Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

****

From Feiwel & Friends:

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.  In Josephine Angelini's Trial by Fire, 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.  



As a huge fan of Angelini's Starcrossed Series, I was thrilled that Trial by Fire was just as consuming as Starcrossed.  There are similar themes between Starcrossed and Trial, so if you liked Starcrossed, chances are you will like Trial.  

Lily is weak, she's always been weak and will always be weak, until she is brought to a new realm where her weaknesses make her powerful.  Incredibly powerful.  If only Lily could figure out how to use her power, perhaps she can survive this new realm.

The people in this new realm are versions of the people in her realm - her sister, her best friend and crush Tristan, they are there, but different.  There's also Rowan.  A Mechanic, someone who cares for and assists a Crucible.  Rowan was not only Lilian's Mechanic, they were also deeply in love.  Understandably, Rowan is still reeling from Lilian's betrayal and doesn't want to be Lily's Mechanic, but it's clear that Lily is the only person who may have a chance to stop Lilian's shocking cruelty.  As the two train for war, Rowan learns that having known weakness, Lilian will be an excellent leader and worthy of his trust and love.  

Angelini created rich, imaginative world in Trial, that will leave to you itching for the next installment.  

~Shel


1 comment:

  1. OH my lord. Okay I may need to sell my soul or body to buy this book, but I need to get it because it sounds absolutely enthralling. And Josephine Angelini is a really consistent author.

    This was a great review!

    Rebecca @ Vicariously!

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