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Fire’s Heart editorial reviews:

Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite: ★★★★★

Fire’s Heart: Book Three, The FireNight Prophecies is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action and adventure, and epic drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Darren Boeck. Intended for the general fantasy reading audience, this next book in the saga continues the action where Essence of Life left off, and we find our heroes in dire straits once more. As the political intrigue between different factions and cultures continues against the backdrop of the empire’s imminent collapse, forces on all sides face physical and emotional trials as the Battle of the Dark looms on the horizon, threatening to consume them all.

Author Darren Boeck has crafted a highly immersive, visual, and deeply detailed work of epic fantasy fiction that offers everything a hardcore fan of the genre could possibly desire, from its intricately crafted political landscape to its secretive sects and credible culture clashes. At its heart, the development of the ensemble cast brings these core elements to life, giving faces, hearts, and minds to the opposing ideas in such a way that often makes it hard to know whose ideas to root for. Nola had me from the off with her journey to find her strength, taking the traditional princess concept and really twisting it into something original and engaging as every trial tests her and her group. Overall, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Fire’s Heart for existing readers of The FireNight Prophecies, but also in its own right as a cinematically adept and intellectually deep work of fantasy fiction.

Reviewed By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite: ★★★★★

Fire’s Heart is book three of The FireNight Prophecies epic fantasy series by Darren Boeck, a novel that presents a strong conflict as an empire faces its darkest moment with cultures colliding in a tidal wave of conflict. What Doewa prophesied is happening. Princess Nola and her friends come face to face with the Great Sea Lord Mica. Meanwhile, the Sisterhood has an insidious plan to put the Northern Alliance and the Empire at loggerheads. It is a dance between life and death, with the magical forces of Doewa and Eafel facing each other while darkness draws nigh. One brings death, the other protects life. But Eafel grows stronger by the day. As the Battle of the Dark looms ahead, who will survive?

Fire’s Heart is filled with action, told in a lyrical style. It depicts powerful factions pitted against each other. It is a tale filled with magic and exceptionally written characters. Characters like Bella, Nola, Serg, Mala, Lora, and The Great Sea Lord Mica are cleverly written. Darren Boeck creates legendary characters that symbolize deities in Doewa and Eafel. In the final moment, it is the struggle between life and death. The author does an impeccable job of creating worlds inhabited by groups that are distinctly different — the Tontu, who believe in speed and mobility; a tribe of warriors, the Ta’fell who believe in fortifications; the sisterhood that schemes and works in the shadows to manipulate destiny.

The story is suspenseful, brimming with action, and filled with powerful scenes. The reader wants to know who will survive when FireNight comes to pass. Fire’s Heart is a magical story with impeccable world-building, phenomenal conflict, and characters that are unforgettable, a gorgeous treat for fans of YA epic fantasy. The author’s ability to create fully drawn, robust and believable characters shines through this novel. The magic embellishes the narrative with prophecies and songs that capture the soul of the characters while elevating the experience of the reader. A gorgeous offering for fans of the genre.

Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite ★★★★★

Fire’s Heart is the third book in the FireNight Prophecies series by Darren Boeck. Picking up where Essence of Life left off, the story follows the chaos in the lives of our protagonists. Doewa’s prophesy came true, and Nola and her friends are finally facing the Great Sea Lord Mica. While Nola, Blur, and Serg come face to face with their worst nightmare, Doewa faces far greater danger. As Doewa weakens, Eafel grows stronger. The conflict between them cannot be stopped, and there is no way this fight is going to end in peace. In these chaotic times, the Sisterhood plans to pit the Empire and the Northern Alliance against each other. These are terrible times, and the Battle of the Dark is just a few steps away. Who will survive this? Will Nola, Blur, and Serg make it out alive? Or is this the end of the road for them?

Fire’s Heart is all about the race against time and trying to survive the worst of the consequences. Although politics and fantasy elements play an important role in the build-up to the story, it is the element of adventure/action that really speaks to me. Darren Boeck introduces action from the very beginning and keeps the momentum going until the end. The reader finally gets a glimpse of the magic of life and death, and the author indicates how it will play a vital role in future novels in the series. Darren is a magician with words. He leaves little clues and hints for readers to find, and once they do, it creates the perfect “aha!” moment that is beyond satisfying. In true epic fantasy fashion, the story includes a number of characters but Nola still manages to stand out. She has an innate strength and fire to prove herself. She is a leader who consistently challenges her boundaries and guides her friends forward. Reading this novel is beyond exciting.

Older editorials reviews for Essence of Life can be found here!

Older editorials reviews for Gifts of Fire and Ice can be found here!