Review: Firelight By 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. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Review: I absolutely loved this book! The plot is fantastic. One doesn't often see such cleverly written novels about draki, or dragons. I was a little skeptical for that very reason, but there was something about it that made me take another look. I am very glad that I did. Sophie Jordan's writing style is very well developed. She has published other novels, but this her first in the YA genre. I think she has done a fantastic job at writing for teens. Firelight is a novel that could convert any a person who dislikes reading into one that cannot stop. It is really that good. Ms. Jordan dragged me into her fantastic world where I was held captive until the very end.  

 
The characters and love interests are very well developed. Jacinda is very strong and determined. She experiences many trials before she realizes that happiness may well be within her reach. She not only has to fight to preserve herself but also for her family and Will. Jacinda will do whatever it takes to keep her future bright and stay "alive." To do so, she has to have Will in her life, even if that means putting the lives of other draki in danger. Her development is important to the story and to the series and she is well on her way. Will is a fabulous love interest. I found myself cheering for him from the very beginning. When Will is first introduced to Jacinda, you know that he is not like his family. He is much different from them in many ways, but to avoid spoilers I will say that he is much more sympathetic and curious. Will really develops in this story and I can't wait to see how much of a role he plays in Vanish, the sequel. Cassian remains a mystery throughout the story. Sometimes he is possessive and uncaring, while oter times he is sincere and kind. He I the future leader of their pride and is a very strong draki. He wants Jacinda for himself. She is mostly uninterested, but is a little unsure of her feelings.

The epic tale will have readers' hearts torn in many directions and desperately awaiting the next book. The characters and relationships are eloquently built. Readers will find that they dislike some and love other right along with Jacinda, and with good reason. This story is definitely worth a trip to the bookstore or library to check out. You won't regret it.  I know that I will be reading this again (possibly twice) before the sequel, Vanish, is released.


--Raychelle