Happy Monday and Happy Labor Day my lovelies! Welcome to my Blog Tour Stop for Ignite the Sun by Hanna C. Howard hosted by TLC Book Tours.

I’ve been in a reading slump for a while now and even though I still read here and there, it’s kind of been a bit of a struggle to really be hooked on anything. Usually when that happens, I stop reading all together and just do something else for a while. But, I’ve behind on a lot of things, so I just read when I’m in the mood and go with the flow I guess, so that’s why it took me a little longer to finish this book. That being said, I definitely think Ignite the Sun is a solid fantasy and overall I really enjoyed it.

A YA fantasy adventure that is exciting and unique, right down to its metallic book cover

Publication: August 18, 2020

Publisher: Blink

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Magical, Romance

Format: Hardcover, 352 Pages

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Once upon a time, there was something called the sun … In a kingdom ruled by a witch, the sun is just part of a legend about Light-filled days of old. But now Siria Nightingale is headed to the heart of the darkness to try and restore the Light—or lose everything trying.

Sixteen-year-old Siria Nightingale has never seen the sun. That’s because Queen Iyzabel shrouded the kingdom in shadow upon her ascent to the throne, with claims it would protect her subjects from the dangerous Light.

The Darkness has always left Siria uneasy, and part of her still longs for the stories of the Light-filled days she once listened to alongside her best friend Linden, told in secret by Linden’s grandfather. But Siria’s need to please her strict and demanding parents means embracing the dark and heading to the royal city—the very center of Queen Izybel’s power—for a chance at a coveted placement at court. And what Siria discovers at the Choosing Ball sends her on a quest toward the last vestiges of Light, alongside a ragtag group of rebels who could help her restore the sun … or doom the kingdom to shadow forever.

A Fun, Engaging, and Magical YA Fantasy Adventure

Entertaining and magical in its own ways, Ignite the Sun by Hanna C. Howard is a wonderful debut novel and I enjoyed reading it.

Even though there are a few things that didn’t work out for me, I still think that this book is definitely a fun and engrossing read. Howard’s writing easy to read, lush, detailed, and I felt like I was transported into this amazing fantasy world filled with enthralling magical creatures. The world building is definitely breathtaking, intriguing, and my favorite part of this book. I really enjoyed the magical elements of the story which kept me interested and turning the pages. The absence of the sun is a fascinating concept and I liked the good vs. evil / light vs. darkness theme. The plot could have had more action, drama, and conflict, but all in all, it was decent enough and kept me engrossed. The pacing is okay and I didn’t feel like there was really any dull moment so the story moved along quite well.

The characters are likeable and quite interesting. I wasn’t too fond of the main character, Siria, in the beginning, but she definitely won me over throughout the story. I do have some mixed feelings with the romance. I usually really love reading about friends-to-lovers romance (even though it’s not my favorite trope — that goes to enemies-to-lovers), but this one just didn’t do it for me. I just didn’t feel the swoons that I wanted… it wasn’t terrible. It was actually okay. I just personally wanted more FEELS. I do have to say that I enjoyed seeing the friendships and bonds form throughout the story. They felt genuine and heartfelt and I’m all for that.

Ignite the Sun by Hanna C. Howard is a fun and exciting fantasy book that kept me engaged until the end. Despite some minor flaws, I truly had a good time reading this story and I loved the fascinating magical world and creatures. Definitely recommend you add this on your TBR!

I received a free copy of this book from the author and publisher for participating in a blog tour hosted by TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Monday, August 17th: @thereadingroom444

Tuesday, August 18th: @metalheadreader

Thursday, August 20th: Hallie Reads and @h.szott

Monday, August 24th: Amy’s Book-et List and @amysbooketlist

Wednesday, August 26th: Shelf-rated and @shelfrated

Thursday, August 27th: @amanda.the.bookish

Monday, August 31st: @thecityofdarkclockwork

Wednesday, September 2nd: Living My Best Book Life and @livingmybestbooklife

Friday, September 4th: @the_readers_nook

Monday, September 7th: Write Read Life

Tuesday, September 7th: Sincerely, Karen Jo

Wednesday, September 9th: @createexploreread

Wednesday, September 9th: Bookworm for Kids

Thursday, September 10th: @jessicamap

TBD: Monday, August 17th: What is That Book About – giveaway

Hanna C. Howard spent most of her childhood wondering how she might avoid growing up, and eventually solved the conundrum by becoming an artist and a writer. She considers tea an essential food group, has more books than shelf-space, and thinks the ultimate geek triumvirate is Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Doctor Who. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her husband, their two Disreputable Dogs, and one cat skilled in the Martial Arts.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Thank you for stopping by sweeties. I hope you have an amazing Labor Day and if you have the day off, well, I hope you’re doing something fun! Have a wonderful week lovelies! Don’t forget to follow the rest of the tour.

Stay safe, wear a mask, and happy reading!!!

Until next time! Take Care fellow swoonies!!