Fallen Embers »

A feisty attorney and her young nephew are transported to an alternate feudal Alaska ruled by a class of decadent mages who have enslaved the shapechanging indigenous peoples. Before she can find her way home Kiera must learn more about the local systems of magic and her own ability to summon fire. On whose side should she fight? Whom can she trust -- Marco, the young mage she saves, or fierce and handsome Laszlo, the slave captain of ruling Lord Vayu's army? Kiera's path leads her deeper into Alaska, to joy and to heartbreak. Choosing to follow her heart may cost her everything.

Publishers Weekly

Owen's debut is a flawed but agreeable fish-out-of-water romantic fantasy. After Alaskan lawyer Kiera is tattooed with a secret curse, she and her six-year-old nephew, Alex, are savagely attacked by a wild dog. They wake up in an alternate feudal Alaska. Encountering three children in mortal danger, Kiera unexpectedly calls up magical fire to defend them. After the local army offers her shelter, Kiera is romanced by shape-shifter Captain Laszlo; he's the first of many men who admire Kiera's plus-size body, which she learns is considered the pinnacle of beauty in this new world. Kiera learns how to control and increase her power while trying to avoid becoming a political pawn. Disgusted with the treatment of the enslaved shape-shifters by the privileged magical nobles, Kiera signs up with the approaching slave rebellion even though it may mean Laszlo will be ordered to kill her. Owen's heroine is strong and self-sufficient, but feels too perfect to fail. Though the implausible ending distracts from an otherwise reasonable plot, the overall result is a pleasant summer read. (Sept.)