Review - Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

Synopsis

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.

(Goodreads)

Review

★★★★★

  Trial by Fire is a part of the Worldwalker series along with its sequel Firewalker. I believe the book's title might have been changed to: I am a Witch and Witches Burn (according to a new cover reveal). It makes sense but I personally really liked the original title because it referenced different aspects of the story and made it sound action-packed and rather mysterious. 

   I was confused when I started reading this book because, as usual, I hadn't read the synopsis of the book. Although I got it after Benjaminoftomes's stellar review, I had totally forgotten what it was about.
So here I was, reading about a sick teenager and her life in high school and I thought to myself: this seems like an interesting concept, I like it. Then, all of the sudden, the story switched directions as the main character, Lily Proctor, was transported to another world. At that point, I took a reading break and thought about it. I jumped right back in and let me tell you, I'm glad I did. Magic, witches, hot guys (yes, characters can be attractive just from their description despite what people say about how you don't actually see them so you're wrong), oh and did I mention magic? - What else could you ask for in a book?

  This book contains interesting magic. I liked the idea of using willstones to connect with others and help control your magic. It allows unbreakable bonds and conflicts to arise. In this world, magic isn't used to simply vanish or make food appear. It allows telepathic communication, impressive protection, and, okay, it can probably make stuff appear but that's beside my point. Magic is the source of everything in this world: medicine, electricity, heat, protection, and pretty much anything you can think of. Animals are grown. That's right, they're grown, not bred. Science doesn't have much relevance under the rule of this parallel world's queen (not elected, it's a monarchy - yay?) who is no one other than our dear Lily Proctor.

  As expected, the story involves friendship as well as romance. Although many think romance in YA novels is overrated and sappy, I love it. The romance is very well-written and, let's face it, I'm a sucker for it. However, the focus remains on the issues at stake quite a lot.

  I'm usually pretty good at guessing what's going to happen next in the book I'm reading. But this time, I simply couldn't. Sure, I guessed some parts; but other events blind sided me and it was a wonderful feeling.

  You know what they say, "when the action surprises you, you  must keep reading". 
Well, at least that's my excuse for reading all day and avoiding chores... 

  I look forward to reading the next book because this one ended with a cliffhanger. Why does the author hate me?