What do you think?
Rate this book
Fire Dancer #1
Fire Dancer
So You Think You Can Dance meets Storm Siren
Fire is a dangerous magic.
Sixteen-year-old Kyla is preparing for the test of her life: a high-stakes dance competition to win the role of principal dancer in the fire festival's elite troupe. When she's not sneaking off into the woods to practice forbidden magic, that is. Among her people, only the men are entrusted with the mysteries of magecraft. But Kyla's been learning in secret for ten years, and she's never backed down from a challenge.
As danger ignites, Kyla must maintain a tight control on her magic. For more than her ambition is in peril. She must stay a step ahead of her enemies—a backstabbing dancer, a repressive council, and a crazed arsonist. If she can't withstand the inferno, the people she loves most will die.
Fire Dancer is the heart-pounding first novel in a trilogy of YA elemental fantasy books. If you like fierce girl power, slow-burn romance, and harrowing danger, you'll love Catherine Jones Payne's fire world.
Plunge into a page-turning adventure perfect for fans of A.L. Knorr, Mary Weber, and Cassandra Clare.
Fire is a dangerous magic.
Sixteen-year-old Kyla is preparing for the test of her life: a high-stakes dance competition to win the role of principal dancer in the fire festival's elite troupe. When she's not sneaking off into the woods to practice forbidden magic, that is. Among her people, only the men are entrusted with the mysteries of magecraft. But Kyla's been learning in secret for ten years, and she's never backed down from a challenge.
As danger ignites, Kyla must maintain a tight control on her magic. For more than her ambition is in peril. She must stay a step ahead of her enemies—a backstabbing dancer, a repressive council, and a crazed arsonist. If she can't withstand the inferno, the people she loves most will die.
Fire Dancer is the heart-pounding first novel in a trilogy of YA elemental fantasy books. If you like fierce girl power, slow-burn romance, and harrowing danger, you'll love Catherine Jones Payne's fire world.
Plunge into a page-turning adventure perfect for fans of A.L. Knorr, Mary Weber, and Cassandra Clare.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
26 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 25, 2022
Reread: I think I enjoyed this even more the second time around. Now that the sequel is available, I read it knowing I’d be able to continue in the story. Payne is such a vibrant writer.
This book was everything I wanted and more. Catherine Jones Payne really outdid herself and I cannot wait to read more.
This book was everything I wanted and more. Catherine Jones Payne really outdid herself and I cannot wait to read more.
January 11, 2020
3.5 stars. The characters were great and so were the descriptions, and I absolutely LOVED the prose. I wish the stakes had been a little more clearly defined, but other than that it was great!
May 11, 2020
I have very mixed feelings about "Fire Dancer".
The first thing in this book I have mixed feelings about are the characters. I like the female characters in this story. The main character Kyla is a strong, hard working, passionate, and loyal young woman. She has an amazing bond with her sister Breanna, who is also a great female character. I don't have sisters, but their relationship made me wish I did!
I wasn't however, the biggest fan of the main male character, Nolan. He, like Kyla, is hard working and has a close relationship with his family, but he lacked the warmth and passion that Kyla has, in my opinion. It was really hard for me to figure out his motives, because of how secretive he is. It annoyed me that he wouldn't tell Kyla things about his life and feelings, even though they had been best friends for years. I honestly would have been more upset at him than Kyla was when she found out the things about Nolan that he hadn't told her.
The second thing I have mixed feelings about is the magic system. I like the way the fire powers work in this story. Characters, like Kyla, who have fire powers can mold fire into different shapes, can control the size of fires, and can put out fires. I think that having those abilities would be pretty great!
What I didn't like was the big reveal about the magic system at the end (SPOILERS AHEAD). At the end, it's revealed that Kyla has become a dragon warrior, which hasn't happened in hundreds of years. A dragon warrior has much stronger elemental powers than the normal person. The problem I have with Kyla becoming a dragon warrior is that I don't feel like there was enough foreshadowing for this. Before Kyla became one, there was only one very vague mention of dragon warrior. I still don't fully understand what all the powers entail, since little information was given about it. I'm sure it will be explained further in the next books, though.
Based on my mixed feelings, I'm giving this book a lower rater than I had hoped I would. I'm also not sure if I will read the sequels in the future.
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
The first thing in this book I have mixed feelings about are the characters. I like the female characters in this story. The main character Kyla is a strong, hard working, passionate, and loyal young woman. She has an amazing bond with her sister Breanna, who is also a great female character. I don't have sisters, but their relationship made me wish I did!
I wasn't however, the biggest fan of the main male character, Nolan. He, like Kyla, is hard working and has a close relationship with his family, but he lacked the warmth and passion that Kyla has, in my opinion. It was really hard for me to figure out his motives, because of how secretive he is. It annoyed me that he wouldn't tell Kyla things about his life and feelings, even though they had been best friends for years. I honestly would have been more upset at him than Kyla was when she found out the things about Nolan that he hadn't told her.
The second thing I have mixed feelings about is the magic system. I like the way the fire powers work in this story. Characters, like Kyla, who have fire powers can mold fire into different shapes, can control the size of fires, and can put out fires. I think that having those abilities would be pretty great!
What I didn't like was the big reveal about the magic system at the end (SPOILERS AHEAD). At the end, it's revealed that Kyla has become a dragon warrior, which hasn't happened in hundreds of years. A dragon warrior has much stronger elemental powers than the normal person. The problem I have with Kyla becoming a dragon warrior is that I don't feel like there was enough foreshadowing for this. Before Kyla became one, there was only one very vague mention of dragon warrior. I still don't fully understand what all the powers entail, since little information was given about it. I'm sure it will be explained further in the next books, though.
Based on my mixed feelings, I'm giving this book a lower rater than I had hoped I would. I'm also not sure if I will read the sequels in the future.
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
May 18, 2020
Slow burn plot, with a blazing climax
This book is the first in a series, and you can tell that most of it's purpose is to set up the characters and world building for future books. But all of that set up is done really well.
The main character Kayla has a secret dream. To be a mage. But girls are not allowed to use magic. So she instead sets her sights on being the lead dancer of her tribes fire dancing troupe.
It's a lot of highschoolish drama, but the faire magic makes it interesting. And these characters are so realistic, I was constantly nodding and think of people I knew who were similar.
A fun clean fantasy with deep themes of love and friendship and a warning not to let hate ruin it all.
This book is the first in a series, and you can tell that most of it's purpose is to set up the characters and world building for future books. But all of that set up is done really well.
The main character Kayla has a secret dream. To be a mage. But girls are not allowed to use magic. So she instead sets her sights on being the lead dancer of her tribes fire dancing troupe.
It's a lot of highschoolish drama, but the faire magic makes it interesting. And these characters are so realistic, I was constantly nodding and think of people I knew who were similar.
A fun clean fantasy with deep themes of love and friendship and a warning not to let hate ruin it all.
October 8, 2019
Fun, quick read. Cool magic and good worldbuilding. The fire dancing is interesting. I liked the characters. Not exactly a cliffhanger, but lots of unresolved plot threads.
May 28, 2024
7/10
1. I want to know what a snail roll is
2. The gravel crunched under people's feet too much
3. Nolan and her were kinda cute
4. Enjoyed writing sarcastic comments in the margins
5. The maze is literally a video game
6. If I had known it wasn't a standalone I would have given it more grace, I was just waiting for it all to be resolved in the one book and it just wasn't long enough for that
Maybe I'll read the next one, maybe I won't
1. I want to know what a snail roll is
2. The gravel crunched under people's feet too much
3. Nolan and her were kinda cute
4. Enjoyed writing sarcastic comments in the margins
5. The maze is literally a video game
6. If I had known it wasn't a standalone I would have given it more grace, I was just waiting for it all to be resolved in the one book and it just wasn't long enough for that
Maybe I'll read the next one, maybe I won't
August 16, 2020
4*
This book has such a unique premise and interesting world! I loved the magic system and I'm curious to see more. I also enjoyed the characters' relationships. This story had friendship, family bonding and an almost romance that I hope gets more developement in the next book.
I pthe approach this book has towards the emancipation of its female characters. The message it sends is that women don’t have to give up traditionally feminine/female things if they don’t want to. They can still be mothers and wives without that limiting anything else they may want to be. This highlights the importance of choice and freedom. The ability to be more than what is assigned to you for characteristics you were born with.
This story has a twist, which I did not at all see coming but I loved it and I'm curious to see what comes next.
This book has such a unique premise and interesting world! I loved the magic system and I'm curious to see more. I also enjoyed the characters' relationships. This story had friendship, family bonding and an almost romance that I hope gets more developement in the next book.
I pthe approach this book has towards the emancipation of its female characters. The message it sends is that women don’t have to give up traditionally feminine/female things if they don’t want to. They can still be mothers and wives without that limiting anything else they may want to be. This highlights the importance of choice and freedom. The ability to be more than what is assigned to you for characteristics you were born with.
This story has a twist, which I did not at all see coming but I loved it and I'm curious to see what comes next.
October 3, 2019
Catherine Jones Payne is an amazingly gifted storyteller. Her books are always hard for me to put down, and Fire Dancer is no exception. Such a great story from a great author!
February 12, 2020
I found Fire Dancer to be a refreshing YA Fantasy story. The story felt like a slice-of-life tale and the fantasy aspect was pushed to the background, allowing the characters to shine more in the foreground. I could actually put myself in each characters’ shoes. For me, this made Fire Dancer a joy to read.
Four key things made me want to pick up Fire Dancer. One, the cover is beautiful. The woman is gracefully admits a dance surrounded by magic and what I now know to be fireflies. Two, fire elemental magic is a favorite of mine next to earth magic. Three, the word “dancer.” I love watching choreographers and professional dancers on YouTube The fact that there would be dancers or dancing boosted my interest. And, four, the synopsis – this was my kind of story and it did not disappoint.
I related so much to Kyla because I auditioned for parts musical theater and orchestra. I understand the nerves and self-doubt. The whirlwind of butterflies in the stomach. Despite that she is determined to succeed. Another thing likable about Kyla is her desire to make things better for women in her clan, to bridge the gap of the strict gender inequality. She is a main character readers will love.
I like that the romance aspect is not the sole focus. I like that we’re not starting a the beginning of Kyla and Nolan’s relationship but are approaching the pinnacle of will-they-won’t-they about being together. Even then it’s slow, lovely romance to see.
I wish I hadn’t taken so long to get towards reading this book because it was fantastic. There’s so much to love about this story and the anticipation for the next book is extremely high. Fire Dancer is a must-read that I’m glad to have on my ebook shelf.
Four key things made me want to pick up Fire Dancer. One, the cover is beautiful. The woman is gracefully admits a dance surrounded by magic and what I now know to be fireflies. Two, fire elemental magic is a favorite of mine next to earth magic. Three, the word “dancer.” I love watching choreographers and professional dancers on YouTube The fact that there would be dancers or dancing boosted my interest. And, four, the synopsis – this was my kind of story and it did not disappoint.
I related so much to Kyla because I auditioned for parts musical theater and orchestra. I understand the nerves and self-doubt. The whirlwind of butterflies in the stomach. Despite that she is determined to succeed. Another thing likable about Kyla is her desire to make things better for women in her clan, to bridge the gap of the strict gender inequality. She is a main character readers will love.
I like that the romance aspect is not the sole focus. I like that we’re not starting a the beginning of Kyla and Nolan’s relationship but are approaching the pinnacle of will-they-won’t-they about being together. Even then it’s slow, lovely romance to see.
I wish I hadn’t taken so long to get towards reading this book because it was fantastic. There’s so much to love about this story and the anticipation for the next book is extremely high. Fire Dancer is a must-read that I’m glad to have on my ebook shelf.
January 8, 2020
I was a tad hesitant going into this novel thinking it might just be a mediocre kind of read. Boy was I happily wrong. This unique story of a clan that has the use of fire magic is an epic page turner. At the heart of the story we have Kyla who has been preparing her whole life to step into the coveted Phoenix position in the fire festival elite troupe. Along the way she has made friends and possibly fell in love with an outsider, learned fire magic that is forbidden for females to learn, and she may just be accused of being an arsonist burning up the local town. Their a lots of twist and turns on how everything plays out and I got down to the last 20 percent i like their no way they can tie all this up. So check out my handy goodreads app and thank goodness their more story a book two coming out later on in 2020.
Though their no major romance in this book one you can totally tell that one is brewing underneath all the tension and stress. Not to mention the upheaval the plot twist is going to wreck in how the clan operates. Our characters develop quite a bit in this first book and are no way the same by the end of this novel. I can't wait to see what up next in book two.
September 2, 2025
Some Things I Liked:
-The dance culture of the Fintan was neat, partly because I feel like dancing doesn't pop up super often in books.
-I appreciated that Payne tried to balance having female characters who wanted a career, and characters who wanted to be a mother and homemaker.
What Wasn't my Favorite:
-Kyla's internal drive/motivations and thoughts were repeated a lot, especially at the end of chapters. So you knew what was pushing her, but you were *told*, rather than shown.
-The plot felt a little basic. I think it could have benefited from some further complexity from subplots or plot twists.
-Kyla's plot arc pacing felt a little off towards the end.
Overall:
I got Fire Dancer when it was a free kindle deal. I don't regret taking the time to read it, but I probably won't continue with the series. It wasn't bad, but it felt like it could have been more.
Cautions: light romance
-The dance culture of the Fintan was neat, partly because I feel like dancing doesn't pop up super often in books.
-I appreciated that Payne tried to balance having female characters who wanted a career, and characters who wanted to be a mother and homemaker.
What Wasn't my Favorite:
-Kyla's internal drive/motivations and thoughts were repeated a lot, especially at the end of chapters. So you knew what was pushing her, but you were *told*, rather than shown.
-The plot felt a little basic. I think it could have benefited from some further complexity from subplots or plot twists.
-Kyla's plot arc pacing felt a little off towards the end.
Overall:
I got Fire Dancer when it was a free kindle deal. I don't regret taking the time to read it, but I probably won't continue with the series. It wasn't bad, but it felt like it could have been more.
Cautions: light romance
January 10, 2020
If you love YA fantasies AND theatrical plots, you will find this one at the top of your TBR!
We follow the main character who is a dancer, trying to win a spot in her world's fire festival. But when her secret, magical obsession gets in the way, her life becomes intense, heated, and dangerous.
This is a story that will take ahold of you and threaten not to let you go until the last page. I loved the complexity of the world while also reading through an array of characters who dive deep into magic and arson.
It's a high-stakes ploy that quickly received a solid 3 stars from me!
We follow the main character who is a dancer, trying to win a spot in her world's fire festival. But when her secret, magical obsession gets in the way, her life becomes intense, heated, and dangerous.
This is a story that will take ahold of you and threaten not to let you go until the last page. I loved the complexity of the world while also reading through an array of characters who dive deep into magic and arson.
It's a high-stakes ploy that quickly received a solid 3 stars from me!
April 26, 2020
I absolutely adore this book and can't wait for the second to come out. The plot is very well thought out and interesting with good world-building. It has good morals along with the character growth and the sweet romance between the main character and her love interest. I recommend this book for any age and my only problem with it is that it isn't long enough.
May 28, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It kept me up late last night, and then I had super weird dreams. I finished it this afternoon, and now I have THAT FEELING when you just finish a really good book and you don't know what to do with yourself. Can't wait for the next one!
October 31, 2021
The display at con was so pretty. Bought two books from the author.. Read fire dancer first and absolutely loved it!! Read the book straight through and I NEED more ! Couldn't find a copy of the second book though :( highly recommend
November 30, 2025
The last 100 or so pages made it hard to put down! It was a nice fantasy read with mild stakes (well, mostly. it does get a bit higher towards the end). A great palette cleanser for in between high fantasy books. Looking forward to reading the sequel!
Also perfect for younger YA readers
Also perfect for younger YA readers
February 17, 2020
Simply wonderful
I was wary when I started reading but I was sucked right in. It was a nice change of pace from the usual YA Fantasy I read and I cannot wait till book 2 is out!
I was wary when I started reading but I was sucked right in. It was a nice change of pace from the usual YA Fantasy I read and I cannot wait till book 2 is out!
February 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! The fire powers (magic) of the Fintan were fantastic! I’m looking forward to reading the next book too.
April 17, 2020
Beautiful story. Beautiful worldbuilding. Definitely want more.
June 8, 2021
Amazing reading experience. Just right in every way, a cute yet moving read. I admit I cried at the end; the thematic delivery is so powerful, and I can't wait to see what happens in book #2!
October 19, 2021
I love her writing.
Its a fantasy every girl would enjoy reading. You can visualize her writing and I love that about her books.
Its a fantasy every girl would enjoy reading. You can visualize her writing and I love that about her books.
December 20, 2019
It took me a long time to get past the first few pages of this book, but once I did... Whoosh, bang, crackle. Where's the book gone?
I loved it. Characters, theme, setting. It's lovely. Maybe not the ideal book to read during bushfire season.
I loved it. Characters, theme, setting. It's lovely. Maybe not the ideal book to read during bushfire season.
April 6, 2024
Solid writing and strong relationships carry this book forward—it was a swift read for me. I enjoyed the story, though I feel it just kicked up in true right as the book was ending. Such is the nature of a first book in a series! Can't complain, though, since it was an interesting journey along the way.
October 6, 2019
3.5 stars, rounding to 4.
STORY
Intriguing, a beezy read, and lovely fire and circus vibes, I enjoyed the overall gist of the story. I liked the vibes of the story world and such. But the moving plot bugged me quite a bit: it was very predictable.
Telling from the back cover blurb, I really didn’t see it coming: the patriarchy and the suppressed culture of women who not only cannot be mages, but are born to dance, marry, and breed. Basically, that’s the culture, or so, the female MC sees it that way. I didn’t expect the “women beat the patriarchy” from the blurb but if I’m being honest, it was there.
Don’t get me wrong. A fantasy world where women can’t do magic because they’re girls and they are suppressed in the culture (like, say how some current day cultures are: Amish, Islam, etc)... could be a great premise. But it just didn’t vibe with me in this one. It was a bit too predictable: the young, rebellious woman who must change the way things have always been because, for some reason, no other woman ever dared try to fight for their rights before. It just bugged me. I honestly thought it’d be more enjoyable but it had heaps of this theme and it isn’t a theme I enjoy much.
THEMES
As I mentioned, a large theme was women fighting for their rights and being more than just family oriented. I get that: that’s a great theme! But it was a bit overboard for my personal liking, I wasn’t expecting it to be such a lead element, and that trope isn’t one I easily enjoy. I’m getting rather tired of “girl boss” tropes in YA, but that’s just me, personally, and please, don’t think the whole novel was hating on menfolk. It wasn’t. It was a good novel. I liked it. But I still wasn’t expecting “fight the patriarchy and council”... it just isn’t a storyline I really enjoy.
The theme of love was fantastic! I really enjoyed Kyla’s arc as she decided to choose love over hate and found joy in family. That was HUGE and beautiful. I mean, I struggled with her character a few times, but the ending theme of love and family made the whole book worth it for me. AND for what it is worth, the young adult/teen romance wasn’t a prominent, icky theme, so yay!
CHARACTERS
Kyla was a good main character, but she also drove me a bit crazy: sixteen year old girls are known for being emotional and wishy washy. Usually, she had a good head on her shoulders, was kind, etc. But there were certain scenes that sometimes drove me a bit mad… such as, the bitter/revenge/hatred plot she had against Shayla. I get that it really didn’t end at the end of this book and book two is coming, so hopefully, that issue works out. I had a lot of respect how her arc ended. She chose love overall and controlled her powers. Fabulous!
One thing about Kyla’s powers I disliked was a cliche, so it was probably just me but…
Nolan was a supportive friend and came through at the end, but I didn’t really connect with anyone in general. Not the fault of the writing, just me personally. I will say that while I didn’t connect a great deal, the characters were all very strong, 3D characters! (Kyla’s father came close to being my favorite, haha!)
CONTENT
Mentions of mild swearing. Some hand holding and hugs, no sensual content. Mentions of pregnancy/miscarriages/suicide. Mentions of death, some gruesome. No violence that I can recall, really.
OVERALL
A pretty YA novel. I do recommend it to people who like YA tropes and fantasy, though! I’m looking forward to book two!
STORY
Intriguing, a beezy read, and lovely fire and circus vibes, I enjoyed the overall gist of the story. I liked the vibes of the story world and such. But the moving plot bugged me quite a bit: it was very predictable.
Telling from the back cover blurb, I really didn’t see it coming: the patriarchy and the suppressed culture of women who not only cannot be mages, but are born to dance, marry, and breed. Basically, that’s the culture, or so, the female MC sees it that way. I didn’t expect the “women beat the patriarchy” from the blurb but if I’m being honest, it was there.
Don’t get me wrong. A fantasy world where women can’t do magic because they’re girls and they are suppressed in the culture (like, say how some current day cultures are: Amish, Islam, etc)... could be a great premise. But it just didn’t vibe with me in this one. It was a bit too predictable: the young, rebellious woman who must change the way things have always been because, for some reason, no other woman ever dared try to fight for their rights before. It just bugged me. I honestly thought it’d be more enjoyable but it had heaps of this theme and it isn’t a theme I enjoy much.
THEMES
As I mentioned, a large theme was women fighting for their rights and being more than just family oriented. I get that: that’s a great theme! But it was a bit overboard for my personal liking, I wasn’t expecting it to be such a lead element, and that trope isn’t one I easily enjoy. I’m getting rather tired of “girl boss” tropes in YA, but that’s just me, personally, and please, don’t think the whole novel was hating on menfolk. It wasn’t. It was a good novel. I liked it. But I still wasn’t expecting “fight the patriarchy and council”... it just isn’t a storyline I really enjoy.
The theme of love was fantastic! I really enjoyed Kyla’s arc as she decided to choose love over hate and found joy in family. That was HUGE and beautiful. I mean, I struggled with her character a few times, but the ending theme of love and family made the whole book worth it for me. AND for what it is worth, the young adult/teen romance wasn’t a prominent, icky theme, so yay!
CHARACTERS
Kyla was a good main character, but she also drove me a bit crazy: sixteen year old girls are known for being emotional and wishy washy. Usually, she had a good head on her shoulders, was kind, etc. But there were certain scenes that sometimes drove me a bit mad… such as, the bitter/revenge/hatred plot she had against Shayla. I get that it really didn’t end at the end of this book and book two is coming, so hopefully, that issue works out. I had a lot of respect how her arc ended. She chose love overall and controlled her powers. Fabulous!
One thing about Kyla’s powers I disliked was a cliche, so it was probably just me but…
Nolan was a supportive friend and came through at the end, but I didn’t really connect with anyone in general. Not the fault of the writing, just me personally. I will say that while I didn’t connect a great deal, the characters were all very strong, 3D characters! (Kyla’s father came close to being my favorite, haha!)
CONTENT
Mentions of mild swearing. Some hand holding and hugs, no sensual content. Mentions of pregnancy/miscarriages/suicide. Mentions of death, some gruesome. No violence that I can recall, really.
OVERALL
A pretty YA novel. I do recommend it to people who like YA tropes and fantasy, though! I’m looking forward to book two!
May 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. Kyla, Nolan, and their families were fun and interesting characters. It was interesting reading about a society that put such limits on people, and it was interesting how the idea was approached, as well as how magic was approached. This book was short enough that was I wish some of the idea had been fleshed out a bit more. There was a lot going on in the story, which was good, but I wish there had been some more details on some of it. Some parts felt like they were hinted at instead. Overall it was a great story.
January 17, 2020
I completely fell in love with the cover of this story, but when I found out that it was an story based within a travelling festival, with a dancing main lead who has elemental powers - well, I couldn't resist. Fire Dancer was a fantastic coming-of-age story that has got me very excited for it's sequel; I'm desperate to continue the story & to see what changes the leading lady can make. The book was a relaxing read, Kyla was a classic YA female lead (although there was teen & MG vibes dotted throughout) & the plot moved at a perfect pace. I'll definitely be reading more of Catherine Jones Payne's work.
⚠️ This story contains scenes of arson & characters trapped within a burning building ⚠️
I was sent this book to review by YA Bound Book Tours.
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-363
⚠️ This story contains scenes of arson & characters trapped within a burning building ⚠️
I was sent this book to review by YA Bound Book Tours.
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-363
October 8, 2019
This is an interesting story. Kayla is a Fire Dancer and wants to become the Phoenix, the premier position in the troupe. But even more than that Kayla wants to be a fire mage, but only men are allowed to be mages.
Nolan's family are outcasts from the Fire Mage troupe - his father married someone outside of their group - but he and all of his children have the gift of fire magic. Nolan is Kayla's best friend and he loves her - he is teaching her how to use her magic.
Inside of Kayla is a labyrinth, it's where she goes to find her magic. Strong emotion makes the magic stronger. When she is angry and hateful the magic gets out of control, when she is filled with love and trying to use her magic for love it works well.
Most of the story is Kayla trying to figure out what she wants for her life. Around her are other stories happening. Her sister Breanna, the present Phoenix, is married and becomes pregnant, so another Phoenix is needed, so there are trials for that. There is an arsonist starting fires all over the area, and he/she needs to be found. Nolan and Kayla are trying to find out exactly what kind of relationship they have, but Nolan is so patient with her.
The ending is Wow!
This is a clean read, although Kayla says "Blazes" a lot, which I am hoping is a lot like "Bummer" rather than a curse word!
Nolan's family are outcasts from the Fire Mage troupe - his father married someone outside of their group - but he and all of his children have the gift of fire magic. Nolan is Kayla's best friend and he loves her - he is teaching her how to use her magic.
Inside of Kayla is a labyrinth, it's where she goes to find her magic. Strong emotion makes the magic stronger. When she is angry and hateful the magic gets out of control, when she is filled with love and trying to use her magic for love it works well.
Most of the story is Kayla trying to figure out what she wants for her life. Around her are other stories happening. Her sister Breanna, the present Phoenix, is married and becomes pregnant, so another Phoenix is needed, so there are trials for that. There is an arsonist starting fires all over the area, and he/she needs to be found. Nolan and Kayla are trying to find out exactly what kind of relationship they have, but Nolan is so patient with her.
The ending is Wow!
This is a clean read, although Kayla says "Blazes" a lot, which I am hoping is a lot like "Bummer" rather than a curse word!
October 7, 2019
This is the perfect book for a teenager who loves dance. I would have adored this book as a fourteen year old, so I’m basing my rating of four stars off that.
The whole fire magic and girl wanting to be a mage(only boys are allowed to) theme was relatable for teenage girls. A lot of the fire making and quelling reminded me of the Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale who is my absolute favorite YA author. In some ways this book would be fun to read if a teen has read those. They just can’t compare.
The cute romance is also just right for YA and stays appropriately clean.
For anyone who loves Dance Moms, World is Dance, or So You Think You Can Dance or any girl who’s danced in a competition the story becomes relatable. The dancing descriptions weren’t too detailed, but as a dancer I understood what was happening and that’s something that’s not always done well.
Sure the story is a predictable happy ending, but the book is exactly something I would have loved as a teenager.
The whole fire magic and girl wanting to be a mage(only boys are allowed to) theme was relatable for teenage girls. A lot of the fire making and quelling reminded me of the Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale who is my absolute favorite YA author. In some ways this book would be fun to read if a teen has read those. They just can’t compare.
The cute romance is also just right for YA and stays appropriately clean.
For anyone who loves Dance Moms, World is Dance, or So You Think You Can Dance or any girl who’s danced in a competition the story becomes relatable. The dancing descriptions weren’t too detailed, but as a dancer I understood what was happening and that’s something that’s not always done well.
Sure the story is a predictable happy ending, but the book is exactly something I would have loved as a teenager.
November 15, 2019
I liked this idea, but I found the world building to be very lacking. I was disappointed that the world wasn’t more fleshed out, like Kyla’s tribe and their rules. It was like a 2D vision of a 3D world. I’m really hoping it improves in the next book.
December 12, 2023
Ugg, I'm so bad at reviews. Especially when I've just finished a book. Too many thoughts and emotions. So I will work on a real review soon, but for now all I'm saying is it's really good! You should read it. And also, second review!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews