Review: Firelight

Author: Sophie Jordan
Publish date: 2010
Source: Purchased and signed at RT
"Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide." (Goodreads)

Before going to RT a couple weeks ago, I'd kind of heard of Firelight, but not enough for me to have thought about reading it. After looking through the authors that would be there and hearing some recent blogger love for the lovely Sophie Jordan, I decided to bite the bullet and try Firelight. I bought a copy from Sophie at RT, which she graciously signed. Fast forward to the readathon...I read Firelight first and pretty much loved it. So glad I bought a copy!

I've never read a book quite like Firelight because it deals with...wait for it...dragons! Or at least a descendant of dragons called draki, which can take both human and dragon form. Right off the bat, I was really intrigued simply because, to me at least, Sophie took a not often used idea in YA fantasy and made it WORK. I liked learning some of the background of dragons and feel like there is more coming in the next two books. Based on how this book ended, I think Vanish and Hidden HAVE to be pretty amazing to tie up Jacinda and co.'s story.

At first I thought Firelight had a case of insta!love, which is does, in a way. BUT this is kind of explained by the end and as a pretty harsh critic of insta!love, I was pleased with how that was taken care of/explained. I also had mixed feelings toward how both Jacinda and Tamra acted, but I can understand both characters. They each wanted to fit into life in their own unique ways. Who doesn't, right?

If you haven't read Firelight and you enjoy fantasy, try it! It was a fun and quick read and I already have Vanish on hold at the library :)