Fire Child

LoveReading Says

An intense and provocative emotional thriller. Written in alternating diary entries ‘Fire Child’ follows Martin and Tessa, two dark individuals whose connection has devastating consequences. Martin is the son of a powerful politician and through his diary entries we hear of his life stacking shelves at the supermarket and the destructive obsession he’s had with fire since he was a boy. Tessa lives a reclusive life but through her entries we discover her ability to manipulate men, gaining the attraction of any that see her and able to drive any of them mad with lust. ‘Fire Child’ by Sally Emerson is an uncomfortable read in parts, specifically for me being how young Tessa is when she starts to recognise and experiment with her abilities (not quite 13). Both characters are interestingly written, neither are likeable, seeming to enjoy toying with people and observing from a distance, almost psychopathic in their lack of connection to others. This characterisation makes the relationship at the centre of the story a direct contradiction to the ones you’d normally read about. Like Cathy and Heathcliff, Tessa and Martin seem to bring out the worst in each other, recognising a kindred darkness that spurs the other on. The structure of the diary entries is a great way for the reader to get inside the heads of each character, allowing us to learn more about them than we would have from the facades they maintain. The alternating perspective towards the end also creates tension which leaves you eager to see how the final events of the novel will play out. Taking a step onto the darker side of humanity, ‘Fire Child’ is a thought-provoking read that leaves the reader contemplating the darker aspects of what it means to be human.

Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador

LoveReading Ambassador

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