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. 

Let's Talk Book to Movie! New Year Edition

Hello all! I have been slacking on the blogging this month in order to prepare for nursing school. But, I have been thinking about and watching a lot of movies. So, I asked Spencer back to the blog to chat about what 2015 has in store for us in the way of book to movie adaptations. In fact it seems like the big screen and books are well on their way to being peas in a pod!  I have noticed many titles in the YA genre have sold rights to film, before they have even hit shelves. And the possibilities are endless! As far as what the new year is shelling out, there are quite a few adaptations to look out for! 

2015 Brings Even More Bestsellers
Starring Media Blogger Spencer Blohm

2014 was a year that saw the trend of books being adapted into hit films skyrocket; classics like Lois Lowry's The Giver and more modern YA hits like Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games and Veronica Roth's Divergent, became blockbuster phenomenons. Now they’ve inspired a slew of spin offs that are rapidly gaining fan-bases all their own, and it seems that directors and screenwriters are taking every opportunity available to bring the top novels among teens and young adults to the silver screen. 2015 will be year to hit the theater, and here are some books you may want to grab a copy of before their big cinema debut.

Mockingjay: Part 2

The final installment in the biggest pop culture phenomena since Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga will be released in late November of 2015 across the globe, which gives you plenty of time to catch up on the daring and heroic deeds of Katniss Everdeen, as she rebels against her capitalist government, before the sure to be epic finale airs. 

Paper Towns

John Green has been a favorite among readers for quite some time, but it was his bestselling novel about two cancer-stricken teens and their love in The Fault in Our Stars, along with its subsequent film adaptation (already streamable from both Amazon and Direct TV), that skyrocketed him into the spotlight. Now, another one of his titles is being crossed over to film. Paper Towns is yet another one of Green's novels that have made the New York Times Bestsellers list, and is again a coming of age romance that takes place in Orlando and follows Quentin Jacobsen (Nat Wolff, who starred in TFIOS) as he embarks on an epic road trip with four friends to find the girl next door, Margo (Cara Delevingne). Tag along for the ride when it hits theaters June 5. 

Frankenstein

Starring Daniel Radcliffe as Igor, the assistant to Victor Von Frankenstein (James McIoy), this film will delve into the dark history of the monster inventor's assistant, the start of his friendship with Frankenstein, and how he went on to become the legend he is today. Frankenstein is scheduled to be released October 2, 2015.

The Jungle Book

The childhood classic about a little boy who is raised by wolves and threatened by the return of a king tiger will be released on October 9th, and stars famous actors such as Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, and Bill Murray.

Insurgent

The sequel to Divergent, starring The Fault in Our Stars actor Shailene Woodley, is the second movie based off the bestselling trilogy and continues to tell the story of Beatrice, a girl in a dystopian society who is fighting against an alliance that threatens to destroy her community. Insurgent will arrive in theaters in March, exactly a year after the novel’s debut.

Inferno

The worldwide bestseller by Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, is based on Dante's comedy of the same title, and continues the story of Robert Langdon on a whirlwind mystery through present day Florence, Italy. The series has been successful so far, with The Da Vinci Code earning $758 million worldwide and its successor, Angels & Demons grossing $486 million. Inferno will arrive in theaters December 18. 

Pan

Based on Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, Pan features Wolverine star Hugh Jackman as Blackbeard the pirate, and newcomer Levi Miller as the lead in the story of an orphan who is whisked off to Neverland and goes on an adventure filled of magic, wonder, and suspense. Amanda Seyfried and Rooney Mara will also appear in the film, which will be released on July 24 in the US.

Novels are the original movies, personal ones created within their readers' heads. It's their openness to interpretation but connectivity that unites people and makes them the ideal basis for a film. With this lineup and dozens of books on the rise, it's a lot certain that film adaptations of our favorite novels is a trend that is only guaranteed to grow stronger.

2015 just keeps looking sweeter! Aside from those Spencer mentioned above, there are several that I would like to throw in here as well. 

Ready to get 50 Shades? Not ashamed to admit it! I read the entire trilogy. Us bookish people can say we read the book for the story line *cough* but after we all see the movie when it hits theaters on February 14, 2015, we'll have to start coming clean. It's a hot, steamy, guilty read. The movie will be much the same. And we love it. 

In Fifty Shades of Grey a literature student (Dakota Johnson) begins a daring affair with a controlling businessman (Jamie Dornan) whose sexual proclivities push the boundaries of pain and pleasure.

If you see me at the theater, pretend you don't. We can Tweet about it later...

The Martian has been adapted for the big screen! This was a fantastic book! The story is about an astronaut that becomes stranded on Mars and struggles for survival. I find space movies to be extremely creepy. There is nothing that would terrify me more than going into the unknown and having to battle against things that are even more unknown than the unknown I was preparing myself for. (If that makes sense!) 

This movie is slated for release in November 2015 and will star Matt Damon. I predict this action filled sci-fi film will be a for-sure hit!

The Maze Runner Trilogy continues with the next installment, The Scorch Trials! I recently watched The Maze Runner and quite enjoyed it. I still love the book(s) more, but thought the adaptation did Dashner justice. The Scorch Trials come out September 2015. 

Which book to movie adaptations are you guys looking forward to? Personally, I will be seeing them all. Although, I love John Green's work, so Paper Towns is high up on my must see list. 

Big thanks to Spencer to being her for another Book to Movie Talk!