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Shaudrey Universe #1
Fire's Song
Having already lost and given up everything, Key is determined to find a cure for her curse. With her very touch able to kill, she must seek answers from a distance. In this world, if a curse born dies, then the demons win their soul. Without much more to lose, Key decides to try the last of her luck on a village catered to magic born. Her questions unleash events that take her places she never expected existed.
- GenresFantasy
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2017
26 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 21, 2018
*This is one of my #SPFBO books for this year*
I picked this one up a few days ago and it has taken me a little while to really get into it. I think part of that is because it's a fairly choppy story which jumps around time a lot (although it all focuses on one character).
This is the story of a young Princess called Key who is cursed. Key is the young Princess who everyone wants to dote on, but her curse is evil and she can kill with just a touch. No one knows how to solve the curse or even how she can control it. It's a messy situation to be in, and Key decides to flee her home to stop any more people getting hurt. She is a kind-hearted girl and just wants everyone she cares about to be ok.
This world is a fairly standard fantasy one although I liked that there were magical villages and the Order who train those who possess magic. They are pretty nice additions to the world and the various magic kept it fun to read too.
The plot is a bit slow to start off but seemed to pick up some pacing as it went. I do feel like some of the scenes didn't feel as polished and developed as I'd like and others felt a little overly descriptive.
The language of this feels fairly simple and it's got modern American terms like 'vacation' etc in the story too. At times I felt like this jarred from a world without modern amenities. I also noticed quite a few grammatical errors and typos.
On the whole I liked Key and her power and story, but I felt that she was a little bit irritating at times. Key seems determined to take the hard path and I think until she finds people who care for her it's a struggle to really know what direction to follow.
I ended up giving this a 3*s so 6/10 for #SPFBO.
I picked this one up a few days ago and it has taken me a little while to really get into it. I think part of that is because it's a fairly choppy story which jumps around time a lot (although it all focuses on one character).
This is the story of a young Princess called Key who is cursed. Key is the young Princess who everyone wants to dote on, but her curse is evil and she can kill with just a touch. No one knows how to solve the curse or even how she can control it. It's a messy situation to be in, and Key decides to flee her home to stop any more people getting hurt. She is a kind-hearted girl and just wants everyone she cares about to be ok.
This world is a fairly standard fantasy one although I liked that there were magical villages and the Order who train those who possess magic. They are pretty nice additions to the world and the various magic kept it fun to read too.
The plot is a bit slow to start off but seemed to pick up some pacing as it went. I do feel like some of the scenes didn't feel as polished and developed as I'd like and others felt a little overly descriptive.
The language of this feels fairly simple and it's got modern American terms like 'vacation' etc in the story too. At times I felt like this jarred from a world without modern amenities. I also noticed quite a few grammatical errors and typos.
On the whole I liked Key and her power and story, but I felt that she was a little bit irritating at times. Key seems determined to take the hard path and I think until she finds people who care for her it's a struggle to really know what direction to follow.
I ended up giving this a 3*s so 6/10 for #SPFBO.
August 1, 2017
Fire's song greatest strengths are by far in a way it's characters and dialogue with a fun back and forth style and conversation riddled with wit and sarcasm that inflicts both a nice sense of humor while maintaining a serious but not melancholy tone I think this book will be for you. While a totally different setting it gives off a Lies of Locke Lamora vibe in the go between it's characters
The world going on around Key is familiar but different as she isn't the only person with a curse which was refreshing as so many fantasy novels seem to play with the protagonist alone being singled out for some terrible affliction. With Fire's Song subverting this idea for a more grounded approach I think it helps not only strengthen Key as a character who must overcome something which isn't so special but still challenging while making the world seem more lived in. One of the other strengths in the story is how magic as a whole is handled with divine (I use this term for both the "holy" and "unholy") as well as a druidic (Nature) style magic that comes from different places governed by different rules. The book does play somewhat with how fate works essentially stating that there are some fixed events that can't be changed and some events that can be that work almost like the multiverse theory the books other lead Lee has the ability to see into these futures a little bit to give himself and his allies some advantages at times. Here again I think Fire's Song does a nice job of subverting typical genre tropes by not having "Fate" be a foreboding monster that is coming to get you.
My one issue with this book was that there wasn't enough of it. The pace of the book is sometimes too fast and I wish that there would have been more time spent with some of the secondary characters, but at over 500 pages I understand why there just wasn't enough book left.
As a wrap up I do think this is a book that's good for almost any age as nothing in the book comes across as too adult if you're looking for a nice story to buy for a teenager you couldn't do any better. Having said that even if you're a person like myself who reads a lot of fantasy novels Fire's Song is an easy one to get into. It's an easy recommend from me for any age.
The world going on around Key is familiar but different as she isn't the only person with a curse which was refreshing as so many fantasy novels seem to play with the protagonist alone being singled out for some terrible affliction. With Fire's Song subverting this idea for a more grounded approach I think it helps not only strengthen Key as a character who must overcome something which isn't so special but still challenging while making the world seem more lived in. One of the other strengths in the story is how magic as a whole is handled with divine (I use this term for both the "holy" and "unholy") as well as a druidic (Nature) style magic that comes from different places governed by different rules. The book does play somewhat with how fate works essentially stating that there are some fixed events that can't be changed and some events that can be that work almost like the multiverse theory the books other lead Lee has the ability to see into these futures a little bit to give himself and his allies some advantages at times. Here again I think Fire's Song does a nice job of subverting typical genre tropes by not having "Fate" be a foreboding monster that is coming to get you.
My one issue with this book was that there wasn't enough of it. The pace of the book is sometimes too fast and I wish that there would have been more time spent with some of the secondary characters, but at over 500 pages I understand why there just wasn't enough book left.
As a wrap up I do think this is a book that's good for almost any age as nothing in the book comes across as too adult if you're looking for a nice story to buy for a teenager you couldn't do any better. Having said that even if you're a person like myself who reads a lot of fantasy novels Fire's Song is an easy one to get into. It's an easy recommend from me for any age.
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August 18, 2017
STRONG FANTASY WRITING
"Fire’s Song" by J.E. Mueller follows a vivid storyline along which are wound characters and events which meet all the requirements of a Fantasy novel.
It gains much of its reader interest from the continuous threads of conflict which play out in a complex and unusual world where people openly carry powers of one sort or another. At first, the main character is defined largely by her need to control her supranormal abilities but as the action develops, she also has to face emotional interaction with other humans. The fine handling of this theme is a particular strength of the narrative.
The characters are well-rounded and strong, but in general the novel creates the impression of being over-populated. Where there is an abundance of characters, the unfolding of the storyline can become unclear. Where too much detail is offered, the pace can become slow. To a certain extent, that happens in "Fire’s Song".
With Fantasy writing, the world in which the action takes place must be completely believable. It must be the place that suits this particular series of events. Readers should be able to immerse themselves in it.
J.E. Mueller has built such a world. Created by the author’s fine descriptive ability, it is one of the major attractions of this novel. Although, certain references to 21st-century issues and the infrequent use of recognisably 21st-century idioms may cause some readers to stop and think, they do not become a serious distraction.
By any standards, "Fire’s Song" is a book calling for serious attention. It fulfils all the conditions of good Fantasy writing and presents a very satisfactory reading experience.
"Fire’s Song" by J.E. Mueller follows a vivid storyline along which are wound characters and events which meet all the requirements of a Fantasy novel.
It gains much of its reader interest from the continuous threads of conflict which play out in a complex and unusual world where people openly carry powers of one sort or another. At first, the main character is defined largely by her need to control her supranormal abilities but as the action develops, she also has to face emotional interaction with other humans. The fine handling of this theme is a particular strength of the narrative.
The characters are well-rounded and strong, but in general the novel creates the impression of being over-populated. Where there is an abundance of characters, the unfolding of the storyline can become unclear. Where too much detail is offered, the pace can become slow. To a certain extent, that happens in "Fire’s Song".
With Fantasy writing, the world in which the action takes place must be completely believable. It must be the place that suits this particular series of events. Readers should be able to immerse themselves in it.
J.E. Mueller has built such a world. Created by the author’s fine descriptive ability, it is one of the major attractions of this novel. Although, certain references to 21st-century issues and the infrequent use of recognisably 21st-century idioms may cause some readers to stop and think, they do not become a serious distraction.
By any standards, "Fire’s Song" is a book calling for serious attention. It fulfils all the conditions of good Fantasy writing and presents a very satisfactory reading experience.
June 18, 2017
This was an excellent debut novel. A world full of magic brought about by different means, a wolrd heavily influenced by demons and angels.
Key's father makes a highly selfish decision and it ends up nearly destroying his family long after he's gone. The one bearing the brunt of it is Key, one of his daughters, who is born with a curse due to her father's greed. It is a curse that she can't control at such a young age and it is highly destructive. Once old enough she leaves home to try and protect her family but also learn how to rid herself of the curse. She has a lot of learning to do along the way and grows up significantly in the process, all of which leads to her being faced with greater ad greater threats, and the overarching story throttles full steam ahead to the only real climax it could.
There are several memorable characters and seeing the interact and all learn is a lot of fun even with all the danger around them. It's a story about acceptance and finding your way, to becoming comfortable with who you are...and in that J E Mueller has woven a beautiful tale
Key's father makes a highly selfish decision and it ends up nearly destroying his family long after he's gone. The one bearing the brunt of it is Key, one of his daughters, who is born with a curse due to her father's greed. It is a curse that she can't control at such a young age and it is highly destructive. Once old enough she leaves home to try and protect her family but also learn how to rid herself of the curse. She has a lot of learning to do along the way and grows up significantly in the process, all of which leads to her being faced with greater ad greater threats, and the overarching story throttles full steam ahead to the only real climax it could.
There are several memorable characters and seeing the interact and all learn is a lot of fun even with all the danger around them. It's a story about acceptance and finding your way, to becoming comfortable with who you are...and in that J E Mueller has woven a beautiful tale
January 14, 2019
A fantasy book with fairytale elements, Fire’s Song makes for an intriguing and interesting tale. The story is told from the first person perspective of Key, the protagonist who has been cursed while still in the womb and has run away from home in order to find a way to break her curse. Elements of the hero’s journey are there, along with lots of magic, demons and angels. Key has a definite voice of her own, matter of fact and dramatic by turn with a quirky sense of humour. The book kept me both entertained and enthralled as I followed Key, struggled with her and despaired with her. The characters are all everyday people and even though some of them are royalty, they are as real as the guy next door. We feel Key’s struggles as our own, we celebrate her successes, mourn her failures and sob with her as those she loves fall victims to her curse one by one. This is a book I’ll recommend to anyone who loves fantasy as well as fairytales and I’m waiting eagerly to see what it’s sequel brings.
November 29, 2020
This book started off interesting, being about a girl, a princess, cursed with demon fire magic, and her struggles to control it so she wasn’t killing those she touched.
But it just wouldn't stop. It kept going and going, never seeming as if it was going to end. The author really should've divided it into two books instead of cramming everything into one. That would’ve given them the time they needed to show more care for the end of the book because it felt hurried.
The ending could've been so much better, so many details could've been added, so much more plot and character insight, but instead, it was quick sentences as if the creative side of the author got bored and just wrote as little as possible to end.
There are two more books in this series, both of them in the 300 page range instead of the unending 500+ pages of this first book, but I have no desire to read them.
I want to give it 3 stars, but have to go with 2 due to how much the quality diminished as the page count grew. Could've been so much better if the author had not put it all into one book!
But it just wouldn't stop. It kept going and going, never seeming as if it was going to end. The author really should've divided it into two books instead of cramming everything into one. That would’ve given them the time they needed to show more care for the end of the book because it felt hurried.
The ending could've been so much better, so many details could've been added, so much more plot and character insight, but instead, it was quick sentences as if the creative side of the author got bored and just wrote as little as possible to end.
There are two more books in this series, both of them in the 300 page range instead of the unending 500+ pages of this first book, but I have no desire to read them.
I want to give it 3 stars, but have to go with 2 due to how much the quality diminished as the page count grew. Could've been so much better if the author had not put it all into one book!
April 29, 2018
Absolutely brilliant! I enjoyed this book, with a unique premise—What can a girl do when her soul is promised to a demon, bringing a curse upon her before she is even born? Mueller brings us right into the life of Key, her unique childhood, the death and destruction that haunts her every choice... and along the way, we meet a multitude of fascinating characters, delve deeper into this world of Curses and Blessings, angels and demons... and everything in between! I loved the network of characters Mueller created, and the way each played a part in Key’s story. I loved how the prophecies abc visions only had part of the story—the skill of foreshadowing is strong with this one! The sheer amount of imagination and creativity that went into crafting such a one-of-a-kind story makes it shine among your typical YA fantasy/paranormal stories—you definitely don’t want to miss this one!
August 31, 2019
A great take on curses with high stakes, Mad Kings, and Demon lords!
A young princess, Key, is born cursed. She escapes her family and tries to make her own way in the world, laying low, trying to do anything to control demon-given abilities. But when she's forced to stand up for those who need her, everything is thrown out of control.
I love the concept of a world built around curses. Not everyone cursed sees it as a burden, and vice versa. Entire villages centered around learning how to live with your abilities, while entire communities are set on eradicating them.
The book did need a little bit more editing, however. I caught quite a few odd words (missed typos) that pulled me out of the intrigue. But the premise is strong and the plot is utterly enjoyable.
A young princess, Key, is born cursed. She escapes her family and tries to make her own way in the world, laying low, trying to do anything to control demon-given abilities. But when she's forced to stand up for those who need her, everything is thrown out of control.
I love the concept of a world built around curses. Not everyone cursed sees it as a burden, and vice versa. Entire villages centered around learning how to live with your abilities, while entire communities are set on eradicating them.
The book did need a little bit more editing, however. I caught quite a few odd words (missed typos) that pulled me out of the intrigue. But the premise is strong and the plot is utterly enjoyable.
January 1, 2019
Wonderful
The book intrigued me when the author was nominated Best Indie Author of 2018 awards on my author blog, and the author was nice enough to share the story with me for a review. Mueller pens a wonderful story in Fire's Song. It's an easy read, but its filled with great conflict and twists that lend to the story. The plot is very easy to follow and adds grand adventure to the characters. The characters all have some sort of power, and they each have their own personality and depth of character. This is the first book of Mueller's that I've read, but I will definitely read more. All in all, a great read.
The book intrigued me when the author was nominated Best Indie Author of 2018 awards on my author blog, and the author was nice enough to share the story with me for a review. Mueller pens a wonderful story in Fire's Song. It's an easy read, but its filled with great conflict and twists that lend to the story. The plot is very easy to follow and adds grand adventure to the characters. The characters all have some sort of power, and they each have their own personality and depth of character. This is the first book of Mueller's that I've read, but I will definitely read more. All in all, a great read.
October 1, 2017
I recently had the pleasure of reading Fire’s Song by J.E. Mueller. I was pleasantly surprised by this new author. J.E. weaves a tale of love, heart ache, coming of age, growth, and change. The main character is a strong female character with all the faults and strengths of a young woman coming into her own. The overall story arch of finding one’s path, one’s place in life, and the journey to be where one belongs is very well put together. Each character in this tale is well written and well put together. I greatly look forward to seeing what else comes from this amazing new author!
September 13, 2017
This debut novel by indie author J.E. Mueller is a fantastic read. This tale is about a girl named Key with an unfortunate curse that has catastrophic effects. She goes on a roller coaster journey with demons and magic and swords (oh my!) to try to get rid of her curse. I can't wait for the next installment in this series!
November 28, 2018
A solid adventure with a strong protagonist. While the main character, Key, has lots to complain about (like demon troubles), you never get the sense she's whiny. The way magic and curses work in this world is a fun fresh take. I look forward to the next one.
September 29, 2019
I read this in fits and starts. I love the idea, the setting, and most of the characters. But at times, the worldbuilding felt a bit clunky or some details were repeated unnecessarily. Still, it was an intriguing readm
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November 5, 2019Fire Control
Great read! Magnetizing... I was hooked in the first chapter and was continuously drawn back every time I put it down! Loved the characters and happy ending. For any age adventurer!!
Great read! Magnetizing... I was hooked in the first chapter and was continuously drawn back every time I put it down! Loved the characters and happy ending. For any age adventurer!!
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December 31, 2019This is a great first effort by a new author. Regardless of how one gets their power, through curse or blessing, one must learn to control and use it to avoid hurting those you love and care about. Sometimes one needs to abandon their own family to seek a path to knowing ones abilities.
June 16, 2021
2 stars. DNF at 50%. Wandering and boring story. World in which the story takes place is, in many respects, nonsensical. MC was not sufficiently interesting; in fact, my interest in the MC was no greater at 50% in the book than it was at the start.
June 26, 2018
The world imagined in Fire's Song is multi-layered (literally) and intruiging. I enjoy the use of magic and curses. While there are moments the pacing is off, overall it's an exciting read full of magical battles and snarky comments from the heroes. I look forward to reading the second installment in this series and will be watching J.E. Mueller's career with great interest.
March 31, 2018
This was an absolutely wonderful and amazing story that I just couldn't put down and ended up reading it multiple times in a row. It was beautiful to help and watch this epic story develop and grow into it's own and J. E. Mueller has certainly found their place in my list of favorites among Piers Anthony, Brandon Sanderson, and Robert Jordan. I wish you the very best and can't wait for the next one!
October 30, 2021
Fire's Song is an adventurous fantasy story with a tough female lead, demon mischief, and excellent friendships. Mueller's story is jam-packed with action, danger, and consequences, and doesn't let up. For a debut, it's a great glimpse into the potential of Mueller's imagination and style. The strongest parts were her characters, and the sarcasm and jokes in her dialog. I am eager to pick up the sequel, which just came out recently.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews