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The Sunbolt Chronicles #3
Debts of Fire
A hunted mage. A cursed land. An impossible debt.
When Hitomi first crossed the Burnt Lands to rescue her mentor from unjust imprisonment, the phoenix came to her aid. His price? Release the monster-riddled lands from the curses that have raged there for centuries—a fight more than a few mages have lost their lives to.
Now Hitomi is back, her magic bound within her and the High Council of Mages’ best rogue hunters on her heels. Luckily for the phoenix, Hitomi’s not about to let little details like that keep her from paying her debts.
But when an allied mage wreaks havoc with her plans, Hitomi plunges into a desperate race to stop the work she started. It will take every ally Hitomi can summon, and whatever tricks she has left up her sleeve, to divert the spells of the Burnt Lands before their cataclysmic power destroys everything—and everyone—in their path.
When Hitomi first crossed the Burnt Lands to rescue her mentor from unjust imprisonment, the phoenix came to her aid. His price? Release the monster-riddled lands from the curses that have raged there for centuries—a fight more than a few mages have lost their lives to.
Now Hitomi is back, her magic bound within her and the High Council of Mages’ best rogue hunters on her heels. Luckily for the phoenix, Hitomi’s not about to let little details like that keep her from paying her debts.
But when an allied mage wreaks havoc with her plans, Hitomi plunges into a desperate race to stop the work she started. It will take every ally Hitomi can summon, and whatever tricks she has left up her sleeve, to divert the spells of the Burnt Lands before their cataclysmic power destroys everything—and everyone—in their path.
Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2025
47 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
About the author
Intisar Khanani
18 books2,508 followersIntisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. Born in Wisconsin, she has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. She currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two young daughters. Prior to publishing her novels, Intisar worked as a public health consultant on projects relating to infant mortality and minority health, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy.
Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (beginning with Thorn) and The Sunbolt Chronicles.
To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar's monthly author newsletter.
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Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (beginning with Thorn) and The Sunbolt Chronicles.
To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar's monthly author newsletter.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other IRL, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Want to read
October 17, 2016This needs to come out yesterday. Or immediately. I'm a flexible person.
November 18, 2025
So disappointed. Having given the first two books in this series 5 stars, and nearly everything else written by Ms Khanani 4 or 5 stars, this book failed for me miserably.
Firstly, since the previous book was read some years ago, with a gap between books, one would think the writer would give a bit of a reminder, round up as to what has happened previously, but nothing. Even reading the blurbs and my reviews, not much of what went on previously gelled for me, so I basically went in blind here. I have no interest whatsoever in rereading a previously read book, life is far too short and so many new books to discover.
The story itself dragged, with only sporadic events occurring, all in a basic wasteland/desert. Characters come and go throughout, but the quest Hitomi is on (one of several names she uses throughout), is so focused on spells and made up magic, which had little interest for me. It just came across as obscure and mamby pamby which fell flat, for me anyway.
She talks of a fourth book in the series and I will keep reading her other series, but a fail here for me. 2 stars, mostly just because I stayed with this far too long book until the bitter end.
Firstly, since the previous book was read some years ago, with a gap between books, one would think the writer would give a bit of a reminder, round up as to what has happened previously, but nothing. Even reading the blurbs and my reviews, not much of what went on previously gelled for me, so I basically went in blind here. I have no interest whatsoever in rereading a previously read book, life is far too short and so many new books to discover.
The story itself dragged, with only sporadic events occurring, all in a basic wasteland/desert. Characters come and go throughout, but the quest Hitomi is on (one of several names she uses throughout), is so focused on spells and made up magic, which had little interest for me. It just came across as obscure and mamby pamby which fell flat, for me anyway.
She talks of a fourth book in the series and I will keep reading her other series, but a fail here for me. 2 stars, mostly just because I stayed with this far too long book until the bitter end.
Want to read
June 26, 2023I know she is busy working on Dauntless book series but oh my goodness I really want the next one in this series!
****
Update: Ohhhh the Kickstarter for Sunbolt is so gorgeous. And she is working on book 3 🥳🥳 I really hope she does special editions for them all. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
****
Update: Ohhhh the Kickstarter for Sunbolt is so gorgeous. And she is working on book 3 🥳🥳 I really hope she does special editions for them all. I can’t wait to read more in this series!
October 6, 2025
I received an early copy of this book.
I waited a very long time for this book.
I'm glad to say it was worth the wait.
Hopefully the next installment won't take quite as long 😂
I'm very excited to continue with Hitomi's story.
I waited a very long time for this book.
I'm glad to say it was worth the wait.
Hopefully the next installment won't take quite as long 😂
I'm very excited to continue with Hitomi's story.
Read
July 5, 2025DEBTS OF FIRE is the long-awaited third instalment in Intisar Khanani's wonderful SUNBOLT CHRONICLES! If you loved the desert worldbuilding of DUNE but wished the story had been more feminist, more sensitive to the MENA culture it draws on, a leaner YA adventure, and...how to put this...not quite so high on hallucinogenic drugs...then you should definitely check out DEBTS OF FIRE.
I have to admit that I read this book all wrong - it's been literal years since I read the first two books in the series, and I took a two-week hiatus in the middle of the book while I had houseguests. Not an auspicious way to read a book. DEBTS OF FIRE still shone as Hitomi is hunted across a magically-blighted desert landscape. The rich worldbuilding and magical system of this world is a feature here, from ecologies to unique peoples. Hitomi spends a lot of time in this book navigating language and culture, and it all felt wonderfully convincing.
It's the relationships among the characters that I'll be carrying with me going forwards. There is an absolutely delightful and hilarious arranged marriage situation. There is a no-nonsense nonbinary mage who gets a lot of the best lines in the book. There's Hitomi's relationship with the phoenix, a bird who, with the best intentions in the world, still manages an epic . And above all, there's what's beginning to feel like the central relationship of the series: that between Hitomi, disaster teen, and her mentor, a world-weary "breather" (vampire, he's a soul vampire). I spent the entire book kicking my little feet every time Val shows up. One of my favourite things about Intisar's books has always been the delightfully chivalrous, honourable, and gallant older male figures who constantly pop up to support and champion her young heroines, and in Val we have possibly the most iconic of the lot of them. It's important to note that this relationship, like all the others, is strictly platonic. (I may even have hooted with delight when Hitomi briefly reacts with horror to the notion of a romantic relationship between them). I don't know, folks - I just love an intense ride-or-die relationship that isn't romantic. It feels somehow more selfless and a greater commitment, at least when you see it in fiction.
I've been rambling. DEBTS OF FIRE is another wonderful story from the inimitable Intisar Khanani, and I'm looking forward to book 4 with great anticipation.
I have to admit that I read this book all wrong - it's been literal years since I read the first two books in the series, and I took a two-week hiatus in the middle of the book while I had houseguests. Not an auspicious way to read a book. DEBTS OF FIRE still shone as Hitomi is hunted across a magically-blighted desert landscape. The rich worldbuilding and magical system of this world is a feature here, from ecologies to unique peoples. Hitomi spends a lot of time in this book navigating language and culture, and it all felt wonderfully convincing.
It's the relationships among the characters that I'll be carrying with me going forwards. There is an absolutely delightful and hilarious arranged marriage situation. There is a no-nonsense nonbinary mage who gets a lot of the best lines in the book. There's Hitomi's relationship with the phoenix, a bird who, with the best intentions in the world, still manages an epic . And above all, there's what's beginning to feel like the central relationship of the series: that between Hitomi, disaster teen, and her mentor, a world-weary "breather" (vampire, he's a soul vampire). I spent the entire book kicking my little feet every time Val shows up. One of my favourite things about Intisar's books has always been the delightfully chivalrous, honourable, and gallant older male figures who constantly pop up to support and champion her young heroines, and in Val we have possibly the most iconic of the lot of them. It's important to note that this relationship, like all the others, is strictly platonic. (I may even have hooted with delight when Hitomi briefly reacts with horror to the notion of a romantic relationship between them). I don't know, folks - I just love an intense ride-or-die relationship that isn't romantic. It feels somehow more selfless and a greater commitment, at least when you see it in fiction.
I've been rambling. DEBTS OF FIRE is another wonderful story from the inimitable Intisar Khanani, and I'm looking forward to book 4 with great anticipation.
August 6, 2025
Thank you so much to Intisar Khanani for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
TW/CW | Captivity | Violence
One of my most anticipated releases of the year. I've been reading Sunbolt from when it was self-published, and I am happy to see that this series and its author are gaining so much more attention.
Debts of Fire starts a little while after the ending of Memories of Ash. She has found Hulda, the desert tribe girl she travelled with before. She is returning to the Burned Lands to help the phoenix.
In a way this is an inbetween book that serves for Hitomi to realize that everything that has happened to her is catching up to her in an emotional turmoil. She pushes it away at first, doesn't let it in. She talks about accepting that she will die, either in the Burned lands or by the hands of a rogue hunter. But when she is forced to stand back once more, and those around her keep pointing it out to her, slowly there is more room for her own emotions. Grief, dissapointment, resentment, anger.
Her finding family amongst the tribes, by blood and otherwise, is a really important point of this book for Hitomi as well. To find that there is more than just her parents out there. That she isn't alone and that others do care for her.
And that is what makes this book strong. Building on existing relationships like with Val and Hulda. And creating new ones as with Kerbanu. These relationships are what strengthens this book. They help Hitomi in actions but also in gaining insight into herself. It also added some humor relief as the relationships gain familiarity. It gives a slight reprieve of some of the harder sections.
Is this my favorite installment of the series? No not really but it is still a strong and important book for what it brings us and Hitomi. It is a lead up to a strong ending for Hitomi in the next book.
TW/CW | Captivity | Violence
One of my most anticipated releases of the year. I've been reading Sunbolt from when it was self-published, and I am happy to see that this series and its author are gaining so much more attention.
Debts of Fire starts a little while after the ending of Memories of Ash. She has found Hulda, the desert tribe girl she travelled with before. She is returning to the Burned Lands to help the phoenix.
In a way this is an inbetween book that serves for Hitomi to realize that everything that has happened to her is catching up to her in an emotional turmoil. She pushes it away at first, doesn't let it in. She talks about accepting that she will die, either in the Burned lands or by the hands of a rogue hunter. But when she is forced to stand back once more, and those around her keep pointing it out to her, slowly there is more room for her own emotions. Grief, dissapointment, resentment, anger.
Her finding family amongst the tribes, by blood and otherwise, is a really important point of this book for Hitomi as well. To find that there is more than just her parents out there. That she isn't alone and that others do care for her.
And that is what makes this book strong. Building on existing relationships like with Val and Hulda. And creating new ones as with Kerbanu. These relationships are what strengthens this book. They help Hitomi in actions but also in gaining insight into herself. It also added some humor relief as the relationships gain familiarity. It gives a slight reprieve of some of the harder sections.
Is this my favorite installment of the series? No not really but it is still a strong and important book for what it brings us and Hitomi. It is a lead up to a strong ending for Hitomi in the next book.
May 29, 2025
Hitomi! ❤️ Just finished this and I cried at the last part. I don’t have the words just yet for a full review, but I just want to say I enjoyed the direction this story went from the last book. Love how Hitomi is slowly coming to realize her worth and that she has friends who care and allies who see her for who she is. I have waited patiently for this installment and now I must wait patiently for the next book, the last one in this series. There are so many *things* to look forward to!!
If you enjoyed the first two books, Sunbolt and Memories of Ash, you’ll enjoy this one.
If you haven’t started this series, get on it! You get a relatable heroine, a diverse group of characters, a fascinating magic system and world, and a good story about people and politics and magic. All the things. Really, just get on it. 😆
I received an advance review copy. All opinions and views expressed above are my own.
If you enjoyed the first two books, Sunbolt and Memories of Ash, you’ll enjoy this one.
If you haven’t started this series, get on it! You get a relatable heroine, a diverse group of characters, a fascinating magic system and world, and a good story about people and politics and magic. All the things. Really, just get on it. 😆
I received an advance review copy. All opinions and views expressed above are my own.
April 26, 2025
I loved this so much! I just had a wonderful time reading it, I laughed, I cried, I felt so many feelings. I love Hitomi, this sweet disaster child, so much, as well as all the rest of these characters. I don't want to get too much into spoilers because Sakina will yell at me, but I feel like this book is just so much about Hitomi realizing how loved she is and just how to live, even as we have this epic backdrop of trying to heal the Burnt Lands. It's just really beautiful and I think everyone should read these books and also the Dauntless Path!
Huge thank you to Intisar for the early review copy! My opinions are all my own.
Huge thank you to Intisar for the early review copy! My opinions are all my own.
July 8, 2025
Oh, Hitomi! Such a complete disaster of a mage and I love her so much!
The way this story just grabbed me by the heart and never let go to the very end!! All I want is for Hitomi to just be allowed to rest a little. Clearly Hitomi does not want the same 😆
Heartbreaking, tense, heartwarming and even funny in turns. The way this story explores Hitomi's sense of family and belonging and abandonment is just such a wild ride of hope and love and betrayal and despair.
An absolutely outstanding addition to this series and I cannot wait to see how it ends - although I don't think I'll ever be quite ready to say goodbye to Hitomi.
Mighty Girls in Diverse Worlds forever ♥️
The way this story just grabbed me by the heart and never let go to the very end!! All I want is for Hitomi to just be allowed to rest a little. Clearly Hitomi does not want the same 😆
Heartbreaking, tense, heartwarming and even funny in turns. The way this story explores Hitomi's sense of family and belonging and abandonment is just such a wild ride of hope and love and betrayal and despair.
An absolutely outstanding addition to this series and I cannot wait to see how it ends - although I don't think I'll ever be quite ready to say goodbye to Hitomi.
Mighty Girls in Diverse Worlds forever ♥️
Want to read
August 14, 2020Just discovered the first two books. I love the writing style, the characters, and of course the story itself. The way magic is described is fascinating. I am addicted... what is the status for book 3 (and 4?)? I noticed the last update on this was two years ago....
July 21, 2025
3.5 Stars
I am a huge Intisar Khanani fan and was so excited for the third book in the Sunbolt Chronicles series!
Debts of Fire picks up straight after the end of book 2, Memories of Ash. It is a slightly slower book with more focus on the technicalities of the magic Hitomi was using and also the relationships she was making along her adventures.
This part of the story wasn't quite as gripping as the first two books though. I did find the pace to be a little too slow. I also thought the issues that arose through the book seemed to be dealt with or fixed really quickly. This meant they never really felt like a serious problem to Hitomi and reduced the tension of the dangers against her significantly.
However, I absolutely loved Hitomi's growth in this book. She is learning to lean on and trust people more and because of this gets some wonderful friends/found family out of it. It is these relationships that were my favourite parts of the book as each person brought out different sides of Hitomi.
There is also a Phoenix that plays a huge role in this book and I just absolutely adore him! The Phoenix and an elderly mage added some great humour to the story.
I think this book was a good stepping stone to building some more of the worldbuilding and introducing some brilliant new characters into the mix who I hope will play roles in the next installment.
As ever with Intisar Khanani, I was hooked from start to finish! And although Debts of Fire didn't quite live up to my expectations, I still really enjoyed it and cannot wait for the final book!
If you enjoy Middle Eastern fantasy with a strong female lead and a ton of interesting magic, then I highly recommend this series!
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge Intisar Khanani fan and was so excited for the third book in the Sunbolt Chronicles series!
Debts of Fire picks up straight after the end of book 2, Memories of Ash. It is a slightly slower book with more focus on the technicalities of the magic Hitomi was using and also the relationships she was making along her adventures.
This part of the story wasn't quite as gripping as the first two books though. I did find the pace to be a little too slow. I also thought the issues that arose through the book seemed to be dealt with or fixed really quickly. This meant they never really felt like a serious problem to Hitomi and reduced the tension of the dangers against her significantly.
However, I absolutely loved Hitomi's growth in this book. She is learning to lean on and trust people more and because of this gets some wonderful friends/found family out of it. It is these relationships that were my favourite parts of the book as each person brought out different sides of Hitomi.
There is also a Phoenix that plays a huge role in this book and I just absolutely adore him! The Phoenix and an elderly mage added some great humour to the story.
I think this book was a good stepping stone to building some more of the worldbuilding and introducing some brilliant new characters into the mix who I hope will play roles in the next installment.
As ever with Intisar Khanani, I was hooked from start to finish! And although Debts of Fire didn't quite live up to my expectations, I still really enjoyed it and cannot wait for the final book!
If you enjoy Middle Eastern fantasy with a strong female lead and a ton of interesting magic, then I highly recommend this series!
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
February 8, 2024OH MY GOD THERE IS A PUBLICTAION DATE AhhHHHHHSHSHDHDHDHDHDHHDHDHdewif wofijcoifjwedslfwrlkfcpwkfm yesssss AHHHH
Want to read
October 28, 2016this is going to be amazing
April 27, 2025
I LOVED this book! I love Hitomi, and her unwavering drive to help others, even at her own risk. I love her determination to get through or out of whatever bind she’s in, without HURTING anyone (although she wasn't always successful). I love how, in this book particularly, she had some extreme challenges and not only rose to them, but learned some valuable life lessons in the process, choosing to let those lessons impact her positively, choosing love and relationships, rather than allowing them to harden her and choosing isolation. That is so important! The ending was neither too long nor too short, and left me with a delicious “afterglow.” I am really looking forward to the final book in this series.
There was one thing about this book that did really bother me, although it did not impact the storyline, only the reading of it. Hitomi comes across a race of people who have no male/female distinction, and instead of creating a neutral individual pronoun, which an intelligent race like that WOULD HAVE for themselves, the author defaults to the way our current culture has dealt with that, and used a they/them designation, which was EXTREMELY confusing! Particularly when there were multiple individuals together, and they were all, both individually and collectively, they/them. It was very difficult to sort out who was doing what, if it was just one person or several of them. And Hitomi spent a lot of time with them, not just a passing encounter.
Aside from that, however, this book was a delight. There were some truly hilarious moments, and some fun teasing that added so much to the story. I’m still chuckling over the nickname she gave the Phoenix, even if it was intended as a joke and she only used it once, it was SO worth it!
All in all, a delightful read. Well done Intisar!
There was one thing about this book that did really bother me, although it did not impact the storyline, only the reading of it. Hitomi comes across a race of people who have no male/female distinction, and instead of creating a neutral individual pronoun, which an intelligent race like that WOULD HAVE for themselves, the author defaults to the way our current culture has dealt with that, and used a they/them designation, which was EXTREMELY confusing! Particularly when there were multiple individuals together, and they were all, both individually and collectively, they/them. It was very difficult to sort out who was doing what, if it was just one person or several of them. And Hitomi spent a lot of time with them, not just a passing encounter.
Aside from that, however, this book was a delight. There were some truly hilarious moments, and some fun teasing that added so much to the story. I’m still chuckling over the nickname she gave the Phoenix, even if it was intended as a joke and she only used it once, it was SO worth it!
All in all, a delightful read. Well done Intisar!
July 8, 2025
[This review can also be found on my BLOG]
**I was provided with a digital copy of the book through the author in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, injury, death, grief, confinement
--
Debts of Fire dives right back in where Memories of Ash left off with Hitomi reunited with Huda, on the run in the desert after escaping the High Council of Mages and heading towards the Burnt Lands so that she can uphold her debt to the Phoenix.
As with the previous book we follow her as she continues to expand the use of her powers and try to save the day, this time of course with the limitations of her magic being bound which has in no way wavered her determination.
How Intisar continues to weave this story is just as captivating as the richly immersive world it takes place in and I really enjoyed the expansion on the wider worldbuilding with regards to the desert people and the areas surrounding the Burnt Lands.
The storyline as expected is one that keeps you on your toes as much as it does Hitomi because the clever twists mean you don’t know exactly where the plot is going even though you know that Hitomi, chaotic disaster child that she is, will land on her feet. Her resourcefulness and resolve is as admirable as ever and while the stakes are still high, this book isn’t as fast paced and with constant action as the previous two which allows time for significant emotional development for Hitomi’s character too.
Much of her journey thus far has seen her working solo and not really worrying about the consequences to her own life because of the circumstances she has always found herself in. Here we see Hitomi truly opening herself up to help from others and learning that not everything needs to be on her shoulders. Coming to terms with the fact that there are people who actually care for her and love her and much of the book focuses on her exploring her sense of belonging and allowing that love into her life. Her coming to understand that she is allowed to live for herself and it was all beautifully done.
Friendships and found family are at the core of this series and they’re all so wholesome so if the latter is a trope that you love then I can’t recommend these books enough.
Overall, there is a sort of “calm before the storm” feeling to this instalment, especially the last couple of chapters but it sets up what is no doubt going to be an explosive conclusion to Hitomi’s story perfectly and I can’t wait to read it.
Final Rating – 4.25/5 Stars
**I was provided with a digital copy of the book through the author in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, injury, death, grief, confinement
--
Debts of Fire dives right back in where Memories of Ash left off with Hitomi reunited with Huda, on the run in the desert after escaping the High Council of Mages and heading towards the Burnt Lands so that she can uphold her debt to the Phoenix.
As with the previous book we follow her as she continues to expand the use of her powers and try to save the day, this time of course with the limitations of her magic being bound which has in no way wavered her determination.
How Intisar continues to weave this story is just as captivating as the richly immersive world it takes place in and I really enjoyed the expansion on the wider worldbuilding with regards to the desert people and the areas surrounding the Burnt Lands.
The storyline as expected is one that keeps you on your toes as much as it does Hitomi because the clever twists mean you don’t know exactly where the plot is going even though you know that Hitomi, chaotic disaster child that she is, will land on her feet. Her resourcefulness and resolve is as admirable as ever and while the stakes are still high, this book isn’t as fast paced and with constant action as the previous two which allows time for significant emotional development for Hitomi’s character too.
Much of her journey thus far has seen her working solo and not really worrying about the consequences to her own life because of the circumstances she has always found herself in. Here we see Hitomi truly opening herself up to help from others and learning that not everything needs to be on her shoulders. Coming to terms with the fact that there are people who actually care for her and love her and much of the book focuses on her exploring her sense of belonging and allowing that love into her life. Her coming to understand that she is allowed to live for herself and it was all beautifully done.
Friendships and found family are at the core of this series and they’re all so wholesome so if the latter is a trope that you love then I can’t recommend these books enough.
Overall, there is a sort of “calm before the storm” feeling to this instalment, especially the last couple of chapters but it sets up what is no doubt going to be an explosive conclusion to Hitomi’s story perfectly and I can’t wait to read it.
Final Rating – 4.25/5 Stars
Read
July 8, 2025Out of context quote I loved - not necessarily spoilery but blocking it out anyhow just in case:
Whew! Where to start? I read this book in a breathless two sittings, and I had so many thoughts. First, be warned that there might be *minor* spoilers for the first two Sunbolt Chronicles novels in this review, and this is your sign to go read them~
It has been so long since I read the first two installments that I found I had to go reread a few pages to remind me of everything that had happened before this book. However, Khanani weaves in a subtle backstory of everything you truly need to know into the narrative as Hitomi tells her story in chapter 8. It's well done and quite brief, and gets the important details. However, if it's been a long time since you read the first, and you have the time, they are always worth the reread.
Anyhow, Debts of Fire picks back up with Hitomi and her friend Huda's trek across the desert, with the former on her way to pay her debt to the phoenix that dwells in the Burnt Lands. With rogue hunters on her trail and both secrets and promises piling up, Hitomi is (as usual) a bit over her head. And of course, her plans go sideways pretty early on. Because of course, they must!
Overall, this was a solid entry and expanded on the world, characters, and lore in satisfying ways that made it a breeze to read. I am trying to avoid spoilers/specifics, but I think I can boil down the best points of this book into three key elements. Again, If you are reading this review, you probably read the first two books, and I'm not here to give you a plot overview. However, I am going to give you a list of the three things I loved most about this book, and if for some reason you are reading this review and haven't read the first two, stop reading this review and go read the first two!
So, what were my highlights?
1. Relationships! I am not a romance reader (no shade, just clarification), and I love, love, love the amount of time and energy that Khanani puts into platonic relationships. It's not that she can't write romance (it occurs often enough in her other works), it's that romance isn't the only relationship out there to put love and care into developing, and I have always appreciated this. I love how they are explored and further developed, and all crucial to the story: Hitomi's bond with the Breather Val, her complicated interactions with the phoenix, and her lie-smeared but also based on mutual respect and care friendship with Huda, and of course, the often humorous and quirky push-and-pull of her new relationship with the crotchety, eccentric old mage Kerbanu. Every relationship or interaction forms part of a tapestry that continues to grow Hitomi as a character and embellish the plot, adding depth to both.
2. Moral Complexity!Hitomi is pretty far aligned on the moral side of good, and driven by principles and honor that she has continued to remain faithful to, despite many moments of wavering and uncertainty. However, other characters do not necessarily share her beliefs or convictions--and that's okay! It causes conflict (internal and external), and often makes Hitomi (and other characters) come to conclusions or make decisions that might not be the wisest. Most importantly, the villainous or evil characters have motivations, goals, and stakes of their own, and there's not a single cartoonish mastermind to be found. Val, whose survival depends on taking "breath" or life force (not necessarily from humans), the mage Kerbanu, and Huda, for example, all have their own codes of ethics and behavior that come into conflict with Hitomi's, which adds realism and complexity to the characters and their interactions.
3. The Story/Setting! I love fantasy of all varieties, but I have a soft spot for deserts and cursed regions filled with monsters. Hidden underground groups are just a bonus. All these things aside, I have always enjoyed the real sense of place in the Sunbolt Chronicles. The clothing, the customs, the culture, the tangled and troubled backstories, and the magic system itself, all immerse you in Hitomi's world. I was eager for more action in the Burnt Lands, for example, and I was more than satisfied. I also appreciated spending more time with the desert folk, as well as hearing more about their alliances and troubles.
Ultimately, this was a satisfying sequel that moved the plot forward and continued the character development in satisfying and logical ways. It also expanded the world and the worldbuilding, and had plenty of beautiful, thoughtful moments that I always appreciate from Khanani's writing. I look forward to reading the last installment of Hitomi's adventures whenever it appears!
Whew! Where to start? I read this book in a breathless two sittings, and I had so many thoughts. First, be warned that there might be *minor* spoilers for the first two Sunbolt Chronicles novels in this review, and this is your sign to go read them~
It has been so long since I read the first two installments that I found I had to go reread a few pages to remind me of everything that had happened before this book. However, Khanani weaves in a subtle backstory of everything you truly need to know into the narrative as Hitomi tells her story in chapter 8. It's well done and quite brief, and gets the important details. However, if it's been a long time since you read the first, and you have the time, they are always worth the reread.
Anyhow, Debts of Fire picks back up with Hitomi and her friend Huda's trek across the desert, with the former on her way to pay her debt to the phoenix that dwells in the Burnt Lands. With rogue hunters on her trail and both secrets and promises piling up, Hitomi is (as usual) a bit over her head. And of course, her plans go sideways pretty early on. Because of course, they must!
Overall, this was a solid entry and expanded on the world, characters, and lore in satisfying ways that made it a breeze to read. I am trying to avoid spoilers/specifics, but I think I can boil down the best points of this book into three key elements. Again, If you are reading this review, you probably read the first two books, and I'm not here to give you a plot overview. However, I am going to give you a list of the three things I loved most about this book, and if for some reason you are reading this review and haven't read the first two, stop reading this review and go read the first two!
So, what were my highlights?
1. Relationships! I am not a romance reader (no shade, just clarification), and I love, love, love the amount of time and energy that Khanani puts into platonic relationships. It's not that she can't write romance (it occurs often enough in her other works), it's that romance isn't the only relationship out there to put love and care into developing, and I have always appreciated this. I love how they are explored and further developed, and all crucial to the story: Hitomi's bond with the Breather Val, her complicated interactions with the phoenix, and her lie-smeared but also based on mutual respect and care friendship with Huda, and of course, the often humorous and quirky push-and-pull of her new relationship with the crotchety, eccentric old mage Kerbanu. Every relationship or interaction forms part of a tapestry that continues to grow Hitomi as a character and embellish the plot, adding depth to both.
2. Moral Complexity!Hitomi is pretty far aligned on the moral side of good, and driven by principles and honor that she has continued to remain faithful to, despite many moments of wavering and uncertainty. However, other characters do not necessarily share her beliefs or convictions--and that's okay! It causes conflict (internal and external), and often makes Hitomi (and other characters) come to conclusions or make decisions that might not be the wisest. Most importantly, the villainous or evil characters have motivations, goals, and stakes of their own, and there's not a single cartoonish mastermind to be found. Val, whose survival depends on taking "breath" or life force (not necessarily from humans), the mage Kerbanu, and Huda, for example, all have their own codes of ethics and behavior that come into conflict with Hitomi's, which adds realism and complexity to the characters and their interactions.
3. The Story/Setting! I love fantasy of all varieties, but I have a soft spot for deserts and cursed regions filled with monsters. Hidden underground groups are just a bonus. All these things aside, I have always enjoyed the real sense of place in the Sunbolt Chronicles. The clothing, the customs, the culture, the tangled and troubled backstories, and the magic system itself, all immerse you in Hitomi's world. I was eager for more action in the Burnt Lands, for example, and I was more than satisfied. I also appreciated spending more time with the desert folk, as well as hearing more about their alliances and troubles.
Ultimately, this was a satisfying sequel that moved the plot forward and continued the character development in satisfying and logical ways. It also expanded the world and the worldbuilding, and had plenty of beautiful, thoughtful moments that I always appreciate from Khanani's writing. I look forward to reading the last installment of Hitomi's adventures whenever it appears!
Notes:
1 - this review will be cross-posted on my StoryGraph account and various retail sites
2 - I received an advance review copy of this book (thank you!), and all opinions and views expressed here are unsolicited and my own^^
August 27, 2025
For me, this book started off a little slow as I got back in touch with where the series story had led to at the start of this third book, but it quickly ramped up to full speed. Hitomi was found by mages chasing her much faster than I had anticipated, but it turned out to be a good thing in some ways, since it allowed her to discover some things about her new limitations in casting magic—and what she can still do despite the markings. I was glad that Huda and the phoenix (friends from the previous book) were present again for this book (along with some spoilers), and I was equally glad to have Hitomi make new friends to help her along her way.
The events in this book were a lot of fun to watch play out, but I also greatly appreciated the chance for Hitomi to just breathe a little, and figure out what she actually wants for herself. I know that we're still going to have to deal with her mother's betrayal in a future book, but I really appreciated Hitomi getting the time in this book to deal with her emotions about that. (If you haven't read the books yet, the betrayal happened both before the books started and in book two, so this is definitely a series plot arc.)
I can't say too much more without getting into spoiler territory (book and series) but I really enjoyed the way this book turned out and am looking forward to seeing where Hitomi ends up in book four!
The events in this book were a lot of fun to watch play out, but I also greatly appreciated the chance for Hitomi to just breathe a little, and figure out what she actually wants for herself. I know that we're still going to have to deal with her mother's betrayal in a future book, but I really appreciated Hitomi getting the time in this book to deal with her emotions about that. (If you haven't read the books yet, the betrayal happened both before the books started and in book two, so this is definitely a series plot arc.)
I can't say too much more without getting into spoiler territory (book and series) but I really enjoyed the way this book turned out and am looking forward to seeing where Hitomi ends up in book four!
July 13, 2025
Okay, so, I’ve been in a major book slump for aaaaages now. I’ve started so many and not been able to finish any of them because I just haven’t been able to focus or get even remotely sucked in to the stories. And this one started out that way for me too. It took me a good long while before I felt hooked, but man, once I was in, I WAS IN (and bawling like a big baby by the end)!
Partly, I’ve just been reading this series for so long, since Sunbolt’s original self publication years and years and years ago. I was really excited to continue with Hitomi’s story. It’s been awhile since I’ve revisited the first two books though, so it took me a bit to find my footing and remember who everyone was. But I eventually did, and now I’m sad it’s over (until the final book comes out, anyway)!
Things I especially loved: Huda. Phoenix. Val. Hitomi’s new do!
Now…the long wait for book 4!
Partly, I’ve just been reading this series for so long, since Sunbolt’s original self publication years and years and years ago. I was really excited to continue with Hitomi’s story. It’s been awhile since I’ve revisited the first two books though, so it took me a bit to find my footing and remember who everyone was. But I eventually did, and now I’m sad it’s over (until the final book comes out, anyway)!
Things I especially loved: Huda. Phoenix. Val. Hitomi’s new do!
Now…the long wait for book 4!
December 23, 2025
This series has Tamora Pierce vibes, which is the highest of praise. I devoured these books and plan on recommending the series to friends. I’ll be hoping the next book (sounds like it’ll be the final for the series) will come out soon.
July 19, 2025
For once, Hitomi is actually able to sit still and stop running. This book details her search for meaning and purpose in a life previously propelled by consequences for her actions. It expands on the magical world and magical possibilities and also delves deeper into the relationships she has from her myriad of journeys. Hitomi struggles with trying to keep these relationships safe while respecting everyone's autonomy to make their own decisions and ultimately let her relationships grow.
This was a slow burn at first (no pun intended), as she begins the work on the burnt lands she promised to the phoenix. What comes after is reuniting with old friends and new, as well as charting her own course for the future. I loved the way she embraces her situations despite adversity and really seeks to see the humanity in everyone. Once again I am impressed by Khanani's ability to create characters that feel real and have their own beliefs based on their own unique experiences. These interactions bring life to her stories.
I do wish that the series had wrapped up here simply because I still have so many questions. The setting of this book focuses on the desert peoples and the burnt lands, but I find myself wondering when will we return to Karolene and Blackflame? This book seemed to set up Hitomi for a wonderful finale- giving her the skills, strength, allies, and mental fortitude needed to return to her homeland. Nevertheless I can't wait for the conclusion!!
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This was a slow burn at first (no pun intended), as she begins the work on the burnt lands she promised to the phoenix. What comes after is reuniting with old friends and new, as well as charting her own course for the future. I loved the way she embraces her situations despite adversity and really seeks to see the humanity in everyone. Once again I am impressed by Khanani's ability to create characters that feel real and have their own beliefs based on their own unique experiences. These interactions bring life to her stories.
I do wish that the series had wrapped up here simply because I still have so many questions. The setting of this book focuses on the desert peoples and the burnt lands, but I find myself wondering when will we return to Karolene and Blackflame? This book seemed to set up Hitomi for a wonderful finale- giving her the skills, strength, allies, and mental fortitude needed to return to her homeland. Nevertheless I can't wait for the conclusion!!
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August 6, 2025
This is the third book in Intisar Khanani’s Sunbolt Chronicles, the last of which came out in 2016. Khanani described facing a great deal of writer’s block with Debts of Fire, and while I loved being back with Hitomi and all her friends, I can definitely feel a few more cracks here than in the author’s previous works, which I love as a whole.
Part of this is by virtue of how the magic in this world works and how much page time is spent trying to puzzle out the massive magical challenge that Hitomi has to solve. A lot of the magic has to do with energy flow and reactions in a way that is well-described and well-thought out, but which I nevertheless struggled to visualize most of the time. There is also an extraordinary amount of trekking back and forth through the desert and trying to keep track of where people are, where they will be, and where they can be intercepted. This series has always been quite action-packed, but the amount of rushing around felt truly breathless and repetitive here in a way that didn’t quite work for me, especially because of how much communication and travel relied on the phoenix. Finally, there are a lot of fight scenes with monsters that felt somewhat repetitive to me too.
What I’ve always loved about this author’s book is the strong emotional core they have and how well she writes these incredibly brave, principled young girl protagonists. Happily these elements are also here, especially as Hitomi grapples with her need to protect others and continually throw herself into fighting one injustice after another. Some of the best touches include her realizing what it is like to be on the receiving end of someone else making decisions for you for your own good, as well as her realization that she has more family than she previously thought. Another really strong emotional piece of the book is Hitomi’s continual worry about whether or not she will be remembered past her (likely impending) death because of her memory loss and the number of people she has lost.
I also deeply appreciate her relationship with the vampire-esque prince Val, who has been a mentor and friend since Hitomi rescued him in the first book. I think the track record of the particular kind of classic-feeling, heroic female protagonist YA fantasy that Khanani writes has conditioned so many of us to expect a relationship between a character like him and Hitomi to turn romantic at some point (Tamora Pierce’s Numair and Daine, Croggon’s Maerad and the bard whose name I can’t remember, McKinley’s Aerin and the ancient magical guy whose name I can’t remember, one of the couples in Levine’s The Two Princesses of Bamarre etc etc) that I was bracing myself for it to happen here. Instead, Khanani clarified that this was not happening directly in the book in a way that I found both really wholesome for the dynamic between the two of them and a huge relief. No shade to the authors I mentioned, to be clear - this dynamic used to be super common and still happens a fair amount, tbh - I just really appreciate Khanani making the choice to subvert it.
Last of all, one of the standout pieces of world-building here is the inclusion of a reclusive society of slightly snake-like agender people hiding in the depths of the desert’s caves. I really like the care that Hitomi takes to understand how to address them properly and that there is particular emphasis on how their society does not view gender and pronouns as important or relevant parts of identity.
At the core of the book, all of the things I love about Intisar Khanani’s writing are absolutely here. I just think that the amount of time spent in unraveling magical problems and frenetic travel back and forth detracted from those strengths slightly more than I would have liked.
Part of this is by virtue of how the magic in this world works and how much page time is spent trying to puzzle out the massive magical challenge that Hitomi has to solve. A lot of the magic has to do with energy flow and reactions in a way that is well-described and well-thought out, but which I nevertheless struggled to visualize most of the time. There is also an extraordinary amount of trekking back and forth through the desert and trying to keep track of where people are, where they will be, and where they can be intercepted. This series has always been quite action-packed, but the amount of rushing around felt truly breathless and repetitive here in a way that didn’t quite work for me, especially because of how much communication and travel relied on the phoenix. Finally, there are a lot of fight scenes with monsters that felt somewhat repetitive to me too.
What I’ve always loved about this author’s book is the strong emotional core they have and how well she writes these incredibly brave, principled young girl protagonists. Happily these elements are also here, especially as Hitomi grapples with her need to protect others and continually throw herself into fighting one injustice after another. Some of the best touches include her realizing what it is like to be on the receiving end of someone else making decisions for you for your own good, as well as her realization that she has more family than she previously thought. Another really strong emotional piece of the book is Hitomi’s continual worry about whether or not she will be remembered past her (likely impending) death because of her memory loss and the number of people she has lost.
I also deeply appreciate her relationship with the vampire-esque prince Val, who has been a mentor and friend since Hitomi rescued him in the first book. I think the track record of the particular kind of classic-feeling, heroic female protagonist YA fantasy that Khanani writes has conditioned so many of us to expect a relationship between a character like him and Hitomi to turn romantic at some point (Tamora Pierce’s Numair and Daine, Croggon’s Maerad and the bard whose name I can’t remember, McKinley’s Aerin and the ancient magical guy whose name I can’t remember, one of the couples in Levine’s The Two Princesses of Bamarre etc etc) that I was bracing myself for it to happen here. Instead, Khanani clarified that this was not happening directly in the book in a way that I found both really wholesome for the dynamic between the two of them and a huge relief. No shade to the authors I mentioned, to be clear - this dynamic used to be super common and still happens a fair amount, tbh - I just really appreciate Khanani making the choice to subvert it.
Last of all, one of the standout pieces of world-building here is the inclusion of a reclusive society of slightly snake-like agender people hiding in the depths of the desert’s caves. I really like the care that Hitomi takes to understand how to address them properly and that there is particular emphasis on how their society does not view gender and pronouns as important or relevant parts of identity.
At the core of the book, all of the things I love about Intisar Khanani’s writing are absolutely here. I just think that the amount of time spent in unraveling magical problems and frenetic travel back and forth detracted from those strengths slightly more than I would have liked.
November 7, 2025
DISCLAIMER
Hello, I have fundamental philosophical disagreements with some elements of this book. If such a description is likely to bother you, please scroll on past. I am entitled to my opinion, even if it may offend anyone. I will not be responding to argumentative comments. Thank you!
- - -
I've enjoyed this series until now. It's been clean with the focus not on cheap sex, clichéd romance, or indulgent fantasy battles, but on a complex plot (So many times I've wondered how Hitomi was going to get out of each successive predicament without killing anyone!), a unique protagonist, and a fantasy world based on a romanticized, idealized, and mysteriously peaceful Middle East (except for the big bad white man trying to ruin everything!).
Hmm, maybe I should have acknowledged some other warning signs before now.... But I have a weakness for clean, non-woke fantasy, okay?! Also, the many Arabic cultures (you know, pre-Islam) were incredibly diverse, unique, and interesting, and their continued existence is nostalgically satisfying to imagine.
Anyway, I could no longer deny a red flag raised previously and a new one raised by this third book. Prepare to suspend your disbelief.
First, the peoples of this fantasy world are largely Muslim, yet somehow, in opposition to every example in reality, the women have rights! In this genuine fantasy world, Muslim women are not required to wear hijabs or get permission from their male owner (father, brother, or husband) to leave the house, and they can socialize with unrelated males, and even speak to them. How interesting that the only way Islam can be palatable to a Western audience is to remove nearly every element of Sharia law and Islamist patriarchal culture.
The second glaring red flag is that this third book introduces a fantasy people who use they/them pronouns. Indeed, this amazing race of snake people (can't make this up!) is so old and so isolated from the world that they are also the most progressive. That idea defies logic and facts, but who cares about those old fogey bases of critical thought?! hahaha
Anyway, don't worry about that. From a religious standpoint, this addition makes complete sense because the Quran has so much to say about non-heterosexual people. You know, such as the command to stone gays? How ridiculous and dishonest to pretend any kind of alliance or even acceptance here!
I started reading Intisar's work years ago because her flawed protagonists held deep convictions about the preciousness of life, yet made the difficult choice to protect real victims in largely non-violent ways. Now she embraces the woke pronoun crowd? I can only assume she did so out of ambition to check off an intersectionality box for her publisher. Gross and disappointing.
I'll probably read the last book from my library, because the story is fascinating, but I definitely will not be buying any of the books in this series ever.
Oh, I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. And boy, did I deliver!
Hello, I have fundamental philosophical disagreements with some elements of this book. If such a description is likely to bother you, please scroll on past. I am entitled to my opinion, even if it may offend anyone. I will not be responding to argumentative comments. Thank you!
- - -
I've enjoyed this series until now. It's been clean with the focus not on cheap sex, clichéd romance, or indulgent fantasy battles, but on a complex plot (So many times I've wondered how Hitomi was going to get out of each successive predicament without killing anyone!), a unique protagonist, and a fantasy world based on a romanticized, idealized, and mysteriously peaceful Middle East (except for the big bad white man trying to ruin everything!).
Hmm, maybe I should have acknowledged some other warning signs before now.... But I have a weakness for clean, non-woke fantasy, okay?! Also, the many Arabic cultures (you know, pre-Islam) were incredibly diverse, unique, and interesting, and their continued existence is nostalgically satisfying to imagine.
Anyway, I could no longer deny a red flag raised previously and a new one raised by this third book. Prepare to suspend your disbelief.
First, the peoples of this fantasy world are largely Muslim, yet somehow, in opposition to every example in reality, the women have rights! In this genuine fantasy world, Muslim women are not required to wear hijabs or get permission from their male owner (father, brother, or husband) to leave the house, and they can socialize with unrelated males, and even speak to them. How interesting that the only way Islam can be palatable to a Western audience is to remove nearly every element of Sharia law and Islamist patriarchal culture.
The second glaring red flag is that this third book introduces a fantasy people who use they/them pronouns. Indeed, this amazing race of snake people (can't make this up!) is so old and so isolated from the world that they are also the most progressive. That idea defies logic and facts, but who cares about those old fogey bases of critical thought?! hahaha
Anyway, don't worry about that. From a religious standpoint, this addition makes complete sense because the Quran has so much to say about non-heterosexual people. You know, such as the command to stone gays? How ridiculous and dishonest to pretend any kind of alliance or even acceptance here!
I started reading Intisar's work years ago because her flawed protagonists held deep convictions about the preciousness of life, yet made the difficult choice to protect real victims in largely non-violent ways. Now she embraces the woke pronoun crowd? I can only assume she did so out of ambition to check off an intersectionality box for her publisher. Gross and disappointing.
I'll probably read the last book from my library, because the story is fascinating, but I definitely will not be buying any of the books in this series ever.
Oh, I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. And boy, did I deliver!
July 6, 2025
I want to preface this review by saying that the previous novel in the series, Memories of Ash, was one of my favourite novels of 2016. You can read my review for that novel here.
Due to my enjoyment of that novel, I had extremely high hopes for this installment in the series. I think Intisar Khanani's greatest gift is her ability to write incredibly flawed and complex characters. Every character that's introduced is so nuanced and they feel like real people with real motivations and desires. Hitomi is such an interesting person and to follow her adventures is always a good time.
In this novel, I really appreciated how she was challenged and forced to work magic in a unique way. This book also showed more of her courage, loyalty and I loved the found family aspect of this book. The addition of a talking Phoenix as one of the primary characters was also such an interesting choice and it worked perfectly in the context of this book.
I also think the writing is flawless. There were a few scenes that caused me to tear up (especially the ending) because the way Intisar Khanani can put emotions into words resonates so strongly with me. I think she is incredibly gifted in translating human complexities of thoughts feelings into writing.
However, there was a tightness in plot in all the previous volumes of this series I didn't think happened here. I felt this story was too long and it meandered a lot in the middle. There was a lot of repetition and wandering back and forth and the story felt too bogged down with politics for my preference. Other people might love the politics and story-telling, but I was hoping it would be as fast-paced as the previous volume.
Overall, I'm still interested in following this series due to the phenomenal writing and characters, but I hope the next volume has a plot that's a little more fast-paced.
Due to my enjoyment of that novel, I had extremely high hopes for this installment in the series. I think Intisar Khanani's greatest gift is her ability to write incredibly flawed and complex characters. Every character that's introduced is so nuanced and they feel like real people with real motivations and desires. Hitomi is such an interesting person and to follow her adventures is always a good time.
In this novel, I really appreciated how she was challenged and forced to work magic in a unique way. This book also showed more of her courage, loyalty and I loved the found family aspect of this book. The addition of a talking Phoenix as one of the primary characters was also such an interesting choice and it worked perfectly in the context of this book.
I also think the writing is flawless. There were a few scenes that caused me to tear up (especially the ending) because the way Intisar Khanani can put emotions into words resonates so strongly with me. I think she is incredibly gifted in translating human complexities of thoughts feelings into writing.
However, there was a tightness in plot in all the previous volumes of this series I didn't think happened here. I felt this story was too long and it meandered a lot in the middle. There was a lot of repetition and wandering back and forth and the story felt too bogged down with politics for my preference. Other people might love the politics and story-telling, but I was hoping it would be as fast-paced as the previous volume.
Overall, I'm still interested in following this series due to the phenomenal writing and characters, but I hope the next volume has a plot that's a little more fast-paced.
July 8, 2025
At the start of the series, a fortune teller tells Hitomi to run, and so she has been ever since. In Debts of Fire, Hitomi is still running, but is starting to think about how to live her life beyond that, if she survives. Hitomi does dangerous things because they need to be done. Things are more fraught after Memories of Ash – her magic has been bound in preparation for turning her into a source slave – a magical battery for another mage to drain and discard. Hitomi is driven by her promises and her moral compass. I have enjoyed her growth from street rat, to student, to a girl with a mission. Her sense of justice has put her in conflict with a wannabe authoritarian and she must keep herself and her friends safe from his minions. Despite the betrayals and trauma that have piled up, Hitomi maintains a compassionate heart. There are people around her who may not have her willingness to leap into the storm, but they help her because she cares for the lives of others.
This is a great series to read right now, both for resisting authoritarianism and in valuing a life of connection. Hitomi was abandoned by her mother as a small child and in her struggle for survival, she has learned to value community and the lives of others. In Debts of Fire the elders who have become her mentors are asking her to find reasons to live her life beyond being a tool or a sacrifice. Whether this is a final book or not (Blackflame is still reaching for more power) it ends with Hitomi in a better place than she has been, with a found family and a willingness to practice making choices for herself.
While there is a lovely little side romance, there is none for Hitomi. She is too busy righting wrongs and figuring out what she wants for herself.
I read this as an advance reader copy from the author. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given
This is a great series to read right now, both for resisting authoritarianism and in valuing a life of connection. Hitomi was abandoned by her mother as a small child and in her struggle for survival, she has learned to value community and the lives of others. In Debts of Fire the elders who have become her mentors are asking her to find reasons to live her life beyond being a tool or a sacrifice. Whether this is a final book or not (Blackflame is still reaching for more power) it ends with Hitomi in a better place than she has been, with a found family and a willingness to practice making choices for herself.
While there is a lovely little side romance, there is none for Hitomi. She is too busy righting wrongs and figuring out what she wants for herself.
I read this as an advance reader copy from the author. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given
July 14, 2025
I have waited forever for this next book in this series! When I received an advanced copy, I squealed with joy. However, being such a devoted fan of the The Sunbolt Chronicles, I had to go back to the beginning to do this book full justice. Oh, I am so glad I held back on diving right into Debts of Fire! I got to relive again all the moments leading up to this current book. The only way to get the full experience is to share Hitomi's journey step by step, book by book. I implore you to go back to the beginning, too. It made this book shine even brighter with all the past writings so fresh on my mind.
This series is an absolute masterpiece in storytelling! The world building, the character growth, the witty banter, the on the edge of your seat moments...I laughed, I cried. This book takes over directly from the previous book. Hitomi must pay the debt to the phoenix like she promised. Of course, she once again finds herself in situations beyond her control. But her support system has grown, and she at last starts to see and believe her worth! So many emotions with the slow unraveling of that truth!! We get to see old friends and make some new ones. I adored the relationships with our support cast. I was a little disappointed a few were missing but suspect they will make an appearance in the next book. (Pretty please, let Hitomi and "Ghost" reconnect and maybe a little romance in the future...!)
The only thing that didn't quite work for me on this book was the "they/them" in reference to a single character. I constantly had to remind myself it was one "person." It was confusing and broke up the flow though eventually I got used to it.
Still, this book was an amazing addition to the series! Ironically, I devoured the words but then had to reread to savor each moment on page...off to listen to the audiobook now! Yes, I am a little obsessed!! lol
Counting down to the next book!
5 stars
This series is an absolute masterpiece in storytelling! The world building, the character growth, the witty banter, the on the edge of your seat moments...I laughed, I cried. This book takes over directly from the previous book. Hitomi must pay the debt to the phoenix like she promised. Of course, she once again finds herself in situations beyond her control. But her support system has grown, and she at last starts to see and believe her worth! So many emotions with the slow unraveling of that truth!! We get to see old friends and make some new ones. I adored the relationships with our support cast. I was a little disappointed a few were missing but suspect they will make an appearance in the next book. (Pretty please, let Hitomi and "Ghost" reconnect and maybe a little romance in the future...!)
The only thing that didn't quite work for me on this book was the "they/them" in reference to a single character. I constantly had to remind myself it was one "person." It was confusing and broke up the flow though eventually I got used to it.
Still, this book was an amazing addition to the series! Ironically, I devoured the words but then had to reread to savor each moment on page...off to listen to the audiobook now! Yes, I am a little obsessed!! lol
Counting down to the next book!
5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2025
Debts of Fire is the third installment in the YA fantasy series Sunbolt Chronicles and follows Hitomi' s journey post Memories of Ash into the Burnt Lands with the Phoenix. The tale begins slowly initially acquainting us into the world, taking us with the protagonist basking in the warmth of love, friendships and found family. This story focusses more on exploration of magic and Hitomi' s growth as a mage and takes time constructing the fantasy world with care. If you have read the second part, you would know that Initisar Khanani is a masterful storyteller and Hitomi being a disaster of a child , we would have chaos and jaw dropping twists. There are some beautiful moments throughout the book with endearing and surprising characters. The characters of Huda, Val ,Phoenix and Mage Frozenmag would definitely stay with me. I wish that I too could have had hugged some characters the way Hitomi hugged them. This is a tale not just of power, politics and adventure, but also of unconditional love, sisterhood and sacrifice. I'm hoping to continue the series as soon as the next installment comes out.
Eating: 4.5/5
Eating: 4.5/5
August 19, 2025
Ok. Ok ok ok ok.
First things first, always love Khanani's writing style. It fits so well for the story being told and just feels so smooth, every scene flows so naturally. It's so good.
The only thing I feel just the teeeeeeeeniest tiniest smidge of upset-ness for is the sort-of lack of Val. And maybe Hitomi didn't feel quite as mature as the other books, but maybe I should reread them....
And.
As someone raised on the YA romance of Twilight and crazy insane age gap of a billion years but also not really but also yes totally, I (don't want to admit) I was mayyyyyybe hoping for something. Like that. With Val. Obviously. But also of course that's weird, because he's technically so much older. But also. Twilight.
So.
Mixed feelings on that one. Well, not mixed, but hard to admit 😂
Edit: I do also have to go back through the Thorn series for a specific scene where Hitomi and Val definitely show up (I'm pretty sure it's them, at least) just to check some things. Just, y'know. To check for any looks, that I'm pretty sure happen. So. I'll be doing that.
First things first, always love Khanani's writing style. It fits so well for the story being told and just feels so smooth, every scene flows so naturally. It's so good.
The only thing I feel just the teeeeeeeeniest tiniest smidge of upset-ness for is the sort-of lack of Val. And maybe Hitomi didn't feel quite as mature as the other books, but maybe I should reread them....
And.
As someone raised on the YA romance of Twilight and crazy insane age gap of a billion years but also not really but also yes totally, I (don't want to admit) I was mayyyyyybe hoping for something. Like that. With Val. Obviously. But also of course that's weird, because he's technically so much older. But also. Twilight.
So.
Mixed feelings on that one. Well, not mixed, but hard to admit 😂
Edit: I do also have to go back through the Thorn series for a specific scene where Hitomi and Val definitely show up (I'm pretty sure it's them, at least) just to check some things. Just, y'know. To check for any looks, that I'm pretty sure happen. So. I'll be doing that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
I love this series and Debts of Fire adds more love. Yes, I stayed up way too late reading and have no regrets. This is the third book in a single story, so read Sunbolt (#1), and Memories of Ash (#2), before reading Debts of Fire. I also recommend rereading the first two books to refresh your memory since Debts of Fire picks up the story immediately from Memories of Ash.
The title refers to the debt that Hitomi, the heroine, has to the Phoenix that helped to save her in Memories of Ash. Hitomi has promised to try and undo the magic that has ruined and perverted the Barren Lands. While Hitomi works toward the impossible task of repaying her debt to the Phoenix, she begins to understand and value her own worth and life. The book is filled with magic, friends, family, love, treachery, and lots of adventures. It is all wonderfully done.
P.S. The best news is that Ms. Khanani is not finished with the series, so there should be another book in the future. Yay!
The title refers to the debt that Hitomi, the heroine, has to the Phoenix that helped to save her in Memories of Ash. Hitomi has promised to try and undo the magic that has ruined and perverted the Barren Lands. While Hitomi works toward the impossible task of repaying her debt to the Phoenix, she begins to understand and value her own worth and life. The book is filled with magic, friends, family, love, treachery, and lots of adventures. It is all wonderfully done.
P.S. The best news is that Ms. Khanani is not finished with the series, so there should be another book in the future. Yay!
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