– Final battle was basically a confusing sneeze

– Author doesn't know how to build meaningful relationships between characters – Huge lack of self-awareness in terms of xenophobia – Indistinguishable 'voices' between the two main characters – Plot-wise, there was usually something going on – Both Denna and Mare grow as individuals (Tragically, I am neither kidding or embellishing.)

Maybe, in these troubling times of rising fascism and white nationalism, it's not a great idea to shape your novel's plot around the idea of suspecting the desert-dwelling immigrants of secretly trying to bring the country down. By making unconventional friends, her knowledge of Zumorda and its people grow, and so too do her suspicions about who is truly behind the attacks on Zumorda and her homeland.Īs rising tensions and unexpected betrayals put Mare and Denna in jeopardy and dangerous enemies emerge on all sides, can they protect their love and save their kingdoms? The queen offers Denna a place among her elite trainees-an opportunity that would force her to choose between her magic and Mare.Īs Denna's powers grow stronger, Mare struggles to be the ambassador her kingdom needs. However, the queen has no interest in allying with other kingdoms it's Denna's untamed but powerful magic that catches her eye. Mare's diplomatic mission is now urgent: she must quickly broker an alliance with the queen of Zumorda to protect her homeland. Determined to help, Mare has agreed to serve as an ambassador as a cover for their journey.īut just as Mare and Denna arrive in Zumorda, an attack on a border town in Mynaria changes everything.

Denna must learn to control her powers, which means traveling in secret to the kingdom of Zumorda, where she can seek training without fear of persecution. Mare just wants to settle down with the girl she loves, which would be easier if Denna weren't gifted with forbidden and volatile fire magic. Princesses Denna and Mare are in love and together at last-only to face a new set of dangers.

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst