Stormfire

Four Kingdoms: Origins #1

by Jasmine Young

There was a time when storms did not blight the Kingdom of Air.

But storms and darkness are all that Jaime has ever known. And the storms are raging, growing ever stronger.

A boy branded a cripple by his own people, he dreams only of escaping slavery on the chilly alps of Mount Alairus. But when he discovers an extinct power resurrected in him—the power to tame storms—the people hope in a new champion who can restore a realm destined for destruction…

A champion the usurper on the throne will hunt at all costs to keep the skies dark.

Yet as Jaime races to master his newfound powers and quell a rising mega storm, it soon becomes apparent that this is not a civil war. 

This is not a war for a throne, or a war between two bloodlines.

A terrifying, unseen enemy is returning from an ancient age, rendering the current politics between the human seats a mere distraction. Jaime’s true foes are not who they seem—and he might merely be, like all other humans, a game piece on a blood board.

This is a war for clear skies, a war that only the broken and weak are left to stop.

For everyone else who dares look into the eye of the storm, and whisper its master’s name, always dies.

Four Kingdoms: Origins loosely takes place 3,000 years after the Realm Breaker series. YA Coming of Age and Fantasy Adventure dedicated to the downtrodden and the brokenhearted, the lonely and the unwanted; the silent ones who carry the strongest hearts of all.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Ebooks

651 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2023

About the author

Receive A Descent of Dragons (Realm Breaker 0.5) by joining Jasmine Young's Dragon Riders Guild mailing list at https://www.jasmineyoungauthor.com/su...

Jasmine Young is the nobledark fantasy author of over 15 titles to date.

When she was thirteen, she first dreamed of becoming published after devouring Eragon in a few days on Grandma's couch. As a once painfully anxious introvert, her exposure to fantasy started with hiding out in the library with a great book.

Thirteen years later, her tomboy dreams came true.

Today, she is known worldwide as a part time hermit and a full time rebel. She is also the proud mother of birds. The family currently lounges in Florida.

When she’s not reminiscing about her gaming days or getting lost in old epics like LOTR, Jasmine writes a blend of epic, romantic, and dark fantasy to entertain and empower, especially the underdogs.

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Reviews

[Hannah Beacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with this book for a number of reasons. The characters are so likeable, alongside a brilliant plot, this is a book I couldn’t put down. Excellent writing and character development. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

* I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers*

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a little while to get into but once I did I just couldn't stop reading it ! What a roller-coaster of a ride this book takes us on! Just when you think you're calming reading along something happens to throw you off and keep you on your toes!

The characters that feature in the book are very well developed throughout, you keep learning more about them and their character and personality grows throughout , it was great getting to know them and going on the journey with them. The storyline is full of twists and turns , you won't be expecting even half of what happens in it! I can't wait to dive into the next book!

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had the feel of a classic YA fantasy which I know many adore. Essentially it's a coming of age story as the main character Jaime transitions from a quiet unassuming farming lad to a future King. With four kingdoms each representing a God that wields Air, Earth, Fire and Water and another more mysterious fifth kingdom the author introduces a world at war . Every boy child born in the same year as the Air Kings missing son is sanctioned for death. Jaime has never known that he has been fostered and along with his foster brother he suddenly finds himself in grave danger. Is it possible that he really is the rightful heir to the throne ? He is about to go on the adventure of a lifetime as he slowly comes to terms with the fact that his father is a monster who eventually he will be forced to challenge !
I very much liked that we saw this journey through Jaimes eyes as his thoughts charted the progression he makes as a character. He makes friends/allies along the way and if blunt I didn't care for how quickly he suddenly had such strong feelings for them . Without doubt this allowed the author to add moments involving Toran and Eridene that were lighter and if you enjoy the chummy relationship of say for example the Hogwarts type then you will enjoy this side of the story.
I do admit it felt a lot like the author was aiming to include a LGBT character as we were told that Eridene doesn't like males and then bam suddenly maybe she does which honestly felt like a complete turnaround.
The setting is almost Roman or Greek at times with a dash of Japanese thrown in so I was trying to imagine everything but occasionally struggled. There is action here but sadly I again struggled to imagine everything written in the theatre of my mind as vividly as I would like. This ends with Jaime definitely far more wary than he started as he is starting to question everything he has been told. I look forward to reading what happens next as war is definitely knocking at Jaimes door and I want to know more about the mysterious fifth kingdom and particularly Arrys who we meet here who is from it. All in all an interesting beginning to this new fantasy series.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Chelsea Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this title complimentarily from the author. I was intrigued by the title, and it has to be said that this book really delivered. It is engaging, artfully written, the characters are very evocative and well developed. And the world building is very good. The only criticisms I have about this book are minor. Such as grammar and spelling errors that have been missed here and there, and the fact that I struggled to engage with the town name of Jaypes, (wasn't sure how to pronounce it, and also it's similar to the main characters name), which is a personal thing rather than anything else. The only other thing that could have done with tweaking is that the younger characters sometimes talked in a childish way (i.e referring to something as poo) but it wasn't consistent, since at other times they, for example, swore in quite an adult and blistering way.
But as I say, minor things. All in all, a very strong fantasy read that's hard to believe didn't make the traditional publishing jump. Worth the read.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Voracious Readers in return for a honest review

Firstly I absolutely loved the way that she started this book. It's gripping from the start which is always a good thing.

Character development is also great, we get to see Jaime grow as a character throughout the book as he meets new people and has different experiences and sees the consequences that could occur if he doesn't master becoming an air sage.

If you liked Avatar the Last Airbender you would probably love this book as it has very extreme vibes of that.

I am looking forward to reading anything else that Jasmine writes :)

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Four Kingdoms: Origins series and the main character is fourteen year old Jaime Pappas, who lived in Townfold Village on Mount Alairus, a place once known for its silver mines, until the King depleted all the quarries to fund his armies. Now his village is full of ruins and this is now the first time that royal soldiers have appeared in the village. They have built a huge wooden pyre in Champion’s Square at the centre of the village. He snuck through to have a peek at the pyre, but finds the people to be burned on the pyre have not yet been announced. When the Archpriestess caught his eyes, he dropped his urn of water and took off at a run back to his foster family’s farm. He finds his brother Hilaris there who had been taken to live at the local Lord’s home when he was seven, due to his intelligent reply as to why he had taken something. Now he has a book from Lord Gaiyus’s library, The Legend of the Four, which he wants to share with Jaime.

What his brother reveals is that he and his brother, both being aged fourteen, and even their mother, are the targets due to burn on the pyre, due to a Royal Decree in the Jaypes Kingdom, where if you were born in the same year as the missing prince, you would be put to death for high treason. Anyone aged fourteen this year, could be the missing prince! Jaime is exempt due to his asthma, as are another two boys his age in the village, as they are all marked as handicapped, by a large X with a circle on his wrist. Hilaris is the only other one it could be. His mother still worships Lord Jaypes, the God of Air, but the King is from the Western Kingdom and a Fire Sage, and took over their kingdom by invasion. He shouldn’t be allowed to rule their kingdom, it should be an Air Sage who rules the Kingdo of Air as Jaypes actually is. He is well known for using torture on any that still worship Jaypes, by cutting off their ears or tongues. His brother and foster mother are taken before they can run and Jaime ends up in Lord Gaiyus’s hands, where he learns about his real father. King Usheon received a prophecy that his own son would overthrow him, from airpriests sent by the God of Air himself. This is what led to the Royal Decree. The only man he thought might be his father in the village, is in fact the Queen’s brother.

Jaime knew they needed money if they were to escape into the mountains, so he and his brother had robbed their father’s grave for the death offerings. Under the money bags was a medallion, known as a Sacred Relic, that when touched by a Sage, will produce a banestorm, a huge storm and gusts of wind, no matter what their natural element might be. Jaime managed to wield it and that proved he was the King’s son, not his brother. But now he is going to lose his brother and the woman he thought of as his mother, all due to the King, who he has now been told is actually his father! He ends up having to run and is knocked into the raging waters of the river and swept away. The last thing he was told, was to duel to the death with the King, to save them all! He reaches a City State and finds there an organisation calling themselves the Air Alliance, the only rebellion against the King. Now that normal citizens have seen and heard of the banestorm raised in his village, more are joining the rebellion and dying in their hundreds, fighting the King’s forces.

The airpriest Achuros refuses to train another Sage and leaves the mayor’s meeting, but finally relents and starts to train him. He doesn’t have long until the ideal time to fight against the King at a big tournament and the airpriest doesn’t believe he will be anywhere near ready. If the four elements, the four kingdoms, cannot be in balance, then they will all be destroyed by a massive banestorm, according to legend. His heart wants to save his mother, but his head is beginning to realise that if he does nothing about the King, then many more will die and he will be responsible! He is facing a huge battle and he has others who join him on his trek to the High Temple, Toran of Kaippon, Lady Eridene of Glaidde and then Arrys of Larfour, a kingdom that was closed to visitors over fifteen hundred years ago and none ever seen, That is until now. Each kingdom has their own problems and Lady Eridene wants to get back to the war ongoing in her lands. The four kingdoms have their own Gods and there is a fifth for the spirits. Another prophecy told to the four kings left them fearing the rise of darklings. The kings are holding many things back and seek to take advantage of any weakness in the other kingdoms.

A great story of a young orphan who loses his only known family in a terrible manner, and then gets told he may be a person of some importance mentioned in a prophecy told relating to the year of his birth. Sages of Air, Fire, Earth and Water must keep the Unity and balance between these elements, or they will be destroyed by the power of storms or overtaken by the dark powers. He tries to escape what happened to his family, but then ends up in a bit of a quest almost, to learn new powers and take his rightful place. He gains allies along the way, but it seems like some will betray him, but nothing is ever quite what it seems, especially at the end. A cracking adventure and I look forward to finding out more in the next book. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Kimberley · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a free digital copy of Stormfire from Voracious Readers Only

If you're a fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender, fantasy/adventure stories like Lord of the Rings, and complex mythology like Game of Thrones, I think this book would interest a great number of people. At first, I really noticed the similarities between Stormfire and Avatar (which admittedly was a bit distracting) but once the book got into the meatier action and delved more into the lore of the world, the two are actually quite different. In fact, the economics and politics of the world bare little resemblance to Avatar, something that I appreciated as I read on.

While the world, the economics, and the politics are definitely interesting, the dynamics of it all are very complex — so complex sometimes, I was left rather confused. I did feel like some parts of the lore, and even the backstory, could have been further explored. Everything moved so fast. I was confused at times, especially during moments when characters were like, "Eureka!" (not an actual quote from the book) and I would ask myself, "did I miss something?" On multiple instances, I had to go back and re-read something to fully understand the scenarios described. It also didn't help that I felt like I was reading incomplete sentences or sentences that were completely cut in half. Perhaps this is the style of the author but it got distracting throughout my reading.

Alternatively, if you're someone who enjoys a book that is packed full of action and is fast-paced, this might be the book for you. There's plenty of action and character interaction that's quite interesting and builds on the story and character development. Having said that, there are scenes that irked me or moments of consequence that went by too fast, like the characters didn't really understand the weight of their actions. There were times when I wanted to know "What did that character think about this?" or "Why did that character not react at all?" especially if they played a bigger role in a particular story arc. These moments are kind of just brushed over and then we move on again. It was disappointing when I arrived at a point in the story where a character is supposed to develop in some way and it didn't deliver. We don't get enough time to spend with them and their emotional development is set up in one or two sentences, thus making the emotional stakes fall flat.

Some of the characters in Stormfire remind me of the characters from the DC show, Titans, mainly because no one ever seems to have a plan and they just recklessly walk their way into trouble. They tend to go head first into a really bad situation and, unfortunately, it makes the story predictable at times. I also had some issues with Jaime's characterization. As an example, when Jaime's friend gets in trouble, he's quick to defend him by saying: "Toran's innocent! It was a mistake!" and the next he tells another character, "no, he's guilty of arson." This made me do a double take, like, what happened in between that caused Jaime to have such a sudden change of mind? To me, the former would seem more consistent with Jaime's character than the latter. Overall though, he is a likeable protagonist with a good heart. I think we see a part of ourselves in Jaime because he just wants to do the right thing while protecting the people he loves.

Ultimately, I give Stormfire 3.25/5 stars but I would definitely encourage people to read it for themselves and come to their own conclusions.

[shrutika rege · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Here's the review!

If I had to describe this book in one line, I'd say ATLA (Avatar the Last Airbender) set in Ancient Greece. Every single time they said 'sage' I read Bender. That's how similar they are.

Jaime is a lovable protagonist. But it was kinda predictable what the twist was in his arc, so I didn't enjoy the reveal as much. The villains had so many chances to kill him, but they didn't take a single one, which confused me. The different names of different everythings are hard to keep up with, so I got even more confused.

As I read it, I felt like I was learning about stuff that's only absolutely necessary, but it still felt like TMI, if that makes sense. In short spans of time, I'm learning about the world, its history, its people, Jaime and his past all at the same time with the barest minimum details important enough for us, but it still was overwhelming. It was mostly plot driven, with not much interaction between characters.

Alright, let me confess, I had to DNF the book at 53%.
Why the hell have you given it four stars, Athena? You might ask.
Well, I didn't DNF it because it was bad. I DNF'd it because it was hard to read for a high fantasy noob such as myself. I'm more used to urban fantasy, and I've yet to dip my toe into complex worlds and intense worldbuilding with tons of people of different types. I read To Kill A Kingdom and I somehow got through it because the land of Ancient Greece is very familiar to me. That's the experience I have in high fantasy. I'm writing some very low level high fantasy right now, so I think I'll be able to enjoy books like these soon enough. I hope so, at least.

I would read another book by this author that's not set in this world but I dunno whether I'll pick up the sequel of this book.

[Arthur · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should start by saying I haven't read a lot of YA Fantasy but I decided to give this a try. The plot of the story wasn't bad but I felt the plot was rushed. I could see this story being fleshed out in a trilogy rather then a single book. I think the speed of the plot rather hurt the story in some sense. I didn't feel like I got to experience the epic fantasy journey from one place to the next as much as I would have like to. There are definitely a lot of twists and turns in this book for people to look for.

There are a few similarities with Avatar: The Last Airbender especially with the magic of Air, Earth, Fire and Water. Stormfire is also a coming of age story.

I had a hard time with the relationship with Jaime and his best friend. We only read a few short conversations between them for a majority of the story. We were told several times the characters were best friends but it would have enhanced the story to see it more fleshed out during there times to get traveling.

Something I thought that was really awesome about the story was how the main character had a disability. I feel like in story telling this is something we don't really see often. I think it was a huge a highlight of the story.

I don't think this story was bad it just wasn't entirely for me. I would stay this fell somewhere between a 2.75 and 3 for me. I think there are young adults out there that would love this story.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was so awesome and so many surprises at the end! The author builds an incredible world where each kingdom is ruled by a Sage who controls one of the four elements. The main character Jamian discovers that he is in fact one of these elemental sages and that in a prophecy he is to duel against his real father to save the other Kingdoms against his father's tyrannical rule. The action and plot twists of this novel keep you reading until the very end, in fact it took me less than two days to read this because I was so engrossed in the story. It's incredible to read about a hero that isn't so bent on vengeance against those who did him wrong, in fact Jamian has such a huge heart that he does something completely surprising at the end of this novel. My mind was utterly blown at the end and it left me wanting to read the rest of the series.

[Christan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this complementary copy from Voracious Readers Only. I really enjoyed this book. This is not a typical book setting and time period I would delve into but I still really enjoyed Jaime’s journey. I think that several parts when I was thinking of laying the book down; something hooked me and I needed to know what the happened to resolve the hook. I am glad I stuck with it. I am interested to see Jaime’s journey in book 2 when I get to read it and I’m really looking forward to it. The cover art is right up my ally, and I think it’s really appealing and eye catching. Also, I typically read young adult, dystopian novels. This is a great hero story and I think the twist at the end made me feel elated for Jaime and his future, but also nervous to find out what could happen.

[Hatti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story hit all the elements of a great YA fantasy - a compelling story, incredibly detailed world-building, well-rounded and individualised characters, and an impressive amount of intrigue.

Jaime is an intriguing hero, and his journey is an exciting one. It's fairly typical fantasy fare, but very well executed, and I didn't once get bored despite the fact that some of the tropes were pretty recognisable. There are also plenty of twists to keep you on your toes, and I finished the book excited to read more from the Four Kingdoms series.

*I received a free copy of Stormfire from the author via Voracious Readers*

[Epic Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book!

A world of magic elements. Kingdoms ruled by sages. In the Air kingdom comes the story of Jamie, a fourteen years old boy, lived all his life in a farm with his mother but when he discovers that he is the son of the king and a sage, his life turns upside down!

I have enjoyed reading Stormfire all the way through. The story and the plot twists were so fun and exciting! The characters were lovable and amazingly written. The world was amazing to explore. The writing style was easy to follow.

I received a copy of Stormfire from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and different read than anything I have read recently. It is well crafted and while it took me just a little to fully get into the story it was good. It took me a little bit because there were some things about how the world worked that were a little confusing/hard to keep track of at first. Plus our main character doesn't know all of this information entirely either. This story kept pulling new things in as our character tried to figure out how to fight and stand up for what he believed was right and his family. I truly enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to start the next one.

[Laura Fitzgibbon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent YA fantasy read that develops genuine characters who have the added plus of foibles and quirks young teens would really have. Despite their insecurities and mistakes, they learn and grow in a battle of the mages. They learn as they go that adults make mistakes too and don’t have everything figured out.

A fine introduction to a new world and characters who I hope will continue to grow as the adventure continues.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this book 4.75 stars if I could. I really liked the premise of this book as it's different from what I have "normally" read. Fantasy with what seemed to be a "Far East" flavor to it. It came across as retelling of ancient legends with familiar "lost heir" elements to it. Very enjoyable and I would've given five stars but for the few typos or awkward sentences that I found. Nicely done, and I do look forward to reading the next books in the series!

[Paige Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I love anything magical or mythical and controlling elements definitely qualifies. I also liked that Jaime got to find out who he was, even if it wasn't who everyone thought he was. I did not see that twist coming at all, brilliantly written. He is still a prince just not the one that everyone thought. I do like that he and his brother keep saving each other, I do think it is Jaime that should be king though, it is an air land and they don't need another fire sage ruling.

[Clint Estep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yessss!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I appreciated the pithy humor. The characters have a nice interplay to them. A note on the Author, her willingness to share her history of a time that was difficult for her shows a strength of self that rivals her creation. I look forward to seeing more Jasmine Young work.

[Trinity Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, my favourite parts were the magic elements and how well the world was written. The character development was amazing and the book was very well written. I could not put this book down as each chapter made me want to read on and find out what happened next. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series!

* I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers*

[FRANCES COOPER · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new favorite author! Amazingly well written and involving to the extent that you read way past your bedtime! A world ruled by elemental sages. The kind do not always rule. One young man is determined to end the rule of the heartless! Adventure and intrigue to the very end. Just when you think you have it all figured out twists send you spinning in the best possible way! I can't wait to read more from Jasmine Young. Amazing author!

[Tom Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great character work here, but some of the transitions between events could do with a little work. For me, there were times when the next chapter jumped to another scene where I was left a little confused. Overall, a good read!

[Kristina Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review*

It started off a bit difficult to follow--a ton of names, terms, world-specific elements, and exposition/worldbuilding all at once without much time to process each new development.

BUT. Stick with it. because I PROMISE that it pays off. After the first few chapters (if you can keep all the names/titles straight!) the plot gets really interesting really quickly.

Snappy dialogue, a cohesive plot that moves quickly but not at an overwhelming pace (and doesn't sacrifice character arcs), and a writing style that balances detail and description make this the beginning of a series you can't miss!

[Teryl Ann Tabbert]

Stormfire

The characters were true to form. I really can't wait to read the next saga. Ho nupe its as good, her books are great and I recommend reading her to friends who like the same story line .

[Jiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book sooo much that I can’t express my feelings. I would suggest this book to everyone to read it and be a part of this great family. Thank you Jasmine.

[Nerida · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in return for an honest review*

I’m fairly new to the YA fantasy hype, but Stormfire had me hooked. Every character was believable and fit their place in the world — often with much more complicated back stories than I was expecting! The author has obviously put a lot of thought and effort into creating this world, and I enjoyed the melting pot of inspirations from different cultures and parts of history.

I loved how the story used well-known tropes (the unlikely orphan hero, the group of friends saving the world, hereditary confusion, the quest, etc) but mixed them in with so many little and big plot twists that by the end I’d given up trying to predict what would come next. I’m definitely looking forward to the sequel to see how this all plays out!

My only issue with Stormfire was that sometimes in dialogue sections it was easy to lose track of who was talking, and once I actually wasn’t sure who had killed whom from which kingdom and why... but those moments were far and few between.

Worth a read!

[Reena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way for a debute!!! Jasmine Young takes us by storm with "Stormfire" and leads us on a rollecoaster of a read with an amazingly complex new world, engrossing storyline and intriguing characters! One of the best YA books I've read in recent years, and I'll definitely read the next books in the series!

[Megan Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book and I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the storyline and the characters within this story.

[BookDragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stormfire by Jasmine Young is a tale of twists and turns and growing pains that befall Jamie, of trying to meet a destiny foretold long ago as he tries to overcome his fear and trauma. The world written by the author drew me in and was fascinating. Many of the characters are complex and and the women in particular displayed impressive strength of character even in the most of understated of ways.

I understand that this a story of personal growth for Jamie and he matures, but I found that there were moments of whining that were irritating. If you are a fan of the Avatar show, this might be for you. I do recommend it.

I received an advanced copy from voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review

[Aira Salvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book, filled with lots of adventure and sweet romance. The characters are easy to remember and certainly interesting. The plot's soo great, that you can't even think of keeping down the books. It keeps you hooked till the last word. It's a must-read. Loved it.

[Jeffrey A. Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC for an honest review. Very interesting storyline with twists and unexpected turns as the four elements struggle to take over the kingdom and rule.