Girl on Fire

Girl on Fire- worthy read!

This novel is the back story on Sedryl, who only develops into a major character in the later books of the Pelted Universe, and I came to it with a lot of pre-knowledge. That said, I think that it would be an interesting read even for someone new to that world. Like all of of Hogarth's characters, Sedryl is completely believable in her world. Although this is set in a future of intersteller space flight, and multiple cultures living together, the world that she comes from is insular and so stiffly regulated by custom and strict codes of conduct that is most like the stiff British upper society of 1800s literature. Poor Sedryl, more interested in science, farming and the wellbeing of her world than in proper behavior and class considerations! And then she goes abroad, and has to deal with different stereotypes, which also lead to misunderstandings. Sedryl has to work out what she really wants from life, and don't we all respond to that quest! I love the future described, the science is a backdrop, believable but not intrusive. This is character driven, more finely focused on one character than many of the Pelted Universe novels, but is an extremely satisfying read. I am a huge fan of MCA Hogarth's Pelted Universe, so I can only guess how this book would land as in entry point to the stories, but I heartly recommend it, as I recommend all MCA Hogarth's writing. She is very good, and her self published books are as polished as anything from the big publishers. (For those of you who might have qualms)