I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A teen girl is confronted by the figure of a lost classmate covered in flames and must investigate a tragic incident in author Edward Willett’s “Fireboy.”
The Synopsis
Finalist, Best YA Novel, 2026 High Plains International Book Awards
Finalist, Best Young Adult Novel, 2026 Aurora Awards
Nominee, 2027 Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Awards (Northern Lights)
“I knew things were getting weird when I saw my best friend’s face in the campfire. I didn’t realize how weird until the campfire followed me home . . .”
Thirteen-year-old Samantha “Sam” MacReady is nervous about the start of Grade 8, especially science class, which isn’t too surprising: last year, her Grade 7 science class mysteriously disappeared on the way to a field trip she missed out on.
But when her best friend, Lorenzo—whom no one has seen since he got on the bus with the rest of that class—suddenly appears in a campfire, she moves from nervous to freaked out. She teams up with Meg LeBlanc, the sole student survivor of what all adults refer to as “The Tragedy,” to uncover just what went on that day and why Lorenzo is now showing up in her back yard made entirely of flames.
What the two girls find out is far freakier and scarier than they ever imagined. Sam and Meg must use all their grit and intelligence to save the day and free their friends from magical enslavement . . . or fall victim to the very same fate.
THE REVIEW
This was a visceral, fun, and highly entertaining fantasy read. The contemporary setting of Western Canada allowed the story’s supernatural elements to have a much greater impact on both the narrative and the cast of characters. The immersive experience readers get is perfected by the author’s use of imagery, creating a campy yet engaging setting and tone that draws readers in immediately.
What really stood out to me was the cast of characters and the strength they drew from one another as they investigated this mystery. The idea of these young kids exploring the mystery behind what appears to be a tragic loss, but is instead a much more complicated supernatural threat, creates a late 80s-meets-early 90s atmosphere that speaks to adventure and the power of friendship. This aesthetic allows the reader to feel even more immersed in the setting and invested in the overall plot as these characters get drawn further and further into the mystery of this class tragedy.
THE VERDICT
Entertaining, thrilling, and mesmerizing, author Edward Willett’s “Fireboy” is a must-read supernatural fantasy novel. Fans of shows like Stranger Things will be instantly drawn in by the exciting opening incident and the relatability and connection readers feel to this cast of characters, as the shocking twists and turns they encounter elevate the overall narrative and leave readers wanting more of this world. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Edward Willett is the award-winning author (under his own name and as E.C. Blake and Lee Arthur Chane) of more than sixty books of science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction for readers of all ages, including twelve novels for DAW Books. He has been shortlisted multiple times for Saskatchewan Book Awards, and won for his young adult fantasy Spirit Singer (Shadowpaw Press). He won Canada’s top science fiction and fantasy award, the Aurora, for his second novel for DAW, Marseguro, and has been shortlisted several times since, including for his recent young adult science fiction novel Star Song (Shadowpaw Press). Ed has also won an Aurora Award for his podcast, The Worldshapers, where he talks to other authors about their latest books and creative process. In addition to being a writer and editor, Ed is a professional actor and singer. He lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, with his wife, Margaret Anne Hodges, a professional engineer.
https://www.instagram.com/edwardwillettauthor
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