2.5 ⭐️
This was a very middle of the road read.

The plot synopsis had me so excited and very high hopes for this one but it just fell a bit flat for me. The <b>writing style</b> felt clunky and something about it just made it really hard for me to get into. The <b>characters</b> were fine but I didn’t particularly like them. It often felt like they were just being dumb and simple communication could have saved them some of that strife. The <b>timing and pacing</b> felt off, in that some sections would drag endlessly and other times you’d get large jumps without a good indication that that much time had passed.

Side note here because I feel I’m focusing a lot on the negative there were bits I liked. The story it told was interesting and pulled me in but I do feel the negatives in this one outweighed it for me. And truthfully, had this not been an ARC I don’t know if I would have tried as much as I did to read it.

<b>Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!</b>

A strong story of the American frontier. After Comanche warriors abduct the sisters the story begins. How they live in the Comanche world is fascinating. Wonderful story.

I was hooked right from the first page. This was a great historical fiction book, very emotional. The characters had very strong personalities, which actually drove the story. Lots of highs and lows as the plot navigates the life of Fire Girl, taken from her "white" family and brought to live among 'The People". Absolutely hooked and cannot wait to read Book 2 .
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Where Fires Burn is Veronica Castillo's debut book in the series Smoke and Shadow series, and that's important to know when you come to the end. It is based on the lives of true historical figures, Cynthia Ann Parker and Peta Nocona.
The main character, Bridget is captured by the Comanches along with her younger sister. The author writes beautifully about the Indian culture with well researched details, drawing in the reader into the lives of the tribe.
What is so well done is presenting the capture and cultural practice from "Fire girl's" perspective and then slowly pulling back the curtain of the true events and how it impacted the Comanche families. How Fire girl slowly assimilates and what she choses is believable although there is some jumps in time that make the story a bit uneven. While Fire girl and Lone wolf start a rapid relationship, keep in mind, they are teens that have had quite a bit of trauma.
There is graphic content about the fighting between the Comanche and the settlers,(appropriate to the time) as well as some around their marital sex which was surprising and didn't seem to quite fit the general previous narrative and tone of the book.
If you are looking for a well-written historical story about the Comanche, incoming settlers and how they interact through the lives of Fire Girl and Lone Wolf, this is a solid read, for me a 3.5.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Prickly Pear for providing an ARC copy for review. All opinions are expressly my own.

This is an Historical Fiction novel about a young girl named Bridget, who is kidnapped during a raid by a rival tribe. We follow her as she is integrated into their customs, language, and way of life. A beautifully written book, that is so heartbreaking at times. But there is so much beauty in this story and it was so educational. I knew very little about the Comanche and after reading this did a lot of independent research on the tribe. The author did an amazing job at toeing the line between historical fact and fiction. This is a must read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Prickly Pear for providing an ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own.

2.5/5 rounded down

Where fires burn is a historical romance set in the 1800's that follows Bridget, a white child who is kidnapped by a native American band after a raid kills most of the people she knows, and is raised as an 'adopted' child to a native American family.

This book had a very strong start, until about 70% in this book would have been a 4/4.5✨ for me. Unfortunately, at around the 70% mark this book takes a turn for the worse in my opinion and it didn't recover.

Let's start with the positives.

As someone who has studied native American history to an extent and the atrocities that happened to them it is abundantly clear that the author conducted a vast amount of research into the culture, landscapes and languages of the time. She creates an immensely powerful atmosphere that draws the reader in and keeps them immersed.

The author also is very successful at evoking such raw emotions from the reader. From loss and grief to feelings of belonging and found family. The plot is steady although some parts are quite predictable, particularly towards the end.

Now the turn..

As stated above this is a historical romance. The book follows Bridget from the age of 10 to 16. At the age of 15 she marries a character that was previously an antagonistic role. I begrudgingly accept that it is historically and culturally accurate for children to be married so young and against their will. However, what I think is wholly unnecessary is how the author chooses to depict this marriage.

Bridget, who is known in native American band as fire girl, begs her adoptive father not to marry her off, she hates this man. She refuses to let him look at her much less touch her. Her husband, lone wolf, begrudgingly accepts her refusal. Not 24 hours later Bridget is practically jumping him every 5 minutes. From 70-80% through this book every other page is a sex scene. Whilst one of the characters is a literal child. I found this extremely uncomfortable to read, I know that teenagers both in the past and in modern day have sex. I don't want to read sexually explicit scenes involving a child. Especially when it is basically S.A by coercion. Firstly by her being forced into marriage. Secondly by her literally thinking "I guess this is happening then" when she consents to him looking at her body and he moves to touch her. That doesn't sound consensual to me.

The switch from Bridget hating him to supposedly loving him happens basically overnight. I did not find their connection believable. I don't think they had any chemistry. I wish the author had spent more time creating a believable bond and relationship between the two characters and less time writing frankly questionable content.

I hope the author finishes book two soon because I can't move on with my life until this ending is resolved. It left me heartbroken. Grab some tissues, a hot drink, and start reading. You won't regret it.

This is a story about a young girl named Bridget. She enters a new world under very sad and harsh circumstances, not understanding anything. That world is one of the Comanche. That is where her story starts, and we follow her throughout years of her life. Brigit's story is one of ups and downs that will make you feel deeply.

If it wasn't clear up until now, I first want to say i loved this book. It was honestly amazing. It has been a long time since I read something as great as this novel. I laughed, I cried, felt anger, and so much more. This isn't a story about the big bad guy and a hero. It is an intricat story about life and its ups and downs.

Normally, I don't like stories that skip in time. The way the author did it, however, made it so seamlessly. I enjoyed seeing Bridget over this long span of time. It also made everything even more realistic.
Talking about Bridget, I loved her character so much. I could really connect to her, especially. The writing made it also possible for me to feel connected to all the characters in their own way.

One negative point I do have is that at some points (especially in the verry beginning), the writing was a tad bit rough. That being said, overall, the writing was amazing and a perfect fit for the story. I could really see the author getting better throughout the book.

I feel so empty not being able to read more immediately.

This was a hard book to pin down because there was quite a lot I enjoyed but also a lot that I didn't.
The main concept of this book I loved and I think had really great potential for an epic, life journey and this book did deliver on some of those elements. In the beginning the characters were really captivating and the story had a lot of complexities that would be really interesting to explore. I loved the historical setting and the insight into this culture as well. Where this book went wrong was the pacing. It would move are to fast and there would be time jumps of years happening between chapters with barely a mention to the reader to realise how much time was passing within this story.
The other thing I think let this down a bit was romance. At the beginning and all through the middle I was really invested in our two main characters romance. I loved the complexity of their enemies to lovers story line and the mirrored grief they had to face with each other. However as soon as the romance actually happened to the characters it elt again all too much and too rushed just like the pacing. It felt so un natural for them to go from barely being able to talk to each other two chapters ago to suddenly a super graphic passionate love scene. This sudden descent into unnecessary vulgarity that carried for a while just to me felt like it cheapened their previous connection built up in the book to just become like any other smut book out there. The scenes all felt more graphic than they needed to be and unsuitable for the stage in their relationship. There were also elements to the characters that felt too cemented and lacked development. This was mostly the case for our main character and her stubbornness. At first it was just a trait but towards the end of the book her decisions were so locked to this principle her choices and thoughts just again felt unnatural and made you so frustrated as a reader.
It's a shame because I was really enjoying this or the first about 50% and then it just went downhill for me. I wanted to love it but the rushed pacing and cheap vulgarity really put me off.


Thank you to netgalley for the arc copy.

I was originally going to rate this book at 4 stars but lowered it to 3. While I really loved the authors writing style, I put off by some of the plot. The beginning and middle of the book had me enraptured and the love story, when it finally happened was sweet. The last part of the book had me rethinking everything I had just read. The main characters constantly made poor choices and didn't communicate causing repeated downfall to their relationship. Bridget/Fire Girl/Red Bear was so stubborn I wanted to shake her repeatedly. And Lone Wolf was too single minded and obsessive for me, but I guess that was kind of the point to his character and his choices. It was so much emotion through the entire book that when I finally finished it, I wasn't only frustrated but exhausted. I'm interested in reading a second book but I don't know if I can handle this much push and pull again.

I love reading about this time period. I immediately requested this, and as excited to be approved. This novel was very well written. The only complaint I have about it is that it seemed like a YA novel. I felt like I was reading another popular series, the Little House books. I think it was due to the fact that for the majority of the book, it is all told from a 11-13 year old's perspective/voice. If it had not been for this, I think I would have enjoyed the book a lot more. The scenic descriptive writing was refreshing and it was hard to put the book down at times. 3.5 stars.

Excellent! I enjoyed this book so much, I couldn’t put it down. Literally read through the night to finish it in 1 day.
The writing is flawless, perfectly balanced dialogue, world building, character building. It’s a slow BURN in a wonderful way. There aren’t enough stories in this time frame and setting so I enjoyed reading about the people and what daily life was like for them. It’s an unapologetic and unflinching portrayal of history.
I want Book 2 immediately! Disappointed there are no other books to read by this author but so glad to have found her. I look forward to reading all of her stories in the future, hope there will be many more as I am now a permanent fan.
Will recommend to all my bookworm friends, casual readers and book clubs!
Thank you for the great read and the escape to a love story of another time!

The Comanches called her Fire Girl...her golden red hair something they hadn't seen before. However, Bridget O'Connell's red hair only characterized what was in her heart...a brave and feisty girl who was captured by the Comanche when the Indian raid kidnapped her sister. She too was abducted during the raid, determined to find her sister, Maggie, and escape. There is a great deal of emotion throughout this novel We read Bridget's journey from her fierce dislike of those who captured her until her acceptance of what her life has become. A book filled with excellent research and history, a well written not to be missed. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book more. It's a well written historical romance about a time in history that isn't really taught or talked about. I liked the main characters and much of the story but felt some of it dragged a bit. I would still highly recommend this book especially to those who enjoy a good historical romance!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219845054-where-fires-burn

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

This book far, FAR exceeded my expectations (which were not low), and it's one of the best historical fiction novels about the American West I've ever read.

Standout aspects of this book were:
- The plot: at no point did I know precisely what would occur next; each chapter brought a fresh scene that felt authentic and kept me captivated
- The writing: strong, smooth prose that flowed easily from the page with true-to-the-time language and dialogue that allowed me to stay fully immersed in the story
- The characters: I fell absolutely in love with both main characters, Fire Girl (Bridget) and Lone Wolf. The depth and complexity with which each character was lovingly crafted, and the depth of emotion felt by each, was breathtaking. This novel is the epitome of "show, don't tell," which, as an author, is much more difficult to do, but SO much more appreciated.
- The romance: a very slow simmer (as it should be, given that the FMC starts out as a child, nearly twelve), it developed in a realistic manner, allowing the depth of emotion to take root and allowing for a more profound connection

It must be said that a great deal of - again, realistic for the time - traumatic events occur in this novel, and any reader should be prepared feel deeply and likely shed some tears. There is great beauty but also great sadness contained in these pages, and I am wildly grateful that this is just the first in a series, with more to come.

Major kudos to this author for creating such a masterpiece. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!

Where Fires Burn by Veronica Castillo is a historical fiction with true events incorporated into the plot. Strong female and male main characters. A great book that I think would have been great without the open-door scenes. As is typical with this period of history, some graphic scenes are present.

Releases Nov. 14th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I devoured this book! I honestly haven't read much like this book. I have read the cute little romcoms but his has substance and a pov I am not used to reading.

This is a beautiful yet tragic tale of survival, love, and loss that takes readers on an emotional journey through the Southern Plains. The story follows Bridget O’Connell, a brave and stubborn young woman whose life is forever changed after an attack by Comanche warriors. Abducted and renamed Fire Girl, she must navigate the challenges of living in a new world, one that is as fierce and captivating as the prairie around her.

What captivated me most about this novel is the glimpse into Comanche life, a culture both strikingly different and deeply fascinating. Bridget’s evolution from a white settler to a member of the Comanche community is one of the novel’s most compelling aspects. Her transformation is gradual and believable, filled with moments of both strength and vulnerability. Bridget is a strong, determined character, but her stubbornness in clinging to grief is as frustrating as it is understandable. I found myself sympathizing with her conflicting loyalties—torn between the world she knew and the new world she is forced to embrace.

The slow-burn romance between Bridget (Fire Girl) and Lone Wolf is one of the novel’s highlights. It reminded me of the tension-filled relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. It’s a quiet yet powerful connection, driven by conflicting emotions, simmering tension, and the constant push-pull between desire and dislike. Their dynamic is complex and rewarding, and I appreciated how the author took the time to let their bond develop naturally, without rushing the emotional depth.

While Where Fires Burn is undeniably dark and heartbreaking at times, it’s also incredibly beautiful. The story is full of hope, love, and resilience amidst cruelty and loss. The historical inspiration behind the book adds layers of authenticity, making the world feel real and lived-in.

Overall, this book was a tumultuous rollercoaster of emotions that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. If you're looking for a story that weaves together history, romance, and a powerful exploration of inner conflict, Where Fires Burn is one you won't want to miss.

Thank you NetGalley and Prickly Pear Publishing for this ARC!

TRIGGER WARNINGS: graphic violence, depictions of rape, sexual violence, childbirth trauma, suicide, graphic torture

A young girl named Bridget gets kidnapped by a Native American tribe during a revenge raid. They decide to adopt and integrate her in their society. Though she struggles at first, slowly but surely she finds her way in this new life.

The most important aspect of any historical fiction novel is crafting a convincing atmosphere and setting. Luckily that is where this book and author shine. Where Fires Burn showcases the immense amount of research the author has put into this novel. Visible in the attention to detail from the rich descriptions of the landscape, to the food eaten, to the languages spoken.

A novel however cannot rely solely on setting, and must also feature distinct, memorable characters. Here again the author provides. Characters are multidimensional with their own merits and faults. We get to know the inner workings of our main character and how she relates to the people around her. Over the course of the novel we see her grow from a young girl into a young woman.

Finally the plot keeps moving forward at a steady pace, while never becoming overly predictable. It was hard to put down this novel at times. I just wanted to find out what the author had in store for us next. This novel is a great start to a series, and I cannot wait to read the next installment!

Where Fires Burn is the perfect novel for the reader who loves to feel deeply. From loss and grief to love and belonging. Veronica Castillo evokes strong emotions with her debut novel. This novel is also for anyone who would love to learn more about a slice of 19th century Native American history through stunningly written fiction.

CW include, but are not limited to: animal death, cutting of limbs, explicit sexual content, kidnapping, loss of a loved one, mutilation, PTSD, racism, rape, self-mutilation, starvation, stillborn baby, suicide, torture, trauma, violence.
This novel features a relationship between a minor and adult by today's standards, but not by the standards of the time and culture this story takes place in.

Thank you Prickly Pear LLC and Veronica Castillo for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was superb. 4.5 stars! The novel was medium paced with strong character development. It was character-driven and had loveable characters. It was an easy read yet the subject matter was a bit challenging in that the characters went through many changes. It was an emotional read. I can't wait for Book 2!

This was a decent book! It did have some boring parts/ lulls but other than that I did enjoy the way that the author wrote. I liked the information, I did learn a few things from this book. I do think it had quite a bit of unrealistic things and scenarios happening which took away from me. I think it was just okay

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!