The Light & The Night Of The Firebird

by Kimberly Ann Zeidner

When Scarlet, a fae princess with fire magic, is forced by the King of Tellus to compete in the Endless Forest Trials, she quickly learns that her father is the great evil that's destroying the realm... And that she's the one that's prophesied to stop him. During the trials, Scarlet befriends some of the contestants -- who have their own hidden reasons for competing -- and when she discovers one of their secrets, everything Scarlet once believed to be true comes into question.

Tellus is being destroyed and there's only one that can save it. But nothing is as it seems...

The Light & The Night Of The Firebird is perfect for fans of Phantasma, Blood and Ash, Kingdom of Lies and Throne of Glass!

Genres: Fantasy

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Kimberly's love of books started at a very young age. From Tommy's New Bed to The Baby-Sitters Club to Outlander to ACOTAR... every stage of Kimberly's life has been marked by books.

When she was around 8, Kimberly was inspired to enter a writing contest. Sitting at her mother's typewriter, she wrote her first story and the rest is history! She received a very beautiful "honoree" ribbon and decided in that moment that one day, she would see her name on a published book.

After reading A Court of Thorns and Roses, Kimberly fell in love with the Romantasy genre. Hundreds of books later, she decided to try her hand at writing her own romantic fantasy. Inspired by her least favorite trope and her desire to turn it into something she would love, Kimberly wrote The Light & The Night Of The Firebird.

When Kimberly is not reading or writing devious plot twists, she is spending time with her family or selling homes in Orlando, FL.

Reviews

[Brandihreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Quote:
“You are my everything. I would burn the world down if it would take away every moment that made you think that you were anything less than my heart and my soul.”

My thoughts:
This was fast paced and the story was split into two parts. The plot twist definitely shook me like wait what?! WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! This was overall a good story with fast romance, spice, action, and trials. It will keep you entertained. I liked the chemistry and the banter between the characters. There is still a lot to learn about them. I’m curious to see how the story will unfold in book two.

If you love:
- MAJOR plot twists
- Mate bonds
- Political intrigue
- Trials
- Creatures, fae, and humans
Then this is for you.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. 🫶🏼

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐦‍🔥ARC Review🐦‍🔥

“I would burn the world down if it would take away every moment that made you think that you were anything less than my heart and my soul.”

You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
🔥Plot Twists
🖤Fated Mates
🔥Cliffhangers
🖤Trials
🔥Fae

What begins as a competition the Endless Forest Trials for a single wish quickly becomes so much more. Each contestant carries secrets that have the power to unravel everything, and the tension never lets up.

I loved the way relationships were written family, friends and the undeniable bond between fated mates. The chemistry, the banter, the way their connection was described… it was everything I look for in this trope.

And THAT PLOT TWIST. I was only a third in when it hit and my jaw was literally on the floor. It kept me flipping pages, completely hooked.

The ending was satisfying but still leaves room for more I cannot wait to see where this story goes next!

Thank you again Kimberly for letting me read this advanced copy!

📅 Releases October 21, 2025

✨ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Megan (Midwest Reading)]

Welcome to the Endless Forrest, where nothing is as it seems.

🔥Alliances will be severed.
🔥Friendships will be tested.
🔥Fates will be challenged.
🔥Everything known will be questioned.

Thank you, @closedbykimberly , for sending me an early copy of The Light and the Night of the Firebird.

🔥This book is officially out TOMORROW, October 21st. 🔥

Holy plot twist. (I think I said this at least four times!) This fast-paced, debut Romantasy truly has it all. I’m hesitant to elaborate much further as I’d recommend readers go into this as blind as possible so you can have the same jaw-on-the-floor-reaction to this twisty-turny story that I had. It has all of the Romantasy staples you’re looking for, while also being unlike anything else out there right now.

It’s unique.
It’s unpredictable.
It’s over too soon.

And, it’s got the perfect set-up for Book 2 - which I can’t wait to read!

Congratulations, Kimberly! I’m so excited you took this step and hope you have the best release day tomorrow, my friend 🫶🏻

[Lisa G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following Kimberly on Bookstagram for about a year now and her recommendations have never missed for me. So when she announced that she was writing a book, I knew that I had to ARC read for it. I was so impressed how she managed to write something that has the elements of romantic fantasy, but is so different for anything else I've read in the genre. She wasn't kidding about that plot twist! I definitely didn't see it coming! From that point on, I was absolutely hooked. There are so many seeds planted throughout the story, and as a Swiftie, I love some good Easter eggs! There are definitely some unanswered questions that I can't wait to see resolved in the next book. Good job, Kimberly! I hope lots of people read this!

[Booksbubblesbiceps · Rating 4 out of 5]

•Complex and intriguing, plot twists galore•

This story has everything you want in a fantasy, including strong female characters, a well-built world and magic system with original elements, characters we don’t know if we should trust, and oh my goodness the plot twists and “what just happened” moments. There were sections that were either choppy or seemed too drawn out, but despite that, I found myself locked in and thinking deeply about what could come next. The spice, you ask? That was excellent! I definitely did not guess the ending of this story, and it seems we have much more to learn about these characters and their fates. And I am in for the ride!

Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC of this book with me!

[Kelsey Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I started reading, it felt like every other romantasy book- FMC on a mission, trials, etc., but I was very pleasantly surprised about 1/3 of the way in when something happens that completely takes the story in another direction, and I couldn't put it down from there! I loved how the relationships (friends, family, and lovers) were portrayed, and the spice was chef's kiss. I don't want to spoil anything for those that haven't made it past the twist, but it was really nice seeing a certain state of relationship portrayed, especially in book one of a series. The end had me wanting the second book to come out immediately!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot twist in this book was like a SLAP IN THE FACE.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN?? WHAT DO YOU MEAN??

Very good story with so much intrigue! I don't want to say too much and give away anything, but it will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what else is going to happen.

There was romance and open door spice scenes, action, trials... this book has it all.

Read if you love:
-Plot twists you will not expect
-Mate bonds
-Fantastical creatures
-Trials
-Political intrigue

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 9/27/25, Release date: 10/21/25

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an amazing debut romantasy novel by Kimberly Ann Zeidner! I enjoyed this book, and read it quickly! It was fast paced and the plot twists kept coming! I love when books do this! Nothing is as it seems, and when you discover new revelations, it leaves you with your mouth open, saying what the heck just happened!?

There was fated mates, trials, unaliving, political intrigue, and lovable characters! The fae princess Scarlet, has immense power. She has so much power that her father feared her, and thought darkness resided inside her. He makes her compete in a series of trials, where the winner is granted one wish. She's to wish the darkness inside her away to be a more suitable heir. As the trials progress she realizes things aren't as they seem, and can the other competitors she meets along the way be trusted?

The ending will have you chucking your book across the floor (in a good way) because you will be dying to find out what happens as it leaves on a big plot twist/ unveiling!

Hurry up book 2! I would definitely recommend this book!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE PLOT TWIST THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING! When I tell you I was shocked! The author stated this story was inspired by her least favorite trope and her wanting to change it and I totally understand now! This trope isn't my fave and when the plot twist happened it completely changed the story. Like other reviewers I don't want to say too much but definitely get your annotation tabs ready!

Thank you to the author for sending this ARC!

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of twists and turns that I did not see coming. It has strong, close relationships and the fight for justice, as well as some awesome mythical creatures. There are heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes in equal measure. And the note it ended on? Wow.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me already wanting the second book to come out. If you are a fan of cliff hangers, fated mates, and plot twist this book is for you.

We follow a fae princess who has to compete in trials in order to save her kingdom. During these trials she meets some contestants and befriends them, however these contestants have their own secrets… Throughout these trials some secrets are exposed while others are betrayed… I won’t say much, but this book has two parts… and the playlist the author has provided is absolute (chefs kiss). This book had me kicking my feet and giggling with only 26% in the book it has the perfect balance of spice in my about I would say about 3/ 5 🌶️.

[Bridgette Kanz Schroader · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review: REALLY cool world build with a great premise. Fun, exciting, and sexy quick read. I struggled with the pacing throughout so that’s why it was only a 3 star for me.

[Kimberly Zeidner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased. 🤷‍♀️

Make sure to download The Light & The Night Of The Firebird playlist on Spotify for an enhanced reading experience! 🎶

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and unique romantasy book! It has trails, it has romance, it has lots of twists! I look forward to book 2.

[Ammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great debut novel! Good characters, world, and magic. With great romance and spice!