The Thinking Woman's Guide To Real Magic

The Thinking Woman's Guide To Magic
Emily Croy Barker

Also known as: where has this book been all my life? 

“It was one thing to read about a society obsessed with female purity—quite another to find yourself living in one.”

This book was epic, it was fantastic. It was impossible to put down. And it kept me up many nights until I was too tired to continue. It was smart and funny and I loved it. It was an epic fantasy.

There are so many reasons I loved this book. Nora was a great protagonist, she may not have been smart in regards to her love life, but it every other way she was savvy and very intelligent and honestly it made this book great.

Nora is smart, independent, savvy, and able, as a protagonist. She's a strong, human protagonist. Awhile ago on Tumblr there was this post going around about writing strong-female protagonists. In this little rant/post about strong females the writer said not to worry about writing strong-kick-ass female protagonists and instead write about interesting, complex, human female protagonists. Now while personally I believe that writing strong women and writing complex women are not necessarily seprate and excursive only to that, Nora embodies both ideals.
She is a strong protagonist in the unconventional way that she is herself--she is complex and human, she really effs up a couple times. So that is what I mean when I say she is human.

So this story begins in present day earth. We find out that Nora's has had a rough couple of months and things take a turn for the worse as she finds out her boyfriend, another professor, intends to marry another woman. Meaning he had been cheating on her while they were together. Nora is a professor at the local university, she's very intelligent but she's hit a dull spot in her life. Her life is far from perfect at home and it is far from what she imagined it would be. But, her life isn't exactly bad, but it isn't exactly outstandingly great.

On a weekend trip up to the mountains Nora stumbles into an alternate universe while going for a walk. She doesn't realize this at first, in fact, it takes a long time for her to realize that this new world is far from what she thinks it is.

But she is introduced to a fabulous new world that is vivid, imaginative, and becomes more startlingly real as the book progresses. And when she meets Illisa, she is enchanted.

Illisa is beautiful, perfect and graceful. And she takes Nora under her wing and introduces her to Raclin and this amazing new world that's full of glitz and glamour.

It is of course too good to be true.
Eventually the nightmarish truth about this new world is revealed. The further Nora is submerged in this world, the further it becomes clear that Illisa and Raclin are not who they appear to be. And then the real story begins. Nora is saved by Aurendiel after she finds out the truth about everything.

And then, she learns about magic.

Honestly, this book was fantastic. It was full of adventure, and though the beginning started off slow, it didn't last long and quickly captured my attention. As a protagonist I loved Nora. Even after all the horrid things she had been through, when she's finally safe in Aurendiel's manor, she is finally able to be herself again. Her curiosity returns and she begins to learn more about this new, fantastic world.

This is a great book that will make a great Christmas present.

Give it to anyone who likes fantasy, or adventure with a side of romance. And despite the tittle I believe this book would make a great gift for men who enjoy fantasy too because honestly the writing and the world building are fantastic.

Destiny's Blood, Marie Bilodeau

Destiny's Blood

By: Marie Bilodeau 

Layela Delamores wants nothing more than to settle into a quiet, peaceful life, running a small flower shop with her twin sister, Yoma. But Layela is tormented each night by terrifying visions that she cannot remember when she wakes. When Yoma vanishes, Layela is certain that her nightly visions hold the key - but only her sister's thieving friend, one of the last survivors of the ether races, can unlock them. Layela suspects that her friend isn't telling her the whole truth, instead sheltering her from her own visions. 

Ripped from the safety of her flower shop into a universe of smugglers and assassins, Layela must pursue her sister across space in a desperate bid to overcome the destiny of destruction foretold in her dreams. But without full knowledge of her visions, Layela has no way to prevent them from coming to pass. And the fate of a whole world is on the line: the mythical First Star is on a path to self-destruction and the annihilation of all life. 

Unless Layela finds a way to stop it. But to stop it would mean sacrificing her sister. 

Or herself.

I think in some way we can all relate to Layela's desire to lead a normal, peaceful, and/or fulfilling life doing what something we truly love. Buying and opening her own flower shop is a dream come true, it's something her and her sister worked for and something that Layela believed they both wanted. But as Layela finds out, her twin sister has other plans. 

When Yoma goes missing, Layela finds her life in upheaval; her plans are altered and her life is changed. Yoma and Layela are joined on their journeys by their Breganda friend, Joshomere. As orphaned children they lived on the streets together, took care of each other, and fought to survive. 

Marie Bilodeau's rhythmic narrative is what drives this story. Her strong, inventive narrative pulls you in, and creates an engaging story.

She has a way of telling us stories that enables us see how and why each character behaves the way they do. She gives us the full scope of each character which is something I enjoy about this book. 

Each character is very human in the way they make decisions and react to what comes their way. But at the same time, in many cases her characters are stubborn and tend to stick to tradition. Even when they maybe shouldn't. 

This book was good; it was exciting, and Marie's descriptions of her worlds were clear and vivid. The details and imagery that Marie uses is my favorite part of this book. She manages to craft amazing landscapes and describe vivid war scenes. 

I think this was a character driven story in some ways--though I wasn't always fond of some characters, you ended up caring what happens to them. With a lot of changes in the point of view in which this story was told, it was kept interesting, though at times I found it distracting.  The setting, story, plot, and pace were so well done, again. Like, Marie's other books the story is always moving. I've learned to admire that about Marie's writing; her stories are very plot driven, they are fast paced, and are always filled with very distinct characters. 

So, these characters were awesome--at times, frustrating, considering the fact I didn't agree with them all the time, they're stubborn. As well, sometimes they felt somewhat flat, they didn't change or adapt much, instead stuck with some stereotypes--such as the captain goes down with the ship. Of course, eventually, you actually learn to like the fact that the characters do stick to tradition. Overall, I loved the characters, they were hilarious. And quite often, out of this world. 

The Breganda race was probably the most inventive and amazing race within this book. I absolutely loved their culture and beauty. I hope that in the next book we'll be able to explore and discover more of it. The Kilta were interesting, terrifying though. 

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the detail, the setting, the characters, and especially, the worlds that Marie created. This book was an adventure--exciting and, at times, heartbreaking. This book reads like a movie. Which, is a good thing. If you enjoy reading science-fiction or adventure you should pick up this book. It is a great summer read to be honest. 

Book Cross Over 2013: Stardust

Stardust

Neil Gaiman

 

  To find out what a Book Cross Over is, check out this post which just about sums it up. 

Book Cross Over Info

First book of the 

2013 Book Crossover

This book was lyrical, mystical, and completely captivating. 

 “She says nothing at all, but simply stares upward into the dark sky and watches, with sad eyes, the slow dance of the infinite stars.”
― Neil Gaiman, Stardust

“He stared up at the stars: and it seemed to him then that they were dancers, stately and graceful, perfomrming a dance almost infinite in its complexity. He imagined he could see the very faces of the stars; pale, they were, and smiling gently, as if they had spent so much time above the world, watching the scrambling and the joy and the pain of the people below them, that they could not help being amused every time another little human believed itself the center of its world, as each of us does.”
― Neil Gaiman, Stardust

There was so much in this book I loved. I adored the characters, the lack of weirdness regrading this weird world, and the simple, crystaline writing of Mr. Neil Gaiman.

About the book...

In the sleepy English countryside of decades past, there is a town that has stood on a jut of granite for six hundred years. And immediately to the east stands a high stone wall, for which the village is named. Here in the town of Wall, Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Forester. 

One crisp October night, as they watch the sky, a star falls, after Victoria promises him her hand if he can retrive the star, Tristran leaves. This promise that sends Tristran through the only gap in the wall, across the meadow, and into the most unforgettable adventure of his life.

Review

This is a book for fantasy fans. Anyone who enjoys the adventure and oddness of fantasy will love this.

It was strange and wonderful, and mystical and lyrical. The narrator was clear, concise and actually stitched together the past and our present, by slight indications when it came to things like the bag Tristran Thorn had, and what it would one day be called.

Neil Gaiman is a master writer, his story was set up, consistent and whimsical.
I think what I loved so much about this is how strange it was, the little furry creature that helped Tristran in the beginning,  the pirates  (though I did miss the cross-dressing aspect that part, that was in the movie). 




Stardust was, at times hilarious(!), and frustrating.  

It didn't shy away from normal human functions as well, I mean that the characters actually went to the bathroom, which most books skip over--obviously it wasn't detailed or anything, I only bring this up to show you how Mr. Neil Gaiman is able to create such real-feeling journeys. 

This story was an adventure to read, I loved the forlorn feeling, the feeling of being on an adventure completely cut off from everyone--in society today if we just decided to strike out on our own, we'd have cell phones, many ways of finding out information and would still be surrounded by the people we left behind in cyberspace. We'd probably have acess to emergency rooms and hospitals beds. And it is very unlikely that we'd encounter any fellow wanderers. And even if you leave your cell phone at home--it is a choice, there is something very different and definate about not having a choice about whether or not to keep in contact with your family. Which both shows Tritans stupidity and courage in this book.  You can kind of see throughout the story that even when Tristan strikes out on his own he manages to still be conforming to what his society wants for him--his society expects him to marry and have kids, he wants to marry Victoria Forester, so in order to do that, he has to get the star. And yet, when he comes back, he's changed, grown up and says goodbye to his family forver.

This story was also intertwined with others as you can see so plainly in the writing. For example, there a prince that is a squirl, that won't turn back into a Prince until he's found the nut of Wisdom--all these story lines are also in this, Neil Gaiman put work into even the simplist characters.

So, looking for the Star's point of view, this story is also a completely beautiful love story.

Victoria was obviously an annoyance, and every time Tristran talked about her, I was rolling my eyes--it is interesting how reading their stories gives you the ability to see what the characters do not.

Tristran is just a simple boy from the village of Wall who decides to prove his love for the beautiful but cold, Victoria Forester, which meant crossing the Wall (no one crosses it) and entering the unexplored land of Fiarie.

When reading Stardust it actually feels like Neil Giaman is in the room with you narrating the entire story. That is how the book reads, like it is being spoken. 

I loved the tongue-in-cheek humor. 
I loved Tristan's attitude, how he was completely in love with Victoria, to the point of actual frustration. The world Neil presents us with is one of possibility, if you know anything of fairy-lore, you'd recognize the themes within the story but you'd also recognize the beautiful simplicity of the world of Fiarie. Death is either justified or avenged. The rules of this society are quite simple, if someone helps you, you return the favor. 

You could refer to this as a story of growth, along the journey Tristran really grows into himself, granted, his development is sssllloooowwww. But eventually he gets there. 

Some of the characters took longer for growth then others, for example, Tristran took forever to let go of Victoria and his ideal simple life. Victoria never really changed, but she was a detailed-rounded character that I did enjoy reading about her.

The Brothers' Quest
Whoever finds the Power of Stormhold will be the 51st ruler of Stormhold. The seven sons set out to kill one another to obtain the power, but if someone else kills their brother, than there death is to be avenged. Obviously the king had a sick sense of humour. I enjoyed the ghosts as well, as they hovered around their living brothers, I also loved how the environment around the ghosts reacted when they talked. It was haunting and chilling at times. 


OVERALL

I loved this story. It was absolutely beautiful. And it had a slightly sad ending--a real ending, this fact alone is why I loved this so much more than the movie. No ending is ever wrapped up as perfectly as it was in the movie version of this book. I would recommend you read this, it is a complex yet simple book 


“I knowed a man in Paphlagonia who'd swallow a live snake every morning, when he got up. He used to say, he was certain of one thing, that nothing worse would happen to him all day. 'Course they made him eat a bowlful of hairy centipedes before they hung him, so maybe that claim was a bit presumptive.”
― Neil Gaiman, Stardust


Now dear followers, go and check out J.N. Cahill's review of Stardust and see how it compares to this one above, if you disagreed with my review, maybe you'll find you agreed more with her. 



Here is a painting by Charles Vess who has designed one of the covers for Stardust.His paintings are beautiful, completely ring true to the feeling of the book. This particular picture depicts the battle between the lion and the unicorn. Read the book and you'll understand it better. 

Sorceress of Shadows

Sorceress of Shadows

Book 3 in the Heirs of a Broken Land series by Marie Bilodeau

The Wall of Loss separating the lands of light and darkness has fallen...

In an attempt to save her mentor, Circle Elite Shirina paid a devastating price. Infected by the darkest of powers, she is bound to a staff and cursed with limited magic.

Now on a quest to safeguard what remains of the Circle and fulfill its mission to protect Graydon, Shirina must find a way to fuse the clashing powers of light and darkness. With dwindling time and as her body succumbs to poisonous magic, the sorceress must first seek redemption and re-forge old alliances.

Cassara Edoline and Avarielle Grayloft are her only hope of success, but the princess distrusts her and the warrior wants her dead. As the final battle for their land erupts and the three struggle with their failing powers, they must again join forces to reunite their broken land or watch their world crumble under the shadows of death.

*As I just finished reading this book my review may be all over the place* 

Wow, wow, wow. 

I'm literally just finished reading this book, and am still completely caught up in the story still. This is the third (and as far as I know--final) book in this series *:(*, and I so don't want it to end. 

The growth of the characters is astounding--I mean just when you think you know these characters, they change more--in this book you get to learn so much more about Shirina and you're introduced more to Shala, the Orange circle, who in the previous book, Shirina really didn't like.  I'll admit Shirina was never my favorite character, it is hard to really feel what she cares about because at first her will is the Circles, but throughout this book you finally get what to who she is and what she cares about, the very ending scene with her just warmed my heart, actually they all did. 

Something Avairelle's says pretty much sums up the entire attitude of the book, and shows you how much they all change: "This motherhood thing is making me soft." 

(You will only get this reference if you read the books--which you should by the way.)

Cassara has changed so much throughout this book, but the one constant about her is the way she always plays her flute. 

Pack Nacker is worth mentioning, he was one of the most inspiring characters in this book--not only did he loose his best friend, his home and land, he was also turned into a gruesome monster by Sibala, but since he was saved by Avarielle before the transformation was complete, his soul was still intact, and he was terrified of losing himself, whatever Sibala did to him made it so that most of his memories are robbed of him, a lust for the blood  of his allies slowly grows and threatens to overtake him, but in the end, he beat it, he died remembering his name. 

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The conclusion to this series was so good.  

This was a really intense book--there were so many battles and surprises in this book.  It was horrifying at times--completely, *Avarielle and Rojon*, and it was so sad, *Pack Nacker and the lingering memory of Kyrde--whose deaths still make me want to cry*, but it was mainly a complete triumph for this world.  

The battles were seemingly endless, just when you think that it must be ending, you close the book and realize you still have nearly 100 pages left.  

It ended pretty perfectly--or as perfect as it could, Jayden is one example of how the ending was imperfect, his memories and fears of his own land show that, Avarielle's nightmares, and the forever changed world all show that--but it was so good. 

I would love to read more about all of them, Jayden especially, and how he turns out and how he changes, hopefully life gets easier, and his scars heal. I am dying to know what happens to Sibala, if he does come back, will they figure out how to actually get rid of him--for now  though it remains a mystery as to whether or not it is even possible. 

As you may have gotten from my post on it, this book will leave you flustered, breathless and wanting more. 

Read this book. 

Marie you did an outstanding job, I think one of the best authors of 2012. 

Warrior of Darkness, Heirs of a Broken Land

Warrior of Darkness

Marie Bilodeau 

Book Two in the Heirs of a Broken Land trilogy 

After leaving her home in pursuit of marauding Eloms, Avarielle Grayloft found allies in a grieving princess and a sorceress with a hidden agenda. As dark powers poisoned the land, the three fought their enemies and each other until faced with a foe they could not defeat.

Betrayed and wounded, Avarielle is held captive in the fiery depths of a dangerous and deadly prison. Seeking vengeance, she escapes only to find herself trapped in the savage Land of Darkness. As she discovers the truth behind the Eloms she is forced to question everything she believes in.

With her homeland on the verge of destruction, her powerful sword about to fall into the clutches of evil and the Eloms growing in strength and number, Avarielle must take the greatest gamble of all, forging an alliance with the leader of the Land of Darkness and betraying all she has ever known.

So Marie Bilodeau takes us on another whirlwind adventure, filled with Sorcks—giant dragon-like stone brought to life by the dark magic of Deloras, Cassara’s psychotic aunt.

We are reunited in the second installment of the Heirs of a Broken Land with all our favorite characters—and yes, I do mean all. ;-)

We are taken directly into the action—right into the heart of the story and the action.

Once again I’m in love with Marie’s style of writing, everything is so clear and direct.

We meet up again with Avarielle who is drifting in and out of consciousness, but alive in Siabala’s Rage.

The prison that held the most heinous of magically gifted people.

I have to say that after  Sharina’s betrayal in the last book I wasn’t all to thrilled to see her, I still was in shock about what she done to Avarielle but through the book you grow again to really understand her and sympathize with her—though you still don’t agree at all with what she did.

This book introduces a new character as well, Kryde, who soon joins up with Avarielle on her quest.

So far I think this book was the best in the series.

Hands down.

The book starts off where Princess of Light finishes, there was no lag between the times, which I really loved. Right from the beginning my fingers were glued to the book—I did not want to put it down.

Consider yourself warned; if you read this ensure you have sufficient time—and I would suggest waiting until after NaNoWriMo, as it will put you way behind on your word count.

-_-

But it is worth it. Besides anything you may be working on for this years NaNoWriMo will most likely pale in comparison if you are as in love with this series as I am.

I am hesitant to say much more than that because I hate it when people spoil books for me.

All I will say is read it. First read Princess of Light, of course.

Cassara is such a strong character.

And she’s really grown since the start of this book series.

Review of Princess of Light

Review of Princess of Light

Marie Bilodeau

The Wall of Loss separating the lands of light and darkness is failing....

Despite her attempts to stop them, dark creatures invade Princess Cassara Edoline's small and almost forgotten kingdom, murdering her family and taking her younger brother captive. Torn by guilt and clutching an amulet of powerful magic, she vows to rescue her brother and save as many as possible from the invading hordes. But first, she must find out what is causing the thousand-year-old magic of the Wall to fail and stop it, if she can. As Cassara's resolve and strength are mercilessly tested and her shaky alliances begin to crumble, she must find a way to master her newfound powers which promise both salvation and destruction, or watch her beloved land be consumed by darkness and death.

         

Cassara Edoline is the youngest princess of the small kingdom of Edoline. Her life is slow, but she finds adventure and escape from her prison, in town, accompanied by her two grumbling guards, Kaden and Carsyn.

One night after playing her flute in town she leaves her guards behind, feeling they deserved some rest. She’s left alone with her thoughts, as she walks back towards her home, through the beautiful apple orchards. Her thoughts revolve around marriage, and home which she feels is a prison. When she is attacked, by dark creatures she had never seen before. With that, her normal life is shattered. Her life changes when she uncovers the dark creatures, and meets Avarielle. A spunky, eccentric warrior that shows Cassara the true darkness, and tells her she can help stop it. Cassara agrees to help Avarielle, protect her kingdom by destroying the hive of the monsters.

What ensues from that point onward is an epic journey, along side Cassara and her companions; you journey with her as she fights off the dark.

Cassara has a simple choice, sit back, listen to everyone who tells her that she must act properly, and watch her beloved home fall. Or she can grow up, react to the horrors she witnessed, and try to do something about it.

Princess of Light: Heirs of a Broken Land, by Marie Bilodeau, was a beautiful, exciting tale of adventure, family and love. Cassara is a truly engaging character, completely unique, and she keeps on surprising you as she is tested.

Her entire knowledge of the world is shattered by the appearance of dark creatures in her small, perfect kingdom. Despite the fear they create in her, she continues to fight them.

In every way, this was a great story of discovery, family and growing up, and letting go.

I loved the clear, concise writing of Marie Bilodeau.

I felt such a strong connection to this whole world, with its twists and surprise ending. I rooted for each of the characters, felt sympathy for the King and Cassara, who lost everything but vowed to do everything in her power to stop what happened. I loved her as she overcame her pain and sorrow, and I loved her beautiful connection with Kaden, and I’ll admit, I teared up at some key points in this story. I also loved that this was more a journey of self-discovery, rather than a story comprised of a strong man coming in and saving her.

Most would be skeptic if I compared this to LOTR’s, but honestly it had the same feeling of urgency and had the same amount of adventure and discovery.

I couldn’t put this down, I wanted so badly to get to the end—to find out what happened!

But, when I got to the end, that realization hit me.

It’s done.

This book is a gem, begging to be read.

Honestly I never would have known about this unless I had gone to Fanexpo, I wouldn’t have found this amazing story. Makes me wonder what other amazing books they don’t sell at chapters.

I loved the writing style of Marie, her writing was clear and rolled off the page like a movie. I loved the clear images the descriptions, one of my favorites, being the scenes with the apple blossoms which were just so beautiful.

This book is fast paced, an adventurous coming of age story. Each character was so well rounded, even minor characters had intricate and detailed backgrounds, which made the story and plot strong. Those alone are reasons to read this, in my opinion.

This novel was really hard to put down.

The perfect read for a stormy night.

If you like strong female MC with take-on-the-world attitude, you will love this. 

Wise words

Wise words from some wise characters

"Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness." -Albus Dumbeldore

"The mind is not a book, to be opened at will and examined at leisure. Thoughts are not etched on the inside of skulls, to be perused by an invader. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing." -Severus Snape

“Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent


"Great actions come from noble thoughts, yes, but true greatness and power come from deep and true emotions, unclouded by doubt or shame" --Kaden (Heirs of a Broken land series, book one, Princess of Light *Marie Bilodeau*) 

Firelight, Sophie Jordan

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.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Beautiful writing and vivid descriptions, you'll long for the sky as much as Jacinda. 

Such a cool book and story. 

The story line was unique, I'd classify this as more of a YA romance novel, with a very fast pace and lots of action. 

Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons. Just with that knowledge alone makes it extremely appealing to read. Jacinda longs for a freedom that she can't have, her pride is a very strict society. So when she sneaks out, and escapes her pride one morning. She breaks some serious rules by doing so, and events ensue that make it impossible for her to return to her pride without being seen when hunters attack her. 

Right when she's waiting to die, split second decision making  on the part of a young hunter saves her life. 

Personally, I loved the opening. It was an extremely effective way to be introduced to these characters, and their lifestyle. 

After Jacinda's close call with hunters, she journey's back to her clut-like community to find out that it has a dangerous side of it, she would never have guessed. Her, her mother and her sister are forced to flee their pride in the middle of the night, her mother whisking them away to who-knows-where. Everything Jacinda loved, her friends and her way of life, she was forced to leave behind. 

Her and her family move to the driest place possible, in hopes of killing off the draki inside her.  And keeping her safe.

I love the strong connection Jacinda has with the earth, how she describes the energy of rocks and the earth. The one thing she was able to take with her, was her family's treasured gems and rocks. And when her mother takes them to sell them, Jacinda is heartbroken. That entire scene was horrible; I felt so bad for Jacinda seeing, and feeling how much she loved her gems. 

As Jacinda and her family start their new lives, Jacinda's life begins in a downward spiral, she begins to remember how her sister felt all those years living in Jacinda's shadow.  Jacinda feels her draki beginning to die. She struggles to keep the part of her she most loves most, alive. While her sister and her mother, wish that she would just let it die. Jacinda's sister thrives in the human world, making friends and loving it. 

It is quite heart breaking to read through everything that Jacinda goes through everyday as her connection to the earth falters.  She also has to deal with many regular problems that you or I would have to deal with. Like bullies, expulsion, and ensuring she stays hidden from her pride. 

While Jacinda's mother and sister settle into their new lives, Jacinda chooses to grow closer to Will. As every time she's near him, her draki awakes. She knows she shouldn't, as she recognizes him. 
He was the hunter that saved her, something that still haunts her and probably drives her towards him.  Her connection to the earth, and to her father slowly dies. 

There were so many characters in this book, and they all were vividly real. For example, Will's cousins, aren't the typical bad boys. I've noticed that in most books lately, the bad boys are some what desirable, but in this case, Will's cousins, just make you squirm. 
They are truly unnerving to just read about.  Jordan did a fabulous job with her descriptions and the emotions conveyed within them. 

This book would be very good to read for lovers of all degrees of fantasy. Girls, mainly aged fourteen and up, would love this. 

The only thing about this that bugged with was the instant love connection, which was unreal and slightly overdone. 

Otherwise, it was a great book. Enjoyable to read. I can't wait until I go to chapters, as I'll be excited to read more of Jordan's stuff, and find out what happens to her and Will. 

Firelight: Sophie Jordan

Firelight
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.Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Sophie Jordan

 

What did I think of this? Well the author has an amazing style, absolutely beautiful, and breath taking descriptions, a book full of first love and identity. A girl who's struggling to gain her mother and sisters acceptance, when they clearly wish a part of her wouldn’t exist, the book starts off fast, with Jacinda breaking the rules, and almost getting killed. And before she even has time to apologize, her and her family are running off in the night. 

I found that the romance between Will and Jacinda was a little too rushed, it didn’t bore me, it was just too focused on it. I probably should have read the whole description before buying it, and realized it was a romance book. But as soon as I seen dragons and their ancestors, the Draki, I was instantly hooked. 

It was not what I expected, but it was good. It was full of very well developed, very different characters. And the descriptions of flying were just as amazing, as the descriptions of the heat and mountains. 

The mythology and world that is always underneath the story, was believable. Jacinda and her family are forced into the seemingly ordinary world that the Draki normally stay away from, but there is a strong sense of longing from Jacinda as she ached for her home, the real world. The one that the Draki live in. 

The first thing you look for in a book like this, is if the world is believable and if it could possibly exist. I think that Jordan did a good job with creating this world, using natural phenomenon’s as a cover for the Draki's world. 

Aside from everything else, the family drama was always on high. You always feel that there is something more the mother is hiding from Jacinda, even when she tells her the real reason that they had to leave their home. I won't say more about that, but it was shocking. 

The romance between Will and Jacinda was very sweet, and never really slows down. 

It is a good book, even though I expected something different, I liked it. Found it really good, and I will be buying the second in the series, after the way it ended I want to know what happens next. 

I thought the cover are was very cool, the scales and colors very vibrant. 5/5 on that. Also the book's pages were very cool, they way they were decorated was beautiful, added to whole feeling of the book. 

Order the book on Amazon.ca here:

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