New Releases March 28th– April 4th

Let's have a look at the wonderful books being released this week!

March 29th 

Fury of the Phoenix (Kingdom of Xia #2) by Cindy Pon (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Entwined by Heather Dixon (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Born at Midnight (Shadow Falls #1) by C. C. Hunter (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

April 1st 

Almost True by Keren David (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Memento Nora by Angie Smibert (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Vampire Files: Heartthrobs and Bloodsuckers by Amy Rickman (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Zitface by Emily Howse (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Immortal Doodles by Robert McPhillips (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Broken Memory: A Novel of Rwanda by Elisabeth Combres (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

This Girl Is Different by J. J. Johnson (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

This Thing Called the Future by J. L. Powers (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

When I Was Joe by Karen David (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

April 4th 

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Guest Post: Around the World Book Tips featuring Barbados

We all love to read, enjoy numerous different genres and characters that enrich our life every day. What makes our literary world so special is that each country contributes with its own masterpieces to it. Let’s travel around and experience what makes each country’s literature so special, meet new authors and novels and get to know which, for us foreign, books fellow bloggers enjoy.

I hope you enjoy my guest post series "Around the World Book Tips"!

Today Lisa shares her favourite book(s) from her home country Barbados with us. Lisa studies Philosophy and Literature. Her favourite books can be characterised as literary fiction or science fiction. 

Don't forget to visit her blog Baffled Books!

Hi! I am here today to ramble on a bit about one of my favorite things: Caribbean lit. I think that it is the focus on discovery and identity that makes Caribbean literature so interesting to me. Trying to find yourself in a world that is constantly being redefined is a tricky business! It also definitely gets its magic from the shear diversity of history and cultures that have been all smushed together into a kind of soup of the universe. The different perspectives mean that you will always get something different.


Which is your favourite Caribbean book and why?

My favorite book is Suspended Sentences by Mark McWatt. McWatt is actually an English professor at my university so I am probably a bit biased but it is still great! It is written as a series of short stories by a group of friends who were sentences to do so after an incident at the local club bar involving some entertainingly literate graffiti (‘Sir Eustace is an anachronism’…). The short stories were supposed to be pulled together as a book but they never quite got round to it until one of the group disappears, feared dead, and McWatt (a character in his own book) decides to try to piece the stories together as a tribute. I love this book because of how it is written, the short stories within all supposedly by a different author with a different voice. It really grabs you into the story that follows their lives in a rather haphazard manner and pulls you through an ever changing Guyana.

If you got the chance to write a Caribbean themed novel, what would it be about?

I am a reader, not a writer by any means, but if I was going to write a book set in the Caribbean it would probably be about someone who gets very lost on the island roads. I get lost with ridiculous regularity, every time I stray from my time trusted routes or try to find some place new I end up at the other end of the island. It is small so this is entirely possible! My story would be about a girl who goes looking for a particular beach and somehow ends up circling a gully. When she gets out to look at the map she will be lured to a sign that magically appears but when she walks over to it *poof* she disappears and ends up in an alternate reality Barbados. I think this would be very fun to write and there is so much silliness I could get this poor girl into…

 

How would you title it?

For my title… well, I could go with something like “The Girl Who Got Lost” but instead I choose “The Day the Stop Sign Tricked Me” simply because I want to read a book with that title!

Which other country's book tip are you looking forward to?

Thanks for having me post today, it was so much fun thinking up my answers! I’m very much looking forward to learning a bit about South Africa. I haven’t read many (Ok, 1) South African novels and am intrigued! I would also love to hear about German and Indonesian authors, another vastly underrepresented area of my bookshelf. Much love from Barbados!

Lisa (BaffledBooks)

Thank you Lisa for writing this fun post. Stop signs always seem to trick me, so I would definitely read your story;)  

Want to be part of the post series and featured with your own international book tip? Shoot me an email at goldie-mail(AT)web(DOT)de!

Book Review: Evernight (Evernight #1) by Claudia Gray

Title: Evernight (Evernight #1)

Author: Claudia Gray

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publishing Date: February 2009

Length: 352 pages

Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal romance

3,5/5 *** Evernight- A cool and gloomy novel. It’s all about vampires, secrets and a forbidden love story! 

~ The Author ~

Claudia Gray is not her real name. She didn't choose a pseudonym because her real name is unpleasant (it isn't), because she'd always dreamed of calling herself this (she hasn't) or even because she’s hiding from the remnants of that international diamond-smuggling cartel she smashed in 2003 (Interpol has taken care of them). In short, she took a pseudonym for no real reason whatsoever. Sometimes this is actually the best reason to do things.

She lives in New York City. So far, in life, she's been a disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist and an extremely bad waitress, just to name a few. She especially likes to spend time traveling, hiking, reading and listening to music. More than anything else, she enjoys writing.

Author profile by Goodreads 

For further information visit www.claudiagray.com or Claudia’s blog www.claudiagray.com/blog

~ The Novel ~

Evernight is the first novel in the Evernight series, first published in February 2009 by HaperTeen. The second and third novels are Stargazer (2009) and Hourglass (2010). The final instalment in this series is called Afterlife and was recently published in March 2011.

~ The Story ~

Bianca wants to escape. She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in. Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him. But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

Summary by Goodreads 

To read Evernight’s prologue, click here! 

~ The Review ~

The Evernight academy is not like any other school. It’s the perfect setting for the numerous secrets being hidden and the looming battles between ancient and hated foes. 

Bianca is our heroine, a young girl whose life is mostly ruled by her parents’ decisions and opinions. She is an average character that has still to develop her own voice and find her way. What really surprised me is that Gray only reveals a major aspect of Bianca’s character in the last third of Evernight. I was surprised to find out what Bianca really is.

Bianca’s parents want her to attend a new school and leave her hometown. She isn’t content and tries to run away which is the best scene to encounter the reason to stay, Lucas. The most fascinating aspect about Bianca’s and Lucas’ relationship is that they fall in love without even knowing with whom or what. Both have secrets on their own and are less than willing to reveal them. I wonder how their differences and family conflicts can be solved, Bianca and Lucas are a really interesting couple I can't wait to read more about. 

I’ve read so many fantasy novels centring around a forbidden love story recently, but I am not tired of them yet. Evernight is not the best vampire novel I’ve ever read, but I really enjoyed the read, because it offers new perspectives on the genre. 

~ We love this book because… ~

1) black-and-white movies are timeless

2) paintings always have a meaning

3) of a beautiful brooch

4) we wouldn’t mind having a modern technology course

5) of an exciting battle between vampires and their hunters

~ The Verdict ~

A gloomy school setting and a bunch of versatile characters with many secrets qualify Evernight as a good first novel in this vampire novel series.  The fight between vampires against the vampire hunters of Black Cross has just begun and we can expect a lot of action and revelations in the next three books in the Evernight series.Great read for vampire fans!

Coveresque feat. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen (US vs. UK vs. German)

Tell me, which The Truth About Forever cover do you like best?  US on the left, we've got the UK cover in the middle and the German one on the right side.The US cover is romantic and dreamy and the German cover is just boring, showing a daily life routine. I like the UK cover best with its little graphical elements creating a cool comic-look cover.

"Rubinrot", "Saphirblau" and " Smaragdgrün" are the three novels that make up the "Liebe geht durch alle Zeiten" series by Kerstin Gier. You never heard of that before? That's not a real big surprise because this series is written by a German author. I really suggest you pick it up, because it is really good! And no, that you do not understand a single word German is not a reason for not picking it up. The first novel in this series was translated into English and will be released May 2011! Let it be part of your 2011 Debut Author Challenge!

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era! Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon, the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Summary by Goodreads

The Ruby

The ruby is considered to be the most powerful gem in the universe, and is associated with many astral signs. To own a ruby is said to have contentment and peace. Placed under a pillow the ruby may ward off bad dreams. Ruby rings should be worn on the left hand so as to receive the life force and have protection. Given as a gift, the ruby is a symbol of friendship and love. The ruby is also the symbol of vitality and royalty.

Info by www.crystal-cure.com

~ Here are 3 reasons to pick Ruby Red as one of your reads in 2011

1) it involves time travelling
2) one character is a  gargoyle
3) love it not bound to one special time

~ Don't miss the Ruby Red book trailer!

Book Review: Wither (Chemical Garden #1) by Lauen DeStefano

Title: Wither (Chemical Garden #1)

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Publishing Date: March 22^nd 2011

Length: 368 pages

Genre: YA, fantasy, dystopian novel

3,5/5 ***/* Wither- A colourful debut about a young woman trying to escape the promiscuous society and gloomy world she’s captured in!

 

~ The Author ~

Lauren DeStefano was born in New Haven, Connecticut and has never traveled far from the east coast. She received a BA in English from Albertus Magnus College recently, and has been writing since childhood. She made her authorial debut by writing on the back of children's menus at restaurants and filling up the notepads in her mom's purse. Her very first manuscript was written on a yellow legal pad with red pen, and it was about a haunted shed that ate small children.

Now that she is all grown up (for the most part), she writes fiction for young adults. Her failed career aspirations include: world's worst receptionist, coffee house barista, sympathetic tax collector, and English tutor. When she isn't writing, she's screaming obscenities at her Nintendo DS, freaking her cats out with the laser pen, or rescuing thrift store finds and reconstructing them into killer new outfits.

Author profile by www.laurendestefano.com

For further information visit www.laurendestefano.com

~ The Novel ~

Wither is Lauren DeStefano’s debut novel and the first book in the Chemical Garden trilogy, published by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing on March 22^nd 2011.

~ The Story ~

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

Summary by Goodreads 

You can read an excerpt of Wither here! 

~ The Review ~

The synopsis of Wither is catching so I gladly included Lauren DeStefano’s debut novel in my Debut Author 2011 Challenge.

We are directly thrown into the story of Rhine, who is captured with two other young women, Jenna and Cecily, to please a rich doctor’s son, always locked away in a gigantic house surrounded by an even larger garden.

There are only a few different characters, nonetheless their possible reactions to each other are always unpredictable.

Rhine felt like a very authentic character to me, really easy to get acquainted with. She is not only exceptional in looks, but also differs emotionally from her kidnapped co-brides. I like her name, Rhine, originating from the European river, lets always associations pop up in my head, because I cross this river almost every day, quiet funny.

DeStefano has a talent to portray exceptional characters full of contrasts. Rhine and her fellow bride sisters couldn’t be more different.  Jenna is special for her compassion and loyalty, Cecily for her childish and naïve personality.But beside these innocent young girls, there are also cruel and malicious characters that cause great conflicts. 

Wither offers many different types of love stories, although the major romance might develop between Rhine and Gabriel. Still that doesn’t keep me from analysing other relationships between our given characters and questioning their morals.

We get to know our characters very well, relationships are featured, but a general love story comes off badly. I realize that under the given circumstances a grand and romantic love story between Rhine and Gabriel is not really possible or inappropriate and so I hope for deeper insights in their thoughts and feelings in Wither’s sequel.

All characters are always circling around one setting and the other characters. Over almost the whole novel not much happens and I rather see Wither as a character study, like an initial experiment that has potential to lead to larger events and purposes in its sequel. Probably the action is hold back so that the main focus lies on the characters and the dystopian world.

The setting and even actions are limited, the pace is rather slow. Sometimes we get glimpses of Rhine’s life back in freedom, how she lived with her twin brother (who has become one of my favourite characters without even meeting him), but that is not enough to still my desire to explore Wither’s world.

Wither is set in a dystopian world, futuristic… and sick. All its new inventions and beautiful illusions cannot hide the fact that humanity’s situation is a sad one. Men only got a life expectation of 25 years, women 20 years. That idea is thrilling, adds urgency to the character’s actions and is scary at the same time.

I always wondered how the story is supposed to develop with such a limited time span to develop actions, as our protagonist is 16-years-old, she has got four years left till she dies a painful death. Furthermore thinking of all the possibilities for our human race and that I would already be dead in such a world made me really sad.

Although DeStefano didn’t make me turning page after page restlessly, she had me emotionally involved.

Wither’s world is a super interesting construct that leaves many possibilities for future events. There is science and medical research involved, really interesting disciplines. No hard violence, sex or drugs are discussed, still this novel felt like a heavy read, because it deals with the social morals of our present society in comparison with Wither’s society.  Polygamy, kidnapping and stealing from the dead are regular topics.

A great part of Wither is about constructing its new futuristic world by establishing several moral and ethical discourses.

~ We love this book because…~

1) of a heroine with a personality as deep as the river she’s named after

2) of a beautifully bizarre world

3) sisters have to stick together
4) a lighthouse shows the way
5) of a sweet candy smuggler

~ The Verdict ~

Lauren DeStefano builds a flamboyant world, whose little inventions and conveniences kept me entertained all the time. Wither is a debut with a promising world and striking main character that leaves room for hope for a more action-packed and romance-centred sequel.  

~ Thanks to Simon & Schuster and their Galley Grab programme for giving me access to the Wither ARC!

Teaser Tuesday #20

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

At that, he actually laughed; it was a rueful laugh rather than a happy one, but I'd take what I could get. It just felt so good, being here with him without the weight of the world crushing us down.

~ p. 102

Mini Challenge: Character Mishmash

As part of Princess Bookie's contest craze, Kari @ A Good Addiction isnhosting one mini challenge. What does that mean? You have to come up with a new YA couple, using characters from two different books!

                

My new YA couple: Calla from Andrea Cremer's Nightshade and Cole from Maggie Stiefvater's Linger.

 

Cole, former lead singer of the band NARKOTIKA, drowns himself in his own grief and is a terribly self-destructive character. He is not only human, but wolf and uses his wolf form to shut out his true feelings in hope of loose his human personality completely one day. Calla, alpha wolf and touch Nightshade heroine, could be the perfect match for Cole. She would unterstand Cole's wolf and human form and hopefully ease some of Cole's pain and give him comfort. Cole and Calla are two wolves that would be an explosive couple.

New Releases March 21st– March 27th

Let's have a look at the wonderful books being released this week!

March 22nd 

The Dark and Hollow Places (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #3) by Carrie Ryan (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

To Catch a Prince: To Catch a Prince; the Frog Prince by Gillian McKnight (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

The Poison Eaters: And Other Stories by Holly Black (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Purple Daze by Sherry Shahan (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Invincible (Chronicles of Nick #2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Ask Amy Green: Summer Secrets by Sarah Webb (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Royally Crushed: Royally Jacked; Spin Control; Do-over by Niki Burnham (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Scribbling Women: True Tales from Astonishing Lives by Marthe Jocelyn (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Wither (Chemical Garden #1) by Lauren DeStefano (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

I already read and liked Wither (review to come). I am currently reading The Poison Eaters, but I don't know if I get to finish it, I just realised that I am not a fan of short stories. I should also really read The Forst of Hands and Teeth series, shouldn't I? Have you already read or are you planning on reading one of these novels?

In My Mailbox #24

The idea of In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.

E-ARCs 

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Mercy by Rebecca Lim

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin 

* Thanks to netgalley, Harper Collins and Disney-Hyperion for allowing me access to these galleys!

Gifted


Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (signed)


Across the Universe by Beth Revis (signed)

* OMG, aren't they awesome?! Loni @ A Casual Reader sent me a birthday present including these two wonderful copies, even signed! Thank you so so much, you know I love it! *hugs*

For Review

Die For Me by Amy Plum

* I was really surprised to see this proof copy when I opened the package. Huge thanks to Little Brown UK for sending me one of my most anticipated reads 2011 for review!

~

And don't forget to enter my current giveaway. You can win an ARC of Divergent here! 

~

Mini Challenge:Literary Beach Party

Loni @ A Casual Reader is having a mini challenge and here's the mission:

You live here on this beautiful deserted island and you have everything you need to live comfortably. It’s prefect but you are lonely and you want to invite others to spend time with you and have some fun!

~ Write a blog post picking 5 guest you’d invite to your island. You can pick more but you have to at least pick 5.

~ All guest must be characters from any books you’ve read in 2010/2011 (children book characters are not allowed)

~ Be sure to list the following in you blog post:

• What are the names of your characters?
• Which book they are from?
• Why you chose each guest?
• What plans do you have with your guest on the island?

~

List of Activities:

* drinking cocktails  

* relaxing 

* having delicious food

* having some book talk 

* organising a fashion show (only male participants and no shirts allowed) 

* listening to live music

 

My Exclusive Beach Party Guest List:

Will from Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel 

* Every party needs an ironic, british-accented "gentleman"

Jay from Kimberly Derting's The Body Finder

* He would get the job as personal best kisser!

Katniss from Suzanne Collins' Mockingjay

* She is wise and fights for the ones she loves. I am a great admirer!

Stark from P.C. and Kristin Cast's House of Night series

* He would get the job as our bodyguard, celebrities like the winner of the hunger games need securitiy

 

Cole and Sam from Maggie Stiefvater's Linger

* Every great party needs some good music, right? Sam plays the guitar and Cole must have a beautiful voice. Can't wait to see them in a duet! 

John Smith from Pittacus Lore's I Am Number Four

* I've always wanted to meet an alien, especially when it looks like Alex Pettyfer

Will from C.A. Moulton's Angelfire

* He's lived through some decades. Would be interesting to learn something about history and his adventures 

Grimalkin from Julie Kagawa's The Iron King

* Do you need an explanation, human? He's a cat! 

Bernie Kosar from Pittacus Lore's I Am Number Four

* He's a dog! (and can occupy the moody cat)

Susannah from Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty 

* Her casual and cheerful attitude wouldn't allow one single moment of awkward silence

Calla from Andrea Cremer's Nightshade

* She is a strong leader and I could use some tips how to display such a touch attitude

Marian from Kami Garcia's and Margaret Stohl's Beautiful Darkness

* As the world's most versatile librarian, she could contribute to the book talk section

Alex from Lauren Oliver's Delirium 

* Although our bad boys Will and Cole won't be pleased, Alex needs to recite some love poetr.y He's one of the guys causing tears, but in a very positive way!

Isabel from Maggie Stiefvater's Linger

* I like her impulsive character and just want her to annoy Cole a bit, ha!  

Ren from Andrea Cremer's Nigthshade

* Are you over 18?...No?...uhm...yeah, he is nice!

~

So that's it, I've got a beach party to attend!

Most Anticipated Book: April

There are so so many great books I can't wait to read! I could name numerous debut novels 2011 as books I anticipate. But my most anticipated upcoming novel would be City of Fallen Angels. I've been waiting for this book for what feels like years and there are only 17 days left till it will finally be released.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare (April 5th)

City of Fallen Angels is the fourth book in the bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

“City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.”

Summary by Goodreads

What is your most anticipated book in April?  

Mini-Challenge: My Team

There was a time I read books and liked their characters. Before Twilight I never felt the urge to really pick one character over the other, but suddenly it was all about teams. "Are you Team Jacob or Team Edward?" everyone asked. Princess Bookie is having a mini challenge asking for our teams. 

Mission:

-Write a blog post telling us about a team and which team you are on and why. 

- Be Creative. Use a favorite love triangle, tv show, movie, book, etc.

 

At the moment I'm in a lot of teams, e.g. Ash (Iron Fey), Will (Clockwork Angel) or Stark (House of Night), but one choice surprised me after I made it.

In Andrea Cremer's Nightshade, heroine Calla is destined to be mated with alpha wolf Ren, but her heart beats for the human Shay. A love triangle develops and although it feels like Calla won't choose this guy as her future mate, I can't but be on Team Ren! He is the impulsive, sexy, very protective and somtimes even possessive man but at the same time he can also be that cute and vulnerable boy.

Book Review: Firelight (Firelight #1) by Sophie Jordan

Title: Firelight (Firelight #1)

Author: Sophie Jordan

Publisher: Oxford Children's & Education

Publishing Date: March 3^rd 2011

Length: 288 pages

Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal romance

3,5/5 ***/* Firelight- A great read about an exceptional mythic creature falling in love with its predator!

 

~ The Author ~

Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.

A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.

In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.

Author profile by Goodreads 

Don’t forget to visit http://www.sophiejordan.net/

~ The Novel ~

Firelight is the first novel in the Firelight series and was first released in September 2010. It’s sequel Vanish will be released September 2011.

~ The Story ~

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love. 

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Summary by Goodreads 

~ The Review ~

I never paid much attention to dragons or dragon-like creatures, only detected them as secondary characters, until Firelight. Jordan introduces the species of draki, the dragon at heart, human on the outside. The very different types of draki fascinate me, from water to fire, onyx and many more. Jordan’s got a detailed writing style, still I couldn’t properly imagine how a draki really looks like.

Jacinda, our protagonist has got a twin who plays an interesting role. They’ve known each other for their whole lives, have been friends till the time one of them changed and the other didn’t.

Sophie Jordan invented many different characters, drakis, humans and dragon hunters. So we can explore a wide network of relationships and have to expect many variations and interactions in Firelight’s sequel.

A love story emerges between prey and Will, the  predator, it’s sweet and dangerous at the same time. We got many kisses, many planned or coincidental meetings just the way I like them.

Annoying about Jacinda is her way of arguing. She revised the same reasoning why she can or can’t be near Will felt one thousand times. It’s her nature as a draki that makes me like her, but her character is not the most appealing. The only aspect that makes me want to be Jacinda is her connection to Will, who is adorable.

Will is supposed to fight drakis and with that fight what Jacinda truly is. At the same time he, as the most dangerous possible threat, prevents her spirit from dying. What’s new to this novel is that her supposed enemy revives Jacinda while her family, the ones who are supposed to protect and accept her the way she is, wants her draki to die. Jordan reverses the roles of enemy and family which is very uncommon and adds one more conflict to the great list of possible threats and struggles.

Although Firelight felt like only an average read, its end drew me in and left me hanging. I really want to know how Jacinda’s story continues and how Jordan intends to solve the overall conflict between drakis and dragon hunters. Hope I can get my hands on a Vanish copy soon.

~ We love this book because...~

1) we wouldn’t mind having our own gem filled box

2) of a heroine with fiery personality

3) the most beautiful things are hidden

4) love has the power to keep our spirit alive

5) of a sexy male character cast

~ The Verdict ~

I recommend Firelight to every fantasy fan. This novel is represented by a solid writing and expandable character portraits. It convinces with the story around Jacinda and Will, the mythical creature of dragons and a forbidden love story.  

~ Many thanks to Oxford Children's & Education for sending me a finished copy of Firelight for review!