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Ember Fury
A sassy and entertaining illustrated debut from Cathy Brett
Pyromania: A mental derangement, excitement or excessive enthusiasm for fire. Having celebrity parents isn't as hot as it sounds. Yes, there's money to burn, fame and some totally smoking guys...But when your dad's more interested in blazing a trail to the top of the charts than why you got kicked out of school, again, it can make you seriously angry. And if there's one thing Ember knows, it's that the smallest spark of anger can ignite a whole heap of trouble...
Pyromania: A mental derangement, excitement or excessive enthusiasm for fire. Having celebrity parents isn't as hot as it sounds. Yes, there's money to burn, fame and some totally smoking guys...But when your dad's more interested in blazing a trail to the top of the charts than why you got kicked out of school, again, it can make you seriously angry. And if there's one thing Ember knows, it's that the smallest spark of anger can ignite a whole heap of trouble...
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 17, 2020
2.5 / 5
April 21, 2014
First thing I want to talk about in this review is the illustrations! They are featured all throughout the book and they are amazing.
Definition: Pyromania - a mental derangement, excitement, or excessive enthusiasm for fire.
Ember Fury is a Londoner, and an aspiring artist. Her mum died, and after that her father sent her to school in England. After she gets expelled from yet another school (the consequence of starting a huge fire) she finds herself on a plane from Heathrow to L.A to visit her estranged father, Lyndon Fury, who is rock star royalty, and her newly acquired step-mum, Charity Lane, who is an actress.
Ember has a lot of emotional baggage. She never dealt with her mother's death, and she is angry with her father. To cope, Ember turned to fire. It was an obsession which quickly spiralled out of control.
Ember also creates an imaginary friend, Ned, who whisks her off to London, during the 1940's, when things are just to much for her to handle. But most of the time, she just imagines Ned around her, talking to her. He is basically her only friend. During one part of the book, Ember actually spends days stuck in this imaginary world with Ned and his family (who can't see her). It ends all rather sad during the 1940's, which is another thing which caused Ember to spiral out of control.
Ember hates living in Hollywood, she hates the plastic Barbie-doll girls who try to initiate Ember into their group, but the attempts go up in flames (so to say). The only good thing about living in Hollywood is the comic book store which basically becomes her second home. Secondly, a cute, punk boy named Finn. Finn seems great, but he turns out to be a player in sheep's clothing.
However, throughout the book, Ember maintains a I-don't-give-a-crap attitude, and pretends not to care about anyone, including herself. But when she hits rock bottom and she has to figure out how to pull herself out of the void.
I do love Ember, she is an amazing character and I felt like she was talking to me. But my favourite character has to be Ned, he is sarcastic, witty and very cool. Ned and Ember's adventures were an unexpected addition to the book, but they were amazing.
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. Especially the ones who love graphic novels.
Definition: Pyromania - a mental derangement, excitement, or excessive enthusiasm for fire.
Ember Fury is a Londoner, and an aspiring artist. Her mum died, and after that her father sent her to school in England. After she gets expelled from yet another school (the consequence of starting a huge fire) she finds herself on a plane from Heathrow to L.A to visit her estranged father, Lyndon Fury, who is rock star royalty, and her newly acquired step-mum, Charity Lane, who is an actress.
Ember has a lot of emotional baggage. She never dealt with her mother's death, and she is angry with her father. To cope, Ember turned to fire. It was an obsession which quickly spiralled out of control.
Ember also creates an imaginary friend, Ned, who whisks her off to London, during the 1940's, when things are just to much for her to handle. But most of the time, she just imagines Ned around her, talking to her. He is basically her only friend. During one part of the book, Ember actually spends days stuck in this imaginary world with Ned and his family (who can't see her). It ends all rather sad during the 1940's, which is another thing which caused Ember to spiral out of control.
Ember hates living in Hollywood, she hates the plastic Barbie-doll girls who try to initiate Ember into their group, but the attempts go up in flames (so to say). The only good thing about living in Hollywood is the comic book store which basically becomes her second home. Secondly, a cute, punk boy named Finn. Finn seems great, but he turns out to be a player in sheep's clothing.
However, throughout the book, Ember maintains a I-don't-give-a-crap attitude, and pretends not to care about anyone, including herself. But when she hits rock bottom and she has to figure out how to pull herself out of the void.
I do love Ember, she is an amazing character and I felt like she was talking to me. But my favourite character has to be Ned, he is sarcastic, witty and very cool. Ned and Ember's adventures were an unexpected addition to the book, but they were amazing.
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. Especially the ones who love graphic novels.
Read
November 17, 2010Ember Morton-Fury is the daughter of rock star Lyndon Fury and the artist Amica Morton, who died when Ember was a younger. Em has been expelled from yet another school, (the consequences of starting a major fire) and she's on her way to Los Angeles to stay with her estranged father and his new wife, actress Charity Lane, who she is not particularly fond of. But you know, who says it's a good idea staying in LA anyway? Em doesn't think so.
But then she meets cute Finn (who doesn't turn out to be all that good for her...), a summer fling is not what she bargained for, but hey, neither are the fake, cartoony girls who have taken a shine to her!
If you know me, you know that I'm not really a huge fan of graphic novels (even half-ones), but a quick glance inside this book reveals an assortment of stunning illustrations that are guaranteed to suck in you into the wonderful world of a teenager obsessed with fire. An obsession that isn't totally in her control. I really liked how the pictures blended with the text; it didn't ever feel like the it was drifting apart from the story, but added a new dimension to the characters. The stage-direction-y parts and the 'setting the scene' stuff at the beginning of chapters was very cute, I thought!
Ember was a really admirable and relatable character. Cynical, vibrant and confident, her words entertained me. The way she dealt with everything had me laughing out loud; and when things got too much to handle, best friend Ned was there to whisk her off to 1940's London.
My favourite character had to be Ned. He was funny, teasing and very cool. The scenes set in WWII were very unexpected, but that's what made this book so unique- this confusing twist. What surprised me the most was what he *really* was. Ned's part wasn't totally explained and left me puzzled. But when I finished the book, I (half) understood. (If that makes any sense at all).
Ember Fury is a great book for reluctant readers, but that doesn't mean it excludes the more self-assured readers. A very unique novel, showing off funky illustrations that enhance the authors talent, a novel that will have you hooked from the first picture. A novel I feel proud to have on my shelf :)
But then she meets cute Finn (who doesn't turn out to be all that good for her...), a summer fling is not what she bargained for, but hey, neither are the fake, cartoony girls who have taken a shine to her!
If you know me, you know that I'm not really a huge fan of graphic novels (even half-ones), but a quick glance inside this book reveals an assortment of stunning illustrations that are guaranteed to suck in you into the wonderful world of a teenager obsessed with fire. An obsession that isn't totally in her control. I really liked how the pictures blended with the text; it didn't ever feel like the it was drifting apart from the story, but added a new dimension to the characters. The stage-direction-y parts and the 'setting the scene' stuff at the beginning of chapters was very cute, I thought!
Ember was a really admirable and relatable character. Cynical, vibrant and confident, her words entertained me. The way she dealt with everything had me laughing out loud; and when things got too much to handle, best friend Ned was there to whisk her off to 1940's London.
My favourite character had to be Ned. He was funny, teasing and very cool. The scenes set in WWII were very unexpected, but that's what made this book so unique- this confusing twist. What surprised me the most was what he *really* was. Ned's part wasn't totally explained and left me puzzled. But when I finished the book, I (half) understood. (If that makes any sense at all).
Ember Fury is a great book for reluctant readers, but that doesn't mean it excludes the more self-assured readers. A very unique novel, showing off funky illustrations that enhance the authors talent, a novel that will have you hooked from the first picture. A novel I feel proud to have on my shelf :)
September 11, 2010
Ember has the whole teen angst thing going for her. You see, her mother died a little while ago and her father … well, he’s never around much. He’s famous and so is his new wife – Ember’s step mother – and they both live in L.A. Ember doesn’t. Ember lives in London. At a boarding school. Until she gets kicked out. Why did she get kicked out? Well, they don’t call her Ember for no reason…
So she’s shipped to the US for the summer and embarks on a unintentional journey of self discovery. And what better way to help you learn more about yourself than a summer fling. This is a summer fling with a twist, though, and readers should prepare themselves for a nasty twist. Nothing is as it seems and Ember is about to learn the biggest lesson so far. Is a loved-up resolution imminent? Maybe, maybe not. That’s something you’ll need to read and figure out for yourself.
Ember Fury has something going for it that not a lot of other young adult releases do: it’s a mash of prose and pictures, coupled together to tell the story. Like comics or graphic novels? Then I reckon you’re going to love this book. While not strictly a graphic novel, Ember Fury is what I like to call an illustrated novel. The pictures don’t tell the story, but they certainly add a new dimension to the way the characters are perceived, while adding humor and a light-heartedness to all the drama. The illustrations are outstanding, and without them, this novel wouldn’t stand as tall as it does.
Will Ember’s journey take her to a place of good, or will it push her back into a deeper pit of darkness? Get ready for a roller-coaster ride of troubled teen angst at its best.
While the story is a little on the predictable side, the whole concept of the novel isn’t. I reckon that this one is going to be interesting enough that readers will want to check it out – and you should. It’s definitely worth a look in.
So she’s shipped to the US for the summer and embarks on a unintentional journey of self discovery. And what better way to help you learn more about yourself than a summer fling. This is a summer fling with a twist, though, and readers should prepare themselves for a nasty twist. Nothing is as it seems and Ember is about to learn the biggest lesson so far. Is a loved-up resolution imminent? Maybe, maybe not. That’s something you’ll need to read and figure out for yourself.
Ember Fury has something going for it that not a lot of other young adult releases do: it’s a mash of prose and pictures, coupled together to tell the story. Like comics or graphic novels? Then I reckon you’re going to love this book. While not strictly a graphic novel, Ember Fury is what I like to call an illustrated novel. The pictures don’t tell the story, but they certainly add a new dimension to the way the characters are perceived, while adding humor and a light-heartedness to all the drama. The illustrations are outstanding, and without them, this novel wouldn’t stand as tall as it does.
Will Ember’s journey take her to a place of good, or will it push her back into a deeper pit of darkness? Get ready for a roller-coaster ride of troubled teen angst at its best.
While the story is a little on the predictable side, the whole concept of the novel isn’t. I reckon that this one is going to be interesting enough that readers will want to check it out – and you should. It’s definitely worth a look in.
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by LadyJay for TeensReadToo.com
Def: Pyromania - a mental derangement, excitement, or excessive enthusiasm for fire.
Ember Fury - Londoner, punk princess, and aspiring artist - finds herself on a plane from Heathrow to L.A. Her mother has died, leaving Ember with her estranged father, Lyndon Fury (rock-star royalty), and her newly acquired step-mum (who she is not particularly fond of).
Ember brings a lot of baggage with her - emotionally draining baggage. She has never really dealt with her mother's death, and is angry with her father for leaving. To cope, Ember develops an obsession with fire - an obsession that quickly spirals out of control.
She also creates an imaginary friend, Ned, who whisks her off to London, circa the 1940's, when things get too hard to handle.
Ember does not adjust well to Hollywood living. The plastic, Barbie-doll girls try to initiate Ember into their group, but those attempts go down in flames. Ember also meets a cute, punk boy named Finn, who turns out to be a player in sheep's clothing.
Through it all, Ember maintains a nonchalant, don't-give-a-crap attitude; pretending not to care about anyone, including herself. Then, she hits rock bottom, and Ember has to figure out how to pull herself up out of the void.
Cathy Brett has written a fresh, funky story that is part graphic novel, film script, diary, sketchbook, and blog. I think teen readers will appreciate the diversity this novel offers. It was definitely a fun book to read!
I am looking forward to Brett's forthcoming novel, SCARLETT DEDD. Ms. Brett is actually running a contest to help promote the new novel. Check out her blog at www.emberfury.co.uk to see how you can become an illustrated character in SCARLETT DEDD!
Def: Pyromania - a mental derangement, excitement, or excessive enthusiasm for fire.
Ember Fury - Londoner, punk princess, and aspiring artist - finds herself on a plane from Heathrow to L.A. Her mother has died, leaving Ember with her estranged father, Lyndon Fury (rock-star royalty), and her newly acquired step-mum (who she is not particularly fond of).
Ember brings a lot of baggage with her - emotionally draining baggage. She has never really dealt with her mother's death, and is angry with her father for leaving. To cope, Ember develops an obsession with fire - an obsession that quickly spirals out of control.
She also creates an imaginary friend, Ned, who whisks her off to London, circa the 1940's, when things get too hard to handle.
Ember does not adjust well to Hollywood living. The plastic, Barbie-doll girls try to initiate Ember into their group, but those attempts go down in flames. Ember also meets a cute, punk boy named Finn, who turns out to be a player in sheep's clothing.
Through it all, Ember maintains a nonchalant, don't-give-a-crap attitude; pretending not to care about anyone, including herself. Then, she hits rock bottom, and Ember has to figure out how to pull herself up out of the void.
Cathy Brett has written a fresh, funky story that is part graphic novel, film script, diary, sketchbook, and blog. I think teen readers will appreciate the diversity this novel offers. It was definitely a fun book to read!
I am looking forward to Brett's forthcoming novel, SCARLETT DEDD. Ms. Brett is actually running a contest to help promote the new novel. Check out her blog at www.emberfury.co.uk to see how you can become an illustrated character in SCARLETT DEDD!
December 10, 2009
Ember Fury was completely new territory for me and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction into the world of graphic novels.
I’ve always been a bit hesitant of graphic novels so Ember Fury’s half-and-half format really appealed to me. The illustrations enhanced the story and I loved the way that they integrated with the text so that they didn’t feel separate from the story; you had to take it all in together. I also loved the stage directions at the beginning of some of the chapters. Very cool!
There was something about the writing in <>Ember Fury that is pretty rare, not just in YA, but generally. Ember as talking to me, and only me. Every word was for my benefit. I really love this in a story as it fully involves you in the lives of the characters.
Speaking of the characters; Ned’s my favourite. He’s witty, sarcastic and very cool. Ned and Ember’s adventures together are an unexpected, but brilliant, addition to Ember Fury. Though a little confusing at first, they soon became one of my favourite elements of the book.
I loved reading Ember Fury and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a subtle introduction into the world of graphic novels.
I’ve always been a bit hesitant of graphic novels so Ember Fury’s half-and-half format really appealed to me. The illustrations enhanced the story and I loved the way that they integrated with the text so that they didn’t feel separate from the story; you had to take it all in together. I also loved the stage directions at the beginning of some of the chapters. Very cool!
There was something about the writing in <>Ember Fury that is pretty rare, not just in YA, but generally. Ember as talking to me, and only me. Every word was for my benefit. I really love this in a story as it fully involves you in the lives of the characters.
Speaking of the characters; Ned’s my favourite. He’s witty, sarcastic and very cool. Ned and Ember’s adventures together are an unexpected, but brilliant, addition to Ember Fury. Though a little confusing at first, they soon became one of my favourite elements of the book.
I loved reading Ember Fury and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a subtle introduction into the world of graphic novels.
September 11, 2012
Ember Fury was recommended to me by my friend and I was quite excited to read this book since I haven't read a picture book in a long time. I know picture books are pretty childish but this book was pretty in depth and fascinating and it explored how Ember had lost her mum and was seeking for her rock star fathers attention.
They call her flame girl, cause she likes to set fire to things when she's angry. Well everyone takes there anger out in different ways, I personally just want to climb up high on a mountain and let my lungs rip!
Ah well... So back to the story, I found it quite interesting that Ember has an imaginary friend, Ned, and can visit different worlds just like that, and as we read Ned's story I'm touched as to what happens to Ned, which ultimately leads to Ember stopping herself from lighting fire to things when she's angry.
Okay, so I liked this book really A LOT. T'was flaming, and a fast read, I can't wait to read more from this author. :D
They call her flame girl, cause she likes to set fire to things when she's angry. Well everyone takes there anger out in different ways, I personally just want to climb up high on a mountain and let my lungs rip!
Ah well... So back to the story, I found it quite interesting that Ember has an imaginary friend, Ned, and can visit different worlds just like that, and as we read Ned's story I'm touched as to what happens to Ned, which ultimately leads to Ember stopping herself from lighting fire to things when she's angry.
Okay, so I liked this book really A LOT. T'was flaming, and a fast read, I can't wait to read more from this author. :D
June 15, 2012
So my review for this book may be a little biassed as the person who gave me the book actually knows Cathy Brett (wow! ;) ) but anyway...
I really enjoyed this book! When you see the cover and read the blurb you may believe that it's not advanced enough for you, but don't be put off. Ember fury is definitely a feel good book with humour and good characters which seem real in a way that many authors seem unable to achieve. The fact that the book has illustrations (which are amazing!) just adds to how fun the book is to read, and we've all had an imaginary friend at some point in our life so just embrace the story :)
I really enjoyed this book! When you see the cover and read the blurb you may believe that it's not advanced enough for you, but don't be put off. Ember fury is definitely a feel good book with humour and good characters which seem real in a way that many authors seem unable to achieve. The fact that the book has illustrations (which are amazing!) just adds to how fun the book is to read, and we've all had an imaginary friend at some point in our life so just embrace the story :)
May 15, 2010
The thought of graphic novels never appealed to me and I bought Ember Fury online without realising it was one.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed it. The illustrations were amazing and brought a bit of humor to all the drama that goes on in Ember's life.
If you are not a fan of graphic novels, do not let that put you off! Ember Fury is a very enjoyable read!
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed it. The illustrations were amazing and brought a bit of humor to all the drama that goes on in Ember's life.
If you are not a fan of graphic novels, do not let that put you off! Ember Fury is a very enjoyable read!
April 1, 2016
A good young adult book as it was easy to read and quite funny. I actually prefered Scarlett dead but this was also an ok book. I loved the layout and the fact the author is aware the audience (usually) would be quite young
March 21, 2011
This was a pretty good book, even if it did take me a while to read.
June 15, 2011
Review to follow.
February 20, 2015
i really like the art in this!
really inspiring book
really inspiring book
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews