Her Hidden Fire

Gr 9 Up–A corrupt governing body has everyone questioning how far they’ll go for their loved ones in this fantasy novel. In Domhain, 17-year-old Ionáin of House Ailm, has a chance to restore his family name through the Reckoning; a ceremony to discover if one can channel magic. When he fails to exhibit power, Éadha, Ionáin’s commoner best friend, clandestinely funnels him magic, leading everyone to believe Ionáin is a Channeller. Disguised as a Keeper (those with lesser magic), Éadha accompanies Ionáin to training, determined to secretly help him become a full-fledged Channeller. Éadha soon finds magical training’s dark side, with its seedy underbelly of archaic traditions and disturbing inner workings. Add in the mysterious apprentice Keeper Gry, and Éadha starts questioning everything the Channeller Masters are telling them. O’Sullivan’s Irish-inspired ­fantasy creates a lush landscape filled with magic and deceit that readers will be eager to uncover. Éadha and Ionáin’s relationship is a fascinating look at struggling to hold onto humanity as the world attempts to remold them; with both characters lying, deceiving, and failing to be fully candid with each other. Gry’s role in the novel challenges Éadha to think differently, while aiding her to see how power and greed change people. The author plays with time well, using months of passage to break apart, comprehend, and grow these characters as they rebel against centuries of teachings. Éadha has honey-brown skin, Gry has dark skin, and Ionáin has tanned pale skin. A pronunciation guide is provided. A content warning for coercive behavior and physical and sexual assault is included.