wanderaven's review against another edition
4.0
I have a tendency, whether a book is given to me by a publisher (as in the case with The Fire Child, by HarperCollins UK) or whether it's one I buy or borrow from the library, to just dive in, heedless of the author.
I mean, of course sometimes I'm exceedingly familiar with the author already or, even if I've never before read them, I do typically have a passing knowledge of their general sort of work and backlist. But sometimes I know nothing at all, particularly in the case of debut authors, and typically I prefer that ignorance. Sometimes reading the reviews of others, or hearing hints in the bookish world of what I'm getting myself into can colour my reading and response. It's typically after I've read the book, if I'm curious, that I look about for information about the author.
When I read The Ice Twins sixteen months ago, the only thing I - and most readers - knew about the author was that the name was a pseudonym, and that of an already established writer. We know, now, who that writer is (I haven't read anything else by them; I suspect much of their following is UK-based), and you can, too, if you click on the author's linked name above.
While reading The Ice Twins, I was, in fact, inclined to believe that the writer was a woman. And I still knew nothing for certain when I read The Fire Child... until I read a particular sex scene in the novel; that was when I felt this male writer showed his hand.
Yeah, so, don't get me wrong. I am definitely not one who feels like male writers can never authentically portray a female character (or vice-versa), and on the whole, I am certainly in agreement that Tremayne does quite well with his female protagonists. But I'm telling you, I read just those couple of lines in that particular scene, and I knew with certainty that a woman didn't write those lines. I immediately googled Tremayne and confirmed my suspicion.
But apart from those telling couple of lines? Tremayne works the same sort of magic with The Fire Child as he did with Twins. I was angry every moment I wasn't reading the book, anxious to know what was going on. I felt addicted to the story, and both anxious and pleased with the (once again) included photographs.
Tremayne is excellent is setting the scene, at instilling a claustrophobic, sharp world that is at once hellish and lovely.
"'There was a square of light on the flagstones of the Old Hall, this morning, when I came downstairs, and I found a young fox, standing in the middle, trembling, in the light from the leaded windows. I would have once told Jamie.'"
"Topping the hill, the north coast comes into a view: the distant tumult of the Atlantic. There are no ships today. But the waves plough on, silently and very fast, As if they have some grim but important job to do, further up the coast, perhaps someone they have to drown off Port Isaac."
I felt a bit of repetition, throughout the novel, though I'm always pitiful at determining when repetition is intentional, used as a literary device, or when it's an example of the author subconsciously recycling a favourite image or phrase. Also, there were a lot of elements and it felt like at least a couple of them were abandoned along the way and never explained. Again, I wasn't sure how much of this was intentional and how much was not retrieving all the threads (a couple of things were clearly either explained or clearly left to the reader's own devices). This isn't to say that it's a novel where you'll end up frustrated by the ending (giving the stink eye to In the Woods), just that there were ragged bits and pieces.
So, there doesn't seem to be a release date slated for The Fire Child, yet, in the States. If you read Twins (which was released here) and enjoyed it, I feel assured that you will enjoy Fire Child as well. So keep an eye out for it or, if you're really wanting that lovely, desperate let-me-get-back-to-my-damn-book-stuff-is-happening-! feeling, you can also buy it through the book title link above, at the Book Depository.
I mean, of course sometimes I'm exceedingly familiar with the author already or, even if I've never before read them, I do typically have a passing knowledge of their general sort of work and backlist. But sometimes I know nothing at all, particularly in the case of debut authors, and typically I prefer that ignorance. Sometimes reading the reviews of others, or hearing hints in the bookish world of what I'm getting myself into can colour my reading and response. It's typically after I've read the book, if I'm curious, that I look about for information about the author.
When I read The Ice Twins sixteen months ago, the only thing I - and most readers - knew about the author was that the name was a pseudonym, and that of an already established writer. We know, now, who that writer is (I haven't read anything else by them; I suspect much of their following is UK-based), and you can, too, if you click on the author's linked name above.
While reading The Ice Twins, I was, in fact, inclined to believe that the writer was a woman. And I still knew nothing for certain when I read The Fire Child... until I read a particular sex scene in the novel; that was when I felt this male writer showed his hand.
Yeah, so, don't get me wrong. I am definitely not one who feels like male writers can never authentically portray a female character (or vice-versa), and on the whole, I am certainly in agreement that Tremayne does quite well with his female protagonists. But I'm telling you, I read just those couple of lines in that particular scene, and I knew with certainty that a woman didn't write those lines. I immediately googled Tremayne and confirmed my suspicion.
But apart from those telling couple of lines? Tremayne works the same sort of magic with The Fire Child as he did with Twins. I was angry every moment I wasn't reading the book, anxious to know what was going on. I felt addicted to the story, and both anxious and pleased with the (once again) included photographs.
Tremayne is excellent is setting the scene, at instilling a claustrophobic, sharp world that is at once hellish and lovely.
"'There was a square of light on the flagstones of the Old Hall, this morning, when I came downstairs, and I found a young fox, standing in the middle, trembling, in the light from the leaded windows. I would have once told Jamie.'"
"Topping the hill, the north coast comes into a view: the distant tumult of the Atlantic. There are no ships today. But the waves plough on, silently and very fast, As if they have some grim but important job to do, further up the coast, perhaps someone they have to drown off Port Isaac."
I felt a bit of repetition, throughout the novel, though I'm always pitiful at determining when repetition is intentional, used as a literary device, or when it's an example of the author subconsciously recycling a favourite image or phrase. Also, there were a lot of elements and it felt like at least a couple of them were abandoned along the way and never explained. Again, I wasn't sure how much of this was intentional and how much was not retrieving all the threads (a couple of things were clearly either explained or clearly left to the reader's own devices). This isn't to say that it's a novel where you'll end up frustrated by the ending (giving the stink eye to In the Woods), just that there were ragged bits and pieces.
So, there doesn't seem to be a release date slated for The Fire Child, yet, in the States. If you read Twins (which was released here) and enjoyed it, I feel assured that you will enjoy Fire Child as well. So keep an eye out for it or, if you're really wanting that lovely, desperate let-me-get-back-to-my-damn-book-stuff-is-happening-! feeling, you can also buy it through the book title link above, at the Book Depository.
k_west1984's review against another edition
3.0
This book was ok, it's a slow start but a very good twist which I didn't guess.
teekraenzchen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Domestic abuse
Minor: Racism and Ableism
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
With an isolated setting and increasingly unreliable characters, The Fire Child by S.K. Tremayne is an atmospheric, suspense-laden psychological thriller.
After a whirlwind courtship, thirty year old Rachel Daly marries forty year old lawyer David Kerthen who then whisks her and his eight year old son Jamie to the family estate in Cornwall. Initially blissfully happy, Rachel is struggling with her stepson's increasingly upsetting behavior that eventually brings her to ask a few probing questions about his mother Nina's somewhat tragic death. David is reluctant to divulge very many details and as Rachel becomes more concerned about Jaime's mental state, she makes a decision that has violent consequences and puts her in a very precarious situation with her husband. Will Rachel find out the truth about Nina's death? Can she protect herself and Jamie after events begin to escalate out of control?
Rachel has come a long way from her humble beginnings but she is still somewhat uncomfortable as she tries to resume the elegant renovations of David's family estate. With David working long hours in London, Rachel is lonely but she keeps busy investigating her new surroundings. She is also busy with Jamie but she is becoming increasingly worried about his strange behavior and she becomes quite frightened after he makes a rather dire prediction. As Rachel begins piecing together the details of Nina's fatal accident, some of the information she uncovers does not make sense and David is reluctant to discuss the night his first wife died. What secrets are her husband keeping? Why is he so unwilling to do more to help Jamie handle his grief?
At first glance, David is the perfect catch. He is a devoted father and he is a well-respected lawyer who works long hours. Through hard work and a lot of determination, he saved the estate after his father's gambling problem nearly bankrupted the family. He positively adored his first wife, but David is quite smitten with Rachel and he has a great deal of respect for her. However, he is most displeased when she begins asking questions he does not want to answer and he is infuriated after she takes steps to try to get Jamie help for his odd behavior. In the aftermath of violent altercation, David is cold-hearted and ruthless in his attempts to take complete charge of his fracturing family.
In some ways, Jamie is a perfectly normal little boy. He loves his dad and he cares a great for Rachel. However, he is completely confused about some of the things that happened the night his mother died and with the anniversary of her death fast approaching, he is becoming quite desperate. Jamie's declarations are unsettling and he is quite adamant that she is alive despite evidence to the contrary. However, inexplicable and unexplained occurrences play into some of Rachel's doubts and fears and she becomes convinced that Jamie might have a legitimate reason for some of his beliefs.
For the most part, The Fire Child is an incredibly riveting mystery that moves at a very brisk pace. S.K. Tremayne does an absolutely brilliant job building suspense as Rachel tries to uncover the truth that David is trying so hard to keep from her. With the tension reaching a fever pitch, this psychological thriller comes to a pulse-pounding adrenaline-filled conclusion that neatly wraps up all of the various threads of this spell-binding and somewhat eerie story.
After a whirlwind courtship, thirty year old Rachel Daly marries forty year old lawyer David Kerthen who then whisks her and his eight year old son Jamie to the family estate in Cornwall. Initially blissfully happy, Rachel is struggling with her stepson's increasingly upsetting behavior that eventually brings her to ask a few probing questions about his mother Nina's somewhat tragic death. David is reluctant to divulge very many details and as Rachel becomes more concerned about Jaime's mental state, she makes a decision that has violent consequences and puts her in a very precarious situation with her husband. Will Rachel find out the truth about Nina's death? Can she protect herself and Jamie after events begin to escalate out of control?
Rachel has come a long way from her humble beginnings but she is still somewhat uncomfortable as she tries to resume the elegant renovations of David's family estate. With David working long hours in London, Rachel is lonely but she keeps busy investigating her new surroundings. She is also busy with Jamie but she is becoming increasingly worried about his strange behavior and she becomes quite frightened after he makes a rather dire prediction. As Rachel begins piecing together the details of Nina's fatal accident, some of the information she uncovers does not make sense and David is reluctant to discuss the night his first wife died. What secrets are her husband keeping? Why is he so unwilling to do more to help Jamie handle his grief?
At first glance, David is the perfect catch. He is a devoted father and he is a well-respected lawyer who works long hours. Through hard work and a lot of determination, he saved the estate after his father's gambling problem nearly bankrupted the family. He positively adored his first wife, but David is quite smitten with Rachel and he has a great deal of respect for her. However, he is most displeased when she begins asking questions he does not want to answer and he is infuriated after she takes steps to try to get Jamie help for his odd behavior. In the aftermath of violent altercation, David is cold-hearted and ruthless in his attempts to take complete charge of his fracturing family.
In some ways, Jamie is a perfectly normal little boy. He loves his dad and he cares a great for Rachel. However, he is completely confused about some of the things that happened the night his mother died and with the anniversary of her death fast approaching, he is becoming quite desperate. Jamie's declarations are unsettling and he is quite adamant that she is alive despite evidence to the contrary. However, inexplicable and unexplained occurrences play into some of Rachel's doubts and fears and she becomes convinced that Jamie might have a legitimate reason for some of his beliefs.
For the most part, The Fire Child is an incredibly riveting mystery that moves at a very brisk pace. S.K. Tremayne does an absolutely brilliant job building suspense as Rachel tries to uncover the truth that David is trying so hard to keep from her. With the tension reaching a fever pitch, this psychological thriller comes to a pulse-pounding adrenaline-filled conclusion that neatly wraps up all of the various threads of this spell-binding and somewhat eerie story.
mpr2000's review against another edition
4.0
Rachel has a new perfect life with a handsome husband, a shy son and a big mansion to restore. But everything falls apart when her new son predicts she will be dead by Christmas... Does she have to be scared or just a silly joke of a child? Ready for a scary story?
This is the first book I read of the author S.K. Tremayne and I am gladly surprised with this novel, it has mystery, twists and a little bit of terror!
I was surprised with all the background the author created with the Kerthen of Carnhallow legends, the miner story is quite sad but really interesting and showing the images of all the miners on the book is amazing!
This is not the typical story where's a missing body and the husband's the prime suspect. This novel is more intricate and dark, the past of the characters will make them more scared when some mysterious things happening in the mansion... maybe ghosts?
I would like to make a big spoiler because I can't resist to talk about postpartum psychosis, because is an illness that no one wants to talk, but is real and very, very scary!
Take a look at the symptoms...
Hearing voices, and seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinating).
Rapid and extreme mood swings.
Manic behaviour, such as cleaning the house in the middle of the night.
Feeling disconnected from reality.
Feeling confused, perhaps not recognising friends or family.
Having delusions, and believing things that are untrue or illogical.
It has to be very difficult for the person who suffers the symptoms, tell the family and friends the feelings she had and most difficult to ask for help. I would like to think that in the future talking about psychological illness would not be tabu, maybe is it just a dream, but I always think that talking makes things easy.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone, if you are searching for a book to enjoy, discover, disconnect... let The Fire Child seduce you with their story!
Are you afraid of ghosts?
This is the first book I read of the author S.K. Tremayne and I am gladly surprised with this novel, it has mystery, twists and a little bit of terror!
I was surprised with all the background the author created with the Kerthen of Carnhallow legends, the miner story is quite sad but really interesting and showing the images of all the miners on the book is amazing!
This is not the typical story where's a missing body and the husband's the prime suspect. This novel is more intricate and dark, the past of the characters will make them more scared when some mysterious things happening in the mansion... maybe ghosts?
I would like to make a big spoiler because I can't resist to talk about postpartum psychosis, because is an illness that no one wants to talk, but is real and very, very scary!
Take a look at the symptoms...
Hearing voices, and seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinating).
Rapid and extreme mood swings.
Manic behaviour, such as cleaning the house in the middle of the night.
Feeling disconnected from reality.
Feeling confused, perhaps not recognising friends or family.
Having delusions, and believing things that are untrue or illogical.
It has to be very difficult for the person who suffers the symptoms, tell the family and friends the feelings she had and most difficult to ask for help. I would like to think that in the future talking about psychological illness would not be tabu, maybe is it just a dream, but I always think that talking makes things easy.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone, if you are searching for a book to enjoy, discover, disconnect... let The Fire Child seduce you with their story!
Are you afraid of ghosts?
assis's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
elenaaaaa's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sometimes it doesn't make sense...
it is well written but it seems as if the author tried to make the book more interesting with more things to explain, but it was just confusing. but i liked the overall storyline:)
it is well written but it seems as if the author tried to make the book more interesting with more things to explain, but it was just confusing. but i liked the overall storyline:)
katieeliza's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book - it has a well paced plot and interesting characters. A good read.
I really enjoyed this book - it has a well paced plot and interesting characters. A good read.
thelibraryofmills's review
2.0
This book confused me. I had high expectations going in & I think it failed to live up to them.
The premise of the book was strange, and I thought the storyline would follow more of the crime aspect of it rather than the paranormal side. I think had this book followed the death, it would have been much more my style.
I found some of the text hard to follow because it sounded like it was being written from different perspectives.
I like the author’s writing style, I just don’t think this particular book was for me.
The premise of the book was strange, and I thought the storyline would follow more of the crime aspect of it rather than the paranormal side. I think had this book followed the death, it would have been much more my style.
I found some of the text hard to follow because it sounded like it was being written from different perspectives.
I like the author’s writing style, I just don’t think this particular book was for me.
aralizca's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0