I'm glad I read all the way to the end because the last section of the book is the best part. The writing was better, character thoughts were more complex, descriptions had me picturing the scene. The actions felt supported by motive and I could see the three-fold rule falling into place.
The first eighty percent wasn't this. The main character undergoes so little growth, behaves so unreasonably, that she seems somehow out of place in her own story. She magically roofies the man she loved for sex, but doesn't want to be married, so she drugs his hated brother into marrying her so she can join a super religious wagon train. She watched her mother burn at the stake and often laments the fact she can't use her magic for fear of these people turning on her. So, she uses it constantly and openly, telling fortunes, mending iron wheels with fire magic, doling out healing potions, and starting every fire with a whisper. When a man she's into comes along to take her away to the life she always wanted, she chooses to stay with the man who she hates because she got a letter telling her to take care of him.
The book was edited well enough for grammar and spelling, though the writing itself is a little light on description. The sex and violence was kept down at a PG level, except for a scene of murder and misogynistic violence against a dead body.1 Jan FosterAuthor 9 books35

4.5 *
Oh Mary, Mary, quite contrary.... seems to be a phrase which runs through my mind over and over reading this well written historical fantasy. She's a barrel of contradictions - single-mindedly conniving to forge her own path, regardless of the consequences to anyone else. In this, she is a formidable force, a powerful woman (even if she doesn't have complete control over said magical powers!), up against the adversities of nature, society and her personal foes.
The Fire Witch is a gripping and pacy read, as we follow Mary discard her love (the very proper Henry - and she doesn't seem quite deserving of him anyway!) and set off towards what she perceives to be freedom. It's almost a mythical place, and quite in keeping with the western frontier setting, where she thinks she will be able to live out her life, practising her magic whenever and however suits her, not her stait-laced sister Stella. It is quite the journey - both physically and of self-discovery!
My only quibble is that the main character is SO uncaring of those around her it's hard to sympathise with her at first, but stick with it. As her sister laments, Silly Girl, and at times, you find yourself questioning what on earth Mary thinks she's playing at if she really expects the outcomes she is so motivated to get. If you love complex characters, gritty settings, some love-to-hate moments (George! Grrrr. What a ****), then this is a good start to what promises to be a great series.historical-fiction Margie Keck2

The first chapter of the “Fire Witch” grabbed my attention, and I soon found myself in Mary, the main character. Surprisingly, the idea of being a witch was not at all strange or scary, but believable, even inviting. Watching Mary grow up and become a responsible caring woman was fascinating. But, as she grew so did her witching skills. I found she wasn’t perfect, and didn’t always do the right thing. Who can’t identify with that?

The author painted wonderful scenes of the countryside as Mary traveled across the country, just enough to not distract from the story but to add to it. With witchery woven in, she made wagon train travel and pioneer life come to life in a new way.

The “Fire Witch” is full of tension and drama, yet, delightful—a page turner. I can’t wait to read it’s sequel.

Margie Keck Smith, author of “Frayed Edges” and “Do the Right Thing” Ricardo Garza1 review

What an amazingly captivating read! I was in awe of the protagonist, Mary, and absolute disgust with George. So much so I had to spend half an hour talking to my girlfriend about how much I hated George and why. I felt this book, and it’s been so long that a book transcends the pages in to my reality to the point that at times that I put the book down I felt exhilarated, disdain, exitement, or a sense of calm. The second book can’t come soon enough!!! Five stars, highly recommended! 1 Janice ClarkAuthor 4 books9

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