What do you think?
Rate this book
Girl on Fire
Fire was my only companion. A burning light in a world otherwise filled with darkness. A life of pain and abuse I never thought I’d escape.
I’m still not convinced I have.
When friendly Santa-figure turned trucker, Al, finds me at a rest stop and offers me a job at his idyllic farm in small-town Nebraska, the picturesque family life is more than I could hope for.
And his youngest son, Kyle, is a dream romance that I don’t deserve.
But no dream lasts. As a new nightmare begins, I’m back where I started. Captive. Abandoned. Alone. And staring into the flames.
Except this time the embers are dying, and when the monster in the dark enslaves my soul, no one will stoke me back to life.
If you like a survivor story with a touch of romance, you will love this beautiful dark psychological thriller.
Please be sure to read with care and check for tropes on the author's website.
I’m still not convinced I have.
When friendly Santa-figure turned trucker, Al, finds me at a rest stop and offers me a job at his idyllic farm in small-town Nebraska, the picturesque family life is more than I could hope for.
And his youngest son, Kyle, is a dream romance that I don’t deserve.
But no dream lasts. As a new nightmare begins, I’m back where I started. Captive. Abandoned. Alone. And staring into the flames.
Except this time the embers are dying, and when the monster in the dark enslaves my soul, no one will stoke me back to life.
If you like a survivor story with a touch of romance, you will love this beautiful dark psychological thriller.
Please be sure to read with care and check for tropes on the author's website.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2021
14 people are currently reading
1752 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Bannister
28 books240 followersDanielle Bannister, a.k.a. Dani Bannister is a best-selling author who lives with her two children in Midcoast Maine along with her precious peppermint mocha creamer. She holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Southern Maine and her Masters in Literary Education from the University of Orono. When she's not on the stage, or on the page, you'll find her binge-watching Marvel Movies. As one does.
You can also join her newsletter at:
http://https://bookhip.com/BZHAHJM
or
You can visit her website at:
http://daniellebannister.com/
You can also join her newsletter at:
http://https://bookhip.com/BZHAHJM
or
You can visit her website at:
http://daniellebannister.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 9, 2022
Give me a psychological thriller, with a back story that gives you chills, rips your heart with sympathy, and a story arc that leaves you hoping and praying with every page turn, and you have Girl on Fire by Danielle Bannister. Sarah is a runaway. From the beginning you feel for her and all she endures at such a tender age, and when she finds shelter and work at a farm with a family in Nebraska, you exhale relief. There she meets Kyle, with whom she develops a special bond. Unfortunately, a new place in a new space doesn't exorcise past demons, nor the ones that find her in her new home. Namely, her obsession with fire, and how it burns her inside and out. The book is a slow burn, and whether or not that was by metaphoric design to play on the character's fire obsession or not, it was appreciated for the excellent character development it bore. Girl on Fire is definitely a book that will linger and make you think... a la a book hangover. A well-written psychological thriller, but not for the faint of heart.
September 8, 2021
Ok, I've done it again. I picked up a book thinking it's paranormal only to find it's a dark, contemporary fiction.
So, this is a love story. An achingly beautiful love story that blossomed from the fiery ashes of hell.
The author did give a trigger warning for the faint hearted as well as to avoid triggering those who unfortunately had been in similar situations (God, please no). Thinking I was brave, I dived in with both eyes wide open.
The story started in Sarah's POV. She's 19, an orphan, and a runaway. She's running away to escape a difficult life, from prying eyes and from a debilitating secret... hoping to start afresh in a faraway land where nobody knew of her.
As the blurb said, she met a kind-hearted man, Al, who took her in and offered her a temporary haven. There she met his son, Kyle who treated at her like she was a normal human being instead of a broken one, and looked at her the way a boy would look at a girl he's attracted to.
For a time, life was idyllic... normal... peaceful. Something Sarah has never experienced before. And the spark in Kyle's eyes was something she only dreamed of.
Then Brad happened.
To be honest, I stopped reading here. The beautiful picture in my head was smeared with darkness, with blood and despair, I just couldn't. The author painted the picture in such vivid color that I felt I was right there watching a disaster unfold in front of me. It disturbed me and broke my heart. I was as helpless as Sarah had been. The true mark of an amazing storyteller.
Though in fairness, she wasn't vulgar about it. Everything had been handled delicately despite of her almost brutal honesty. I sound very vague, I know but I don't want to give away spoilers. So, after huffing and puffing, and several pep talks, I decided to pull my big girl pants on and give it another go. Again, the author did warn me from the start.
The book then moved on to mental health problems that touched almost every characters in the story in different ways. Ms Bannister addressed this with so much care and was actually the main reason why I decided to keep reading until the end.
This section was also told from Kyle's sweet POV. It was a welcomed breath of fresh air. I needed it to recover and made me fall in love all over again. I need one of those letters (damn it!).
I did have one other grief at the beginning of the story. It was riddled with so much foreshadowing it irritated me. Then I realized the foreshadowing were there because I was in Sarah's head. A shade of her mental health. Just more proof of brilliant writing.
Needless to say, I really liked this book in the end and would be more than happy to recommend it to anyone with a brave soul. And even if you are like me, I'd say: Keep strong, reader. There is a brilliant light at the end of that tunnel.
So, this is a love story. An achingly beautiful love story that blossomed from the fiery ashes of hell.
The author did give a trigger warning for the faint hearted as well as to avoid triggering those who unfortunately had been in similar situations (God, please no). Thinking I was brave, I dived in with both eyes wide open.
The story started in Sarah's POV. She's 19, an orphan, and a runaway. She's running away to escape a difficult life, from prying eyes and from a debilitating secret... hoping to start afresh in a faraway land where nobody knew of her.
As the blurb said, she met a kind-hearted man, Al, who took her in and offered her a temporary haven. There she met his son, Kyle who treated at her like she was a normal human being instead of a broken one, and looked at her the way a boy would look at a girl he's attracted to.
For a time, life was idyllic... normal... peaceful. Something Sarah has never experienced before. And the spark in Kyle's eyes was something she only dreamed of.
Then Brad happened.
To be honest, I stopped reading here. The beautiful picture in my head was smeared with darkness, with blood and despair, I just couldn't. The author painted the picture in such vivid color that I felt I was right there watching a disaster unfold in front of me. It disturbed me and broke my heart. I was as helpless as Sarah had been. The true mark of an amazing storyteller.
Though in fairness, she wasn't vulgar about it. Everything had been handled delicately despite of her almost brutal honesty. I sound very vague, I know but I don't want to give away spoilers. So, after huffing and puffing, and several pep talks, I decided to pull my big girl pants on and give it another go. Again, the author did warn me from the start.
The book then moved on to mental health problems that touched almost every characters in the story in different ways. Ms Bannister addressed this with so much care and was actually the main reason why I decided to keep reading until the end.
This section was also told from Kyle's sweet POV. It was a welcomed breath of fresh air. I needed it to recover and made me fall in love all over again. I need one of those letters (damn it!).
I did have one other grief at the beginning of the story. It was riddled with so much foreshadowing it irritated me. Then I realized the foreshadowing were there because I was in Sarah's head. A shade of her mental health. Just more proof of brilliant writing.
Needless to say, I really liked this book in the end and would be more than happy to recommend it to anyone with a brave soul. And even if you are like me, I'd say: Keep strong, reader. There is a brilliant light at the end of that tunnel.
August 27, 2021
Even though this book dives into some darker aspects, I found it was written in a way that it should have been. I found the reading moved at a nice pace and it took me no time to be left wanting more 👀.
Everyone has a story… but for Sarah it’s not an easy one to tell… and she is on the run. Throw in a nice helper only wanting to help and things can only get better …right? …you will have to read to find out!
Everyone has a story… but for Sarah it’s not an easy one to tell… and she is on the run. Throw in a nice helper only wanting to help and things can only get better …right? …you will have to read to find out!
March 8, 2022
Enjoyable and unique.
January 8, 2024
Girl on Fire
By: Danielle Bannister
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Oliver Highpoint
Get ready, this is a dark and twisty psychological thriller with a bit of romance and it captured my attention and I couldn't stop listening! This book is packed with questions and cringeworthy moments, keeping me engaged til the very end. Sarah has had a rough time of it, and being on her own has not been easy. When offered a job on a farm, she thought it too good to be true. A place to stay and food in exchange for her help. It seemed too good to be true. She met Kyle, the son of the farmer and he was sweet and good to Sarah. But Brad, the cop and son with attitude was another story. He was viciously nasty, abusive in every way imaginable and made her question her decision to stay. But she was stuck! Due to her past, Brad had her by the short hairs. How does it all go? Well Girl on Fire not only is about these three, and the difficulties they and their families faced, but Sarah in particular had an obsession with fire. And that could be her downfall. It's exciting and suspenseful. The mind blowing scenes had me on edge and left me loving to hate some and wanting to help others. It's a destabilizing and at the same time the thin thread of love pulls through. I truly enjoyed this listen and will be looking for more by Danielle Bannister.
Narrated in two parts, the team of Sarah Puckett and Oliver Highpoint capture each scene spectacularly. Puckett gives a performance that is emotionally driven with incredible drama and had me on edge for most of her part. Highpoint comes in as Kyle, and his portrayal of a man with hope to a man broken is amazing. These two pulled out all the stops and had my mind reeling. Loved them and the performance.
By: Danielle Bannister
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Oliver Highpoint
Get ready, this is a dark and twisty psychological thriller with a bit of romance and it captured my attention and I couldn't stop listening! This book is packed with questions and cringeworthy moments, keeping me engaged til the very end. Sarah has had a rough time of it, and being on her own has not been easy. When offered a job on a farm, she thought it too good to be true. A place to stay and food in exchange for her help. It seemed too good to be true. She met Kyle, the son of the farmer and he was sweet and good to Sarah. But Brad, the cop and son with attitude was another story. He was viciously nasty, abusive in every way imaginable and made her question her decision to stay. But she was stuck! Due to her past, Brad had her by the short hairs. How does it all go? Well Girl on Fire not only is about these three, and the difficulties they and their families faced, but Sarah in particular had an obsession with fire. And that could be her downfall. It's exciting and suspenseful. The mind blowing scenes had me on edge and left me loving to hate some and wanting to help others. It's a destabilizing and at the same time the thin thread of love pulls through. I truly enjoyed this listen and will be looking for more by Danielle Bannister.
Narrated in two parts, the team of Sarah Puckett and Oliver Highpoint capture each scene spectacularly. Puckett gives a performance that is emotionally driven with incredible drama and had me on edge for most of her part. Highpoint comes in as Kyle, and his portrayal of a man with hope to a man broken is amazing. These two pulled out all the stops and had my mind reeling. Loved them and the performance.
March 4, 2022
3.5 stars
This was an interesting read. The things that would have caused trigger warnings were well cared for and not overly explicit but rather were just implied with out glorifying the act.
I was invested in the story but things just felt off. It ended pretty abruptly and that was frustrating because I wanted more closure in regards to Molly and the others.
This was an interesting read. The things that would have caused trigger warnings were well cared for and not overly explicit but rather were just implied with out glorifying the act.
I was invested in the story but things just felt off. It ended pretty abruptly and that was frustrating because I wanted more closure in regards to Molly and the others.
September 20, 2021
Great book!
This story grabs you in from the very beginning! The perils Sarah endured as a child were tough to get through but such an integral part to who she became. I won't leave any spoilers, but will just say you must read this book!!!
This story grabs you in from the very beginning! The perils Sarah endured as a child were tough to get through but such an integral part to who she became. I won't leave any spoilers, but will just say you must read this book!!!
September 8, 2021
Gritty and real and so, so readable
Edgy and dark and so, so readable! Once you start Girl On Fire you won't be able to put it down.
Edgy and dark and so, so readable! Once you start Girl On Fire you won't be able to put it down.
September 7, 2021
I have read a few of Danielle's books. What they all have in common is they are unique. I have read about twin flames, a story about dating in ABC order, and now she has written something much darker. It's my favorite one. Not because it was dark but because it was meaningful. It really makes you think about what is going on when it comes to runaways...
This is Sarah's story. Its not an easy one to read but it's hers. At the age of eighteen she made the decision to start her life over. She was going to hitch her way to from New York to California. She didn't know what she was going to do once she got there but she just knew she couldn't stay where she was. She had to run, like she has been since she was fourteen. She learned how to numb herself at a young age and how to light a match at an even younger one. Fire was her addiction. Her calmness, and the only thing she felt anything for. Well, until she met Kyle...
She had her plan. But when an older man that for some reason wanted to help her without payment, her life was flipped upside down. He actually cared about her well-being and not what she could do for him while he was on the road. He brought her into his home. And when she first laid eyes on his son, Kyle, she felt safe. He didn't exactly want her around but soon, he wouldn't want her to leave. They found their rhythm during that first day. She actually felt comfortable, and could see herself being part of the family for the summer. But the minute she felt happiness, she saw him...Brad. The family member that could rip her apart.
Brad was the older brother that got whatever he wanted. Who ever he wanted. The cop of the family. The one that went to college instead of staying on the farm. But, he didn't have Kyle's kind eyes. His were darker. She wanted to run like she always had before but she wanted to stay a part of this family. She felt wanted. She never felt loved but if she ever could, she knew this family could do it. She just had to stay away from Brad for a few days while he visited. Easier said than done...
Like I said, this is Sarah's story. She writes her story and that is what you will be reading. It's not a sexy, lovey-dovey kind of story. It's a story of survival. It's a story about her scars, the ones that you can see and the ones hidden away. It's a dark and twisted one but there are layers to it. Kyle and Sarah are young but not immature. She has worked hard at not falling completely apart. And he has worked hard for his family and that is who is most important to him. Will Sarah be part of that family in the end or will she run?
Sarah is one tough fucking cookie!!! I would be in the corner of my room in a ball rocking back and forth if I was her. She might think she is broken but she is only bent. She might not believe she deserves happiness but she most certainly does. And Kyle...oh Kyle, he has such a big heart. And he definitely has his swoon-worthy moments.
Overall...it's a unique, dark, addictive read. I will warn you there are subject matters that might not be for you. Such as there is sex but it's not sexy.
Quotes:
“You’re sweet and all, but you need to know this: I’m one of the bad seeds.” He scoffed.
“Nah, you just haven’t been given the right soil to grow in, is all.”
Yet again, I had become someone to overlook; I was someone not worth speaking to. A mystery no one cared enough to try and unlock. I had become the garbage yet again.
Sometimes when you gamble, even if you win, you lose.
This is Sarah's story. Its not an easy one to read but it's hers. At the age of eighteen she made the decision to start her life over. She was going to hitch her way to from New York to California. She didn't know what she was going to do once she got there but she just knew she couldn't stay where she was. She had to run, like she has been since she was fourteen. She learned how to numb herself at a young age and how to light a match at an even younger one. Fire was her addiction. Her calmness, and the only thing she felt anything for. Well, until she met Kyle...
She had her plan. But when an older man that for some reason wanted to help her without payment, her life was flipped upside down. He actually cared about her well-being and not what she could do for him while he was on the road. He brought her into his home. And when she first laid eyes on his son, Kyle, she felt safe. He didn't exactly want her around but soon, he wouldn't want her to leave. They found their rhythm during that first day. She actually felt comfortable, and could see herself being part of the family for the summer. But the minute she felt happiness, she saw him...Brad. The family member that could rip her apart.
Brad was the older brother that got whatever he wanted. Who ever he wanted. The cop of the family. The one that went to college instead of staying on the farm. But, he didn't have Kyle's kind eyes. His were darker. She wanted to run like she always had before but she wanted to stay a part of this family. She felt wanted. She never felt loved but if she ever could, she knew this family could do it. She just had to stay away from Brad for a few days while he visited. Easier said than done...
Like I said, this is Sarah's story. She writes her story and that is what you will be reading. It's not a sexy, lovey-dovey kind of story. It's a story of survival. It's a story about her scars, the ones that you can see and the ones hidden away. It's a dark and twisted one but there are layers to it. Kyle and Sarah are young but not immature. She has worked hard at not falling completely apart. And he has worked hard for his family and that is who is most important to him. Will Sarah be part of that family in the end or will she run?
Sarah is one tough fucking cookie!!! I would be in the corner of my room in a ball rocking back and forth if I was her. She might think she is broken but she is only bent. She might not believe she deserves happiness but she most certainly does. And Kyle...oh Kyle, he has such a big heart. And he definitely has his swoon-worthy moments.
Overall...it's a unique, dark, addictive read. I will warn you there are subject matters that might not be for you. Such as there is sex but it's not sexy.
Quotes:
“You’re sweet and all, but you need to know this: I’m one of the bad seeds.” He scoffed.
“Nah, you just haven’t been given the right soil to grow in, is all.”
Yet again, I had become someone to overlook; I was someone not worth speaking to. A mystery no one cared enough to try and unlock. I had become the garbage yet again.
Sometimes when you gamble, even if you win, you lose.
September 13, 2021
Man. This book. I received an ARC of this from City Owl Press and it took me longer to get to than I wanted. I just finished it like 30 minutes ago and I started it at like 2pm. I couldn't put it down once I started it.
First thing's first, HEED THE TRIGGER WARNINGS! If you have a trigger for abuse and sexual assault...be warned.
I think it is going to be a few days until I can properly digest this book. It was excellent. The way it was written...it put you right in the center of Sarah's perspective. It was heartbreaking to me and triggering in a way I wasn't comfortable. If you are a sexual abuse survivor, this book will wreck you, no matter how healed you may be at the time. it didn't throw me into memories, it threw me into mindset. Especially when something was going down...that resignation that you just had to switch off everything else just to get through it and try to escape the event as best you can...it's real. people who haven't gone through an event that horrific will likely never understand that particular type of compartmentalization. It's sheer survival. the ultimate checking out of life in the moment.
At the heart of this book, there is a love story to be found in the chaos. When I first got the book, I thought the bad guy was going to be someone entirely different. Sarah is stronger than she gives herself credit for but I understand her absolute reluctance and guilt and disgust in herself. I feel so much for her.
I'm gonna be in my head for days after this book. Even though books like this wreck me entirely, I will always love books like this. I don't always feel so alone in my pain. And this much of a visceral reaction from a book is why I love to read. I want books to make me feel...no matter the emotion.
Give this story a shot because it is really worth it. I will definitely look forward to this author in the future!
First thing's first, HEED THE TRIGGER WARNINGS! If you have a trigger for abuse and sexual assault...be warned.
I think it is going to be a few days until I can properly digest this book. It was excellent. The way it was written...it put you right in the center of Sarah's perspective. It was heartbreaking to me and triggering in a way I wasn't comfortable. If you are a sexual abuse survivor, this book will wreck you, no matter how healed you may be at the time. it didn't throw me into memories, it threw me into mindset. Especially when something was going down...that resignation that you just had to switch off everything else just to get through it and try to escape the event as best you can...it's real. people who haven't gone through an event that horrific will likely never understand that particular type of compartmentalization. It's sheer survival. the ultimate checking out of life in the moment.
At the heart of this book, there is a love story to be found in the chaos. When I first got the book, I thought the bad guy was going to be someone entirely different. Sarah is stronger than she gives herself credit for but I understand her absolute reluctance and guilt and disgust in herself. I feel so much for her.
I'm gonna be in my head for days after this book. Even though books like this wreck me entirely, I will always love books like this. I don't always feel so alone in my pain. And this much of a visceral reaction from a book is why I love to read. I want books to make me feel...no matter the emotion.
Give this story a shot because it is really worth it. I will definitely look forward to this author in the future!
August 31, 2021
Well what can I say this book was cleverly written. A thriller with a hint of romance as well as having some very difficult and sensitive subjects written about. This book was written with such delicacy, sensitivity and care a very good job done by Danielle Bannister.
Sarah is a run away who believes strongly that she is better off on her own; however Sarah is picked up by Al and taken in by his who have lost their daughter Molly who was also a run away and they make it their mission to help people like Sarah. Life there seems perfect Sarah helps out on the farm with Kyle Als son and things seem to be going well for Sarah until Kyles older brother turns up and bring Sarah’s world crashing down around her.
To deal with the stresses of her life Sarah likes to start fires and takes comfort in watching the flames however when someone uses this against Sarah things go from bad to worse for her. Sarah is framed for a crime she didn’t commit however she is alone and powerless. Will someone discover the truth and come and save her.
I really enjoyed this book there wasn’t one moment when I didn’t want to know what was happening next. It was fast paced and I found it easy to read although that saying there maybe some triggers in here for other readers who may find it slightly harder to read but I certainly found this book to be a real page Turner.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this incredible book in exchange for an open and honest review. I think this one will stay with me for a long time; I was incredibly excited to be given a copy of this book to review before it’s publication day and I’ll now be looking out for more books by Danielle Bannister.
Sarah is a run away who believes strongly that she is better off on her own; however Sarah is picked up by Al and taken in by his who have lost their daughter Molly who was also a run away and they make it their mission to help people like Sarah. Life there seems perfect Sarah helps out on the farm with Kyle Als son and things seem to be going well for Sarah until Kyles older brother turns up and bring Sarah’s world crashing down around her.
To deal with the stresses of her life Sarah likes to start fires and takes comfort in watching the flames however when someone uses this against Sarah things go from bad to worse for her. Sarah is framed for a crime she didn’t commit however she is alone and powerless. Will someone discover the truth and come and save her.
I really enjoyed this book there wasn’t one moment when I didn’t want to know what was happening next. It was fast paced and I found it easy to read although that saying there maybe some triggers in here for other readers who may find it slightly harder to read but I certainly found this book to be a real page Turner.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this incredible book in exchange for an open and honest review. I think this one will stay with me for a long time; I was incredibly excited to be given a copy of this book to review before it’s publication day and I’ll now be looking out for more books by Danielle Bannister.
January 1, 2024
5/5 ⭐
0/5 🌶️
4/5 🎧
This was such a dark and intense read. I usually read spicy romance, and while this story had romantic elements with a happily ever after, it was definitely more of a suspense than anything else. Sarah's past was brutal and horrifying and unfortunately so was her present. She went through so much in the first half plus of this book and it seemed like their was no end in sight...
I think one of my favorite parts of this story was that it was dual POV, but written in parts. In the first part we get Sarah's POV as she's introduced to Al and his family and goes through her terrible ordeal and in the second part we get Kyle's POV as he works through what happened to her and he fights for her. It really had maximum impact on your emotions.
As dark as this story was, Danielle did not describe the horrifying bits in deep detail which kept the heartbreak to a reasonable amount. Had she really delved into them this could have been a rip your heart out story, but I think most people will be able to stomach this read despite the triggers it deals with.
Sarah Puckett is one of my favorite narrators and I was so excited to see she was narrating Sarah in this story. Oliver Highpoint is new to me and I really enjoyed his narrating as well, especially his male voices.
0/5 🌶️
4/5 🎧
This was such a dark and intense read. I usually read spicy romance, and while this story had romantic elements with a happily ever after, it was definitely more of a suspense than anything else. Sarah's past was brutal and horrifying and unfortunately so was her present. She went through so much in the first half plus of this book and it seemed like their was no end in sight...
I think one of my favorite parts of this story was that it was dual POV, but written in parts. In the first part we get Sarah's POV as she's introduced to Al and his family and goes through her terrible ordeal and in the second part we get Kyle's POV as he works through what happened to her and he fights for her. It really had maximum impact on your emotions.
As dark as this story was, Danielle did not describe the horrifying bits in deep detail which kept the heartbreak to a reasonable amount. Had she really delved into them this could have been a rip your heart out story, but I think most people will be able to stomach this read despite the triggers it deals with.
Sarah Puckett is one of my favorite narrators and I was so excited to see she was narrating Sarah in this story. Oliver Highpoint is new to me and I really enjoyed his narrating as well, especially his male voices.
February 5, 2022
A very dark story about a young runaway hiding from her horrific past, who is temporarily stuck on a remote farm where she gets to experience both real friendship like she never had before, and gets coerced into a very abusive situation that she has to keep secret to survive.
The way the story unfolds is addictively readable: it is essentially at its heart a hurt/comfort story, with copious amounts of burning, humilating hurt and a slowburn comfort that works like a cool salve against the pain.
I like that no easy answers are given and no magical solutions are offered: the main characters both have to work very hard towards their hopeful end and first have to confront some very hard and painful truths about themselves and their abusive family members.
Content warnings:
explicit scenes of coerced sex and rape, and off-scene mentions of sexual assault, CSA and death.
The scenes are written in a way that never blames the abuse survivor, they are never arousing and are explicit in only about four chapters, and are as such easy to recognise in advance and skim over if you are sensitive to such content!
The way the story unfolds is addictively readable: it is essentially at its heart a hurt/comfort story, with copious amounts of burning, humilating hurt and a slowburn comfort that works like a cool salve against the pain.
I like that no easy answers are given and no magical solutions are offered: the main characters both have to work very hard towards their hopeful end and first have to confront some very hard and painful truths about themselves and their abusive family members.
Content warnings:
explicit scenes of coerced sex and rape, and off-scene mentions of sexual assault, CSA and death.
The scenes are written in a way that never blames the abuse survivor, they are never arousing and are explicit in only about four chapters, and are as such easy to recognise in advance and skim over if you are sensitive to such content!
February 7, 2024
Girl on Fire is a phenomenally written dark psychological thriller that draws you fully in while building up your adrenalin. My poor heart was beating a mile a minute with goose bumps moving down the back of my neck. I loved it! Danielle Bannister did an incredible job with the main character's back story, allowing me to connect with Sarah. The things the young Sarah went through were simply heartwrenching. It's impossible not to be moved by her plight. The way Sarah bonded with Kyle and how her fascination and obsession with fire grew, were very well portrayed. The progression and metamorphosis of her character were enthralling. As for the storyline, it was fast-paced, unpredictable with dark aspects, and packed with unexpected twists. Simply brilliant!
Incredible narration by Sarah Puckett and Oliver Highpoint. Each added to the authenticity of the characters; I could feel the intensity of the emotions within the pages. Overall, the performance was fantastic. Girl on Fire is exceptionally well-written. If you're like me and enjoy dark and twisted, then you would love this book.
Incredible narration by Sarah Puckett and Oliver Highpoint. Each added to the authenticity of the characters; I could feel the intensity of the emotions within the pages. Overall, the performance was fantastic. Girl on Fire is exceptionally well-written. If you're like me and enjoy dark and twisted, then you would love this book.
January 4, 2024
Wow! This book was intense! I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I never would have seen this coming.
Sarah has fire as her only companion, until she meets Al at a truck stop and he and his family turn her life upside down, in some good ways and some bad ways...
If you think you know where this book is going, I can almost guarantee you don't really. It was a rollercoaster of events, and my heart was in my throat throughout the majority of this book!
The whole story kept me on the edge of my seat! I love that there are two parts to this story and they are two different POVs that really made the story for me. I was enthralled by all the drama and deceit and questions. I was completely captivated by the whole story and emotionally invested with it. I NEEDED there to be an HEA, even if it wasn't the one I was hoping for. I needed Sarah to find her peace, regardless of what it looked like.
Danielle Bannister was a new to me author and I can't wait to read more of her stories in the future!
Sarah has fire as her only companion, until she meets Al at a truck stop and he and his family turn her life upside down, in some good ways and some bad ways...
If you think you know where this book is going, I can almost guarantee you don't really. It was a rollercoaster of events, and my heart was in my throat throughout the majority of this book!
The whole story kept me on the edge of my seat! I love that there are two parts to this story and they are two different POVs that really made the story for me. I was enthralled by all the drama and deceit and questions. I was completely captivated by the whole story and emotionally invested with it. I NEEDED there to be an HEA, even if it wasn't the one I was hoping for. I needed Sarah to find her peace, regardless of what it looked like.
Danielle Bannister was a new to me author and I can't wait to read more of her stories in the future!
January 6, 2024
Sarah is strong, independent, confused, feelings of despair.
Her childhood was horrible.
She found solace in the flames. The flames are her addiction
mesmerizing, hypnotic, that is what calms Sarah.
Never get close to people, she felt unworthy to be loved.
she's running away. picked up by a kind hearted trucker, made a deal with her to help on his farm for the summer, then drive her to her destination when finished.
Trouble finds her, makes her uneasy. The urge of the flames encompass her.
Thrilling, with twists, sadness fear, and hope.
Sarah Puckett and Oliver Highpoint are phenomenal. They both bring depth to each character. They live the story. I can feel each moment of anguish, anger, torment, fear, throughout the story. Thank you for bringing this story to life.
🎧audiobookobsessionreview🎧
Her childhood was horrible.
She found solace in the flames. The flames are her addiction
mesmerizing, hypnotic, that is what calms Sarah.
Never get close to people, she felt unworthy to be loved.
she's running away. picked up by a kind hearted trucker, made a deal with her to help on his farm for the summer, then drive her to her destination when finished.
Trouble finds her, makes her uneasy. The urge of the flames encompass her.
Thrilling, with twists, sadness fear, and hope.
Sarah Puckett and Oliver Highpoint are phenomenal. They both bring depth to each character. They live the story. I can feel each moment of anguish, anger, torment, fear, throughout the story. Thank you for bringing this story to life.
🎧audiobookobsessionreview🎧
January 7, 2024
Girl on Fire was my first read/listen by Danielle Bannister, and I enjoyed it. I'm super excited to read more by this author. This book is about Sarah.
Sarah has had a hard life. She's trying to move on and get a new start. Al is a truck driver who picks her up and offers her a place to stay until he can take her to California at the end of the summer. As she is there she meets Al's two sons Kyle and Brad.
Sarah falls for Kyle, but Brad does not make their relationship easy. There is so much that happens in this book. This book kept me wanting more. Sarah goes through so much in her life and will do anything to better it.
This book is dark, and I would recommend reading the trigger warnings. I loved the narrators that were picked for this book as well. It brought the story to life.
Sarah has had a hard life. She's trying to move on and get a new start. Al is a truck driver who picks her up and offers her a place to stay until he can take her to California at the end of the summer. As she is there she meets Al's two sons Kyle and Brad.
Sarah falls for Kyle, but Brad does not make their relationship easy. There is so much that happens in this book. This book kept me wanting more. Sarah goes through so much in her life and will do anything to better it.
This book is dark, and I would recommend reading the trigger warnings. I loved the narrators that were picked for this book as well. It brought the story to life.
September 1, 2021
Loved the cover but the blurb is what really attracted me to the book.
What did I like? Girl on fire should have been more like playing with fire. Striking out on her own with little money and what God gave her she hitchhiked from NY towards California. One trucker offers her a summer job on a farm and from there on her life implodes. Not a simple story but the ending went a little sideways.
Would I recommend or buy? I would have bought this based on the blurb alone but I had a hard time with the ending. The story was good but I just objected to the ease of acceptance for Sarah into the family after the circumstances. Three and a half stars.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.
What did I like? Girl on fire should have been more like playing with fire. Striking out on her own with little money and what God gave her she hitchhiked from NY towards California. One trucker offers her a summer job on a farm and from there on her life implodes. Not a simple story but the ending went a little sideways.
Would I recommend or buy? I would have bought this based on the blurb alone but I had a hard time with the ending. The story was good but I just objected to the ease of acceptance for Sarah into the family after the circumstances. Three and a half stars.
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.
September 3, 2021
At first as I was first starting this book, it took me awhile to get sucked in. It took me about 30 percent into the book to get into it, it just felt like it was dragging on and well I was glad I kept chugging along! Once big brother Brad came into the picture, it just spiraled from there. I cried for the h, I wanted her happy ending. There’s 2 parts, her part then the H’s part. At first, I thought the book should have ended there then the author should have made a second book but in the end, I’m glad the author didn’t. I really hope the author can make a book about Molly because I’m really intrigued about her story, I feel like she deserves her own book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2024
I had never read anything by this particular author before but the premise of the book sounded interesting. Sarah is a young runaway. Sarah is both scared and fascinated by fire. Sarah gets picked up by a trucker and he talks Sarah into going home with him and helping out on his farm. Sarah meets 2 brothers. Unfortunately at this farm, Sarah's life is forever changed. It was sad because Sarah never had a family she could count on and Sarah sacrificed herself at this farm to save the rest of the family. It really was heartbreaking. Beware this book is very triggering and is about abuse, murder, and sexual blackmail. Does Sarah deserve a second chance?
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left this review.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left this review.
September 8, 2021
Girl on Fire was a great read by Danielle Bannister. Sarah is a runaway who has led a life of pain and abuse that she never thought she would get away from. Fire was her only companion. Fire brought light to a world full of darkness. A friendly trucker named Al finds her at a rest stop. He offered her a job at his farm in small town Nebraska. His youngest son, Kyle, is a dream that she doesn’t feel she deserves. Unfortunately a new nightmare begins for her and she finds herself back where she started, alone and staring into the flames. I absolutely loved reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
September 25, 2021
This was such a fast-paced quick read in the very best way!! Each character was intentional and served a purpose in the story. There's nothing that irks me more than unneeded characters who bounce in and out for no reason, but not here. The cast is small making it an intimate read.
The role of the antagonist was a bit cliche but totally works in this scenario. He was utterly sublime and evil at the same time and I definitely hated him from the moment he stepped onto the pages, haha.
As the book wrapped up, I did like how it shifted perspective and drew everything together nicely. Overall this was a great weekend read!!
The role of the antagonist was a bit cliche but totally works in this scenario. He was utterly sublime and evil at the same time and I definitely hated him from the moment he stepped onto the pages, haha.
As the book wrapped up, I did like how it shifted perspective and drew everything together nicely. Overall this was a great weekend read!!
January 16, 2022
This YA contemporary fiction is divided into two parts: the first is told from the perspective of Sarah, and the second from Kyle. At the end of Sarah’s part, I was a bit torn on my feelings about the book. It had become pretty dark and depressing, and I felt that Sarah was being treated unfairly. Thankfully, the second part provides the desperately needed resolutions, although perhaps a bit to tidily. I enjoyed the book overall and look forward to seeing the growth of the author, especially in the areas of character development and scene clarity (providing better distinctions as the scene changes).
September 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. A dark, and sometimes a little disturbing, psychological thriller that also has a romantic edge to it at times. It is well written with characters that are beautifully developed so that you can become very invested in them, whether you love them or hate them.
Definitely worth giving this book a read, it is well worth the four out of five stars that I have given it.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
Definitely worth giving this book a read, it is well worth the four out of five stars that I have given it.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 14, 2022
Danielle Bannister is a new author to me and I am glad that I ran across her works. This is a complicated novel. The writing is captivating from the beginning and you just want to keep reading and reading and not stop. It is both descriptive and has deep world building. The story is interesting and delves into mystery and suspense throughout so that you can tell there's more to the story than you previously. The ending is amazing as is the rest of the book and totally throws you for a twist. I received this novel through SpringOrigin. This is my honest and truthful review.
September 14, 2023
What happens when a runaway with a penchant for fire and a deeply disturbing past crosses paths with a good ‘ol farm boy? What happens when the farm boy’s brother gets in the way?
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish - the characters were understandable and lovable (all but one) and the story kept me engaged. Be mindful of trigger warnings, as this does describe rape and other abuse. If you can handle those triggers, I recommend this read! Super sweet romance is the undertone throughout, along with a little suspense and a LOT of frustration!!
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish - the characters were understandable and lovable (all but one) and the story kept me engaged. Be mindful of trigger warnings, as this does describe rape and other abuse. If you can handle those triggers, I recommend this read! Super sweet romance is the undertone throughout, along with a little suspense and a LOT of frustration!!
January 10, 2024
Amazing dual narration from Sarah Puckett and Oliver Highpoint , perfect.
Sarah has had a rough time of it, she is also a runaway. Who is both scared and fascinated by fire. When offered a job on a farm, somewhere to stay and have food in exchange for her help. She met Kyle, the son of the farmer and he was sweet and good to Sarah. Then there is Brad, the cop and the other son who is viciously nasty, abusive in every way imaginable and made her question her decision to stay. Due to her past, Brad has her trapped. There is some amazing scenes, that had me on the edge .
Sarah has had a rough time of it, she is also a runaway. Who is both scared and fascinated by fire. When offered a job on a farm, somewhere to stay and have food in exchange for her help. She met Kyle, the son of the farmer and he was sweet and good to Sarah. Then there is Brad, the cop and the other son who is viciously nasty, abusive in every way imaginable and made her question her decision to stay. Due to her past, Brad has her trapped. There is some amazing scenes, that had me on the edge .
January 31, 2024
This started out interesting, promptly grew gripping, then turned pretty dark … and then it evolved more from there but I don’t want to spoil anything. I’ll just say that I couldn’t put it down and became an instant fan of this author.
Extortion.
SA.
Lies, betrayal.
Broken heroine.
Wrongfully convicted.
Epic love story.
Overall:
4 stars.
Audio:
Puckett is one of my favorite narrators, her voice is amazing, you can always tell who is talking, whose POV it’s in, etc. Overall production is perfect. 🦩
Extortion.
SA.
Lies, betrayal.
Broken heroine.
Wrongfully convicted.
Epic love story.
Overall:
4 stars.
Audio:
Puckett is one of my favorite narrators, her voice is amazing, you can always tell who is talking, whose POV it’s in, etc. Overall production is perfect. 🦩
September 7, 2021
A very different love story. I read this book after receiving a free copy through Netgalley.** Spoilers**There were some very disturbing scenes of rape/abuse in the novel, but I was happy that the MC was able to find the help needed to cope with her pain. I was also happy that she had someone in the end who accepted and loved her despite her past.
The writing was well done, and editing spot on. I would recommend this book, as long as the reader is aware in advance of possible triggers.
The writing was well done, and editing spot on. I would recommend this book, as long as the reader is aware in advance of possible triggers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2024
This one took me on a trip! I was unsure what was going to happen and kept waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. There are twists and turns that shook me! The characters are intense and I did not trust any of them. The main character has not had a nice life but she perseveres on with caution. She knows her issues and does her best to keep them under control.
I listened to this on audio. Sarah Puckett and Oliver Highpoint are the narrators. They both do an amazing job.
I listened to this on audio. Sarah Puckett and Oliver Highpoint are the narrators. They both do an amazing job.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews