Firebrand

Dangerous.

That's how sixteen-year-old Saray sees herself.

As both a magikai in a land where magic is outlawed and an orphan who was abandoned by her parents to boarding school, Saray has been taught to view her abilities as a threat.

When Saray's talents are accidentally revealed, she is forced to flee her school. But she is given hope by a sympathetic teacher in the form of the Isle of Dundere- a place where Saray can find safe haven for her magic, and where her blind friend Trina can seek healing for her vision.

As they make their way, though, Saray and Trina will learn that much of what they've been told is a lie. To reach Dundere, they will need to face their own prejudices and depend on people they've been taught to fear. And Saray will learn things on her journey that will challenge her beliefs about both her own origins and the magic within herself.

Because Saray's magic IS dangerous. But danger can be useful when it's wielded skillfully.

Reviews

"Step into a world full of forbidden magic and found family. Firebrand is an exciting addition to Canadian fantasy." - Christine Lavall嶪

"Firebrand is Mary Walz's debut novel, and it captures your attention right away. Her ability at weaving an intricate and complex intertwining of events that allowed for so many characters to be affected was beautiful, heartbreaking and full of hope and redemption.

Saray, the protagonist, is an orphan living at Sylvenburgh Academy. A young girl who struggles with being clumsy, socially awkward and unsure of her place, something that we can all relate to, as well as her secret, her forbidden power.

Along with her blind best friend Trinia, Saray soon find themselves hunted and on the run from the Breoch Guard. As they try to make their way to safety, finding allies along the way, friendships will be gained and broken, past and present will collide, and unimaginable sacrifices will occur.

I thoroughly enjoyed Mary's imaginative and rich world-building, and I cannot wait to see where she takes these characters and their story." - Kelly Port