Firelight (Firelight #1)

Firelight (Firelight #1) by Sophie Jordan

After listening to my friends talking about it countless times, and had many recommendations and squeals whenever this book was mentioned, I finally decided to read it. I put it off for a while because I read the blurb and wondered whether it would be your very typical predictable teen fiction. Another reason was that most dragon books I had encountered didn't end up well-written (only a few exceptions). So when I really got into the book and was immersed into the plot, I was pleasantly surprised. 

In no way was this book predictable, I could not imagine whatever was going to happen next. As I was reading, I couldn't wait to turn the next page to see where the story would take me. Even though it was quite a typical teenage fantasy book (as in the overall idea), the plot and characters were original and full of character. The central female character was strong and determined, as well as the male characters. I also enjoyed the twist and turns involving family (not just one, but various families). Family tie is something that is usually not very well accounted for in teenage books, usually books present a disfunctional family and how the main characters run and away, and maybe at the end they come together again, and the parents or whoever realise their mistakes. That is not the way of life, and I think the decisions the central characters in Firelight made in relation to families were something recommendable and should be noted. The way the story planned out seemed very fluent and thoughtful. The pace of developments was well-suited to the type of story it was telling. 

The writing of the book was also something I enjoyed. It wasn't overly descriptive, yet it described everything with enough detail that made it comfortable to read at the same time grasp the situation. The use of dialogues had a reason, not just there because the author wanted it there. It provided an insight to certain characters. Somehow, the way the reader got to know all the characters in this book was very unique. Though it was written in first person, the main character felt like a reliable narrator. We can somehow see everyone clearly through her judgements. 

I liked most of the characters in this book, I especially valued Tamra and Jacinda's relationship. They were both easy to like and I understand why they each did what they did in the book. While most (if not all) of my friends disliked Cassian, I found myself actually liking him even in this first book (I got told that you might like him in the second book). I understood him and kind of felt a little sorry for him too, in becoming who he was/seemed like in the book. I might have even liked him a little better than Will (except in the first part, I hated Cassian in the first part of the book). Will was quite sweet, but I didn't quite connect with him (once again, these trivial reasons stopped me from absolutely loving this book). But I liked how he treated Jacinda and the trust between them.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to everyone who likes a good fantasy and dragons :)

Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

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.