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Firebrand
Dangerous.
That's how sixteen-year-old Saray sees herself.
As both a magikai in a land where magic is outlawed and an orphan who was abandoned by her parents to boarding school, Saray has been taught to view her abilities as a threat.
When Saray's talents are accidentally revealed, she is forced to flee her school. But she is given hope by a sympathetic teacher in the form of the Isle of Dundere- a place where Saray can find safe haven for her magic, and where her blind friend Trina can seek healing for her vision.
As they make their way, though, Saray and Trina will learn that much of what they've been told is a lie. To reach Dundere, they will need to face their own prejudices and depend on people they've been taught to fear. And Saray will learn things on her journey that will challenge her beliefs about both her own origins and the magic within herself.
Because Saray's magic IS dangerous. But danger can be useful when it's wielded skillfully.
That's how sixteen-year-old Saray sees herself.
As both a magikai in a land where magic is outlawed and an orphan who was abandoned by her parents to boarding school, Saray has been taught to view her abilities as a threat.
When Saray's talents are accidentally revealed, she is forced to flee her school. But she is given hope by a sympathetic teacher in the form of the Isle of Dundere- a place where Saray can find safe haven for her magic, and where her blind friend Trina can seek healing for her vision.
As they make their way, though, Saray and Trina will learn that much of what they've been told is a lie. To reach Dundere, they will need to face their own prejudices and depend on people they've been taught to fear. And Saray will learn things on her journey that will challenge her beliefs about both her own origins and the magic within herself.
Because Saray's magic IS dangerous. But danger can be useful when it's wielded skillfully.
- GenresFantasy
Paperback
First published April 19, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 3, 2022
Mary Walz paints a clear picture with her words so it’s easy to be immersed in the world she has created. Be prepared to stay up until midnight each night until you finish this book because you will have no idea of time passing as you enjoy each moment of this book.
March 26, 2022
I received an ARC from RCN Media in return for an honest review.
Firebrand is Mary Walz’s debut novel, and it captures your attention right away. Her ability at weaving an intricate and complex intertwining of events that allowed for so many characters to be affected was beautiful, heartbreaking and full of hope and redemption.
Saray, the protagonist, is an orphan living at Sylvenburgh Academy. A young girl who struggles with being clumsy, socially awkward and hiding herself, something that we can all relate to, as well as her secret, her forbidden power.
Along with her blind best friend Trinia, Saray soon find themselves hunted and on the run from the Breoch Guard. As they try to make their way to safety, finding allies along the way, friendships will be gained and broken, past and present will collide, and unimaginable sacrifices will occur.
I thoroughly enjoyed her imaginative and rich world-building and I highly recommend this book for any young adult fantasy lovers.
Firebrand is Mary Walz’s debut novel, and it captures your attention right away. Her ability at weaving an intricate and complex intertwining of events that allowed for so many characters to be affected was beautiful, heartbreaking and full of hope and redemption.
Saray, the protagonist, is an orphan living at Sylvenburgh Academy. A young girl who struggles with being clumsy, socially awkward and hiding herself, something that we can all relate to, as well as her secret, her forbidden power.
Along with her blind best friend Trinia, Saray soon find themselves hunted and on the run from the Breoch Guard. As they try to make their way to safety, finding allies along the way, friendships will be gained and broken, past and present will collide, and unimaginable sacrifices will occur.
I thoroughly enjoyed her imaginative and rich world-building and I highly recommend this book for any young adult fantasy lovers.
April 12, 2022
Ben Bova, the great Science Fiction author, once mentioned that as an author you might have the most lyrical voice imaginable. Your descriptions of time and place might be heart-stopping, but if you fail to develop a dynamic plot, you’ll never keep your readers’ interest.
Mary Walz created a cast of dynamic characters, some with seeming opposite and nearly incendiary points of view like Saray and Kip, others like Kirilee of the Shrouded Woods who dominates and moves the story. From the moment when Saray’s heretofore latent magic abilities are discovered and she must flee with blind friend Trina or lose her life, to meeting the mysterious Kirilee who will guide her and Trina on a perilous journey to the far off Isle of Dundere to “find refuge”, the action is almost non-stop. Almost. But once in Dundere she will finally discover her real identity, reawaken her real love in this life, but sadly, lose her mentor.
At times it seemed a juggling act to keep each character in the flow of events logically, but in the end Firebrand succeeds. The middle pages, the most dangerous for plot movement, do slow a tiny bit at times, but again, the strong characters take the reader along beautifully.
That said, Mary Walz must intuitively have sensed and adhered to Bova's caution. Firebrand is excellent.
Mary Walz created a cast of dynamic characters, some with seeming opposite and nearly incendiary points of view like Saray and Kip, others like Kirilee of the Shrouded Woods who dominates and moves the story. From the moment when Saray’s heretofore latent magic abilities are discovered and she must flee with blind friend Trina or lose her life, to meeting the mysterious Kirilee who will guide her and Trina on a perilous journey to the far off Isle of Dundere to “find refuge”, the action is almost non-stop. Almost. But once in Dundere she will finally discover her real identity, reawaken her real love in this life, but sadly, lose her mentor.
At times it seemed a juggling act to keep each character in the flow of events logically, but in the end Firebrand succeeds. The middle pages, the most dangerous for plot movement, do slow a tiny bit at times, but again, the strong characters take the reader along beautifully.
That said, Mary Walz must intuitively have sensed and adhered to Bova's caution. Firebrand is excellent.
October 10, 2022
This was such a fun read!! I typically don’t read books with characters this young, but loved the balance in ages of side characters. There’s a great cast for an adventure to find safety. Characters are likeable, but all have struggles, sometimes with themselves, their past or others.
The magic system is really well developed, and there’s generations of experiences. This world has so much history it feels real—I’d love to read another story set here.
The magic system is really well developed, and there’s generations of experiences. This world has so much history it feels real—I’d love to read another story set here.
March 26, 2022
If you're feeling nostalgic for YA fantasy, check this one out! Perfect for fans of the Red Queen.
June 26, 2022
I loved this book! You are immediately drawn into this world and it is a nice place to be. I always looked forward to jumping back in. The world, the magic, the twists, the strong female characters all made it hard to put this book down. It was the perfect escape. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
July 17, 2022
A delightful read, with a refreshingly novel take on magic!
May 29, 2022
A great read!
I'm lousy at putting my thoughts to words, so I am just going to say it is great!
I'm lousy at putting my thoughts to words, so I am just going to say it is great!
September 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. My favourite character was Kirilee--her personality and backstory were so well done. The characters were endearing and the subplots were woven together well. There was a good balance of action and sentimental moments. Hoping for sequels!
January 10, 2026
I’m not always a fan of Young Adult adventure stories. Too often the “young” part is forgotten, and 16-year-olds are left by adults to dangerous situations with immense responsibilities (or worse, further endangered by adults who should be responsible). Here is an absolutely beautiful example of a plot that gives the 16 and 13 year-olds agency and importance, but they are guided and supported by adults who don’t forget how young they are, and protect their ability to also be young and make mistakes and handle the fallout without perfect grace.
Nor are the adults here paragons in all things. They have their arcs, and need redeeming for the harms they have caused as well. There’s diversity in ideas, attitudes and lifestyles, and conflict between characters due to different backgrounds that drives the action as well as the external threat of being hunted which does disappear for stretches throughout.
There was also one of the best handlings of disability in a fantasy book that I have encountered. There are multiple characters with disability in this book, and their responses to the possibility of magical healing (or lack of magical healing due to magical source) are different. One of the primary characters is blind, and that is carefully accounted for throughout, not forgotten or elided when convenient. There was only one time I thought I caught a response that didn’t make sense, but in retrospect I am almost certain is was meant to be a hint about hidden capabilities (that had been well signposted before then, just not so directly).
But critically, beyond being technically good and including elements I approve of, this was a lot of fun to read. It was good at drawing out the right feelings at the right moments. I think it also did a great job of feeling familiar but not tired. You can predict the general plot pretty well most of the way along, but there are fun surprises and creative ways of executing those expected developments that are sure to put a smile on your face. I read this in an afternoon, and all in all it felt like an afternoon well spent.
Nor are the adults here paragons in all things. They have their arcs, and need redeeming for the harms they have caused as well. There’s diversity in ideas, attitudes and lifestyles, and conflict between characters due to different backgrounds that drives the action as well as the external threat of being hunted which does disappear for stretches throughout.
There was also one of the best handlings of disability in a fantasy book that I have encountered. There are multiple characters with disability in this book, and their responses to the possibility of magical healing (or lack of magical healing due to magical source) are different. One of the primary characters is blind, and that is carefully accounted for throughout, not forgotten or elided when convenient. There was only one time I thought I caught a response that didn’t make sense, but in retrospect I am almost certain is was meant to be a hint about hidden capabilities (that had been well signposted before then, just not so directly).
But critically, beyond being technically good and including elements I approve of, this was a lot of fun to read. It was good at drawing out the right feelings at the right moments. I think it also did a great job of feeling familiar but not tired. You can predict the general plot pretty well most of the way along, but there are fun surprises and creative ways of executing those expected developments that are sure to put a smile on your face. I read this in an afternoon, and all in all it felt like an afternoon well spent.
August 10, 2024
This is a cleverly constructed story with relatable characters. As Saray and Trina seek safety and healing, they encounter several other people with unique experiences and abilities. The magic system in this world is clearly presented, along with its demands and limitations. Those who possess magical abilities must learn to use them, and have responsibilities as well as advantages. Choices have consequences and fear sometimes leads to mistakes and bad decisions. I liked the way this was shown in the life courses of at least two important characters. Solutions to challenging situations aren't always simple, but a few times I found myself thinking that teleportation made things a bit too easy.
I greatly enjoyed the fictional world presented here, especially the Shrouded Forest and its plants. The author is a gardener, which was quite clear in the attention given to details about plants and gardens. That aspect enriched the story for me.
I definitely recommend this book to lovers of fantasy of all ages from twelve and up.
I greatly enjoyed the fictional world presented here, especially the Shrouded Forest and its plants. The author is a gardener, which was quite clear in the attention given to details about plants and gardens. That aspect enriched the story for me.
I definitely recommend this book to lovers of fantasy of all ages from twelve and up.
April 30, 2022
This is the second book from this author I have read and, just like the first, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this world.
The characters all have depth; they each have history, goals, and reasons for their choices that make sense. There is sadness and joy and the realization that actions and choices have consequences.
As I came closer to the end of the book I worried that there would not be time to wrap up the storylines neatly, but I was wrong. There are enough hints earlier in the book that the ending is not out of left field and it is the best choice in the situation.
I think there is room for a sequel or tie in and would love to spend another novel in this world.
The characters all have depth; they each have history, goals, and reasons for their choices that make sense. There is sadness and joy and the realization that actions and choices have consequences.
As I came closer to the end of the book I worried that there would not be time to wrap up the storylines neatly, but I was wrong. There are enough hints earlier in the book that the ending is not out of left field and it is the best choice in the situation.
I think there is room for a sequel or tie in and would love to spend another novel in this world.
July 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were cute and likeable, the storyline was clear and had meaning and enough happened throughout the book to keep me entertained. The writing style was quite simplistic but I think that makes this book consumable for most age groups. I know I liked it because it felt too short! I wanted more. I'll definitely be reading more books from Mary Walz in future.
June 8, 2022
I loved this book!!! There was never a dull moment in the story and I absolutely love the universe that the author has come up with. I can’t wait to read more!
August 12, 2022
I read it straight through in just a few days (every free minute). I got engaged with the characters and story right away! I really enjoyed the story, and look forward to the next installment. 😉
January 2, 2023
This is a lovely YA fantasy adventure. Fairies, found family, fun magic- what more could you ask for!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews