By Melissa Khan
When I saw the Tik Tok that author Aparna Verma made about her YA science fantasy novel, The Boy With Fire, I ran to find my copy. I was drawn in by the promise of a fantasy novel full of strong and morally grey characters, fire bending, and inspired by Indian mythology. Our journey begins with Yassen Knight, an ex-assassin on the run from a dangerous rebel group. Yassen has been offered a deal, brokered by his childhood friend Samson, to serve as the princess’ sworn sword. Behind the castle walls he meets Princess Elena, almost ready to ascend the throne of Ravence, but struggling with one thing, and her father King Leo, who may be descending into madness. The story follows these three important characters as they move through the political atmosphere at court.
The backdrop of Ravence is mystical and causes readers to become thirsty for more—and not just because it’s a vast desert. I thought the worldbuilding was decently explored, but there were certainly moments when I felt I could’ve done with more description. For a fantasy novel, I expected an intimate explanation regarding the different places within the desert kingdom and the relationship between political groups and the magical elements. There was a beautifully drawn map at the beginning of the book that I tried referencing a number of times but felt I didn’t know enough about my surroundings to utilize it fully. The writing, though melodic and enjoyable, didn’t lend itself to these more specific details.
In particular, the fire bending aspect was something I looked forward to. I loved the moments when we see Elena research and practice her fire bending. But the importance of holding fire was not shown as clearly. I think more conversations between Elena and Leo could have provided the context this part of the story was missing.
I was promised strong, well-rounded female characters and was not disappointed. I particularly found her in Ferma, one of Princess Elena’s guards. Did Ferma show her strength in the training room and through her fierce protection of Elena’s physical well being? Absolutely! But her real strength came from her moral character and her loving nature. She cared deeply for Elena and spoke her mind when she felt she had something important to say. I felt that Ferma was such a grounding character for both Elena and Yassen, and provided so much to both of their stories.
In general, the characters were my favourite part of the story. I was captured by their inner monologues and their sometimes-unreliable narration. There were times I didn’t know how to feel or who to trust, even when they were speaking right to me. Towards the end of the novel, I started to feel it was becoming rushed, there was so much happening at once, which left me confused and frustrated. But it came together at the bitter end with a most satisfying final goodbye and set up for a much-anticipated sequel.