"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Friday, August 29, 2014

Review: TRIAL BY FIRE (The Worldwalker Trilogy #1) by Josephine Angelini (YA)


The Worldwalker Trilogy #1
by Josephine Angelini
Expected release date: September 2nd, 2014
Published by: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Format read: ARC from publisher


SUMMARY

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But 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 cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.



TRIAL BY FIRE book trailer



MY REVIEW

When an author can create a whole new world within our own, and make it even more complicated, twisted and magical all at the same time - there will never be enough words to emphasize how brilliant their writing is! The creativity, world-building  and character growth that is brought to life is outstanding, for lack of a better word... 

Our main character, Lily, is a sweet mess - highly allergic to almost everything around her, she struggles to keep up in school and is somewhat of an outcast among her peers. But, she is confident and smart and doesn't let much get in her way. She demands equality, respect and is responsible for things that no sickly teen should be held accountable for. And her bestest friend, her only friend since childhood, Tristan, who has never been able to get his act together but who has always been a true friend to Lily - he knows her more than she knows herself. Except for one thing... and Lily goes through more hurt than any broken hearted girl ever had to. To the point where we think we might lose our Lily...

And then the most unthinkable has happened... Lilian intervenes. A
Lillian, another version of Lily has reached out, has used an unknown magic to bring Lily through a parallel universe of sorts. Lillian, who was once on the good side, has had to make herself the villain of the story. We don't know why. And as much as I wanted to hate her, I just couldn't. There is a right to all the wrong she is doing... we just don't know what it is yet. A person who is willing to sacrifice themselves to the most wicked things, there is a story to be heard here...

And then, we meet Rowen.

Rowen thinks Lily is Lillian, and Lily pays the price for it dearly. But when he learns the truth, he is honest and apologizes for his mistakes. He can see that Lily is different and is very willing to accept and respect her ways. He greatly makes up for his cruelty; and makes it so hard not to fall for him. The more we learn about him, his past and his relationship with Lillian, the more we feel for him and understand what is going on, not only in the present, but also, the history of magic and everything that everyone is fighting for.

We also meet other characters that are paralleled from the world Lily came from. It is interesting to see how alike they are, and not. The mildest things have transformed these characters into new characters - so unique and interesting. I need more of this! And it is not only this, but the way the world building and atmosphere is so alike is also intriguing; it is difficult to explain - the details are all there, without an overabundance of boredom at all, the author is quite intricate with details, but precise. Everything flows to create this alternate world so realistically... the particulars on how a person gains and uses magic, how it is measured, and how powerful it can be in the wrong hands is so cleverly laid out. This is a world that I would like to learn more from and do wish to see in more details.

This was my first Josephine Angelini book, I cannot emphasize enough on how much I enjoyed it, it is the beginning of a new fandom for me! I am overly excited for books 2 and 3... you must add them all to your TBRs and wishlists! I insist!


*An ARC was sent by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. 




ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Josephine Angelini 

Josephine Angelini is a Massachusetts native and the youngest of eight siblings. 
She graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in theater, with a focus on the classics. 

She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband.


1 comment:

  1. Expected awesome review.... oh I just can't wait to get my hands on this beauty.

    Great review:)

    Aparajita @Le' Grande Codex

    ReplyDelete

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