This month’s book recommendation is another trilogy…surprise, surprise. But don’t let the commitment stop you from checking out Jessica Cluess’ Kingdom of Fire Trilogy. Here’s the synopsis for book #1, A Shadow Bright and Burning, from Goodreads:
Goodreads Synopsis
I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?
Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty’s sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she’s the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city–and the one she loves?
Recommendation for Kingdom of Fire Trilogy
This series isn’t perfect by any means, and I did have moments of frustration while reading. That said, here are a few reasons why I still enjoyed it.
The Monsters
Cluess created a collection of creepy, nightmarish monsters that quite literally haunted my dreams. One in particular (name redacted because SPOILERS), accompanied me during a scary dream and I woke up with my heart pounding. I honestly can’t say that happens to me often, or basically ever.
Trope Subversion
I love a good Chosen One story, but right from the get-go (even in the above description) we learn that maybe our beloved, if a bit romantically-challenged, heroine just might not be who everyone thinks she is. I love when authors have the guts to try something new and add a twist to a common trope. Even if it’s not perfectly-executed, I enjoy being kept on my toes.
Magic!
I can’t help but love a story with elemental magic. There’s just something about the ambiance it creates in the story, that the characters connect to their environment in a specific way and that can either help or hinder them. One thing that still makes me scratch my head is Henrietta’s decision to name her staff (wand) Porridge. I just…don’t know about that. However, I can chock that up to a character quirk and move on.
Final Thoughts on Kingdom of Fire Trilogy
While not perfect by any means, the Kingdom of Fire Trilogy by Jessica Cluess is a fun adventure full of friendship, magic, and monsters. It’s worth a read for sure. Maybe sleep with a nightlight or one eye open…just in case.
Want more book recommendations? Check out the Archive. And drop your favorite book recommendations in the comments or my inbox (author@kierstenlillis.com). I’m always adding to my TBR list!
