{"id":4045,"date":"2017-09-16T09:00:05","date_gmt":"2017-09-16T16:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/?p=4045"},"modified":"2021-07-06T13:43:42","modified_gmt":"2021-07-06T20:43:42","slug":"of-fire-and-stars-teen-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/2017\/of-fire-and-stars-teen-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Of Fire and Stars — Teen Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

review by Kara Eng, age 18<\/p>\n

Of Fire and Stars\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>by\u00a0Audrey Coulthurst<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Summary:\u00a0Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire\u2014a dangerous gift for the future queen of a kingdom where magic is forbidden. Now, Denna must learn the ways of her new home while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria\u2019s formidable warhorses\u2014and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine\u2014called Mare\u2014the sister of her betrothed. When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two become closer, Mare is surprised by Denna\u2019s intelligence and bravery, while Denna is drawn to Mare\u2019s independent streak. And soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more. But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms\u2014and each other. – Goodreads<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Of Fire and Stars<\/i><\/b> is a novel for the readers that love magic. It fits into the category of young adult novels that are a solid mix of medieval and magic (think <\/span>Throne of Glass<\/span><\/i> by Sarah J. Maas, the Grish Universe by Leigh Bardugo, etc.).
\n<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0The plot isn\u2019t particularly original. A lot of the premises have been done before, making it predictable. There\u2019s nothing that sets this apart from other young adult fantasy novels. The writing is solid and detailed; but, at times, the pace of the novel was slowed down by all of the political elements. Because the premise was not unique, I felt as though I already knew all of the kingdom politics and had to drag myself through the introductory parts.
\n<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0However, the strongest aspect of the novel is its characters. Coulthurst gives her characters and their relationships enough life to sustain the novel. The characters are strong-willed and lovable. Through the multiple POV\u2019s, we get to see who these characters are and what they believe in. Additionally, they are distinct and entertaining. There wasn\u2019t one that I favored over the other. They are unapologetically themselves.
\n<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 In the Northern Kingdoms of the novel, a relationship between two women is completely normal. Characters don\u2019t face shame or discrimination. I think this is a great way of showing young readers that being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is normal and nothing that you should feel the need to hide.
\n<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Overall, I give it 3\/5 stars and would recommend it to those that adore the fantasy genre of YA, but not to those that want something more original.\\<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Find this book in our catalog:\u00a0Of Fire and Stars<\/a><\/p>\n

Call Number: YA SF COULTHURST,A<\/p>\n

389 pages<\/p>\n

\n

More Recommendations<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Library of Fates — teen review<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Ones and The Equals — teen review<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Evaporation of Sofi Snow — teen review<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

review by Kara Eng, age 18 Of Fire and Stars\u00a0by\u00a0Audrey Coulthurst Summary:\u00a0Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":4046,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[120,54],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-book-reviews","category-teen-reviews"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2017\/09\/of-fire-and-stars.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5ZwbD-13f","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2185,"url":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/2015\/legacy-of-kings-teen-review\/","url_meta":{"origin":4045,"position":0},"title":"Legacy of Kings — teen review","author":"Teen Blogger","date":"October 12, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Review by Kara Eng, teen reviewer Legacy of Kings by Eleanor Herman \u00a0 This is a retelling of Alexander the Great as a\u00a0youth. Before Alexander conquered the world, he was still living in the shadow of his father, a one-eyed \u201cbarbarian\u201d conqueror. The book also follows other people: one hopeful\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Teen Reviews"","block_context":{"text":"Teen Reviews","link":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/category\/teen-reviews\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"23569428","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2015\/08\/23569428-197x300.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7104,"url":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/2023\/rise-of-the-vicious-princess-teen-book-review\/","url_meta":{"origin":4045,"position":1},"title":"Rise of the Vicious Princess — Teen Book Review","author":"Teen Blogger","date":"February 18, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Reviewed by Samuel Redfearn, age 16 Rise of the Vicious Princess by C.J Redwine Rise of the Vicious Princess tells the tale of Charis Willowthorn, heir to the throne of the kingdom of Calera. Her mother, the queen, has raised her to be vicious, cutthroat, unfeeling in her personal life,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Book Reviews"","block_context":{"text":"Book Reviews","link":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/category\/teen-reviews\/book-reviews\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2023\/02\/Screenshot-2023-02-18-at-1.04.28-PM.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4020,"url":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/2017\/the-library-of-fates-teen-review\/","url_meta":{"origin":4045,"position":2},"title":"The Library of Fates — Teen Review","author":"Teen Blogger","date":"September 14, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"review by\u00a0Alicia Zhang, age 13 The Library of Fates\u00a0by\u00a0Aditi Khorana \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Library of Fates is a novel set in an Indian culture that is drenched with magic. When a brutal conqueror attacks the palace of Shalingar and plans go wrong, Princess Amrita must reclaim her losses and accept her future.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Book Reviews"","block_context":{"text":"Book Reviews","link":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/category\/teen-reviews\/book-reviews\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2017\/09\/library.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6123,"url":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/2020\/kingdom-of-souls-teen-book-review\/","url_meta":{"origin":4045,"position":3},"title":"Kingdom of Souls — Teen Book Review","author":"Teen Blogger","date":"December 19, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Review by Jasmine Sov, 14 Kingdom of Souls By Rena Barron Arrah, unlike many other people her age, does not yet possess magic. Despite her father\u2019s reassurances that her magic will come, she\u2019s losing hope. After all, her high-ranking priestess mother already all but shuns her. That surely means that\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Book Reviews"","block_context":{"text":"Book Reviews","link":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/category\/teen-reviews\/book-reviews\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2020\/12\/91WmolJ4xCL.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2020\/12\/91WmolJ4xCL.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2020\/12\/91WmolJ4xCL.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2020\/12\/91WmolJ4xCL.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2020\/12\/91WmolJ4xCL.jpg?resize=1050%2C600 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2020\/12\/91WmolJ4xCL.jpg?resize=1400%2C800 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6541,"url":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/2021\/thorn-teen-book-review\/","url_meta":{"origin":4045,"position":4},"title":"Thorn — Teen Book Review","author":"Teen Blogger","date":"July 10, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Review by Amber Elias, 15 Thorn By Intisar Khanani In a small, far-off kingdom, Princess Alyrra lives a life of contempt and yearn. She mourns the loss of her father, tries to meet the impossible standards of her loveless mother, and survives the hellish abuse of her wretched brother. Alyrra\u2019s\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Book Reviews"","block_context":{"text":"Book Reviews","link":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/category\/teen-reviews\/book-reviews\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2021\/07\/51265989._SX0_SY0_.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2021\/07\/51265989._SX0_SY0_.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2021\/07\/51265989._SX0_SY0_.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2021\/07\/51265989._SX0_SY0_.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6747,"url":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/2022\/sisters-of-the-snake-teen-book-review\/","url_meta":{"origin":4045,"position":5},"title":"Sisters of the Snake — Teen Book Review","author":"Teen Blogger","date":"January 22, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Review by Emily Battaglia, 17 Sisters of the Snake By Sasha and Sarena Nanua Written by the Nanua twins, Sisters of the Snake is a young adult fantasy novel depicting the perpendicular lives of thief Ria and princess Rani as they navigate their place in the kingdom of Abai. They\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Book Reviews"","block_context":{"text":"Book Reviews","link":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/category\/teen-reviews\/book-reviews\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2022\/01\/81-hXmaIy6L.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2022\/01\/81-hXmaIy6L.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2022\/01\/81-hXmaIy6L.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2022\/01\/81-hXmaIy6L.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2022\/01\/81-hXmaIy6L.jpg?resize=1050%2C600 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/sites\/18\/2022\/01\/81-hXmaIy6L.jpg?resize=1400%2C800 4x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4045"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4045\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6520,"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4045\/revisions\/6520"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4046"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4045"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/pasadena-library.net\/teens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}