Divided Fire

San Filippo is a fantastic writer. Its rare to find a book that makes you care about the characters so quickly, and this one does it. The duel sister point of view throughout the book is seamless, never making you too upset that it shifts because you know you are about to get answers to questions formed in the last chapter. The world is also fantastic. From believable political intrigue to subtle explanations of geology, you are placed in a complex world that grows on you slowly. The distinct turn away from the classic good versus evil and forced romance is also refreshing and relatable.

Plopped into middle of a war between two counties, I enjoyed that the presence of conflicting opinions and upbringings of characters provided enough information for me to form personal opinions of the situation and which side was right. Plus, the addition of sign language is so cool!! How its such a normal part of the culture in the book, it really makes you want that for the real world. PLEASE WRITE A SEQUEL! I have been looking for good, clean high adventure reads like Brandon Sandersons books and this book did not disappoint! Highly recommend people getting the young adult readers in their families this book, but also for those slightly older young adult readers looking for a gripping, clean, and well put together story!!

Divided Fire is an exciting fantasy that powerfully utilizes sign language.

Interesting Premise
Filippo did an incredible job of incorporating sign language into her storytelling. It was incredible to see this group of people highlighted powerfully and compellingly. Kesia does not have a voice for most of the novel; her power kept secret by her sister, causing her to feel defeated and without a voice. However, when she uses her Song to defend others and fight for captives and slaves just like herself, she grows and learns to find her inner strength through her use of sign language.

It is incredible to see sign language utilized powerfully to showcase the magic in the world. To see it applied and used throughout the novel by those who have the Song and those who do not showcases inclusion.

It sends a strong message to those in the deaf and mute community that not having a voice does not mean one is powerless but quite the opposite. It also sends a message to readers who feel like they do not have a voice that a voice is not what makes one powerful, it is willpower, the mind, and strength combined that truly make any language and voice powerful.

Characterization & Storytelling
While the novels premise was exciting and parts of the story engaging, Divided Fire does fall short.

The biggest issue with the novel is the pacing. Early on, there is much history thrown at the reader. This drags down the novel and bores the reader because Filippo is throwing so much at the reader that they cannot lose themselves in the story. Simply put, it is just too much information at once. Another thing that slows down the pacing is the fact that it becomes repetitive. Filippo throws a lot at the reader and then throws it in repeatedly throughout the story, slowing down the novels pacing, becoming dull.

Then there are the dynamics. There is character growth between the characters, but for the most part, Miren is standoffish. It is hard to connect to her because her tone is so rough. Her prejudices and attitude make her unlikable. Granted her distrust of others is smart, but her dislike of almost everyone is what makes her unlikable.

Thankfully, there is character growth, making her warmer and more likable as a character.

Final Thoughts
Divided Fire is worth the read because it is a fantasy that has compelling elements allowing it to stay unique and stray away from clichs and tropes.

DIVIDED FIRE is a beautiful YA fantasy about sisterhood and war. Miren and her sister Kesia live in their small town with a big secret. All the men and Singers have been drafted to the war – they lost their father and their Singer mother to it. Singers use their voices in song to control the world around them with one ability over an element (fire, water, earth, and air). This is typically used for the betterment of the town, but it has now been turned for war. When the soldiers went through the town, Kesia was ill with a disease known to take away a voice. They assumed she had lost her ability to Sing. However, Kesia did not – a secret only she and Miren know.

That secret blows up their world when pirates come and steal a young woman from their town. Kesia can’t stand by, and she uses her fire singing to stop them. Instead, they take her, as the price for a Singer is even better, and a fire singer is the rarest ability. Miren tries to fight them, but she is unable to do so, and the sisters are separated. Miren has spent much of her life protecting Kesia, and she refuses to let this be the end. Together with the lord’s son, they follow after Kesia, learning more about their country and the world than they could have anticipated. At the same time, Kesia is learning terrible truths about people and fighting to stay alive and get back to her sister. Following their journeys in alternating sections, the world building grows alongside discussions of morality, war, and human nature.

What I loved: This book was absolutely captivating. I loved the idea of magic and Singing as well as the ultimate power of sisterly love that encompasses their stories. As we travel with Miren and experience Kesia’s paths, this unique world begins to come to life. I was really intrigued by these countries and people. This book was without romance, and I loved that the focus throughout was on the sisters and their love for each other. The plot also kept a nice and steady pace that carried the reader through the story relatively quickly.

The characters were all really well built. They had clear strengths and weaknesses, and I appreciated the imperfections. I liked not only the main characters, but also the side characters that we meet along the way. This is definitely a world I want to return to.

Final verdict: DIVIDED FIRE is a captivating and compelling YA fantasy abut sisterhood with fantastic world building and intricately crafted characters. Highly recommend for fans of CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL and SISTERS OF SHADOW AND LIGHT.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

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