I have read two Traci Chee books that are wildly different in terms of content and tone, and all I want to say is I am officially a big fan of this author. The first book, A Thousand Steps into Night, was a vibrant and fun adventure. But Chee’s newest book, Kindling, contains none of that and is still somehow amazing. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this somber story even though the bad days outweighed the good among our seven leading characters.
The story is inspired by the film Seven Samurai and its American remake, The Magnificent Seven. The plot is similar in that a desperate, small town seeks the aid of trained fighters to help them defeat bandits bent on destroying them. Although I have not seen either film, my (very quick) research does not give me the impression that the Kindling characters are copies of the movie casts, but they do possess elements of the original seven. Chee honored the films that inspired her and altered her characters beautifully to allow the kindlings to take on the same battle but from a new perspective of traumatized children forced into war.
The first thing that will stand out in Kindling is that it’s written in the second person. This was a perfect style choice because it made each character’s thoughts and actions deeply personal. This perspective grounded me in each POV, and it felt like I became the character and their internal monologue was my own self-talk. “Now you wear your sword across your back, for you no longer need it at your side. A less sentimental person would’ve sold it already, but you were always a sap, weren’t you?” When I read passages like that, I could not help but believe I was addressing myself, and I easily slipped into the character’s shoes. It was a profound experience as everyone struggled with their choices, traumas, and doubts. And they spend a lot of time talking to themselves, whether it’s to find strength or reminisce on good and bad memories. I cried so much at the climax of the battle hearing their frantic thoughts, fears, and the words shared between comrades. It was an incredibly emotional part of the story thanks to that second-person perspective.
I adored all of the characters and shared in their individual pain and trials. Each one has a different experience in the war and how they’re picking up the pieces now that it’s over. Chee gives everyone space to make mistakes and grow in this group, and the relationships that develop between each person are special. Amity can’t seem to get comfortable in her now peaceful life. As the oldest kindling, she plays the role of a mature general and sets to make preparations for another mission. Leum is a grumpy, rough-around-the-edges type of soldier with an unwavering dedication to her ways and the kindling code. Ket has not stopped moving since the war ended, and she’s left a trail of broken hearts behind. Ben is quiet and introverted, choosing to let her speed and skill with her knives do the talking. Emara, the fun-loving outsider, is a kindling who fought on the other side of the war and has lost her country and culture. Kanver is kind and protective, and they survived the war but seek ways to numb the pain. And lastly, Siddie is a kindling who did not get to complete their training but is desperate to be a part of these warriors and prove herself.
Kindling is a young adult fantasy, but the themes are heavy and intense. The kindlings’ ages range from 14-19, but they don’t act their age because they were forced into war and trained to kill, lead battalions, and win a war. Apart from the ages, this story is full of sorrow and tragedy. Chee painfully details how the kindlings were abandoned after the war, and how seven different children are left to cope. It’s truly heartbreaking. This isn’t an easy book to pick up and breeze through, it’s slow and somber and grounds us in the aftermath of intense violence and loss. The story generates more pain than smiles, but I loved each gut-wrenching moment because it’s truly unique and powerful in its own way.
Kindling is a standout story that gives depth and nuance to young adult fantasy. Traci Chee stole youth from the young and made us confront the complex emotions and fallout of a world failing its children. This book will torch your soul and stay with you forever but don’t be afraid of the heat and go buy this book now.
Rating: Kindling – 8.5/10
-Brandee
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The thoughts on this story are my own.
