Book Tour: Fireborn by Aisling Fowler

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.

Thank you to The Write Reads and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour.

The cover for Fireborn by Aisling Fowler was enough to sell me this book. It’s gorgeous! Many of the blog tour participants got a physical copy but since I’m not in the UK, I didn’t get one (and that makes me a sad panda). That’s okay though. Shipping is terrible and it might not have gotten here on time. I’m still super grateful for the digital copy and the opportunity to read it before the release date. Which is begin October, by the way.

Fireborn follows Twelve as she prepares to take the last test to become a hunter when a group of goblins attacks the Hunting Lodge and kidnaps one of her peers, the only girl who showed her kindness and who reminded her of her sister. On her way out, she notices she is being followed. The guardian of the Lodge is on her tail, or well, Seven’s. He wants her to go home, but Twelve is stubborn and demands to come with him. Later, Five and Six also join their group. The rivalry between the huntlings is exciting but also a bit frustrating. I’m glad it gets better towards the end.

The world Fowler created is dangerous, unfair, and magical. You want to go there and at the same time, you don’t. The three huntlings and the guardian Dog meet and challenge various magical creatures. I really like their guide, kind of the same as the dragon book in How To Train A Dragon. Each creature gets a score for how dangerous it is. But that doesn’t stop the huntlings from confronting them. Throughout their trials, they learn more about each other, but also about themselves.

It’s truly a magical journey for all. I give Fireborn 4,5 stars. People who love adventurous fantasy for a younger audience (upper MG/YA) will definitely enjoy this one. Some parts can be scary so maybe not for the younger children as a solo-read.