Divided Fire

Product Description

In a rich fantasy world where Songs literally move heaven and earth, one sister must use magic and the other must rely on strength to reunite when pirates, greed, and war tear them away from each other.
Miren has never allowed jealousy of her sister’s magic keep her from taking care of Kesia, and Kesia has always depended on her big sister. When Kesia is kidnapped, Miren will do anything to get her back—even team up with her sister’s aristocratic and seemingly ineffectual boyfriend. Neither sister had ever left their small fishing village before, and now they are plunged into the wider world, minor players in a war between nations. Each sister faces external and internal perils, and each finds surprising allies and unexpected strengths. How will the two find each other again? And what will become of them if they don’t succeed?

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Miren wanted so desperately to Sing like her mother-to use fire magic, directed by the power of her voice. But she didn’t have the Song within her, as much as she tried. Miren’s younger sister Kesia had no such issues-her Song was strong, even if her body was not. When the country goes to war, their parents are drafted, leaving the pale-skinned girls to take care of each other. As someone who can Sing, Kesia should have gone as well, but after she got sick, Miren was able to convince everyone that she lost her voice and the ability to Sing, to keep her safe. When pirates attack their small town, Kesia uses her power to try and save herself and her sister…and gets kidnapped in the process. Miren leaves the only home she has ever known to chase after the pirates who stole her sister. Both sisters must use every bit of strength they possess to be reunited. Told in multiple points of view, this is a compelling story of two sisters braving a world they’ve never seen before, and making unlikely friendships along the way. The quick pacing and perspective changes make for a fast read, which might appeal to some reluctant readers. VERDICT A solid purchase for libraries where fantasy novels are popular.-Amanda Toth, Lane Lib., Hamilton, OHα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

“San Filippo leads readers along a carefully orchestrated plot….The use of sign language by the Singers is a refreshing addition to the narrative, while the dual third-person points of view add depth….this imaginative debut with a sisterly bond at its center will attract fantasy lovers.” 
–​Booklist

“Told in multiple points of view, this is a compelling story of two sisters braving a world they’ve never seen before, and making unlikely friendships along the way. The quick pacing and perspective changes make for a fast read.” 
–​School Library Journal

About the Author

Jennifer San Fillippo is a freelance copy editor who holds an MFA in Creative Writing from San Jose State University. She enjoys cycling, music, and drawing. She lives in California with her family and a small army of pets.
www.jennifersanfilippo.com Twitter: @jennifersanflip