WAKING FIRE

In a world where dragons are gods and war is closing in, one girl must find the fire within to save those she loves.

Sixteen-year-old Naira lives in Lagusa, a secluded desert village, with her parents and twin brother, Nez. Rumors are swirling that Waldyrian warlord Sothpike and his Vra Gool Dambi, an army of the dead, are closing in on Lagusa when Naira ends up trapped outside the village walls. There, she encounters a woman known as the Mistress, a follower of Sothpike who can control the Vra Gool Dambi. Naira narrowly escapes being killed, but the Mistress arrives at Lagusa soon after, demanding that the village folk hand over their children or face an attack. It is up to the people of Lagusa to save themselves, though Naira’s world will be permanently altered in the process. This world is dynamic, an original, well-developed, high-fantasy setting. Details flesh out the lore well, such as when Naira prays with her father and lights incense or when she learns why the village people burn their dead. The action scenes are captivating and propel the story forward. Louise’s attempts at romance are not as successful, however. Naira’s and Nez’s respective romantic storylines feel forced, with accelerated timelines that come across as juvenile compared to the rest of the novel. The characters have varying shades of brown skin.

A vibrant fantasy debut that delivers fast-paced adventure and unexpected surprises.