This is a spoiler-free review! You can read my review for the first installment, Trial by Fire, on my blog, here.
A little over two years later but I am back to this series and determined to see it through. For the most part, when it has been years since I have read a book in a series, it will only take a few chapters for my memory to be jogged and everything will come back to me - that is exactly what happened in this case. I honestly forgot about Una and Breakfast until they showed up again in this book, and their presence throughout the story was definitely in a supportive role in Lily's journey. Tristan gives off major Adam Kent vibes from Shatter Me, and his continued pining for Lily made him mildly insufferable.
The side characters played a large role in Lily's own development, and without their presence, the story definitely would have been lacking in supportive roles. Some played larger roles than others, and Tristan lead the pack on that front, while Una and Breakfast were still secondary characters to his large presence. Juliet could have been written into the story more, as I believe her relationship with Lily needs to be explored more - even though they are sisters, I still think there is more to uncover in their dynamic.
Lily and Rowan's relationship is solid, and his protectiveness of her is certainly a plus - he is always looking out for her, and even when she thinks his choices are not the best, he does everything in her best interest. Since this is a young adult novel, their relationship is pretty PG and aside from kissing and alluding to other things, we are still able to see the intimacy of their relationship through mind-speak. Considering how the first book ended, it is no wonder to why he is protects her against everything that comes their way.
The pacing of this second installment was slow for about the first half in my opinion - it felt as though we were being given a refresher of everything that happened in the first book and dwelling on those events, when more time should have been spent on present issues. The last third of the book is where the action truly picks up, and I found myself much more intrigued with the story once the plot pivoted to actual obstacles. It would have been great if the entire book had that energy instead of just the ending, but the author was able to set up the third installment with a powerful ending to this book.
If you are looking for a way to enter the young adult fantasy genre, the Worldwalker series can be the first experience many need. Since I own the rest of the series, I will be seeing Lily and Rowan's story to the end, and with the ending Angelini has left readers with, I am sure we are in for some interesting developments.
You can add Firewalker on Goodreads now, and follow the author to stay up to say on publications and releases.
No comments:
Post a Comment