Into the Fire

Into the Storm #2

by Serene Conneeley

Magic to make. Love to save.
Ghosts to slay. Fire to brave...

Rhiannon survived the storms that consumed her and the grief that nearly destroyed her, and is now filled with hope. She adores her best friend, and the spells they weave on moonlit nights. She's excited about their magical studies, as well as the more earthly career they're working towards. She's grateful for her family, and the Otherworldly beings who watch over her. So when she falls in love for the first time, her life seems almost perfect.

But the brighter her light shines, the more darkness rises. There's guilt she's not sure she can live with. A long-buried secret threatening to tear her apart. A friendship in peril because of a lie. A boyfriend she's too scared to show her true self to. A priestess who sees more than she should. A woman of the mists who tries to drown her, and one who wants to scald her. And a monster from her past she's not ready to face.

As her world tumbles down around her, Rhiannon must find the strength to leap into the fire and burn away her pain. But if she can, will she rise like the phoenix and be reborn, or turn to ash and lose her self?

Into the Fire is book two of the Into the Storm Trilogy, and from the same world as the Into the Mists Trilogy.

"Into the Mists is empowering, inspiring and magical. I loved every single page. I haven't enjoyed a book so much since Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier." Julia Ostara, book reviewer

"I'm absolutely blown away by this book and this series. It is beautiful from start to finish - magical, realistic, gentle, harsh, sad, joyful... I've been on a total rollercoaster ride, and am now feeling so bereft at the thought that these wonderful people will no longer be part of my life. What the author has created with these books is just beautiful." Kylie Matthews, book reviewer

366 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2018

Reviews

[Felicity Pulman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Into the Fire is the next magical tale from Serene Conneeley, following on from her Into the Mists series and the first book of Into the Storm. It continues the stories of Rhiannon and Carlie; their lives, their loves, their losses, their fears, their hopes and dreams as they practise their magic and come to terms with the grief of losing their mothers (Beth and Violet) while at the same time they try to unravel the dark secrets that surround them. Weaving through the novel are the girls' magical rites that honour the passing of the seasons and the magical beings who impart their wisdom and keep them safe when they have lost their way. The novel also explores friendship and family connections and, unexpectedly, includes the ghostly presence of Beth who watches over her grieving daughter and husband and tries to help. This is Rhiannon's story: a beautiful and tender insight into a girl racked by shame and guilt as she explores the ecstasy of first love. The addendum at the end of the book gives a detailed and fascinating explanation of the four astronomical and four agricultural festivals and the rites and the rituals celebrated by ancient pagan practitioners and which are still celebrated today. Highly recommended.

[Kastie Pavlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up where Into the Storm left off, Into the Fire adds a ghostly element by exploring the afterlife through Rhiannon's mother, Beth, which provides an intriguing view of life after death for both the living and the dead. This story crosses over with events from Into the Dark and Into the Light, providing Rhiannon's life during these times and offering much insight into her behaviors. This book also circles around to the beginning of Into the Storm and explores the grim reality of trauma and the many effects of PTSD. This book has something to say and it asks you to listen. With more fantasy and magical realism added to this volume, the witchy elements and Women of the Mists provide empowerment and respite from the harsh revelations. The mystery and mystique deepen as much as Rhiannon's reality. The overall message is as uplifting as usual, and proves that the sense of self is a fragile thing to be cherished and cared for, and that's not something we can always do alone. It's ok to ask for help. It's ok to rise up. It's ok to take control. It's okay to love yourself. In fact, loving yourself may be the most important lesson of all. I'm eagerly awaiting the final volume.

[Sharron Bardsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As serene delves deep into the emotions Rhiannon and includes Beth (deceased) I love that we get a possible incite into our loved ones on the other side .

[Catherine Sareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating.

Truly captivating. And so relatable with her repressed memories of what Evan had done. Five stars. Would recommend to friends