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Blood of Fire
Seventeen-year-old Valieri Fiero must flee for her life when her peaceful farming village is destroyed by the City, her clan’s powerful yet mysterious rulers. Haunted by the deaths of her parents and her older sister’s disappearance, Valieri must learn to survive on her own when she is captured by the Grakkir, a forest-dwelling Warrior race with rumored abilities to control god-like beasts. The more time she spends in their world, built upon a foundation of strength and honor, the more lies she discovers about her own world and the City she once revered. But a fiery secret runs through her veins. Will she be able to harness this power and find her sister, or will the City stand in her way?
- GenresFantasy
324 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2018
7 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Marlow York
3 books30 followersMarlow York was born in the Adirondack region of northern New York. She has always had an active imagination and began writing when she was only eight years-old. She earned a B.A. in creative writing at SUNY Potsdam, and has a technical certificate in culinary arts.
She has had poems and short stories published in a handful of small literary magazines. "Blood of Fire" is her debut novel.
Marlow moved to San Diego in 2015 and lived there for 3 years. She now lives in northern Utah with her fiancé and their dog, Hogan. She is a country girl at heart, an animal lover, and never says no to dessert. Keep up with her current writing escapades on Instagram by following @MarlowYork!
She has had poems and short stories published in a handful of small literary magazines. "Blood of Fire" is her debut novel.
Marlow moved to San Diego in 2015 and lived there for 3 years. She now lives in northern Utah with her fiancé and their dog, Hogan. She is a country girl at heart, an animal lover, and never says no to dessert. Keep up with her current writing escapades on Instagram by following @MarlowYork!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 25, 2018
A good first entry to the series, but I felt like the story ended too soon. It felt like the first two acts of something larger instead of its own entity and it suffered for it.
That being said, York does a fantastic job with characterization, and I'm looking forward to the next entry.
That being said, York does a fantastic job with characterization, and I'm looking forward to the next entry.
June 26, 2019
This book was absolutely captivating. You become more entranced with all the new details you find out about the Fiero, the Grakkir, and the City. You cannot help to care deeply for the characters, especially Saven, and the ending makes you anxious for the next book in this epic story.
September 17, 2018
4 stars
Holy cow that was a fun ride! A very action packed, intense journey. I have lots of hope for the sequel to be even better!
Holy cow that was a fun ride! A very action packed, intense journey. I have lots of hope for the sequel to be even better!
July 12, 2018
This is an impressive debut fantasy novel that will immediately engage readers with its well-paced plot, interesting array of characters and intense action scenes.
It's a good binge-worthy read that will immerse readers into York's fantasy world - a world that has enough similarities to our own to make new-to-fantasy readers not feel like they're totally out of their element, but gives ardent fantasy fans a little something new too. Readers will soon notice that the characters are different bunch and I was surprised when I found myself warming to a character that I never even remotely wished good will before -- Saven, I'm looking at you and your brethren.
The other secondary characters, animal and human, are well-fleshed out and add to the overall plot but it's Valieri who will engage and impress readers as the main character. She has the right balance of uncertainty and drive as she learns to persevere after great loss and begins to see the world through different eyes. It's through Valieri that York addresses bigger issues involving society, the abuse of power and subjugation of others. These issues are woven into the larger plot and give the story a solid framework making this more than just a simple YA fantasy read.
The only thing that lowered my rating was the sometimes excessive self talk that Valieri would have in her own head or with Saven. The 'you can do it, just believe in yourself' inner dialogue felt long-winded when I just wanted to get back to the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The gorgeous cover art will pull readers in initially, but it's the well-paced, engaging plot and characters that will keep them glued to the pages. Fans of series like Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games or Joelle Charbonneau's The Testing, should enjoy this new fantasy series that brings teens, with much to lose, into the forefront of a world wrought with danger and uncertainty. The tension is kept high but it is the well-paced plot, unique and well-developed characters that will have readers eager for the next book to come out as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: This Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) was generously provided by the author via Reedsy in exchange for my honest review.
It's a good binge-worthy read that will immerse readers into York's fantasy world - a world that has enough similarities to our own to make new-to-fantasy readers not feel like they're totally out of their element, but gives ardent fantasy fans a little something new too. Readers will soon notice that the characters are different bunch and I was surprised when I found myself warming to a character that I never even remotely wished good will before -- Saven, I'm looking at you and your brethren.
The other secondary characters, animal and human, are well-fleshed out and add to the overall plot but it's Valieri who will engage and impress readers as the main character. She has the right balance of uncertainty and drive as she learns to persevere after great loss and begins to see the world through different eyes. It's through Valieri that York addresses bigger issues involving society, the abuse of power and subjugation of others. These issues are woven into the larger plot and give the story a solid framework making this more than just a simple YA fantasy read.
The only thing that lowered my rating was the sometimes excessive self talk that Valieri would have in her own head or with Saven. The 'you can do it, just believe in yourself' inner dialogue felt long-winded when I just wanted to get back to the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The gorgeous cover art will pull readers in initially, but it's the well-paced, engaging plot and characters that will keep them glued to the pages. Fans of series like Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games or Joelle Charbonneau's The Testing, should enjoy this new fantasy series that brings teens, with much to lose, into the forefront of a world wrought with danger and uncertainty. The tension is kept high but it is the well-paced plot, unique and well-developed characters that will have readers eager for the next book to come out as soon as possible.
Disclaimer: This Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) was generously provided by the author via Reedsy in exchange for my honest review.
December 11, 2018
Blood of Fire centers around a young woman named Valerie who is taken captive after her village is destroyed. I really enjoyed the way the author was able to make her human. She has flaws and dreams like anyone. The flashbacks that the author put throughout the book were placed perfectly – making it flow well with the story. I think that is sometimes hard to do.
Warning: if you really don’t like snakes, don’t read! I only say this because my sister is deathly afraid of snakes, and she would have chucked this book across the room at how well the author was able to describe them.
If you liked The Hunger Games, then you’ll really enjoy this book! It had a similar feel, but with a more magical element because of the god-like beasts. I also found the special tattoo ink that they use quite fascinating.
Great read! Great story! Looking forward to the next book!
June 30, 2019
Just WOW
This book is everything a fantasy reader dreams of finding. A strong character development, an intriguing plot and a villain you all hate with every fiber of your being.
The world our MC lives in is a clash of new world technology versus old tradition. It is very compelling how the writer brings you into the fold of how a simple farm girl unveils her true self and finds her destined purpose after the tragedy befalls her clan. Be prepared readers as this story is truly heart wrenching to read when everything unfolds and we are enlighten on the misdeeds of a society ruled by their greed and cruelty for those that are different than they are.
I don’t think I was prepared for this read to be 100% honest with you. From the start I thought it would be like any other YA novel where the MC loses everything, finds her magic ability, falls in love and then takes down her opposers but alas that is nothing even remotely similar to what this book has in store for you. It is not a read so cut and dry as to end with something as sappy as a happily ever after. The City is a ruthless empire that leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth and a small flame of hope for the main character to prevail because that’s all our MC has left to count on to prevail against them and their tyranny.
I give this book 5 stars because it is a read that I know will be stuck with me to ponder over and as an avid reader who manages to read 1-2 books a day that’s saying something. I hope to see more from Marlow York in the future as her writing is truly something remarkable.
This book is everything a fantasy reader dreams of finding. A strong character development, an intriguing plot and a villain you all hate with every fiber of your being.
The world our MC lives in is a clash of new world technology versus old tradition. It is very compelling how the writer brings you into the fold of how a simple farm girl unveils her true self and finds her destined purpose after the tragedy befalls her clan. Be prepared readers as this story is truly heart wrenching to read when everything unfolds and we are enlighten on the misdeeds of a society ruled by their greed and cruelty for those that are different than they are.
I don’t think I was prepared for this read to be 100% honest with you. From the start I thought it would be like any other YA novel where the MC loses everything, finds her magic ability, falls in love and then takes down her opposers but alas that is nothing even remotely similar to what this book has in store for you. It is not a read so cut and dry as to end with something as sappy as a happily ever after. The City is a ruthless empire that leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth and a small flame of hope for the main character to prevail because that’s all our MC has left to count on to prevail against them and their tyranny.
I give this book 5 stars because it is a read that I know will be stuck with me to ponder over and as an avid reader who manages to read 1-2 books a day that’s saying something. I hope to see more from Marlow York in the future as her writing is truly something remarkable.
January 27, 2019
An interesting, well-developed world. I can tell the author put a lot of love into crafting the world and its characters, which was refreshing. The main character is, without spoiling anything, different from everyone else, but it’s handled in a way that keeps her from becoming the overused “special one” trope. Would read again.
October 1, 2018
I really love this book. Fast moving dystopian fantasy with a lot of fun magic and culture. Wise messages sprinkled throughout the scenes. This book hooks you and makes you want to read more. Lots of action and unexpected twists. Looking forward to the sequel.
January 10, 2019
The buildup of this tremendous character, her potential is endless. Valieri is determined to become stronger, no matter what stands in her way. God animal companions. The mysterious City. Her clan's history. I'm itching to know where her path leads to next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2018
Don't you love when you start reading a book and you CAN'T put it down?! BLOOD OF FIRE snatched me right in and never let go.
Marlow York's @marlowyork dystopian novel will have you burning through the pages while Valieri's secret burns through her veins.
This is definitely a page turner and you won't regret staying up to read it!
Marlow York's @marlowyork dystopian novel will have you burning through the pages while Valieri's secret burns through her veins.
This is definitely a page turner and you won't regret staying up to read it!
February 8, 2019
Marlow York's Blood of Fire is a sci-fi/fantasy novel that follows our protagonist Valieri Fiero as she recovers from an attack against her people, and as she discovers the ancient powers she possesses.
I enjoyed reading this book. There were some fantasy concepts that I thought were really cool, like the Animal Gods. There were questions posed in this book that I look forward to being answered in the sequel. I liked a bunch of the characters, and hope to see more of them.
I only had a couple issues that made it a four star for me. Until the epilogue, I didn't see much evidence as to why Valieri thought the City was after her specifically. I also thought there was a bit of telling that could have been incorporated into the story more.
Other than that, I had a fun time reading, and can't wait to continue the series when Trail of Flames comes out!
I enjoyed reading this book. There were some fantasy concepts that I thought were really cool, like the Animal Gods. There were questions posed in this book that I look forward to being answered in the sequel. I liked a bunch of the characters, and hope to see more of them.
I only had a couple issues that made it a four star for me. Until the epilogue, I didn't see much evidence as to why Valieri thought the City was after her specifically. I also thought there was a bit of telling that could have been incorporated into the story more.
Other than that, I had a fun time reading, and can't wait to continue the series when Trail of Flames comes out!
September 23, 2022
Very enjoyable first effort by Ms. York. I look forward to reading the sequel(s).
July 18, 2020
This series has a lot of potential and I’m interested in seeing how the rest of the books plays out!
Valieri Fiero has the ancient fire running through her veins and is chosen by the gods to take down the City which has destroyed her homeland. So, I will say, I wish there was more fire in this story. This book was more of an exposition to set up the rest of the series. I was hoping for more action, burning, and fighting the City, but it was mostly about our heroine finding herself and accepting her life. It was definitely an interesting concept and I loved the mythology around it. York definitely has a great imagination!
One character that made me enjoy the series was Valieri’s companion Saven. In my opinion, he was the best part. I never thought I’d like a snake character so much! He was adorable and I loved the relationship he had with Valieri.
In the end, it was still an enjoyable read, and I’d like to see how the rest plays out in book 2!
Valieri Fiero has the ancient fire running through her veins and is chosen by the gods to take down the City which has destroyed her homeland. So, I will say, I wish there was more fire in this story. This book was more of an exposition to set up the rest of the series. I was hoping for more action, burning, and fighting the City, but it was mostly about our heroine finding herself and accepting her life. It was definitely an interesting concept and I loved the mythology around it. York definitely has a great imagination!
One character that made me enjoy the series was Valieri’s companion Saven. In my opinion, he was the best part. I never thought I’d like a snake character so much! He was adorable and I loved the relationship he had with Valieri.
In the end, it was still an enjoyable read, and I’d like to see how the rest plays out in book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews