Their powers come from the Goddess, and her Flamewalkers wear the scars of sacred magic. Gifted with the ability to Heal, See, or conjure Fire, they use their powers fairly and wisely.
Then comes Khalira. Bestowed with not one, but all three powers, she is feared by even the other Flamewalkers—a freak among the extraordinary. The leaders suspect that her powers were granted for a reason, and, indeed, there is an ominous threat emerging to the north in the city of Banol where Flamewalkers are burned alive for merely being who they are meant to be.
In Wendy Vogel’s first published full-length novel, she explores the roles of women, power, and destiny while taking the reader on an action-filled journey filled with danger and courage as Khalira and her sister Flamewalkers endeavor to bring to an end a madman set on revenge.
Wendy Vogel is a veterinarian, board game designer, marathon runner, SCUBA diver, cake decorator, and past Supreme Empress Most High and Exalted of Cincinnati Fiction Writers.
She lives in Cincinnati with husband Andrew, who is a business analyst by day and chef by night, which is why Wendy has time to write books.
This is a standalone book that reads like an EPIC.
Flamewalker is a book that takes you on a slow ride of discovery as two people from separate kingdoms find and hone their skills. One to protect, one to destroy. They are Flamewalkers like the world has not seen in some time and their paths of discovery lead to an eventual confrontation that will shake their lives and their countries, and perhaps even their world.
Vogel's writing is filled with rich images and symbolism that combine to for a wholly beautiful coming of age story for one lucky young woman. It is also a tragedy that echoes one man's descent into madness. Both sides of this story are at one compelling and imaginative. This is a must read! Easily my favorite fantasy novel this year.
I have read some of Wendy Vogel's short stories and was very impressed by them, but Flamewalker really goes even beyond that. She has proved that not only she a talented storyteller for 30 pages but 300 pages as well. I read the entire book at one sitting--I just couldn't put it down.
Flamewalker has a subtext of the political nature of women with power. Vogel deftly interweaves a subtle metaphor leaving the book very readable. https://www.wordbranch.com/flamewalke...
I loved this book! I read a lot of fantasy type novels, they are one of my favorite genres, but they are usually different versions of the same story. Khalira's story in Flamewalker is brand new and very exciting! You are attached to these characters and invested in their story from the very beginning. My only complaint is: I wanted more. This was a very quick book, only 286 pages. I would loved to have had more interactions between Khalira and Lia, her best friend. I would also have loved to learn more about Bram's courtship. However, you can't be too sad when a good book ends too soon and the author did a great job with the characters and their relationships in Flamewalker. I would recommend Flamewalker to just about anyone!
Started this book on a plane ride and literally couldn't put it down. This book began with a fast, exciting pace and just kept moving! The main character is relatable with her insecurities while also inspirational with her strength. I read this book on the plane, during my layover, and finished it before I even arrived at my destination. I loved that the plot kept me riveted and I can't wait to read more from this author!
As a writer, I always admire and applaud any author who completes a novel and succeeds in having it published. The earnest enthusiasm for one's work is evident in the story. As a reader, in s/f and fantasy, I tend to skip over the tedious, mundane descriptions and head for the big action scenes. Sometimes those scenes are too rushed, giving them less weight that they should have. I felt that in this novel.
If you like the writings of Melanie Rawn and Terry Goodkind, you are going to love this book. Wendy Vogel takes you on an amazing journey. The reader can definitely relate to Khalira and her struggle to find meaning in the gifts that she has been given. I look forward to more novels from Wendy Vogel.
Women in Saria who walk through the Immolation fire either come out untouched or marked with a gift. The scars these women show define their gift. Scars around the eyes indicate a seer, a mind reader. Scars on the hands and arms indicate an affinity for fire. Scars on the torso indicate an affinity for healing. Khalira is an enigma. She walks out of the fire marked with all three gifts. She is also marked on her legs and feet, an unknown gift. As she trains, she learns to control and use the known gifts. Her life seems to be safely planned. She discovers the gift of the scars on her legs and feet while healing an infant. Not long after, she realizes she must help depose an evil greater than she has ever known. A great story that will engage the reader from beginning to end.
Okay....now that I've had time to process, I'd like to say more about this book. Have you ever had a bowl of your favorite ice cream, only to reach the end and crave a few more bites? That's how this book was for me. At the end of the book, I stared blankly at the last page, craving one more paragraph, one more chapter.
I feel like I can't say too much because I don't want to give anything away. So, I'll tell you some things that stuck out to me.
The character development was spot on. I felt that it was slow and steady and you really had a handle on who the characters really were. I enjoyed the detail, there was just enough to keep my interest and keep me page turning. The detail was enlightening in just a way that you could really relate to the person, even though it's a fictional person. (I might be slightly weird in saying that.)
The slow decent into madness for Adon was amazing and relatable. Haven't we all wanted revenge when our loved ones have been wronged? Well, his loved one was killed and his thirst for revenge literally drove him batty but in such a slow way, it was almost painful to watch.
Khalira was amazing for me. She stayed true to herself until the very end. I loved that. In the face of evil and madness, she stayed true to who she truly was. (That's all I can say without giving away too much) I loved how her character grew and became comfortable in her own skin.
I loved the magic, the fantasy, the wonder...all the things I look for in a good fantasy novel. However, this novel for me, was written in such a way that I could relate. Even better.
I wouldn't change anything (I'd add to the end if I could!). I loved every bit of this book. And just like my favorite ice cream, I'll be going back for more. Please excuse me while I go back and reread this.