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Flamewalker #1
Flamewalker
Women rule in Saria.
Gifted with the Goddess's magic, those women chosen as Flamewalkers wear Her scars and wield Her power. Seer, Healer, or Firemaiden, each must master a newfound skill and take her place in the country's service.
When Khalira emerges from the ceremonial flames marked with all three Flamewalker powers, even her own kind shrink away in fear. An outcast at the Academy, she must learn to control three conflicting gifts like no other woman before her.
And control them she must.
Far to the north in an enemy land, blacksmith Adon Estervar watches in horror as his daughter is burned alive for the treason of wielding healing ability without the king's authority. Wracked with despair, he stumbles upon an ancient secret, a way to steal Flamewalker gifts for himself. But women’s power is madness in a man. If he cannot control this stolen magic, his vengeance threatens to ignite a war that could burn both countries to ashes.
Gifted with the Goddess's magic, those women chosen as Flamewalkers wear Her scars and wield Her power. Seer, Healer, or Firemaiden, each must master a newfound skill and take her place in the country's service.
When Khalira emerges from the ceremonial flames marked with all three Flamewalker powers, even her own kind shrink away in fear. An outcast at the Academy, she must learn to control three conflicting gifts like no other woman before her.
And control them she must.
Far to the north in an enemy land, blacksmith Adon Estervar watches in horror as his daughter is burned alive for the treason of wielding healing ability without the king's authority. Wracked with despair, he stumbles upon an ancient secret, a way to steal Flamewalker gifts for himself. But women’s power is madness in a man. If he cannot control this stolen magic, his vengeance threatens to ignite a war that could burn both countries to ashes.
- GenresFantasy
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2015
13 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Vogel
24 books46 followersD.W. Vogel is a veterinarian, marathon runner, SCUBA diver, and cancer survivor. She was raised on Cincinnati chili and is a really terrible bowler. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband Andrew and a houseful of special needs pets.
D.W. Vogel is a pseudonym of Wendy Vogel.
D.W. Vogel is a pseudonym of Wendy Vogel.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 15, 2015
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.
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.
April 25, 2015
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...
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...
May 4, 2015
Fabulous ! The book flowed so well that putting it down was very hard to do. Kahlira isn't now my new hero!
May 8, 2015
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!
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!
June 8, 2015
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!
September 15, 2016
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.
June 25, 2015
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.
March 17, 2018
The gifts
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.
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.
November 14, 2017
Enthralling!
I really enjoyed this book! A great story that had me turning the pages and I simply could not put this book down! I highly recommend it!
I really enjoyed this book! A great story that had me turning the pages and I simply could not put this book down! I highly recommend it!
February 11, 2018
Excellent Book! Captured me in the first few paragraphs and held me captive long after the story ended. Eager to read more from this author!
October 15, 2018
😻
I am literally crying. This book spun so many emotions . So much action. You also got to see it from beginning to end. Loved it.
I am literally crying. This book spun so many emotions . So much action. You also got to see it from beginning to end. Loved it.
November 1, 2018
3 stars. So-so book. Somewhat simplistic and juvenile
May 16, 2019
Can’t wait for book 2!!
May 12, 2018
Full review posted at:
http://www.momkatreads.com/2018/05/fl...
http://www.momkatreads.com/2018/05/fl...
July 20, 2015
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.
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.
August 31, 2016
Very interesting and entertaining debut novel.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews