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I just read Wildfire, the second book, for the third time. I cannot get enough of it!
Has anyone read these? The first, 'Firethorn', is wonderful & a great character study. She's a witness to everything, really the perfect person to be narrating as she's hardly involved with much of the action. I don't want to spoil too much in case I've piqued your interest but she lives in a sexist, feudal (part of the) world & much is against her throughout the series. The introduction hooked me, when she lived in the Kingswood & a berry from the Firethorn tree gave her a healing song & the ability to see in the dark.
Nothing extremely strong, obviously, but it is still a fantastical story.
The second book, 'Wildfire' makes the first feel like an introduction (which is needed). The epic scale of her journey, especially with the enormous events going on around the world, (I can't spoil it!!) is amazing. It's very moving. Action, drama, tragedy, & it isn't a mushy romance.
The third one is set to come out this year I believe.(after the OH MY GOD so shockingly WOW ending of the second.. like the rug has been pulled out from under the viewer. In such a good way haha.. it's very difficult to wait)
Having read countless works of speculative fiction, from sci fi to straight up fantasy, I rank the Firethorn series in the ultimate top tier. The writing is perfect & the characterization is wonderful. She is no Mary Sue. As hard as Firethorn's world would be to live in, I find myself going back to read the second book over.. & over.. haha
I rank it up there with the first two books of the Dragonlance series. (The ending of the second Dragonlance is still one of the best written moments in any series!)
Anyway, wow I wrote a really long ranty review. But I thought I'd share because believe me when I say it is worth a read, esPECially the second one.
(personal note: the cover of the first one is kind of scary/hideous, & the cover to the second is absolutely gorgeous)
EDIT: AND I meant to mention the Divining Compass! It is printed in the first few pages of each book. I have used this in some of my games. Quite fun! After reading the books & pretty much having all the godsigns down, it's fun to "cast the bones" haha. here is a link to the digital Divining Compass:
I have read the first book in the series but never knew if there had been others published because I could not find them in my area. I will have to find them now that I know there is more than just the first book.
Yeah, I prefer the cover for the original 2004 release of the first book as well.