
A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire Series #1)
4.5
30
5
1
Paperback(Reprint)
USD
8.88
$8.88
Product Details
ISBN-13: | 9780553535938 |
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Publisher: | Random House Children's Books |
Publication date: | 09/05/2017 |
Series: | Kingdom on Fire Series , #1 |
Edition description: | Reprint |
Pages: | 432 |
Sales rank: | 43,169 |
Product dimensions: | 5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.00(d) |
Age Range: | 12 - 17 Years |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire Series #1)
4.5 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
31 reviews.
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It took me forever to find this book. O was looking for some good good reading material and was dissappointed, this is AMAZING reading material! I literally read this book beginning to end without stopping and I am so glad that I got to read such an amazing novel.
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This is a great start to a series. Cluess takes the chosen one trope and puts a little spin on it that makes it feel fresh. All of the characters are enjoyable and I like the found-family aspect. Things get crazy in the sequel so pick this up and get started!
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I couldn't stop reading and wondering what would happen next. Can't wait for the next book
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Henrietta is a strong, female protagonist. She has all the traits I love in a good fantasy hero: she's humble, a bit confused, just learning her powers, and she's thrown into a situation where she must determine who her friends and foes while at the same time struggling to control her growing powers.
This book was good. But it wasn't so good I couldn't put it down - the first third of the book was slow for me. It has a solid story, engaging characters but is missing the spark that really engages me as a reader. That is until about 2/3rds of the way in. Then everything changed. The storyline picked up and the finale did not disappoint. The end of the book really intrigued me and I will be reading the sequel soon. If you pick up this one, stick with it and you won't be disappointed!
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There are no words to describe this book. It is just amazing, read it in two days. This book is in my favorites which is difficult to do sense I am a really picky reader.
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From the moment I read the summary for this book I knew this would be a very enjoyable read. What I wasn't counting on though was loving it so much that it became an instant favorite of mine. The book was very well written and is filled with dynamic characters trying to survive in an alternate version of England. This was my first introduction to historical fiction and I have to say I'm glad I gave this genre a chance because it's very fascinating. I also enjoyed alot of the detail and imagery Clueless threw at the audience that made her version of London come alive. Another reason I enjoyed this book was theagiv of the characters and the twists and turns the plot continued to make as I delve further into the books. This book just shows exactly why so many people like myself enjoy a great young adult fantasy filled with tantalizing imagery, memorable characters and intricate plots that leave the audience wanting more.
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I will admit I am a sucker for anything set in Victorian era, and this book really hit that sweet spot. While the names were a bit hard to remember at the beginning, this book still kept me interested every step of the way. I may also add that I love when an author doesn't skimp out on the page count like so many others choose to do. As far as the contents of the book, amazing! The main character was marvelous, she cares so deeply about those she is close to and has a "fire" personality. I could feel my blood boiling along with hers when men tried to tell her what her place in society should be. The story line was so well thought out and there were plenty of twists to keep the book from getting boring. I love that romance didn't overtake the story line and actually allowed a female lead to survive without a love interest. While there were hints of romance it was mostly background noise and didn't take away from the integrity of the character. This story really hit all the right spots, fantasy that didn't seem too childish, an alternate-victorian setting (to use someone else's description), a strong female lead who was not afraid to speak her
mind and didn't lean on the affection of a man, real and powerful emotions, and of course magic!
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In an alternate Victorian England where ancient monsters have invaded our world, a young teacher who has been hiding her extraordinary gifts to control fire is declared the chosen one to save humanity. But Henrietta, who has suffered monstrous things at the charity school where she grew up and now teaches, knows she is not the girl in the prophecy. Desperate to protect herself and her best friend Rook, who was irreparably injured in an attack by one of the Ancients, she undertakes sorcerer training anyway. Just as thrilling as watching Henrietta learn to use her powers is watching her navigate the casual misogyny of her fellow students and the perils of being the only female sorcerer among them. She clashes with chilly Lord Blackwood, flirts with the handsome Magnus, and comes to respect her teacher, Agrippa, who is working through the tragic loss of his daughter. Through it all, Henrietta’s relationship with Rook, her oldest friend and perhaps something more, is the beating heart of the story, and as Rook’s ties to the Ancients, through his scars, morph into frightening powers, Henrietta must make some difficult choices about whom to trust. Thoughtful, sincere, and determined, Henrietta is not a born fighter, but she must learn how in order to save herself and those she loves.
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This was a good book, but it reminded me of a lot of other books i have read. It has elements remniscent of Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, Divergent, and also TMI. I wish it had been more of an original story instead of pulling from these for inspiration. I might read the next on the series, not sure yet.
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Amazing
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I voluntarily received an ARC of A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited when I received my ARC of A Shadow Bright and Burning in the mail, because one, the book is absolutely beautiful and two, the summary sounding like a great fantasy story. I was also a little hesitant after reading several reviews complaining about it being too similar to Cassandra Clare's The Infernal Devices series. Yes there were some similarities, but A Shadow Bright and Burning is still an different, independent, and well told story.
Henrietta sometimes made me very frustrated, but I loved her strength and determination to fight for everyone no matter where they are in the social hierarchy. Even in the frustrating moments of this book, I seriously enjoyed every moment of it. I read the 400 page story in two days because I could not put it down and kept wanting to know what happened next. And now I can't wait to find out what happens in book 2.
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This was better than I expected! I was enthralled from the beginning and I love this fantasy world with Victorian England and monsters and magic! The reverse harem was excellent as promised, and the ships! I have one but I'm waiting to see where it goes. If you know me at all, I'm sure you can guess ;) In some ways this was a lot of cliches but I cared about the characters and I had a lot of fun reading this story. And I was shocked in a few places! I can't wait to read the sequel.
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Abandoned at a boarding school at a young age, Henrietta Howel’s goals in life are simple: teach the younger girls, avoid the lecherous headmaster, and keep her magic a secret. Then a Sorcerer comes to the school and the sequence of events forces her to reveal her secret. Instead of being burned at the stake for witchcraft, Henrietta is lauded as the chosen one who will rid England of the monsters and the first female sorcerer since Joan of Arc. But what if, despite everything, she isn’t the chosen one?
Wow. A Shadow Bright and Burning is like a cross between Jane Eyre and Mortal Instruments. It is set in Victorian England—not even an alternate history but ruled by newly crowned Queen Victoria. Then there is the magical aspect, with Sorcerers, Magicians, and Witches. And let’s not forget the seven demonic monsters terrorizing the nation. The blend of the magic culture with British high society was seamless, including both the fantastic wealth and privilege of the nobility with the prejudice against the lower classes, heightened by magical privilege. I loved the setting! The plot was fascinating. It turned the “Chosen One” trope on its head, much to my satisfaction; it can get old, after all. The villains were diverse and unique, featuring both humans, magical humans, and monsters which made it clear that the normal people can be as much at fault as the horrendous monsters. Things were not always as they seemed at first glance.
I also enjoyed how the romantic relationships in the story were portrayed. At the risk of giving away too much (aka. Spoiler Alert), I enjoyed that the romance was not exactly the stereotypical player-guy-changes-for-main-character idea. That stereotype always seemed a bit farfetched to me. I mean, if the man sleeps with everybody, why would he stay faithful to the one girl who is, for no apparent reason, different than every other girl he has ever met? So I liked how this book portrayed my thoughts on the matter exactly. He liked her, but he would not give up his future or his ways for her. It was annoying the way he tried to use her, but I wasn’t shipping him with her anyway. I can only hope she finds her real match in the next book or two. (End Spoiler—and sorry for the rant.)
Content Disclosure: dark magic, sexual references, an almost-sex scene, and some swearing.
A Shadow Bright and Burning was a thrilling read that I would happily recommend to fans of YA Fantasy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books. All opinions are expressly my own.
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4.8 out of 5
Henrietta Howel is a sorcerer. The first female sorcerer in ages. Her power is rare and dangerous, and there are some who believe she is the one who is prophesied to defeat an ancient enemy. But is she?
This YA fantasy is excellent. Set in an England filled with magic during the rule of a young Queen Victoria, you’ll feel as if you are there yourself. Cluess’s characters are well-written and the story keeps a steady pace as everything unfolds and Henrietta learns who she can really trust.
This is the first novel in the Kingdom of Fire series, and with a few questions left unanswered, I will definitely read the next.
A couple of content warnings: the story focuses on sorcerers, so there is a lot of magic. Some Christian readers may not like how closely linked magic seems to be to the church, or how the church is sometimes portrayed. However, it is fantasy, and it is Victorian England. So, the stances taken by some of the more “religious” characters aren’t that out of line. There’s also a little mild language.
Content upside: it was refreshing to read a YA novel where sex isn’t laced throughout the story. Potential romances abound, but (at least in this first novel), Henrietta is more focused on finding her place.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in return for an honest review.
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Maybe five or so years ago this book stood a chance. But, come on, there's not a single thing in A Shadow Bright and Burning that we haven't all seen before.
Limited world-building and a plethora of potential love interests fuel this derivative Victorian fantasy. It begins with a familiar premise: an orphaned, mistreated girl called Henrietta lives a miserable existence until she is discovered by a sorcerer who claims she is a prophesied chosen one. He whisks her out of the life she has known and takes her to train her powers with other sorcerers.
Almost everything is borrowed from other series. Harry Potter being the obvious example, but there's some Mortal Instruments/Infernal Devices in there too, as well as others. The magically warded secret area of London called "London Proper" is reminiscent of Diagon Alley, and Rowling's influence rears its head again when Rook knows dark magic is coming because his scars hurt.
The author could have avoided this by developing her own take on both of these, but everything is skimmed over. Very little is explained. Much of this world remains a mystery to me even after finishing the book. When we do get some background information on the world, its history, and its magic system, it comes in the form of forced, unnatural conversations. The characters are clearly only discussing it for the purpose of educating the reader and it feels so out of place.
There's hints at attraction with at least three of the male characters. Though the Mary Sue heroine is adamant that she is unattractive and that everyone is DEFINITELY NOT in love with her, evidence abounds to the contrary. Other characters can see that Rook is in love with Henrietta but "Omigosh, no!! They're just friends!" even though she describes him like this:
Granted, Rook was attractive, with sharp, elegant features and blue eyes. His hair was still the same flaxen down it had been when we were eight. He looked like a poet or a gentleman, I’d always thought, even if he was only a stable boy.
The book just doesn't do anything new. Even the attempts to put a new spin on the super special "Chosen One" trope result in a spin we've seen several times already.
And I simply couldn't find anything to read for. The book moves through a cycle of Henrietta practicing her magic in repetitive elemental displays, flirting with one of the boys, and doing something dumb. By the latter I mean that she always finds a way to rush into any magical attack, against the orders of the most powerful sorcerers.
I guess if you're still not over the whole "special chosen girl fights monsters and flirts with boys" thing, then this could work more for you. Me? I'm tired of it.
Also, one last minor thing: every sorcerer gets a stave, which is basically a big magic wand, and their magic is tied to it. Losing it is VERY BAD. However, if you want me to appreciate the seriousness of losing one's stave, don't name it Porridge.
“The pain of losing Porridge, the mere idea of it, threatened to crush me."
Ooh, that's very sad. But mostly funny.
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*** I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books! ***
Action packed, dark, magical, and has a beloved cast of characters.
I loved this book SO MUCH.
Henrietta Howel has been chosen as the first female sorcerer in a world where female magic users are illegal. She must learn how to control the power she has been surpressing for years in time of her commendation for Queen Victoria. With secrets, desires, and a crazy amount of pressure to save the world, Henrietta must make the hardest decisions she has ever made. This is the first book in the Kingdom of Fire series!
This book needs to be talked about more! Cluess has created a cast of characters I instantly became attached with. Her world building is outstanding, there were clever plot twists, and I couldn't get enough of this world she created. This world takes place in a time where class is imporant, a bad reputation can ruin you, and the main character must fight monsters in a corset. She touches on topics such as abusive leaders in schools, blackmail, obligation, lust, the different and tragic living conditions of others in the world, self doubt, and also self empowerment. She wrote this dark, but magical tale so beautifully, and I'm eager to read A POISON DARK AND DROWNING in September.
Thank you so much, Blogging for Books, for giving me the opportunity to read this book without having to worry financially.
If you love to read young adult fantasy books I highly recommend you pick this one up!
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If Historical Fiction and Fantasy had a baby this would most certainly be it!
First off I have to say how awesome this cover is and after reading the book it fits perfectly.
So, A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess is book one of the Kingdom of Fire series. Book two: A Poison Dark and Drowning is supposedly due out sometime this year which I cannot wait for, I need more now!
This series takes place in like 19th century styled England but unlike real life 7 grotesque monsters known as the Ancients are waging war on the Earth, the only thing fighting against them are the sorcerers. This book introduced you to Henrietta Howell, the first female Sorcerer in many years, but is she really who they think she is?
This book is Howell’s story of friendship, trials of life and death and overall is a masterpiece of girl power. Jessica addresses a time old problem where women are brought down, thought less of, even believed they are easily manipulated, along with their persecution. This novel made me fall in love deeply with all the main characters, it also had a Pride and Prejudice feel about it, when it comes to a few of the lovely characters. The writing is exquisite and the best part of the whole experience, besides the amazing plot, great characters and pure amazement of the web she has woven in this story; is the message that anyone no matter their gender, station in life, race, you name it can rise above it all.
If you love great fantasies or historical romances, with badass characters, alot of mixed romance within and above all a book full of true problems and morals that still are being addressed today, which makes it all that more real. Please pick it up, I promise you won’t regret it. I of course gave this 5 out of 5 stars and have added it to my favorites series list. I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review. This is my honest opinion about the book
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pooled ink Reviews:
This book blends Victorian life with the magic of sorcerers, witches, and magicians. A proper orphan girl descends upon the elite London society, challenging the woman’s place and power in the world. She is not so bold as to question her mentors, but when pushed she sets her foot down and clenches her fists to hide the unacceptable anger blooming there. In short: It takes a lovely rose and sets it on fire without so much as a blink or flutter.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and I’m curious enough to long for more. I definitely think it’s a good read for fans of English magic, olden times, a dash of Jane Austen romance, or even for those looking for stories in a similar vein as the Harry Potter series.
Creative, interesting, whimsical, and action-filled, A SHADOW BRIGHT AND BURNING has proven to be a good addition to the YA magical fantasy shelves. I am definitely ready to see where Miss Howel’s path will lead her.
Read my FULL review here: https://pooledink.com/2016/11/22/a-shadow-bright-and-burning/ (I talk and muse all about Cluess' wonderful characters!)
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Interesting characters and story development.
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For starters, I'd like to say that I think the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. You'll learn in the book what the flower on the cover means and I love that the characters chose it! Going into this book the only thing I really knew was that this was a fantasy/magic read. I saw this ARC swimming around on #booksfortrade on Twitter and just knew I had to trade for it. I'll have to admit, what drew me in was that cover!
Magic, monsters, and a strong female character? How much better can it get? I really enjoyed this novel, I thought that the plot was amazing and it kept me turning the pages! Henrietta Howel, the main character is a witch, or is she? Howel has spent her life hiding her powers, in fear of being caught and killed because of them. One day, her best friend is attacked by monsters sent by the Ancients that are inflicting war over their realm. She is forced to use her powers to keep her friend alive, even though doing so means revealing her true identity to the one person she fear to do so in front of the most. Little does Henrietta know that that person has been looking for her for decades, and not to kill her. She is then taken in to learn that she isn't a witch but a lady sorcerer.
View the rest of my review on my Blog!
http://booking-around.weebly.com/home/book-review-8-a-shadow-bright-and-burning
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Loved this book! It's filled with magic, lust, and danger.
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The first book in an exciting new YA fantasy series, A Shadow Bright and Burning, grabs your interest from the very first chapter, and never lets go. The story is set at the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign, when the aristocracy ruled and women had few if any rights. First time novelist, Jessica Cluess, has done a good job of capturing the flavor of the era. The imagery, particularly in the descriptions of the horrifying Ancients and Henrietta’s magic, is so vivid. The female protagonist is a strong character with lots of spirit and determination. Well plotted, the story never bogs down, and when it ends you’re left wanting more.
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Thought it was pretty good can't wait for the next book
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Original posted at Sarcasm & Lemons: http://www.sarcasmandlemons.com/2016/09/arc-review-shadow-bright-and-burning-by.html
in depth
A Shadow Bright and Burning was one of my most hotly anticipated books of this year, and for good reason. It's a whimsical, atmospheric historical fantasy in the vein of fantasy classics, Harry Potter meets H.P. Lovecraft meets Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. While it doesn't quite eclipse its predecessors, Cluess' debut is a strong addition to the canon, full of spark and good feels.
The concept and world really resonated with me. The setting is alternate universe Victorian London, where sorcerers and magicians are commonplace and seven megaton mythical beasties--the Ancients, patently and lovingly inspired by Cthulu--assail the nation. I wish Cluess had played up the Victorian culture more. There are many nods to the lower status of women, class issues, etc., especially with Henrietta being the first female sorcerer in centuries. However, it's an exploration Zen Cho did better in Sorcerer to the Crown, a very similar book (think magical England, sorcerers, rare female magic-user) with a stronger plot and ethnically diverse cast. In fact, go read it. Now.
That's really my main issue with this book, wanting more. Deeper exploration into the themes of freedom and status. More diversity in the cast--as in, Henrietta was described as dark-skinned, but it was basically never mentioned again and felt thrown in? And then there's the matter of the other sorcerer boys, most of whom are so indistinctly drawn that I kept getting them mixed up. So when certain characters did certain "huge" things, I didn't care all that much because I didn't feel invested in them. I also thought the chemistry between Henrietta and Rook was rather flimsy, more like I was being told they cared deeply for each other rather than seeing their deep friendship alive on the page. I also wanted more Fenswick and faeries, because Cluess created such a lively character there but never took full advantage of him.
Before you think I'm just naysaying, I'll tell you why I liked it anyway. It's fun. The magic is hardcore elemental, which I love, with the twisted magicians' magic thrown in. The writing is very pretty at times, and hysterical at others. I found myself laughing quite often at the witty banter between Henrietta and Magnus, the loving gruffness of Hargrove, and a variety of tongue-in-cheek lines presented in perfect deadpan. There's an Alice in Wonderland snark about it that's very appealing, with a Lovecraftian darkness that gives an otherwise whimsical story some depth and bite.
And while characters like Lambe, Wolffe, and Dee were interchangeable and Eliza--basically the only other female--was totally thrown in, others were strong. Henrietta herself is fearsome and proud, resourceful and with enough edges to make her likable. Magnus is totally adorable, even though his character feels a little distorted towards the end. And I really came to care for Blackwood, the duty-worn earl who begins as Henrietta's biggest critic.
Overall, it's a solid book. Some pruning in places and additions in others would have made it stronger. I'd love to see more exploration of the Ancients and their magic in the sequel, stronger characterization of the side characters, more nuanced discussion of the themes (oppression of women, prejudice against magicians and faeries, classism) that are so important .
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