THE FIRE WITHIN THEM by Matthew Ward

Book Review

Elloise Hopkins

In the Kingdom of Khalad, Vallant’s rebellion is growing. After the battle stoked the fires, more joined him against the immortal king, Katija Arvish and her loyal companions among them. It will not be easy, but all are resolved to bring an end to this rule, no matter the sacrifices.

In the aftermath of the confrontation with her sister, Tanith, and her journey into the Deadwinds, Kat has to come to terms with the truth. She has the omen rot, just as her mother did. And if she cannot find a way to cure it, it will be the death of her too… and soon. 

Tanith also suffers in the aftermath of her sister’s betrayal and the flames of the Deadwinds. Only her aetherios tattoo remains unchanged. If she is to survive, Tanith has no choice but to replenish her energy, even though the method will be immensely distasteful to her… at first. She may not have mastered her aetherios tattoo in the same way Kat has, but it will not stop her from trying.

The Fire Within Them follows Kat’s search for a cure and Tanith’s determination for survival as they find themselves swept up in the desire to bring down the immortal king and restore a goddess to the world. With both sisters taking on point-of-view roles, the reader is able to empathise more readily with each and understand more fully the needs and wants driving them. They will learn they are more similar than perhaps they had previously thought.   

The middle of a trilogy is traditionally a slower and more information-leaden place to be, but somehow Ward has defied that convention here, delivering a central book that builds on the first, painting in details of the wider world and the magic system without compromising on action, tension or narrative drive. The characters come more into their own as we get to know them better, and the relationships between our protagonists and their support network are well portrayed. We look forward to the end of the trilogy with curious anticipation.