Item: Waking Fire
Rating: 3.50
Author: quirkycat

by Jean Louise

"Propulsive and full of heart." —Sara Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Everless and Havenfall

This incendiary YA fantasy debut follows a girl who will stop at nothing to save her village after it’s discovered by a dangerous warlord and his army of undead monsters.

Naira Khoum has only known life in Lagusa, a quiet village at the desert’s end. But to the rest of the world, Lagusa is a myth, its location shrouded in secrecy. While war rages to the north led by power-hungry Sothpike and his army of undead monsters called Dambi, Naira’s people live in peace.

Until the impossible happens—Lagusa is attacked by a Mistress sent to do Sothpike’s bidding with a hoard of Dambi under her control. The Mistress is looking for something, and she’s willing to let her Dambi destroy Lagusa to get it.

Desperate to protect her home, Naira convinces her twin brother Nez and handsome refugee Kal to join the newly formed resistance with her. Together, they’ll have to figure out what the Mistress wants—before there’s nothing left of Lagusa to save.

Book Summary:

Naira Khoum has a strong sense of who she is – alongside knowing right from wrong. Perhaps that's why she ultimately picks a fight from which she should have walked away. But doing so would have meant allowing more people to get hurt in the long run.

Now Naira has been thrown out of the only home she has ever known – Lagusa. Her presence outside the borders opens Naira's eyes to everything happening in the outside world, such as war and an army of undead monsters. Yeah, not ideal.

My Review:

It was the cover of Waking Fire that first caught my attention – but the story that held it. Waking Fire is every bit the debut fantasy novel I had been hoping for. It's intense, full of unique characters and worldbuilding.

In truth, I would have loved to see even more of this world, given a chance. I know, I know. I'm so greedy when it comes to worldbuilding. But I can't help it! This world is fascinating, as Lagusa is meant to be a myth to the rest of Naira's world. More, please!

Waking Fire is a fun read for anyone looking for a new fantasy series to dive into. I'm already counting down the days until the next installment.

Highlights:
YA Fantasy
Vibes similar to The Gilded Ones
Debut
Brilliant Cover

Thanks to Inkyard Press and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Waking Fire (Waking Fire, #1)

by Jean Louise

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on Jan 27, 2023

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