by Josephine Angelini
Published by Feiwel and Friends
on September 1, 2015
Source: ARC from publisher for review
Synopsis from Goodreads: Lily is back in her own universe, and she's ready to start a new life with Rowan by her side. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape from New Salem, and must hide her magic for the safety of everyone she cares about, but compared to fighting the Woven, the monstrous creatures inhabiting the alternate Salem, life is looking pretty good. Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. If she can’t persuade Lily to return to her world, she will force her to come back by doing away with the ones she loves.My take: I was a huge fan of Trial by Fire, the first book in this series. I really loved the way the story blended alt-history with alternate universes with magic/science/witchcraft and was excited to see where the story went. I must confess that I didn't love this installment quite as much as the first. I like it when second books really raise the stakes and complicate things to a seemingly impossible degree. I thought Firewalker started a bit slow, spending a lot of time on Lily's recovery from the events from the end of book two. Then there was the assembly of a Scooby Gang (okay, technically they are Lily's mechanics, which are, if I'm remembering correctly, those she can control and communicate with through her willstone.) Finally, though, there are some revelations -- shocking ones! But the conflict that arises is also due to one of my least favorite plot devices: two characters who refuse to talk to each other. Or rather, Rowan becomes a huge butthead and refuses to talk to Lily, but mostly because he is annoyed that she is keeping things from him in an attempt to protect him. I didn't love their dynamic as much in this installment, which ranged from cutesy to silent treatment with little in between.
That being said, I'm still in love with the imaginative world building in this series, and even though I thought Firewalker suffered from a touch of Middle Book Syndrome, I will still be eagerly awaiting the final installment in the story.
That's frustrating. A lot of conflicts in a relationship can be sorted out simply by talking. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteIt's a plot device I see in a lot of romance novels and it can be so frustrating as a reader!
DeleteEverything I see on this makes me want to wait until the final book releases for me to start Firewalker. I can't take the angst and this device also is extremely aggravating to me! Her last series lost something for me as it went along, and I'm hoping book 3 is going to wow me bc I really liked book 1 like you did. I'm also still nervous about the Lily-Rowan-Lillian thing and Tristan's reentrance. That's a lot of people! Anyway, thanks for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about the world-building! I loved it. And I feel the same way about the Rowan-Lily thing. I was a bit disappointed in how things went down between the two of them, particularly toward the end of the book. Like you though, I want to see how it all unfolds in the final installment because I'm invested plus there were several reveals that I'm curious about. (I LOVED Juliet in this book. She was probably my favorite part.)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this one didn't work out for you. Trial by Fire sounds like a great book but this one doesn't sound like it lived up to it at all. Plus, I hate when conflict could have been avoided if the characters just simply talked to each other.
ReplyDeleteI was iffy on the first book and haven't decided if I want to read this one or not. I get frustrated when characters withhold information from one another. I'll be curious to see what you think of the next book. This might be a series I wait until it's finished before deciding if I'll continue. The cover sure is pretty :-)
ReplyDeleteHaven't read the first book. I seem to recall reading something else of hers and not enjoying it, but I can't recall what it was... Anyway, sorry this one didn't live up to your expectations. At least the cover is cute :)
ReplyDeleteI am about halfway through this one and I agree about it being slow. I can't wait for the shocking revelations, though!
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
I wasn't a big fan of the first book because I felt it was too slow, which is a problem I had with the other books by her.
ReplyDeleteReading that this one is also slow, I'm not really excited to read it.
If I don't feel curiosity about the shocking revelations, then I guess I won't be reading it sooner.
Thanks for your review, Jen!
I haven't read anything by this author before. Is this considered Fantasy? I tend to stick to a lot of contemporaries. Sorry this one didn't live up to your expectations. I hope you like the next book better!
ReplyDeleteMiddle Book Syndrome is so a thing!! I am glad you still enjoyed this even if it wasn't as good as the first!
ReplyDeleteReading your review made me realize that I don't remember ANYTHING from Trial by Fire. Oh boy. I think I'll wait on this one until the third book comes out
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I didn't love this second book like I did the fist one, but I still enjoyed it. I know exactly what you mean about Rowan being a douche bag, but hoping he makes amends in the next book! Nice review :)
ReplyDeleteI have yet to read the first book, but plan to soon as I love the sound of the worldbuilding. I'm glad you enjoyed Firewalker even though it sufffered a bit from middle book syndrome. Hopefully, the last book will be spectacular and resolve those pesky romantic issues!
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Jen :)