Where Fires Burn

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!

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 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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.