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Firedark

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The kingdom of Candelaon is facing many foes, and the worst of them by far is the fire mages who are terrorizing the land—especially since no one seems to know anything about them. Where do they come from when they appear out of thin air? Where do they go after they burn villages to the ground? What is their goal?

But perhaps the most pressing question is whether or not it’s safe to keep a man with their abilities so close at hand, as the king’s second.

Sir Gabrel has been at King Haylan’s side since he first gained his powers, but there is much that they don’t know about the fire magic and how Gabrel came to wield it. And as he trains others to wield it as well, there are those who wonder if it can be trusted. There are those who wonder if Sir Gabrel himself is a danger to the land.

With a rich cast of characters and mind-bending new worlds, Mereda Hart Farynyk’s Firedark is a thrilling mix of the old and the alluringly new that will keep you hooked and hungry for more.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2019

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About the author

Mereda Hart Farynyk

26 books75 followers
Mereda Hart Farynyk has always been captivated by fairy tales and far off places. From the earliest age, she would wander the forest, looking at the light filtering through the branches, and dream up endless fantasies of fairies and princes and great evils being overcome. She would drink up the study of ancient civilizations and marvel at how mysterious and foreign they were. Growing up in theatre and dance, she immersed herself in countless lives and emotions and perspectives, and what started out as a simple fascination with the magic and mystery of other worlds soon became a deep love of how those other worlds could help us to better understand the richest truths of this one.

Spanning a variety of genres, her books explore questions of spirituality, love, the search for truth, and the motivations of the human heart.

She grew up in North Carolina and resides there still with her husband and two sons.

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for jaycee ann (to the man on the middle cross).
202 reviews119 followers
May 4, 2026
═══════ ∘◦ ✧ ◦∘ ═══════
This review contains a few random statistics, my personal thoughts, and a content review!
═══════ ∘◦ ✧ ◦∘ ═══════
Book - Firedark
Author - Mereda Hart Farynyk
Pages - Kindle, 409
Genre(s) - YA fantasy
Published - 2019
Recommended time to read - Autumn
Cliffhanger - Yes
Vibe - 🔥⚔️☀️🌳
⇢─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───⇠
Setting - 4/5
Characters - 5/5
Writing - 5/5
Cover - 3/5
Vibes - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 4/5
Romance/Ship - 5/5
Overall - ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
⇢─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───⇠
Recommended to fans of-
✔︎ Slowburn romance
✔︎ Multiple povs
✔︎ Classic fantasy vibes
✔︎ Large cast of characters

Now Playing - Set Fire to the Rain by Adele
═════════════════
╰┈➤ My thoughts (spoiler free)
”My hands they were strong, but my knees were far too weak.”

This was really good! Took me a while to finish but that was courtesy of my reading slump (I know I keep harping on the fact that I’m in a slump, but it really is awful).

I really loved all the characters, and even though I could tell this book was setting up for the rest of the series, it was still quite enjoyable, even while it was a little slower paced.

Also, I gave Gabrel a little mental haircut, because long hair for guys is… not my favorite :D It’s okay though, I fixed it. He now has very lovely hair 😌 Oh and Gabrel and Kalla remind me of the song Medusa by John Michael Howell
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Characters
”But there’s a side to you, that I never knew, never knew.”

Kalla - I really liked her! She wasn’t annoying at all, unlike so many FMCs that try to be girl boss but just end up pick me. Not this girl!

Gabrel - Oh my gosh I loved him so much! Aside from the long hair, he was so perfect! The way he felt so protective over Kalla was adorable!

Haylan - I really liked him at first but now I kinda forget why? Like what was so great about him again? I mean he’s nice and all but, I don’t know why I loved him so much 😭

Iyt - She was so very sweet! I have such a clear picture in my mind of what she looks like, and I’m gonna try and draw her tomorrow. Might work, might not. My drawing capabilities tend to come and go.

Ky - I really loved him! He was such a gentlemen.

Farh - She was nice! Not in the story a whole lot, but I hope she will be more.
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Spoilers below!
”But I set fire to the rain, watch it pour as I touch your face.”

Okay so the whole thing with the Imenti actually being from Iyt’s world was really well done! I loved having Iyt’s POV, especially whenever she met up with Gabrel and Kalla, since they don’t speak the same language. She seems so innocent from their perspectives, and it was adorable.

I’m SO mad that Ky died. Like literally I was ready to slam my kindle into the wall. He was literally so sweet to Iyt! Like let my girl have her man please 🙏🏻

Drex…I don’t know what to think about him. I think he’s too cocky. I mean sure he apologized for slicing open Kalla’s face, but he could’ve done better than that. Gabrel’s reaction was totally valid. Not to mention very attractive 😏 Especially when he tended to her wound afterword (AHHHHHH *frenzied fangirling*) it was literally so cute.
═════════════════
╰┈➤ Content review
”I set fire to the rain, and I threw us into the flames.”

Age Rating - 12+

Language - None.

Romance/Sexual - One kiss not descriptive at all, a couple mentions of love and having feelings for people, I think there was a little bit of innuendo but I don’t remember any specific instances, so it probably wasn’t that bad. Once a character’s clothes are burned off after he uses his fire magic, and his friend quickly covers him with a cloak. Kalla goes undercover as a man, wearing men’s clothing (trousers and a loose shirt).

Violence - Some fighting and death though it’s not very detailed, besides once when a character is sparring and gets cut in the face down to the bone, and when the story of how someone died (burned from the inside out because of fire magic) is recounted.

Religious/Spiritual - I think there was a couple mentions of religion, the only instance I can remember is when Kalla wonders if another character worships the sun.

Magic - Characters can control fire, light, and ice, mentions of mages, sorcerers, and enchantresses.

LGBTQ - None.

Alcohol/Drugs - Probably a couple mentions of wine or champagne.

Other Notes/Possible Triggers - Past death of several family members, on page death of a loved one.
Profile Image for Lillian  B (Kaladin Stormblessed version).
367 reviews63 followers
April 27, 2026
This was really good!!
My favorite characters were Kalla and Gabrel, but Iyt's pov got really interesting by the end!
I felt so bad for Iyt 😭
The magic system was really cool, and I loved the "science" behind how the magic works.
I really enjoyed this, and I'll definitely read the next book!!
Profile Image for emily marie ٠࣪⭑ (bye for now, indefinite hiatus).
252 reviews140 followers
May 16, 2025
╰┈➤ ✿ ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ . . . :・*✧ ♩♪

。°⋆✫Natural ⇾ Imagine Dragons✫⋆°。

0:45─●──────3:09
◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹



❝ Something flickered in his eyes. 'The question of what I am intrigues you.' She squinted, allowing her lips to come apart to let in breath. What he said was true, but her curiosity did not end there, did it? 'You intrigue me,' she dared to say ❞





Firedark is amazing! It's a lush fantasy world that keeps you on your toes and promises magical secrets. The writing is, per usual, amazing and full of life. The characters are so three dimensional and lively. And the plot is intriguing and full of mystery.



Drex is my favorite character. He's such a full and amazing character that I was always looking forward to when he came on page. I can't wait to finish the series and immerse myself in this wonderfully crafted fantasy world.






sexual:
there are no kisses, there might be one or two mildly suggestive jokes, but I might be wrong



violence:
mild violence and battles, certainly PG level



magic:
Gabrel can control fire



verdict:rated PG/12+
Profile Image for Kayla.
82 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2026
This was lovely and pretty much exactly what I want from a fantasy novel. It's just the sort I wish I could write but only dream of creating. It boasts an intriguing, unique world and is setting up for a very engaging series without being too heavy or dark. I keep thinking some character might be a touch cliche or is about to be too predictable but then they keep winning me over and I just want to keep reading to root for them and see how they all will keep surprising me. I am very much looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Rhianwen the Elf-Heart.
267 reviews
December 29, 2023
Dear Mrs. Farynyk,

I am going to have to reread Affel to see if this book can truly be allowed to replace my longstanding favorite book of yours. Because, if I may be allowed to use such rugged colloquialisms...you kind of slayed with this one.

The characters were quite creative, so the romance is literally the sweetest thing ever. I also don't know how you manage to paint such vivid pictures of setting in my head when you don't actually use a tremendous amount of description, but somehow I can imagine all of the places in this book as though I am right there beside the characters. (It's the same with all your books, actually. How do you do that? I always need to pause the story and write an enormous paragraph of "here's what everything looks like" in order to get my point across. I guess you just sprinkle it all through very subtly. Anyhow.) Also, good job with the magic system. I always have a hard time getting a believable "science" behind magic systems, but you pulled that off quite nicely.

Okay, I had better stop gushing because otherwise this will turn into a 1000 word essay, but all that to say, you deserve a round of applause for this one. 👏 I am rather distressed that I do not own the entire series to binge, but that can be mended.

Sincerely,
Rhianwen
Profile Image for Hannah Taylor.
74 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2025
Oh. My. I cannot even say anything about this right now. That was an experience. I will immediately be purchasing the next one.
1 review
January 6, 2021
Such an engaging read. Rich characters, engaging world and a sense of mystery that keeps the story in your mind long after you put it down.
Profile Image for Mereda Hart Farynyk.
Author 26 books75 followers
Read
May 12, 2025
Thousandth (🤪 ok, that may be an exaggeration 😉) read of this one, but first time reading it aloud to my eldest!
Profile Image for Alicia Smiley.
32 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2025
I was wondering how I’d like this series after just finishing up her dystopian-type series (If you haven’t yet, stop right now and go read it: her 3-book Hyacinth series! You’ll thank me later, I promise.), just since this Firedark series sounded so different with it being about fantasy and magic. Well, I was instantly drawn in. Right away you notice that she writes each chapter through a different character’s viewpoint. How awesome is that?!? It allows for her to dive deeply into each character and his/her journey. I really appreciated that Mereda doesn’t hesitate to go into great depth of soul and motives with her characters—something we don’t often get to see and experience in books. The result? Character development that you can’t see coming.

I know this Book 1 is setting the stage for something HUGE, and I can’t wait to see what it is! I recommend to anyone starting into this book to go ahead and have Book 2 in your library, because her writing is that good, and you won’t want to waste a single minute after finishing Book 1 to start into Book 2. :)
Profile Image for Chelsea.
28 reviews
November 20, 2020
Mereda does it again with a series!!! I cannot wait to read the next book. If you love fantasy and a little mystery you will love this book. The multiple perspectives added such an amazing layer of detail to the story and really gets you involved in the way this fantastical world works. The people are diverse and unique as well as relatable. I'm 100% invested and am on the edge of my seat until I know what happens next!
Profile Image for Gina Mendola.
94 reviews14 followers
January 18, 2021
Addictive! I didn’t pick this book up for several days after receiving it in the mail because I knew, just like with all her other books, I would not want to put it down. And I was right. After picking it up, I could not put it down until I finished it. I just fall in love with her characters, settings, and storylines. Only regret is not ordering the second book in the series at the same time so I could keep reading!
24 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2025
Oh my, this story is incredible 🫠❤️ the characters, the world, the plot, the imagery, it's all delectable and scrumptious and worth every second of reading. Run, read the series. Go buy it now 🤣🤣 I'm obsessed.
Profile Image for Gabby.
113 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2026
۶ৎ”You touch her again, I’ll kill you.”۶ৎ

6.0 ✰ Spoiler Free (or I will try to be Spoiler Free..) 13+

˚୨୧⋆。 Thoughts: ˚୨୧⋆。
I don’t think this review can fully justify my LOVE for this book but I WILL TRY.
Y’ALL MY JAW WAS OPEN THIS WHOLE BOOK .. I WAS INVESTED.. THE CHARACTERS WERE AMAZING.. THE PLOT IS AMAZING.. THE WRITING AMAZING.. THE BOOK…

A MASTERPIECE

And let me tell you.. I don’t give six stars that easily.. Because six stars are basically impossible but when I do it means that its IN MY TOP THREE CAUSE I ONLY HAVE THREE SIX STAR BOOKS..


Okay I’ma be honest here. Yes I was expecting to like this book! And I thought it would be really good, after all its written by Mereda! BUT AHHHH THIS WAS TEN times better then I thought it would be.. LIKE I LOVE IT SO MUCH… And at parts I was laughing, squealing, SCREAMING, My jaw was open, I would be like “WHAT?!?”.. So if you want an am-a-zing book! Give it a try and I promise you will never forget it!

Also just Gabriel.. THAT MAN… AND KALLA… I CAN’T! THEIR BOTH AMAZING


˚୨୧⋆。 Things I didn’t like: ˚୨୧⋆。
NOTHING.


˖⋆˚.⋆Plot:˖⋆˚.⋆
The kingdom of Candelaon is facing many foes, and the worst of them by far is the fire mages who are terrorizing the land—especially since no one seems to know anything about them. Where do they come from when they appear out of thin air? Where do they go after they burn villages to the ground? What is their goal?

But perhaps the most pressing question is whether or not it’s safe to keep a man with their abilities so close at hand, as the king’s second.

Sir Gabrel has been at King Haylan’s side since he first gained his powers, but there is much that they don’t know about the fire magic and how Gabrel came to wield it. And as he trains others to wield it as well, there are those who wonder if it can be trusted. There are those who wonder if Sir Gabrel himself is a danger to the land.

With a rich cast of characters and mind-bending new worlds, Mereda Hart Farynyk’s Firedark is a thrilling mix of the old and the alluringly new that will keep you hooked and hungry for more!

About this book:

(This is gonna be a little brief because this book I didn’t take notes)

Romance:
1 non-detailed kiss, Thinking a girls beautiful, some falling in love, Mentions of a sister wanting to have her friend marry her brother, A girl asks her friend if shes thinking about a boys mouth it was a joke, some holding hands, being close to each another, Kalla realizes she might be developing feelings for (not saying who), A little bit of love & Emotions

Violence:
Mentions of Killing, Mentions of cuts on arms and hands, A girl gets sliced in the face with a sword and it leaves a scar, Mentions of death, Mentions of blood, of killing people, Death Threats, Dying, a Mention of a woman dying in child birth, Mentions of a girls brother being killed cause he was consumed by his power.

Cussing:
N/A

Other/Magic:
Gabriel can control fire

・❥・ Characters: °•*

Gabriel
AHHH This MAN y’all! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH.. Him and I ship 100%

Kalla
YOU AND GABRIEL WERE MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE…. LIKE YOU WERE SO COOL AND JUST I CAN’T YOU WERE AMAZING

Iyt
You were good! But I gotta still think of how I feel about you..

Drex
AHHH YOU TOO! YOU WERE ALSO AMAZING… I laughed so hard at parts…

Haylen
Dang. I like you.. BUT I DON’T WANT TO BECOME ATTACHED CAUSE I FEEL LIKE YOUR GONNA DIE.


・❥・ Conclusion: ˋ°•*
SOOOOO GOOD.. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.. And the next book purchase I make it will probably be for the second book to this.. (but I’m broke so sadly that will be longer then I want)
BUT OTHERWISE!! AHHHHH THIS WAS AMAZING MEREDA!

۶ৎ “Something flickered in his eyes. 'The question of what I am intrigues you.' She squinted, allowing her lips to come apart to let in breath. What he said was true, but her curiosity did not end there, did it? 'You intrigue me,' she dared to say “ ۶ৎ
6 reviews
June 5, 2020
A journey into a tale of discovery and magic

An earthy and mysterious tale of discovery and magic - I have looked forward to reading this book each moment I'm able, losing myself in the realms of Candelaon, trying to make the pages last longer but eager to know more of each character and where their journey takes them. I love how the story is unfolding and the friendships forming, just enough to draw you in but not giving everything away, just yet! (and my heart was aching a few times) A beautiful tale so far, and I am so happy the 2nd instalment is available!!
Profile Image for Diane Helfrich.
24 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2023
A Good Storg

I found the storyline captivating and growing in intensity to the end. Now I have to read the next ones because I’m hooked!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews