"An ambitious, big-souled wonder of a book, For a Muse of Fire cements Heilig as one of YA's great creators of fascinating fantasy worlds. She spins a tale of rebellion and refugees, beauty and vulnerability, art and ugliness. It's complicated and soaring, full of magic and pain." - Melissa Albert, New York Times-bestselling author of The Hazel Wood "Intensely original, creatively complex--Heilig's fantastical world is a place like nothing I've seen before, and one I am desperate to revisit immediately! I was captivated by Jetta from the start, and I was left stunned and bereft by the end, cursing Heilig for leaving me wanting more. Do not miss this emotionally beautiful fantasy about a complex girl you can't help but come to love." - Ellen Oh, author of Prophecy "For a Muse of Fire is full of magic and danger, heartbreak and love. The book's playfulness of form deepens the story's truth, and the characters are complex and compelling. I loved it.
" - Kat Howard, author of An Unkindness of Magicians "This start to a new trilogy is fast-paced and gripping while also offering readers a thoughtful commentary on the long-lasting ramifications of war and colonization.This must-have story with an inclusive cast, high stakes, and an intense cliff-hanger will leave readers clamoring for the next installment." - School Library Journal (starred review) "A treacherous, darkly fantastical world.This series starter is action-packed.theatrical elements, rich world building, and loose ties to the French colonization of Southeast Asia add fascinating depth." - ALA Booklist "A lush land reminiscent of South Asia is the setting for a thrilling trilogy opener by Heilig.Telegrams, letters, and play scenes sprinkled throughout create a strong sense of place, and Jetta's struggle to accept herself is relatable. Heilig uses intricate prose to animate nuanced characters and action-packed scenes in this immersive, epic fantasy.
" - Publishers Weekly "Readers will be rewarded with vividly drawn settings reminiscent of Hawaii and Southeast Asia, exciting action scenes, and a complex protagonist.A broody fantasy with a diverse cast, rarely-seen setting, and compelling heroine who struggles with bipolar disorder." - Kirkus Reviews "Masterful and daring, Heilig deftly takes this story from a modest family stage to the grand theater of war and rebellion." - Natalie C. Parker, author of Seafire and Beware the Wild "Heilig skillfully mixes francophone-inflected language and South Asian aesthetics.with in-world folk songs, legends, and sections that read like a stage play to present a truly eclectic fantasy narrative of uncanny theatrics." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review) "Evocative and refreshingly unique.A nuanced, heartrending story that will leave you shattered and begging for more.
For a Muse of Fire is the anti-colonial, mental illness #ownvoices, POC-centered, female-led, young adult epic fantasy you never knew you wanted." - Tor.com "Following on the heels of Heilig's delightful debut series, For a Muse of Fire has big shoes to fill. It succeeds in full, while aiming for even greater heights in characterization, worldbuilding, and narrative. It turns a painful and honest gaze on complex issues. Be prepared to stay up late with this one." - NPR.org.