Like Fire

by Hailey Huntington

The crown killed his father; he will not let it take his sister.

Liam and Enya have not seen eye to eye about the crown in years. Liam's hatred for the nobility burns hotter than any forge, but working for the barony that covertly aided in Da's death is the only way to keep food on his family's table. Now, the secret he swore to keep threatens to harm his sister.

Enya's greatest dreams come to life when she is chosen to serve the princess as a handmaiden. Why she was selected is beyond her wildest imagination—but she is ready to embrace palace life with arms wide open, despite what her brother may think.

With Spring's Nigh fast approaching, bringing the seasons to a violent change, Liam will use any means necessary to save Enya from the murderous hands of the crown… even the magic that consumed their father.

Tricks and legends lie in wait. If Liam cannot rescue Enya, more than just their own lives will be at stake.

334 pages, Hardcover

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Hailey Huntington is a lifelong lover of adventures—whether fictional or real. After exploring countless books growing up, she turned to writing her own. Her speculative fiction stories blend themes of family and hope, with a dash of wit. When venturing beyond the page, Hailey can be found listening to film scores, baking another batch of muffins, or spending time with her family.


You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook (@haileyhuntingtonauthor) or her website (https://haileyhuntington.com/).

Reviews

[Amelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Magic is like trying to hold fire. It’s impossible to avoid getting burned.”

A story of siblings, secrets, royal intrigue, magic with a cost, and one snarky talking cat, Hailey Huntington’s debut is a delight. Liam and Enya’s brother-sister bond fuels the plot with a wonderful mix of tension and heart, and all their actions are deeply believable and sympathetic. Irish-reminiscent names and a motif of gold season the worldbuilding. Dashes of repartee dot the dialogue. (When you’ve got a talking cat dishing out tough love, humor is bound to accompany it.) And the book plunges its characters, particularly Liam, into a mission for justice, increasingly flickering with the warning that playing with temptation forecasts destruction. As Liam hurtles ahead, readers wonder with him: how should you act when you’re wondering why the Creator made things the way they are but doesn’t adjust life the way you think He should?

For an honorable fantasy adventure with flavors of Truth Cursed and The Story Peddler, along with tastes of The Lord of the Rings and Of Sea and Smoke, this new novel is a great one. I enjoyed it so much.

🐈‍⬛ heads-up for occasional violence, wounds, blood, and seeing people wasting away from magic use (not graphic at all). Magic causes people to get addicted to it, even though they experience painful symptoms. 🐈‍⬛

As a member of the author's street team, I received an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much to the author for sending an eARC my way! I was in no way required to leave a favorable rating or review. All thoughts and appreciation within this review are entirely my own!

[Elana Ó Floinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entrancing tale of magic and sassy cats. Hailey Huntington has officially astounded me.
With world-building that will blow your mind, soft yet heartwarming Christian elements, blood-thirsty aquatic horses, twists and turns, beautiful prose, and overall whimsy… This book is your next best read.

CONTENT CONSIDERATIONS: Death of a parent; a lady of nobility basically stalks Liam, in hopes of marriage (nothing concerning, only humorous); blood and wounds. Appropriate for ages 12+

P.S. ALSO there is *no* romance! What a delightful thing to find in a YA fantasy!

[Brooke J Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic like fire has incredible world building and character development. I enjoyed the duel POV between siblings. Hailey did a fantastic job showing how we all can be a witness to something yet have different information/perspectives. I loved loved loved Kieran he is one of my favorite characters. I loved the magic system and sibling relationship between Liam and Enya.
What I found refreshing was this YA was sibling and adventure no romance necessary! Just incredible story telling and fantasy with hope.