TRIAL BY FIRE - JOSEPHINE ANGELINI - REVIEW

Book: Trial by Fire
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: Macmillan Children's
ISBN: 9781447260820
Rating: 9/10

Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns. This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and 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 cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian ...Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences. Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected. But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?

Josephine Angelini is a genius. Literally I didn't even care what the book was about, I saw her name and I wanted this book for review because I had no doubts that it would be amazing. I was correct. This book was so much more than amazing. It was flawlessly good and I'm going to get onto why that it in a moment.

The book follows Lily, this crazy sick girl who's allergic to just about everything and is in love with her only friend who is male and the biggest player in town. Anyway, cut to the chase, she gets rejected and find herself in a parallel world where she discovers she is a crucible which is kind of like a witch. Oh and theres another version of her that wants her and she essentially has to fight herself. It's sounds a bit scattered but trust me it's not, its just that so much happens in this book and I don't want to give anything away at all, because It's something you definitely need to experience without knowing anything before hand.

Now for the plot. Angelini had this flawless way of seamlessly combing modern or older classics with modern days world to weave these incredible hybrid stories that I absolutely love. It's just such a clever and unique way of doing things and Trial by Fire stands out for all the right reasons.
I guess you could say it loosely based of the crucible by Arthur Miller (A play which I so happen to Love) and it made reading this so interesting and it was because whilst the plot was leading the vague path that I sort of knew I still wasn't sure where I was going and it was absolutely brilliant. It never got confusing or complicated and bearing in mind it was a topic that could've gotten extremely confusing Angelini seemed to master if easily, building this incurable world and system with precision.
Another thing I loved about this novel, that also made it different to other 'witch' novels was the science which actually really intrigued me. Basically all the magic and supernatural powers in this were not so supernatural. All the magic they did actually used science as a basis because the magic was essentially science, hence why these witches are called crucibles. It was so clever and different and I instantly fell in love with this idea of science and magic working together and for me it made it all seem a bit real and a breather of something unique in a genera so full of the same stuff.
A further bonus is that it had so many hidden references to the Crucible that you wouldn't get had you not read the original play, however I have and did pick up on these and loved them, seeing instantly how they related down to the classic.

What can I say about Angelini's writing. As you can tell from my reviews of the Starcrossed trilogy I adore Angelini's style of writing. I find it really poetic and beautiful and quite simply, utterly gorgeous. I really feel like her writing has developed somewhat, because although I could tell it was written by Angelini the writing seemed more developed and grown, like everything that was already amazing had been fine-tuned to perfection. The perfect balance of description and action, the perfect pacing to make it flow beautifully, the precise and well times twists and turns that left you hungry for more. No this book left you burning for more.

The setting for this is really interesting actually, and I think it only helped to show off another of Angelini's skills which is that she can incredibly world build and create these stunning, beautiful and different worlds that you fall in love and struggle to leave. The setting is basically a world or dimension sitting on top of ours, where both science and magic exists, neither one without the other but magic dominates and the running of society and what powers our world is completely different yet so similar. I really did like is world and they way Angelini crafted it made it all the more spectacular. Her dreamy and whimsical descriptions saw this exquisite world crafted in my mind. The world she built actually complimented the story so well that whilst i was reading it I literally forgot the real world and escaped to, I guess we can call it 'New Salem'.

As for characters in this Angelini kept it nice and simple with only a few select characters that never really changed. I liked this for a number of reason which I will elaborate on. With this being the first in a series it didn't bombard us with too much info or characters and allowed us to understand and stay comfortable in the book, getting to know and understand the few characters we knew really well. We learnt a fair amount about each characters past and Angelini really blurred the lines between who we hated and didn't in this novel, especially with the love triangle, though it seemed to tilt more in one direction. Needless to say we knew who the main villains were and who we really hated but as i said, a fair amount it still unclear, but i have no doubt this will be cleared up and the following novels in the series as this is only book 1.

Overall I'm in love with this book. Trial by Fire is a masterpiece. the ideas are so unique and so easy to fall in love with and once your in your left with a burning desire to turn the page, and keep on reading. I and no doubts in Angelini's ability to wow and intrigue me and she has succeeded once again in this beautiful rendition of science, witches and the Crucible. The wait for the sequel is a wait too long because i genuinely can not wait to meet Lily and the gang to see where they've been led, because that was one hell of a cliff-hanger at the end and there no way I can sit back and reminisce about the book with an ending like that. I need to know what happens next.
But to conclude Angelini has impressed yet again. Trial by Fire is a sharp, clever beautiful story that will keep you up till the depths of night trying to see what happens next.

TRIAL BY FIRE - FANART

So as you an see from my last review I just read Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini and the story if so gorgeous and beautiful with such vivd concepts and idea that I knew could be so beautifully represented in a cover that I had to have a go at creating my own here is what I came up with! hope you like it!

You can click on them for a larger view

THE WITCH OF TURLINGHAM ACADEMY - ELLIE BOSWELL - REVIEW

Book: The witch of Turlingham Academy
Author: Ellie Boswell
Publisher: ATOM
ISBN: 9781907410956
Rating: B

It's not easy being the only day girl at Turlingham Academy: Sophie misses out on all the midnight feasts and late night gossip. And when new girl Katy turns up it feels like she's bewitching all of Sophie's friends! Katy's no witch, but there is a witch at Turlingham. Katy comes from a long line of witch hunters whose job is to stop evil magic. Sophie is going to help her - anything to get Katy out of her life and get things back to normal. But what she discovers means nothing will ever be normal again!


I have to admit I had my doubts about this before I read it but I was pleasantly surprised. I actually really enjoyed it, a lot! In fact it reminded of the The Worst Witch (a past-time favourite) but more modernised which is always nice to have. The book was quick, snappy, fast paced and pet you interested the whole way through. Definitely a feel-good book. It's one of those book where you read it and you just wish the world would actually be like that, be we all know it's not gonna happen.


The plot was very simple, no complex hidden story lines, it was fun and was easy to follow. I liked it., though. I moved on quickly, kept you thinking and waning to know what happened next. It was very light-hearted and I like to have a breath of fresh air, every once in a while, because of all the books I read.


The writing was nice to read aswell. There was no over description or endless pages of dialogue, just a nice balance that got straight to the point and created a nice vivd image in your mind. It was definitely enjoyable to read and I didn't come out not liking it, so I think Boswell has done a brilliant job with this novel.


The characters were all good, and because their weren't loads of them, It made it easier to get to know them, because of course this is the first book in the series and we don't know them yet. I felt they were all really strong, standalone characters, and you could get really close to them. My favourite characters would have to be Katy and Sophie, because you learn what true friends are from them, something that you find often in out modern day society. This book is perfect for escapism.


Overall the book was funny, fantastic, light-hearted read that kept me glued to it till the end!

CRAVE - MELISSA DARNELL - REVIEW

Book: Crave
Author: Melissa Darnell
Publisher: Mira
ISBN: 9781848450967
Rating: A+

Savannah Colbert has never known why she’s so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It’s as if he’s a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she’s destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back... different, and suddenly he can’t stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences...

This book was actually really good. It's completely surprised with the storyline and I think is intact very unique. I think it's one of these books that only comes around every couple of years but when they do they are extremely good and I think this one could go very far! I have high hope for Crave. Now Crave is a fantastic book that will keep you enthralled and up to the dead of night, unable to put the book down. IT was thrilling tale of a Forbidden love that hasn't been done before and I loved it!


I have to admit, I had a tad of trouble getting into the book, but once I was in I could not get out The follows Savannah (but we'll call her Sav, cause it's a pain to type out! I don't how Darnell did it) and she is in school and experiences some changes only to find out she is a Dhampir, but one that shouldn't be able to exist. Half Vampire and Half Descendant (witch). Forbidden to love a boy, she falls in love with him... and so the battle begins. 


The plot is actually really well thought out an although the book sis a rather hefty 500 odd pages I didn't feel that long as it was exciting, fast paced and I seemed to whizz through it! The plot was obviously thoroughly outlined and the amount of thought that went into is clear as well as the effort. It was such a unique and beautiful plot and just so effortless to read. Gorgeous.


The writing was almost lyrical. It was just so perfect to read. There was the exact correct balance of description and dialogue that blended perfectly together t create this very real, vivid, image in your mind and it moved at just the right pace. The prose was perfect, thought. Not a fault I could see, and was a pleasure to read.


There wasn't too many character which was nice. I always hate a book where there is so many characters you can't keep track on them all. This was nice because you were introduced the characters easel and slowly so they acme a part of the book and became your friends. You felt very close tot hem and shared the same love hate emotions as them , for instance when Dylan pooped in the book you just wanted to rip him shreds, burn them on a barbecue and feed him to the ducks. (though you'd probably get arrested... especially for the ducks)


Overall is was gorgeous book and a fantastic read. The pleasure was all mine in the and I would recommend it a million times! yes yes yes! LOVE IT!

THE SECRET CIRCLE: THE INITIATION AND THE CAPTIVE - REVIEW - L.J. SMITH

Book: The secret circle: The initiation and the captive - omnibus

Author: L.J. smith

Publisher: Hodder

ISBN:9780340999547

Rating: B+

Forced to move from sunny California to gloomy New England, Cassie longs for her old life. Even so, she feels a strange kinship to a terrifying group of teens who seem to rule her school. Initiated into the coven of witches that's controlled New Salem for hundreds of years, she's drawn into the Secret Circle, a thrill that's both intoxicating and deadly. But when she falls for the mysterious and intriguing Adam, Cassie must choose whether to resist temptation or risk dark forces to get what she wants—even if it means that one wrong move could ultimately destroy her.

I decided to read this because of the new tv show, which I am enjoying very much and I found that it was in fact very different, but in a good way! The book are quite unique and there isn't much out there in the teen market for witches at the moment, authors living in fear that their  witches may become stereotypical but Smith has gone all out and created a success.

The books are actually really nice and short as they come in a omnibus of two so I will be covering both in one review. The story lines are actually really simple and nice, and extremely easy to follow. The twist of having the witches is a nice part but my only criticism is that they need to 'USE MORE MAGIC!'

The characters are all so wonderful and created so well and you even get a soft spot for some of the darker characters like Faye. The characters are built up in a really nice close way. I remember my heavy criticism of the Vampire Diaries and a tad less criticism for Dark Visions but Smith has really got me with this book. It's just wonderful.

Favorite character... Cassie. Shy, kept to herself, exiting and extremely and speaks her mind whether it's mean or not... when she's drunk. No really, she was a really nice character to have to the book based on. She is a people person and really captures you heart and sometimes you really feel for her... a lot.

Overall, wonderful job Smith, I liked it and I guess it's onto the next two!

SWEETLY - JACKSON PEARCE - REVIEW

Book: Sweetly

Author: Jackson Pearce

Publisher: Hodder Chhildrens

ISBN: 9781444900590

Rating: A+

As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch-like monster in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too. When their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out as teens, they stumble upon a sleepy Southern town and are invited to stay with Sophia Kelly at her sweet shop. Sophia moulds candied magic: coveted treats that inspire confidence, bravery, and passion. Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel finally start to forget their haunted past - until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel, who gives Gretchen a reason to fear Sophia: girls have been vanishing at Sophia's annual chocolate festival, taken by the insatiable 'witch' of Gretchen's nightmares. Can Gretchen save herself, the girls of Live Oak, and Sophia? Of one thing, Gretchen is certain: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry.

I read sisters red by Jackson Pearce last summer and instantly fell in love with the magical world that she had created. It was so brilliantly fantastic that when I heard about Sweetly I got it as quick as I could.

I loved how Jackson Pearce used the basis of Red Riding Hood to create a beautiful tale and when I heard that Sweetly was a Mix of Hansel and Gretel with her unique magical world I was both thrilled that she was following her theme of fairy tales and to see what she had in store.

I adore Jackson Pearce’s writing. It’s so descriptive and rich and what better way to put that to full use than with a chocolate shop. The writing was so full and luxurious, and most definitely a pleasure to read. The prose is truly full of sparkle.

The plot was so totally unique just as Sisters Red. It was obviously thought out in detail and was not easy to plan as it was a nice complex plot, though extremely easy to follow throughout the whole of the amazing novel.

The characters are all special to themselves in various ways and all built up well so you feel for them very closely and understand them as your friends. I know I felt very close to the characters, and you automatically felt certain feeling for certain characters. My favourite would have to be Sophia. She was so sweet and innocent and she just wanted to save her sister and she would do anything for that.

I think if you break the story away there is a core moral, and it is: Love your family because if they go you’ll regret every bad thing you did. The book had many significant and great moments but my favourite was incredibly sad and made me ache inside. It was when Sophia was shot because she sacrificed herself to join her sister.

Overall the book was a wonderful beautiful tale filled with magic that will warm your heart. It may have sad bits but it is truly a wonderful novel and I honestly loved every letter down to the last word. It is really beautiful.