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West Brothers #6
Fire Starters
The final book in the West Brothers series. A Confirmation story.
The moment Peter Brandt discovers archenemy Jarret West is a Confirmation candidate, the ceiling of St. Michael’s Church caves in. He soon learns none of the West brothers have received the sacrament: Keefe is looking forward to it, Roland hates drawing attention to himself, and Jarret doesn’t think he's worthy. Before Peter gets over his shock, whispers of bad news surround him. Parishioners suspect that the parish will soon close and be merged with a neighboring, newly remodeled church.
Peter’s friend Caitlyn is anxious to help, but her life comes crashing down when her mother leaves to aid her aged parents. Now Caitlyn is homeschooling with a neighboring family and caring for her younger siblings, and she can’t see her friends at school. Peter and Caitlyn soon suspect that someone might be behind the potential closing of their church. Not one to give up easily, Caitlyn suggests the Fire Starters help with preparing the West brothers and saving the church.
The moment Peter Brandt discovers archenemy Jarret West is a Confirmation candidate, the ceiling of St. Michael’s Church caves in. He soon learns none of the West brothers have received the sacrament: Keefe is looking forward to it, Roland hates drawing attention to himself, and Jarret doesn’t think he's worthy. Before Peter gets over his shock, whispers of bad news surround him. Parishioners suspect that the parish will soon close and be merged with a neighboring, newly remodeled church.
Peter’s friend Caitlyn is anxious to help, but her life comes crashing down when her mother leaves to aid her aged parents. Now Caitlyn is homeschooling with a neighboring family and caring for her younger siblings, and she can’t see her friends at school. Peter and Caitlyn soon suspect that someone might be behind the potential closing of their church. Not one to give up easily, Caitlyn suggests the Fire Starters help with preparing the West brothers and saving the church.
318 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2020
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Linden
40 books109 followersRaised in a military family, Theresa Linden developed strong patriotism and a sense of adventure. She began writing in grade school and her passion for writing has never waned. Love for faith, family, and freedom inspired her to write the Chasing Liberty trilogy, a dystopian story about a future that is sadly becoming a reality.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
She is also the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle For His Soul, two books in the West Brothers series of Catholic teen fiction; Tortured Soul, a purgatory soul story; and the children's Armor of God series. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Catholic Teen Books, she lives with her family in northeast Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 1, 2020
Fire Starters is the final book in Theresa Linden’s West Brothers series. If you haven’t had the chance to read the previous books, don’t worry, this book can definitely be read as a standalone. Although, I have a feeling one book won’t be enough and you’ll want to spend more time with these amazing characters. And, for those who have enjoyed the entire series, you’ll be happy to know that many characters you’ve grown to care about over the years are in this story. One of the unique aspects of this series is that the books are written from different unique points of view. The West brothers themselves, friends, and even angels have spurred this series along! This final book is told from the perspectives of Caitlyn and Peter, two of Roland West’s friends.
Theresa Linden is a truly gifted writer who boldly tackles topics that aren’t often seen in YA literature. The strong Catholic viewpoint from which she writes fill her books with truth, knowledge, and faith. I’m also always impressed how her descriptions leave me feeling like I’m right there in the moment with the characters. No matter the genre, contemporary YA, dystopian teen novels, adult suspense, or children’s books, Linden’s ability to bring to life the characters and the worlds they live in, set her novels apart.
Fire Starters is set around the sacrament of Confirmation. Due to previous circumstances, the West brothers have never been Confirmed, so now they must prepare for the sacrament with younger students. When their friends hear about this, they decide to show their support by attending Confirmation class with the boys. This reviewing of the sacrament brings some surprises. The deepening of faith for each of the characters was really beautiful. I’m sure readers will relate to the different feelings that are portrayed through the various characters. Besides the moving faith-based premise, there are also several side stories that add emotion, intrigue, and fun to the novel. Fire Starters would make the perfect gift for the teen in your life.
Theresa Linden is a truly gifted writer who boldly tackles topics that aren’t often seen in YA literature. The strong Catholic viewpoint from which she writes fill her books with truth, knowledge, and faith. I’m also always impressed how her descriptions leave me feeling like I’m right there in the moment with the characters. No matter the genre, contemporary YA, dystopian teen novels, adult suspense, or children’s books, Linden’s ability to bring to life the characters and the worlds they live in, set her novels apart.
Fire Starters is set around the sacrament of Confirmation. Due to previous circumstances, the West brothers have never been Confirmed, so now they must prepare for the sacrament with younger students. When their friends hear about this, they decide to show their support by attending Confirmation class with the boys. This reviewing of the sacrament brings some surprises. The deepening of faith for each of the characters was really beautiful. I’m sure readers will relate to the different feelings that are portrayed through the various characters. Besides the moving faith-based premise, there are also several side stories that add emotion, intrigue, and fun to the novel. Fire Starters would make the perfect gift for the teen in your life.
June 29, 2020
A clever & spiritually rewarding series finale.
I’m sad this is the last West Bros book and to be honest I was kind of disappointed that despite the West Bros being the confirmation candidates, none of the book was told from their point of view (I admit, Keefe and Jarret are far and away my favourite characters!). Rather, it was told from the POV of Peter and Caitlyn, other familiar characters from the series. I missed not being inside the heads of the kids who are actually wrestling with whether to get confirmed or not.
But: Linden is making a profound—and I’m sure, a very deliberate—point by choosing these POV, in fact it reinforces the main point of the entire book. Confirmation is for life, not just for confirmation day. And it’s Peter and Caitlyn, the already confirmed characters, who we see learn the most in this book. Jarret and Keefe and Roland are merely learning the nitty-gritty catechetical details of confirmation. But we see Peter and Caitlyn learning to live out their confirmation and open their lives to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It’s very cleverly done and effective.
Peter (and other characters’) rampant suspicion against the other Catholic church, and the outright prejudice based purely on its ugly modern aesthetics, although realistic, left me subtly uneasy as to whether this was a helpful attitude for teens to be internalising. I preferred the elements of the roof plotline that focused on the handyman and the developer. Those aspects were also wrapped up and resolved better. I would have liked to have seen it made clear by the end that just because the other church building was modern it didn’t mean they were somehow automatically less good Catholics.
It also didn’t feel like Roland’s confirmation plotline was actually resolved. At one point he’s still got issues (I won’t give spoilers) and then suddenly he just seems not to have any more. Because we’re not in his POV at all, we never find out what happens. The whole Jarret and Peter plotline was great, though.
I really enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it to teens and parents and especially those preparing for confirmation. I even highlighted 4 or 5 passages for my own spiritual use. I would love to give it 5 stars, but ultimately I just struggled to lose myself in it the way I have in most of the other West Bros books. Maybe when I re-read it, I’ll get sucked in better second time around and change my rating. Until then, a solid four stars, and a prayer to the Holy Spirit to zap Linden with another Jarret and Keefe book! 😉
[I am acquainted with the author through author groups but purchased the book myself because I wanted to read it. Opinions are my own.]
I’m sad this is the last West Bros book and to be honest I was kind of disappointed that despite the West Bros being the confirmation candidates, none of the book was told from their point of view (I admit, Keefe and Jarret are far and away my favourite characters!). Rather, it was told from the POV of Peter and Caitlyn, other familiar characters from the series. I missed not being inside the heads of the kids who are actually wrestling with whether to get confirmed or not.
But: Linden is making a profound—and I’m sure, a very deliberate—point by choosing these POV, in fact it reinforces the main point of the entire book. Confirmation is for life, not just for confirmation day. And it’s Peter and Caitlyn, the already confirmed characters, who we see learn the most in this book. Jarret and Keefe and Roland are merely learning the nitty-gritty catechetical details of confirmation. But we see Peter and Caitlyn learning to live out their confirmation and open their lives to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It’s very cleverly done and effective.
Peter (and other characters’) rampant suspicion against the other Catholic church, and the outright prejudice based purely on its ugly modern aesthetics, although realistic, left me subtly uneasy as to whether this was a helpful attitude for teens to be internalising. I preferred the elements of the roof plotline that focused on the handyman and the developer. Those aspects were also wrapped up and resolved better. I would have liked to have seen it made clear by the end that just because the other church building was modern it didn’t mean they were somehow automatically less good Catholics.
It also didn’t feel like Roland’s confirmation plotline was actually resolved. At one point he’s still got issues (I won’t give spoilers) and then suddenly he just seems not to have any more. Because we’re not in his POV at all, we never find out what happens. The whole Jarret and Peter plotline was great, though.
I really enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it to teens and parents and especially those preparing for confirmation. I even highlighted 4 or 5 passages for my own spiritual use. I would love to give it 5 stars, but ultimately I just struggled to lose myself in it the way I have in most of the other West Bros books. Maybe when I re-read it, I’ll get sucked in better second time around and change my rating. Until then, a solid four stars, and a prayer to the Holy Spirit to zap Linden with another Jarret and Keefe book! 😉
[I am acquainted with the author through author groups but purchased the book myself because I wanted to read it. Opinions are my own.]
June 2, 2020
Fire Starters makes an excellent gift for Catholic teens, especially those in the Confirmation years. Theresa Linden manages to address so many lived experiences of Catholics surrounding the sacrament while never departing from the West Brothers (and friends) world, everyone remaining in character - though if you read the series from beginning to end, you'll see how dramatically these characters have grown, particularly Jarret West.
Catholics can relate not only to the external concerns of the characters - churches suffering financially and closing - but the internal concerns we all feel, like why hasn't this sacrament changed me?
Fire Starters would make an excellent aid to sacramental preparation. Kids all memorize the gifts of the Holy Spirit and their definitions, but how you LIVE them is critically important, and Fire Starters shows some of the ways. And besides that, it's just fun to read.
Catholics can relate not only to the external concerns of the characters - churches suffering financially and closing - but the internal concerns we all feel, like why hasn't this sacrament changed me?
Fire Starters would make an excellent aid to sacramental preparation. Kids all memorize the gifts of the Holy Spirit and their definitions, but how you LIVE them is critically important, and Fire Starters shows some of the ways. And besides that, it's just fun to read.
June 29, 2020
So often it seems that preparation for Confirmation is reduced to little more than lessons to be memorized and lengthy catechism questions. While those aspects are definitely essential, who says teens can't also be introduced to the Holy Ghost and His gifts through captivating fiction? After all, Our Lord taught His disciples through storytelling! Fire Starters is a fun yet realistic novel that every teen can relate to as they prepare for their Confirmation day. I guarantee it will give not only special insights into cooperating with grace, but will inflame them with a greater desire to receive the gifts God wants to give them in this beautiful Sacrament!
May 31, 2020
It was bittersweet to read this book. A few years ago I read the first of the West Brothers books, Roland West Loner, and fell in love with Linden’s writing. Within a few months I had read everything she had published by that point. To find out that this is the last planned book in the West Brothers series leaves me wanting more. Even before I began the book. My only real hope is that we will encounter them again in other adult novels like Anyone But Him. But this book was an excellent read. I truly love each of the books Linden has penned and consider her a masterful writer. It does not matter if like Madeleine L’Engle she jumps genres and focus. The books in this series are for the most part like L’Engle’s Chronos series. They are realistic fiction. They could be families, friends, and youth that you know and have regular encounters with. One book in the series has a supernatural spiritual battle element. But for the most part just down to earth people, trying to live and live out their faith. In fact, The Fire Starters is the name the youth group picked. And in this book a confirmation story we have so many plots and events inter woven, and when they come together it is masterfully written.
There are several different subplots during the period of this tale. First the three West Brothers are all preparing for confirmation. They missed it during the period when they did not really attend church after their mother passed. They are doing it with the Grade 8 class. Their Church Saint Michael’s has suffered some extensive water damage. The church is fighting to stay. And it looks like the bishop might close the parish. Caitlyn is playing mom, while her mother has to go help her grandma who has had a stroke. She is also pulled out of school and working on homeschooling. Peter is racing all over the place trying to figure out who wants Saint Michael’s gone and why. Peter and Jarret West have some history. But peter pulls Jarret’s confirmation prayer card. In this story the West brothers are figuring out their path to confirmation. And at points it looks like both Roland and Jarret want to postpone it at least another year. And Peter and Caitlyn both reflect back on their own confirmation, and why they did it, and what it really means. Can the Fire Starters help save Saint Michael’s; can they help the West Brothers through the confirmation process? Will Peter figure out what is really up, at the church and with Jarrett? To find out you will need to read this amazing novel.
I have thought back on my own confirmation often. I remember only really doing it because the whole class was doing it, and they never really told us to you could do it later if you did not do it with your class. This book is excellent for those preparing for the sacrament, or those of us who have already received it. At the end of the volume is an excellent discussion guide. There is a section on the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit. And an excellent novena of surrender by Servant of God Don Dolindo Ruotolo.
I have really loved all of Linden's books, this one is one of the most powerful. It will hold a special place on my shelf. I recommend all of Linen's books, but the spiritual elements in this book take it to a new level, and the explorations of the importance of confirmation, and the continual process of growing in God is incredibly well written. Another incredible read that I give my highest recommendation. Last year I wrote a piece about Three Catholic Authors you might not have heard of. If I was to write a piece on my favorite contemporary Catholic or Christian authors Linden would be at the top of the list.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Theresa Linden. As well as author profile and interview with Theresa.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
There are several different subplots during the period of this tale. First the three West Brothers are all preparing for confirmation. They missed it during the period when they did not really attend church after their mother passed. They are doing it with the Grade 8 class. Their Church Saint Michael’s has suffered some extensive water damage. The church is fighting to stay. And it looks like the bishop might close the parish. Caitlyn is playing mom, while her mother has to go help her grandma who has had a stroke. She is also pulled out of school and working on homeschooling. Peter is racing all over the place trying to figure out who wants Saint Michael’s gone and why. Peter and Jarret West have some history. But peter pulls Jarret’s confirmation prayer card. In this story the West brothers are figuring out their path to confirmation. And at points it looks like both Roland and Jarret want to postpone it at least another year. And Peter and Caitlyn both reflect back on their own confirmation, and why they did it, and what it really means. Can the Fire Starters help save Saint Michael’s; can they help the West Brothers through the confirmation process? Will Peter figure out what is really up, at the church and with Jarrett? To find out you will need to read this amazing novel.
I have thought back on my own confirmation often. I remember only really doing it because the whole class was doing it, and they never really told us to you could do it later if you did not do it with your class. This book is excellent for those preparing for the sacrament, or those of us who have already received it. At the end of the volume is an excellent discussion guide. There is a section on the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit. And an excellent novena of surrender by Servant of God Don Dolindo Ruotolo.
I have really loved all of Linden's books, this one is one of the most powerful. It will hold a special place on my shelf. I recommend all of Linen's books, but the spiritual elements in this book take it to a new level, and the explorations of the importance of confirmation, and the continual process of growing in God is incredibly well written. Another incredible read that I give my highest recommendation. Last year I wrote a piece about Three Catholic Authors you might not have heard of. If I was to write a piece on my favorite contemporary Catholic or Christian authors Linden would be at the top of the list.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Theresa Linden. As well as author profile and interview with Theresa.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
July 13, 2020
Entertaining Catholic Teen Fiction That Teaches the Faith
The title "Fire Starters" refers to a teen prayer group meeting at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, the members of which have played greater or smaller roles in the previous five West Brothers novels. The story focuses on Caitlyn Summer and Peter Brandt, friends of the West brothers, who are confronted with big problems in their lives. Caitlyn’s mother needs to leave her husband and five children to take care of her sick mother, leaving her oldest daughter in charge of her siblings. Peter is worried about his beloved St. Michael’s Church which he fears may be closed to make room for city development. Peter also worries about his friend Roland West and his older Brothers Keefe and Jarred who are not happy to attend confirmation classes along with a group of much younger kids.
With the support of the Fire Starters, Caitlyn, Peter and all three West Brothers discover the significance of the sacrament of confirmation. At the same time the group tries to help their struggling parish to survive.
Fire Starters is a book that will deepen the faith of teen readers by weaving many aspects of Catholic teaching into an exciting story line. As in previous books in the series, there is a factual mystery to be investigated. However, the true mystery being revealed here is the mystical work of the Body of Christ. Theresa Linden is a master of explaining difficult theological concepts through the art of storytelling.
While reviewing the theology of the sacrament of confirmation along with the West brothers, Caitlyn, Peter and their Fire Starter friends realize how the graces of their own confirmations have granted them the gifts needed to face their problems. As in previous West Brothers books, I found myself learning along with the characters.
To be honest, I always found it difficult to answer the question Roland West asks Peter about the sacrament of confirmation: “I’m a practicing Catholic. I’ve been baptized and go to Mass. And Confession. Sometimes. Do I really need this?” I don’t know if I would have come up with a better answer than Peter: “It’s just what you do when you’re Catholic.”
Peter experiences a problem many Catholics are familiar with. Remembering his confirmation, he is disappointed about the lack of emotional drama, of perceptible tongues of fire descending on him. Following along in the West brothers’ confirmation classes, Peter is reminded that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not normally felt as emotions. Father Carson, the holy parish priest, teaches his catechumens: Live the virtues and the gifts will follow.
Read the entire review here:https://www.booksforcatholickids.org/...
The title "Fire Starters" refers to a teen prayer group meeting at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, the members of which have played greater or smaller roles in the previous five West Brothers novels. The story focuses on Caitlyn Summer and Peter Brandt, friends of the West brothers, who are confronted with big problems in their lives. Caitlyn’s mother needs to leave her husband and five children to take care of her sick mother, leaving her oldest daughter in charge of her siblings. Peter is worried about his beloved St. Michael’s Church which he fears may be closed to make room for city development. Peter also worries about his friend Roland West and his older Brothers Keefe and Jarred who are not happy to attend confirmation classes along with a group of much younger kids.
With the support of the Fire Starters, Caitlyn, Peter and all three West Brothers discover the significance of the sacrament of confirmation. At the same time the group tries to help their struggling parish to survive.
Fire Starters is a book that will deepen the faith of teen readers by weaving many aspects of Catholic teaching into an exciting story line. As in previous books in the series, there is a factual mystery to be investigated. However, the true mystery being revealed here is the mystical work of the Body of Christ. Theresa Linden is a master of explaining difficult theological concepts through the art of storytelling.
While reviewing the theology of the sacrament of confirmation along with the West brothers, Caitlyn, Peter and their Fire Starter friends realize how the graces of their own confirmations have granted them the gifts needed to face their problems. As in previous West Brothers books, I found myself learning along with the characters.
To be honest, I always found it difficult to answer the question Roland West asks Peter about the sacrament of confirmation: “I’m a practicing Catholic. I’ve been baptized and go to Mass. And Confession. Sometimes. Do I really need this?” I don’t know if I would have come up with a better answer than Peter: “It’s just what you do when you’re Catholic.”
Peter experiences a problem many Catholics are familiar with. Remembering his confirmation, he is disappointed about the lack of emotional drama, of perceptible tongues of fire descending on him. Following along in the West brothers’ confirmation classes, Peter is reminded that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not normally felt as emotions. Father Carson, the holy parish priest, teaches his catechumens: Live the virtues and the gifts will follow.
Read the entire review here:https://www.booksforcatholickids.org/...
May 25, 2020
The teenage characters in Theresa Linden's West Brothers series grapple with tough issues as they grow in faith. Fire Starters centers on the sacrament of Confirmation, the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, and whether a person must feel ready before they can receive grace. A great read for teens in youth groups or sacrament prep. (ARC provided by author)
June 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It’s the 6th and last book of the West Brothers series. Although I hadn’t read the earlier books, I was able to follow along with this story...but it made me want to read the earlier books. I enjoyed the characters and their quest to help each other grow in their Catholic Faith. I would recommend this book to students 6th grade on up.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews