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Destiny and Darkness #1
Daughter of Fire: Conspiracy of the Dark
I am the daughter of winter. My people are strong and unbending as ice. I was born with the frozen winds sweeping through my hair, with snow dusted across my skin. I am. I am. I am…
For Aeryn, a girl born to the remote, wintry Ice Crown region of Ilirya, the outside world is a fantasy: a series of wonderful stories told by occasional passing travellers. She never imagines anything for her life beyond following in her parents’ footsteps.
But the discovery that she has the rare gift of magic shatters her isolated world. Aeryn can create and tame fire. It’s an intoxicating, raw, and thrilling power, but it also sets her apart. And her gift attracts attention.
She is whisked from her home in the wilds to train at Windhall University and master her magic. There, Aeryn slowly learns the truth about the real world, with its strange mix of people and powers, and so many intertwining threads of shadows and light. She’s drawn to unattainable Lyse, a beautiful healer in training who makes Aeryn’s heart soar. But she also senses a creeping darkness all around that could threaten the future of the kingdom itself.
A compelling, original, evocative fantasy novel for young and old. Part one of the Destiny and Darkness series.
For Aeryn, a girl born to the remote, wintry Ice Crown region of Ilirya, the outside world is a fantasy: a series of wonderful stories told by occasional passing travellers. She never imagines anything for her life beyond following in her parents’ footsteps.
But the discovery that she has the rare gift of magic shatters her isolated world. Aeryn can create and tame fire. It’s an intoxicating, raw, and thrilling power, but it also sets her apart. And her gift attracts attention.
She is whisked from her home in the wilds to train at Windhall University and master her magic. There, Aeryn slowly learns the truth about the real world, with its strange mix of people and powers, and so many intertwining threads of shadows and light. She’s drawn to unattainable Lyse, a beautiful healer in training who makes Aeryn’s heart soar. But she also senses a creeping darkness all around that could threaten the future of the kingdom itself.
A compelling, original, evocative fantasy novel for young and old. Part one of the Destiny and Darkness series.
191 pages, ebook
First published September 18, 2019
37 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 16, 2019
3.50 Stars. With some disappointment I have to say I have mixed feelings about this book. Parts I was really impressed with, others just rubbed me the wrong way. I do want to say that I know I can be a bit of a fantasy snob. I have read so many mainstream and lesfic fantasy books that I can be a bit picky. I would suggest reading other reviews to help decide if this is a book for you. I was very happy to see YLVA even put out a fantasy book since they are so few and far between for this publisher. YA or adult fantasy I don’t care, I just hope we will be seeing more fantasy from YLVA in the future.
This is YA fantasy with a main character Aeryn who is 15 and eventually 16 years old. There is no romance in this book but Aeryn does have a crush on a slightly older girl. I was fine with no romance and considering the age of the main character, I hope that if there is a romance in future books it remains on the sweet YA side unless the characters age.
I did find the writing to be well done. There was only once or twice I found myself thinking this is getting a little info dumpy, but considering this a fantasy book and first of the series, so little info dumping is impressive. Frost’s writing felt very readable and I believe this book will be approachable for even non-fantasy fans. The problem I had was not in the way of the writing but in the story choices.
The character of Aeryn is very naïve due to her age and background so it made her character feel passive. What I mean by that is everything kept happening to Aeryn. She wasn’t controlling her own destiny and choices and I hate passive characters in spec-fic. It is not literally until the last two pages, does Aeryn make her own choice but then the book ends on a weak cliffhanger.
I’m calling it a weak cliffhanger because I was not impressed. It was supposed to be this big reveal but it wasn’t a reveal for us readers, it was a reveal for the character instead. As a reader, we have actually known since almost the 30% mark what really happened so the so called “big reveal” felt like a weak way to end a book. Also, the length under 200 pages, who writes a fantasy book that short? I want a big sweeping epic fantasy book not something that feels like it was broken into two pieces, two books for some strange reason.
Maybe I’m being a little grumpy but did anyone else find it weird that Aeryn cannot read or write a lick, but they put her in a history class where the other students are taking notes? How can she even write an answer on a test when she is just learning how to copy the alphabet?
While I definitely had my issues with this book, I see a lot of potential. Since this book was cut so short, I’m assuming book 2 will still be when Aeryn is a child. I’m hoping that if this series continues beyond book 2, it will fast-forward to Aeryn being an adult. There are so many openings and possible places for this series to go when Aeryn is older and I hope we will get to read about it. I’m tired of passive Aeryn, I want ass kicking Aeryn instead.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
This is YA fantasy with a main character Aeryn who is 15 and eventually 16 years old. There is no romance in this book but Aeryn does have a crush on a slightly older girl. I was fine with no romance and considering the age of the main character, I hope that if there is a romance in future books it remains on the sweet YA side unless the characters age.
I did find the writing to be well done. There was only once or twice I found myself thinking this is getting a little info dumpy, but considering this a fantasy book and first of the series, so little info dumping is impressive. Frost’s writing felt very readable and I believe this book will be approachable for even non-fantasy fans. The problem I had was not in the way of the writing but in the story choices.
The character of Aeryn is very naïve due to her age and background so it made her character feel passive. What I mean by that is everything kept happening to Aeryn. She wasn’t controlling her own destiny and choices and I hate passive characters in spec-fic. It is not literally until the last two pages, does Aeryn make her own choice but then the book ends on a weak cliffhanger.
I’m calling it a weak cliffhanger because I was not impressed. It was supposed to be this big reveal but it wasn’t a reveal for us readers, it was a reveal for the character instead. As a reader, we have actually known since almost the 30% mark what really happened so the so called “big reveal” felt like a weak way to end a book. Also, the length under 200 pages, who writes a fantasy book that short? I want a big sweeping epic fantasy book not something that feels like it was broken into two pieces, two books for some strange reason.
Maybe I’m being a little grumpy but did anyone else find it weird that Aeryn cannot read or write a lick, but they put her in a history class where the other students are taking notes? How can she even write an answer on a test when she is just learning how to copy the alphabet?
While I definitely had my issues with this book, I see a lot of potential. Since this book was cut so short, I’m assuming book 2 will still be when Aeryn is a child. I’m hoping that if this series continues beyond book 2, it will fast-forward to Aeryn being an adult. There are so many openings and possible places for this series to go when Aeryn is older and I hope we will get to read about it. I’m tired of passive Aeryn, I want ass kicking Aeryn instead.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
September 10, 2019
An ARC read and reviewed for an honest opinion
Two things to start off with immediately: 1) I read an ARC; 2) this ends in a . Oh, and 3) this is a ‘not-earth’ fantasy involving/including people who are below the age of 20.
The story opens from the POV of a girl of 11 who is witnessing a stranger mingle near/in her small village at night. Her village is tiny and on the northern outskirts of a kingdom. A village that is described as snowy and cold – icy (though they apparently have something like a month or two of growing season). The stranger? Only important in that it is revealed that he is a mage – a magic user, one, in fact, who is a ‘King’s Mage’. Aeryn (and remembering her name wasn’t easy as most of the time it was ‘I’ or ‘me/my’ and not her name), upon seeing the magic show put on by the stranger, immediately decides that she is going to be a mage when she grows up. She puts a great deal of effort into it, but, alas, no magic spills out of her. A month or less goes by, and something else catches her eye as a possible career.
Quickly jump forward to a few moments (exact time eludes me) before Aeryn’s 15 birthday. For a longish time before her day of birth, she’s been very weak and feverish. On her exact day of birth, fire erupts from her. Magic, it appears, has found her.
Somewhere between that moment and something like 35% of the book, Aeryn attempts to gain control of her magic, to now have it be wild and possibly lethal/dangerous. Something changes, though, when she’s approaching her 16th birthday. Less because it’s her 16th, but because she’s been doing a little too much magic use stuff. And people associated with the King’s Regiment track magic – and have tracked her down. Aeryn gets a bump on her head and the next thing she knows, she’s on the way to the capital city to go to a magic college/university (there’s two, one’s a college, one’s a university, and other than one having more students, the difference between the two wasn’t mentioned . . . I don’t think).
Aeryn’s scared and reluctant – being a small rural village girl, but, to a certain extent, more because she doesn’t know if she really has what it takes to be a mage. She knows she doesn’t have what it takes to go to college (she can write her name with a stick and handy ground but . . .).
She befriends people, goes to class, gets mentally attacked by a super creepy evil looking guy who reminds me of that evil looking teacher from Harry Potter (and you know which side the teacher actually ended up on), and learns stuff.
Throughout the book Aeryn had certain ‘feelings’ about Lyse, a young woman who she meets at the school (she’s about . . . 20?), but Lyse is ‘bonded’ to a much older man. And nothing closer to ‘f/f’ type stuff occurs before roughly 90% (97%?). Though it’s more of a . . . hmms, tease. Nope that doesn’t work either, was trying to not be spoilery ().
Quite interesting and fun book. In enjoyed it. Though the main character is young, and naïve (more in that she’s from a rural tiny village and knows nothing about what’s going on in the rest of the Kingdom). And the f/f, w/w, LGBT nature of the book is mostly hidden (beyond Aeryn’s interest in Lyse; and an f/f couple meet deep in the book).
For reasons hidden behind the first spoiler, I might recommend waiting the tiny amount of time (if I recall correctly) and read the first (this book) and second book back-to-back. Though this was still good without that second part.
Rating: 4.75
September 10 2019
Two things to start off with immediately: 1) I read an ARC; 2) this ends in a . Oh, and 3) this is a ‘not-earth’ fantasy involving/including people who are below the age of 20.
The story opens from the POV of a girl of 11 who is witnessing a stranger mingle near/in her small village at night. Her village is tiny and on the northern outskirts of a kingdom. A village that is described as snowy and cold – icy (though they apparently have something like a month or two of growing season). The stranger? Only important in that it is revealed that he is a mage – a magic user, one, in fact, who is a ‘King’s Mage’. Aeryn (and remembering her name wasn’t easy as most of the time it was ‘I’ or ‘me/my’ and not her name), upon seeing the magic show put on by the stranger, immediately decides that she is going to be a mage when she grows up. She puts a great deal of effort into it, but, alas, no magic spills out of her. A month or less goes by, and something else catches her eye as a possible career.
Quickly jump forward to a few moments (exact time eludes me) before Aeryn’s 15 birthday. For a longish time before her day of birth, she’s been very weak and feverish. On her exact day of birth, fire erupts from her. Magic, it appears, has found her.
Somewhere between that moment and something like 35% of the book, Aeryn attempts to gain control of her magic, to now have it be wild and possibly lethal/dangerous. Something changes, though, when she’s approaching her 16th birthday. Less because it’s her 16th, but because she’s been doing a little too much magic use stuff. And people associated with the King’s Regiment track magic – and have tracked her down. Aeryn gets a bump on her head and the next thing she knows, she’s on the way to the capital city to go to a magic college/university (there’s two, one’s a college, one’s a university, and other than one having more students, the difference between the two wasn’t mentioned . . . I don’t think).
Aeryn’s scared and reluctant – being a small rural village girl, but, to a certain extent, more because she doesn’t know if she really has what it takes to be a mage. She knows she doesn’t have what it takes to go to college (she can write her name with a stick and handy ground but . . .).
She befriends people, goes to class, gets mentally attacked by a super creepy evil looking guy who reminds me of that evil looking teacher from Harry Potter (and you know which side the teacher actually ended up on), and learns stuff.
Throughout the book Aeryn had certain ‘feelings’ about Lyse, a young woman who she meets at the school (she’s about . . . 20?), but Lyse is ‘bonded’ to a much older man. And nothing closer to ‘f/f’ type stuff occurs before roughly 90% (97%?). Though it’s more of a . . . hmms, tease. Nope that doesn’t work either, was trying to not be spoilery ().
Quite interesting and fun book. In enjoyed it. Though the main character is young, and naïve (more in that she’s from a rural tiny village and knows nothing about what’s going on in the rest of the Kingdom). And the f/f, w/w, LGBT nature of the book is mostly hidden (beyond Aeryn’s interest in Lyse; and an f/f couple meet deep in the book).
For reasons hidden behind the first spoiler, I might recommend waiting the tiny amount of time (if I recall correctly) and read the first (this book) and second book back-to-back. Though this was still good without that second part.
Rating: 4.75
September 10 2019
September 14, 2019
A magical young adult fantasy.
From the beginning first few paragraphs you just get the feeling like this story is going to be epic. The author has a way of telling stories through her characters as if you are content and just sitting around a fire waiting for the warmth to lull you to a comfortable sleep.
Ultimately, this is the story of Aeryn, a sixteen year old girl who has discovered that she has magic. She lives in a cold remote village in the far north who only ever hears of things beyond the town by the garrison soldiers that bring back news. Her magical affinity is something that is desired of war mages. She is warned by a trusted elder not to seek the life of a war mage.
There is a lot of world building and a ton of unique characters. I can be pretty single minded when reading and mostly only care about the main characters. But the author created very richly layered secondary characters that I had no choice but to become attached to. I especially liked the positive adventure seeking Knight, Sir Idris.
Another thing that I appreciated was all of the different scenarios that happen. Everything that happens is exciting and engaging. From Aeryn being overwhelmed and unable to control her magic.A journey to King City where Aeryn must help infiltrate a camp to lift a saddle. To being infiltrated herself by a suspicious and evil looking teacher, Raelon. All 'scenes' are super interesting.
While there is no romance in this, there is the hint of something bubbling. Aeryn meets a girl a few years older than her that is a healer. She develops a bit of a crush. But the girl is bonded to an older male healer. So there is also an element of jealousy.
Overall, I really liked this book. I have not read a lot of fantasy and I'm not sure if everything in this book is standard for the genre. But for me, I felt like it was all very unique and creative.
Not much to critique. There were some places where the pacing slowed a bit too much. A major plot point was predictable from the beginning and therefore did not pack quite the punch it probably intended. And this ended on a cliffhanger of sorts. So don't expect any resolution when reading this.
I heard that there is a book two coming out soon. I can't wait!
I recommend this to people who like to read young adult, fantasy, world building, magic, deceit, traveling, war, sparring, and first crushes.
I received an ARC from YLVA for an honest review.
From the beginning first few paragraphs you just get the feeling like this story is going to be epic. The author has a way of telling stories through her characters as if you are content and just sitting around a fire waiting for the warmth to lull you to a comfortable sleep.
Ultimately, this is the story of Aeryn, a sixteen year old girl who has discovered that she has magic. She lives in a cold remote village in the far north who only ever hears of things beyond the town by the garrison soldiers that bring back news. Her magical affinity is something that is desired of war mages. She is warned by a trusted elder not to seek the life of a war mage.
There is a lot of world building and a ton of unique characters. I can be pretty single minded when reading and mostly only care about the main characters. But the author created very richly layered secondary characters that I had no choice but to become attached to. I especially liked the positive adventure seeking Knight, Sir Idris.
Another thing that I appreciated was all of the different scenarios that happen. Everything that happens is exciting and engaging. From Aeryn being overwhelmed and unable to control her magic.A journey to King City where Aeryn must help infiltrate a camp to lift a saddle. To being infiltrated herself by a suspicious and evil looking teacher, Raelon. All 'scenes' are super interesting.
While there is no romance in this, there is the hint of something bubbling. Aeryn meets a girl a few years older than her that is a healer. She develops a bit of a crush. But the girl is bonded to an older male healer. So there is also an element of jealousy.
Overall, I really liked this book. I have not read a lot of fantasy and I'm not sure if everything in this book is standard for the genre. But for me, I felt like it was all very unique and creative.
Not much to critique. There were some places where the pacing slowed a bit too much. A major plot point was predictable from the beginning and therefore did not pack quite the punch it probably intended. And this ended on a cliffhanger of sorts. So don't expect any resolution when reading this.
I heard that there is a book two coming out soon. I can't wait!
I recommend this to people who like to read young adult, fantasy, world building, magic, deceit, traveling, war, sparring, and first crushes.
I received an ARC from YLVA for an honest review.
September 19, 2019
I generally don’t read many fantasy novels. It’s not that I don’t like a good fantasy story, but many books tend to have a few elements that I just can’t stand. For instance, many fantasy stories have names for characters and places that are thirty letters long, twenty-nine of which are consonants with a vowel thrown in just for fun. The words are totally unpronounceable and very easy to forget or mix up. I generally never make it past the second page of novels like this before I’ve tossed it aside and moved on. I hesitated to choose Daughter of Fire: Conspiracy of the Dark (Destiny of the Dark #1) by Karen Frost even though the introductory blurb sounded really good. My partner, who loves Science Fiction and fantasy genres, convinced me to read it, and I am so glad she did. Thank you, Honey!
This is the story of Aeryn, a young girl who lives in the remote northern village of Thamir, on the northern edge of the kingdom of Ilirya. Thamir and the other small villages along the northern border are known collectively as the Ice Crown, and the people are Ice Crowners. Because of the remoteness of the area, Aeryn only knows about the rest of the kingdom through stories that sound like myths to her. Her fifteenth birthday changes her life when she suddenly begins to create and manipulate fire. This is powerful magic that soon draws attention to her, and she is kidnapped and taken to the King’s City where she will be trained as a war mage in Windhall University. This is a totally foreign place to Aeryn, though she does make a few friends including Lyse, a young woman Aeryn is attracted to. There is a dark power creeping into the kingdom, though, and this spells danger for everyone.
I was drawn into this story on the very first page. Thanks to the writing skills of Ms. Frost, I not only read the tale, I lived it with the characters. Her skill at world building is exceptional, which is a must for a great fantasy story. Her settings are vibrant and real. The characters are easy to connect with. The storyline is compelling. And best of all, no twenty-nine consonants plus one vowel words.
By now, I’m sure that most of you know this book ends on a cliffhanger with the rest of the tale coming out in a little over a month from now. At least it isn’t like our favorite tv shows that end the season with the lead actor standing in the doorway asking his girlfriend to marry him with the credits rolling right after we see her shocked face (The Big Bang Theory). Even worse, spending a whole summer wondering, “Who shot J.R.?” Yes, I know I dated myself with that one. (For you young’uns, that’s from the seventies/eighties show Dallas)
I know it can be difficult to wait when a story is this good, but I believe it’ll be worth it. I know I’m glad I read this book, and I will be getting the next book as soon as I can.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
This is the story of Aeryn, a young girl who lives in the remote northern village of Thamir, on the northern edge of the kingdom of Ilirya. Thamir and the other small villages along the northern border are known collectively as the Ice Crown, and the people are Ice Crowners. Because of the remoteness of the area, Aeryn only knows about the rest of the kingdom through stories that sound like myths to her. Her fifteenth birthday changes her life when she suddenly begins to create and manipulate fire. This is powerful magic that soon draws attention to her, and she is kidnapped and taken to the King’s City where she will be trained as a war mage in Windhall University. This is a totally foreign place to Aeryn, though she does make a few friends including Lyse, a young woman Aeryn is attracted to. There is a dark power creeping into the kingdom, though, and this spells danger for everyone.
I was drawn into this story on the very first page. Thanks to the writing skills of Ms. Frost, I not only read the tale, I lived it with the characters. Her skill at world building is exceptional, which is a must for a great fantasy story. Her settings are vibrant and real. The characters are easy to connect with. The storyline is compelling. And best of all, no twenty-nine consonants plus one vowel words.
By now, I’m sure that most of you know this book ends on a cliffhanger with the rest of the tale coming out in a little over a month from now. At least it isn’t like our favorite tv shows that end the season with the lead actor standing in the doorway asking his girlfriend to marry him with the credits rolling right after we see her shocked face (The Big Bang Theory). Even worse, spending a whole summer wondering, “Who shot J.R.?” Yes, I know I dated myself with that one. (For you young’uns, that’s from the seventies/eighties show Dallas)
I know it can be difficult to wait when a story is this good, but I believe it’ll be worth it. I know I’m glad I read this book, and I will be getting the next book as soon as I can.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
September 17, 2019
This is a frustrating read. Like other reviewers before me, I wonder why the story is being told in two different books. This one feels like an introduction and not much more. The world building is good (though it feels too much like Harry Potter meets GoT, I was having plenty of déjà vu feelings) and so is the writing, but I kept waiting for the real story to begin.
When we first meet Aeryn, she’s a child, living in a tiny village in the Ice Crown region, in the north of the kingdom. The villagers are not used to visitors and when a mage comes by unexpectedly, Aeryn is fascinated. We meet her again at fifteen, when she discovers she has magic. She trains as best she can to control the fire and bolts her body produces, not sure she can (nor is willing to) get proper training as a mage at university. Then she’s taken away from her family by soldiers of the King’s Regiment and brought to said university by a Hagrid-like knight. She makes friends there and learns that the world is not always as it seems. Also, there’s a war happening in the south of the kingdom and it all sounds very ominous. It also explains why Aeryn is being trained, as obviously war mages are needed to win and / or stop the war.
The first part ends on some sort of cliffhanger which is not a real surprise to the reader, even if it is to Aeryn.
As annoying as it felt to be stopped right when the story gets interesting, I’m looking forward to reading the second part, to find out what happens to Aeryn, whether she grows up to become a war mage and if the fledgling romance with Lyse gets anywhere. It’s announced for November, so not too long to wait.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
When we first meet Aeryn, she’s a child, living in a tiny village in the Ice Crown region, in the north of the kingdom. The villagers are not used to visitors and when a mage comes by unexpectedly, Aeryn is fascinated. We meet her again at fifteen, when she discovers she has magic. She trains as best she can to control the fire and bolts her body produces, not sure she can (nor is willing to) get proper training as a mage at university. Then she’s taken away from her family by soldiers of the King’s Regiment and brought to said university by a Hagrid-like knight. She makes friends there and learns that the world is not always as it seems. Also, there’s a war happening in the south of the kingdom and it all sounds very ominous. It also explains why Aeryn is being trained, as obviously war mages are needed to win and / or stop the war.
The first part ends on some sort of cliffhanger which is not a real surprise to the reader, even if it is to Aeryn.
As annoying as it felt to be stopped right when the story gets interesting, I’m looking forward to reading the second part, to find out what happens to Aeryn, whether she grows up to become a war mage and if the fledgling romance with Lyse gets anywhere. It’s announced for November, so not too long to wait.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2020
Content warning: death of minor characters, magical gaslighting, blood, kidnapping, minor character with cancer
This is part one of Daughter of Fire. Though possibly unfair to rate now, it was indeed published as two separate books. I am giving a somewhat positive rating since the story is fairly good so far. With the knowledge of only 50% of the plot, this review might be a little spoilery but not much more than what the publisher’s blurb already stated.
Aeryn (15) is from the Ice Crown. When she begins to show an affinity for fire magic and promise as a war mage if trained, the King’s Regiment soldiers take notice, kidnap her, and strip her of recent memories. Believing she is the sole survivor of a Northmen invasion, Aeryn finds herself on the way to Windhall University. After passing out during admission testing, she wakes up in the lap of a cursed healer Lyse.
The story buildup is good, but it started slow. There were a lot of descriptions and too few dialogues in the first half of this part. But during the beginning, we get to understand more about Aeryn’s world as she grapples with her newfound magical abilities. I like that Frost decided magic should work like meditation. With the kingdom at war with the Southlands, the characters also mention how heroic stories might have glorified and fueled the war. I really appreciate Frost putting a lot of thoughts into constructing the characters’ beliefs.
Though told in the first-person point of view, I felt that Aeryn is emotionally detached throughout the story. But at the 50% mark of Conspiracy of the Dark, Lyse shows up and the atmosphere instantly warms. It is almost impossible not to like this caring and loving healer, even when she insists she loves Timo. The chemistry between Aeryn and Lyse is slowly developing, and I hope it will be a beautiful romance.
I am not a fan of magical gaslighting, which is my way of saying using magic to make people forget about their past in order to manipulation them. Apart from being gaslighted though, Aeryn’s self-consciousness and self-deprecation are a little sad to read. I am unsure if those were magical side effects or not.
Frost dropped a lot of information in this first part, and I think it will become important in the second, i.e., The Darkness Rising. I need to point out that there are similarities between the mage school Aeryn attends and a certain magical school that is no longer mentionable. The parallel between the professors in both schools are hard to miss, and even the storyline more or less fits the series. It doesn’t constitute a retelling, but I love that we are getting an actual LGBTQ+-friendly story with magical schools. This fantasy also acknowledges racial and gender diversity, albeit subtly.
This is a short and incomplete review because Daughter of Fire: Conspiracy of the Dark is essentially half a book. But Frost has succeeded in keeping me interested, and I am looking forward to reading the second half.
This is part one of Daughter of Fire. Though possibly unfair to rate now, it was indeed published as two separate books. I am giving a somewhat positive rating since the story is fairly good so far. With the knowledge of only 50% of the plot, this review might be a little spoilery but not much more than what the publisher’s blurb already stated.
Aeryn (15) is from the Ice Crown. When she begins to show an affinity for fire magic and promise as a war mage if trained, the King’s Regiment soldiers take notice, kidnap her, and strip her of recent memories. Believing she is the sole survivor of a Northmen invasion, Aeryn finds herself on the way to Windhall University. After passing out during admission testing, she wakes up in the lap of a cursed healer Lyse.
The story buildup is good, but it started slow. There were a lot of descriptions and too few dialogues in the first half of this part. But during the beginning, we get to understand more about Aeryn’s world as she grapples with her newfound magical abilities. I like that Frost decided magic should work like meditation. With the kingdom at war with the Southlands, the characters also mention how heroic stories might have glorified and fueled the war. I really appreciate Frost putting a lot of thoughts into constructing the characters’ beliefs.
“The fastest animal in the world is rumor.” — Kaylara
Though told in the first-person point of view, I felt that Aeryn is emotionally detached throughout the story. But at the 50% mark of Conspiracy of the Dark, Lyse shows up and the atmosphere instantly warms. It is almost impossible not to like this caring and loving healer, even when she insists she loves Timo. The chemistry between Aeryn and Lyse is slowly developing, and I hope it will be a beautiful romance.
I am not a fan of magical gaslighting, which is my way of saying using magic to make people forget about their past in order to manipulation them. Apart from being gaslighted though, Aeryn’s self-consciousness and self-deprecation are a little sad to read. I am unsure if those were magical side effects or not.
Frost dropped a lot of information in this first part, and I think it will become important in the second, i.e., The Darkness Rising. I need to point out that there are similarities between the mage school Aeryn attends and a certain magical school that is no longer mentionable. The parallel between the professors in both schools are hard to miss, and even the storyline more or less fits the series. It doesn’t constitute a retelling, but I love that we are getting an actual LGBTQ+-friendly story with magical schools. This fantasy also acknowledges racial and gender diversity, albeit subtly.
“Pavo is much smarter than his teachers and the other students realize, [...] They hear his way of speaking and make assumptions about him because of it, but... he knows much more than he lets on.” — Lyse
This is a short and incomplete review because Daughter of Fire: Conspiracy of the Dark is essentially half a book. But Frost has succeeded in keeping me interested, and I am looking forward to reading the second half.
May 5, 2020
PSA: I hope there will be a point where Aeryn shoots someone from an impossible distance with a burning arrow because the combination of hunter skills and magic is EVERYTHING.
So, I really enjoyed this introduction for the 'Destiny and Darkness' series.
The way the story starts and the descriptions of the world reminded me a lot of the time I started reading young adult fantasy as a teen.
While the chosen fantasy setting and the plot don't seem (for now) to be overly complicated and new, it just hit a lot of marks for me: a girl with a cool skill set as main character, a cool variety of magical abilities, a magical school setting *cough*, the teasing/possible start of a wlw storyline and casual queer side characters.
I have read many very good fantasy series that I love, but in the last few years I felt exhausted by many of the newer series. I still love them, but they were sometimes trying too hard to drill the knowledge of 3000 years of pre-story and multiple perspectives into my head and also be different and more epic than every other piece of writing.
So right now I'm kind of thankful for a promising YA high fantasy series that I can enjoy without feeling like there will be a test on it's hierarchy and politics I have to pass the next day.
I have seen the early reviews for this book before reading it myself, so I was aware of some of the unusual details of this first part, like the cliffhanger and it being more of a set-off for the series than a standalone novel. While I understand the critique on those facts, being aware of it might be a reason that those things didn't bother me as much when I read it.
Taking the book for what it is rather than what I wished it was, I am just really intrigued to see where the series will lead from here on and I'm very happy that the wait for the second part will be very short.
So, I really enjoyed this introduction for the 'Destiny and Darkness' series.
The way the story starts and the descriptions of the world reminded me a lot of the time I started reading young adult fantasy as a teen.
While the chosen fantasy setting and the plot don't seem (for now) to be overly complicated and new, it just hit a lot of marks for me: a girl with a cool skill set as main character, a cool variety of magical abilities, a magical school setting *cough*, the teasing/possible start of a wlw storyline and casual queer side characters.
I have read many very good fantasy series that I love, but in the last few years I felt exhausted by many of the newer series. I still love them, but they were sometimes trying too hard to drill the knowledge of 3000 years of pre-story and multiple perspectives into my head and also be different and more epic than every other piece of writing.
So right now I'm kind of thankful for a promising YA high fantasy series that I can enjoy without feeling like there will be a test on it's hierarchy and politics I have to pass the next day.
I have seen the early reviews for this book before reading it myself, so I was aware of some of the unusual details of this first part, like the cliffhanger and it being more of a set-off for the series than a standalone novel. While I understand the critique on those facts, being aware of it might be a reason that those things didn't bother me as much when I read it.
Taking the book for what it is rather than what I wished it was, I am just really intrigued to see where the series will lead from here on and I'm very happy that the wait for the second part will be very short.
September 19, 2019
First and foremost, I am glad that Ylva has released another fantasy series! This is a very solid start for a debut book in a high fantasy series. I like the characters and the world this book set up. It was a little slow going, in that way that most high fantasy first books are, but it has some great explosion points that help keep some of the plot moving.
I would criticize some of the way the lead, Aeryn is portrayed. She's from an isolated northern part of her country, and knows a little about this huge, ongoing war that is being waged between the Southerners and her kingdom. Because of this, when she was essentially kidnapped to be sent to a magic school to be trained to be a soldier for the war, she is almost completely naive. In one sense, it does make it feel like she doesn't have a lot of agency, especially at the beginning. But her naivety
also serves as a way to look at some of the problems (like a seemingly throw away plot of missing kids) in a different light. Because the school is in a larger city, most of her peers are more used to kids going missing, however, Aeryn sees a pattern shaping up, and wants to find out what is actually happening. Aeryn is smart, and fully capable, I just wished that the plot would have allowed her to show it more than in small examples.
I'd also say that the book lets off at a pretty frustrating cliff hanger, and if the second book has about the same page count, I'd be even more frustrated. I understand that very few lesfic books make it into the 400 page range, but high fantasy novels deserve to not be chopped into these really short chunks. This is the fan in me, who would gladly read a 1000+page fantasy that's well written, so I think that even a Young Adult Fantasy like this is done a disservice by breaking it up. It stops the flow, and if people don't like the slower pacing, then the second book may be discarded.
Either way, I only really only rated it 4 stars for the story relying too much on Aeryn being naive. Other than that, I was fully engaged, especially since this feels like the start to a nice long series. I can't wait to see what's in book 2.
Thanks to YLVA for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I would criticize some of the way the lead, Aeryn is portrayed. She's from an isolated northern part of her country, and knows a little about this huge, ongoing war that is being waged between the Southerners and her kingdom. Because of this, when she was essentially kidnapped to be sent to a magic school to be trained to be a soldier for the war, she is almost completely naive. In one sense, it does make it feel like she doesn't have a lot of agency, especially at the beginning. But her naivety
also serves as a way to look at some of the problems (like a seemingly throw away plot of missing kids) in a different light. Because the school is in a larger city, most of her peers are more used to kids going missing, however, Aeryn sees a pattern shaping up, and wants to find out what is actually happening. Aeryn is smart, and fully capable, I just wished that the plot would have allowed her to show it more than in small examples.
I'd also say that the book lets off at a pretty frustrating cliff hanger, and if the second book has about the same page count, I'd be even more frustrated. I understand that very few lesfic books make it into the 400 page range, but high fantasy novels deserve to not be chopped into these really short chunks. This is the fan in me, who would gladly read a 1000+page fantasy that's well written, so I think that even a Young Adult Fantasy like this is done a disservice by breaking it up. It stops the flow, and if people don't like the slower pacing, then the second book may be discarded.
Either way, I only really only rated it 4 stars for the story relying too much on Aeryn being naive. Other than that, I was fully engaged, especially since this feels like the start to a nice long series. I can't wait to see what's in book 2.
Thanks to YLVA for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 27, 2019
I didn't like this book. I didn't hate it, but I certainly didn't like it. The book's structure was such that it's obvious that it's going to be in a long line of books. The problem with that is that it's so glacially slow it was boring as heck.
Aeryn, the MC and told in first person is completely unremarkable. There isn't anything to really root for, be a good mage? Naw, she couldn't find her way out of a wet paper bag. Romance? Nope, pining after someone who doesn't want her back. We *think* she's queer in some way, if you squint really hard she sorta has a crush on a girl (I say girl here because it's YA) but even that crush/interest is so glossed over there is ZERO chemistry between them so there's nothing even there to root for. I couldn't even find much in the secondary characters that I liked all that much save Firdas, the old man from her original village.
There's a lot to be said for the great Fantasy boom of the 1980's. Take a youngling, find out there's some prophesy or something really great about them, and then mold a cast around them and watch them fail/shine/kick all the bad guys asses. Magic's Pawn comes to mind as the gold standard in this regard. No question Vanyel was queer, badass, flawed and it was one of the best series of all time.
I doubt there's any draw to keep me reading any followups which is a bummer. I reeeeeeeeally wanted to like/love Aeryn's character. I just didn't.
Aeryn, the MC and told in first person is completely unremarkable. There isn't anything to really root for, be a good mage? Naw, she couldn't find her way out of a wet paper bag. Romance? Nope, pining after someone who doesn't want her back. We *think* she's queer in some way, if you squint really hard she sorta has a crush on a girl (I say girl here because it's YA) but even that crush/interest is so glossed over there is ZERO chemistry between them so there's nothing even there to root for. I couldn't even find much in the secondary characters that I liked all that much save Firdas, the old man from her original village.
There's a lot to be said for the great Fantasy boom of the 1980's. Take a youngling, find out there's some prophesy or something really great about them, and then mold a cast around them and watch them fail/shine/kick all the bad guys asses. Magic's Pawn comes to mind as the gold standard in this regard. No question Vanyel was queer, badass, flawed and it was one of the best series of all time.
I doubt there's any draw to keep me reading any followups which is a bummer. I reeeeeeeeally wanted to like/love Aeryn's character. I just didn't.
May 20, 2020
Lotsa explaining and talking for most of the book but overall I really liked this book. It was great seeing Aeryn grow from the cute little kid who decided she was a mage and tried to change her wolfhound's hair from gray to brown, to the kid who actually found her magic and learnt a bit from the Great Fridas... to learning at Windhall University. It's been a great ride so far and I'm already hanging to read the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2019
I usually don't really read/ like fantasy novels and avoid this genre but this book captured me from the beginning.. It was well written and characters were well developed. I liked how the fantasy kingdom was described and painted for the reader...
I will read more by Karen Frost in the future.
I will read more by Karen Frost in the future.
September 23, 2019
Ylva Reviews
Daughter of Fire
Karen Frost
Daughter of Fire is a young adult fantasy novel. Aeryn comes from the northern region of Ilirya where long winters and short summers are the norm and knights and magic are commonplace in the kingdom. Her world changes once she turns fifteen and her magical power emerge.
Karen Frost creates a compelling story of an outsider suddenly being forced to live in a community of others like her. Where once Aeryn lived in harmony with her people and the land she is now forced to navigate new lands and strangers.
I found the beginning of the story a little on the preachy side with vast generalizations about life and hardships. As well, the quotations at the beginning of each chapter seemed awkward and too modern for the setting of the novel.
Overall the novel will be well liked by the YA community as it speaks to so many of their concerns.
3.5 ⭐️
Daughter of Fire
Karen Frost
Daughter of Fire is a young adult fantasy novel. Aeryn comes from the northern region of Ilirya where long winters and short summers are the norm and knights and magic are commonplace in the kingdom. Her world changes once she turns fifteen and her magical power emerge.
Karen Frost creates a compelling story of an outsider suddenly being forced to live in a community of others like her. Where once Aeryn lived in harmony with her people and the land she is now forced to navigate new lands and strangers.
I found the beginning of the story a little on the preachy side with vast generalizations about life and hardships. As well, the quotations at the beginning of each chapter seemed awkward and too modern for the setting of the novel.
Overall the novel will be well liked by the YA community as it speaks to so many of their concerns.
3.5 ⭐️
September 25, 2019
I receive and ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I became excited when I saw this on the ARC list, and knew I had to give this a shot. I am a big fan of fantasy and it's hard to find good ones with queer characters. I was not familiar with Karen Frost's works, so I had no expectations when I started reading.
The majority of first novel is character development for the MC, Aeryn as she discovers her magic ability and eventually embarks on her journey to become a war mage. Some readers may find this little slow, but this is very typical of high fantasy novels. I think this is important pace because the slow pace shows how normal and "chill" life she had at her home with her family in a remote village. Once her journey starts, pace does picks up and follow the story development as it quickens up.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't talk about plot much. However, I would like to say I am little concerned that there are not a lot of queer representation in this story so far. I am not talking about romance necessarily, but visibility. This is fantasy and writers can include whatever they want to create culture and society in their stories. I think it would be brilliant to make queer people and relationships "normal" in this world. There was a scene showing woman and woman relationship, but that's all. I'm hoping next book would be better about this.
I'm definitely looking forward to the second book to see what happen, especially with that cliffhanger!
Highly recommend for those who enjoy fantasy novels!
I became excited when I saw this on the ARC list, and knew I had to give this a shot. I am a big fan of fantasy and it's hard to find good ones with queer characters. I was not familiar with Karen Frost's works, so I had no expectations when I started reading.
The majority of first novel is character development for the MC, Aeryn as she discovers her magic ability and eventually embarks on her journey to become a war mage. Some readers may find this little slow, but this is very typical of high fantasy novels. I think this is important pace because the slow pace shows how normal and "chill" life she had at her home with her family in a remote village. Once her journey starts, pace does picks up and follow the story development as it quickens up.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't talk about plot much. However, I would like to say I am little concerned that there are not a lot of queer representation in this story so far. I am not talking about romance necessarily, but visibility. This is fantasy and writers can include whatever they want to create culture and society in their stories. I think it would be brilliant to make queer people and relationships "normal" in this world. There was a scene showing woman and woman relationship, but that's all. I'm hoping next book would be better about this.
I'm definitely looking forward to the second book to see what happen, especially with that cliffhanger!
Highly recommend for those who enjoy fantasy novels!
June 13, 2022
This is a sapphic YA fantasy about Aeryn, a daughter of the ice crown. Her world is turned upside down and she finds herself leaving her home and discovering what it is to discover her power and the world outside her isolated village.
I really enjoyed the world building and the characters. I found myself wanting to get into the action faster at one or two places but had to remind myself the character is 16 and in a strange landscape carrying grief and fear with her.
I also enjoyed the thread of a possible love interest for Aeryn as she realises her friendship with Leesie isn’t like her friendships with other girls.
Brilliant ending. Can’t wait to start book 2.
I really enjoyed the world building and the characters. I found myself wanting to get into the action faster at one or two places but had to remind myself the character is 16 and in a strange landscape carrying grief and fear with her.
I also enjoyed the thread of a possible love interest for Aeryn as she realises her friendship with Leesie isn’t like her friendships with other girls.
Brilliant ending. Can’t wait to start book 2.
September 7, 2019
*ARC from Ylva for review*
We meet Aeryn as a teen when she lives in a northern rural landscape called "Ice Crown". We accompany her as she discovers her magical abilities, which takes almost a quarter of the book.
Then we see her abducted and forcibly recruited into the King's magic forces, called war mages, at sixteen. Together with her we learn about the possibilities magic can provide. And then there is attraction to another girl, Lyse, who can't use her own magic and is bonded to healer Timo.
When she stumbles into what looks like kidnapping for dark purposes the story halts with a cliffhanger.
And that is my major complaint about the book: The sudden end. It may be the first in a series, but really? Does the author have to cut it there?
So overall we have a story with a rather slow pace at the start, including the mysterious old, hidden master that teaches by hints. Then the turnaround with the abduction and getting thrown into a complete new "world". And finally there is some mystery and danger and then ... waiting for the sequel.
It's not a unique approach to magic fantasy, but also not dull or with this overwhelming "been there, done that" feeling.
We meet Aeryn as a teen when she lives in a northern rural landscape called "Ice Crown". We accompany her as she discovers her magical abilities, which takes almost a quarter of the book.
Then we see her abducted and forcibly recruited into the King's magic forces, called war mages, at sixteen. Together with her we learn about the possibilities magic can provide. And then there is attraction to another girl, Lyse, who can't use her own magic and is bonded to healer Timo.
When she stumbles into what looks like kidnapping for dark purposes the story halts with a cliffhanger.
And that is my major complaint about the book: The sudden end. It may be the first in a series, but really? Does the author have to cut it there?
So overall we have a story with a rather slow pace at the start, including the mysterious old, hidden master that teaches by hints. Then the turnaround with the abduction and getting thrown into a complete new "world". And finally there is some mystery and danger and then ... waiting for the sequel.
It's not a unique approach to magic fantasy, but also not dull or with this overwhelming "been there, done that" feeling.
March 16, 2020
I was happy to find a fantasy novel as this is one of my favorite genres, but I have mixed feelings about this book. The story about Aeryn who discovers that she has magical powers started slow. The discovery of her magic and the first bit of self-training took very long and I felt my interest sliding. However, as soon as the story continued into the city and the university were magic is taught, I felt drawn back in. Aeryn is being trained to fight as a war mage for the kingdom and slowly learns the history of the kingdom and all its intrigues. Also, a love interest starts to develop for an older student of the university, Lyse. However, as soon as I became really invested in the story, both the magical story and the love story, the book finished, which left me with a very unsatisfactory feeling. I will read the second book although I hope the pace will be higher and there will be some more action. As this is really part of a series I find it difficult to recommend this book before having read the second part, but the first part has piqued my interest.
May 8, 2020
I’m so confused as to what the book wanted to be. Like did you want to make a magic school book? Did you want an epic fantasy? The pacing of this book was so confusing, I was astounded that there were still things being introduced when the book was almost over. So many plot threads that didn’t need to get introduced or are just dropped for the sake of wanting a sequel. I mean, kudos for having a gay main character, that’s probably the only highlight of this book. I didn’t think it was really possible to make a fantasy book boring but they succeeded.
November 19, 2019
I've read the first part of Daughter of Fire.
It is a good start. A very good fantasy setting, quite original.
Romance is a bit superficial, but it's ok, given the young age of the leading character.
This is really a first part of a book and it finished hanged over, so I'm waiting the second part to express my feelings. Second part should be out tomorrow.
It is a good start. A very good fantasy setting, quite original.
Romance is a bit superficial, but it's ok, given the young age of the leading character.
This is really a first part of a book and it finished hanged over, so I'm waiting the second part to express my feelings. Second part should be out tomorrow.
September 22, 2019
Recensione su Book Lover
Aeryn è una ragazza che vive nella Ice Crown, una parte dell'Impero dove ci sono piccoli villaggi dove tutti si conoscono e si aiutano a vicenda, contro la Natura non particolarmente gentile.
Un giorno scopre di essere una Maga, e, anche se non lo sa ancora, la sua vita cambierà per sempre.
Ho trovato questo libro molto interessante: vediamo tutto attraverso gli occhi di Aeryn, e assieme a lei scopriamo un mondo completamente nuovo, fatto di Magia, certo, ma anche di grandi città e persone molto diverse tra loro, di uno stile di vita che contrasta con quello in cui è cresciuta.
La fine del volume è una "non fine", il libro sembra tranciato a metà, e questo un po' mi ha infastidita. Certamente, il secondo volume dovrebbe uscire ad ottobre, ma lo trovo ingiusto verso i lettori. Questo non toglie che, fino alle ultime pagine, questa sia stata un'ottima lettura, on un buon worldbuilding e personaggi interessanti. Con tutte le novità che ci sono per Aeryn, però, fatichiamo un po' a notare alcune cose che dovrebbero portare avanti la storia e che passano quasi in secondo piano.
Del worldbuilding mi è piaciuto anche il fatto che ci sia una mistione di gente di diverse etnie e background, come anche persone lgbt+, e che nessuno lo metta in dubbio. È stato rinfrescante, per una volta.
Da alcuni punti di vista, poi, questo libro mi ricorda quelli della Canavan, che mi sono piaciuti tantissimo.
Non ho molta simpatia per i soldati/maghi incontrati fino ad ora, soprattutto i primi due che becchiamo nella storia: due stronzi, passatemi il francesismo. Arrivati alla scuola di Magia, però, gli studenti non sono male.
Il mio preferito è Pavo, che è molto più intelligente di quello che sembra ed è un po' iperattivo. Spero davvero che in generale sia uno dei personaggi principali, perché è davvero fantastico.
Aeryn è una ragazza coraggiosa, anche se con molte debolezze, e mi piace il fatto che, comunque, si rialza sempre. Cerca di andare avanti nella sua nuova vita, cerca di essere quello per cui "è nata". È completamente diversa dai ragazzi di città, mostra empatia e sentimenti molto forti, mentre gli altri sembrano quasi fregarsene di quello che succede intorno a loro a meno che non sia qualcosa che li coinvolge direttamente.
So che Lyse dovrebbe starmi simpatica, e che quello che si crea lentamente con Aeryn è qualcosa di molto bello e sincero. Ma anche lei sembra assuefatta alla vita di città. Se all'inizio mi è sembrata simpatica e gentile, proseguendo con la lettura ho avuto i miei dubbi.
Questo è il primo libro che leggo di Karen Frost, e ho adorato lo stile in cui è scritto. È molto vivido e si legge molto bene, anche se credo che l'inglese sia ad un livello intermedio. Insomma, chi fa fatica a masticare l'inglese non penso riuscirebbe a leggerlo bene, mentre chi è a un livello più alto (diciamo B1) lo leggerebbe tranquillamente.
Nel complesso, un buon libro, e aspetto con ansia la seconda parte!
Aeryn è una ragazza che vive nella Ice Crown, una parte dell'Impero dove ci sono piccoli villaggi dove tutti si conoscono e si aiutano a vicenda, contro la Natura non particolarmente gentile.
Un giorno scopre di essere una Maga, e, anche se non lo sa ancora, la sua vita cambierà per sempre.
Ho trovato questo libro molto interessante: vediamo tutto attraverso gli occhi di Aeryn, e assieme a lei scopriamo un mondo completamente nuovo, fatto di Magia, certo, ma anche di grandi città e persone molto diverse tra loro, di uno stile di vita che contrasta con quello in cui è cresciuta.
La fine del volume è una "non fine", il libro sembra tranciato a metà, e questo un po' mi ha infastidita. Certamente, il secondo volume dovrebbe uscire ad ottobre, ma lo trovo ingiusto verso i lettori. Questo non toglie che, fino alle ultime pagine, questa sia stata un'ottima lettura, on un buon worldbuilding e personaggi interessanti. Con tutte le novità che ci sono per Aeryn, però, fatichiamo un po' a notare alcune cose che dovrebbero portare avanti la storia e che passano quasi in secondo piano.
Del worldbuilding mi è piaciuto anche il fatto che ci sia una mistione di gente di diverse etnie e background, come anche persone lgbt+, e che nessuno lo metta in dubbio. È stato rinfrescante, per una volta.
Da alcuni punti di vista, poi, questo libro mi ricorda quelli della Canavan, che mi sono piaciuti tantissimo.
Non ho molta simpatia per i soldati/maghi incontrati fino ad ora, soprattutto i primi due che becchiamo nella storia: due stronzi, passatemi il francesismo. Arrivati alla scuola di Magia, però, gli studenti non sono male.
Il mio preferito è Pavo, che è molto più intelligente di quello che sembra ed è un po' iperattivo. Spero davvero che in generale sia uno dei personaggi principali, perché è davvero fantastico.
Aeryn è una ragazza coraggiosa, anche se con molte debolezze, e mi piace il fatto che, comunque, si rialza sempre. Cerca di andare avanti nella sua nuova vita, cerca di essere quello per cui "è nata". È completamente diversa dai ragazzi di città, mostra empatia e sentimenti molto forti, mentre gli altri sembrano quasi fregarsene di quello che succede intorno a loro a meno che non sia qualcosa che li coinvolge direttamente.
So che Lyse dovrebbe starmi simpatica, e che quello che si crea lentamente con Aeryn è qualcosa di molto bello e sincero. Ma anche lei sembra assuefatta alla vita di città. Se all'inizio mi è sembrata simpatica e gentile, proseguendo con la lettura ho avuto i miei dubbi.
Questo è il primo libro che leggo di Karen Frost, e ho adorato lo stile in cui è scritto. È molto vivido e si legge molto bene, anche se credo che l'inglese sia ad un livello intermedio. Insomma, chi fa fatica a masticare l'inglese non penso riuscirebbe a leggerlo bene, mentre chi è a un livello più alto (diciamo B1) lo leggerebbe tranquillamente.
Nel complesso, un buon libro, e aspetto con ansia la seconda parte!
September 15, 2019
Whoa, I feel a bit cheated! Let me explain. I often download samples of books from Amazon before I buy them, especially if I’m a bit dubious about them. On the wonderful rare occasion, I’ll be so into the book by the time I get to the end of the sample, I can barely wait the minute it takes to go online and buy the book. (Unfortunately, all too often I’m completely uninterested in reading further and am thankful that I didn’t have to pay anything.)
So what does that have to do with Daughter of Fire: Conspiracy of the Dark, which is the first book in the new Destiny and Darkness young adult fantasy series? Firstly, it’s not terribly long (although still much longer than a sample) and the pricing reflects that. I got to the end of the book but felt like I was only part way through the story. I wanted to go online and buy the next book in the series so I could continue reading. But it’s not available yet. So I feel cheated. What happens next? I wanna know!
Sure, that’s an indicator that the book is good. And it is good, I was rapt in the story. Frost has set the scene well – it’s an interesting fantasy world that includes magic, mystery and war. Although it is a book about young adults, it’s interesting for all adults. There are no great romances with steamy sex scenes. In fact there’s only a hint of what is to come. Just as this book is the very beginning of the series, the main character (aged only sixteen) is at the beginning of her first infatuation/love.
This first offering in the series offers great promise for future works. I’m going to have to tamp down my impatience and wait for the next instalment. After getting used to instant gratification in book buying and binge-watching TV series, it’s bittersweet to remember what it’s like to wait with anticipation for the next part of the story. It sort of reminds me of waiting for the next book in the Harry Potter series to be published.
It seems that the second book is already written, so hopefully we won’t have to wait too long.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
So what does that have to do with Daughter of Fire: Conspiracy of the Dark, which is the first book in the new Destiny and Darkness young adult fantasy series? Firstly, it’s not terribly long (although still much longer than a sample) and the pricing reflects that. I got to the end of the book but felt like I was only part way through the story. I wanted to go online and buy the next book in the series so I could continue reading. But it’s not available yet. So I feel cheated. What happens next? I wanna know!
Sure, that’s an indicator that the book is good. And it is good, I was rapt in the story. Frost has set the scene well – it’s an interesting fantasy world that includes magic, mystery and war. Although it is a book about young adults, it’s interesting for all adults. There are no great romances with steamy sex scenes. In fact there’s only a hint of what is to come. Just as this book is the very beginning of the series, the main character (aged only sixteen) is at the beginning of her first infatuation/love.
This first offering in the series offers great promise for future works. I’m going to have to tamp down my impatience and wait for the next instalment. After getting used to instant gratification in book buying and binge-watching TV series, it’s bittersweet to remember what it’s like to wait with anticipation for the next part of the story. It sort of reminds me of waiting for the next book in the Harry Potter series to be published.
It seems that the second book is already written, so hopefully we won’t have to wait too long.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2019
This is my second review of this book. The internet gremlins stole the first one, a very long one, I might add.
I cannot get this book out of my head!
I used to read more fantasy than I do nowadays, so I hesitated all of a minute when I had the chance to get this book as an ARC. (Thank you to Ylva for the opportunity)
The cover is gorgeously eye-catching, one that would make an excellent poster.
We are introduced to Aeryn's world and interact with it, through her eyes and experiences. We feel ill when she does, writhe with the power of uncontrolled magic with her and feel her confusion and fear as her world is turned upside down. The world-building in this story is excellent. We are sucked in at once and there's nothing to distract us from the story. In fact, I came to resent the fact that I had to cook and do dishes. Didn't my family care I was engrossed in a phenomenal story? Ha! No...they didn't.
Aeryn's world is turned upside down and we are right beside her as she tries to make sense of her travelling companions that are still mysteries to her as they part company. We are as unsettled as she is, as new to everything as she is and we ARE Aeryn. Have I mentioned this book will pull you in?
The ending is a sticking point for many reviewers, but I understand why this book closed the way it did. When a manuscript is large, it's not always easy to find a stopping point that serves both story and readers.
But this ending rocks Aeryn's world, and ours.
It literally took my breath away. Like, I had to remind myself to breathe.
I cannot wait to see what Aeryn does with this new knowledge in the next book, which I understand will follow this one shortly.
If I have to pay for it, I gladly will.
I will read this one again and again. It's that good. I suspect I'll find new things to gush about on my next reading.
Get this. Prepare for an ending that is not the end while you prepare to get the next book. Because you'll want to know what happens next.
I cannot get this book out of my head!
I used to read more fantasy than I do nowadays, so I hesitated all of a minute when I had the chance to get this book as an ARC. (Thank you to Ylva for the opportunity)
The cover is gorgeously eye-catching, one that would make an excellent poster.
We are introduced to Aeryn's world and interact with it, through her eyes and experiences. We feel ill when she does, writhe with the power of uncontrolled magic with her and feel her confusion and fear as her world is turned upside down. The world-building in this story is excellent. We are sucked in at once and there's nothing to distract us from the story. In fact, I came to resent the fact that I had to cook and do dishes. Didn't my family care I was engrossed in a phenomenal story? Ha! No...they didn't.
Aeryn's world is turned upside down and we are right beside her as she tries to make sense of her travelling companions that are still mysteries to her as they part company. We are as unsettled as she is, as new to everything as she is and we ARE Aeryn. Have I mentioned this book will pull you in?
The ending is a sticking point for many reviewers, but I understand why this book closed the way it did. When a manuscript is large, it's not always easy to find a stopping point that serves both story and readers.
But this ending rocks Aeryn's world, and ours.
It literally took my breath away. Like, I had to remind myself to breathe.
I cannot wait to see what Aeryn does with this new knowledge in the next book, which I understand will follow this one shortly.
If I have to pay for it, I gladly will.
I will read this one again and again. It's that good. I suspect I'll find new things to gush about on my next reading.
Get this. Prepare for an ending that is not the end while you prepare to get the next book. Because you'll want to know what happens next.
September 14, 2019
Beginning of new fantasy series felt off balance at times
Fantasy is a new-ish genre for me and this book sometimes felt heavy with information that distracted from the core storytelling in my opinion. There are points in the story where numerous characters are introduced and it's not clear if they're worth remembering beyond that scene or if they're one time appearances in the story. The pace of the story felt uneven at times and I wondered where it was all leading, whether or not this was important to the storyline of this book or it was worldbuilding for future volumes in the upcoming series. This may be the kind of book that's best read when the full series is published and can be read in close succession; that may be more clear when the sequel is out next month. The cliffhanger for this one is a good one so all the more reason to anticipate its sequel to see how it resolves and continues from where this one leaves off, and to see if other unanswered questions are addressed there or will be carried over if the series is to be more than a duology. I am very curious to see if the imbalances are corrected in the sequel(s)
The main character is a teenager but the story is at times quite dark so I would steer older teens and adults to read it rather than anyone younger. There are alot of fight scenes in the book if that's your thing and fans of Harry Potter may feel a certain familiarity with parts of the plot line.
It's not my favorite fantasy story of those I've read but I did like the healthy family and community dynamics of the main character's home and the diversity of characters that appear in the book. I will read the sequel when it's available to see if the imbalances in this book are evened out and questions answered.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Fantasy is a new-ish genre for me and this book sometimes felt heavy with information that distracted from the core storytelling in my opinion. There are points in the story where numerous characters are introduced and it's not clear if they're worth remembering beyond that scene or if they're one time appearances in the story. The pace of the story felt uneven at times and I wondered where it was all leading, whether or not this was important to the storyline of this book or it was worldbuilding for future volumes in the upcoming series. This may be the kind of book that's best read when the full series is published and can be read in close succession; that may be more clear when the sequel is out next month. The cliffhanger for this one is a good one so all the more reason to anticipate its sequel to see how it resolves and continues from where this one leaves off, and to see if other unanswered questions are addressed there or will be carried over if the series is to be more than a duology. I am very curious to see if the imbalances are corrected in the sequel(s)
The main character is a teenager but the story is at times quite dark so I would steer older teens and adults to read it rather than anyone younger. There are alot of fight scenes in the book if that's your thing and fans of Harry Potter may feel a certain familiarity with parts of the plot line.
It's not my favorite fantasy story of those I've read but I did like the healthy family and community dynamics of the main character's home and the diversity of characters that appear in the book. I will read the sequel when it's available to see if the imbalances in this book are evened out and questions answered.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2021
Daughter of Fire: 3 Stars
[5.04 -good]
I wanted to like this so bad :(
Not that I disliked it - but it definitely wasn't a favourite.
This is quite a short first novel and I think that it set up several story arcs and plot points quite nicely.
My biggest issue is that I hate Lyse. And I cannot get over it - honestly I think it's mostly due to the way she is narrated. But I got utterly annoyed everytime she opened her mouth and her being the love interest is my biggest nightmare.
I probably won't continue this one? I think...
It did have nice plot points set up and a fun squad in a school setting though. And I do enjoy the MC. But despite all of that I don't feel a need to continue sadly.
[5.04 -good]
I wanted to like this so bad :(
Not that I disliked it - but it definitely wasn't a favourite.
This is quite a short first novel and I think that it set up several story arcs and plot points quite nicely.
My biggest issue is that I hate Lyse. And I cannot get over it - honestly I think it's mostly due to the way she is narrated. But I got utterly annoyed everytime she opened her mouth and her being the love interest is my biggest nightmare.
I probably won't continue this one? I think...
It did have nice plot points set up and a fun squad in a school setting though. And I do enjoy the MC. But despite all of that I don't feel a need to continue sadly.
May 16, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
Aeryn is the daughter of winter ...its so cold where her village is but they survive, she has always wanted to be able to do magic but nothing happens until her birthday when suddenly it appears she is the first in her village to have magic....
controlling it is another issue and it takes a while but she masters it somewhat
but one day her she is whisked away from her village and told that there had been a massacre but she is on her way to Windhall University to get better at controlling her magic and to train as a war mage...
its an interesting storyline and i love a few of the characters already.... will be interesting to read the next book in this series to see where its going cant wait
Aeryn is the daughter of winter ...its so cold where her village is but they survive, she has always wanted to be able to do magic but nothing happens until her birthday when suddenly it appears she is the first in her village to have magic....
controlling it is another issue and it takes a while but she masters it somewhat
but one day her she is whisked away from her village and told that there had been a massacre but she is on her way to Windhall University to get better at controlling her magic and to train as a war mage...
its an interesting storyline and i love a few of the characters already.... will be interesting to read the next book in this series to see where its going cant wait
September 29, 2019
An ARC copy was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
I am not sure about this book. I find the story interessting but some parts of the books are little bit long.
I but the writing style was good so it was very quick reading. I like the ideas about the magic and the story, but as I said some parts doesn´t sit well with me.
The main character Aeryn is comig off age and discover her magic and is abducted to be a war mag. I hope the second part will be little bit better, but the reading wasn´t unpleasent.
I am not sure about this book. I find the story interessting but some parts of the books are little bit long.
I but the writing style was good so it was very quick reading. I like the ideas about the magic and the story, but as I said some parts doesn´t sit well with me.
The main character Aeryn is comig off age and discover her magic and is abducted to be a war mag. I hope the second part will be little bit better, but the reading wasn´t unpleasent.
January 28, 2020
Teenage Aeryn was raised in a small, remote village of the kingdom located in the north country known as the Ice Crown. Content to hunt and trap with her family until the day she realizes she is coming into her magic and may well become a mage. Dissuaded by an elderly villager from furthering her training because it will only lead to her to be sent to war, she is nevertheless forced to go to King City where she is enrolled in Windhall University where she will train to become a war mage. Convinced that her village has been destroyed and her family has been killed, she begins her training feeling alone in the world, but is befriended by Lyse, a healer who is bonded to a male healer. As the first volume of this series closes, Aeryn realizes she is falling in love with Lyse, and it's become clear that Lyse is conflicted about her own feelings.
The biggest plus in this book is the detailed world building, complete with historic references, and much description of locations and clothing. The book is moderately engaging though it takes a while to figure out just what the central plot points are and will be. Also, Aeryn, who has only been exposed to a very small number of people, seems able to describe people as "in their 40s" or "their 20s." That didn't ring true.
The biggest plus in this book is the detailed world building, complete with historic references, and much description of locations and clothing. The book is moderately engaging though it takes a while to figure out just what the central plot points are and will be. Also, Aeryn, who has only been exposed to a very small number of people, seems able to describe people as "in their 40s" or "their 20s." That didn't ring true.
May 4, 2021
Well, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, it wasn't half bad. On the other hand I expected more and didn't really like the 1st POV writing style. So let's say 3 stars
October 2, 2019
Quite the mystical magical adventure
Aeryn dreams of the magic told to her in stories by travellers when she is young. When she discovers she has magic herself, everything changes! She finds herself away from all she knows, experiencing the unfamiliar and meeting others like herself as they embark on embracing their powers and learning of their fate. But one, Lyse, catches Aeryn’s eye and when working closely with one another during training their friendship is sealed.
I really enjoyed this story of magic, and worlds unknown. With a Young Adult feel the story focuses more on the magic and mystery of the Ice Crown Region and the magic mage powers Aeryn possesses. I loved how it took me on an adventure, and all the uncertainty it held for Aeryn and her future made me want to read on, learn about her powers, and know more about the kingdom she lives in, so it has built up the story nicely for the next book in this series.
I found I really had to concentrate whilst reading this story to get the full benefits of enjoying it, but that is nothing different to how I usually find Fantasy books. All that world-building and mystery deserves the full attention of the reader, and the way this book is written you certainly can’t avoid doing just that.
Aeryn is an inquisitive and infectious character. Although she is uncertain and nervous, she comes across as extremely brave, very accommodating, and she deals with the changes she faces with boldness and courage. There is a lot to be admired in Aeryn. The way her story develops means her interactions with other characters hinge on that uncertainty, she has to learn to trust those that join her on her journey, rather than be afraid. Her interactions with each character start out hesitant, but as she gets to know them she opens up and so do they, this way we get quite an intimate look at their friendships, and learn what it is that makes Aeryn trust each of them.
I really enjoyed this, and I am looking forward to more from this series.
Aeryn dreams of the magic told to her in stories by travellers when she is young. When she discovers she has magic herself, everything changes! She finds herself away from all she knows, experiencing the unfamiliar and meeting others like herself as they embark on embracing their powers and learning of their fate. But one, Lyse, catches Aeryn’s eye and when working closely with one another during training their friendship is sealed.
I really enjoyed this story of magic, and worlds unknown. With a Young Adult feel the story focuses more on the magic and mystery of the Ice Crown Region and the magic mage powers Aeryn possesses. I loved how it took me on an adventure, and all the uncertainty it held for Aeryn and her future made me want to read on, learn about her powers, and know more about the kingdom she lives in, so it has built up the story nicely for the next book in this series.
I found I really had to concentrate whilst reading this story to get the full benefits of enjoying it, but that is nothing different to how I usually find Fantasy books. All that world-building and mystery deserves the full attention of the reader, and the way this book is written you certainly can’t avoid doing just that.
Aeryn is an inquisitive and infectious character. Although she is uncertain and nervous, she comes across as extremely brave, very accommodating, and she deals with the changes she faces with boldness and courage. There is a lot to be admired in Aeryn. The way her story develops means her interactions with other characters hinge on that uncertainty, she has to learn to trust those that join her on her journey, rather than be afraid. Her interactions with each character start out hesitant, but as she gets to know them she opens up and so do they, this way we get quite an intimate look at their friendships, and learn what it is that makes Aeryn trust each of them.
I really enjoyed this, and I am looking forward to more from this series.
November 3, 2019
There's a lot to like in this book! I enjoyed the world building quite a bit. This is my first entry into this world/series. I enjoy queer/fantasy/YA books and this really set up a great story. It's really the first half of a long book, so know that going in. I started to suspect it was a two-parter as new things were being introduced later and later in the book. The revelation at the very end came as absolutely no surprise to me. But there are a lot of other unanswered mysteries and questions that I look forward to learning when the next part comes out.
I did find the pacing a bit inconsistent, and a few typos were distracting.
*Thanks to YLVA for the ebook*
I did find the pacing a bit inconsistent, and a few typos were distracting.
*Thanks to YLVA for the ebook*
September 25, 2019
Well, damn, just when it gets exciting the book ends. Now how long do I have to wait for the sequel? Ok, so there were some issues with the book that other reviewers have mentioned. The big reveal at the end wasn’t a reveal to readers, just to the protagonist Aeryn. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop. Aeryn was given hints; she was told the magic ability of the man who took her away from home but she never made the connection. Maybe that was due to her age, her feelings, her memories, her struggle to fit in, or something else.
The protagonist is a teenager who discovered she has magical abilities on her 15th birthday or close to it. She doesn’t know how to use it and spends a lot of time trying to learn to control it. Fortunately, an elder is able to mentor her before her life as she knows it falls apart.
Things happen, she gets whisked away to magic school in the capital city. Although she is attracted to women, there is no romance. Same-sex relationships seem to be accepted in this world, but Aeryn does not have a romance with anyone despite being attracted to another young woman. She’s learning how to be a mage and that takes up most of her time anyway. There are great secondary characters with depth. I can see who might become a villain but it’s not a sure thing. I'm going to stop here before I give too much away and just say I am looking forward to the sequel.
I received an ARC from Ylva for an honest review.
The protagonist is a teenager who discovered she has magical abilities on her 15th birthday or close to it. She doesn’t know how to use it and spends a lot of time trying to learn to control it. Fortunately, an elder is able to mentor her before her life as she knows it falls apart.
Things happen, she gets whisked away to magic school in the capital city. Although she is attracted to women, there is no romance. Same-sex relationships seem to be accepted in this world, but Aeryn does not have a romance with anyone despite being attracted to another young woman. She’s learning how to be a mage and that takes up most of her time anyway. There are great secondary characters with depth. I can see who might become a villain but it’s not a sure thing. I'm going to stop here before I give too much away and just say I am looking forward to the sequel.
I received an ARC from Ylva for an honest review.
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