Mainstream Review: Trial By Fire By Josephine Angelini

Trial By Fire (Worldwalker Trilogy #1)

By Josephine Angelini (Bestselling Author of the Starcrossed Series)

Published September 2014 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.

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 Review

* ARC received from the publisher (Feiwel & Friends) in exchange for an honest review *

I have been having so much fun with my reading lately. Something I have desperately needed. Angelini is another author that I used to read, but haven't thought much about in a good while. I recall her Starcrossed series fondly, but it feels forever ago. That being said, I am so happy she has gifted us with a new book. And unlike her mythology filled priors, the Worldwalker trilogy is all about being magically delicious. And by that I mean, there is magic, witches and cuties. Sadly, Trial by Fire has been nesting on my shelf since I got my ARC signed at ALA... LAST YEAR. This should not have happened. Because, despite my hesitation after succumbing to some on-the-fence peer reviews, I had a hard time putting this book down. There are so many things I enjoy in it: Witches, multi-versing, earth based magic and of course, slightly complicated romance. Plus, it puts you in constant adventure mode. You can so easily envision being in Lily's shoes. What would you do if you were pulled into another universe? Who do you trust? What is this other Lillian's ultimate plan? 

Angelini's brain produces it's own magic when it comes to world building. The alternate version of Salem in Trial by Fire is both wonderful and dangerous. This world's hierarchy is nothing to be trifled with either. The concept of a world literally being run by witches, both their power and the by-product of it, is fascinating, while also sensible. Although, I am still on the fence about whether I would give up on plain 'ol USA to enter a world in the middle of a magical battle. (What am I saying... Of course I would!) And what is exceptional about  this Salem 2.0 is the obvious display of imagination. The imagination aspect of YA always boggles me. I feel like the older I get, the more I forget, I used to think I was a unicorn. And yet, some authors seem to gain more imagination the older they get.

I suppose my only hang up with this book is that I did not feel overly attached to any one of the characters. I was OK with both Lily and Rowan, but I am kind of thinking that if they existed individually, outside the sphere of romantic interests, I would feel even less for them. At times Lily just seemed to make obstacles look too easy. For someone who, a very short time ago, did not even know magic existed, Lily excels at even the highest level of magic with practically no training. However, she does have one of the most solid support systems imaginable, which makes her successes more feasible. Juliet (her sister) is loyal to a tee and comes to Lily's aide despite the inherent danger she faces by doing so. Lily also gains the allegiance of not only Rowan, but two additional  cuties--no spoilers!--who turn their group into a magic powerhouse. 

SIDE NOTE: There are in fact many, there are many instances of instant-ness in this book. Usually I would be bothered by this, but for some reason Lily's insta-love, insta-success and insta-acceptance of disembodied voices *Refer to the beginning of the book* went unnoticed until I sat down to write this review. I think my enjoyment of this story came from the adventure, not necessarily the character building or the need for perfection. Honestly, reviewers need to remember to enjoy what they read (also while keeping in mind the target audience. In this case TEENS, people.) Get lost in the world, not nitpicking whether or not someone would instantly do anything. I mean isn't good to see someone excel in the areas of romance and power every once in awhile? I sure wish I could... END SIDE NOTE

I was considering going into the end, but I would rather not spoil anything. So, I will just say that it lacks a nail-biting cliffhanger, but produces a satisfying, "Thank goodness this is only book one." In my opinion super crazy cliff hangers bug me. And with this ending, I have high hopes that book two will have a well founded story-line. ie: no book two syndrome! 

This book is fun. End of story. Trial by Fire is a solid piece of YA fantasy. I see this book being a sure hit with teens. Don't let the neggy reviews that are floating out there put you off. If you typically like stories with these elements, this book will not disappoint.