The Book of Fires

Jane Borodale’s engrossing historical fiction book, The Book of Fires, is set in 1752. It chronicles the journey of seventeen-year-old Agnes Trussel who terrified and pregnant runs away to London. She starts working as an apprentice for the melancholic Mr. J. Blacklock, the producer of amazing pyrotechnics, learning his craft. The turbulent story of their romance takes place in the grimy London of the 1750s. This evocative story combines flaming artistry, redemption, and secrets.