I loved the first two books in the "elements" series and this one is just as good. John Boyne is such a talented writer that, although this is a short book, he is able to really bring its characters to life - sometimes in horrific detail. I must admit I worried about turning the page at times to confront Freya's past and present but felt compelled to find out Although this could easily be read as a stand alone book, I particularly enjoyed the references to characters in the previous books and their effect on Rebecca and Freya in particular. Can't wait for the next one Thank you to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.

John Boyne"s latest novel in his Elements series, the third, is the story of Freya, an abusive relationship, and of her story of survival. This a powerful, short novel, which packs quite the punch despite its brevity. As with all the novels in the Elements series so far, Boyne is tackling big, weighty issues and is not afraid of shying away from the darkness. Of the three novels so far - none of which are connected - this one to me has been the most successful. Not that the others are not worth your time - they really are - but something about this one got under my skin. As expected with Boyne, the writing is excellent, and the novel clips along very quickly. I read it in one short sitting, drawn along, and feeling quite moved by the end. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

This is the third book in John Boyne's Elements Quartet and following on from the previous two this packs a huge powerful punch. This is a one sit reading. It can't be anything else as you are pulled into the world of Freya. As a child , she was the victim of horrendous acts but as an adult her retribution is dark to say the least. Freya works on the burns unit at a hospital helping to save lives and ideally give back some hope to victims . She is supported by her secretary Louise and new intern Aaron who she tolerates. But beyond the confines of the hospital and saving lives Freya leads a darker life - a sinister existence. John Boyne pushes the boundaries of societal expectations with regards to horrific personal tragedies and punishments and challenges our thinking - sometime manipulating our thoughts in the most difficult ways - twisting our sense of victim and perpetrator It is difficult to write about the plot as to do so would add spoilers. There are threads that link the previous novels Earth and Water to Fire. This - like the previous books- opens up debate, darkens our thoughts and horrifies more than the other novels- you will need to find a friend who has read this book and the others to unwind your responses; express your emotions; reflect upon the world we live in. John Boyne is a master storyteller and in all his work digs deep in to the human's darker recesses.- pushing taboos. This is a story about the perpetrator but also about the long term damage to victims This is a book that will linger long after reading- it will cause debate but most certainly draw more attention to something none of us want to or do consider and possibly give a light of hope to the victims of such crimes that they won't be forgotten As for stars --- it is difficult- Five stars for a master storyteller.... but in relation to giving stars to the plot , the content and the impact then that in itself is a challenge. I'm sure many others will find this a dilemma. Quotes: The elements destroy everything. Think of water. When someone drowns, and their body floats back to shore, their features are so bloated it can be difficult to identify them. Think of earth. When a body is buried, it starts to decompose immediately. Think of air. If we’re deprived of it for even a few minutes, we die. Then think of fire. When someone’s physical appearance is damaged by burns, we turn away, repulsed. We don’t want to know.’ Can a person be blamed for how they were born? No, probably not. But it’s neither here nor there, is it? It’s the committing of the act that matters.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. This is the third book I have read of the quartet and I think it is the best yet! It is called Fire but the main character must be one of the iciest characters I have read about in a long time. You can hardly bear to read on as you are filled with dread about what Freya is going to do next. No spoilers but in the first book Willow is an unwitting victim, in the second book, Evan was sort of swept along into his crime but Freya knows what she is doing and plans it all. Much credit is due to the author, however, that the reader can still feel sorry for Freya, largely due to her awful childhood and her skill in her current profession. I really liked the way the characters from the other books and their later lives are woven in to this story. I can hardly wait for the last volume.

Fire by John Boyne I give this book 5 stars This is the 3rd book I’ve read in this novella quartet by John Boyne. It is also the darkest and triggers need to be taken into account. The nature versus nurture question comes strongly into play and forces you to think about the stark moral intricacies.The authors writing style boldly stands out and the nuanced character development draws you in, I found myself absorbed in it.The subject matter is disturbing and unsettling but this master storyteller still manages to make it so readable which I find an outstanding talent. This novella packs a powerful punch that will provoke discussion and has kept me thinking about it long after I finished it. I can’t wait to read Air!