Review: Very Cool Book!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 26, 2013
*I received a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*In Fire, the world is divided into 4 realms. The Sephans who possess earthly powers. The Brizans who possess powers related to water. The Arcans who control the wind. And the Helians who have fire powers.Brae is the Arcan prince. His father the king is dying. When the Helian king calls a political summit, inviting delegates from each realm, Brae is sent in his father's place. While in the Helian Realm, Brae befriends the Helian princess, Roxy. Roxy is a spunky, no nonsense kind o girl. I really wanted to dislike Roxy but it's impossible. The author makes it very easy to see that her character flaws are merely a product of her upbringing and geography.Brae's best friend is Jasmine. She was found by the Arcan priest as a baby and raised as part of his family. she doesn't know anything about her biological parents or where she comes from or what kind of powers she will develop, if any. When Jasmine starts having dream visions about Brae being in danger she immediately finds a way to travel to the Helian Realm to warn him. I love this about her. As far as she's concerned, she has no powers and yet she still rushes into danger to save her friend.Throughout the book the author treats to a few twists and surprises, that if you're anything like me, you didn't see coming. I loved the way that Jasmine and Roxy's characters were built up and the way they grew and changed during the story. The storyline was pretty fast paced and it's very easy to get lost in this story and come to halfway through with the book. It's a very fast and enjoyable read.With that being said, there were a few little things that I didn't LOVE about this book. Not to say that I didn't really enjoy the book because I did, I just think that these are worth a mention because they kept me from wanting to give the book a full 4 stars.1) In the beginning, the alternating POVs were really confusing. I think longer chapters or maybe more chapters in between the switches may have cleared that up. This really was a whole new world that the author invented with so much for the reader to learn and keep track of. It was just a little much in the beginning.2) Another thing was the relationship between Roxy and Brae. I loved where it went, I just didn't feel like there was enough build up. It seemed like in one chapter she hated him and wanted him dead and in the next chapter she had suddenly developed these very strong feelings for him. It didn't take away from the story, it just seemed a little fast and it left me wondering when her feelings had changed and what had caused the change.3)Last...What was Jasmine thinking there at the end?!! I understand why she made the choice that she did (I may even have made the same choice in her place) but I so wish it could have ended a different way. I wanted her to be a better person. A stronger person. A less selfish person. I don't know. But at the same time, I recognize that this ending is making me anticipate the next book that much more.I can't wait to see where Heather James takes this series. I can't wait to see what happens next with Brae and Jasmine and Roxy and their friends. Really cool first book!