Today is release day for Emberling by Kaytlin Phillips! I had the pleasure of reading an ARC copy of Emberling, and here is my review of it.
In case you didn't know, Emberling is a Christian fantasy novel with clean romance. It has suspense and is very fast paced, plus there's horses (because who doesn't like horses?) Here's the blurb:
One never realizes how large their world is until they struggle to protect it.
Her entire life, Iya has been pursued by the Rangers, who despise her people for the fire in their veins. She has lost everything to their hatred, and now the fate of Uriu hangs in the treacherous balance. The Emberlings are dwindling in numbers, causing unleashed chaos that threatens not only Englewood but the Meadows of Harvanth as well.
Malcolm Cabe is fueled by hatred as he sets out to annihilate the fire-wielding Emberlings responsible for his father’s death. However, his mission takes an unexpected turn when he saves Iyana, a secretive girl haunted by a heartrending past.
Iya must keep her identity hidden from Malcolm and the other Rangers because if they discover who she is…death awaits her. But if the truth is never told how can they find the strength to forgive and unite? Decisions need to be made, and the wrong ones could lead to the destruction of all of Uriu.
The Emberlings are a race of people with the power of fire in their veins. It is literally such a cool, powerful gift, and one of the things that drew me to this book. And I absolutely adored Iya's perspective on her gift and what it should, and shouldn't, be used for.
"Emberling fire was sacred. A bond between them and Elohim, a gift to be used for the good of all." (Page 33)
"If I died in the games, then I would die without abusing the gift Elohim had entrusted to me.
"Perhaps they thought an Emberling would be quite the show in the arena, but they would find they were wrong. I'd rather die than betray Elohim's trust in me." (Page 34)
"Poppa's warning rang in my ears.
'Never let your fire gain control in your anger or fear, for one wrong move could destroy you forever.'" (Page 41)
I related to this perspective because I think that should be our perspective on the gifts God has given us. Maybe not the fiery flames of an Emberling, but whatever He has gifted us with or called us to, should not be taken lightly and should be treated with respect. We shouldn't use it in our anger or rage, and we should only use it to bring beauty, not devastation.
As for Malcolm, I had a harder time relating to him because of his very deep seated bitterness and also his fear of horses, especially because I didn't understand it at first. Sorry Malcolm 😳 I'm like Ben, why wouldn't you like horses? BUT later on, I came to understand it better and to have sympathy for him.
Speaking of "Benkendon" 😉 (if you know, you know), their friendship / brothers in arms relationship was so fun. Ben was the perfect side kick, always having Malcolm's back but also not letting him walk off a cliff. He's a little less serious than Malcolm, a nice balance to Malcolm's serious nature.
"There was a good reason I'd always been in charge of our duo: Ben had horrible plans. In fact, most of Ben's 'plans' consisted of merely winging it and hoping for the best." (Page 45)
See what I mean 😏 But seriously, Ben is the best. And I did come to understand / relate to Malcolm better, especially in the second half. (In the first half, I felt like clocking him over the head a time or two, but he came around.) His toughness, his grit, is something you cannot underestimate. He pushes through so much for those he loves, and he is absolutely determined to keep them safe. He also fears failing that responsibility, something I understood.
Now, speaking of those he loves... The romance went a little faster than I expected it to, but that's okay.
"But I shook my head, I didn't have time for love.
"Besides, that wasn't what this was. I just wanted to keep any more harm from befalling such a gentle soul. She deserved better than the hand she had been dealt." (Page 81)
Sure Malcolm, sure, whatever you want to tell yourself... 😏
I'm discovering I'm not really a fan of the concealed identity trope, because everything that is built on deception comes crumbling down and I long for it happen so that then we can get to building a relationship on truth. At the same time, there's always the aspect of "Ohhh, it's so ironic she said that because this" sort of thing, so I don't hate it overmuch. In this book, when everything crumbles, it really crumbles cough, cough. Which then swings us into a pretty intense second half.
Because of that, I do enjoy the second half more than the first half. That, and well, the unique plot. Because things really, really heat up and it is awesome. And terrifying. As all good plots are. Also an unexpected, trouble maker of a villain pops up that I came to despise. And we get to see more of Iya's unique gifts as an Emberling.
This book is has some pretty original ideas and world building. For instance, the Meadows of Harvanth. Some of the book was set in the Engle forest, yes, but a lot more was set in the wide, rolling meadows, which is something you don't see a lot of in fantasy. Rolling plains of grass are something I'm familiar with, a setting I enjoy. There's something about the wide, vast emptiness... Anyhow. The role the Emberlings played was unique, different, and what they're fire was not for destruction but protection. A protection very necessary to Uriu.
I also enjoyed the heavy role the horses of the rangers played. Shar is awesome <3 There were a few minor things that made me go, "Uhhh, I'm really not sure about that" accuracy wise, but it wasn't bad at all. Nothing that made me cringe too hard, which is saying something. If horses are in fantasy, they're either not mentioned hardly at all, OR they're involved in an unrealistic way, but Emberling fell into neither of those traps.
As for faith and themes, those were strongly prevalent. Elohim is frequently mentioned and referenced, both main characters believe in Him. The theme that we should not take the role of God's judgement in our own hands was prevalent, and not one I see a whole lot of in other books. Also, the theme of trusting God's plan even when you just can't see... When you don't understand why He allows what He allows. But trusting Him enough not to take judgement into your hands... Either judgement of a situation, or of a person.
And forgiveness. Don't forget the forgiveness theme, because that was very strong and definitely needed for certain people cough, cough.
There were some places and conversations that felt a little stilted to me, when it came to the faith elements. But if you're a Christian, you really shouldn't be too bothered by that.
"Healing takes time, Iya. You've been through more than most, and sometimes the memories are almost worse than the experience itself, because they never end." (Page 182)
"Lies are often easier to accept than truth, but the truth will set you free." (Page 214)
"It was never about you, Iya... but always about letting Me move through you! Surrender, child, surrender, and let Me guide the way." (Page 222)
"Maybe the cheery song of the Mannada was a reminder of the hope found in Elohim, or the joy just over the rise if only we were brave enough to take up our burden and follow Him. To forget everything but our love for Him and His for us." (Page 253)
The fantastical elements of the Emberlings, with their gift of fire creation, was so fun and special. But there is strong truth woven in, and the harder themes dealt with. So it was both fantastical and honest. My only complaint is that I felt like things could've been taken a little slower, dealt with in more detail, but then the story would've been really long, so...
Overall, I enjoyed this uniquely different Christian fantasy, and recommend it anyone who enjoys that genre. The gift of the Emberlings (and the Wavelings briefly mentioned) are similar to the gifts that are in The Ravenwood Saga, which was part of the reason I liked them. Now, this book is very different from The Ravenwood Saga, but the gifts of power from Elohim are similar, so it reminded me of that series.
The current e-book release price for Emberling on Amazon is 0.99! And, there are order goodies! If you order Emberling (e-book or the gorgeous paperback) within 2 weeks after its release, you can fill out this form and receive these fun goodies:
1 Sticker
1 Double sided bookmark
2 Characters cards! (One of Iya and one of Malcolm and his horse Shar)
A signed bookplate!
All you need to claim your order goodies is a screenshot of your purchase or the order number!
Alright, I think that it. Thanks for taking the time to read this review and check out this Christian fantasy book.
Until the next post, may you be blessed,
Abby 💜