Into the Fire
An Everglenn Novel
Magic and passion mix in the exciting fantasy novel Into the Fire, about a woman coming into her powers.
In Suzy Webb’s unpredictable fantasy novel Into the Fire, family secrets lead to ruin.
Freya, who is pregnant with twins, has sensory powers that are still coming to fruition. When she is abducted in a violent tussle, Freya’s partner Tobyn and her found family members search foreign lands to find her. In their escape, Freya learns more about her fraught, complicated paternal lineage, coming to terms with a devastating prophecy that threatens her and her unborn children’s futures.
Freya’s turmoil is revealed at a rapid pace, with only pockets of time devoted to character development. Further, chapters devoted to Freya are interspersed among other points of view to highlight the steps each person takes to find Freya. New characters dilute the focus further, though the pace doesn’t change to accommodate the expanding cast. Thrilling scenes are numerous but rushed through, as when the group goes with questionable men to investigate caves in search of more answers.
Most of the people in the cast are of either English or Irish decent, which is reflected in their conversations. For example, Callum—grandfather to Liam, one of Freya’s best friends—speaks with a thick Irish accent and makes use of regional slang, while Freya and Tobyn speak in plain English. Such juxtapositions are distinctive if inconsistent: When Callum speaks later in the novel, his tone switches within a few sentences, resulting in disorientation. Other inconsistencies appear as well, as with the use of “for” instead of “to” and omitted prepositions.
Moving between action scenes and scenes focused on the evolving loving relationships among the cast, the story holds suspense as it follow Freya’s campaign to discover hidden truths about her life. Indeed, the romance elements of the book are mystical and fiery, including multiple amorous scenes between Freya and Tobyn. As Freya comes further into her powers, they impact her relationship too. Freya feels the heartbeats of the twin girls growing inside her, and as Tobyn lays his hand on her stomach; they do “circus tricks” in response to his touch. The couple’s fluctuations between lust and love suggest that their relationship is passionate, adding depth to the strength of their union.
Less convincing is the fact that Freya is rescued from a multitude of near-death experiences and that the major characters have exceptional skills for avoiding true danger. Their good luck and loyalty continue into the book’s satisfying final pages, wherein Freya confronts a prominent figure from her past and creates a plan for her future.
Into the Fire is an expressive fantasy novel in which a woman resolves to protect her children and uncover her magic.
Reviewed by
Jennifer Maveety
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
