The Firelight Apprentice
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The bestselling author-illustrator of Garlic and the Vampire, Bree Paulsen, brings her fantastical storytelling and warm, sparkling artwork to this story that celebrates the bond between sisters. In a city powered by magic and still recovering from a bloody war, Ada is concerned about her younger sister Safi's developing powers. She understands that Safi could learn how to control her magic under the apprenticeship of a king's magician. But with the memories of war still fresh, Ada is conflicted by this prospect--despite her knowing that she can't keep Safi safely at home with the threat of deadly, power-thieving liches prowling the kingdom. When a traveling group of magicians comes to the city to perform, they immediately recognize Safi's talents and offer to take her on as an apprentice. Safi is thrilled about her new adventure--even if that means leaving behind Ada and their sickly father. And Ada is right to worry about her sister, for there may be monsters hiding behind friendly faces...
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I love Bree Paulsen's books so darn much, and this was just as precious and wonderful as I hoped it would be. It's definitely heavier than Bree's Garlic books, given that our sibling main characters have one deceased parent and one terminally ill parent and they are living in the aftermath of a terrible war. That said, the love that shines through this family of characters is truly something special. It's a tense read at times, but it's worth the ride. I'm forever in awe of Bree Paulsen's stories and can't wait to read whatever they release next!
I read a final copy borrowed from the library, but for the sake of disclosure, I was also gifted an early review copy. All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: BIPOC and/or queer characters, transmasc side character, implied ace/aro character
✨ Content warnings: death of a parent, terminal illness, grief, war, violence
