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The Part That Doesn't Burn
In an overpopulated city-state where technology and magic are forbidden by the corrupt church, young witch, Mirabel Fairfax, plots the creation of a deadly plague to cull the burdensome rabble. That is, until she falls in love with the very alchemist she has been deceiving. Now, with soul-hungry geists flooding the city, the church scrambling for their prey, and her own mind at war with itself, Mirabel must decide what she's fighting for before she loses everything to the evils of Autumnfall.
- GenresFantasyDark Fantasy
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2016
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Sam Poling
2 books33 followersSam Poling has been writing fantasy and science fiction for the thrill of it his entire life, from short stories to screenplays. His love for each of the sub-genres led to dedication to writing genre-skirting fiction with all the elements that make up the human condition. He holds a strong enthusiasm for medical studies and currently works as a medical assistant in a large clinic while taking classing for nursing. He also serves on a health and safety committee, including disaster preparedness and infection control. His interest in epidemiology and medical science tends to spill over into his writing endeavors.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 24, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I thought that this book had a particularly interesting plot. I had a lot of sympathy for Mirabel at the beginning of the book… but I wasn’t really sure I liked her as more of the plot went on, even though there was some explanation provided for her attitude. I did find the way she talked to be really unique… even though I had the feeling she clearly didn’t take anything seriously.
I liked Felix a lot more and I thought that it was admirable he was trying to stick to his morals, even though, by the end of the book, I felt that he’d compromised too much on morals that had seemed an important part of his character. I would have preferred to see him keep those aspects of his character.
I really liked being able to see aspects of the world and it was interesting to see the use of technology and how it was considered, though I would have liked a bit more detail about the history and if it was an alternate future of our world or a different world entirely. I did find the geists interesting and I would have liked to have a bit more background about how they came into being and how banshees were different to the normal geists.
I really didn’t like Olivia as a character. While it was interesting to see someone that fanatical, I had no sympathy for her and I didn’t think she had a lot of character development.
It was interesting to see Mirabel’s relationship with her mother, although I really didn’t like her mother at all. I would have liked to know a bit more about the different types of demons… and I did feel there wasn’t much in the way of foreshadowing certain elements.
I did like the romance that developed between Mirabel and Felix, though it did kind of creep up on me. I did also like the ending of the book… but I would have liked some more background and a chance to see a larger part of the world. I felt that there was more of the world that could have been explored and I also felt that I was missing a lot of detail about both Mirabel and Felix. It would have been good to know more about the society Felix came from.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I thought that this book had a particularly interesting plot. I had a lot of sympathy for Mirabel at the beginning of the book… but I wasn’t really sure I liked her as more of the plot went on, even though there was some explanation provided for her attitude. I did find the way she talked to be really unique… even though I had the feeling she clearly didn’t take anything seriously.
I liked Felix a lot more and I thought that it was admirable he was trying to stick to his morals, even though, by the end of the book, I felt that he’d compromised too much on morals that had seemed an important part of his character. I would have preferred to see him keep those aspects of his character.
I really liked being able to see aspects of the world and it was interesting to see the use of technology and how it was considered, though I would have liked a bit more detail about the history and if it was an alternate future of our world or a different world entirely. I did find the geists interesting and I would have liked to have a bit more background about how they came into being and how banshees were different to the normal geists.
I really didn’t like Olivia as a character. While it was interesting to see someone that fanatical, I had no sympathy for her and I didn’t think she had a lot of character development.
It was interesting to see Mirabel’s relationship with her mother, although I really didn’t like her mother at all. I would have liked to know a bit more about the different types of demons… and I did feel there wasn’t much in the way of foreshadowing certain elements.
I did like the romance that developed between Mirabel and Felix, though it did kind of creep up on me. I did also like the ending of the book… but I would have liked some more background and a chance to see a larger part of the world. I felt that there was more of the world that could have been explored and I also felt that I was missing a lot of detail about both Mirabel and Felix. It would have been good to know more about the society Felix came from.
June 13, 2016
I was pleased to have come across Sam Poling, as I saw both the cover and blurb, and instantly thought this was going to be a book for me. I liked the dark and mysterious sound to it, blended with a brilliant fantasy feel. I jumped in and read the whole book, in only a couple sittings. I absolutely loved it!
It is a darker fantasy read, with evil, witches, destruction and the possible end of it all, oh a a side of oh crap I fell for the guy I was meant to hate. However, the author doesn’t overwhelm the book with romance, which is great as it adds to the story, rather than taking away from the beautifully written background.
The characters were created very well. Each was described so that it was more than easy to visualise them and here their voices, even imagine what they wear and their mannerisms. I think that is very important for more of an epic read, such as this. We get close to the characters, learning about their personalities and beliefs, which makes getting to see how the story unfolds even more exciting.
I loved that there were twists and turns throughout this book. It really made it exciting to see what was going to happen next. I liked that I was able to read, get close to the story and make my own opinions, then the author may just throw a spanner in the works, and tip us on our heads.
The pace was good. It had a certain flow throughout, very similar to a lot of the epic fantasies I have read, especially the pace of David Eddings, which meant we had a lot of detail put into everything, to really bring the story to life.
Overall, I was very impressed with this book. I truly enjoyed reading and hope you love it as well.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
It is a darker fantasy read, with evil, witches, destruction and the possible end of it all, oh a a side of oh crap I fell for the guy I was meant to hate. However, the author doesn’t overwhelm the book with romance, which is great as it adds to the story, rather than taking away from the beautifully written background.
The characters were created very well. Each was described so that it was more than easy to visualise them and here their voices, even imagine what they wear and their mannerisms. I think that is very important for more of an epic read, such as this. We get close to the characters, learning about their personalities and beliefs, which makes getting to see how the story unfolds even more exciting.
I loved that there were twists and turns throughout this book. It really made it exciting to see what was going to happen next. I liked that I was able to read, get close to the story and make my own opinions, then the author may just throw a spanner in the works, and tip us on our heads.
The pace was good. It had a certain flow throughout, very similar to a lot of the epic fantasies I have read, especially the pace of David Eddings, which meant we had a lot of detail put into everything, to really bring the story to life.
Overall, I was very impressed with this book. I truly enjoyed reading and hope you love it as well.
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 4, 2016
I picked this up somewhat by accident. I don't really know how I got it, but it was probably a wrong download somewhere. Because I'm not entirely sure I would have picked it up based on the description, which would have been quite a loss.
At any rate, The Part That Doesn't Burn is quite a romp. You've got a witch, Mirabel Fairfax, dragging Felix Eggland, alchemist, across the country to Autumnfell, ostensibly so that he can help cure the plague in her city. But the church is after them to burn them at the stake because witches AND alchemists are outlawed. And Felix, poor Felix, can't help himself. First of all, he heals the very priestess who wants to arrest (and burn) him, and then he falls in love with the very person who might just get him killed. Oh. And there are hungry geists eager to feast on all these lovely people if someone just doesn't stop them.
Felix is too kindhearted for his own good, but it makes for an interesting story when every person he tries to be kind to eventually has a reason why they shouldn't let him live. I mean yes, it's a little over the top, but it's compelling. Especially since he's the typical bumbling nerd who can't win. Mirabel's motives are pretty questionable at first, but as you learn more about her, you start to sympathise with her, rather than demonise her for, simply put, her Very Bad Behaviour.
Poling is a witty writer - the scenes play out comically enough that you can't help laughing, and yet it's dark enough because of what's at stake. Yes, it's a long book, but a thoroughly enjoyable one.
At any rate, The Part That Doesn't Burn is quite a romp. You've got a witch, Mirabel Fairfax, dragging Felix Eggland, alchemist, across the country to Autumnfell, ostensibly so that he can help cure the plague in her city. But the church is after them to burn them at the stake because witches AND alchemists are outlawed. And Felix, poor Felix, can't help himself. First of all, he heals the very priestess who wants to arrest (and burn) him, and then he falls in love with the very person who might just get him killed. Oh. And there are hungry geists eager to feast on all these lovely people if someone just doesn't stop them.
Felix is too kindhearted for his own good, but it makes for an interesting story when every person he tries to be kind to eventually has a reason why they shouldn't let him live. I mean yes, it's a little over the top, but it's compelling. Especially since he's the typical bumbling nerd who can't win. Mirabel's motives are pretty questionable at first, but as you learn more about her, you start to sympathise with her, rather than demonise her for, simply put, her Very Bad Behaviour.
Poling is a witty writer - the scenes play out comically enough that you can't help laughing, and yet it's dark enough because of what's at stake. Yes, it's a long book, but a thoroughly enjoyable one.
January 16, 2017
Sam Poling created a world of wonder called Oldenrai in which technology of any kind is considered to be evil, alchemy/science is deemed heresy, and those who practice it are burned at the stake in the name of Tordin, their god. In this world, geists are hungry ghosts who love to hurt and kill the living as a punishment.
Felix is an alchemist running for his life for practicing alchemy to save lives. And Mirabel is a witch who wants Felix and his knowledge of science and alchemy. She saves his life in order for Felix to unknowingly create a plague to cull the population of Oldenrai as well as use it against the overbearing Church of Tordin and its burning of innocence in the name of their god.
As they travel to the camp where Mirabel has a lab set up, they fight against the church’s paladins and clerics hunting them, they fight against the fears they have of inadequacy and of the supernatural beings out to kill all mortals. Mirabel shows her true colors once they get to the camp and she unleashes her true form, a succubus, as she thoroughly enjoys the bloodlust she feels as she dismembers and tortures those who harmed Felix.
The story is one that had my imagination firing on all cylinders. The way that the descriptions were detailed had me seeing what Felix and Mirabel were seeing as if I was in the carriage with them. I could envision the way Mirabel changed into her true form and picked off the mercenaries one by one with wicked delight. I look forward to reading another book written by Sam. Kudos, Mr. Poling!
Felix is an alchemist running for his life for practicing alchemy to save lives. And Mirabel is a witch who wants Felix and his knowledge of science and alchemy. She saves his life in order for Felix to unknowingly create a plague to cull the population of Oldenrai as well as use it against the overbearing Church of Tordin and its burning of innocence in the name of their god.
As they travel to the camp where Mirabel has a lab set up, they fight against the church’s paladins and clerics hunting them, they fight against the fears they have of inadequacy and of the supernatural beings out to kill all mortals. Mirabel shows her true colors once they get to the camp and she unleashes her true form, a succubus, as she thoroughly enjoys the bloodlust she feels as she dismembers and tortures those who harmed Felix.
The story is one that had my imagination firing on all cylinders. The way that the descriptions were detailed had me seeing what Felix and Mirabel were seeing as if I was in the carriage with them. I could envision the way Mirabel changed into her true form and picked off the mercenaries one by one with wicked delight. I look forward to reading another book written by Sam. Kudos, Mr. Poling!
April 21, 2016
Do you like Dark Fantasy? Do you like that world on the cusp of distruction? Do you like knowing there is one that could make a difference and save it all? Then you may have just found a read that will keep you captivated and checked in to the world that has been created for your dark pleasures. I call this dark urban fantasy with a blooming romance mixed in there.
We have reached a time where tech and magic have been deemed forbidden. All this not by the government but the church. A church that has taken on the role of corrupt government in this world. We have Mirabel and Felix there to make a difference. Follow there ins and outs of making what they feel will be a solution to some of what is going on in their world.
There was action, a chase or two, spell casting, potion (proverbial) making, an ah-ha moment or two. This no tech and magic world give me fond memories of books from the past but this with more of a darker fantasy rich edge. To judge what is or is not dark is up to the reader but this has that edge of darkness that takes this fantasy to that line.
Sam Poling what else do you have for me?
**This ARC was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
We have reached a time where tech and magic have been deemed forbidden. All this not by the government but the church. A church that has taken on the role of corrupt government in this world. We have Mirabel and Felix there to make a difference. Follow there ins and outs of making what they feel will be a solution to some of what is going on in their world.
There was action, a chase or two, spell casting, potion (proverbial) making, an ah-ha moment or two. This no tech and magic world give me fond memories of books from the past but this with more of a darker fantasy rich edge. To judge what is or is not dark is up to the reader but this has that edge of darkness that takes this fantasy to that line.
Sam Poling what else do you have for me?
**This ARC was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
June 18, 2016
Presenting initially, as a magic infused fantasy novel, it becomes apparent it's a post apocalyptic world with demons, repressive religion, magic, ghosts, forbidden tech and a hint of steampunk tendencies. Fascinating reading, where overzealous clerics burn alchemists and witches in a medieval way. Felix is a naive , yet highly intelligent alchemist. Mirabel is a witch, masquerading as a noble. When she hires him to cure a plague, it seems like an escape from his problems with the church. Unfortunately nothing is as it seems and great peril awaits them. Amazing characters and a plot so well written you wont want the story to end. A wonderful combination of genres that seem completely natural and seamless. Science, magic, theology, all seem to fit. There is romance, action, fantasy and magic in this tale. Even a happy ending! I dare you not to care what happens to the characters. I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. A very surprising and enchanting read indeed!
July 6, 2016
Wow
This is a well written book. You could fell like you were in the book I had a hard time putting it down with all the twist and turns the book has a lot going on in it, never a dull moment.i like it I could not figure out what was going to happen next. I had a hard time putting it down. So if you want a good book to read that is not the normal, grab a copy and a cup of your favorite drink, turn off the world because you don't want to miss may thing.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
This is a well written book. You could fell like you were in the book I had a hard time putting it down with all the twist and turns the book has a lot going on in it, never a dull moment.i like it I could not figure out what was going to happen next. I had a hard time putting it down. So if you want a good book to read that is not the normal, grab a copy and a cup of your favorite drink, turn off the world because you don't want to miss may thing.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
June 19, 2016
It is an interesting world when magic is forbidden by the church. Two people work to stop the attacks on witches and alchemists. There is a little romance along with the fantasy.
The author creates an interesting world where there are plenty of surprises and difficult choices to make. It is a very good read that hooks you in quickly and keeps your attention to the very end. I enjoyed it.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
The author creates an interesting world where there are plenty of surprises and difficult choices to make. It is a very good read that hooks you in quickly and keeps your attention to the very end. I enjoyed it.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
July 2, 2016
Mirabel is a young witch with a plan. Felix is a young alchemist that wants to cure a horrible disease and help people. Neither plan on falling in love. This was an interesting book. I enjoyed it but found some of the parts were a bit drawn out for me.
May 10, 2016
little hard to get into the book in my opinion. slow in many spots and seemed to have to many thoughts trying to come through at once
I received this as a ARC for a honest review
I received this as a ARC for a honest review
April 27, 2017
Felix, an alchemist, is running for his life from the church’s clerics and the people who want him dead when Mirabel a witch and succubus save him from the clerics. Mirabel enlist Felix’s help to find a cure for the plague or so he thinks. Actually she wants it for an entirely different reason.
While they are on their way to Mirabel’s lab they have to fight ghost who like to hurt humans for punishment. The church also wants Mirabel and Felix because of who are and what they are capable of doing. Witches and Alchemist are burned at the stake.
At first Mirabel wasn’t such a nice person but that was all probably due to the way she was raised and her mother but in the end she had a change of heart and she fought herself as well as her mother to become a better person.
Felix was a very strong and nice person. He put up with a lot from Mirabel but he never gave up on her. He knew she could change and was a good person deep down.
If you have not read The Part That Doesn’t Burn then let me suggest that you do it is a very magical read.
While they are on their way to Mirabel’s lab they have to fight ghost who like to hurt humans for punishment. The church also wants Mirabel and Felix because of who are and what they are capable of doing. Witches and Alchemist are burned at the stake.
At first Mirabel wasn’t such a nice person but that was all probably due to the way she was raised and her mother but in the end she had a change of heart and she fought herself as well as her mother to become a better person.
Felix was a very strong and nice person. He put up with a lot from Mirabel but he never gave up on her. He knew she could change and was a good person deep down.
If you have not read The Part That Doesn’t Burn then let me suggest that you do it is a very magical read.
April 5, 2017
This is my first book by this author and I did end up enjoying this story. At first it started out slow for me but in the end I am glad that I stuck with it.
I really enjoyed the characters in the story. They were all different in there own way. At first I wasn't to found of Mirabel. She did have attitude that I really didn't like but by the end I understood why she was like that
I did like the romance between Felix and Mirabel. Felix was a good guy and was trying not to get into to much trouble.
The writting was well written and plot was good once I got into the story. There were a few Twist and turns in this story that makes evven better. Recommend to my Fantasy and Dark Romance readers.
I voluntarily received a ARC of this book from Goddess Fish Promotions to give a honest review.
I really enjoyed the characters in the story. They were all different in there own way. At first I wasn't to found of Mirabel. She did have attitude that I really didn't like but by the end I understood why she was like that
I did like the romance between Felix and Mirabel. Felix was a good guy and was trying not to get into to much trouble.
The writting was well written and plot was good once I got into the story. There were a few Twist and turns in this story that makes evven better. Recommend to my Fantasy and Dark Romance readers.
I voluntarily received a ARC of this book from Goddess Fish Promotions to give a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews