Emberheart

by Lauren Clitheroe

757 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

My name is Lauren Clitheroe, an Australian writer currently based in Manchester, England.
From an early age, I developed a deep and enduring love for literature, particularly within the fantasy genre. Stories rich with magic, layered worlds, and complex relationships captured my imagination and became a constant source of inspiration. I spent countless hours immersed in beloved stories such as Harry Potter, Vampire Academy, and The Fallen Series, drawn not only to their fantastical elements but also to the emotional depth and connections between their characters.

Alongside my passion for reading, I cultivated a strong interest in creative writing. During my senior year of high school, I undertook an independent study centred around the development of an original story, an experience that solidified my ambition to one day write a novel of my own. That aspiration remained with me for years, gradually evolving as my ideas grew in scope and complexity.

At the beginning of 2024, those long-held ideas began to take shape with renewed clarity and momentum. What had once been fragments of imagination became a fully forming narrative, marking the true beginning of my journey as an author.
As I continue to develop my debut work, I remain truly invested in bringing the world of Toremia to life. With each step, I am learning, refining, and expanding both my craft and my story. This platform serves as a space to share that journey, offering readers a glimpse into the evolving world I hope to one day present in full.
—Lauren

Reviews

[Lauren Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to be able to read an advanced copy of this book from the author. My absolute favorite read of the year. This book had everything I wanted: constant yearning, plot twists, deep connection with the characters, and emotional trauma. Many of the things I like in romantasy books including hidden identities trope, anything with dragons, and a confident FMC were all well-written, easy to read and follow long while somehow still feeling complex and intellectual, putting me in a huge reading slump.

“Try not to lose yourself in the stars, Theodora.”

What Worked: Right off the bat, this book held my attention and I quickly connected with the characters including Theo, Ollie, and Ren (even side characters like Aubrey). I didn’t feel that there were any plot holes or any spots throughout the story that had any “filler” information because things were just always happening. This fast-paced adventure of the story reminded me of Quicksilver by Callie Hart. The trials Theo went through reminded me of Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J Tuli and Empire of Flame and Thorns by Marion Blackwood. The hidden identities trope reminded me of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas and the Daughter of No Worlds trilogy by Carissa Broadbent. And the forbidden magic trope reminded me of We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark and Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider. So many tropes and inspiration was felt from all of my favorite books and series, but still felt completely unique and the world of Toremia ended up being much larger and more complex than I could have anticipated.

“Power must be accountable.
Violence is a tool, not a virtue.
Restraint is as important as strength.
Absence has consequences equal to action.”

What Didn’t: Originally I thought this book was going to be too long, however, considering the amount of action and plot twists packed into this book, that isn’t a negative because I craved more. I never wanted this story to end, and unfortunately I was left with questions that won’t be answered until the next book. Also, I was a little unsure on who the planned love interest was supposed to be, or if there was supposed to be a love triangle or why-choose situation, but I didn’t care either way. I was so here for it. So,my only complaint is that I have to wait for the next book.

Thank you, Lauren Clitheroe, for this rare opportunity to be a beta-reader for your debut novel Emberheart. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about this book, and I will be patiently waiting for the next one.

[P.L. Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emberheart is the first in the series of the author's debut fantasy novel. I was very excited to read another book with dragons and magic!

What worked:
• The premise and storyline had me thoroughly engaged. I was turning pages as quickly as possible to find out what would happen next.
• I love dragon stories; and the scenes with them were beautifully written and exciting.
• Great visual descriptions that made me feel as if I were there. This is important to me.
• I cared about the characters Theo, Ren, and Ollie and their interactions.
• The romance storylines were exciting and the heat just enough, not too much, and well-written.

What didn't work:
• There were areas where the pacing dragged, mostly due to the overwriting and over-explaining of characters' actions and dialog.
• Excessive repetition in some parts.
• Issues with dialog formatting made it confusing who was speaking.

These are editing issues and not a deal-breaker for me, because what worked was strong enough to offset these. However, they did affect my star rating.

My overall experience of reading was very good. My true rating is closer to 3.5 stars, but I rounded up to 4.

I found elements that reminded me of Fourth Wing and Powerless, but not the same. This book stands up on its own, and I appreciate that.

In closing, I was blown away by the surprise twist ending.
I REALLY WANT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK!

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving my honest review.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the start there was such a full range of emotions that the FMC experienced and the author's writing just drug me along for the ride. The laugher, the rage, the agony, that love. It was all there. From the first escape to the first punch, from the humbling moment of a request for help to the despair of loss felt so deep it crushes you, this book was a journey. The world of Toremia just opened itself up and said come and see what I am all about. Come see my desolate villages that were once thriving, the bleakness of a tyranny and how love can make even the harshest world feel a little softer. Come join this world and all its wonders. I can't wait for book 2!!! And don't forget the DRAGONS!!!

[Rebekah Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️ rounded

If you like lots of world building, this story is great. Theo is learning to navigate on her own and decide whom to trust. I do enjoy seeing Theo grow from an impoverished girl to a strong fighter.

I personally found the world building a bit distracting from the main story; I feel like this would have been even better a couple of hundred pages less. The pacing was off at times, with extra descriptions causing the story to lag in places.

Overall, I enjoyed the twists and turns. What will Theo learn next? And from whom?


I received an advanced reader copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be picked as an ARC reader by the author. Emberheart isnt my usual style of read but i went into it with an open mind. And wow i was blown away. The detailed descriptions of characters and places makes you really feel like your actually in the world. Once i got sucked into the book it was difficult to put down.

This book covers so many bases, romance danger fantasy with twists and turns along the way

Cant wait for the next instalment

[Summer Grogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Lauren, for allowing me to see Toremia! The attention to details really pulls you in and helps make you feel as you are in the book. The twist and turns keep you wanting more. I loved watching Theo grow, feeling all the emotions she felt along the way. The anger, the love, the loss and the laughter. I cannot wait for the next one!