Of Fire and Stars
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4.6 • 175 Ratings
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- $2.99
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- $2.99
Publisher Description
An atmospheric and romantic debut fantasy perfect for fans of Ash and The Winner’s Curse.
Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile kingdoms.
But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a land where magic is forbidden.
Now Denna has to learn the ways of her new kingdom while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses before her coronation—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine, sister of her betrothed.
When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two work together, they discover there is more to one another than they thought—and soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.
But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other.
Plus don't miss the sequel: Of Ice and Shadows!
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
At the start of Coulthurst's spectacular debut, seven-year-old Princess Dennaleia of Havemont discovers that she has a magical "Affinity" for fire. Unfortunately, she is already betrothed to Prince Thandilimon of Mynaria, a kingdom where the practice of magic is considered heresy. Dennaleia's mother swears that if she ignores her gift, it will fade, but the opposite proves true; when a 16-year-old Dennaleia arrives in Mynaria to start her new life, she nearly starts a conflagration. While hiding her ability, Dennaleia must also find a way to work with the prince's prickly and rebellious older sister, Amaranthine, to dissuade Mynaria's king from waging an unjustified war. But Dennaleia is faced with difficult choices about her future after something other than friendship unexpectedly develops between the two princesses. Dennaleia and Amaranthine's narratives combine to create a powerful and exquisite love story that also provides incisive political commentary and cautions against zealotry, vengeance, and intolerance. The central mystery is intriguing, Coulthurst's worldbuilding is excellent, and the book's explosive conclusion both thrills and satisfies. Ages 13 up.
Customer Reviews
Truly Amazing
This book was my gateway into the wlw fantasy genre. Coulthurst does a wonderful job balancing world building, character development, and romance. Dena and Mare’s growing affection is realistic but also infatuating. I wish I could read this book for the first time again, to experience its enchanting prose once more.
Possible show?
I personally say this book series would make a great tv show. It has enough drama and magic that would make a show just sizzle with excitement. It would be “lit”.
Bad pacing (some small spoilers)
(Minor Spoilers) My main problem with this book is that the pacing felt entirely off. Mare and Denna’s relationship seemed to jump from being somewhat friends to wildly in love, without showing us much of that transition. Most of the book felt very uneventful, up until the end where everything happened at once. Also, the impact of different character’s deaths was hardly shown. I was expecting to see a lot more grieving. I wish there would have been more of a focus on the growth of Mare and Denna, and more plot points, instead of just discussion after discussion of the Recusants and Zumorda.