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Burning Embers
The empire has been crumbling for three hundred years. But among the kingdoms fighting for dominance, Feia must learn that the most powerful thing in any world, is to be able to accept and love who you are.
Abandoned as an infant at a Temple, it is time for Feia to break free. Persecuted and held at knife-point, she is forced to defend herself and destructive magic awakens within. This new power brings premonitions of her homeland, Arngeir destroyed by a mysterious army. In order to warn the nobility, and save Arngeir, Feia must leave everything behind and make the dangerous journey north.
Beyond the Temple boundaries there is no protection from the elements, the dangers of the road or the Champions of Light, hunters of anyone who dares to be different.
Her power could be her salvation or her damnation.
A young adult fantasy, with danger, romance and a desperate need for self-discovery.
Abandoned as an infant at a Temple, it is time for Feia to break free. Persecuted and held at knife-point, she is forced to defend herself and destructive magic awakens within. This new power brings premonitions of her homeland, Arngeir destroyed by a mysterious army. In order to warn the nobility, and save Arngeir, Feia must leave everything behind and make the dangerous journey north.
Beyond the Temple boundaries there is no protection from the elements, the dangers of the road or the Champions of Light, hunters of anyone who dares to be different.
Her power could be her salvation or her damnation.
A young adult fantasy, with danger, romance and a desperate need for self-discovery.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
364 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2017
429 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 19, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review*
This is the story of an underdog, a girl bullied and downtrodden, who fights to rise above. She's a strong female character who stands up for herself and her friends, and goes after what she wants.
There are some powerful moments where Feia takes those tormenting her by surprise and fights back when they think they've got her, putting my heart in my mouth as I turned the pages quickly to find out what would happen.
The style is heavily descriptive and there were parts that I found a bit dense, but if you enjoy rich world building and an exciting magical system, then you'll really like this book. It is an exciting adventure with engaging action scenes and deep, meaningful relationships that are fleshed out well.
There are also some beautiful, heart-warming moments as Feia grows and develops. I love the strength and danger of her character throughout her search for purpose and identity, and the resilient way she never gives up even when all seems lost.
This is the story of an underdog, a girl bullied and downtrodden, who fights to rise above. She's a strong female character who stands up for herself and her friends, and goes after what she wants.
There are some powerful moments where Feia takes those tormenting her by surprise and fights back when they think they've got her, putting my heart in my mouth as I turned the pages quickly to find out what would happen.
The style is heavily descriptive and there were parts that I found a bit dense, but if you enjoy rich world building and an exciting magical system, then you'll really like this book. It is an exciting adventure with engaging action scenes and deep, meaningful relationships that are fleshed out well.
There are also some beautiful, heart-warming moments as Feia grows and develops. I love the strength and danger of her character throughout her search for purpose and identity, and the resilient way she never gives up even when all seems lost.
January 10, 2019
This was a wonderful Young Adult Fantasy story, and I enjoyed so much!
I will admit that in the first couple of Chapters, I wasn’t certain how i was going to feel about the story, but by the third chapter I was hooked. The more I read about Feia the more I loved her.
This is a girl who, through no fault of her own, is in a position where her situation gets less and less desirable in the beginning, she goes through an awful lot in a short amount of time, and there are themes woven into the story that are so important for some to read about.
Feia doesn’t know anything about her father, about why she is where she is, and she doesn’t have an easy time of life where she is. Being different to the others, Feia is picked on in brutal ways, and makes the decision to take some big steps and risks to try and figure out who she is.
I adored the story, because it’s not just about literally finding out who she is in a genetic sense, but also about learning who she is as an individual, and who she wants to become. The type of person she wants to be and be seen to be, and the type of acceptance she wants to gain. She is far from a weak person, but she is learning her strengths as she goes.
I adored the magic and Romantic elements, they were eacb just that bit different! I didn’t think I would finish this today, but in the end I read instead of watching a film, because I was desperate to see how things would turn out. Now, after that ending, I NEED more, I NEED to know what is going to happen in this world next!
A great book from Fiona, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next!
My only comment would be that the names of the places took some getting used to, with all of them being different, it took me a while to get them straight in my head. For myself, I prefer to have places added gradually, as with unusual names. It helps to get them to stick in my head! But this didn’t effect my enjoyment at all!
I will admit that in the first couple of Chapters, I wasn’t certain how i was going to feel about the story, but by the third chapter I was hooked. The more I read about Feia the more I loved her.
This is a girl who, through no fault of her own, is in a position where her situation gets less and less desirable in the beginning, she goes through an awful lot in a short amount of time, and there are themes woven into the story that are so important for some to read about.
Feia doesn’t know anything about her father, about why she is where she is, and she doesn’t have an easy time of life where she is. Being different to the others, Feia is picked on in brutal ways, and makes the decision to take some big steps and risks to try and figure out who she is.
I adored the story, because it’s not just about literally finding out who she is in a genetic sense, but also about learning who she is as an individual, and who she wants to become. The type of person she wants to be and be seen to be, and the type of acceptance she wants to gain. She is far from a weak person, but she is learning her strengths as she goes.
I adored the magic and Romantic elements, they were eacb just that bit different! I didn’t think I would finish this today, but in the end I read instead of watching a film, because I was desperate to see how things would turn out. Now, after that ending, I NEED more, I NEED to know what is going to happen in this world next!
A great book from Fiona, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next!
My only comment would be that the names of the places took some getting used to, with all of them being different, it took me a while to get them straight in my head. For myself, I prefer to have places added gradually, as with unusual names. It helps to get them to stick in my head! But this didn’t effect my enjoyment at all!
December 24, 2017
One of the best books I've read this year! I loved this fantasy tale of magic, romance and a girl trying to figure out the truth about her past and herself. The writing is fluid with vivid descriptions that bring the world to life. Feia is a great character, though I got a little frustrated with her toward the end of the book (no spoilers!). Rhyode is excellent as the brooding, mysterious protector and love interest and Vesta was a brilliantly well-rounded character. I'd definitely recommend this book and hope to see a sequel soon...
I received an advance copy to read, but this is my honest review of the book.
I received an advance copy to read, but this is my honest review of the book.
November 29, 2017
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
OMG THAT ENDING. I don't know how I'm going to wait for the next book. I found it highly engaging and almost impossible to put down. I enjoyed the originality of the story line, and I found Feia very relatable.
OMG THAT ENDING. I don't know how I'm going to wait for the next book. I found it highly engaging and almost impossible to put down. I enjoyed the originality of the story line, and I found Feia very relatable.
December 12, 2017
This was a really good book!! It was hard to put down! There is magic and a little romance and friendship all mixed in! I give this four stars because the ending confused me but wanting more!
August 30, 2020
Her whole life, Feia has been bullied and treated poorly at the Temple of Light, until one day she unleashes a dangerous spirit gift deep within her core: fire. That, coupled with the odd dreams she’s having about destruction in the Spire, sends her on a journey across the realm to prevent inevitable destruction. With the help of a hunter, Rhyode, and her dear friend, Vesta, Feia attempts to reach the Spire to prevent the destruction…as well as discover the truth about herself.
In a classic adventure fantasy, Fiona Jeeves takes us on Feia’s adventure to the Spire. The world building is carefully woven into the story, giving us a sense of who the Sisters of Light are, why certain people have spirit gifts, and who and what wants Feia captured and killed. It adds depth to Feia’s travels, and keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire story. The world that Jeeves built is well though out, making a very typical story unique in its own right.
On top of Jeeve’s fantastic world building, she is able to construct action scenes that really bring the reader into the moment. Fast paced, but with enough details, we not only get a sense of the action, but also a sense of Feia’s feelings and emotions, leading to how she herself perceives the battle and reacts to it. This is not easy to do, and I wanted to take a moment to compliment Jeeve’s this. For a brief moment, I was there with Feia amid the action, and my heart raced as each arrow flew and each defense fell.
Through the constant action, the reader is also made acutely aware of each of the character’s personalities: Vesta, the motherly, Rhyode, the brooding, and Feia, the typical perplexed and noble-hearted protagonist. While I do wish we could have sat with the characters away from the action, watching them banter or talk like young adults typically do, I still understood these characters at their core.
I think my only hang up on this novel was how rushed the ending felt compared to the first 65% of the book. The moment Feia and her companions arrive in the Spire it is constant revelation after revelation, without much time to build suspense or let it breathe. I would have preferred a longer encounter with the Spire Lord, especially with how he was built up throughout the story.
That being said though, while I wouldn’t call Burning Embers revolutionary, it is certainly an amazing start to The Shadow Returns series. We’re introduced to a world filled with spirits and power, and while I want to learn more about both Feia and Rhyode’s abilities, I anticipate I’ll discover much more in the next book.
So if you’re looking for a fantasy adventure that will set your life ablaze, look no further. This book is definitely worth the read.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In a classic adventure fantasy, Fiona Jeeves takes us on Feia’s adventure to the Spire. The world building is carefully woven into the story, giving us a sense of who the Sisters of Light are, why certain people have spirit gifts, and who and what wants Feia captured and killed. It adds depth to Feia’s travels, and keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire story. The world that Jeeves built is well though out, making a very typical story unique in its own right.
On top of Jeeve’s fantastic world building, she is able to construct action scenes that really bring the reader into the moment. Fast paced, but with enough details, we not only get a sense of the action, but also a sense of Feia’s feelings and emotions, leading to how she herself perceives the battle and reacts to it. This is not easy to do, and I wanted to take a moment to compliment Jeeve’s this. For a brief moment, I was there with Feia amid the action, and my heart raced as each arrow flew and each defense fell.
Through the constant action, the reader is also made acutely aware of each of the character’s personalities: Vesta, the motherly, Rhyode, the brooding, and Feia, the typical perplexed and noble-hearted protagonist. While I do wish we could have sat with the characters away from the action, watching them banter or talk like young adults typically do, I still understood these characters at their core.
I think my only hang up on this novel was how rushed the ending felt compared to the first 65% of the book. The moment Feia and her companions arrive in the Spire it is constant revelation after revelation, without much time to build suspense or let it breathe. I would have preferred a longer encounter with the Spire Lord, especially with how he was built up throughout the story.
That being said though, while I wouldn’t call Burning Embers revolutionary, it is certainly an amazing start to The Shadow Returns series. We’re introduced to a world filled with spirits and power, and while I want to learn more about both Feia and Rhyode’s abilities, I anticipate I’ll discover much more in the next book.
So if you’re looking for a fantasy adventure that will set your life ablaze, look no further. This book is definitely worth the read.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2018
Once the background information was laid out, Burning Embers picked right up and turned into a really good book. Feia has spent her life in the Temple, raised as a Foundling, being the butt of others jokes, constantly picked on and hurt. She's been told to ignore the powerful dreams she's had, she's been told she doesn't have a Gift, and years of hearing that you're less than can wear a person down.
When she finally decides she's had enough, she leaves the Temple to branch out on her own. She knows it's dangerous, that she could be caught by the Champions, but she would rather risk it than keep living the life she's leading inside the safe walls of the Temple.
But she's off to a rocky start, and thankfully, a man named Rhoyde is there to help. We follow Feia on her adventure to not only fulfilling her promise to Rhoyde, but following the dreams that are leading her back to who she suspects is her birth father. Her powerful dreams spell of destruction and she hopes they can arrive in time.
This was a fun book to read. I liked the various magical elements, the "Gifts" as Jeeves puts it, that people are able to control. I think that even though Feia was off to such a rough start, it was great watching her find her inner strength, even if it took a really long time to do so. Her friend, Vesta, could be a really great character and it would be nice to read more of her. I also hope to read more of Rhoyde in the following books. Overall it's a fun read pulling in mythological elements to create an entire fantastical world of the authors making.
When she finally decides she's had enough, she leaves the Temple to branch out on her own. She knows it's dangerous, that she could be caught by the Champions, but she would rather risk it than keep living the life she's leading inside the safe walls of the Temple.
But she's off to a rocky start, and thankfully, a man named Rhoyde is there to help. We follow Feia on her adventure to not only fulfilling her promise to Rhoyde, but following the dreams that are leading her back to who she suspects is her birth father. Her powerful dreams spell of destruction and she hopes they can arrive in time.
This was a fun book to read. I liked the various magical elements, the "Gifts" as Jeeves puts it, that people are able to control. I think that even though Feia was off to such a rough start, it was great watching her find her inner strength, even if it took a really long time to do so. Her friend, Vesta, could be a really great character and it would be nice to read more of her. I also hope to read more of Rhoyde in the following books. Overall it's a fun read pulling in mythological elements to create an entire fantastical world of the authors making.
October 15, 2018
I received an advanced/review copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content and honesty of my review.
This book took a bit for me to get into, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. At the heart of the story, it's a coming-of-age novel filled with magical intrigue, the strong bond of friendship, action scenes, and some light romance that left me wanting more.
This book does end on a pretty major cliffhanger, so be warned about that. I definitely want to know how the story continues in the rest of the series, and I think this is the perfect book for anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy and paranormal with a smidge of romance :)
If you'd like to read my full review, check it out on my blog :)
- alated bibliophile
This book took a bit for me to get into, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. At the heart of the story, it's a coming-of-age novel filled with magical intrigue, the strong bond of friendship, action scenes, and some light romance that left me wanting more.
This book does end on a pretty major cliffhanger, so be warned about that. I definitely want to know how the story continues in the rest of the series, and I think this is the perfect book for anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy and paranormal with a smidge of romance :)
If you'd like to read my full review, check it out on my blog :)
- alated bibliophile
July 5, 2018
Interesting
I love the story! Courageous characters, you'd think they're real people. Very VERY well written!
Thankful for the experience or sure
I love the story! Courageous characters, you'd think they're real people. Very VERY well written!
Thankful for the experience or sure
August 31, 2018
A fabulous coming of age epic set in a magical fantasy realm where being different will get one killed! Fiona Jeeves' Burning Embers was so captivating that I fell asleep reading and grabbed it up again upon first waking. With well-rounded characters, a fully imagined and wonderfully described world, and intense plot, one would like to read this straight through.
Faia was raised a Fouldling, left abandoned at the Temple of Dancing Light. Abused by the other girls, most there for their education until of age and a suitable marrage will be arranged by their families, Faia is a loner. Mostly she doesn't mind. She avoids the others as much as she can, but it is impossible to get out of all the bruises and scrapes, usually minor injuries they inflict.
Though most people exibit some magic from the Spirit Saelil, as the Temple teaches, Faia's magic hasn't shown itself. She was told it should exist, and she is far past the age, at sixteen, but it still eludes her, no matter how hard she tries.
Saka, Faia's personal nemesis since childhood escalates the violence against her, and enlists her group of followers until it becomes life-threatening. Faia's magic erupts far differently than the power of Saelil. Now Faia has more to fear than the children of the Temple. Should she ever leave the Temple grounds a Seeker for the Champions of Light may find her. Having power other than Saelil's is a death sentence!
Faia also has dreams that predict the future, another strange magic. When her dreams turn to the safety of the realm, Faia must find a way to warn the ruler of impending danger. How can this be done when she cannot leave the Temple walls? If Faia does leave her home, how will a lone girl travel the length of the kingdom? How will she gain an audience? Will she be able to avoid the Champions?
Get this epic adventure today and journey with Faia across her land as she discovers the world beyond the Temple walls and who she ultimately is.
Kindle Unlimited edition
Faia was raised a Fouldling, left abandoned at the Temple of Dancing Light. Abused by the other girls, most there for their education until of age and a suitable marrage will be arranged by their families, Faia is a loner. Mostly she doesn't mind. She avoids the others as much as she can, but it is impossible to get out of all the bruises and scrapes, usually minor injuries they inflict.
Though most people exibit some magic from the Spirit Saelil, as the Temple teaches, Faia's magic hasn't shown itself. She was told it should exist, and she is far past the age, at sixteen, but it still eludes her, no matter how hard she tries.
Saka, Faia's personal nemesis since childhood escalates the violence against her, and enlists her group of followers until it becomes life-threatening. Faia's magic erupts far differently than the power of Saelil. Now Faia has more to fear than the children of the Temple. Should she ever leave the Temple grounds a Seeker for the Champions of Light may find her. Having power other than Saelil's is a death sentence!
Faia also has dreams that predict the future, another strange magic. When her dreams turn to the safety of the realm, Faia must find a way to warn the ruler of impending danger. How can this be done when she cannot leave the Temple walls? If Faia does leave her home, how will a lone girl travel the length of the kingdom? How will she gain an audience? Will she be able to avoid the Champions?
Get this epic adventure today and journey with Faia across her land as she discovers the world beyond the Temple walls and who she ultimately is.
Kindle Unlimited edition
March 15, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway*
I enjoyed Burning Embers. It certainly starts out with a bang. In the first 10 pages, Feia has her life seriously threatened by a classmate. Knife to the throat kid of stuff. And her reaction releases a hidden magic within her that starts her out on a heavy mission to save the people of Arngeir. She hesitantly bands together with Rhyode, who she meets on the road and who saves her life. Together they travel to the Spire, the center of Arngeir, and in so doing Feia learns to trust, to believe, and to love herself.
It was a cool world and I liked the mythology and magic. I did feel a bit disconnected from the characters, though. I'm not sure if that was because it was written in 3rd person pov so I wasn't getting a lot of emotional insight or if it was just lacking in the writing. The journey was exciting with lots of action. Feia learning to come to terms with her new powers and find some acceptance of herself was great. The romance aspect between Rhyode and Feia - I wanted it to smolder more. I craved more tension between them. And there were events that happened a little too conveniently and easily for my taste.
Overall, it was a pretty solid story that I enjoyed reading. I think my main issue was just that it felt like there wasn't enough. I wanted more. More of everything. But I think that will make me enjoy reading book 2 to satiate that craving.
I enjoyed Burning Embers. It certainly starts out with a bang. In the first 10 pages, Feia has her life seriously threatened by a classmate. Knife to the throat kid of stuff. And her reaction releases a hidden magic within her that starts her out on a heavy mission to save the people of Arngeir. She hesitantly bands together with Rhyode, who she meets on the road and who saves her life. Together they travel to the Spire, the center of Arngeir, and in so doing Feia learns to trust, to believe, and to love herself.
It was a cool world and I liked the mythology and magic. I did feel a bit disconnected from the characters, though. I'm not sure if that was because it was written in 3rd person pov so I wasn't getting a lot of emotional insight or if it was just lacking in the writing. The journey was exciting with lots of action. Feia learning to come to terms with her new powers and find some acceptance of herself was great. The romance aspect between Rhyode and Feia - I wanted it to smolder more. I craved more tension between them. And there were events that happened a little too conveniently and easily for my taste.
Overall, it was a pretty solid story that I enjoyed reading. I think my main issue was just that it felt like there wasn't enough. I wanted more. More of everything. But I think that will make me enjoy reading book 2 to satiate that craving.
June 12, 2018
*I received a copy of this book for a honest review*
So all I can say is WOW! This book had me from the start. From the beginning it pulls you in and keeps you there. Even during some “slow” parts, I found myself wanted to read more just to find out what happens next. From open to close, I wanted to keep reading. I found Feia to be kind of cowardice at times but then again I could not blame her, to have that much power thrusted to you and be expected to use it without killing anyone is scary and I understand her hesitation. When Vesta joined the group, I thought she had an alternate motive for joining them other than just wanting to get away. I am happy that she found a “family” in the end and I hope to see more of her in the next book. Now Rhyode, I want to love him, but I feel like there’s stuff about him that we don’t know yet and that he’s hiding something. He’s your typical, mysterious male character but I still found him intriguing. I’d like to find more out about his powers, what he did at the end of the book makes me wonder if he might be part Nethari. But the ending of the book was perfect, it left you wanting to read the next book, left the right cliffhangers and introduced a possible new plot for the next one. I did love this book! I can’t wait for the next one!!!
So all I can say is WOW! This book had me from the start. From the beginning it pulls you in and keeps you there. Even during some “slow” parts, I found myself wanted to read more just to find out what happens next. From open to close, I wanted to keep reading. I found Feia to be kind of cowardice at times but then again I could not blame her, to have that much power thrusted to you and be expected to use it without killing anyone is scary and I understand her hesitation. When Vesta joined the group, I thought she had an alternate motive for joining them other than just wanting to get away. I am happy that she found a “family” in the end and I hope to see more of her in the next book. Now Rhyode, I want to love him, but I feel like there’s stuff about him that we don’t know yet and that he’s hiding something. He’s your typical, mysterious male character but I still found him intriguing. I’d like to find more out about his powers, what he did at the end of the book makes me wonder if he might be part Nethari. But the ending of the book was perfect, it left you wanting to read the next book, left the right cliffhangers and introduced a possible new plot for the next one. I did love this book! I can’t wait for the next one!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2019
Fiona I’m so proud of you! Your first published book, one of many I hope. You’ve grown as a writer just in the short few years that I’ve known you. I know you will only get better! Keep doing what you love. Always your number one fan, Dani. <3
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