Book Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Release Date: September 7, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 336
Source: Received from publisher/author for honest review

Summary:

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

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.

My Review: Firelight was an innovative, fast-paced, edge of your seat start to a bright YA paranormal series. The concept of individuals turning into drakis, descendants of dragons who can change from human to dragon form was extraordinary. I was smittened by this creative and unique plot. This idea was definitely new and invigorating. In addition to a fun-filled storyline, the character development was precise and elaborate. It didn't take me long to connect with the main protagonist, Jacinda. Her aura and determined, good-hearted personality was distinct. Being part of the draki pride was her home. But, to her family they were the enemy. Her mother despised her roots and her sister never developed into the draki she longed to be. Normalcy to them was different than Jacinda's definition. Forced to leave her life behind and pushed into a mortal world where her draki slowly drained, Jacinda started to face many issues.

Being surrounded by people who didn't understand her was difficult to digest. The only sanctuary she had was Will. The hunter who could easily take her true existence away. However, in a world without dragons, Will was ironically the one to awaken her need to be herself. Their relationship was delightful and endearing. From fighting to stay away from each other to running back was quite entertaining. Finally, the ending was mind blowing. The decision that Jacinda was forced to make was shocking. I definitely was left speechless and pining for the sequel! Overall, Sophie has successfully brought dragons into YA and I am thankful to have read an exciting and different approach to paranormal. Move over Team Vampires and Werewolves, Team Draki's are here to stay!

My Rating:
Book Trailer:

Author's Info:
Sophie Jordan grew up on a pecan farm in the Texas hill country, where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she's also the New York Times bestselling author of Avon historical romances. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she's not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes and Diet cherry Coke preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with true-crime and reality-TV shows. Sophie also writes paranormal romances under the name Sharie Kohler.

For more info on Sophie, visit her site(s):
-Website
-Twitter
-Facebook
-MySpace

-GoodReads