Description
In a land of fire and ice, love is considered a weakness.
Princess Valkyrja has always been deemed “pretty and useless” by her family, who rule the kingdom of Fjordlandi. Though she has the same magical Blessing over ice and snow as her brother, sister, and father, she can never seem to use it for the brute-force ruling they require, choosing instead to make art that makes her people smile. But when a horrific attack shakes their whole world, she has to step up…and find a strength she didn’t know she had.
Nikanor has lived his life under the greenhouse domes, a commoner with no opportunities to do things he most desires—to study the Words or the law, to be something other than a farmer. When he and his best friend follow his father to the capital, he hopes only for a nice holiday. Instead, the attack throws him into the path of a princess, and his world is never the same.
But the Blessed aren’t the only ones with magic in Fjordlandi. There are others already Awakened in the volcano, those called the Cursed, with lava in their veins and rebellion in their hearts. And once the fires of revolution ignite, they won’t stop until all of Fjordlandi is Aflame.
Booklovebykristi –
“The Song does not come for the Heir. The Song comes for the Crown.” He leveled a finger at her chest. “You, Valkyrja Isidordottir, are our queen, in truth if not yet in deed. And when you seize that crown, you will have the backing of the kyrka and the dominies.”
This fantastic romantasy is the second book in the Awakened series. It has absolutely amazing world-building, fantastic characters, lots of suspense, very unexpected twists, beautiful faith elements, and a swoony romance. I loved the balance of the magical elements with the characters’ faith in “The Giver”.
I have to be honest, I went into this book thinking no way can the story top King Seidon and Queen Arden (from Awakend). I am happy to say that it absolutely did!!
Valkyrja (Kyrja) is brave, caring, and determined. I loved that Kyrja leaned into her faith in The Giver and believed that everything that was happening was His will. I loved her quick friendships with Nik, Raf, and Perla. I loved how devoted Kyrja was to setting right the wrongs in her kingdom. I enjoyed seeing her stretched and her leaning into those that were desiring to help her. Nikanor (Nik) is kind, devoted, and strong. I loved seeing his determination to help Kyrja even when he didn’t know her. I loved his strength and fortitude when facing his new life. I absolutely adored his connection with Kyrja. Their chemistry was outstanding. The magnetic way they were drawn to each other and their sacrificial love for each other and their people, amazing. I also loved his humility and his faith, and his willingness to share his faith.
Daemon is fierce, determined, and a little wounded. I loved his strength and devotion to his “family”. His growth and realization of who he was because of Elyon/The Giver was amazing. Perla is a ray of sunshine, wise, and encouraging. She kind of stole the show in the scenes that she was in but in a good way. I really hope we get more Daemon and Perla in the future.
I also enjoyed getting Elianne’s POV. Her struggles and victories were vital to the story and I was glad for the peeks into her view.
A few more quotes:
“You deserve more than a contract, more than someone who only wants you for what you can do for him. You deserve someone who sees your heart and wants to give you the world, not make you give it to him.”
“The human mind will never fully grasp Elyon. It is the trying that matters. The seeking heart.”
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
MJSH –
“It was the Giver’s gift, which he gave according to the rules he’d designed, whether the recipient would use it well or not. Choice, always left to his creation. But his promise never faltered.”
I am stunned. This is one of my favorite books of 2026. I was blown away by Awakened and how complete and real the worlds of Daryatla and the Sunken Kingdom felt. This new world Fjorlandi is just as incredible and vastly different. Power struggle between fire and ice, the enslaved commoners and aristocratic Blessed, justice and greed blankets that island and has it in a chokehold that requires a new generation to break free. I loved Kyrja; her journey from a fun, fanciful yet wounded princess to a steadfast, powerful, grounded and merciful queen was incredibly satisfying, as was her faith journey in the midst of her realizing her purpose and power. Her compassion for her people remained strong throughout the story and her tender heart was so lovable. Nik was quite the hero. His faithfulness to the Giver, in all circumstances, was admirable. His patient and tender love for Kyrja was indeed swoon-worthy. There were plenty of jaw-dropping plot twists in an already fast-paced plot which had me scrambling to read ‘just one more chapter’. I can’t wait to read Amazed and be introduced to the world of Ellas and hopefully catch up with Daemon and Perla there.
If you enjoy romantic fantasy, you do not want to miss this book. If you’re a Roseanna M White fan but not sure about switching from historical fiction to romantic fantasy, you need to pick up this series now; you will not regret it (and will thank me for the recommendation).
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of WhiteCrown Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Ashley S. –
Y’all! This book was so good! It exceeded all of my expectations. I loved Awakened, the first book in this series, and didn’t think there was any way it could be topped, but somehow, this book did! I loved it so much!
The worldbuilding was fantastic. The land of Fjordlandi was beautiful and fascinating. It felt so real.
I fell into the story, right alongside these wonderful characters. They really came to life. Kyrja was an endearing and likable heroine. I loved seeing her character growth, and I really loved seeing her faith in the Giver blossom. Nik was an easy character to root for. He faced quite a big change, and it was really interesting seeing him adapt to it.
I absolutely loved this book and am very eager for the next one in the series! If you’re a fan of the romantasy genre, don’t hesitate to grab a copy! You’ll love it! While this could be read as a standalone, I still recommend starting with Awakened.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Jamie Gordy –
Thank you to Roseanna M. White and WhiteCrown Publishing for sending me an eARC of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is another great installment of this fantasy series from Roseanna M. White. It is so great to see an author who writes amazing historical fiction turn around and also write something so totally different and it be just as amazing. I love that this world (from both books) is a futuristic world, and that the magic is born out some sort of technology. The detail of the world building in this story is simply stunning. Not only are there the blessed people and their magic, but there are also the “cursed” and their magic. There was also the whole fire and ice opposites thing. It is riveting how she works these things together and against each other. I loved the glimpses we get into characters from the first book, including their daughter, Perla. There was one slight issue I had with the book, and that was the amount of characters and how it switched between who we were “watching’. Sometimes I struggled to realize who exactly we were seeing, especially at the beginning of the book. That being said, once the reader has established who is who, the story is masterful. The faith content is evident from the very beginning. God is called The Giver in this world. While the faith content is evident, it in no way feel preachy or didactic. I enjoyed this book so much, and I can not wait to read book three when it releases.
I would recommend this book for readers who love fantasy and/or Science Fiction because there are elements of both in the story. I would especially recommend it to those looking for a Fantasy/Sci-Fi that is also clean or Christian in nature. If Christian references or allusions bother you, then this might not be the book for you.
Meagan H –
I was delighted with this second book in the Awakened series. Aflame had a surprisingly different tone to the first book, as befits the different cultures/elements found in the two books. While the main couple in Awakened had a playful connection and high physical attraction, the main couple in Aflame had a steadier relationship, growing from mutual respect, that I enjoyed even more. Although I loved Awakened, I was slightly nervous that I would not enjoy Aflame to the same degree after reading the book description and a seemingly long list of main characters. I needn’t have worried, as Roseanna is a master story teller. All the characters were well fleshed out, they were introduced in a wonderful way that felt natural and not confusing, and I enjoyed seeing how their multi-relationships all worked together. It was simply brilliant, and I finished the book feeling extremely satisfied and hungering for book #3.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Sarah Wolski –
Roseanna M. White is a phenomenal writer! Her novels are not only beautifully crafted stories, but they are also full of deep themes that resonate so well with our lives today. Every single one of her books challenges readers to grow in their understanding of who God is and who they are in light of Him—and Aflame, the second book in her Awakened series, is no exception.
In this novel, readers are introduced to Fjordlandi, a land of fire and ice and extremes, where those Blessed with magic control the snows and ice and those Cursed control the fires and lava of the island’s volcanoes. Set a century and a half after Seidon and Arden’s story chronicled in Awakened (the first book of the series), Aflame tells the tale of Princess Valkyrja, third-born daughter of the king, and Nikanor, a should-be-farmer who desires nothing more than to study the Words of the Giver or the law (though both are forbidden to commoners).
More than a mere romantic fantasy, this book invites readers to ponder who they are in Christ and how they will respond to the difficulties, trials, and hardships that assail them. Will they press in to the Savior, discovering the freedom that comes through surrender? Will they use their gifts for the glory of the Giver and the blessing of others? Will they choose faithful obedience to Elyon even—and especially—when the task before them seems impossible?
While there are many, many notable passages and quotes in Aflame, the following speak to the heart of the novel’s major themes of love and service, faith and freedom, and the sovereignty of God:
“My life is in the hands of the Giver. But I will help, however I’m able.”
“I ought to help as many as I can. That’s the whole point of the Blessing. . . .We exist to serve our people.”
“[F]aith not freely chosen is no faith at all.”
“The human mind will never fully grasp Elyon. It is the trying that matters. The seeking heart. . . .Seek him. That is all he requires of you.”
“Trust in Elyon…He is all you need.”
“Elyon’s will cannot be circumvented by your failings.”
“Elyon loves you with a soul-deep love. He loves you enough that he has sacrificed his only-born for you. He loves you enough that he let you choose whether to follow him, whether to believe, whether to put your hand in his—even you, who have so much raw potential in your veins.”
“Today, she wanted victory. The real kind, the kind that wasn’t about taking from someone else, but about building what was good.”
One final note: Until I read Aflame, I could not imagine that I would love any book in this series more than Awakened, but I absolutely adored Kyrja and Nik’s story! There is something about Aflame and the world of Fjordlandi that has completely captured my heart and imagination.
Roseanna M. White’s intricately detailed world-building is superb, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for readers in Amazed and Alight, the final two novels in her Awakened series. And I do hope that we get to see more of Perla in future installments…
FTC Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are solely my honest opinion.
Courtney –
Awakened fans unite! Book two in Roseanna White’s Awakened series is finally here, and it’s breathtaking! White’s storytelling abilities are absolutely arresting and will leave you wanting more.
Follow four new characters as they journey through the discovery of their gifts – snow and ice, fire and heat. If you’re a fan of plot twists, this book will have you bouncing in your seat with excitement as chapter after chapter will leave you gasping in surprise and unable to put it down.
I loved these characters just as much as those in the first book, and I especially appreciated the many tie-ins to the events and beloved characters of Awakened in this novel. Though Aflame could be read as a standalone novel, I highly recommend reading Awakened first as it provides a lot of background and additional context that’s helpful to understanding the somewhat-complex storyline.
If you enjoy it as much as I did, you’ll be left wanting book three, Amazed (coming…???), ASAP!! And you can bet it will be at the top of my TBR when it comes out!
A side note: there is a part of the book where a character asks whether her family members who did not acknowledge God while they were alive would go to (the Aflame’s version of) Heaven. The response in the book is essentially a maybe. Because this is a series based on Biblical foundations and contains a fictional representation of a real God and a real Heaven, I wanted to share that the Biblical truth is never a maybe. God sent Jesus, His Son, to live a life free of sin and to die for the sake of humanity’s salvation if only we will accept His willing gift. When we acknowledge that Jesus is God, has died for our shortcomings, and has risen again and lives today, we can be sure of our salvation and can know that we will one day be in Heaven. It’s such an easy thing, and yet it requires humility, repentance, and belief. We are given the chance to make Jesus our Lord while we are on this earth. We are also given the edict to tell those around us about Jesus so that all may hear His good news and begin a relationship with Him. There is no maybe about it; the Bible offers surety of what awaits us after death.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are entirely my own.
Jessica Turbiville –
Give yourself plenty of time when you start this book because you won’t want to put it down! Roseanna M. White has written a masterful romantasy, full of adventure and love.
Are the cursed below really cursed? Which is more powerful: ice or fire? Find out how the weakest and third child of the king of Fjordlandi has to overcome what others have always said about her. Valkyrja finds allies and friends in new places. Problems arise for her as she tries to right the wrongs that have plagued her nation.
Family, loyalty, freedom, love, and sacrifice are themes that are melded into this wonderful story. What a great second part to this series! The story flew along and kept me riveted from page one.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Karen Waide –
What an amazing story! I absolutely LOVED Aflame by Roseanna M. White. This is the second book in her fantasy series, Awakened. A world where there are some people who can be “Awakened” with “magic” or power over a specific element. Powers that come from God.
(Spoiler warning, if you haven’t read the first book yet, you may not want to read the next paragraph as I mention some spoilers)
In the first book, we were in the land of Daryatla where the sea king Seidon has power over the water and it is discovered that Arden, the woman who becomes his queen, has power over the wind. In Aflame we travel to another continent in this world a hundred and fifty years later. Though we don’t see King Seidon or Queen Arden, one of their children plays an important role in the story.
In the land of Fjordlandi, there are different classes of people. The Blessed are the ones with power over the ice and snow. Then there are the Fjorders who live in the capital and can have the “important” jobs and a decent lives. Third, there are the Thanes, those who live under the domes and are treated almost as slaves, farming the land or working in the mines. And then there are those who are “cursed” and have been banished to the volcano. These handful of people have power over the lava and help keep the ring of volcanoes surrounding the land from destroying the land.
We get to see the story from four points of view. Princess Valkyrja, or Kyrja, is the third-born child of the king and his consort. She is seen as unimportant until a tragedy arises, changing the trajectory of her life. Nikanor, or Nik, is a lowly thane who has arrived in the capital with his friend who has is a bit of a fan boy of Princess Kyrja. The same tragedy that affects the princess also completely turns his life upside down. Daemon is the first of the “cursed” daemons who had been tossed into the volcano a hundred and fifty years earlier. He’s lived his life thinking the lies told about those with power over the lava are true. Now he needs to rethink everything he knows. And finally, we also get to see the point of view of Elianne, another “cursed” who has a secret she’s been keeping from the other cursed daemons.
The author really brings her characters to life, making the reader care deeply about them and what is happening to them. I love this world she has created, and loved seeing more of the world beyond Daryatla. And I love the twists that she weaves into the story creating a desire to continue reading to find out what is going to happen to our beloved characters. She also does a terrific job creating the villains in this series, in this book. There is romance, and adventure, and action, and faith. Characters who learn to trust in the Giver (known as the Triada to those in Daryatla) or grow in their faith and trust Him for their lives.
I also loved how the characters worked to get rid of the class segregation and form a united Fjordlandi.
Such a wonderful series and I can’t wait for book three to release.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
Melissa D. –
Ahh, all the love for this new romantasy from Roseanna M. White! I absolutely loved the first book in this series & fell just as hard for this second one. Fire & ice shape this new world in the Awakened universe, & Aflame completely drew me in. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Opposites attract, a new queen fighting to restore her kingdom, awakened abilities, & threats from within & without—it’s a race against time as Kyrja & Nik try to outwit her father & those determined to destroy their one chance at a new kingdom.
I loved this creative story! If you’ve read the first book, you’ll remember the sea & wind magic. This one takes place 150 years later & shifts to another continent where fire & ice clash, & a ruthless king rules with an iron fist. Told from multiple viewpoints, these endearing characters completely pulled me in.
Princess Valkyrja (Kyrja) is the third-born, dismissed as “pretty & useless” by her father & siblings. Nikanor (Nikk) is a thane, one of the farmers & miners who keep the kingdom running. Their fast friendship deepens after tragedy strikes & Kyrja becomes heir, forcing her to confront just how oppressive her father’s rule truly is. As she & Nik awaken powerful new abilities, they must build something better, a kingdom based on equality. Meanwhile, the Blessed who wield ice magic must reckon with the Cursed, fire-wielding Awakened who’ve secretly lived within the volcano, maintaining the fragile balance of Fjordlandi.
Daemon’s lived in the volcano for 150 years, & the arrival of a newcomer gives him hope of finally being seen as an equal. I loved his wounded-hero, gruff personality.
This book completely pulled me in! I adored meeting Perla, Daemon, Elianne, & Raf alongside Kyrja & Nik. The setting, so reminiscent of Iceland, was incredible. I could feel the icy cold, picture a land locked in frost, & almost feel the heat of molten lava from the volcano. The contrast & imagery were beautifully done. The sizzling chemistry & sweet romance between Kyrja & Nik was so good. And I loved the subtle faith thread, the themes and allusions to God through The Giver, woven seamlessly throughout.
Highly recommend this must-read romantasy filled with twists & turns. Can’t wait for the next book in the series! Aflame can easily be read as a standalone but is even more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous books in the series. I received an advanced copy from the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
Candide –
Aflame by Roseanna M. White was an amazing read !
I had read the first book in this series (Awakened) before and this second book was a greataddition to the series. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was so nice to find myselef again in that world and read again about the characters from the first book but also discovering new ones.
— I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. —
Margaret Nelson –
This is the second book in Roseanna White’s romantasy (romantic fantasy) series, following Awakened. Another “continent” is featured in this one, Fjordlandi – a land of ice and volcanoes, as well as different special giftings (“magic”) dealing with snow and lava.
There are lots of new characters to get acquainted with, some loveable, and some not. Among them are those who are driven by pride and a desire for power, others seeking for adventure and excitement, some who feel left out, overlooked and useless, people who want to follow their dreams (which seem impossible), those seeking their Creator, and others denying His existence.
I was sucked into the story right away, and at every plot twist, I wondered how in the world White was going to get the good characters out of that particular trouble caused by the bad characters! It was a very satisfying read, and I’m sad to leave behind the place and the characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Marylin Furumasu –
I am mesmerized by this whole series of books that Roseanna M. White is writing! I want to float along with each character and dive deep into all their lives.
Roseanna White has written this story so well! As I began reading, I was swept away by the descriptions and words used to bring it to life. It flowed and moved smoothly and effortlessly. It was easy to picture all that was going on, even though this was a fantasy and set in a magical place filled with magical things and creatures.
The courage each character needed to draw upon to use and understand their skills and abilities was so strong. The author wrote this book so well that, as I read, I felt all the emotions and fears.
This book is set in a cold, frozen land. I felt a glimpse of a recent favorite children’s movie, but so much more. I wanted to snuggle up with a warm blanket while reading this book. HEHE!
In this story, there is not only cold ice and wind, but fire and heat. Can these two co-exist?
Can a daughter of a king find her place and also the love she desires?
There is a tender thread of finding purpose and worth, of overcoming self-doubt, and also developing true love. This story explores courage and strength in the One who holds the universe, and the importance of believing you are in the right place at the right time.
Roseanna M. White truly has the skill of weaving truths into her stories. Her writing demonstrates how thoroughly she researches and how passionately she tells her story.
A good book is one that ignites deep emotions and feelings in you, so much so that when you finish the book, you can’t think about anything but the book and what you experienced. I’ve been walking around in a daze after reading this story. In fact, I didn’t want to leave her story world, so I found she had a couple of other books in this world and purchased them. They are short reads, and I finished them off. Go look for them on Roseanna’s website.
This book has held me spellbound, and now I want more! I know they will be great, and I know I’ll be taken on an adventure that my mind will not want to leave. I highly recommend you pick up this new book and series!
I was given this book by the author, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sherry C –
This is my favorite romantasy book of all! Roseanna White has risen to new levels in this series. I always enjoyed her historical work but she has really wowed me with her fantasy books! I’m excited to read more of her books in this series. I will read all of them! If you like romance and fantasy, you’ll love Aflame! Although there are characters from Awakened in this book, you will not be missing out if you read this one first. Of course my opinion is that you should read them all!
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of WhiteCrown Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
mackenzieharting –
5 stars!! I loved this sequel in this romantasy series by Roseanna! It was fast paced from the start. The characters were relatable. I loved Dae and Perla’s banter! I also love how faith is woven into the storyline in a natural way. I especially loved this passage:
“It was the Giver’s gift, which he gave according to the rules he’d designed, whether the recipient would use it well or not. Choice, always left to his creation. But his promise never faltered. He didn’t recall it just because they betrayed his purpose, treated each other so poorly. He still gave. He still provided the reconciliation. He still waited for them to hold out their hands, open their hearts, and ask him to fill their empty places.”
I can’t wait for the next book!!
I received a complimentary e-book for an honest review and wasn’t required to leave a positive one. All thoughts are my own.
Julie Carpenter –
Are you ready for this second book in the Awakened series? I devoured the first book and did the same with this second one. Such a creative and intriguing plot, full of fantastic characters, intrigue, magic, faith, and a beautiful budding friendship and love story! Actually, a couple love stories.
Princess Valkyrja, aka Kyrja, was such a strong and resilient character. Learning more about her, her family dynamics, her mother, her father, her gifts, and her perception of herself, had me cheering her on and seeing such a strong person. I couldn’t help but hope for the best for her. Her goodness was shining through the pages. And each interaction between her and other characters showed that even more. Especially when those interactions were with her father or in regards to him. I’ll let you form your own opinion of him but let’s just say that I wasn’t his fan or supporter. Lol!
Nikanor, aka Nikk, is a thane and thinks he’s going to have a way different experience when he meets Kyrja than what ends up happening. He has quite an interesting past as well. But I’m going to be very vague so I don’t spoil anything. There were plenty of twists and turns that had me dropping my jaw and then being like, “Yes!!!!!” I loved it all. The author did an incredible job writing this story with all of the intricate details woven throughout. It was wonderful!
I really liked the other cast members as well. Daemon, Elianne, Perla, Raf, and more! This book takes place 150 years after Awakened, which dealt with the sea and wind. Aflame deals with fire and ice and it was truly incredible. The Blessed and the Cursed. Family and friends. Power/gifts verses none.
An epic and beautiful tale! I loved the aspects of the Giver woven all in the story. Beautiful!!! Join this crew of characters as the revolution for good and love and following the Giver will transform them all!!!
Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril but nothing graphic. Some sweet kisses. There are fights and talk of revolution for change for good, some death, no language. This is a Christian fiction novel so there are Christian aspects woven throughout that was done very beautifully.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Kathryn Pfeifer –
When I first approached Roseanna White’s new fantasy series in Awakened, I was dubious, but pleasantly surprised with how great it was. Yet now that I’ve finished the second book in the series, Aflame, I am even more in awe. This book was OUTSTANDING. I loved practically everything about it – the colorful characters, the depth of emotion, the complexity of the plot, and the continuation of the story begun in Awakened. Each piece of this plot was woven together so perfectly, I could not help but be engulfed in this imagined world before me.
I cannot wait for the third installment. I know I can count on Roseanna White to deliver an amazing story regardless of the genre.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Lana S –
Another amazing journey to this new world Roseanna White has skillfully brought to life. This new story moves the reader to a new land and people group, known for their control of ice and snow. With Iceland inspired beauty and detail, Fjordlandi springs to life off the pages that contain this wonderful setting. The reader can easily hear the voices of each character as they share this story. The depth they are written with pulls the reader into the book, caring and worrying the same as for a close friend, Each new success, struggle, or set back weaves into a story that doesn’t let go until well after the book is done.
I love how faith is so deeply woven into each element of the story that it is the base everything is built on. Just as the characters learn and live through this part of their lives. I also love the royal point of view shared by Princess Valkyrja. Not flashy but based on service and care. With great banter, danger, twists and unexpected turns during the story, and a slow burn romance I loved every piece of this book. The fantasy aspect helps take this amazing book a step farther.
Roseanna White has outdone herself with this new book. I am so excited for book 3 in this series! The wait is going to be hard! Grab this book now and settle in for an amazing journey. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.