FIREBLOOD
Fireblood Series #1
by Trisha Wolfe
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (Dec 2013)
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopia, Young Adult
Format: eBook (356 pages)
Source: Free book from publisher (Netgalley) for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon Print | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 stars)
To save a kingdom, Zara must choose between a prince who could be the answer and a rising rebellion that threatens to take control.
When Zara Dane is chosen to marry Prince Sebastian Hart, son of the man who ordered her father’s capture, Zara knows she must fight to save everything she loves from ruin.
Being betrothed to the prince means a life trapped behind the towering stone walls of the Camelot-forged realm. Under the watchful eye of the prince’s first knight, Sir Devlan Capra, changing her future becomes difficult.
When an unlikely rebel reveals the truth about the deadly secrets that fuel King Hart’s twisted world, Zara’s path to rescue her father becomes clouded by deception. The Rebels clear her path by forcing Zara’s hand with an ultimatum: sway Prince Sebastian to join the Rebels, convincing him of his father’s evil nature, or they will take him out.
But Zara is uncertain about a future under the Rebels’ command and where the prince’s heart truly lies. She must decide who to trust, what to believe, and what she’s truly fighting for before the king destroys all of Karm, including her heart.
At A Glance
Fireblood started out great and it was interesting but by the end I felt disappointed.
The Good
I liked the concept and the YA fantasy feel to the whole story. It definitely drew me in right away. I loved the mixture of modern and old world settings and gadgets. It spiced things up for sure. The characters also stood out. They each brought something to this book.
Zara was smart and determined. When she had a goal, she did everything in her power to reach it. I loved how much she cared for her friends and the people around her. She had such a good heart. She even tried to see the good in people who were obviously bad.
Sebastian was a complicated character. I really didn’t like him, but I loved to hate him. It seemed obvious to me something was not quite right with him, but he did have those sweet moments that could leave some people confused. You’re never 100% sure what to think of Sebastian until the very end. Devlan was a little up and down too but you never doubted his sincerity. He had a good heart, but he was also a hardass. He definitely grew on me though, and by the end he became one of my favorite characters.
The writing was good and the pacing felt right. There were a lot of twists and turns and revelations that truly shocked me. I never really knew 100% what was going on or what the truth was which was fun. I liked being surprised.
The Bad
I really did enjoy reading Fireblood but in the end it felt somewhat average. Some parts were convoluted. Some parts were hard to believe, like Zara becoming a badass fighter in a few weeks and defeating knights who have been trained to kill since they were children. Um, yeah, NO! Just not realistic. Some of the decision making or reasons behind decisions felt so silly. I kept shaking my head at the absurdity. You really need to leave reality and common sense behind to really enjoy this book.
The Snuggly
I liked watching Devlan and Zara come together ever so slowly. It was a stressful but cute romance. I hated Zara and Sebastian together. Their relationship was obviously wrong from the get-go.
The sexual content is very YA, but there are some sexual assault situations, but nothing too horrible happens.
Final Thoughts
I wish Fireblood had more believable things going on so I could have enjoyed it more. I think many people will and can love this book though. It has a fun plot and and interesting concept. Recommended.
“Isn’t he beautiful?” Hadley says longingly.
Yes, I think, but not in the way she obviously sees him. He’s beautiful in the way the apple in the banned book my father read to me ages ago was beautiful to the princess.
Tempting but deadly.”
“You know, Sir Devlan. Many women might find the quiet type endearing,” I say. “I admit, a man of few words has an attractive quality.” His head turns toward me. “But seeing how you’re one of the few people I have to converse with, your lack of conversational skills can be obnoxious.”
“She lifts the white gown. “The prince loves white.” Her fingers caress the satin. “He had your betrothal gown made just for you.”
(…) Anger boils under my skin. “Then he can wear it,” I snap.”
Melanie
Convoluted and hard to believe stories are one of my pet peeves (ironic since I watch Pretty Little Liars) so I don’t think this series would be for me.
Lovely review though! <33
Jennifer Bielman
You are right. From the books you have not liked in the past, I know this book is not for you.
Chene Sterckx
Great review. I agree on quite a few on your points! I loved the one part where Devlan pointed out how he figured Zara was carrying a dagger under her dress!
Chanzie @ Mean Who You Are.
Jennifer Bielman
Oh yeah, I loved that one.
Aimee @ Read by the Undead
I’ve heard a lot of not-so-good stuff about this one, but I’m glad you enjoyed it (and the romance) for the most part! I might try this out soon, but I’m still a bit hesitant. Fantastic review! 🙂
Aimee @ Read by the Undead
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I am not sure how you would like this one. It’s good but not great.
laura thomas
Characters driven stories are my fav so it’s important that I connect with them. Sounds like that may or may not work with this one. And being annoyed or distracted by the plot is a definite no-no for me. I can suspend my disbelief to a point. The slow blooming romance is something I enjoy though. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for a thorough review letting me know what may be good and not so good!
Jennifer Bielman
If you do read this I hope you love it. As a series it has potential.
Brandi Kosiner
I loved seeing her and Dev together as well, and sorry to hear that the ending wasn’t for you.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, her and Dev were pretty great overall.
kimbacaffeinate
It is too bad that actions weren’t made to feel believable. While I want my heroines to be kick-ass, when up against trained foe she needs experience to step in a save her. I do like that the romance wasn’t front and center and developed slowly. Wonderful review my friend.
Jennifer Bielman
The worst part for me was the believability of her learning to fight so good. But the romance was great.
sherry fundin
I appreciate your honest review and this doesn’t sound like it’s for me. Always happy to see what you are up to. ^_^
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I totally understand.
Christy @ Love of Books
I’ve loved all of Trisha’s books that I’ve read, but I haven’t read this one yet. I don’t know how I’d feel about that ending, but I do enjoy a character that I love to hate. 😀
Jennifer Bielman
This is the only book I have read of hers. I will check out her other books.
Jaclyn Canada
I love the name Zara. Definitely think the surprise factor is great and that you couldn’t figure out Sebastian until the end. The logic though I guess really goes like you said, if you can go into it knowing that all things are not believable then it certainly makes that easier. Fantastic review! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I would have rather known it was over the top fantastical. I think I would have liked it better.