Lady Carys lives an aristocratic life with her family in Taurova. She is forced to forego everything and leave her homeland to build a new life in the western land of Lund. However, she falls into an abyss filled with vicious people; she is abducted and taken to Azkaelom and held captive. The limits of her patience and endurance are tested as she battles for survival. Eventually, she faces the Lord of Azkaelom and begins to discover the truth behind her abduction, and finally understands the treacherous path that lies ahead of her. 

The Twisting Flame by Tayvia Pierce is a powerful work of fiction that carries on the story from its prequel in the Rise of the Phoenix Series. The first book, A Single Spark, follows Carys and her family as they make their way through threats hurled by dangerous people, having her trust and belief being constantly put to the test. Lady Carys is shown going through the perils of life with determination, learning about the mistakes she has made in life and how she can overcome them to forge a better future for not just herself but the people she loves. 

Tayvia Pierce builds a storyline that remains captivating with ample attention given to character development and the plot points. The deft exploration of character depth, the cunning plotting, and the author’s ability to write compelling conflict elevate the quality of the narrative, transforming it into a page-turner. As the protagonist battles extreme persecution and a barrage of challenges in her life, she has to navigate a dark web of enemies. The whole journey is exquisitely detailed to provide readers with an immersive reading experience. The world in the book is introduced through Carys’s unique point of view and despite being fictional, it becomes relatable to many women around the world as they follow a character that builds grit and resilience. It is cinematic, fast-paced, and psychologically strong.