title: Heartfire: A Winterkill Novel
author:  Kate A. Boorman 
description: Gr 8 UpThis third "Winterkill" book finds Emmaline living in Matisa's village among the First People. Em and Matisa have a special dream-sharing bond that may help them survive the impending attacks from two violent factions that want to lay claim to their homelands. The Dominion is invading from the east, while Leon and his men think they have a right to take whatever they find. Both groups are heavily armed and will kill to get what they want. But Em and the First People are the only ones who know the remedy for a fatal sickness called the Bleed. They hope to use this cure as a bargaining chip to ensure their safety. To do this, Em and her friends must return to the settlement where she spent a fearful childhood and convince the colonists to help. The journey is fraught with dangerbetrayal, ambushes, natural disasters, deadly warfare, captures, and escapes. The tense first-person narrative is lightened with hints of romance among some of the characters. Fans of the series will be happy to witness Em's maturity from an oppressed girl living in a dystopian society to a strong leader. The theme of acceptance among different types of people in order to attain peace is strong, clear, and never more relevant. VERDICT Although it helps to have read the previous series titles, this volume can stand on its own and will draw readers who like the intersection of fantasy, romance, and adventure.Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT
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  **Winter Fire**
  
  
  _**A Return to Kintail Novella**_
  
  
  **By USA Today bestselling author, Sue-Ellen Welfonder**
  
  
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  Winter Fire
  
  
  _Flames of winter burn the hottest…_
  
  
  When Katla MacKenzie meets a dashing stranger in an enchanted place, she
  gladly gives her heart – and her passion – to the lover she only knows as the
  Lord of Winter.
  
  
  Gunnar MacLeod can’t resist the bonnie lass and seduces her—or is he the one
  seduced? A long-standing clan feud comes between them, but a heart that loves
  is powerful, and Gunnar will do whatever he must to claim Katla as his own.
  
  
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  Winter Fire
  
  
  **Winter Fire Dedication**
  
  
  For my wee darling Em – Life may end, love never.
  
  
  As well for my dear friend Leah Weller’s beloved Scooter, who I believe would
  agree.
  
  
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  Winter Fire
  
  
  **Winter Fire Acknowledgement**
  
  
  All my thanks to my dear friend Kathy Garuti for her eagle-eyed editing,
  brainstorming skills, an