Trial by Fire by Josephine AngeliniMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley - review purposes
Genre: YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Book Description: 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.
My thoughts: This book was a hard one to rate. Most of the book I probably would have given it a three rating, until the end. What an end. It kept my eyes glued to my tablet and anxious to see what was coming next. I compromised and gave it a four, even though the first half of the book was a little slow for me.
Lily lives in Salem. She suffers from allergies, or some similar ailment that the Dr's have a hard time diagnosing and treating. She knows that her time in school is limited and she wants to live each moment that she can. Her best friend takes her to a party, they had become a little closer than best friends, when he betrays her. This leads her to one of the most embarrassing incidents she has ever experienced. This event opens the door to her leaving her home and family and entering a parallel Salem.
In this alternate universe, Lily is no longer an invalid, but has access to power and health that is foreign to her. It is here that her heart, mind, and understanding of her place in life are revealed to her. This new knowledge leads to painful decisions.
The beginning of the book focuses on her learning who and what she is. She has powers that she must learn to understand and utilize. She is on an emotional roller coaster ride, pulled into a situation that takes everything she has to survive physically and emotionally.
The end of the story is a major cliffhanger. Just when Lily begins to understand and accept her life, everything changes. It has left me wanting to know what will be the next path she takes.
This book is for older or more mature YA readers. Though there is not action, there is a lot of sexual innuendo.
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About the Author: (From Goodreads) 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.
wooo actually sounds quite mysteriously interesting
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of things going on that keeps the interest level up!
DeleteOh wow, the ending is that crazy huh? I really can't wait to read this. I didn't know there was a preview on amazon, I'll have to check it out :)
ReplyDeleteAmber Elise @ Du Livre
I didn't know about the preview until I put together this post. Definitely get the preview, then you'll know if you want to read it. :)
DeleteI've heard a lot about this book, and it's mostly been good things. I'm glad that you decided it was a four instead of a three. I want to check this one out :)
ReplyDelete