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Magic of Isskasala #1
Crimson Fire
Being able to do magic should have made life better for Tabia and her father. When he sells her into slavery to pay his debts, everything becomes more complicated — and a lot more dangerous.
Caught up in a web of violence and deceit, she's torn away from everything and everyone she knows. In order to save herself and those she loves, she'll have to learn to harness the Crimson Fire.
Caught up in a web of violence and deceit, she's torn away from everything and everyone she knows. In order to save herself and those she loves, she'll have to learn to harness the Crimson Fire.
393 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2016
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43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 10, 2016
Mirren Hogan's debut novel Crimson Fire was an enjoyable and engrossing read.
Despite relative poverty, Tabia enjoys home, freedom and friendship, until one fateful day she elicits the magical crimson fire, and then, when she returns home, her father agrees to sell her to the Kibibi Efea (crown Princess of the neighbouring country of Kalil) to recover debts from a bad business deal. Tabia is now at the mercy of her new mistress, who has acquired her as maid and bed-slave but also, on learning of her potential for magical ability, wishes to train her as a weapon against her enemies.
Crimson Fire follows Tabia's adventures as she is immersed in the culture and politics of Kalil and later, across the seas, of Vanmala. Tabia faces many setbacks and dangers, more than once losing everything, but also makes friends and grows in power and confidence. Throughout the story, she is driven by the promise she makes to Kabibi Efea, yet in doing so, risks all that she has gained and has grown to love.
The author provides a map at the front of the book and a glossary of names at the back. I love the world building - which has a strong north African feel with hints of Rome (the Colosseum), India and China. The various cultures of Iljosk, Kalil and Vanmala, with their politics, food, dress, customs, geography and attitudes to the crimson fire (magic drawn from the earth) is well done. Tabia is a great character - courageous, caring and human. The other characters (Efea, Basel, Phanishwa, Revati, Satsuko, Harshal) are relatable. The villains, both in Kalil and Vanmala are unsavoury, power hungry and dangerous. There are moments of humour, betrayal, love, pathos and drama.
At a couple of points, I thought events could have been foreshadowed a little (the fate of one of Tabia's friends & Tabia's decision at the end of the book), and I wondered about the relationship between Efea and Tabia. While Tabia is willing and so inclined, and Efea is gentle, Efea drugs Tabia and is almost twice the teen's age, a Princess, Tabia's owner and holds Tabia's life in her hands - which would make refusal difficult and potentially dangerous. Such a situation (and that children might be sold into slavery to pay their parent's debt) is obviously not questioned in Kalili and Iljoskan culture (as was often the case in many ancient and some modern cultures), and Tabia accepts it & is entranced by her new mistress - even later she never questions the power Efea had over her as she risks all to fulfil her promise to the Kibibi. I felt a similar unease with the relationship between Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones for similar reasons though in both cases, the more older more powerful partner doesn't force themselves on the younger, the differential of age and power makes me wonder if they really had a choice).
But these concerns didn't stop me from enjoying reading Crimson Fire and following Tabia's adventures with avid interest.
As, it is the first book in a series I look forward to the sequel, and indeed, to more books from Mirren Hogan.
I wish to thank the author and publisher for a free advanced reader's copy of Crimson Fire .
Despite relative poverty, Tabia enjoys home, freedom and friendship, until one fateful day she elicits the magical crimson fire, and then, when she returns home, her father agrees to sell her to the Kibibi Efea (crown Princess of the neighbouring country of Kalil) to recover debts from a bad business deal. Tabia is now at the mercy of her new mistress, who has acquired her as maid and bed-slave but also, on learning of her potential for magical ability, wishes to train her as a weapon against her enemies.
Crimson Fire follows Tabia's adventures as she is immersed in the culture and politics of Kalil and later, across the seas, of Vanmala. Tabia faces many setbacks and dangers, more than once losing everything, but also makes friends and grows in power and confidence. Throughout the story, she is driven by the promise she makes to Kabibi Efea, yet in doing so, risks all that she has gained and has grown to love.
The author provides a map at the front of the book and a glossary of names at the back. I love the world building - which has a strong north African feel with hints of Rome (the Colosseum), India and China. The various cultures of Iljosk, Kalil and Vanmala, with their politics, food, dress, customs, geography and attitudes to the crimson fire (magic drawn from the earth) is well done. Tabia is a great character - courageous, caring and human. The other characters (Efea, Basel, Phanishwa, Revati, Satsuko, Harshal) are relatable. The villains, both in Kalil and Vanmala are unsavoury, power hungry and dangerous. There are moments of humour, betrayal, love, pathos and drama.
At a couple of points, I thought events could have been foreshadowed a little (the fate of one of Tabia's friends & Tabia's decision at the end of the book), and I wondered about the relationship between Efea and Tabia. While Tabia is willing and so inclined, and Efea is gentle, Efea drugs Tabia and is almost twice the teen's age, a Princess, Tabia's owner and holds Tabia's life in her hands - which would make refusal difficult and potentially dangerous. Such a situation (and that children might be sold into slavery to pay their parent's debt) is obviously not questioned in Kalili and Iljoskan culture (as was often the case in many ancient and some modern cultures), and Tabia accepts it & is entranced by her new mistress - even later she never questions the power Efea had over her as she risks all to fulfil her promise to the Kibibi. I felt a similar unease with the relationship between Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones for similar reasons though in both cases, the more older more powerful partner doesn't force themselves on the younger, the differential of age and power makes me wonder if they really had a choice).
But these concerns didn't stop me from enjoying reading Crimson Fire and following Tabia's adventures with avid interest.
As, it is the first book in a series I look forward to the sequel, and indeed, to more books from Mirren Hogan.
I wish to thank the author and publisher for a free advanced reader's copy of Crimson Fire .
October 2, 2016
I was gifted with an ARC of this novel in exchange for a fair review. The author also promised to fund my next trip to Guam, put my children through school, and name her third grandchild after me. Oh, and I was promised expensive chocolate as well, so I can hardly write a bad review now, can I? ***
Well, I could, but the novel, Crimson Fire, does not deserve a bad review. I come to praise it, not to bury it. Ms. Hogan has done what other writers have failed to do in my case: she's made me think that magic is a good thing. Prior to reading this novel, the only other novel involving magic I liked was TP Keane's The Paladins of Naretia. Crimson Fire is in the same mold, eschewing magic spells and incantations and focusing on character.
Tabia is the daughter of an impoverished gentleman in the land of Isskasala, a mythical land with North African/African overtones. Sold into slavery to a wealthy woman, Kibibi Efea, not only as a bed-slave but also as a possible weapon due to her magical skills, Tabia learns the ways and mores of her new mistress, as well as learning the local cultures of the lands she travels to. Over time, she becomes more adept at controlling the power within her, and also becomes aware of the struggle of the local people who have magic against those who are in the Sorcerer's Guild. I won't give away the ending, but will say that it is most satisfying to this reader.
And now, here come the criticisms! You were waiting, weren't you? Well, feast your eyes! The positives: The characters are well crafted, the pace reasonably fast, and the action is swift as well as surprisingly bloodless, although there are definitely some scenes where more blood would have been preferred.
Another plus is how simply yet artfully Ms. Hogan manages to explain Tabia's race. When PoC are written, some writers tend to overdo the allusions to food or something else in order to explain color. Well, the cover says it all, but the way Tabia is described is simple, effective, and that's all there is to that. Nicely handled.
Additionally, the relationship between Tabia and her mistress (and future lover) is handled most delicately. Of course the sex is there, but it's done in a very natural way with no nudge-nudge wink-wink attitude; it comes across as being totally expected and not exploitative in any way. That's a super plus.
The only negative for me was there was very little backstory on Tabia being sold into slavery. We know her family is impoverished. We know her father palmed her off for cash...but he's never really mentioned and Tabia is like, well, I got sold, so that's that and let's see what the future holds. That was the only minor drawback in an otherwise well crafted novel. If this is only #1 in a series, I'd like to see how Tabia fares in future installments.
Recommended.
***I did not receive any compensation for this review save the free ARC...but a Snickers bar would have been nice.
Well, I could, but the novel, Crimson Fire, does not deserve a bad review. I come to praise it, not to bury it. Ms. Hogan has done what other writers have failed to do in my case: she's made me think that magic is a good thing. Prior to reading this novel, the only other novel involving magic I liked was TP Keane's The Paladins of Naretia. Crimson Fire is in the same mold, eschewing magic spells and incantations and focusing on character.
Tabia is the daughter of an impoverished gentleman in the land of Isskasala, a mythical land with North African/African overtones. Sold into slavery to a wealthy woman, Kibibi Efea, not only as a bed-slave but also as a possible weapon due to her magical skills, Tabia learns the ways and mores of her new mistress, as well as learning the local cultures of the lands she travels to. Over time, she becomes more adept at controlling the power within her, and also becomes aware of the struggle of the local people who have magic against those who are in the Sorcerer's Guild. I won't give away the ending, but will say that it is most satisfying to this reader.
And now, here come the criticisms! You were waiting, weren't you? Well, feast your eyes! The positives: The characters are well crafted, the pace reasonably fast, and the action is swift as well as surprisingly bloodless, although there are definitely some scenes where more blood would have been preferred.
Another plus is how simply yet artfully Ms. Hogan manages to explain Tabia's race. When PoC are written, some writers tend to overdo the allusions to food or something else in order to explain color. Well, the cover says it all, but the way Tabia is described is simple, effective, and that's all there is to that. Nicely handled.
Additionally, the relationship between Tabia and her mistress (and future lover) is handled most delicately. Of course the sex is there, but it's done in a very natural way with no nudge-nudge wink-wink attitude; it comes across as being totally expected and not exploitative in any way. That's a super plus.
The only negative for me was there was very little backstory on Tabia being sold into slavery. We know her family is impoverished. We know her father palmed her off for cash...but he's never really mentioned and Tabia is like, well, I got sold, so that's that and let's see what the future holds. That was the only minor drawback in an otherwise well crafted novel. If this is only #1 in a series, I'd like to see how Tabia fares in future installments.
Recommended.
***I did not receive any compensation for this review save the free ARC...but a Snickers bar would have been nice.
December 1, 2016
This book is well written, keeps you engaged throughout the story and leaves you wanting more. It is about a girl who discovers she can use magic but is sold by her father into slavery. The story follows her as she learns how to harness and control her magic and the joys and sorrows she has to endure to become free.
October 17, 2016
A well developed storyline and not too much detail for those who don't enjoy a lesbian storyline. Please don't let the category stop you from picking this up. I enjoyed these character completely and cannot wait for the next one.
June 1, 2017
Great world building
I loved the world building and character development of the protagonist - her journey from lowly slave to powerful and principled sorceress was wonderfully done! The minor characters, too, were well developed, and I loved the inclusivity of the various romantic orientations. Nicely done!
I loved the world building and character development of the protagonist - her journey from lowly slave to powerful and principled sorceress was wonderfully done! The minor characters, too, were well developed, and I loved the inclusivity of the various romantic orientations. Nicely done!
March 2, 2017
This is the first book in a secondary-fantasy-world series by a writer friend of mine; caveat: I beta read an early version of the first two-thirds of this book.
The strongest, most-refreshing element of this story is the diversity of the characters and the story setting. This is not your usual European-based fantasy world, nor is it drawn on Japanese or Amerindian myths like some of the other secondary-fantasy-world stories I have read.
To my mind, the closest real-world society the story can be related to is an afro-arabic culture. This is brought out by both the female protagonist's skin colour and their attitude to life in a society where slavery is an accepted 'evil' and is considered, by some, better than starving in the streets.
The other aspect, which I feel I should mention, is the sexuality of the protagonist, who prefers her own sex to men. If this sensibility offends you, then this book is not for you. However, the sexual side of things is used mainly as a point of differentiation for the character and to provide the basis for the inciting incident for the main plot, and is handled very tastefully by the author.
Another interesting thing about this book, the first in a series, is that it is a complete story arc in itself, completing the story promised by the inciting event and taking the protagonist from a neophyte through to acting as a mentor for another character at the end of the book, which for me is both unusual and intriguing as I now have no idea where the story is going to go in the next book.
Anyway, I have given this book 4 stars: 4.5 for the story and 3.5 for the copyediting and proofreading, which was not very good for this edition. I believe this book now has a home with a different publisher, and I can only hope their proofreaders for the new edition do a better job than the last one.
And, yes, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The strongest, most-refreshing element of this story is the diversity of the characters and the story setting. This is not your usual European-based fantasy world, nor is it drawn on Japanese or Amerindian myths like some of the other secondary-fantasy-world stories I have read.
To my mind, the closest real-world society the story can be related to is an afro-arabic culture. This is brought out by both the female protagonist's skin colour and their attitude to life in a society where slavery is an accepted 'evil' and is considered, by some, better than starving in the streets.
The other aspect, which I feel I should mention, is the sexuality of the protagonist, who prefers her own sex to men. If this sensibility offends you, then this book is not for you. However, the sexual side of things is used mainly as a point of differentiation for the character and to provide the basis for the inciting incident for the main plot, and is handled very tastefully by the author.
Another interesting thing about this book, the first in a series, is that it is a complete story arc in itself, completing the story promised by the inciting event and taking the protagonist from a neophyte through to acting as a mentor for another character at the end of the book, which for me is both unusual and intriguing as I now have no idea where the story is going to go in the next book.
Anyway, I have given this book 4 stars: 4.5 for the story and 3.5 for the copyediting and proofreading, which was not very good for this edition. I believe this book now has a home with a different publisher, and I can only hope their proofreaders for the new edition do a better job than the last one.
And, yes, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 13, 2016
Great start to a new series.
The books starts with Tabia who is handed over to a rich princess to repay a debt her father has incurred. The two characters develop a love for one another and then the princess is betrayed and killed by her sisters. For me, the story got interesting when the rich princess got killed. The book became rather enjoyable, however the relationship is crucial to this storyline so it has to be there.
The formatting issues on my Kindle made it difficult to read in many parts, hence why I can't give the book 5 stars because there was a lot of text I had to re-read and many paragraphs I stumbled over. I could tell that the book was well written and the storyline well established, so hopefully the publisher has fixed this issue so readers can enjoy this book.
All up, a very enjoyable read that put many a smile on my face, and I look forward to reading more of this adventure.
The books starts with Tabia who is handed over to a rich princess to repay a debt her father has incurred. The two characters develop a love for one another and then the princess is betrayed and killed by her sisters. For me, the story got interesting when the rich princess got killed. The book became rather enjoyable, however the relationship is crucial to this storyline so it has to be there.
The formatting issues on my Kindle made it difficult to read in many parts, hence why I can't give the book 5 stars because there was a lot of text I had to re-read and many paragraphs I stumbled over. I could tell that the book was well written and the storyline well established, so hopefully the publisher has fixed this issue so readers can enjoy this book.
All up, a very enjoyable read that put many a smile on my face, and I look forward to reading more of this adventure.
November 2, 2016
The next book can't come soon enough.
Great book.
Great book.
June 23, 2017
What a ride! Brilliant characters, and I love the magic system.
February 25, 2019
This story follows Tabia, a young woman sold into slavery to repay her father's debt. Tabia travels many places and changes owners as we follow her journey to fulfill a promise to a friend. This book encompasses a few years so I found in trying to fit in all these events, I lost some details that I enjoys reading in other books. The author tends to skim over things rather than to go into detail. If you prefer less detail, this book might be for you.
February 16, 2019
I met Mirren at Supanova Sydney in 2018, and along with several other authors we swapped books. Being unfamiliar with Mirren's works, I asked her to pick one I might enjoy. She handed me Crimson Fire.
The cover has a romance feel, featuring a young woman holding what looks like a bedsheet around herself. While romance is involved, the story's not based around Tabia's romances and certainly doesn't follow standard romance conventions. It's more about Tabia discovering her own power and destiny, and what she wants to do with her life.
Plot: Tabia gets sold into slavery to cover her father's debts, and soon finds herself far from home where she's quickly caught up in the political intrigues of her new mistress, the heir to the throne no less. She also discovers she has magical powers. This is where it gets a little difficult to say much more without dropping spoilers, but that's just the beginning of Tabia's adventures and she's about to discover what's she's really capable of and where her loyalties lay.
Crimson fire is a very easy read with a solid pace and a storyline. I found Mirren did the most important thing overall – she made me care about the characters and what happened to them.
Very enjoyable. I can definitely recommend it.
The cover has a romance feel, featuring a young woman holding what looks like a bedsheet around herself. While romance is involved, the story's not based around Tabia's romances and certainly doesn't follow standard romance conventions. It's more about Tabia discovering her own power and destiny, and what she wants to do with her life.
Plot: Tabia gets sold into slavery to cover her father's debts, and soon finds herself far from home where she's quickly caught up in the political intrigues of her new mistress, the heir to the throne no less. She also discovers she has magical powers. This is where it gets a little difficult to say much more without dropping spoilers, but that's just the beginning of Tabia's adventures and she's about to discover what's she's really capable of and where her loyalties lay.
Crimson fire is a very easy read with a solid pace and a storyline. I found Mirren did the most important thing overall – she made me care about the characters and what happened to them.
Very enjoyable. I can definitely recommend it.
December 20, 2016
What I loved most about this book was the world-building. The enjoyable story serves as a kind of tour of the world, or at least the region with which the series (Magic of Isskasala) is concerned. The setting is realistic and deliciously crafted.
Hogan skilfully places her readers in a non-European world, and conveys a mindset that may be alien to a lot of fantasy fans. The plot contains a number of familiar elements (such as the Hero Enslaved), but puts its own spin on them. Readers may enjoy going somewhere totally different while remaining, for the genre, right at home. I strongly recommend Crimson Fire for adult lovers of fantasy, especially those who want to taste something new, or lovers of a charming, dirty, messed-up world.
I received a free copy of this book for the purposes of review.
Hogan skilfully places her readers in a non-European world, and conveys a mindset that may be alien to a lot of fantasy fans. The plot contains a number of familiar elements (such as the Hero Enslaved), but puts its own spin on them. Readers may enjoy going somewhere totally different while remaining, for the genre, right at home. I strongly recommend Crimson Fire for adult lovers of fantasy, especially those who want to taste something new, or lovers of a charming, dirty, messed-up world.
I received a free copy of this book for the purposes of review.
October 17, 2016
This was an exceptionally well written book!
I was hooked from the first chapter as the quick moving plot brought me deeper into its world.
The use of magic, in Crimson Fire, excited me and allowed me to realize a different interpretation of this common trope.
Interesting and well rounded characters are sprinkled throughout this intriguing world.
I'm glad I took the time to read this story!
I was hooked from the first chapter as the quick moving plot brought me deeper into its world.
The use of magic, in Crimson Fire, excited me and allowed me to realize a different interpretation of this common trope.
Interesting and well rounded characters are sprinkled throughout this intriguing world.
I'm glad I took the time to read this story!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews