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The Fleabag Trilogy #1
Fleabag and the Ring Fire
A disreputable three-legged cat and a young kitchenmaid make unlikely companions in this enthralling fantasy adventure.
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 10, 2019
This one surprised me. I thought it was going to be OK but full of tropes (a talking cat, a kitchen maid, a young thief, etc, etc). Those ingredients were there but there were enough surprising twists, not to derail it but just to slightly question some common-sense (in the Gramsci sense) assumptions about virtue being rewarded with power (not so much) about the entitlements of poverty and about gender roles (jobs in the book seemed to genuinely not be labelled pink or blue). The main love in the book was Gemma's always abiding love for the old queen, and other loves had to be written into that. Which is to say heterosexual love was a possibility but not an invasive inevitability in the world of the book (which made it very unusual).
Despite all the themes and depth I saw in it, it was a simple book, "innocent" enough that anyone would give it to a child, it was still about a kitchen maid, a cat, a young thief and a pompous lady knight having to learn to live with each others flaws and failings and find the "rightful" (king or queen). The ruler's power is balanced by the fire-wielder's power but Phelan and Gemma see having rulers at all as a sort of necessary evil, their thinking evolves to dreaming of a better future when "everyone will have the ring fire".
In this book traditions can be deconstructed and only what is worthwhile in them kept, people can be reformed if they choose to confront their failings and only if greed (for power and things) trumps their ability to listen to themselves and others are they portrayed as evil. I would say three people in the book were portrayed as "evil" and all of them came out in the end to be quite petty. Everyone else who performed an act that could be seen as evil was shown to confront their cowardice, pride, greed or whatever it was and develop a moral strength.
The book avoided being too sentimental largely from the way Fleabag was portrayed. The injured, wise cat is a bit of a trope but he manages to be flawed enough and other characters spirited enough so that he does not become larger than life. Fleabag is often wrong or clueless, he is loyal but not always kind. The book was Utopian not only in its constant insistence that progress is redistributive (of power and wealth) which I agree with, but also in claiming that leaders could step out of identity cages safely and have a transformed relationship with their office. That was the less than realistic "happily ever after". At that point I reminded myself that this is a children's book and castles in the clouds, learning what we might want is part of learning how to relate to the world. I forgave the idealism because it was truly a beautiful antidote to reality.
I'd work for the sort of transformation the book makes look possible.
Despite all the themes and depth I saw in it, it was a simple book, "innocent" enough that anyone would give it to a child, it was still about a kitchen maid, a cat, a young thief and a pompous lady knight having to learn to live with each others flaws and failings and find the "rightful" (king or queen). The ruler's power is balanced by the fire-wielder's power but Phelan and Gemma see having rulers at all as a sort of necessary evil, their thinking evolves to dreaming of a better future when "everyone will have the ring fire".
In this book traditions can be deconstructed and only what is worthwhile in them kept, people can be reformed if they choose to confront their failings and only if greed (for power and things) trumps their ability to listen to themselves and others are they portrayed as evil. I would say three people in the book were portrayed as "evil" and all of them came out in the end to be quite petty. Everyone else who performed an act that could be seen as evil was shown to confront their cowardice, pride, greed or whatever it was and develop a moral strength.
The book avoided being too sentimental largely from the way Fleabag was portrayed. The injured, wise cat is a bit of a trope but he manages to be flawed enough and other characters spirited enough so that he does not become larger than life. Fleabag is often wrong or clueless, he is loyal but not always kind. The book was Utopian not only in its constant insistence that progress is redistributive (of power and wealth) which I agree with, but also in claiming that leaders could step out of identity cages safely and have a transformed relationship with their office. That was the less than realistic "happily ever after". At that point I reminded myself that this is a children's book and castles in the clouds, learning what we might want is part of learning how to relate to the world. I forgave the idealism because it was truly a beautiful antidote to reality.
I'd work for the sort of transformation the book makes look possible.
October 6, 2016
Beth Webb takes traditional fairytale motifs - the young hero(ine), the brave knight, the quest to save the land - and then subverts them with a page-turning narrative that doesn't take itself too seriously. This is undoubtedly due to the influence of the eponymous Fleabag, the three-legged moggy with cattitude and a terrible sense of humour who is the real centre of this book and its two sequels.
November 10, 2015
Fleabag and the Ring Fire, by Beth Webb, is the first book in a fantasy adventure trilogy aimed at 7-11 year olds. It introduces the reader to Gemma the kitchen maid, Rowanne the lady knight, Phelan the thief, and the incorrigible Fleabag, a three legged talking cat. Together this unlikely trio set out on a quest to find the Fire Ring, a symbol of power which has been hidden after the old queen died without naming a successor. Only one who is worthy will be able to find the jewel, and Gemma has been tasked with authenticating it when returned.
Gemma is only ten years old and has never before left the city of Harflorum where she was plucked from the streets as a young child and given a job in the palace kitchens. Her life has not been easy, mainly due to the cruel cook under whom she must work. The responsibilities she has now been given come close to overwhelming her. She does not understand how someone so ordinary can be of importance to the realm.
The mysterious Fire Wielder, who even the queen venerated, tasks Rowanne, a pompous Knight of the Queen’s Guard, with protecting the child. This proves to be a challenge for them both. Gemma’s only friend in the palace was Fleabag, the queen’s disreputable cat. He is a useful ally and advisor to the girl but is hated by Rowanne. The feeling is mutual.
The group set out on a long and difficult journey. They travel through cities where the populace are mistreated by a cruel prince, ignored by pontificating academics, and terrorised by a fearsome beast. Even when their party is joined by Phelan, a boy who chose a life of crime after he was orphaned, they seem little match for the forces they must face. They have a year and a day to find the ring before its magical fire goes out and chaos descends.
In Harflorum, the Fire Wielder placed a little of the ring fire in Gemma’s care. Phelan has some knowledge of this strange force and helps Gemma to use the power she has been given. Gemma recoils from the responsibility, yet steadfastly pursues the task she promised her beloved queen she would complete. The denouement is satisfying with the story being wound up but questions remaining for the next two books in the series to answer.
The writing is straightforward but not simplistic. There is plenty of action to keep this age group engaged. The fabulous illustrations of key characters scattered throughout the text add to the visual appeal. Fleabag is wonderful, a cat of the highest calibre despite appearances.
This is a reworked edition of a story first published in 1995 when it gained many young fans. The text has been tightened and new illustrations added to create a gorgeous book wrapped around a world where magic and dragons are more than just myths.
I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this tale. A treasure trove for young people, highly recommended.
Gemma is only ten years old and has never before left the city of Harflorum where she was plucked from the streets as a young child and given a job in the palace kitchens. Her life has not been easy, mainly due to the cruel cook under whom she must work. The responsibilities she has now been given come close to overwhelming her. She does not understand how someone so ordinary can be of importance to the realm.
The mysterious Fire Wielder, who even the queen venerated, tasks Rowanne, a pompous Knight of the Queen’s Guard, with protecting the child. This proves to be a challenge for them both. Gemma’s only friend in the palace was Fleabag, the queen’s disreputable cat. He is a useful ally and advisor to the girl but is hated by Rowanne. The feeling is mutual.
The group set out on a long and difficult journey. They travel through cities where the populace are mistreated by a cruel prince, ignored by pontificating academics, and terrorised by a fearsome beast. Even when their party is joined by Phelan, a boy who chose a life of crime after he was orphaned, they seem little match for the forces they must face. They have a year and a day to find the ring before its magical fire goes out and chaos descends.
In Harflorum, the Fire Wielder placed a little of the ring fire in Gemma’s care. Phelan has some knowledge of this strange force and helps Gemma to use the power she has been given. Gemma recoils from the responsibility, yet steadfastly pursues the task she promised her beloved queen she would complete. The denouement is satisfying with the story being wound up but questions remaining for the next two books in the series to answer.
The writing is straightforward but not simplistic. There is plenty of action to keep this age group engaged. The fabulous illustrations of key characters scattered throughout the text add to the visual appeal. Fleabag is wonderful, a cat of the highest calibre despite appearances.
This is a reworked edition of a story first published in 1995 when it gained many young fans. The text has been tightened and new illustrations added to create a gorgeous book wrapped around a world where magic and dragons are more than just myths.
I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this tale. A treasure trove for young people, highly recommended.
February 15, 2016
I had the best introduction to Fleabag & the Ring Fire. I first meet Fleabag when Beth Webb read the first few chapters and I was enthralled. It was everything I loved about the genre growing up.
When it was time to read the rest of Fleabag & the Ring Fire myself (sadly the author does not come with the book) I did miss Beth Webb’s voice but the story is thrilling and fast paced so you become caught up in it very quickly.
There are many characters in this book, the main focus is on Gemma and her quest though – with trusted Fleabag at her side. Never forget Fleabag, who if I’m honest if probably the reason I adore this book so much.
Another thing I liked is that the friends Gemma makes are never just one thing. I don’t want to give anything away but I love characters with extra layers.
Fleabag & the Ring Fire is a wonderful beginning to what I hope to be an excellent trilogy.
When it was time to read the rest of Fleabag & the Ring Fire myself (sadly the author does not come with the book) I did miss Beth Webb’s voice but the story is thrilling and fast paced so you become caught up in it very quickly.
There are many characters in this book, the main focus is on Gemma and her quest though – with trusted Fleabag at her side. Never forget Fleabag, who if I’m honest if probably the reason I adore this book so much.
Another thing I liked is that the friends Gemma makes are never just one thing. I don’t want to give anything away but I love characters with extra layers.
Fleabag & the Ring Fire is a wonderful beginning to what I hope to be an excellent trilogy.
December 10, 2012
My favourite book all through my teen years!
Loved it so much.
Full of adventure, good morals and strong female characters!
Loved it so much.
Full of adventure, good morals and strong female characters!
April 22, 2014
Great teens read for adults. Very predictable but I went along for the ride and thoroughly enjoyed it
May 7, 2020
I read this book as a kid and I loved it then and I love it now. The ending is maybe a liiiittle bit rushed, I feel they could have drawn it out another chapter with the new monarch being unsure about taking their role and the others explaining why they deserve it... but other than that, it's a beautifully written book and perfectly balanced. Love its approach to gender roles and no perfect or Mary-sue type characters.
May 29, 2023
Reread of a book I loved as a kid. Still love the characters and story, especially the cat called fleabag.
June 17, 2016
A brilliant second book in The Fleabag Trilogy, Fleabag and the Ring Fire will really appeal to younger fantasy lovers.
In the first novel we are introduced to Rowena, Gemma, Phelan and (the incorrigible) Fleabag. All of them return to us for the sequel, seemingly like old friends. It was nice to meet them again! But - wait! New characters? I was a little skeptical, as sometimes new characters are added into slightly poorly thought out series in simply in order to add a dash of something fresh, rather than actually bringing something to the story. (That's not a generalisation, just an observation of some series.)
I needn't have worried. In Fleabag #2, as in Webb's other works, each character, scene, sentence and gesture is carefully measured to, not only keep us reading, but to add to the work as a whole. And they're all interesting too - no Mary Sue's here!
This sequel felt much darker to me. Gemma's plight isn't one of simply external nature. Greater maturity is needed to understand and to empathise with what is happening. Gemma's possession is quite frightening, and her depression is very moving, so that we almost feel her hopelessness. However, it is still relatable to for young readers, advanced ones at least!
I don't want to give anything more away, but Webb takes us on a very exciting ride here! (I'll let you in on a little secret to encourage you to read it: there are dragons!) A brilliant sequel, and paves the way very nicely for the third and final book in The Fleabag Trilogy...
In the first novel we are introduced to Rowena, Gemma, Phelan and (the incorrigible) Fleabag. All of them return to us for the sequel, seemingly like old friends. It was nice to meet them again! But - wait! New characters? I was a little skeptical, as sometimes new characters are added into slightly poorly thought out series in simply in order to add a dash of something fresh, rather than actually bringing something to the story. (That's not a generalisation, just an observation of some series.)
I needn't have worried. In Fleabag #2, as in Webb's other works, each character, scene, sentence and gesture is carefully measured to, not only keep us reading, but to add to the work as a whole. And they're all interesting too - no Mary Sue's here!
This sequel felt much darker to me. Gemma's plight isn't one of simply external nature. Greater maturity is needed to understand and to empathise with what is happening. Gemma's possession is quite frightening, and her depression is very moving, so that we almost feel her hopelessness. However, it is still relatable to for young readers, advanced ones at least!
I don't want to give anything more away, but Webb takes us on a very exciting ride here! (I'll let you in on a little secret to encourage you to read it: there are dragons!) A brilliant sequel, and paves the way very nicely for the third and final book in The Fleabag Trilogy...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews