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Awakening Fire: A Young Adult Fantasy
In a world that hasn’t seen mages in over two hundred years, seventeen-year-old orphan Lylah Farrion has only ever wanted to fit in. When she’s caught in a horrifying incident that nearly takes a life, everything changes upon her manifestation as a new Fire Mage. Desperate to find answers about her fire wielding abilities, she discovers a letter from an enemy kingdom that may unlock long-lost secrets. But to get them, she’ll need help and approval from the young king who has vowed to look after her.
Imprisoned thief Ellis Hartley is presented with the king’s only offer at escort Lylah - a girl he begrudgingly saved - across enemy lines to uncover the truth. Seizing the opportunity, Ellis’ skills are pushed to the limits as he must protect a naive Lylah and even navigate a fake marriage to maintain their cover. But the greatest challenge of all? Confronting his hardened heart and long-buried emotions.
Centuries-old tales state that four other emerging mages will look to Lylah as their leader. With two kings hungry for retribution, Lylah must conquer her fears and rise to the world’s expectations before old grudges ignite an all-out war.
V. A. Sanchez’s debut novel Awakening Fire is the first in a new YA fantasy adventure series, told in duel-POV chapters with political intrigue, forced proximity and intricate world building. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Mary E. Pearson's Dance of Thieves.
Imprisoned thief Ellis Hartley is presented with the king’s only offer at escort Lylah - a girl he begrudgingly saved - across enemy lines to uncover the truth. Seizing the opportunity, Ellis’ skills are pushed to the limits as he must protect a naive Lylah and even navigate a fake marriage to maintain their cover. But the greatest challenge of all? Confronting his hardened heart and long-buried emotions.
Centuries-old tales state that four other emerging mages will look to Lylah as their leader. With two kings hungry for retribution, Lylah must conquer her fears and rise to the world’s expectations before old grudges ignite an all-out war.
V. A. Sanchez’s debut novel Awakening Fire is the first in a new YA fantasy adventure series, told in duel-POV chapters with political intrigue, forced proximity and intricate world building. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Mary E. Pearson's Dance of Thieves.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 4, 2025
No spoilers. Read via kindle (arc).
The way I wish I could have binged this book in one sitting! It had my attention from the start all the way to the end. I truly enjoyed this YA fantasy so much with the characters, the plot, the adventures, the magic, and just the vibes of the story. I am so ready for book two already, but also scared for it as I know so much is going to happen in it for how it is set up with the ending of book one. I love a backstory of characters placed so nicely into the story to just paint the picture so well of how the character is now. Like “what made them, who they are today” and done well. I am so thankful for the opportunity to get this early and reviewing it on release day! Cannot wait for more.
Would I recommend? YES, if you’re looking for a YA fantasy that will captivate you into the story from the start with easy world building, support this indie author!
The way I wish I could have binged this book in one sitting! It had my attention from the start all the way to the end. I truly enjoyed this YA fantasy so much with the characters, the plot, the adventures, the magic, and just the vibes of the story. I am so ready for book two already, but also scared for it as I know so much is going to happen in it for how it is set up with the ending of book one. I love a backstory of characters placed so nicely into the story to just paint the picture so well of how the character is now. Like “what made them, who they are today” and done well. I am so thankful for the opportunity to get this early and reviewing it on release day! Cannot wait for more.
Would I recommend? YES, if you’re looking for a YA fantasy that will captivate you into the story from the start with easy world building, support this indie author!
March 1, 2025
This book is easily my favorite book that I’ve read so far this year. I really enjoyed the adventures that Ellis and Lylah went through during the book, and the emotional aspects of how she learned to accept her powers and grow with them.
Not only that, but the YEARNING!!! They had so much tension throughout the whole book!! It’s a slow burn, but the way they thought about each other had me kicking my feet and giggling!
Overall, it was an amazing book, and I am so grateful to be an ARC reader! I can’t wait to read the next book! <3
Not only that, but the YEARNING!!! They had so much tension throughout the whole book!! It’s a slow burn, but the way they thought about each other had me kicking my feet and giggling!
Overall, it was an amazing book, and I am so grateful to be an ARC reader! I can’t wait to read the next book! <3
March 3, 2025
*Arc Reader Review*
**Just a heads up, I'm a yapper when it comes to book reviews. So expect spoilers and my thought process on various topics.**
Awakening Fire is a captivating story of Lylah and Ellis. Lylah must confront her internal and external struggles, while Ellis must open up and address the part of himself he'd rather keep hidden.
Character Reflection:
From the beginning, I found Lylah and Ellis to be super reliable. I'm sure we all have that part of our past we'd rather leave untouched while trying to acknowledge it to grow past it. I love the subtle but consistent development of the relationship between Lylah and Ellis throughout the story. King Addard and Finnon intrigued me and I wanted more interactions between Lylah and them. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but it felt as if a love triangle was forming between Ellis, Lylah, and Prince Astian. The Winter Solstice Ball gave me a magical Avengers team-vibe which I'm totally here for!
Plot/World/Writing Thoughts:
I found the world to be interesting and am craving more! I love the concept of traveling behind "enemy lines" to find important information/individual. The first chunk of the book felt fast-paced, which was effective in progressing the story. However, I would have liked to read more on what Lylah researched before searching for Sournia's grandmother, Maureen, with Ellis. I enjoyed the descriptions within the story. It was easy to picture Ellis showing Lylah things such as horseback riding or explaining how to speak in an accent.
Overall Thoughts:
Awakening Fire is a great start to a series. It sets the foundations for character growth and world building while allowing room for growth throughout the series. I'm excited to see where this story goes and curious to see what the author has in store for future books.
-Ray
**Just a heads up, I'm a yapper when it comes to book reviews. So expect spoilers and my thought process on various topics.**
Awakening Fire is a captivating story of Lylah and Ellis. Lylah must confront her internal and external struggles, while Ellis must open up and address the part of himself he'd rather keep hidden.
Character Reflection:
From the beginning, I found Lylah and Ellis to be super reliable. I'm sure we all have that part of our past we'd rather leave untouched while trying to acknowledge it to grow past it. I love the subtle but consistent development of the relationship between Lylah and Ellis throughout the story. King Addard and Finnon intrigued me and I wanted more interactions between Lylah and them. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but it felt as if a love triangle was forming between Ellis, Lylah, and Prince Astian. The Winter Solstice Ball gave me a magical Avengers team-vibe which I'm totally here for!
Plot/World/Writing Thoughts:
I found the world to be interesting and am craving more! I love the concept of traveling behind "enemy lines" to find important information/individual. The first chunk of the book felt fast-paced, which was effective in progressing the story. However, I would have liked to read more on what Lylah researched before searching for Sournia's grandmother, Maureen, with Ellis. I enjoyed the descriptions within the story. It was easy to picture Ellis showing Lylah things such as horseback riding or explaining how to speak in an accent.
Overall Thoughts:
Awakening Fire is a great start to a series. It sets the foundations for character growth and world building while allowing room for growth throughout the series. I'm excited to see where this story goes and curious to see what the author has in store for future books.
-Ray
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
Loved it!!
February 7, 2026
I was lucky enough to read a beta copy of this. Really enjoyed the story, and adore the characterisation and dialogue. Can't wait to.read the sequel!
November 15, 2025
From the beginning Awkening Fire was an amazing read. V.A. Sanchez did a great job at making a world where the emotions of the past are visible and yet the future has a hope of magic. The world building pulls you in and won't let you go. I started this book expecting to read for an hour and didn't put it down until I finished it. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a slow burn, exciting, and immersive fantasy escape.
March 24, 2025
This book was such a fun read! I was so upset I had to work 3 12 hour shifts in a row because all I wanted to do was get home and continue reading this book. I was immediately hooked within the first chapter. I loved the little adventures, I felt like I was living through the characters. Such an enjoyable reading experience.
January 23, 2026
4.75 rounding up to 5! V.A. Sanchez absolutely killed it with this book! I stumbled across her on tiktok and liked the description. After deciding 2026 I would be venturing out to more indie authors I decided to give it a try. NO REGRETS! This book had me hooked from page one. I’m ready for book two!!
February 28, 2025
ARC Review!
I loved everything about this book. The characters them selves and the growth they go through, the adventure, the emotions! It was a fun read and easy to follow! I loved it all and cannot wait to read more of this series.
I loved everything about this book. The characters them selves and the growth they go through, the adventure, the emotions! It was a fun read and easy to follow! I loved it all and cannot wait to read more of this series.
March 10, 2025
Absolutely amazing hooked me from the start. Writes with an authenticity that made characters believable and feel real. Loved the magic system, the adventure, and the little description details that made the story immersive. Can’t wait for book 2!
February 26, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
I loved this story! It was easy to follow, and I fell in love with the characters so quickly! There was everything I love in a fantasy book, from the adventures they go on to the yearning both characters feel for each other. I can’t wait to read more about Lylah and Ellis, especially with that cliffhanger!
I loved this story! It was easy to follow, and I fell in love with the characters so quickly! There was everything I love in a fantasy book, from the adventures they go on to the yearning both characters feel for each other. I can’t wait to read more about Lylah and Ellis, especially with that cliffhanger!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews