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The Incineration Saga #1
Followed by Fire
A witch, a demon, and a priest walk into a tavern ...
Wait, no. A war.
Yeah. It's definitely a war.
In Brigovia, the cobblestones run warm with the blood of humans, demons, and enchanters alike. And with each body that falls, one name is whispered: Greenbriar.
It's all particularly vexing for Esven Greenbriar, since she's never killed anyone in her entire life. But when humans drag her mother, the fabled witch of Brigovia, from their isolated home and execute her by fire, all of Esven's compassion for mankind goes up in smoke.
Now, tempted by an alluring fire demon with a proposition to destroy humanity, the young witch must choose between the revenge she craves and her late mother's wish for peace. With a reticent priest and a sarcastic cat among her painfully short list of friends, she just might be able to stifle her anger and spare the world.
Or, you know, burn it all to ash.
Wait, no. A war.
Yeah. It's definitely a war.
In Brigovia, the cobblestones run warm with the blood of humans, demons, and enchanters alike. And with each body that falls, one name is whispered: Greenbriar.
It's all particularly vexing for Esven Greenbriar, since she's never killed anyone in her entire life. But when humans drag her mother, the fabled witch of Brigovia, from their isolated home and execute her by fire, all of Esven's compassion for mankind goes up in smoke.
Now, tempted by an alluring fire demon with a proposition to destroy humanity, the young witch must choose between the revenge she craves and her late mother's wish for peace. With a reticent priest and a sarcastic cat among her painfully short list of friends, she just might be able to stifle her anger and spare the world.
Or, you know, burn it all to ash.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2019
6 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 15, 2022
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
And just like that, I have another series I’m hooked to. And good Lord, what a way to hook you. The first page alone would have been enough but nope, the author decided to dig into my heart, rip it out and pique my curiosity all before chapter two started.
And I loved every minute of it.
The atmosphere and world building is superb. You find yourself lost in this world along with our protagonist and before you are even aware of it, their world has become your world. Best feeling ever!
Characters are brilliant too. No shortage of flawed but likable folk here! Expect to both love and hate them at the same time. I couldn’t wait to get the answers they were seeking, almost more than they did!
Definitely put this one on your TBR. I can’t wait to see where it goes.
And just like that, I have another series I’m hooked to. And good Lord, what a way to hook you. The first page alone would have been enough but nope, the author decided to dig into my heart, rip it out and pique my curiosity all before chapter two started.
And I loved every minute of it.
The atmosphere and world building is superb. You find yourself lost in this world along with our protagonist and before you are even aware of it, their world has become your world. Best feeling ever!
Characters are brilliant too. No shortage of flawed but likable folk here! Expect to both love and hate them at the same time. I couldn’t wait to get the answers they were seeking, almost more than they did!
Definitely put this one on your TBR. I can’t wait to see where it goes.
April 14, 2022
Wow. This was SUCH a fun book! The characters, the setting, the magic - all of it was just so vivid and engaging. The Angel Lord vs. Demon Lord aspect was really cool, especially once you learn some of the back story toward the end. But my favorite part was definitely the characters. Esven makes a great heroine, with a desire to follow her mother's pacifist wishes at odds with the driving need for vengeance. And her cat familiar gave me serious Salem from Sabrina vibes, which I loved. The demon Balvo is the perfect love interest, with his complicated past camouflaged by a carefree personality and plenty of banter. But the priest, Elias, was hands down my favorite. Every scene that was written from his perspective was just perfection, and as much as Esven and Balvo have better potential together, I can't help but ship him with Esven just a little. 'Cause favorite.
Highly recommend checking this one out if you enjoy fun fantasy with adventure, banter, and a side
of (very) slow burn romance.
I was given an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Highly recommend checking this one out if you enjoy fun fantasy with adventure, banter, and a side
of (very) slow burn romance.
I was given an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2022
I don't even know if I have the words to describe how much I LOVED this book! My biggest advice would be for you to stop reading this review and go read Followed by Fire instead because I wholeheartedly believe reading this will be a waste of precious time you could be spending with Esven, Balvo, and Elias. Oh! And Maritimus, of course.
Since I already named the characters I feel the need to scream about how amazing they are. I LOVE Balvo's humor and wit. He's definitely my favorite and I am here for the slow-burn romance between him and Esven. Esven is great too and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of sexual tension between her and my favorite fire demon. I am super stoked to see where the second book in the series takes us!
Along with a fantastic cast of characters, Followed by Fire also has incredible world-building. I love how Austin introduced the history of Brigovia without a single info dump, which is a skill I feel many authors tend to lack.
I could seriously go on and on about how much I enjoyed this, but again, your time would be much better spent reading the book for yourself. Packed with humor that legit had me laughing out loud, an memorable cast of characters, an exciting romance, and lots of action and magic, Followed by Fire is one book you do not want to miss!! I am already eager to read the second book in what is sure to be one of my favorite fantasy series!
5 stars!!
Since I already named the characters I feel the need to scream about how amazing they are. I LOVE Balvo's humor and wit. He's definitely my favorite and I am here for the slow-burn romance between him and Esven. Esven is great too and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of sexual tension between her and my favorite fire demon. I am super stoked to see where the second book in the series takes us!
Along with a fantastic cast of characters, Followed by Fire also has incredible world-building. I love how Austin introduced the history of Brigovia without a single info dump, which is a skill I feel many authors tend to lack.
I could seriously go on and on about how much I enjoyed this, but again, your time would be much better spent reading the book for yourself. Packed with humor that legit had me laughing out loud, an memorable cast of characters, an exciting romance, and lots of action and magic, Followed by Fire is one book you do not want to miss!! I am already eager to read the second book in what is sure to be one of my favorite fantasy series!
5 stars!!
February 13, 2023
Okay, this was so fun. I loved McKenzie Austin's Panagea Tales, but I think this one tops it for me. McKenzie has such a gift for vibrant characters that jump off the page, and I especially loved these. I loved Esven, Balvo, and Elias so much it was honestly hard for me to pick a favorite. In a world of demons and magic, the strings that tied these characters together were tense, the banter was perfection, and Maritimus the cat was the cherry on top. Highly recommend for all fans of YA Fantasy.
June 5, 2022
I really couldn't resist the premise of "a witch, a demon, and a priest walk into a bar... wait, no it's a war" and on that front, the story certainly delivered. I am very much a fan of Balvo and the cat, who really stole the show for me. The story had a gripping opening and some great world-building... although it took me a while to get it after the initial OOMF of the opening chapter. There's some telling over showing and a little too much description for my personal taste, when I just wanted to ABSORB the whip-smart dialogue/Balvo.
Did I mention I really liked him? Morally-grey demon falling for a human and hiding his emotions behind a sarcastic attitude? SIGN ME UP.
40% in I was in it for the long haul and read the remainder of the book over a weekend. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.
Did I mention I really liked him? Morally-grey demon falling for a human and hiding his emotions behind a sarcastic attitude? SIGN ME UP.
40% in I was in it for the long haul and read the remainder of the book over a weekend. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.
July 1, 2022
Incredibly addicting!
I read this book in two days, because once I started, I couldn’t stop! The plot, the characters, the writing—so gripping! Austin has created a memorable world, teaching us about it in well-described segments that never feel too much. Rather, they hook you that much more, urging you to keep turning pages for answers!
Of course, for me it’s the characters that demand you devour these pages. People-hating Esven, snark-filled Balvo, and trusted friend Elias have captured my heart. And Maritimus! The personal stakes for Esven are explored immediately and escalate wonderfully throughout the novel. Balvo and Elias have similar, though contrasted, journeys, and I have so many questions about all three—though this was definitely a complete book that gave just enough answers, in a perfect setup for the next book in the series.
Elias is my favorite character. He is such a sweetheart! And I know he has a really interesting backstory… Balvo has the most humor, and his chemistry with Esven is clear from their first conversation. I’m really enjoying the slow-burn of their relationship. They’re very well-suited to each other. At the same time, I love Elias, and part of me wants him to be a serious rival LI! Each of these three main characters is fleshed out and realistic, and utterly lovable (yes, even Balvo, who at one point tries to ease Esven into killing people). So much humor and heart!
In all, a fantastic fantasy read, and the start to a series I greatly look forward to reading more of!
I read this book in two days, because once I started, I couldn’t stop! The plot, the characters, the writing—so gripping! Austin has created a memorable world, teaching us about it in well-described segments that never feel too much. Rather, they hook you that much more, urging you to keep turning pages for answers!
Of course, for me it’s the characters that demand you devour these pages. People-hating Esven, snark-filled Balvo, and trusted friend Elias have captured my heart. And Maritimus! The personal stakes for Esven are explored immediately and escalate wonderfully throughout the novel. Balvo and Elias have similar, though contrasted, journeys, and I have so many questions about all three—though this was definitely a complete book that gave just enough answers, in a perfect setup for the next book in the series.
Elias is my favorite character. He is such a sweetheart! And I know he has a really interesting backstory… Balvo has the most humor, and his chemistry with Esven is clear from their first conversation. I’m really enjoying the slow-burn of their relationship. They’re very well-suited to each other. At the same time, I love Elias, and part of me wants him to be a serious rival LI! Each of these three main characters is fleshed out and realistic, and utterly lovable (yes, even Balvo, who at one point tries to ease Esven into killing people). So much humor and heart!
In all, a fantastic fantasy read, and the start to a series I greatly look forward to reading more of!
August 17, 2022
Followed by Fire by McKenzie Austin is an absolutely unique and undeniably entertaining fantasy full of humor, action, and subtle social commentary (not to mention the beginnings of a love triangle that is sure to have readers equally split on both sides and begging for more). The world building paints a layered picture without getting lost in the details, the plot moves at a perfect pace, and the characters (including a sassy cat) all capture the heart in different ways.
For me, a story is made or broken by its characters, and Austin delivers nuanced heroes that a reader can’t help but root for. The story starts with Esven watching her mother burned at the stake, and her internal battle between wanting vengeance and honoring her mother’s wish for peace is palpable and relatable throughout the narrative. Despite hating people for what they’ve done, she also can’t help but feel compassion and understanding, and it makes her a complex and endearing character. Further adding to her strength, Esven has unknown potential with her enchanter powers but hasn’t mastered them yet, and what she’s capable of as the book goes on is nothing short of intriguing.
Next, there’s Balvo. Demon or not, I may have fallen in love with him. He’s done horrible things in his past, and his goal is equally terrible, yet underneath the clever quips and roguish behavior is someone who’s been hurt and longs for love and friendship. In the darkness he’s drowned himself in, Esven becomes a light, and I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes in future books.
Elias is the third main character, and he’s sweet and honorable but terribly conflicted. A priest, he’s vowed to follow his Angel Lord’s doctrine, but it’s clear he doesn’t buy what many of the so-called believers do. He questions his faith, himself, and how society views misfits. He also holds feelings for Esven he knows he shouldn’t. There is more to him than meets the eye, and unravelling all the secrets he holds had me flipping screens well into the night.
The first book of this series was nothing short of outstanding, and the message I took from it was powerful: Do you remain blinded by the belief you’ve held or risk looking at the world and its people from a new perspective? I look forward to following these characters as they each face that question in different ways, especially given the brilliant set up Austin established for the next book in the series. Highly recommend!
For me, a story is made or broken by its characters, and Austin delivers nuanced heroes that a reader can’t help but root for. The story starts with Esven watching her mother burned at the stake, and her internal battle between wanting vengeance and honoring her mother’s wish for peace is palpable and relatable throughout the narrative. Despite hating people for what they’ve done, she also can’t help but feel compassion and understanding, and it makes her a complex and endearing character. Further adding to her strength, Esven has unknown potential with her enchanter powers but hasn’t mastered them yet, and what she’s capable of as the book goes on is nothing short of intriguing.
Next, there’s Balvo. Demon or not, I may have fallen in love with him. He’s done horrible things in his past, and his goal is equally terrible, yet underneath the clever quips and roguish behavior is someone who’s been hurt and longs for love and friendship. In the darkness he’s drowned himself in, Esven becomes a light, and I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes in future books.
Elias is the third main character, and he’s sweet and honorable but terribly conflicted. A priest, he’s vowed to follow his Angel Lord’s doctrine, but it’s clear he doesn’t buy what many of the so-called believers do. He questions his faith, himself, and how society views misfits. He also holds feelings for Esven he knows he shouldn’t. There is more to him than meets the eye, and unravelling all the secrets he holds had me flipping screens well into the night.
The first book of this series was nothing short of outstanding, and the message I took from it was powerful: Do you remain blinded by the belief you’ve held or risk looking at the world and its people from a new perspective? I look forward to following these characters as they each face that question in different ways, especially given the brilliant set up Austin established for the next book in the series. Highly recommend!
June 22, 2022
Moral messages embedded within a terrific fantasy and phenomenal writing
“Some lies are borne of love.”
There are so many memorable pieces of text embedded in my subconscious, a sign of excellent writing. The described story’s world is outstanding and original, and the main characters’ thoughts delivered to us is an artwork. A unique world where the demons are more actually angel-like, who seek justice while many humans are immoral. Besides interesting main characters and plot, there are few strong moral messages and criticism on spirituality/religion, humanism, managing hatred, and justice; all relevant to these days.
Thanks to the author's phenomenal writing, I found myself engaged with the plot right away, providing just enough detail on the premise and the characters, mostly ‘showing’ than ‘telling,’ something that I rarely experienced as a reader. “…Two warring gods. Humans, angels, demons, enchanters— enchanters—all those lives are on the line.” Many scenes and dynamic dialogues easily get me into the mode of watching a great TV masterpiece. Of all the characters I liked the cat who seems to be one of us, the readers.
There are amusing moments throughout the read. For instance, here the author hinting us to think about her: ‘The sudden knock ripped Esven from her reading. She flinched, her wide-eyed gaze landing on the door as her fingers curled tighter around her book.’
And another sentence from a funny dialogue: “Maybe next time you see an enchanter on the battlefield, you can tell ‘em to conjure me a fucking husband instead of decapitating all Brigovia’s eligible bachelors, eh?”
There are very few weaknesses. I expected a building tension between the main characters Esven and Balvo. I also wish the book cover was more original than standard and better reflects the conflict between the main characters. On the hand, we know very little about what the main characters look like and the cover provides a hint.
The fantasy world built by the author elegantly permitted reviving those delicate questions. And, the wonderful take-home message: when one is mature enough to learn own parents’ past, one discovers own identity and perhaps destiny. Definitely deserves a 5-star rating.
“Some lies are borne of love.”
There are so many memorable pieces of text embedded in my subconscious, a sign of excellent writing. The described story’s world is outstanding and original, and the main characters’ thoughts delivered to us is an artwork. A unique world where the demons are more actually angel-like, who seek justice while many humans are immoral. Besides interesting main characters and plot, there are few strong moral messages and criticism on spirituality/religion, humanism, managing hatred, and justice; all relevant to these days.
Thanks to the author's phenomenal writing, I found myself engaged with the plot right away, providing just enough detail on the premise and the characters, mostly ‘showing’ than ‘telling,’ something that I rarely experienced as a reader. “…Two warring gods. Humans, angels, demons, enchanters— enchanters—all those lives are on the line.” Many scenes and dynamic dialogues easily get me into the mode of watching a great TV masterpiece. Of all the characters I liked the cat who seems to be one of us, the readers.
There are amusing moments throughout the read. For instance, here the author hinting us to think about her: ‘The sudden knock ripped Esven from her reading. She flinched, her wide-eyed gaze landing on the door as her fingers curled tighter around her book.’
And another sentence from a funny dialogue: “Maybe next time you see an enchanter on the battlefield, you can tell ‘em to conjure me a fucking husband instead of decapitating all Brigovia’s eligible bachelors, eh?”
There are very few weaknesses. I expected a building tension between the main characters Esven and Balvo. I also wish the book cover was more original than standard and better reflects the conflict between the main characters. On the hand, we know very little about what the main characters look like and the cover provides a hint.
The fantasy world built by the author elegantly permitted reviving those delicate questions. And, the wonderful take-home message: when one is mature enough to learn own parents’ past, one discovers own identity and perhaps destiny. Definitely deserves a 5-star rating.
April 22, 2022
McKenzie has a skill that I am intensely envious of, she manages to breathe so much life into her characters that they leap straight off the page and take up a thorough residence in the theatre of my mind as a reader. This has been proven yet again within Followed by Fire, with Balvo being the standout as an absolute delight. Don't get me wrong, McKenzie gets me to feel for Elias in many ways as well - mostly sympathy - and the characters outside of the primary trio all are potent enough to register. But I find something true with Umbriel in the Pangaea Tales series has once again proven true with Esven here. If Balvo is an absolute delight, Esven has stolen my heart and all of my attention during my reading of Followed by Fire.
While her circumstances, and those of the world, are perhaps far less 'intricate' than McKenzie's Pangaea Tales - it suits the flavor of the Incineration Saga rather well. The stage has just enough props to let the characters tell this tale, and it is both refreshing and fun at every step along the way. As a novel, it is as easy to pick right back up if you must put it down as it is to read clean through in one long sitting, proving there is no one right way to read through this novel. Not something I can say for many! Definitely worthy of a place on anyone's bookshelf.
While her circumstances, and those of the world, are perhaps far less 'intricate' than McKenzie's Pangaea Tales - it suits the flavor of the Incineration Saga rather well. The stage has just enough props to let the characters tell this tale, and it is both refreshing and fun at every step along the way. As a novel, it is as easy to pick right back up if you must put it down as it is to read clean through in one long sitting, proving there is no one right way to read through this novel. Not something I can say for many! Definitely worthy of a place on anyone's bookshelf.
June 19, 2022
Yet another of McKenzie's works to hook me beginning to end, Followed by Fire is a masterfully written re-imagining of the original Incineration Saga, resplendent with the awe-inspiring amounts of detail, lore and character development fans know and love from her previous works.
In a wonderful twist to the standard formula of light vs. dark, neither side is particularly favoured over the other, and with clashing beliefs proudly on display all throughout the story, it makes for great conflicts that never leave any chapter or turn of events feeling boring or predictable. The romance, while not as prevalent as in other McKenzie stories, felt very natural; smooth as butter and sweet as honey, and I don't doubt for a second that it'll only get better as the series continues. And need I mention the tension, the drama, the displays of power? Awesome, end of.
Can't particularly thing of anything specific that could do with changing, though if I had to list one... it'd probably be the ending? I was expecting a liiiiiittle bit more, though can't say exactly what due to spoilers and it's a nice enough ending as it stands anyway. This is a really solidly-written fantasy that you'd be hard-pressed to find any disappointment with!
In a wonderful twist to the standard formula of light vs. dark, neither side is particularly favoured over the other, and with clashing beliefs proudly on display all throughout the story, it makes for great conflicts that never leave any chapter or turn of events feeling boring or predictable. The romance, while not as prevalent as in other McKenzie stories, felt very natural; smooth as butter and sweet as honey, and I don't doubt for a second that it'll only get better as the series continues. And need I mention the tension, the drama, the displays of power? Awesome, end of.
Can't particularly thing of anything specific that could do with changing, though if I had to list one... it'd probably be the ending? I was expecting a liiiiiittle bit more, though can't say exactly what due to spoilers and it's a nice enough ending as it stands anyway. This is a really solidly-written fantasy that you'd be hard-pressed to find any disappointment with!
July 20, 2024
A witch is condemned and her daughter, Esven, lives in hiding to escape the same fate. Her only companions are a black cat and a priest, a priest who'll be in deep sh*t if it's found out he associates with an enchanter. The war between humans, demons, witches, and enchanters has been raging so long most people have forgotten why it started.
The demon Balvo is sent to find the daughter of the great Amadeia. Her child is the only chance the Demon Lord has to break the great seal and allow demons to roam the human world. Esven is more than he expected. She's been raised to be peaceful, to believe the best of people, to harm no one. But beneath that is her thirst for revenge for what happened to her mother. If Balvo can make her see how awful humans are, she'll willingly unleash hell.
Then everything falls apart.
This wouldn't usually be a book I'd pick up, but I loved the blurb and was eager to give it a chance. The writing is fantastic. I felt fully immersed in the scenes and each character was wonderfully voiced. I enjoyed the banter between Esvan and Balvo and am excited to see how their characters continue to develop.
The demon Balvo is sent to find the daughter of the great Amadeia. Her child is the only chance the Demon Lord has to break the great seal and allow demons to roam the human world. Esven is more than he expected. She's been raised to be peaceful, to believe the best of people, to harm no one. But beneath that is her thirst for revenge for what happened to her mother. If Balvo can make her see how awful humans are, she'll willingly unleash hell.
Then everything falls apart.
This wouldn't usually be a book I'd pick up, but I loved the blurb and was eager to give it a chance. The writing is fantastic. I felt fully immersed in the scenes and each character was wonderfully voiced. I enjoyed the banter between Esvan and Balvo and am excited to see how their characters continue to develop.
June 4, 2022
I devoured this book!! I absolutely loved Esven and Balvo together and the exquisite tension between them. There is so much emotion packed into this book, and the divide/absolute judgment between enchanters and those who follow the Angel Lord is an interesting reflection on today's society in many ways. Also, Maritimus the feline familiar reminded me so much of my own cat, I couldn't help but fall in love with him, haha! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
April 25, 2022
So I have a weakness for often blond, emotionally stupid characters who are just there to cause problems.
Enter Balvo, and I knew I was going to adore this book.
All of the characters are fantastic, and I adore how Esven and Balvo interact. Their scenes are the absolute best. Set against a war on magic, with some demons thrown in, and it’s the perfect mix up. Can’t recommend it enough!
Enter Balvo, and I knew I was going to adore this book.
All of the characters are fantastic, and I adore how Esven and Balvo interact. Their scenes are the absolute best. Set against a war on magic, with some demons thrown in, and it’s the perfect mix up. Can’t recommend it enough!
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January 22, 2023TL;DR: I really liked Esven, and I really enjoyed how the characters in this one act like themselves, defining the plot and not the other way around. Esven isn't stupid just so the plot can work out, and I liked that a lot.
Full review here (I promise, it's a lot more interesting): https://enthralledbylove.com/2023/01/...
Full review here (I promise, it's a lot more interesting): https://enthralledbylove.com/2023/01/...
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