SUMMARY: Fiona Ember’s life has been shattered to pieces. After an assassination attempt gone awry, her friends are dead, she’s lost her magic, and she’s now imprisoned by the magician she just tried to kill. To make matters worse, she learns he’s the infamous Auspex, who possesses the gifts of precognition and mind-reading, and who’s known for his deadly and unyielding reputation.
The BookViral Review: Genre – Magic & Fantasy
The best magical and fantasy novels have a great origin story and Fire Within has not one but three! These revolving around Fiona, Nicholas and Daniel as Lee quickly builds dramatic momentum with a refreshing absence of unnecessary plot points.
Far too many novels in the genre start strong only to wind down to forgettable finales, but “Fire Within” breaks the mold to deliver thrills all the way through with a carefully calibrated mixture of diverting action sequences and young adult angst that makes for a compelling read.
More importantly Lee manages to find inventive and unique ways to tell an authentic story, whilst staying true to the genre’s tone. From the social order of the clans to the premise underpinning her system of magic she creates a well-executed and imagined hidden world.
These are all reasons to pick up a copy and start reading but the real gem in Lee’s story is Fiona Ember. As she shares her thoughts the danger she’s in feels imminent and palpable whilst her burgeoning friendships with Nicholas and Daniel brings a reassuring strength to her character. Promising readers that no matter how bleak things may get for her, she will one day not only make it through her tribulations unbroken, but use those experiences for her future magical endeavors.
A strong start to a highly enjoyable and engaging new series Fire Within is highly recommended!