Trial by Fire: Review

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.

***

I can't deny it. I love Trial by Fire. This has gotta be one of the best books I've read this year. The book is a perfect mixture of desperation, love, and bravery. It's a little hard to explain this, but it makes me crave for more.

Lily is unique in the way that she's not instantly loved by a lot of people and she's considered weak. She's an outcast that she fails life in everyone's perspective. But the fact that she has a strong will creates the perfect spark for her natural abilities to show. I really enjoy reading about Lily because she always think twice before complying to someone. That can't be said to a lot other heroines because a lot of them have the tendency to be reckless. Lily is a smart one and I really like her attitude to do what's necessary.

Passive dimension jumping is a crude way to explain what happened to Lily. But the fact that magic is involved makes this term so crude that it's almost unfit to explain this event. Something scientific plus something magical equals awesomeness. Lily is sickly and weak in her own world and Lillian strong in the alternate universe. But ultimately both Lily and Lillian the same person. It actually brings a good message of one can change a lot if you have the will to tap into your hidden strong side (or whatever side that gives you the ability to change things). But it is also a cautionary tale of how wrong things can be if people overdo it.

It's been a long time since I actually crave for the sequel. And I'm glad to have this anticipation in me.

Rating. 8.5/10