Fireborn by Aisling Fowler – Book Review

I’m reviewing Fireborn by Aisling Fowler as part of TheWriteReads Book Tour. I thank the author and Dave from TheWriteReads for offering me a copy of Fireborn.

Book description

Lyra. Lucy. Percy. Once in a generation, a hero emerges whose story enthralls readers worldwide.

Fireborn is an epic quest, perfect for fans of the His Dark Materials and The School for Good and Evil series, that will spin readers into a magical world like no other–and introduce them to an unforgettable new heroine named Twelve.

Ember is full of monsters.

Twelve gave up her name and identity to train in the art of hunting them–so she says. The truth is much more deadly: she trains to take revenge on those who took her family from her.

But when Twelve’s new home is attacked, she’ll find herself on an unexpected journey, where her hidden past is inescapably intertwined with her destiny–and the very fate of her world

My review

I don’t read middle-grade literature often, but this one stands out and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Fireborn is a fast-paced, thrilling fantastical adventure that follows Twelve, our young heroine, who has given up everything to become a hunter. The story comes with a unique magic system and exciting world-building. We get to explore hierarchies and see the characters put their differences aside and work together, which isn’t easy.

I pledge my life to the Hunting Lodge.

I vow to serve all seven clans as my own. To protect them from what lies beyond.

I forsake all blood ties and blood feuds.

Twelve stands out from other middle-grade novel heroine and I often resonated with her. She’s inspiring for any young reader. She’s flawed and brave and a real badass. I think young readers will enjoy her snarky humor and banter. All the characters are charismatic, including the squirrel. Widge and Dog were fabulous sidekicks and added loads of humor to the story thus balancing the darker themes.

I loved the plot twists at the end and I recommend Fireborn to all fantasy lovers. Although this is technically middle-grade it reads a lot like a YA fantasy.

The prose is tight and compelling, keeping the reader engaged from the first page.