Born of Fire

J.R. Mitchell
Amira Press (2007)
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/07)


Dragons once ruled over all creatures in the land of Tir.  Fearing that their power has become too great, they are not allowed to procreate.  As they are killed off, one dragon must be allowed to live or all creatures will die.  This dragon ignores the rules and creates a child, named Kenna, with a human woman.  “Born in Fire” is about Kenna and how she finds her magic. 

Kenna’s father, Murrock, is punished by being imprisoned in human form with no magic.  He is also forced to watch his lover be killed after the birth of their child.  Kenna is raised believing that she is a simple girl, with a few magic skills, from the Breakshire Woods.  Unaware, that there are other magical races, Kenna is surprised when an elf shows up at her doorstep to take her away from her grandfather to protect her and to help her discover her real destiny. 

Her father manages to capture her, and Kenna discovers that she has several half-brothers.  Her father’s motives for wanting her with him are not honorable. His own magic has a touch of evil to it.  Unable to call to his inner dragon has driven him insane.  Kenna has to decide who she can trust and keep her father from discovering her true magical skills.

“Born of Fire” is a beautiful short story.  Mitchell manages to incorporate a complex, descriptive plot into less than forty pages. This story brought back memories of fairy tales that I loved as a child.  This tale is much more developed than the ones of my past.  If you need a break and want a story that will touch your heart, I highly recommend, “Born of Fire.”

Make comment on weblog

but this book button