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titalindaslibrary 's review for:
So Let Them Burn (ARC)
by Kamilah Cole
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Vibes: Legendborn meets Fireborne in this Jamaican-inspired fantasy. There are dragons, ancestral magic, matriarchs, and sapphic pining!
I’ve been reading a lot of a litfic, memoirs, and rather heavy adult novels lately. After so much of that, was I ready to dive back into YA Fantasy?
Yes, yes I was. In fact, it was a much welcome diversion! So Let Them Burn reminds me of the sheer joy and escapism that fantasy can provide. I think this is the type of intro fantasy book that is accessible and perfect for any reader looking to get into this genre!
Unlike novels that typically document the lead up to a war or start in the midst of them, Cole begins her novel at the end of one. We get a closer look at the after effects of war, the struggle of a small island country trying to rebuild, and the trauma its survivors must live with. What happens when the chosen one has fulfilled their duty?
While the sheer youth of these characters is unbelievable (excuse me, Faron was 12 when she fought in the war - what!?), I found them compelling, frustrating, and lovable. Ah, teens. There’s a young queen, an overshadowed sister, and a hotheaded Chosen One that form this women-centric cast as they navigate weighty decisions that impact both country and personal relationships.
I will say, reading this while maintaining awareness of Palestine and the daily horrors occurring there made it an especially impactful read. Cole writes from the perspective of a small island nation that has fought off an imperialist force. While the gods, dragons, and magic are a sparkly fantasy layer, the central theme is about the tragedy of war and how it leaves a lasting pain that survivors must carry.
This is one of those books that absorbed me and had me finishing it in a few days. And that ending!? For some fast-paced YA fantasy, definitely check out So Let Them Burn!
I’ve been reading a lot of a litfic, memoirs, and rather heavy adult novels lately. After so much of that, was I ready to dive back into YA Fantasy?
Yes, yes I was. In fact, it was a much welcome diversion! So Let Them Burn reminds me of the sheer joy and escapism that fantasy can provide. I think this is the type of intro fantasy book that is accessible and perfect for any reader looking to get into this genre!
Unlike novels that typically document the lead up to a war or start in the midst of them, Cole begins her novel at the end of one. We get a closer look at the after effects of war, the struggle of a small island country trying to rebuild, and the trauma its survivors must live with. What happens when the chosen one has fulfilled their duty?
While the sheer youth of these characters is unbelievable (excuse me, Faron was 12 when she fought in the war - what!?), I found them compelling, frustrating, and lovable. Ah, teens. There’s a young queen, an overshadowed sister, and a hotheaded Chosen One that form this women-centric cast as they navigate weighty decisions that impact both country and personal relationships.
I will say, reading this while maintaining awareness of Palestine and the daily horrors occurring there made it an especially impactful read. Cole writes from the perspective of a small island nation that has fought off an imperialist force. While the gods, dragons, and magic are a sparkly fantasy layer, the central theme is about the tragedy of war and how it leaves a lasting pain that survivors must carry.
This is one of those books that absorbed me and had me finishing it in a few days. And that ending!? For some fast-paced YA fantasy, definitely check out So Let Them Burn!