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Plot Summary

The Fire's Temptation

Enna discovers fire's allure

Enna's life changes when her brother Leifer brings home a vellum that teaches him to control fire. As Bayern goes to war, Enna is torn between the power of fire and its destructive potential. She witnesses Leifer's struggle with the fire's allure and its eventual consumption of him. Enna's own encounter with the vellum ignites a similar temptation, leading her to question whether she can wield such power without losing herself.

A Kingdom at War

Bayern faces Tira's threat

As Tira invades Bayern, Enna finds herself amidst a kingdom preparing for war. The Forest dwellers, including Enna, are called to arms. Enna's internal battle with the fire mirrors the external conflict, as she grapples with her loyalty to Bayern and the seductive power of fire. The war's brutality forces Enna to confront the consequences of wielding such a dangerous gift.

The Vellum's Secret

Enna learns fire's language

Enna reads the vellum, discovering the secrets of fire-speaking. The knowledge is intoxicating, and she begins to use fire against Tira, believing she can control it. However, the fire's demands grow, and Enna struggles to maintain her humanity. Her actions on the battlefield lead to devastating consequences, forcing her to question whether the power is worth the cost.

Captured by Tira

Enna becomes a prisoner

Enna's reckless use of fire leads to her capture by Tira. She is held by Sileph, a Tiran captain who seeks to learn her secrets. Enna is drugged and manipulated, her power suppressed by king's-tongue. As she battles her captors and her own desires, Enna must decide whether to teach Sileph the fire's language or find a way to escape and protect Bayern.

Sileph's Deception

Sileph's true intentions revealed

Enna discovers Sileph's manipulation and his role in her capture. Despite his charm and promises, she realizes he is using her for Tira's gain. Enna's struggle with her feelings for Sileph and her loyalty to Bayern culminates in a confrontation that forces her to choose between love and duty. Her decision sets the stage for a final showdown with Tira.

The Power of Friendship

Isi and Enna's bond saves them

Enna's best friend, Isi, risks everything to rescue her. Their friendship becomes a source of strength, allowing them to confront their inner demons and external threats. Together, they discover the balance between fire and wind, using their combined powers to escape Tira and return to Bayern. Their bond proves that true friendship can overcome even the most dangerous of powers.

Journey to Yasid

Seeking a cure in Yasid

Enna and Isi embark on a journey to Yasid, hoping to find a way to control the fire. Along the way, they face challenges that test their resolve and deepen their friendship. The journey becomes a quest for self-discovery, as Enna learns to accept her power and its limitations. Yasid offers hope, but the path to healing is fraught with danger and uncertainty.

The Balance of Elements

Fire and wind find harmony

In Yasid, Enna learns that balance is key to mastering her power. The fire worshippers teach her to harmonize fire with other elements, allowing her to control its destructive nature. Enna's journey becomes one of acceptance and understanding, as she learns to live with her gift without being consumed by it. The balance she finds within herself mirrors the peace she seeks for Bayern.

Return to Bayern

Enna's redemption and return

Enna returns to Bayern, changed by her experiences. She faces the consequences of her actions and seeks redemption for the destruction she caused. Her newfound understanding of fire and wind allows her to aid Bayern in rebuilding after the war. Enna's journey comes full circle as she reconciles with her past and embraces her role in the kingdom's future.

A New Beginning

A hopeful future for Enna

Enna's journey ends with hope and renewal. She finds peace in her friendship with Isi and her love for Finn. The balance she achieved within herself extends to her relationships and her place in the world. Enna's story is one of growth, forgiveness, and the power of friendship to heal even the deepest wounds. As Bayern rebuilds, Enna looks forward to a future where she can use her gift for good.

Characters

Enna

Fire's reluctant master

Enna is a young woman from the Forest who becomes entangled with the power of fire. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to balance her desire for power with the need for control. Enna's struggle with fire mirrors her internal conflict, as she grapples with loyalty, love, and the consequences of her actions. Her friendship with Isi and love for Finn anchor her, guiding her toward redemption.

Leifer

Fire's tragic victim

Leifer, Enna's brother, is the first to wield the power of fire. His inability to control it leads to his downfall, serving as a cautionary tale for Enna. Leifer's death haunts Enna, driving her to understand the fire's language and avoid his fate. His memory becomes a catalyst for Enna's journey, pushing her to seek balance and redemption.

Isi

Wind's gentle guardian

Isi, Enna's best friend, possesses the gift of wind-speaking. Her friendship with Enna is a source of strength and healing, as they navigate the challenges of their powers together. Isi's journey mirrors Enna's, as she learns to balance her gift and find peace. Her unwavering support and bravery are instrumental in Enna's redemption and the kingdom's salvation.

Sileph

Charming manipulator

Sileph is a Tiran captain who captures Enna, seeking to learn her secrets. His people-speaking gift allows him to manipulate and charm, but his true intentions are revealed as self-serving. Sileph's relationship with Enna is complex, as she struggles with her feelings for him and her loyalty to Bayern. His deception becomes a turning point in Enna's journey, forcing her to confront her desires and choose her path.

Finn

Loyal protector

Finn is Enna's steadfast friend and eventual love interest. His unwavering loyalty and quiet strength provide Enna with the support she needs to face her challenges. Finn's presence is a grounding force, reminding Enna of her humanity and the importance of love and friendship. His role in Enna's journey is one of quiet heroism, as he stands by her side through her darkest moments.

Geric

Bayern's steadfast king

Geric is the king of Bayern and Isi's husband. His leadership is tested by the war with Tira, and his love for Isi is a source of strength. Geric's relationship with Enna is one of mutual respect, as he recognizes her bravery and the sacrifices she makes for the kingdom. His support for Enna's redemption is crucial in her journey toward healing and acceptance.

Fahil

Wise fire worshipper

Fahil is a member of the tata-rook, the fire worshippers of Yasid. His knowledge of fire and wind provides Enna with the guidance she needs to find balance. Fahil's wisdom and understanding of the elements offer hope for Enna's healing, as he teaches her the importance of harmony and control. His role in Enna's journey is one of mentorship and support.

Razo

Cheerful companion

Razo is a friend of Enna and Isi, known for his humor and loyalty. His presence provides levity and camaraderie, helping to ease the tension of their journey. Razo's bravery and quick thinking are instrumental in their escape from Tira and their return to Bayern. His friendship with Enna is a reminder of the power of laughter and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Plot Devices

Fire and Wind

Elements in conflict and harmony

The elements of fire and wind are central to the story, representing both power and danger. Enna's struggle with fire and Isi's mastery of wind create a dynamic interplay, as they learn to balance their gifts. The elements serve as a metaphor for the characters' internal conflicts and their journey toward understanding and control. The harmony they achieve reflects their personal growth and the peace they seek for Bayern.

The Vellum

Knowledge's double-edged sword

The vellum is a pivotal plot device, containing the secrets of fire-speaking. Its discovery sets Enna on her journey, as she grapples with the power and responsibility it brings. The vellum represents the allure of knowledge and the danger of wielding it without understanding. Enna's decision to destroy the vellum symbolizes her acceptance of her gift and her commitment to using it wisely.

Sileph's Deception

Manipulation and betrayal

Sileph's people-speaking gift allows him to manipulate Enna, creating a complex relationship that challenges her loyalty and self-perception. His deception serves as a catalyst for Enna's growth, forcing her to confront her desires and choose her path. Sileph's betrayal highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Friendship and Redemption

Healing through connection

The theme of friendship and redemption is woven throughout the story, as Enna's relationships with Isi and Finn provide the support she needs to overcome her challenges. Their unwavering loyalty and love anchor Enna, guiding her toward healing and acceptance. The power of friendship is a key plot device, illustrating the importance of connection and the potential for redemption through understanding and forgiveness.

Analysis

A tale of power, balance, and redemption

"Enna Burning" explores the complexities of power and the struggle to balance desire with responsibility. Enna's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to control her gift and find harmony within herself. The story highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of understanding and balance. Through Enna's relationships with Isi and Finn, the narrative emphasizes the healing power of friendship and the potential for redemption. The themes of loyalty, love, and forgiveness resonate throughout the story, offering a hopeful message of growth and renewal. Enna's transformation from a girl consumed by fire to a woman in control of her gift reflects the universal journey toward self-acceptance and the courage to embrace one's true self.

Last updated:

Review Summary

4.00 out of 5
Average of 44k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Enna Burning receives mixed reviews, with some praising its darker tone and complex characters, while others find it repetitive and disturbing. Many readers appreciate Enna's character development and the themes of addiction and balance. The book explores fire-speaking abilities and their consequences, with friendship playing a crucial role. Some critics note pacing issues and a rushed ending. Overall, fans of The Goose Girl generally enjoy this sequel, though it's considered more intense and potentially less suitable for younger readers.

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About the Author

Shannon Hale is a New York Times best-selling author known for her young adult novels, including the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy and the Books of Bayern series. She has also written books for adults and co-authored graphic novels with her husband, Dean Hale. Hale's work spans various genres and age groups, showcasing her versatility as a writer. She lives near Salt Lake City, Utah, with her family and continues to produce popular and critically acclaimed works in both the young adult and adult fiction categories.

Other books by Shannon Hale

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