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The Kaerling #1
Silver Fire
What starts as an innocent quest to follow the unicorn's trail, turns into a sinister nightmare.“I was so happy to find a book that truly captivated my imagination from beginning to end.” K JohnstoneBanished from their village, Otta, and her twin brother Erl, (who has lost his memory), must stay ahead of those who seek to kill them.Learning how to follow the unicorn's trail and deal with her brother's dark side, Otta must keep them both safe as she attempts to follow the commands of a shrineless god.This epic fantasy tale begins the saga of The Kaerling.The Kaerling is a series of linked novellas that can be read individually as well as in chronological order.
contains scenes of a sexual nature and some violence which some readers may find upsetting.
contains scenes of a sexual nature and some violence which some readers may find upsetting.
- GenresFantasy
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2018
24 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Freya Pickard
46 books16 followersFreya Pickard is also contactable at
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 19, 2019
Silver Fire is one of those novels that deserves to be promoted in the SPFBO blog by Freya Pickard.
This is the gritty version of what a Western setting of Avatar the Last Airbener would look like. I think Freya has done a wonderful job with the descriptions of her character, the elegance of her prose, and the good dialogue that is interspersed within this novel.
Without much spoilers, I read a quote on twitter saying that a reader wishes to be in the world. I can say that Frey a must have researched Celtic Mythology/Norse Mythology because I didn’t feel it was too Christian inspired which is a good thing. Much of Christianity’s origins came from the adaption of Celtic/Roman Paganism for that matter. I also felt that Otta’s character was good, but her emotional development needed more scenes. I wanted her to feel more remorse for her actions, and to feel a bit more compassionate in terms of scene development. Erl on the other hand was like an empty vessel in the ocean with a sentient soul trying to figure out in the middle of the ocean where he was. Although I did not understand the desire he had when there were many women around.
I would ask Freya if she could upgrade her cover. Because I could easily see this novel being promoted by HarperCollins or Harpervoyager, and the writing is so smooth and fluid I am flabbergasted that she has not been picked up. Really I am. I’d be happy to finish this trilogy and I understand that due to budget costs this may not be possible. I am immersed into this world. I can clearly see a large range of diverse cultures. I want to see a map for one. I did not feel that Otta’s parents got enough scene development myself, and would have wanted to seen more in the novel. This is a fantastic read. You are missing out on a wonderful novel and seriously, this is a fantastic debut. Your proof-editor did a wonderful job. My rating: 5/5
This is the gritty version of what a Western setting of Avatar the Last Airbener would look like. I think Freya has done a wonderful job with the descriptions of her character, the elegance of her prose, and the good dialogue that is interspersed within this novel.
Without much spoilers, I read a quote on twitter saying that a reader wishes to be in the world. I can say that Frey a must have researched Celtic Mythology/Norse Mythology because I didn’t feel it was too Christian inspired which is a good thing. Much of Christianity’s origins came from the adaption of Celtic/Roman Paganism for that matter. I also felt that Otta’s character was good, but her emotional development needed more scenes. I wanted her to feel more remorse for her actions, and to feel a bit more compassionate in terms of scene development. Erl on the other hand was like an empty vessel in the ocean with a sentient soul trying to figure out in the middle of the ocean where he was. Although I did not understand the desire he had when there were many women around.
I would ask Freya if she could upgrade her cover. Because I could easily see this novel being promoted by HarperCollins or Harpervoyager, and the writing is so smooth and fluid I am flabbergasted that she has not been picked up. Really I am. I’d be happy to finish this trilogy and I understand that due to budget costs this may not be possible. I am immersed into this world. I can clearly see a large range of diverse cultures. I want to see a map for one. I did not feel that Otta’s parents got enough scene development myself, and would have wanted to seen more in the novel. This is a fantastic read. You are missing out on a wonderful novel and seriously, this is a fantastic debut. Your proof-editor did a wonderful job. My rating: 5/5
May 21, 2019
As always, do not let my star count override your judgement of content. More on the stars, counting, and my rating challenges later.
I read this book in a single sitting, and then waited for other thoughts about it to present themselves. Over time the book grew in my memory. It is very well done.
There are invisible beings, powerful beings, strange twists on relationships, and a quest imposed by a god. There is magic, politics, forests with animals. All of this is woven together in a narrative that flows. You will understand the mind of the chief protagonist quite well.
There are other things that make the book as special as it is. There is a gentle commentary on discrimination based on race, and on skin colour, and on occupation. There are moments of trust and of suspicion.
There are moments when Otta’s inner voice is ignored, and her personal god disobeyed. This is not a trivial book. Now for my star count boilerplate.
My personal guidelines, when doing any review, are as follows: five stars means, roughly equal to best in genre. Rarely given. Four stars means, extremely good. Three stars means, definitely recommendable. I am a tough reviewer. I try hard to be consistent. You will definitely be entertained. Five stars it is, and extremely recommended.
I read this book in a single sitting, and then waited for other thoughts about it to present themselves. Over time the book grew in my memory. It is very well done.
There are invisible beings, powerful beings, strange twists on relationships, and a quest imposed by a god. There is magic, politics, forests with animals. All of this is woven together in a narrative that flows. You will understand the mind of the chief protagonist quite well.
There are other things that make the book as special as it is. There is a gentle commentary on discrimination based on race, and on skin colour, and on occupation. There are moments of trust and of suspicion.
There are moments when Otta’s inner voice is ignored, and her personal god disobeyed. This is not a trivial book. Now for my star count boilerplate.
My personal guidelines, when doing any review, are as follows: five stars means, roughly equal to best in genre. Rarely given. Four stars means, extremely good. Three stars means, definitely recommendable. I am a tough reviewer. I try hard to be consistent. You will definitely be entertained. Five stars it is, and extremely recommended.
September 26, 2019
A good introduction to the Kaerling series.
A medium paced, but engrossing, introduction to Otta and her twin brother, Erl, and how they got started on their quest.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
A medium paced, but engrossing, introduction to Otta and her twin brother, Erl, and how they got started on their quest.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
August 21, 2024
Well written and really compelling. My only complaint is that it ended on a cliffhanger. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
October 29, 2022
Otta and Erl are exiled from their village because Otta handles the fire stones that only men should handle, and Erl refuses to hunt the white deer.
Amid the turmoil, Erl is injured by a blow to his head. Otta sets off to find her twin. Once she’s found him, the two set off on their own to escape the anger of the villagers.
The only problem is, Erl doesn’t know who he is. He even makes some unwelcome sexual advances toward his sister. I’m not sure how those aspects of the story moved the plot forward.
To make matters worse, Otta receives strange messages from a god unknown to her. She is told to follow the Unicorn Trail.
At the end of this book, I have more questions than answers to the mystery surrounding the twins.
Amid the turmoil, Erl is injured by a blow to his head. Otta sets off to find her twin. Once she’s found him, the two set off on their own to escape the anger of the villagers.
The only problem is, Erl doesn’t know who he is. He even makes some unwelcome sexual advances toward his sister. I’m not sure how those aspects of the story moved the plot forward.
To make matters worse, Otta receives strange messages from a god unknown to her. She is told to follow the Unicorn Trail.
At the end of this book, I have more questions than answers to the mystery surrounding the twins.
April 17, 2021
Two flawed protagonists combined with lyrical writing, make this a spell-binding read! I want more!
August 19, 2019
Rating: 1.5 stars out of 5
A few months ago, I received an email from Freya Pickard asking me to review the first book of her Kaerling series. I’m ashamed that I didn’t complete this review much sooner, but ya know how life happens and ya get really busy. Anyway, I’m flattered that Ms. Pickard reached out to me to request a review.
In my reviews, I strive to adhere to the policy of honesty, and the honest truth is that I am unimpressed - and often befuddled - by Silver Fire. The story itself could be interesting, but it’s weighted down by a variety of issues. For one thing, the writing is choppy. Not only are the sentences often stilted-sounding; Pickard also has a tendency to throw in details where they aren’t really pertinent. In fact, those randomly placed details don’t shape the setting enough to prevent the reader from feeling like they’re just... watching a flipbook. There isn’t much buildup to plot events, either. Stuff simply happens very suddenly. My biggest beef, however, is with Erl’s amnesia. I get that amnesia is not always a blanket blackout, but I don’t get why Erl remembers one thing but forgets something else even though the thing he forgets is related to the thing he remembers. The best example: His concept of human decency is intact enough for him to sympathize with an ethnic minority and defend their right to live in their native land, but not enough for him to remember that attempting to rape anyone - especially the girl who insists that she is his twin sister - is a mega no-no. His priorities when he apologizes to her later are completely out of whack too. “This incest thing seems important to you so I’ll stop” doesn’t strike me as the first thing someone who has committed sexual assault against their sibling should say to said sibling; what they should say is more along the lines of “oh my god, I’m sorry I tried to rape you and I understand this not-being-raped thing is important to every human being so I’ll stop”. This whole incest/sexual assault ordeal adds nothing to the plot of the story; instead, it serves as just a giant what-the-fuck dead-end subplot.
What I can say for Silver Fire is that I wasn’t bored while reading it. Whether that was because of the fast-paced plot, sheer curiosity, or the potential of the story itself, I really couldn’t tell you. Maybe it was all of the above. In any case, I’ll probably try reading the next installment of The Kaerling, just for kicks.
Check out my blog at https://thebookishhawk.home.blog/2019....
A few months ago, I received an email from Freya Pickard asking me to review the first book of her Kaerling series. I’m ashamed that I didn’t complete this review much sooner, but ya know how life happens and ya get really busy. Anyway, I’m flattered that Ms. Pickard reached out to me to request a review.
In my reviews, I strive to adhere to the policy of honesty, and the honest truth is that I am unimpressed - and often befuddled - by Silver Fire. The story itself could be interesting, but it’s weighted down by a variety of issues. For one thing, the writing is choppy. Not only are the sentences often stilted-sounding; Pickard also has a tendency to throw in details where they aren’t really pertinent. In fact, those randomly placed details don’t shape the setting enough to prevent the reader from feeling like they’re just... watching a flipbook. There isn’t much buildup to plot events, either. Stuff simply happens very suddenly. My biggest beef, however, is with Erl’s amnesia. I get that amnesia is not always a blanket blackout, but I don’t get why Erl remembers one thing but forgets something else even though the thing he forgets is related to the thing he remembers. The best example: His concept of human decency is intact enough for him to sympathize with an ethnic minority and defend their right to live in their native land, but not enough for him to remember that attempting to rape anyone - especially the girl who insists that she is his twin sister - is a mega no-no. His priorities when he apologizes to her later are completely out of whack too. “This incest thing seems important to you so I’ll stop” doesn’t strike me as the first thing someone who has committed sexual assault against their sibling should say to said sibling; what they should say is more along the lines of “oh my god, I’m sorry I tried to rape you and I understand this not-being-raped thing is important to every human being so I’ll stop”. This whole incest/sexual assault ordeal adds nothing to the plot of the story; instead, it serves as just a giant what-the-fuck dead-end subplot.
What I can say for Silver Fire is that I wasn’t bored while reading it. Whether that was because of the fast-paced plot, sheer curiosity, or the potential of the story itself, I really couldn’t tell you. Maybe it was all of the above. In any case, I’ll probably try reading the next installment of The Kaerling, just for kicks.
Check out my blog at https://thebookishhawk.home.blog/2019....
August 10, 2024
I quickly became engrossed in this first Kaerling book and intend to read more books in this series. That being said, I must warn potential readers up front that this book does touch on the disturbing topics of rape and incest.
Otta and Erl are the oldest twins in their family. From a young age, they know their family is different from the families who occupy the nearby village and they quickly understand that certain viewpoints held by their parents, and talents they possess, would be frowned upon by their neighbours. As they grow up, they keep these secrets until one fateful day when circumstances put them in a position where they chose to live their truth.
Unfortunately, during this process, Erl is badly injured and loses his memory and understanding of right and wrong. At the same time Otta interacts with a god and is told she must follow the unicorn trail to unravel her destiny. When Otta discovers the injured Erl, she takes him back to the family homestead but it soon becomes clear that their transgressions have earned them the wrath of the village elders and they have been banned from the village and its vicinity on pain of death should they be found within a ten mile border.
Otta is forced into taking Erl with her to traverse the unicorn trail. As they set off they come across groups of people, both good and bad. Otta discovers further unsuspected powers and Erl recovers physically but is no closer to remembering the details of his life although he does learn some hard cultural lessons.
Otta is a strong willed and determined woman and it is unusual to find a female character taking the lead in a twin sibling setting. In many ways she is lacking in understanding with regards to her brother and a bit of insight would have helped avoid difficult situations. The twins are, however, young, so Otta's behaviour is realistic and plausible.
A well written and interesting fantasy book.
Otta and Erl are the oldest twins in their family. From a young age, they know their family is different from the families who occupy the nearby village and they quickly understand that certain viewpoints held by their parents, and talents they possess, would be frowned upon by their neighbours. As they grow up, they keep these secrets until one fateful day when circumstances put them in a position where they chose to live their truth.
Unfortunately, during this process, Erl is badly injured and loses his memory and understanding of right and wrong. At the same time Otta interacts with a god and is told she must follow the unicorn trail to unravel her destiny. When Otta discovers the injured Erl, she takes him back to the family homestead but it soon becomes clear that their transgressions have earned them the wrath of the village elders and they have been banned from the village and its vicinity on pain of death should they be found within a ten mile border.
Otta is forced into taking Erl with her to traverse the unicorn trail. As they set off they come across groups of people, both good and bad. Otta discovers further unsuspected powers and Erl recovers physically but is no closer to remembering the details of his life although he does learn some hard cultural lessons.
Otta is a strong willed and determined woman and it is unusual to find a female character taking the lead in a twin sibling setting. In many ways she is lacking in understanding with regards to her brother and a bit of insight would have helped avoid difficult situations. The twins are, however, young, so Otta's behaviour is realistic and plausible.
A well written and interesting fantasy book.
February 21, 2020
Disclaimer: I purchased this book because the author asked me to review it. All opinions are my own.
Book: Silver Fire
Author: Freya Pickard
Book Series: The Kaerling Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: March 25, 2018
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 152
Recommended Age: can't recommend as it was a dnf but there was (TW) incest and rape, at least mention and tried to act upon. Please be safe.
Synopsis: When Otta and Erl are banished from their village for angering the gods, they embark on a peculiar quest.
Commanded by a wandering god, Otta is obliged to follow the strange, elusive “unicorn's trail.” Her twin brother, Erl, has lost his memory and is struggling to discover who he is.
As they travel further from the shelter of the Homestead, the siblings discover unpleasant traits in their personalities. They must learn to adapt and change before they are driven apart.
Who is the wandering god? Just what is the “unicorn's trail” and where will it lead? What are the kaerlings? And who are the brown-robed travellers that trespass in Otta's dreams?
Silver Fire is the first volume in Freya Pickard's epic fantasy series The Kaerling.
Review: While I thought this was a good idea, I just couldn't move on with the book after a particular scene involving incest and rape. I dnf-ed the book for that reason. Authors, please consider putting trigger warnings in your books.
Verdict: Can't recommend. Please be safe.
Book: Silver Fire
Author: Freya Pickard
Book Series: The Kaerling Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: March 25, 2018
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 152
Recommended Age: can't recommend as it was a dnf but there was (TW) incest and rape, at least mention and tried to act upon. Please be safe.
Synopsis: When Otta and Erl are banished from their village for angering the gods, they embark on a peculiar quest.
Commanded by a wandering god, Otta is obliged to follow the strange, elusive “unicorn's trail.” Her twin brother, Erl, has lost his memory and is struggling to discover who he is.
As they travel further from the shelter of the Homestead, the siblings discover unpleasant traits in their personalities. They must learn to adapt and change before they are driven apart.
Who is the wandering god? Just what is the “unicorn's trail” and where will it lead? What are the kaerlings? And who are the brown-robed travellers that trespass in Otta's dreams?
Silver Fire is the first volume in Freya Pickard's epic fantasy series The Kaerling.
Review: While I thought this was a good idea, I just couldn't move on with the book after a particular scene involving incest and rape. I dnf-ed the book for that reason. Authors, please consider putting trigger warnings in your books.
Verdict: Can't recommend. Please be safe.
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July 29, 2019This book should have come with a TRIGGER WARNING
This was a very difficult review to write. Read the entire review to understand. The story started off fine with the siblings Otta and her brother Erl. Otta went into the forest, met a God, and got the power to go on a Unicorn's trail. The brother Erl went on a deer hunt, fell down, hit his head and lost all his memories. Both the siblings decided to go on the Unicorn's trail.
There were adventures and beasts and magic. Otta was sometimes not very nice, I didn't like her. Erl did not remember anything including meaning of relationships and their significance. For a few pages, the book took an incestuous turn with the brother forcing himself on his sister, the plot arc was justified by reason of loss of memory.
I am not the right audience for such a fantasy. The brother lost memory and found sister attractive theme is not for me. Too icky. I read the book till the end but I couldn't concentrate as my mind was too disturbed.
The concept would have worked well without this plot ARC.
This was a very difficult review to write. Read the entire review to understand. The story started off fine with the siblings Otta and her brother Erl. Otta went into the forest, met a God, and got the power to go on a Unicorn's trail. The brother Erl went on a deer hunt, fell down, hit his head and lost all his memories. Both the siblings decided to go on the Unicorn's trail.
There were adventures and beasts and magic. Otta was sometimes not very nice, I didn't like her. Erl did not remember anything including meaning of relationships and their significance. For a few pages, the book took an incestuous turn with the brother forcing himself on his sister, the plot arc was justified by reason of loss of memory.
I am not the right audience for such a fantasy. The brother lost memory and found sister attractive theme is not for me. Too icky. I read the book till the end but I couldn't concentrate as my mind was too disturbed.
The concept would have worked well without this plot ARC.
February 18, 2025
I read this book as part of a combined set of three volumes titled The Day of Weird. There's a rich sense of culture, history, and a well-rounded cast of characters that include supernatural entities. I particularly enjoyed the sense of humanity, where no one behaves as a reductive ideal, and each person is driven by motivations that are physically visceral and personal. The sensory descriptions are vivid and compelling--I felt like I was living in a rustic setting, where fire and candlelight were an everyday part of the day to day life. It taps into the romance of western European myth while also maintaining its own individuality and sense of identity. Highly recommend!
September 19, 2019
I was asked to write a review for this book, but I don't think that I can do a whole blog post on it.
TL;DR: This story was interesting and fast-paced (with some moments of poorly-placed exposition and extraneous detail), until the bizarre incest/attempted rape subplot (which takes up a significant portion of this small book) starts. Please keep this in mind if you are sensitive to those topics before reading.
TL;DR: This story was interesting and fast-paced (with some moments of poorly-placed exposition and extraneous detail), until the bizarre incest/attempted rape subplot (which takes up a significant portion of this small book) starts. Please keep this in mind if you are sensitive to those topics before reading.
January 30, 2025
A very intriguing first book.
A fantastic beginning to a series. Freya has wrote a compelling story that will keep you eager for more. Lots of things happening that you don't understand what is completely going on. She keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what will happen next.
A fantastic beginning to a series. Freya has wrote a compelling story that will keep you eager for more. Lots of things happening that you don't understand what is completely going on. She keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what will happen next.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews