Uptown Oracle Reads… The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix

The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix is a captivating young adult fantasy that weaves together elements of magic, political intrigue, and deeply emotional storytelling. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where witches are othered, power is both a gift and a curse, and alliances are as fragile as the characters’ hearts.

This debut novel offers much more than the typical fantasy fare—it’s a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the powerful bonds of found family. In this post, I’ll explore the richly developed characters, the thrilling plot, and the profound themes that make The Ones We Burn a must-read for fans of the genre. Whether you’re looking for a new fantasy world to get lost in or a story that resonates on a deeper emotional level, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix

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Monster. Butcher. Bloodwinn.

Ranka is tired of death. All she wants now is to be left alone, living out her days in Witchik’s wild north with the coven that raised her, attempting to forget the horrors of her past. But when she is named Bloodwinn, the next treaty bride to the human kingdom of Isodal, her coven sends her south with a single directive: kill him. Easy enough, for a blood-witch whose magic compels her to kill.

Except the prince is gentle, kind, and terrified of her. He doesn’t want to marry Ranka; he doesn’t want to be king at all. And it’s his sister—the wickedly smart, infuriatingly beautiful Princess Aramis—who seems to be the real threat.

But when witches start turning up dead, murdered by a mysterious, magical plague, Aramis makes Ranka an offer: help her develop a cure, and in return, she’ll help Ranka learn to contain her deadly magic. As the coup draws nearer and the plague spreads, Ranka is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her power, her past, and who she’s meant to fight for. Soon, she will have to decide between the coven that raised her and the princess who sees beyond the monster they shaped her to be.

But as the bodies pile up, a monster may be exactly what they need.

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 characters, Aramis and Galen, stand out from their first appearances. They are portrayed as multi-dimensional figures in world where witches are othered for political reasons which enriches the character dynamics as royalty over this kingdom.

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 3 stars. Rebecca Mix has crafted a unique and powerful story that deserves to be read and appreciated.

Positives of The Ones We Burn

• Well-Developed Characters: Multi-dimensional and compelling, with strong development, especially Ranka, Aramis, and Galen.
• Engaging Plot: A mix of political intrigue, personal growth, and fantasy, with an exciting climax.
• Strong Themes: Explores abuse, healing, found family, love, leadership, and identity with emotional depth.
• Writing Style: Engaging, evocative prose with a good balance between character-driven scenes and action sequences.
• Diverse Representation: Includes inclusive themes and diverse characters, aligning with contemporary YA trends.
• Humour and Warmth: Percy’s character adds much-needed lightness and charm to the story.

Negatives of The Ones We Burn

• Slow Pacing: The beginning is slow, which might deter some readers before the story picks up.
• Contemporary Language in Fantasy Setting: Felt out of place at times, although it didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience.
• Minor Inconsistencies: Some small inconsistencies in the narrative and world-building.
• 3-Star Rating: Overall, the book has more strengths than flaws but didn’t reach higher ratings due to these issues.

I received The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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