TRIAL BY FIRE (Worldwalker #1)
Josephine Angelini
Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns.
This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.
Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.
Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.
But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?
This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear.
Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian . . . Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences.
Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected.
But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?
Published: 28th August 2014
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books
Genre: YA, Witches, High Fantasy
My goodness! What a ride!
First of all, let's take a look at that STUNNING cover for a moment! How gorgeous is that?! I was worried that the UK cover wouldn't top the US one... but I think it just about does! (Excluding the brand-new covers! Which blow both covers out of the water with their beauty.)
I have attempted Josephine's work before with Starcrossed, but unfortunately I never got to finish it. Plain and simple, I was not keen on her writing style and characters. But NOW? WOW! Just... WOW! Josephine has improved beyond recognition. When I bought this book, I was extremely apprehensive in case it was another Starcrossed. But it is completely different to that trilogy. I'm kicking myself for not picking this up off my shelf for so long!
This story is a gem in the parallel universe/alternate world genre. I have never been a fan of the genre, but TRIAL BY FIRE has changed my mind. The moment I finished, I went searching for more like it.
In the story itself, the plot is so well thought out and exquisite. I could almost reach out and touch Lillian's world. Each character is masterfully crafted. Too well in the case of Lillian. Lillian is a terrifying character because... well, she is completely against nuclear power like her counterpart, but where Lily just wears a t-shirt with a slogan on and protests, Lillian is at the complete other end of the spectrum with the whole "Whoo let's hang a school that I created!" Yes love, nuclear power IS bad and I agree with that, but you don't run around and kill thousands of innocent people! She's doing something good by doing something beyond bad. I want Lillian to die a painful death, but I also love her. I am so conflicted!
And while we're on the subject of nuclear power and stuff, the mixture of magic and science in the book is absolute genius! The bioluminescent trees that act as streetlamps, the Woven, which are creatures that have been spliced and combined, the way heat turns into energy and power. It completely captured my imagination and left me in awe of Josephine Angelini's writing skills.
The romance in this story was perfect. Not too much that it turns into a cheese-fest, or two little that we feel unfulfilled. The relationship between Lily and Rowan is more than beautiful, it's an acorn. An acorn that has only just sprouted. In the coming books, that tiny sapling is going to grow into a majestic oak tree. Lily did not spend the book 24/7 thinking "he's SO hot," which is a breath of fresh air. She was easily one of the most likable character's that I've ever met. Cannot wait to see where her story goes after that ending!
Speaking of that ending... how EVIL! EVIL I TELL YOU! I turned over the page, my heart in my mouth and desperate to see what happened... and there was nothing but the acknowledgments! Ack! I need the next book so terribly bad!
In short, this book is completely BEWITCHING. Yes. There had to be at least ONE witchy pun in this review!
Rating? A magical 5 hearts!
No comments:
Post a Comment