ARC REVIEW: Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini Published by: Feiwel & Friends on September 2nd, 2014 Series: Worldwalker #1 Pages: 384 Format: ARC Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Source: For Review Rating: 4/5 BUY THE BOOK or ADD IT TO GOODREADS!
FROM GOODREADS: 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 in this alternate universe.
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 THOUGHTS:
Dear Trial by Fire,
I was super excited for you when I first received an early review copy of you, until I started seeing review after review from other bloggers saying they didn't much care for you. So I ended up putting you off. I was scared of a huge let down. I didn't want you to be something I didn't like, because you sound oh so good. There aren't many witch stories that I like these days, and I had high high hopes for you. Well, I'm extremely happy to say that those high hopes were definitely met. I LOVED YOU, TRIAL BY FIRE!!!
First, we meet your main character, Lily, who is severely allergic to pretty much everything. Seriously, I'm surprised this girl isn't in a plastic bubble. That's how bad her allergies are. I felt bad for her. Especially when the Tristan from her world is a total douche bag to her. I wanted to slap the shitacki mushrooms out of him. Anyways, Lily ends up devastated after having a seizure in front of all her friends at a party and then Tristan being a jerkwad on top of that, so she ends up talking to who she thinks is herself, and agrees that she's over this world. Next thing Lily knows, she's in a completely different version of Salem. One where horrifying monsters and other selves of her, her sister, her friend Tristan, and mom exist. But these other selves are mostly different from the ones in Lily's world. For example, Lily's other self is one loco witch.
Yes, witches exist in this other version of Salem, and it was so awesome! This version of Salem was futuristic and rustic at the same time. Basically everything is run on witch's power instead of science. I can't even begin to tell you all the cool inventions from witchcraft power they have. But there are plenty of problems in you too, Trial by Fire. Like the Woven? Yeah, I'll pass on having mutated monsters running amok and killing everyone. Also, witches be cray. Lillian is trying to kill all scientists and teachers. There's a reason why, but still, she's a nut.
Now, on to your swoonworthy Outlander boy, Rowan Fell. I'm just gonna admit right now, I really liked Rowan. Mostly because of his name at first, because he can be a total arse sometimes, but he grew on me with every page. I just wanted to smoosh Lily and Rowan's heads together and make them kiss so bad. The tension was real, Trial by Fire.
I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting out of you, Trial by Fire, but it wasn't this. This being a fantastic fantasy bridging with a bit of paranormal aspects, following a loveable boy, his friends Caleb and Tristan (loved them too!!! And yes, this Tristan is way more un-douchey than Lily's other Tristan), crazy enemies, witchcraft, horrifying monsters, and just a girl trying to find her place, not only in this new world, but also, her way back home to her world. Oh, and that cliffhanger, Trial by Fire? NOT COOL. When does your brother/sister come out? Because I need it in my hands like yesterday! LOVED YOU! Four stars!!!
Begging everyone to give you a chance despite bad reviews,
Becca

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