Reigning Fire empowers a strong voice for a protagonist with a tendency to persevere. I loved the fast-paced nature of the novel. The Phoenix myth is reconstructed as the metaphor for trauma creating new tides for the protagonist to rise from. What is the meaning for training if the purpose were not to rise? A hopecore fantasy novel that exists in a universe outside of western ideals.
A fun thrilling novella that races through the action. The dialogue is ripe with diction that defines the characters passive goals. The narrative could benefit from exploring the universe a bit more. This reads like a brother’s grim story never told. An utterly unique fantastical experience for fantasy reader’s disenchanted by western ideals capitalizing their mythological universes. A strong voice for neurodivergent who are looking how to amplify their own voices. 3.75 rated up! Thank you Netgalley and House of Ember publishing for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
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Holy crap this is so good. I can't believe this is the authors first dive into fiction. She has mastered the craft, drawing me in effortlessly with divine story telling. There is a lot going on, deep court intrigue, multiple points of view and a fast pace had me debating if I would need a notebook to keep track the first few chapters but then it just clicks. I found myself, rooting for our heroine and emotionally devastated a few times. Author expertly weaves in neurodivergent representation and each and every characters pov felt unique to them and I really enjoyed seeing how two people can view the exact same situation and understand it differently. This may be my new Roman Empire and I desperately need a book two please thanks to the author, netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy

* Political Intrigue: So many secrets and shady deals, you'll feel like you need a secret decoder ring to keep up. It's like watching a magical version of the House of Cards, but with more people who can actually turn into mythical birds.
* The Main Character's Brain: Our protagonist is neurodivergent, which is a breath of fresh air. She’s navigating a royal court with all the social grace of a bewildered tourist at a food market. Her inner monologue is more relatable than any "chosen one" destiny.
* The Phoenix: The perfect symbol for a story where everything is constantly on fire. The author uses the phoenix metaphor to show that if your life is a total dumpster fire, don’t worry—you can always rise from the ashes. It's inspirational in the most chaotic way possible.
* Court Life: The royal court is filled with scheming villains, backstabbing relatives, and people who are just not having a good time. It’s exactly like a holiday gathering with your extended family, but with higher stakes and better outfits.
Overall:
Reigning Fire is a fast-paced, emotionally intense debut that proves a protagonist doesn’t need a magical sword to be a total badass—they just need a sharp mind and the ability to survive being constantly set on fire, metaphorically speaking. It's a fantastic ride from start to finish.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc

Jasmine Kah Yan Loo has crafted an exciting and immersive fantasy world that immediately draws the reader in. The novel brilliantly blends the moody allure of dark academia with the mystical charm of the Emberkin—creatures that feel like a loving nod to Philip Pullman's dæmons, adding a layer of soulful depth to the story.
At the heart of the book is a compelling protagonist whose journey is shaped not only by court intrigue, forbidden magical artifacts, and layers of secrets and lies, but also by her unique perspective as someone with autism. This lens adds richness and authenticity to the narrative, offering readers a fresh and empathetic viewpoint.
The world-building is intricate and atmospheric, and the plot is packed with tension and mystery. There’s plenty here for fans of fantasy and character-driven stories to enjoy. I’m already looking forward to diving into Book 2 and seeing where Loo takes us next.