Ranka just wanted to be left alone, but she is named a Bloodwitch and given a mission to kill the Prince and with her particular magic, this shouldn't be a hard task

However, when Ranka meets the Prince and his sister, matter get complicated and she must choose between her mission and her heart...

I listened on audio and found myself getting distracted at times but especially the last part of the story had a lot going on and I enjoyed it well enough. Good as a standalone tale

I really enjoyed this book! It had a whole host of themes that I love to read about. Pus found family is one of my favourite tropes!

I did struggle with the worldbuilding at times but I loved the characters and the story. It was something I'd not read before and it was a great read.

As a fantasy standalone, this just hit the best spot! If you love witches, queer characters and romantasy set in a unique and intriguing world this is absolutely the book for you!

When I first encountered the characters in *The Ones We Burn*, I was prepared for a stereotypical narrative but was pleasantly surprised by the depth and nuance Rebecca Mix provided. The Black characters, Aramis and Galen, stand out as heroes from their first appearances. They are portrayed as multi-dimensional figures in a racially diverse world where no single race holds majority power. The portrayal of witches as humans othered for political rather than racial reasons further enriches the character dynamics. This aspect alone dispels any notion of reverse racism within the narrative.

Ranka, the protagonist, is a compelling figure, grappling with her blood magic and the isolation it brings. Her journey is intertwined with the lives of the royal twins, Galen and Aramis, and Percy, an ambassador from the Isles. Each character has a distinct voice and their development, especially Ranka’s, is meticulously crafted. I appreciated how the book portrays their struggles with leadership, toxic family dynamics, and the quest for love and acceptance. Ranka's relationship with the twins evolves from distrust to deep mutual respect and affection, which was beautifully executed. Percy, with his charming personality, became a favourite, adding much-needed humour and warmth to the story.

The plot of *The Ones We Burn* is an engaging blend of political intrigue, personal growth, and fantasy elements. Set in a world where a fragile alliance between humans and witches is maintained through a treaty, the story follows Ranka, a blood witch, as she navigates her dangerous mission. She is forced to leave her coven and marry Galen, the human prince, with the hidden agenda of killing him as part of a coup.

The plot thickens as Ranka discovers that Galen is not the cruel leader she expected but a kind and gentle soul. His twin sister, Aramis, is equally compelling, intelligent, and unexpectedly attractive. As Ranka uncovers the truth behind a witch-killing plague, her alliances shift, and she must decide whether to betray her coven or forge a new path with her human companions. The pacing, although slow at the start, builds to a tense and thrilling climax, making the latter part of the book a wild, emotional ride.

Rebecca Mix’s writing style in *The Ones We Burn* is both engaging and evocative. Her prose flows smoothly, capturing the complexities of her characters and the intricacies of the plot with a deft hand. The narrative, told from Ranka’s perspective, is rich with emotional depth and vivid descriptions that bring the world to life. Mix’s ability to balance quieter, character-driven scenes with intense action sequences is commendable.

The use of contemporary language within a fantasy setting did feel out of place at times, but these instances were rare and did not detract significantly from the overall experience. What stands out most in Mix’s writing is her handling of sensitive themes such as abuse and trauma. The prose is sprinkled with poignant lines that resonate deeply, particularly for those who have experienced similar struggles.

*The Ones We Burn* explores several profound themes, primarily focusing on the impact of abuse and the journey towards healing. Ranka’s story is a powerful allegory for overcoming the influence of toxic relationships, especially those with parental figures. The book delves into the complexities of love, leadership, and the search for identity in a world that constantly tries to define you.

The theme of found family is beautifully woven throughout the narrative. Ranka, initially isolated and burdened by her power, finds solace and strength in her bonds with the royal twins and Percy. Their relationships exemplify how true family can be chosen and formed through mutual respect and love, rather than blood alone. The book also touches on the idea of redemption and the difficult path towards becoming a better version of oneself, despite past mistakes.

As a young adult fantasy novel, *The Ones We Burn* fits comfortably within the genre while also pushing its boundaries. The book incorporates classic fantasy elements such as magic, political intrigue, and a richly constructed world. However, its focus on character development and emotional depth sets it apart from more traditional fantasy narratives.

The representation of diverse characters and inclusive themes aligns well with contemporary YA trends, making it a relevant and timely addition to the genre. The blend of dark, serious themes with moments of humour and lightness ensures that the story remains engaging and accessible to its intended audience.

Overall, *The Ones We Burn* is a remarkable debut that deftly balances fantasy adventure with deep, emotional storytelling. The characters are well-developed and relatable, the plot is compelling, and the writing style is both beautiful and effective in conveying complex themes. Despite some pacing issues and minor inconsistencies, the book’s strengths far outweigh its flaws.

I would rate this book a solid 5 stars, not only for its intrinsic qualities but also to counteract the unjust smear campaign it has faced. Rebecca Mix has crafted a unique and powerful story that deserves to be read and appreciated. This book is a testament to the importance of inclusive storytelling and the enduring power of hope and love in the face of adversity.

In general, I found this book enjoyable, but I had difficulty fully investing in the characters as the MC felt a little flat. due to this, establishing a genuine connection with them was challenging, despite my appreciation for the writing style and plot. What I felt was lacking the most was that personal connection.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review - for a full review check out my YouTube or Goodreads account

Such an incredible book and loved it! The Ones We Burn featured strong characters that I could relate to as a woman. I loved the magic system and world building. Can’t wait to read the next one!

I will not be reviewing this as I do not agree with the authors opinions on many issues, therefore my rating is 1 star at the most.

I'm very mixed about reading this one.

At first I was super excited and loved the sound of it but then I heard some negative things and honestly I've been putting it off and don't see myself picking it up anytime soon.

I'm so sorry!

The book was review-bombed on goodreads (not a good look on the GR’s part), and mostly by people who haven’t read the book. I’m sidestepping the controversy and will just discuss the book by itself.

It dragged on a lot at the start and the middle was lagging a lot, but it really pulled through with the climax and resolution, so I think it’s a solid 4 out of 5 stars read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

Sapphic princess and witches with arranged marries which dont work.

so this book was lacking in world building and so i got a little confused to begin with, but it does pick up and so you suddenly forget about that. an enjoyable read but i was a fan of the MC as she was a little flat to me but that might have been me. there isnt much character growth but it doesnt need to be really. good easy beach read that you dont need to remember

Interesting premise and I enjoyed the way the different threads of the story were woven together.

The characters were young in a believable way and you could see them mature and grow as the story progressed.

I liked the book and would happily read more by this author in the future.

Whenever I first start a book I always tend to check the reviews that have been left by other readers, just to gather the opinions and thoughts of others. I don't do this so I can subconsciously form my opinion around the opinions of others, but just to give myself an idea of what I'm getting myself into. I did the same exact thing with The Ones We Burn and quickly discovered it had been pretty much review bombed with 1 star ratings. While I didn't exactly love this book, it definitely didn't deserve the hate it got either. I feel like a lot of the ratings were actually by people that didn't even try to read the book and were just blindly following others opinions for the sake of it. I always like to gather my own thoughts on a piece of art before even thinking of giving out my opinion so that's why I didn't hesitate a minute to just go ahead and read the book.

all controversy aside it was an okay book. I feel like Rebecca really has a talent for storytelling and world building but she just needs to let it cook a little?? if you know what I mean. the pacing was just off. The beginning reaaaaally dragged on and I almost did not finish due to this but the ending definitely pulled through for me. Though it doesn't really stand out from all of the other YA fantasy books I've read so this was a 3 star-ish read for me.

thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing an E-arc, in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the themes in this book: growing up, finding yourself, choosing yourself, recognising toxic people in your life, finding true friendship, making mistakes and learning from them.. There are so many moments where I could clearly see how much thought went into Ranka's story arc. It was my favorite part of the book. She is just so angry, and I loved her for it.

What I struggled with was the worldbuilding and the magic system. I felt like some things weren't explained properly (the purpose of the treaty and the role of Bloodwinn, how the magic works, how the witches are born, etc) and I don't know if that was left ambiguous on purpose, but it stopped me from feeling fully immersed in this story.

Still, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a story with a strong protagonist, sapphic romance, found family and so, so much character growth! However, I would encourage you to check trigger warnings, as there are instanced of body horror, graphic violence, emotional abuse and more.

Amazing premise and amazing book. I don't know why I waited so long to read this! Solid 4 stars, can't wait for the sequel!

The Ones We Burn is such a beautifully written fantasy. The world-building is outstanding. The story is well written with an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters that engage from start to finish. The world is atmospheric and feels real with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I cannot get enough. Highly recommended. Be sure to check out The Ones We Burn today.

So I was clearly expecting something different when I picked this up to read.
I will say that I did not finish this and did not enjoy the portrayal of characters within this book. It could have been written better.
I read a few other reviews to see if it was just me but it seems it wasn't.

The Ones We Burn is a good debut , it’s an action-filled young adult fantasy which I definitely recommend reading. I enjoyed the story line, but my favourite thing about this story is the characters and the relationships between them, I love the growth throughout the book. Overall, a wonderful read about witches and the fight for power.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Overall I enjoyed this book but I struggled to really root for the characters. It was hard to really connect with them and although I enjoyed the writing and plot of the book the thing that was really missing for me was that connection.

The Ones We Burn is a captivating and action-filled young adult fantasy book which is definitely worth reading. While I definitely enjoyed the overall story line, what I like most about this book is the characters and perhaps especially the relationships between said characters and how they evolve throughout the story. The Ones We Burn is a solid debut book and I definitely hope to see more books by Rebecca Mix in the future!

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review!