“To show I would go down fighting for her and others.”

“…Emy would go to any length to save them even if it meant the end of her own life.”

These powerful words frame Sky Boivin incredibly riveting and memorable book, Their Hope Within The Flames.

Betrayal is a theme that permeates this book but so is loyalty, determination and sacrifice. It is the latter that is likely to resonate with the reader. Like the phoenix who arises from the ashes hell bent not to succumb to defeat, this book teaches courage despite the odds.

The central protagonists are sisters Cloe, Sarah and Emy.  When Cloe is put on  trial for witchcraft and deadly consequences ensue, Sarah and Emy must confront a menacing evil threatening their village.

Boivin succeeds in creating strong women. Emy is maternal and the protector of the clan. The book is written in the first person narrative. We get to see the story unfold through Sarah’s eyes. In a sense, the questions that Sarah poses as well as the fears she experiences become those of the reader.

The antagonists driving the plot are the sisters’ cousin Tabitha and Orthus’, a brother in the church with a hidden agenda that invites accusation, panic and murder. Early in the book, the reader is made privy to an unholy alliance forged between Tabitha and Orthus. There is an Shakespearean undertone to this story. Whether or not that was Boivin’s intent, we don’t know. But the theme of family betrayal coupled with murderous hands makes for an engaging story.

Another strong female character is Samie. This young woman is at the crux of the plot. Her existence is very important in furthering Orthus’ evil schemes. In addition, Tabitha is his henchman but also a pawn. Yet, any twinge of sympathy we feel for Tabitha is fleeting as she continues to do Orthus’ bidding.

Young Samie is wise beyond her years. Both of her parents become casualties to Orthus’ machinations.  She is in terrible jeopardy. Rather than assuming the veil of damsel in distress, Samie, Sarah, Emy (and another relative Lor) face the challenge head on.  “Combined, you will be the strongest,” Boivin writes. Such words offer foreshadowing.

Their Hope Within The Flames is not only a beautiful title but it is also a theme for the book. The hysteria surrounding witchcraft is very real. Accusation mixed with manufactured proof equals a death sentence. Despite being tested by tragedy, these women don’t accept defeat. They fight for family. They fight for the wrongfully accused. In doing so, they expand the definition of family and are admirable in their resiliency.

Like the phoenix arising from its own ashes, this book allows the reader to see how enduring hope is to heal the tragedies of the past and to guide one towards the future.

I give Their Hope Within The Flames my highest recommendation.