A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire, #1)

by Jessica Cluess

Mary Willoughby opened up a portal between worlds and summoned the Ancients, starting this long, bloody war.

These were Familiars, humans transformed into servants of the Seven Ancients.

Witches cannot control fire, water, earth, or air. They work with the life force of plants and animals. Only sorcerers control flame. And magicians are tricksters by nature. They deal in underhand spells and manipulations. The fact that you risked exposure to protect your friend, especially when you believed you would be killed as a result, proves you are not one of them.”

“I’m not interested in what’s pleasant. I’m interested in what’s useful,”

It struck me as odd that most sorcerer women belonged solely to antiquity, as if the glory of female magic were some crumbling myth to be debated by scholars.

I caught a glimpse of pale yellow hair.

I totally thought he was black

“Women are ruled by emotion, and when they receive power, they warp themselves to fit it. You can’t help yourself. I’m not doing this because I hate you.” Tears spilled down his cheeks. “I’m trying to save your soul. I cannot allow such a terrible thing to happen to another girl I love.”

I love how this book challenges the inherent misogyny of the time

“Hello, Augustus. You’ve only gotten balder and uglier over the years.

“Rook teetered on the edge between life and death. I merely saw to it that he tipped over the correct way.” Fenswick proudly flapped his ears.

I love himb