Publishers Weekly
12/20/2021
Thor (Tarnished Are the Stars) delves into politics through the layered plot of this high-stakes fantasy, in which magic—a fiery substance called flare—represents both money and power. Driven to disavow her impoverished childhood and burdened with resentment toward her imprisoned father, ambitious high school senior Ingrid Ellis, who is white, has her future planned: marry handsome, wealthy Linden Holt, also white, and rise above her tarnished past. To win the favor of Linden’s contemptuous senator father, Ingrid concocts a plan to spy on the opposing political campaign, only to find herself embraced and respected by its members and increasingly invested in their altruistic mission. With dangerous rebels attacking both campaigns, Ingrid questions her future, including what, and who, she wants in it. The magic-dominated world of Candesce, with its greed, excess, and defined social classes, is both eerily familiar and intriguingly unique. Thor’s cast, inclusive in socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexuality, shares refreshingly candid perspectives on relationships and acceptance, but inconsistencies in Ingrid’s character—quickly vacillating feelings, fluctuating stances on power and money—muddy this otherwise vividly imagined, pleasantly unpredictable story. Ages 14–up. Agent: Saba Sulaiman, Talcott Notch Literary. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Fire Becomes Her:
"A candid exploration of wealth and politics, as well as the ways relationships and people bend and form under society’s expectations. Replete with a tightly woven plot, a main character every bit as sharp and eloquent as Thor’s writing, and a glittering Roaring Twenties vibe, this book burns brightly." —Kalyn Josephson, author of the Storm Crow duology
"This fiery story gripped me from the very first sentence. With gorgeous prose, an endearing group cast, and magic so vivid it crackles on the page, Fire Becomes Her will enchant you. A lush, vibrant fantasy." —Rachel Griffin, New York Times–bestselling author of The Nature of Witches
"Readers will revel in the glitz and allure of Fire Becomes Her. In a world where magic can be bottled and power sipped, Ingrid Ellis is burning with the desire to prove that she is more than a bootlegger’s daughter. Full of political intrigue, a nuanced cast, and a fire-ocious heroine, Rosiee Thor’s sophomore novel is as addictive and beautiful as flare itself." —Emily Lloyd-Jones, author of The Bone Houses
"A heady blend of intricate politics and addictive fantasy in a world where political power is reserved only for those with magic and old money. A vibrant examination of class and the consequences of privilege, Fire Becomes Her features one of the most satisfying morally gray main characters in years." —Linsey Miller, author of the Mask of Shadows duology
"With its exquisitely crafted characters, rich, evocative imagery, and tightly woven plot laced with political intrigue, Fire Becomes Her is both captivating and enthralling. Readers will love Ingrid and this vivid realm of fire and magic." —Carly Heath, author of The Reckless Kind
"A lush political fantasy with a delightful cast. The perfect read for anyone who likes watching ambitious girls set things on fire." —Mara Fitzgerald, author of Beyond the Ruby Veil
"Ambitious and heartbreaking, Fire Becomes Her flares brightly against the backdrop of speakeasies and political intrigue. Rosiee Thor weaves a lyrical and smoldering story about how the things that burn the brightest are the most beautiful . . . and the deadliest. A must-read for fans of Roshani Chokshi and Libba Bray!" —Ashley Poston, author of Among the Beasts & Briars
Praise for Tarnished Are the Stars
"A stunning debut by a brilliant new voice in YA, breaks your heart and fixes it again in all the best ways." —Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Across The Universe
"Tarnished Are The Stars has everything my heart's been craving: rich world building, gorgeous writing, and a cast of queer characters getting the adventure they deserve. A stunning debut by a talented author who has only just begun." —Kass Morgan, New York Times bestselling author of The 100
"A heart-wrenching tale about found families, tender friendships, and a trio of characters you can't help but love." —Linsey Miller, author of the Mask of Shadows duology
"Fans of Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles will enjoy this steampunk adventure starring a trio of queer teens from different social strata who are not just on a world-saving mission but are fearlessly and tenderly exploring the difference between legality and morality, discovering language for their identities, and challenging systems and perpetuators of oppression. Thor's debut would make an important and delightful addition to any collection." —Booklist
Kirkus Reviews
2021-11-16
A girl’s scorching desire for power threatens to consume her.
In a 1920s-inspired fantasy city called Candesce lives teenager Ingrid Ellis. Candesce is powered by flare, a substance that permeates all corners of human life, serving as beverage, fuel, weapon, electoral ballot, and even an aesthetic enhancement. Though Ingrid attends the prestigious Ainsley Academy, she’s had to fight for all she has, being the impoverished daughter of a convict and having spent her childhood in an orphanage. Ingrid is dating the handsome and affluent Linden Holt, whose senator father is a candidate in the presidential election. Desperate to elevate her social status, she ingratiates herself with Sen. Holt, becoming a spy for him within his rival candidate’s party. There she meets captivating staffer Alex Castille, who makes her question everything she’s ever wanted. Thor’s sophomore effort refuses to be simply defined, mixing fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. Although it feels a bit uneven in its broad focus and slow worldbuilding, themes of power and inequality are thoughtfully explored through Ingrid’s self-actualization: She is at times infuriatingly ruthless, but this makes her journey all the more intriguing. A central relationship is asexual and includes candid discussion of boundaries. Ingrid and Linden are White; Alex has brown skin, and the supporting cast includes ethnic diversity and queer representation.
An ambitious genre mashup. (Fantasy. 12-18)
