What do you think?
Rate this book
Darkness Falls #1
Wilde's Fire
There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most.
Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she's ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she's dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate's forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What's worse, she has no control over her new future, and it's full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she's ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she's dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate's forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What's worse, she has no control over her new future, and it's full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
324 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2012
61 people are currently reading
2145 people want to read
About the author
Krystal Wade
9 books620 followersI’m happily married to the love of my life (don’t gag) and raising three beautiful children in the gorgeous state of Virginia. We live just outside Washington, D.C., and every day I wake up to find myself stuck in traffic trying to get there.
The horrid commute gives me plenty of time to zone out and think about my characters in full, brilliant details (I’m a safe driver; don’t worry). Stories give me a way to forget about the sometimes smelly strangers sitting next to me on the fifty mile trek into town (I pick up hitchhikers every day. True story. Check out www.slug-lines.com if you don’t believe me).
I’ve been a part of organized hitchhiking for nearly fifteen years, but that’s just one small aspect of my oh-so-large life. When I’m not working, commuting, or chasing after my three children (four if you count the man), you can usually find me outside talking to my chickens like they’re the cutest things in the world (they are), or training my amazing dogs how to herd said chickens (which they love), or curled up on the sofa with a good book (why can’t that be 100% of the time?).
I hope you love my stories (or just like them a little; that would be okay, too). And I hope that one day you find your passion, because there’s nothing in life better than doing what you love while surrounded by people you love.
The horrid commute gives me plenty of time to zone out and think about my characters in full, brilliant details (I’m a safe driver; don’t worry). Stories give me a way to forget about the sometimes smelly strangers sitting next to me on the fifty mile trek into town (I pick up hitchhikers every day. True story. Check out www.slug-lines.com if you don’t believe me).
I’ve been a part of organized hitchhiking for nearly fifteen years, but that’s just one small aspect of my oh-so-large life. When I’m not working, commuting, or chasing after my three children (four if you count the man), you can usually find me outside talking to my chickens like they’re the cutest things in the world (they are), or training my amazing dogs how to herd said chickens (which they love), or curled up on the sofa with a good book (why can’t that be 100% of the time?).
I hope you love my stories (or just like them a little; that would be okay, too). And I hope that one day you find your passion, because there’s nothing in life better than doing what you love while surrounded by people you love.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
August 12, 2012
What? No, no, no, no, no, that's not the end! It's doesn't end there! *Shakes eReader furiously* Ah man! That sucks!
Well, aside from the book ending VERY abruptly, and without any warning. (Usually you can tell you are being prepared for the end, even for a cliffhanger ending. This one kind of just stops. And I REALLY didn't want it to because I was enjoying it tremendously). So aside from THAT, I loved it!
I always know when my interest has been peaked by a book a bit more than usual because all other activities cease and desist. Normally, I might read for an hour, then maybe go online, listen to some tunes, then go back to my book.
Eeeeeyyyyeah. I don't think this book has left my hands since I picked it up 2 days ago except for maybe working and sleeping.
I can't honestly say the book was perfection; hence the four stars not five. But in terms of enjoyment it was way up there. My main negatives were some slightly stiff and formal dialogue sections. A bit of repetition in the narrative (lots of hand holding, hand grabbing) and just a couple of teensy weensy niggly things like that, that as a reviewer I'm supposed to notice and comment on. Well there you go, I commented on them and they didn't really lessen my enjoyment much at all.
It's always nice to be shown something different and this book and the world(s) it's set in are very creative and unusual, which I just love. It's written in first person, present tense, which seems to be becoming an increasingly popular way of writing at the moment. I remember the first book I read in present tense felt very weird and jarring, but now I'm pretty much used to it and even prefer it in certain circumstances where you don't want your main character to have any clue what's coming. And that fits this book perfectly, because the main character, Katriona (Kate) Wilde, is literally thrown in at the deep end (and then shoved through a magical portal) and it's nice to have to figure things out right along with her.
The main themes of the book deal with prophecies, destinies, chosen ones, fated love etc. I know a few people have issues if their lead character comes across as too "special" and there are certainly elements of that in evidence here. But I don't mind it so much.
The world that she encounters on the other side of the portal I'm reluctant to say too much about as I want people to discover it for themselves. But, suffice it to say, they are having a hard time of it, and Katriona may be their only hope.
“This might be difficult for you to accept, but please know I will never lie to you. You are Encardia's only hope of surviving this war.”
If I could wish for one thing, it would be that the ending was more suspenseful and climactic, rather than just being a surprise because it came out of nowhere. I realise the author will be saving a lot of the fighting/battles to come for future instalments, and judging by the dreams and visions Kate has been having, these should be pretty epic. But it might have been an idea to have some sort of mini battle to close out this book.
Anyhoodle. I will definitely be reading the next one, and I'm now off to stalk the author about when exactly I'll be getting it!
4 Stars! ★★★★
Review Copy: Received from the publisher for an honest review
Btw you can check out the book's trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_...
Well, aside from the book ending VERY abruptly, and without any warning. (Usually you can tell you are being prepared for the end, even for a cliffhanger ending. This one kind of just stops. And I REALLY didn't want it to because I was enjoying it tremendously). So aside from THAT, I loved it!
I always know when my interest has been peaked by a book a bit more than usual because all other activities cease and desist. Normally, I might read for an hour, then maybe go online, listen to some tunes, then go back to my book.
Eeeeeyyyyeah. I don't think this book has left my hands since I picked it up 2 days ago except for maybe working and sleeping.
I can't honestly say the book was perfection; hence the four stars not five. But in terms of enjoyment it was way up there. My main negatives were some slightly stiff and formal dialogue sections. A bit of repetition in the narrative (lots of hand holding, hand grabbing) and just a couple of teensy weensy niggly things like that, that as a reviewer I'm supposed to notice and comment on. Well there you go, I commented on them and they didn't really lessen my enjoyment much at all.
It's always nice to be shown something different and this book and the world(s) it's set in are very creative and unusual, which I just love. It's written in first person, present tense, which seems to be becoming an increasingly popular way of writing at the moment. I remember the first book I read in present tense felt very weird and jarring, but now I'm pretty much used to it and even prefer it in certain circumstances where you don't want your main character to have any clue what's coming. And that fits this book perfectly, because the main character, Katriona (Kate) Wilde, is literally thrown in at the deep end (and then shoved through a magical portal) and it's nice to have to figure things out right along with her.
The main themes of the book deal with prophecies, destinies, chosen ones, fated love etc. I know a few people have issues if their lead character comes across as too "special" and there are certainly elements of that in evidence here. But I don't mind it so much.
The world that she encounters on the other side of the portal I'm reluctant to say too much about as I want people to discover it for themselves. But, suffice it to say, they are having a hard time of it, and Katriona may be their only hope.
“This might be difficult for you to accept, but please know I will never lie to you. You are Encardia's only hope of surviving this war.”
If I could wish for one thing, it would be that the ending was more suspenseful and climactic, rather than just being a surprise because it came out of nowhere. I realise the author will be saving a lot of the fighting/battles to come for future instalments, and judging by the dreams and visions Kate has been having, these should be pretty epic. But it might have been an idea to have some sort of mini battle to close out this book.
Anyhoodle. I will definitely be reading the next one, and I'm now off to stalk the author about when exactly I'll be getting it!
4 Stars! ★★★★
Review Copy: Received from the publisher for an honest review
Btw you can check out the book's trailer here: www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_...
May 8, 2012
This review is also available on my blog, Qwerty
This e-ARC was provided to me by NetGalley and Curiosity Quills Press.
I don’t mind lesser known books, I never mind lesser known books. In fact, by going hipster I discovered Soul Seeker and The Curse Girl :3 So, when this title was up on NetGalley, I was like
Nice cover, interesting blurb. I mean, we’re talking about portal here, [image error]
Bring it on!
Sadly, my patience grew paper thin and eventually it vanished.
Usually when I did not finish a book, I’ll mindlessly give it 1 star, end of story. But I think this book deserves another star because I given up on it because it was just plain and boring, not like I hated it so much, I felt like I want to drag the author to the parallel universe and demand that she/he returns my lost time, trying to read whatever crap this author had put together.
Like, well, like what I felt and still feel towards Fallen, Shattered Souls and Die for Me.
Overall, this book sounded very armature-ish. The writing was really choppy and stiff at start but fortunately, it got better afterwards but not enough to pull me into the story.
I wished the author can come up with better materials next time because I seriously, seriously had several moments of déjà vu.
1. The main female protagonist, Katriona accidently/forcefully enters a new magical world. The Iron King anyone? To add to the shame, I found out that the humans in this book did call Arland and his people as elves.
2. Katriona is the key to defeat the Darkness, the evil force based on an ancient prophecy. Reminding me a lot of The Fallen Star.
3. Katriona dreamt of Arland even before she actually meet him. Sounded like Beautiful Darkness. =_=”
The characters! Urghh...
THE CHARACTERS!
I think my favourite was actually the potato.
[image error]
Yup, seriously. Arland as the supposedly hot, smoldering love interest was stiff as cardboard. Brad? Oh, gosh! I’m sorry but this dude is one pathetic friend-zone guy. Whenever he uses line like ‘I’ve always love you and continue to until I die’ I was like, who says things like that anymore? Maybe your grandpa to your grandma (which is really sweet) but for a teenage boy? I don’t think so.
Moving on to Kate. I don’t care if she says she shared bed with her sister, Brit and Brad before, but for her to invite Arland to her bed and went to the washroom together was just inappropriate. So, she knew him very well in her dreams but she just met Arland for a few days at that time in real life! If the author thought about fanservice, I suggest she read Kuroshitsuji, this manga would make the idea of having a demonic butler as the love interest to a 13-years old boy seems viable.
Kate dreamed a tragic dream, she woke up, she cried. Kate tried a spell, nothing happened, she gave up. Kate tried to open the portal back, she failed, she got depressed. I mean, there were like few pages dedicated just to convey how helpless and defeated she felt.
Luckily, whenever she got emo, she managed to rationalize herself again. But realizing this happened cyclically, I had to given up on this book. I don’t think I can handle anymore of her break downs for no valid reasons.
This e-ARC was provided to me by NetGalley and Curiosity Quills Press.
I don’t mind lesser known books, I never mind lesser known books. In fact, by going hipster I discovered Soul Seeker and The Curse Girl :3 So, when this title was up on NetGalley, I was like
Nice cover, interesting blurb. I mean, we’re talking about portal here, [image error]
Bring it on!
Sadly, my patience grew paper thin and eventually it vanished.
Usually when I did not finish a book, I’ll mindlessly give it 1 star, end of story. But I think this book deserves another star because I given up on it because it was just plain and boring, not like I hated it so much, I felt like I want to drag the author to the parallel universe and demand that she/he returns my lost time, trying to read whatever crap this author had put together.
Like, well, like what I felt and still feel towards Fallen, Shattered Souls and Die for Me.
Overall, this book sounded very armature-ish. The writing was really choppy and stiff at start but fortunately, it got better afterwards but not enough to pull me into the story.
I wished the author can come up with better materials next time because I seriously, seriously had several moments of déjà vu.
1. The main female protagonist, Katriona accidently/forcefully enters a new magical world. The Iron King anyone? To add to the shame, I found out that the humans in this book did call Arland and his people as elves.
2. Katriona is the key to defeat the Darkness, the evil force based on an ancient prophecy. Reminding me a lot of The Fallen Star.
3. Katriona dreamt of Arland even before she actually meet him. Sounded like Beautiful Darkness. =_=”
The characters! Urghh...
THE CHARACTERS!
I think my favourite was actually the potato.
[image error]
Yup, seriously. Arland as the supposedly hot, smoldering love interest was stiff as cardboard. Brad? Oh, gosh! I’m sorry but this dude is one pathetic friend-zone guy. Whenever he uses line like ‘I’ve always love you and continue to until I die’ I was like, who says things like that anymore? Maybe your grandpa to your grandma (which is really sweet) but for a teenage boy? I don’t think so.
Moving on to Kate. I don’t care if she says she shared bed with her sister, Brit and Brad before, but for her to invite Arland to her bed and went to the washroom together was just inappropriate. So, she knew him very well in her dreams but she just met Arland for a few days at that time in real life! If the author thought about fanservice, I suggest she read Kuroshitsuji, this manga would make the idea of having a demonic butler as the love interest to a 13-years old boy seems viable.
Kate dreamed a tragic dream, she woke up, she cried. Kate tried a spell, nothing happened, she gave up. Kate tried to open the portal back, she failed, she got depressed. I mean, there were like few pages dedicated just to convey how helpless and defeated she felt.
Luckily, whenever she got emo, she managed to rationalize herself again. But realizing this happened cyclically, I had to given up on this book. I don’t think I can handle anymore of her break downs for no valid reasons.
May 16, 2012
I love this book. Newbie author, Krystal Wade has a winner here! This solid 4 star story has everything: magic, romance, intrigue -- oh, and did I mention sword fights? Written in present tense, first person, Wade's style is a welcome change from many of the books out there. Ms. Wade has envisioned a world full of darkness where the only light comes from the hope of the characters and the growing romance between Kate and Arland. The storyline is well thought out and by the end of the story, you'll be wishing the next book was already out.
March 4, 2013
Please note: I read and reviewed this book in November 2012; just adding a copy since it's free on Amazon and the copy I had was an eARC from NetGalley. Minor changes may be made if I find any errors in my original review.
Book Info: Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Older Young Adult (18+)
Recommended for: People who enjoy fantasy, strong heroines, good world-building
Disclosure: I received an e-book ARC/e-galley from Curiosity Quills via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts: I was absolutely mesmerized by this book – and could not put it down. After a couple of disappointing mis-starts this weekend, it was great to find a book I could lose myself in and truly enjoy.
This author did a great job at creating characters we could relate to and root for, and building a world that is fascinating and mysterious. While not all questions are answered, and this book is left on a cliffhanger, it is a satisfying read and a great start to the series.
This book is written in first-person, present tense and, as a result, could have been a hot mess. However, Ms. Wade managed to pull it off. I was also very impressed to find her properly using the phrase “to try to” instead of the oft-misused “to try and” that I see way too often. While there were a couple minor issues with typos, this was a galley, so I imagine these small problems will be fixed in the final version. If you enjoy a good fantasy in a well-crafted world with believable and enjoyable characters, be sure to check out the Darkness Rising series, starting right here with Wilde’s Fire, followed by Wilde’s Army, which I will be reading next. Edit: The review for book 2, which I didn't like quite as much, can be found by clicking here.
Synopsis: "There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most." - Katriona Wilde. Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she's ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she's dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate's forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What's worse, she has no control over her new future, and it's full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
Book Info: Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Older Young Adult (18+)
Recommended for: People who enjoy fantasy, strong heroines, good world-building
Disclosure: I received an e-book ARC/e-galley from Curiosity Quills via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts: I was absolutely mesmerized by this book – and could not put it down. After a couple of disappointing mis-starts this weekend, it was great to find a book I could lose myself in and truly enjoy.
This author did a great job at creating characters we could relate to and root for, and building a world that is fascinating and mysterious. While not all questions are answered, and this book is left on a cliffhanger, it is a satisfying read and a great start to the series.
This book is written in first-person, present tense and, as a result, could have been a hot mess. However, Ms. Wade managed to pull it off. I was also very impressed to find her properly using the phrase “to try to” instead of the oft-misused “to try and” that I see way too often. While there were a couple minor issues with typos, this was a galley, so I imagine these small problems will be fixed in the final version. If you enjoy a good fantasy in a well-crafted world with believable and enjoyable characters, be sure to check out the Darkness Rising series, starting right here with Wilde’s Fire, followed by Wilde’s Army, which I will be reading next. Edit: The review for book 2, which I didn't like quite as much, can be found by clicking here.
Synopsis: "There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most." - Katriona Wilde. Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she's ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she's dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate's forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What's worse, she has no control over her new future, and it's full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
May 7, 2012
GoodReads Synopsis: “There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most.”—Katriona Wilde.
Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate’s forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What’s worse, she has no control over her new future, and it’s full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
My Thoughts: This was an unexpected gem I found very hard to put down. One thing that kept me glued to the page was Kate’s dreams and visions. I really wanted to know what was prompting them. Was she seeing the future? Didn’t seem like it because there were a handful of scenarios that alternated. Was she, sub-consciously, remembering something?
We were plunged into a world of Krystal Wade’s making. Let me preface this by saying I am not a hard-core fantasy fan. However, this was the kind of fantasy I enjoy. Wade’s world, is a lot like Earth, many similar animals and plants…but the creatures Harlan and company are at war with are different. This world is part of a system of worlds ruled by a group of Gods. There is always on God that has to spoil it for all the others and it’s inhabitants…LOL!
Wade’s major plot is this war that Kate is the key to…however there are lots of sub-plots really driving the story along. The characters are complex and very likeable, and the villains are particularly heinous. Then there is that major cliffhanger at the end. I did enjoy “Wildes Fire” and will be anxious to read what happens next.
Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate’s forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What’s worse, she has no control over her new future, and it’s full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
My Thoughts: This was an unexpected gem I found very hard to put down. One thing that kept me glued to the page was Kate’s dreams and visions. I really wanted to know what was prompting them. Was she seeing the future? Didn’t seem like it because there were a handful of scenarios that alternated. Was she, sub-consciously, remembering something?
We were plunged into a world of Krystal Wade’s making. Let me preface this by saying I am not a hard-core fantasy fan. However, this was the kind of fantasy I enjoy. Wade’s world, is a lot like Earth, many similar animals and plants…but the creatures Harlan and company are at war with are different. This world is part of a system of worlds ruled by a group of Gods. There is always on God that has to spoil it for all the others and it’s inhabitants…LOL!
Wade’s major plot is this war that Kate is the key to…however there are lots of sub-plots really driving the story along. The characters are complex and very likeable, and the villains are particularly heinous. Then there is that major cliffhanger at the end. I did enjoy “Wildes Fire” and will be anxious to read what happens next.
September 20, 2012
A fun book from new author, Krystal Wade. 3 friends from Virginia go camping and end up seeing a mysterious light that leads them to a portal that takes them another world. This other world is cast in darkness, and evil creatures attack them as soon as they enter. They are rescued by people who live there, those that remain anyway, and are brought to their underground lair. There the main character, Katriona, learns of her destiny, her true love and what unrequited love will do to people.
Such a great book - the ending, in particular, was awesome! Looking forward to reading the next installment.
A more in-depth review can be found over at my blog: http://susreviews.blogspot.com/
Such a great book - the ending, in particular, was awesome! Looking forward to reading the next installment.
A more in-depth review can be found over at my blog: http://susreviews.blogspot.com/
May 1, 2012
Title: Wilde’s Fire
Author: Krystal Wade
Rating: 5/5
I would like to thank Curiosity Quills press for allowing me a copy of this book to review for free via netgalley.com. It has been a pleasure.
Book Blurb: Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate’s forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What’s worse, she has no control over her new future, and it’s full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
Review: Katriona “Kat” Wilde returns from her first year away at college, attending Virginia Tech. It is Memorial Day weekend, and she, her sister and best friend Brad are going camping in the mountains just like they do every year. However, there is a slight change in plans when her parents do not come. This leads to the world as Kat, Brad and her sister Brit know it, shattering and splintering into something filled with sinister darkness.
Everything Kat has known turns out to be a lie, turns out to be tainted with the Darkness that has already destroyed all but a few thousand individuals in the world of Encardia. Amongst the survivors are Flanna, her cousin Arland Maher (who Kat knows quite a bit of intimate detail of), and others who are under the leadership of Arland.
The Darkness, controlled by Dughbal, a fallen god, stripped of his immortality is consuming all in its path and Dughbal wants the magic, the ‘light’ within Katriona. However, Kat is the center of a prophecy given by a powerful Seer before she was born, she is the one that Encardia is waiting for, the one that will shatter the darkness and bring the light back to a land cast in shadows. She has been stripped of all she has, all she loves and now must forge her way along this path. Will she truly be the one that brings light to Encardia? What else will she lose along her journey? How many loved ones will she lose in the war against Dughbal and the darkness?
This book made me want to throw things. Lots of things. I barely managed to restrain myself from throwing my Kindle across the room when I got to the cliffhanger ending. I am not normally a fan of cliffhangers, but this one has me eagerly waiting for more. Krystal Wade has crafted a world of such depth and wonderment that I am sucked in entirely. I want to know more of Encardia, I want to see the world thrive as it had before Kat’s birth, before the war and the darkness stole the sunlight. I want to see the world that Arland remembers, and I want to see the world of Encardia after the darkness has been beaten, as the light returns to a world that had been thrown into perpetual shadow for longer than anyone can remember.
Thank you Mrs. Wade for gifting us with this fantastical world where there is magic and fairytale romance and struggles of love and friendship and family. I look forward to the next installment of Darkness Falls.
Author: Krystal Wade
Rating: 5/5
I would like to thank Curiosity Quills press for allowing me a copy of this book to review for free via netgalley.com. It has been a pleasure.
Book Blurb: Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate’s forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What’s worse, she has no control over her new future, and it’s full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
Review: Katriona “Kat” Wilde returns from her first year away at college, attending Virginia Tech. It is Memorial Day weekend, and she, her sister and best friend Brad are going camping in the mountains just like they do every year. However, there is a slight change in plans when her parents do not come. This leads to the world as Kat, Brad and her sister Brit know it, shattering and splintering into something filled with sinister darkness.
Everything Kat has known turns out to be a lie, turns out to be tainted with the Darkness that has already destroyed all but a few thousand individuals in the world of Encardia. Amongst the survivors are Flanna, her cousin Arland Maher (who Kat knows quite a bit of intimate detail of), and others who are under the leadership of Arland.
The Darkness, controlled by Dughbal, a fallen god, stripped of his immortality is consuming all in its path and Dughbal wants the magic, the ‘light’ within Katriona. However, Kat is the center of a prophecy given by a powerful Seer before she was born, she is the one that Encardia is waiting for, the one that will shatter the darkness and bring the light back to a land cast in shadows. She has been stripped of all she has, all she loves and now must forge her way along this path. Will she truly be the one that brings light to Encardia? What else will she lose along her journey? How many loved ones will she lose in the war against Dughbal and the darkness?
This book made me want to throw things. Lots of things. I barely managed to restrain myself from throwing my Kindle across the room when I got to the cliffhanger ending. I am not normally a fan of cliffhangers, but this one has me eagerly waiting for more. Krystal Wade has crafted a world of such depth and wonderment that I am sucked in entirely. I want to know more of Encardia, I want to see the world thrive as it had before Kat’s birth, before the war and the darkness stole the sunlight. I want to see the world that Arland remembers, and I want to see the world of Encardia after the darkness has been beaten, as the light returns to a world that had been thrown into perpetual shadow for longer than anyone can remember.
Thank you Mrs. Wade for gifting us with this fantastical world where there is magic and fairytale romance and struggles of love and friendship and family. I look forward to the next installment of Darkness Falls.
April 3, 2012
When everything you've known is ripped away, it is then the fight for survival really begins. Krystal Wade's world of war, prophecy, and darkness takes readers on a twisting journey where the fate of a people is at stake and, through courage and faith, love and peace are the ultimate reward.
Kate, her sister Brit, and their long-time friend Brad are camping in the VA mountains when a mysterious light leads Kate to a destiny she never dreamed existed ... and right into the arms of mysterious warrior who has filled her dreams for years. The strange mix of a place she's never known with a man she knows intimately from many nights of restless sleep is one in which Kate quickly finds comfort, and her calling. But she is left mourning the sister and mother she left behind, while grieving the apparent loss of Brad, who was attacked by monsters and clings to the last shred of life. In a breathless fight to learn her path, save Brad, and return her family to the world in which they belong, she fights darkness, daemons, and enemies she cannot see, only to find out in a thrilling conclusion that her journey is far from over. In fact, it has just begun.
If you're a fan of YA fantasy, look no further than Krystal Wade's debut novel WILDE'S FIRE.
Kate, her sister Brit, and their long-time friend Brad are camping in the VA mountains when a mysterious light leads Kate to a destiny she never dreamed existed ... and right into the arms of mysterious warrior who has filled her dreams for years. The strange mix of a place she's never known with a man she knows intimately from many nights of restless sleep is one in which Kate quickly finds comfort, and her calling. But she is left mourning the sister and mother she left behind, while grieving the apparent loss of Brad, who was attacked by monsters and clings to the last shred of life. In a breathless fight to learn her path, save Brad, and return her family to the world in which they belong, she fights darkness, daemons, and enemies she cannot see, only to find out in a thrilling conclusion that her journey is far from over. In fact, it has just begun.
If you're a fan of YA fantasy, look no further than Krystal Wade's debut novel WILDE'S FIRE.
Want to read
May 6, 2012I just got it from NETGALLERY!!!
I m so happy!!!
I m so happy!!!
February 26, 2020
Some YA novels make me feel like a teenager again, allowing me to share the characters' experiences right along with them. Others just make me feel like I'm definitely too old to be reading them - and this one made me feel positively ancient. I found it impossible to connect with any aspect of this book. The plot didn't draw me in, the writing felt amateurish, the protagonist is irritatingly whiny, the romance predictable and eyeroll-worthy. Just... not for me.
June 18, 2012
“The world appears so much smaller when the stars don’t shine.”
Wilde’s fire is a unique story with a one-of-a-kind premise. We follow Katriona (Kate) Wilde in her journey to another world that is coated with good versus evil or in Krystal Wades world, light versus darkness. Wilde’s Fire is written in first person present tense so the reader really feels like he or she is in the story. If you are unsure what that means… let me say this: the writing style is not any different from how the Hunger Games or Divergent is written so if you love Suzanne Collins or Veronica Roth’s writing style then you will surely enjoy Wades.
I really liked reading Wilde’s fire. It is possible to finish the book in a few days...trust me when I say you will want the second book soon after finishing. I felt the beginning was a little slow but I understand the authors intention and believe it was necessary for the story to flow smoothly with nice transitions from this world to the other. You will be pleasantly surprised by Wade's imagination. Once Kate enters Encardia, the story really begins to move and you learn so much! Wilde’s Fire is mixed with magic and love, lots of love, hot steamy young adult love and battle scenes! I absolutely loved reading the action scenes and how Wade was able to capture the audience’s attention and keep us on our toes. I seriously could not get enough of the light versus darkness aspect.
**PROCEED WITH CAUTION - SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT**
Let me reiterate how much I appreciate characters NOT being perfect. Kate has a lot to learn and as readers, we get to follow and watch her grow I actually can’t wait to see what happens to all of them!
I mention the characters mainly because of my theatre background. The characters are the backbone and reason why I enjoy most plays, novels, and short stories.
Wade did a wonderful job portraying realistic characters and I am looking forward to watching them grow in the series. Moral of the review: you should download Wilde’s fire and enjoy! This is Krystal’s debut novel and I know she has more great writing to come.
Wilde’s fire is a unique story with a one-of-a-kind premise. We follow Katriona (Kate) Wilde in her journey to another world that is coated with good versus evil or in Krystal Wades world, light versus darkness. Wilde’s Fire is written in first person present tense so the reader really feels like he or she is in the story. If you are unsure what that means… let me say this: the writing style is not any different from how the Hunger Games or Divergent is written so if you love Suzanne Collins or Veronica Roth’s writing style then you will surely enjoy Wades.
I really liked reading Wilde’s fire. It is possible to finish the book in a few days...trust me when I say you will want the second book soon after finishing. I felt the beginning was a little slow but I understand the authors intention and believe it was necessary for the story to flow smoothly with nice transitions from this world to the other. You will be pleasantly surprised by Wade's imagination. Once Kate enters Encardia, the story really begins to move and you learn so much! Wilde’s Fire is mixed with magic and love, lots of love, hot steamy young adult love and battle scenes! I absolutely loved reading the action scenes and how Wade was able to capture the audience’s attention and keep us on our toes. I seriously could not get enough of the light versus darkness aspect.
**PROCEED WITH CAUTION - SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT**
Let me reiterate how much I appreciate characters NOT being perfect. Kate has a lot to learn and as readers, we get to follow and watch her grow I actually can’t wait to see what happens to all of them!
I mention the characters mainly because of my theatre background. The characters are the backbone and reason why I enjoy most plays, novels, and short stories.
Wade did a wonderful job portraying realistic characters and I am looking forward to watching them grow in the series. Moral of the review: you should download Wilde’s fire and enjoy! This is Krystal’s debut novel and I know she has more great writing to come.
May 7, 2012
My ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Katriona “Kate’ Wilde has had dreams about a man since she was 14. She dreams every night about this man whom she is in love with and in each dream he meets a horrible death while protecting her. They are in a different world which is infested by creatures evil and brutal, one cannot imagine. Every time her lover dies, she is overcome with intense longing and pain for her loss. Now twenty years old, she goes on a camping trip into the wilderness with her best-friend Brad and sister Brit. While on this trip is follows a yellow light which leads her and her companions through a portal to another world. As soon as they arrive there are attacked by creatures which seemed to have been in Kate’s dream. She is recued by some mysterious people who take her to here base and here she meets him. The one man who has haunted her dreams caused her sleepless nights, Arland. He is the chief of the people giving Kate shelter and tells her where she is and the prophecy she is part of which she is going to fulfil.
Kate was a good heroine and as the story is narrated from a first person point of view, we get to know her pretty well. She is a very normal person who loves animals and children. She tries her best to be strong and does her very best with every thing. She lacks confidence in herself and in her powers but I believe as the story moves on we will see how she is developed. I think the author has planned a character development for her where she grows and learns to be comfortable in her own skin. She has unimaginable powers which will bring peace and light to her world.I can see her learning and changing into a strong and powerful heroine
“My name is Katriona Wilde and I have fire.”
Arland. Where do I begin about him? He was sexy, sweet and a heartthrob. As soon as he enters the story you know it was going to be really interesting. He was sensitive and fierce and handsome as the devil. I cannot blame Kate for getting attracted to him as I wanted him for myself. He was understanding and helped Kate as much as he could. He is everything Kate has ever dreamed of and more.
The Wade wrote great side characters too.Flanna was particularly good and loved when she got page time. The side characters were well written and you can expect more from them in the future books. The monsters/ creatures described were grotesque and evil making me want to read them more. I loved how it has got a dystopian feel to it even if it is not and you get sucked right in. the story keeps you guessing what will happen next.
Wilde’s fire is a great start for what I expect is going to be an excellent series. The starting I felt was slightly rushed as it seemed that more time could have been spent there but once the story begins it is nonstop. I had lots of questions about the world and why the events occurred the way they did but everything was explained at the end. Still there are lot of unanswered questions which leaves a wide opening for the next installment.There is a lot more to this world than what Wade described and there is so much room for more. I am really excited for the next book and it can’t come early enough.
Releasing on 12th May, 2012.
Read more of my reviews at Escapism from Reality
Arc provided by NetGalley.
Katriona “Kate’ Wilde has had dreams about a man since she was 14. She dreams every night about this man whom she is in love with and in each dream he meets a horrible death while protecting her. They are in a different world which is infested by creatures evil and brutal, one cannot imagine. Every time her lover dies, she is overcome with intense longing and pain for her loss. Now twenty years old, she goes on a camping trip into the wilderness with her best-friend Brad and sister Brit. While on this trip is follows a yellow light which leads her and her companions through a portal to another world. As soon as they arrive there are attacked by creatures which seemed to have been in Kate’s dream. She is recued by some mysterious people who take her to here base and here she meets him. The one man who has haunted her dreams caused her sleepless nights, Arland. He is the chief of the people giving Kate shelter and tells her where she is and the prophecy she is part of which she is going to fulfil.
Kate was a good heroine and as the story is narrated from a first person point of view, we get to know her pretty well. She is a very normal person who loves animals and children. She tries her best to be strong and does her very best with every thing. She lacks confidence in herself and in her powers but I believe as the story moves on we will see how she is developed. I think the author has planned a character development for her where she grows and learns to be comfortable in her own skin. She has unimaginable powers which will bring peace and light to her world.I can see her learning and changing into a strong and powerful heroine
“My name is Katriona Wilde and I have fire.”
Arland. Where do I begin about him? He was sexy, sweet and a heartthrob. As soon as he enters the story you know it was going to be really interesting. He was sensitive and fierce and handsome as the devil. I cannot blame Kate for getting attracted to him as I wanted him for myself. He was understanding and helped Kate as much as he could. He is everything Kate has ever dreamed of and more.
The Wade wrote great side characters too.Flanna was particularly good and loved when she got page time. The side characters were well written and you can expect more from them in the future books. The monsters/ creatures described were grotesque and evil making me want to read them more. I loved how it has got a dystopian feel to it even if it is not and you get sucked right in. the story keeps you guessing what will happen next.
Wilde’s fire is a great start for what I expect is going to be an excellent series. The starting I felt was slightly rushed as it seemed that more time could have been spent there but once the story begins it is nonstop. I had lots of questions about the world and why the events occurred the way they did but everything was explained at the end. Still there are lot of unanswered questions which leaves a wide opening for the next installment.There is a lot more to this world than what Wade described and there is so much room for more. I am really excited for the next book and it can’t come early enough.
Releasing on 12th May, 2012.
Read more of my reviews at Escapism from Reality
Arc provided by NetGalley.
May 11, 2012
So the cover to the right is so pretty and vibrant it makes you wonder what’s going on and hello blue flames seem so cool (plus I might add blue is my favorite color). The title, the blue light, the wooded path, and a girl in a white dress running, yep all stimulating. Then the description of magic and other worlds, yes I was hooked in and had to read.
Some interesting things about this book are that while it’s YA the main character is 20 and in college. With most YA I’ve read being of younger main characters this was a fascinating change. She is a tad older and it shows. She has more experience and knows better who she is and what she wants. She is more mature but not completely grown up as she still has a lot of growing to do especially when she finds her world turned upside down. This for me also helped enrich the romance. Yes there is romance to be hold for sure, one I think that will make every reader with even the tiniest bit romantic in them swoon. The other characters are of varying ages as with any book but most center around her same age and they all have such fascinating things. Each one has something different or special about them I saw every time they came into a scene. Let’s just say I want Arland in my dreams!
This book also introduces us into a bunch of new creatures, horrible, nasty, despicable fiends that are true creatures of nightmares. Each described, along with the darkness of the world, so vividly that I could picture it. The burst of magic and brightness I completely understood and when I went outside into the bright Florida sunshine from my sun free area I thought instantly this must be how the characters felt. Anytime I can instantly think of a book reference when I do remedial or mundane daily tasks I know I’ve found something special. I cannot eat a Milky Way without think of the Dark Swan series, just can’t do it.
So lets see I covered the characters (I could go on about them forever they are so much fun), romance (swoon), creatures/visuals, what else? Oh yes there is lots of action. This is a world at war so lots of fighting both with swords, bows/arrows, and of course magic. I found it all well choreographed and again it ties into the visualization.
Now for complaints. Yep I have one. This book is book 1 of a series and now I have to wait for more. Yep that’s my only complaint about this book. Unless someone would ask me to read aloud then I’d smile and say I can’t begin to pronounce the names of these demons haha. So there you have it. I can’t wait for the next book which on her site I see she has a summary already (which only teases me more). I hope you will give Wilde’s Fire a chance and love it as much as I did. Remember it comes out May 13, 2012.
http://functioninginsanity.blogspot.c...
Some interesting things about this book are that while it’s YA the main character is 20 and in college. With most YA I’ve read being of younger main characters this was a fascinating change. She is a tad older and it shows. She has more experience and knows better who she is and what she wants. She is more mature but not completely grown up as she still has a lot of growing to do especially when she finds her world turned upside down. This for me also helped enrich the romance. Yes there is romance to be hold for sure, one I think that will make every reader with even the tiniest bit romantic in them swoon. The other characters are of varying ages as with any book but most center around her same age and they all have such fascinating things. Each one has something different or special about them I saw every time they came into a scene. Let’s just say I want Arland in my dreams!
This book also introduces us into a bunch of new creatures, horrible, nasty, despicable fiends that are true creatures of nightmares. Each described, along with the darkness of the world, so vividly that I could picture it. The burst of magic and brightness I completely understood and when I went outside into the bright Florida sunshine from my sun free area I thought instantly this must be how the characters felt. Anytime I can instantly think of a book reference when I do remedial or mundane daily tasks I know I’ve found something special. I cannot eat a Milky Way without think of the Dark Swan series, just can’t do it.
So lets see I covered the characters (I could go on about them forever they are so much fun), romance (swoon), creatures/visuals, what else? Oh yes there is lots of action. This is a world at war so lots of fighting both with swords, bows/arrows, and of course magic. I found it all well choreographed and again it ties into the visualization.
Now for complaints. Yep I have one. This book is book 1 of a series and now I have to wait for more. Yep that’s my only complaint about this book. Unless someone would ask me to read aloud then I’d smile and say I can’t begin to pronounce the names of these demons haha. So there you have it. I can’t wait for the next book which on her site I see she has a summary already (which only teases me more). I hope you will give Wilde’s Fire a chance and love it as much as I did. Remember it comes out May 13, 2012.
http://functioninginsanity.blogspot.c...
May 12, 2012
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book written in the first person present tense and I have to say it was a bit of an adjustment. But once I got over that (and it didn’t take long), this book captured me. Choosing to write her book in this way means that the author put me right in the thick of things…experiencing the action in real time. Katriona (Kate) Wilde has been having recurring dreams for 6 years about a specific place and a specific man. These dreams are filled with love but also all manner of scary situations including death. No one except her sister thinks it’s anything more than a dream. That is, until she, her sister and her best friend manage to pass through a portal and into the exact location of her dreams.
Encardia, the world created by the author, and the place that Kate finds herself in, has depth and color (although you may find this a strange analogy when you read the book). It’s painted so vividly that I could easily imagine myself in this world and living amongst these people. The dangers felt real and the relationships were natural and easy to believe. Even in the face of the state of their world, the inhabitants of this land make rooting for them a foregone conclusion for the reader.
I loved the characters in this book. These are people I could surround myself with…well, most of them anyway! Kate, who was a rather naive character in the beginning of the story, turns out to be a true hero willing to put herself on the front lines and fight the evil that has taken over Encardia. And, even as she learns of all the lies and the information that has been kept from her, she maintains her strength and stays the course. Arland, the sexy man from Kate’s dreams, is…well…just that! He’s confident and gallant. He leads his people with strength and kindness, a kind warrior. Brad is Kate’s best friend and he has a secret that affects the story greatly. My favorite secondary character was Flanna. She’s Arland’s cousin and becomes Kate’s friend and confidante in this new world. She’s funny and sassy…a great combination.
The story has everything. There’s love, betrayal, friendship and evil at play. The task at hand, Kate’s destiny, seems almost insurmountable yet because of the connection I felt with the characters, I was left believing anything is possible. And I love when a book does that to me.
Although there was one specific plot twist that felt a bit jarring for me and a slow down in pace in the middle of the book, the author’s writing style and fantastic characters kept me turning the pages. The cliffhanger at the end promises more adventures to come and left me wanting more. Overall, this is a really good read. You can’t pick it up until next week but I definitely recommend that you do!
Encardia, the world created by the author, and the place that Kate finds herself in, has depth and color (although you may find this a strange analogy when you read the book). It’s painted so vividly that I could easily imagine myself in this world and living amongst these people. The dangers felt real and the relationships were natural and easy to believe. Even in the face of the state of their world, the inhabitants of this land make rooting for them a foregone conclusion for the reader.
I loved the characters in this book. These are people I could surround myself with…well, most of them anyway! Kate, who was a rather naive character in the beginning of the story, turns out to be a true hero willing to put herself on the front lines and fight the evil that has taken over Encardia. And, even as she learns of all the lies and the information that has been kept from her, she maintains her strength and stays the course. Arland, the sexy man from Kate’s dreams, is…well…just that! He’s confident and gallant. He leads his people with strength and kindness, a kind warrior. Brad is Kate’s best friend and he has a secret that affects the story greatly. My favorite secondary character was Flanna. She’s Arland’s cousin and becomes Kate’s friend and confidante in this new world. She’s funny and sassy…a great combination.
The story has everything. There’s love, betrayal, friendship and evil at play. The task at hand, Kate’s destiny, seems almost insurmountable yet because of the connection I felt with the characters, I was left believing anything is possible. And I love when a book does that to me.
Although there was one specific plot twist that felt a bit jarring for me and a slow down in pace in the middle of the book, the author’s writing style and fantastic characters kept me turning the pages. The cliffhanger at the end promises more adventures to come and left me wanting more. Overall, this is a really good read. You can’t pick it up until next week but I definitely recommend that you do!
June 18, 2012
Review can be found at Addicted to Books ...
I was immediately hooked on this book. Could not keep myself from reading it. From the strength and love of the heroine to the painfully obsessiveness of her best friend, the story intrigued me. I haven't read any books previously about elves or should I say specifically about elves but I will say that I will look for more, especially the next book in this series.
We meet the main character, Kate, as she is going on camping trip with her best friend Brad and her younger sister. This is where she sees a yellow light and decides to follow it into a secret underwater cave, only to be portalled in to a different world. One where Kate feels a strong attachment and sense of belongingness. After stepping through they are immediately met by demons who are ready to attack. Kate pushes her sister back through the portal, while her best friend Brad gets attacked and injured by the demon. This is where the adventure begins.
Kate meets Arland the guy who is literally from her dreams. Their connection is immediate. They begin training for the war that has been prophesied to be won by Kate leading the army, she is the key, she is light and Arland is the Keeper of the Light. Of course she doesn't believe in any of this at first, how can she if she's just had a normal lifestyle and her mother never bothered to introduce her to her original world and secrets. She doubts herself greatly but with Arland's ever growing love, she begins to feel more confident and gain more courage than she could have thought she ever would have had. There's still guilt there over her best friend Brad, he loved her too much, but she doesn't feel the same. This will come back to her in the end.
From some unknown place, a tiny bit of courage makes its way into my soul. I stand, ready to take this on.
The cover of this book was beautiful because she really does come ablaze with blue light as if she was on fire. It was the perfect picture to depict the story as she is running through a strange world lighting the way as she goes through.
The story was magical and beautiful all at once. The worlds created by Krystal Wade sound amazingly beautiful at least before darkness got a hold of it, but goodness and light will prevail, they just have to. The bath alone sounds like an enchanting place full of nature and ambiance. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book and to see what new evil creatures the author will create. Very much recommended.
I was immediately hooked on this book. Could not keep myself from reading it. From the strength and love of the heroine to the painfully obsessiveness of her best friend, the story intrigued me. I haven't read any books previously about elves or should I say specifically about elves but I will say that I will look for more, especially the next book in this series.
We meet the main character, Kate, as she is going on camping trip with her best friend Brad and her younger sister. This is where she sees a yellow light and decides to follow it into a secret underwater cave, only to be portalled in to a different world. One where Kate feels a strong attachment and sense of belongingness. After stepping through they are immediately met by demons who are ready to attack. Kate pushes her sister back through the portal, while her best friend Brad gets attacked and injured by the demon. This is where the adventure begins.
Kate meets Arland the guy who is literally from her dreams. Their connection is immediate. They begin training for the war that has been prophesied to be won by Kate leading the army, she is the key, she is light and Arland is the Keeper of the Light. Of course she doesn't believe in any of this at first, how can she if she's just had a normal lifestyle and her mother never bothered to introduce her to her original world and secrets. She doubts herself greatly but with Arland's ever growing love, she begins to feel more confident and gain more courage than she could have thought she ever would have had. There's still guilt there over her best friend Brad, he loved her too much, but she doesn't feel the same. This will come back to her in the end.
From some unknown place, a tiny bit of courage makes its way into my soul. I stand, ready to take this on.
The cover of this book was beautiful because she really does come ablaze with blue light as if she was on fire. It was the perfect picture to depict the story as she is running through a strange world lighting the way as she goes through.
The story was magical and beautiful all at once. The worlds created by Krystal Wade sound amazingly beautiful at least before darkness got a hold of it, but goodness and light will prevail, they just have to. The bath alone sounds like an enchanting place full of nature and ambiance. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book and to see what new evil creatures the author will create. Very much recommended.
December 19, 2018
WOW! My reading list recently has comprised of paranormal (romance or otherwise) and contemporary romance, so I decided to go back to my first love and read a fantasy book that had been on my t-b-r list for nearly a year. WHY did I wait so long to read this? This is fantasy as it's best. I was hooked in from the start and am now desperate to read the next two in this trilogy. How would you react if you meet the man you've been dreaming of for the past 6 years? Throw on top of that that you're in a whole new world with new rules and new... erm... demons!
Kate is a good main female. She is strong and independent but also has her close circle of her sister and her BFF, Brad. She accepts the new world quite well but does have a minor breakdown when things start becoming clear. To be honest, I don't blame her at all. Even with Arland to soften the blow, she's dealing with a lot and she doesn't even know how Arland feels for her. Flanna joins Kate's close circle as her friend and confidante and helps ease some of the transfer over. Kate is very impressive with a sword even though she has no training but she can't shoot an arrow to save her life! It's nice to have a main female that isn't perfect at everything!
Arland is wonderful. He is doing everything he can to protect Kate from things that she is not even aware of yet. He is proud of her and is already having feelings for her. But there is a lot of pressure on him as the leader of the Watchers Hall and also with undercurrents of power.
The ending is so in tune with the rest of the book. This book does not follow the 'normal' set pattern and instead breaks a new trend within it's pages. I thought the ending finished this book and set up the next book brilliantly. It gives you an idea of what Kate is up against and why. Now I need to read the second book to see 'how'. I loved this book and will definitely be reading the next two. Highly recommended.
Kate is a good main female. She is strong and independent but also has her close circle of her sister and her BFF, Brad. She accepts the new world quite well but does have a minor breakdown when things start becoming clear. To be honest, I don't blame her at all. Even with Arland to soften the blow, she's dealing with a lot and she doesn't even know how Arland feels for her. Flanna joins Kate's close circle as her friend and confidante and helps ease some of the transfer over. Kate is very impressive with a sword even though she has no training but she can't shoot an arrow to save her life! It's nice to have a main female that isn't perfect at everything!
Arland is wonderful. He is doing everything he can to protect Kate from things that she is not even aware of yet. He is proud of her and is already having feelings for her. But there is a lot of pressure on him as the leader of the Watchers Hall and also with undercurrents of power.
The ending is so in tune with the rest of the book. This book does not follow the 'normal' set pattern and instead breaks a new trend within it's pages. I thought the ending finished this book and set up the next book brilliantly. It gives you an idea of what Kate is up against and why. Now I need to read the second book to see 'how'. I loved this book and will definitely be reading the next two. Highly recommended.
August 31, 2012
Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
Recently I decided to read those books that I've got from NetGalley. Yes I'm one of those who request books and then leave it there for a while. This one I requested really long time ago and now I've finally read it. I actually have no idea what to say about the book so if review sucks blame me.
Wilde's Fire seems really interesting when you read the blurb. For me it was something new and I was looking forward to it. All in all this book was really something new and interesting for me, but there were few things that I didn't like. First I like this whole portal thing, it was cool! Also new world and creatures were interesting part of it. Basically all paranormal aspects of the story I liked. The problem were other things. Like for example this instant love. Ah it was sooo predictable that when I first came across her dreams I knew they'd be so much in love. I didn't buy it or I couldn't feel it. Another thing is Kate - she is so confusing. I didn't know whether I should hug her or yell at her. At some point she was so bad-ass character, strong and fierce and next she was sobbing all over the place. But other characters were good, especially Flanna.
So I liked the whole concept of the story and it was interesting. For the next one, we'll see about it. We'll see...
***NOTE: Copy of this book is kindly provided by publisher, Curiosity Quills Press, via NetGalley. I'm not paid for writing this review - I do it as a lover of written word. All opinions in this review are personal.
Recently I decided to read those books that I've got from NetGalley. Yes I'm one of those who request books and then leave it there for a while. This one I requested really long time ago and now I've finally read it. I actually have no idea what to say about the book so if review sucks blame me.
Wilde's Fire seems really interesting when you read the blurb. For me it was something new and I was looking forward to it. All in all this book was really something new and interesting for me, but there were few things that I didn't like. First I like this whole portal thing, it was cool! Also new world and creatures were interesting part of it. Basically all paranormal aspects of the story I liked. The problem were other things. Like for example this instant love. Ah it was sooo predictable that when I first came across her dreams I knew they'd be so much in love. I didn't buy it or I couldn't feel it. Another thing is Kate - she is so confusing. I didn't know whether I should hug her or yell at her. At some point she was so bad-ass character, strong and fierce and next she was sobbing all over the place. But other characters were good, especially Flanna.
So I liked the whole concept of the story and it was interesting. For the next one, we'll see about it. We'll see...
***NOTE: Copy of this book is kindly provided by publisher, Curiosity Quills Press, via NetGalley. I'm not paid for writing this review - I do it as a lover of written word. All opinions in this review are personal.
July 12, 2012
I'm sitting here, just not entirely sure if I want to be writing this review or going and buying/devouring Wilde's Army. I'm trying to get myself unstuck from Encardia and the rest of Kat's amazing world!
So, instead of continuing on down that road, I'm going to tell you how absolutely enthralled I was with Wilde's Fire.
From the first page, I knew...I JUST KNEW, that this was going to be one of those books that I couldn't put down. I was instantly invested in all of the characters. And there were so many different elements to the story that held my interest that I didn't get bored at any point in the story.
Katriona enters this unknown world of Encardia and while completely ignorant of what is going on around her, and at the same time missing her family and (possibly) mourning a friend, she manages to keep it together, for the most part. And, I don't blame her one bit. Not with the very handsome distraction named "Arland".
Arland just so happens to be the man that's been in Kat's dreams for the past six years. She's dreamed of them being in love, fighting monsters, and dying. So, when she meets him there's an instant connection. But, instead of the connection being contrived and forced, I feel like the build-up is absolutely perfect. First, there's friendship and trust, and then there's love.
Of course, it's a forbidden love. *sigh*
With magic, monsters, darkness, romance, and a fantastic cliff-hanger, this book has everything that I could want.
Christy @ Captivated Reading
So, instead of continuing on down that road, I'm going to tell you how absolutely enthralled I was with Wilde's Fire.
From the first page, I knew...I JUST KNEW, that this was going to be one of those books that I couldn't put down. I was instantly invested in all of the characters. And there were so many different elements to the story that held my interest that I didn't get bored at any point in the story.
Katriona enters this unknown world of Encardia and while completely ignorant of what is going on around her, and at the same time missing her family and (possibly) mourning a friend, she manages to keep it together, for the most part. And, I don't blame her one bit. Not with the very handsome distraction named "Arland".
Arland just so happens to be the man that's been in Kat's dreams for the past six years. She's dreamed of them being in love, fighting monsters, and dying. So, when she meets him there's an instant connection. But, instead of the connection being contrived and forced, I feel like the build-up is absolutely perfect. First, there's friendship and trust, and then there's love.
Of course, it's a forbidden love. *sigh*
With magic, monsters, darkness, romance, and a fantastic cliff-hanger, this book has everything that I could want.
Christy @ Captivated Reading
May 22, 2012
As seen on -> http://readingbythebeach.blogspot.com...
This is a book where I don't want to give a single detail away because even an iota of extra information will ruin the process of discovery. This book is beyond stellar. The world that Krystal Wade introduces us to in Wilde's Fire will lead you on an adventure of fantasy and romance with evil forces coming out to play.
Each character is strong, important, and well placed. They each have a part to play, never falling into the background or becoming see-through. The female protagonist, Kate, has moments of extreme difficulty, but her determination is powerful. She refuses to sit back and let life lead, she takes those ever present struggles and battles them. She was amazing to read about.
I loved the foreshadowing that will become more apparent (I'm guessing) as the series continues. Stories that are rich in subtle yet in-your-face little details always succeed in capturing my attention. You know those details, the ones that plant little seeds into your brain that can sprout before the confirming information or sometimes holding back until it all clicks into place. I love those!
Krystal Wade is an author that will captivate each reader by the power of the world she has created. Wilde's Fire is a must read, don't miss out!
This is a book where I don't want to give a single detail away because even an iota of extra information will ruin the process of discovery. This book is beyond stellar. The world that Krystal Wade introduces us to in Wilde's Fire will lead you on an adventure of fantasy and romance with evil forces coming out to play.
Each character is strong, important, and well placed. They each have a part to play, never falling into the background or becoming see-through. The female protagonist, Kate, has moments of extreme difficulty, but her determination is powerful. She refuses to sit back and let life lead, she takes those ever present struggles and battles them. She was amazing to read about.
I loved the foreshadowing that will become more apparent (I'm guessing) as the series continues. Stories that are rich in subtle yet in-your-face little details always succeed in capturing my attention. You know those details, the ones that plant little seeds into your brain that can sprout before the confirming information or sometimes holding back until it all clicks into place. I love those!
Krystal Wade is an author that will captivate each reader by the power of the world she has created. Wilde's Fire is a must read, don't miss out!
June 1, 2012
This book was awesome. I was skeptical as I started it. I mean, a boy sleeping in your room with your parents down the hall isn't realistic. Once the book got rolling though, I became more enchanted with it.
The dreams she had of Arland felt so real yet, impossible. Then there was Brad, just waiting to swoop in at any point throughout their journey through the woods. I almost wanted to stamp idiot across Kate's face for not figuring his feelings for her out at this point in their relationship.
Then she meets Arland and all the things thought impossible. He is everything she dreamed and more. I craved reading more just to see their romance crack and sizzle. It was steamy in a tame way.
The monsters in this story were unique and creative. The author weaved a very different story that reminded me of no other story. I tore through the pages from beginning to end in haste.
The story stopped abruptly but with a satisfying conclusion. I for one will be counting the days until I get to continue Kate and Arland's story.
The dreams she had of Arland felt so real yet, impossible. Then there was Brad, just waiting to swoop in at any point throughout their journey through the woods. I almost wanted to stamp idiot across Kate's face for not figuring his feelings for her out at this point in their relationship.
Then she meets Arland and all the things thought impossible. He is everything she dreamed and more. I craved reading more just to see their romance crack and sizzle. It was steamy in a tame way.
The monsters in this story were unique and creative. The author weaved a very different story that reminded me of no other story. I tore through the pages from beginning to end in haste.
The story stopped abruptly but with a satisfying conclusion. I for one will be counting the days until I get to continue Kate and Arland's story.
May 22, 2012
It has been a while since I have read a book told from the first person but in reading Wilde's Fire I remember why I used to love reading books like this when I was younger. You definitely feel the characters and can relate to emotions easier. I have never been a Science Fiction reader but I took a chance and well I must say I was not dis-satisfied. Wilde's Fire is a great starter to Science Fiction World and I can't wait to read Book Two!!!
March 16, 2012
Katriona “Kate” Wilde got home from her first year of school at Virginia Tech yesterday. It’s Memorial Day weekend and the family had plans to go camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains, same as they do every year, but this year her mother is very ill. After waking up from a nightmare about a lover named “Arlan” being brutally murdered in front of her, Kate, her sister Brittany “Brit”, and her BFF Brad go on their own. On the road together, Kate and Brit pass the time singing, but Brad is very quiet. This is his first trip back to the woods after getting very lost at the age of ten. The girls know the trail very well, but before they reach their destination (a two day hike), she has a fainting spell, a strange dream, and discovers that Brit and Brad both want to talk to her, but neither with the other around. She also notices strange gold lights, which flash in the woods, and eventually lead her to her favorite swimming hole and an underwater cave.
The three enter the mouth of the cave together and fall face first into a midnight massacre of women and children. Kate pushes her sister back into water, now a portal behind them. Brad kisses Kate, and believing they’re going to die, she kisses him back. They’re attacked; Brad is impaled by claws that go right through him. When she wakes up next, it is two days later. Brad is hanging onto life by a thread, slowly succumbing to poison for which there is no antidote. And the bed she’s been sleeping in belongs to the underground bunker’s commander, Arlan, the same man she’s seen die a thousand times over in her nightmares.
Let me talk a little bit about Arlan Maher. I don’t know what I was expecting from the hero of this book, but I really wasn’t expecting him. He’s been commanding soldiers in a bunker for years waiting for Kate Wilde to return to their world, and when she’s finally in his house, he manages to avoid being either bumbling, insecure, or obnoxiously confident. Arlan is a gentleman, a warrior, a man whose life has been defined by destiny and duty, and he’s comfortable in his own skin. His secrets are simply withheld data; they never amount to masks. Responsible for the lives of 47 people under his roof, he succeeds in protecting them with a combination of decisive action and charm. All, that is, but Kate.
In one key scene of the book, Brad has woken from his drug-induced coma after three weeks and finds Arlan and Kate locked in a steamy kiss. Brad, whose obsession with Kate has led to a delusion that they’re together, is furious that she’s betrayed him. In stark contrast to Brad, Arlan is not a child. The sunless world in which he was raised never afforded him even moments of immaturity. Though only five years older, Arlan confronts Brad with a true leader’s wisdom…stern, quiet, and fully resolved to put the kid in his place. But Kate steps in front of Arlan just as Brad throws a punch, earning a quick trip to the floor and a shiner for her trouble. Protecting her is Arlan’s foretold destiny, and given that he loves her deeply the fact that this is just one of the moments recently that she’s saved him, he questions whether he’s worthy of being her guardian.
Kate is a very naive, very innocent; twenty-years-old and never been kissed until Brad plants one while thinking they're going to die. When Kate loves someone, whatever the nature of that love, she gives with her whole heart. Looking back on her life, she remembers a boy who has been in every day of her life since grade school. Others around her see Brad's behavior differently, and while they've tried to tell her, she either misses or dismisses their concern.
Setting the manly-men problems aside, Kate is also an independent girl who doesn't like to be told what she will or will not do. People try to cover her escape; she stays behind to fight or die, which really is admirable. For a college sophomore who falls through the bottom of a river into pitch black hell, she handles the news that it’s her destiny to save this strange world rather well. What she doesn’t take well is learning all the secrets that have been kept from her, particularly the twenty-year-old betrothal to the creepy albino soldier in Arlan’s bunker. Perth serves as multitasking plot device. First, he symbolizes the complicated politics that surround Kate and the war being fought with Darkness to save what remains of humanity. Second, he’s an obstacle standing between Arlan and Kate. But there’s something about Kate’s mother, who joins her in the dark world, that makes me think that Perth will be either a big problem, or a persistent one…but not both. That’s pure speculation on my part, and speaking of that, this book left me with a lot of suspicions that I can’t wait for the sequel to answer.
Wilde’s Fire, written in first-person present tense, is a young woman's adventure into the unknown. As past tense generally serves to tell a story remembered, even when there is great conflict or danger, the reader may rely upon those verbs as assurances that the narrator pulls through…like a tight-rope walker high above a waiting safety net. But Kate’s story leads the reader blind from one moment to the next, with only her remembered nightmares of Arlan dying to hold onto for hope that they survive the unfamiliar battle they fight now. Krystal Wade truly is a hot, new talent.
The three enter the mouth of the cave together and fall face first into a midnight massacre of women and children. Kate pushes her sister back into water, now a portal behind them. Brad kisses Kate, and believing they’re going to die, she kisses him back. They’re attacked; Brad is impaled by claws that go right through him. When she wakes up next, it is two days later. Brad is hanging onto life by a thread, slowly succumbing to poison for which there is no antidote. And the bed she’s been sleeping in belongs to the underground bunker’s commander, Arlan, the same man she’s seen die a thousand times over in her nightmares.
Let me talk a little bit about Arlan Maher. I don’t know what I was expecting from the hero of this book, but I really wasn’t expecting him. He’s been commanding soldiers in a bunker for years waiting for Kate Wilde to return to their world, and when she’s finally in his house, he manages to avoid being either bumbling, insecure, or obnoxiously confident. Arlan is a gentleman, a warrior, a man whose life has been defined by destiny and duty, and he’s comfortable in his own skin. His secrets are simply withheld data; they never amount to masks. Responsible for the lives of 47 people under his roof, he succeeds in protecting them with a combination of decisive action and charm. All, that is, but Kate.
In one key scene of the book, Brad has woken from his drug-induced coma after three weeks and finds Arlan and Kate locked in a steamy kiss. Brad, whose obsession with Kate has led to a delusion that they’re together, is furious that she’s betrayed him. In stark contrast to Brad, Arlan is not a child. The sunless world in which he was raised never afforded him even moments of immaturity. Though only five years older, Arlan confronts Brad with a true leader’s wisdom…stern, quiet, and fully resolved to put the kid in his place. But Kate steps in front of Arlan just as Brad throws a punch, earning a quick trip to the floor and a shiner for her trouble. Protecting her is Arlan’s foretold destiny, and given that he loves her deeply the fact that this is just one of the moments recently that she’s saved him, he questions whether he’s worthy of being her guardian.
Kate is a very naive, very innocent; twenty-years-old and never been kissed until Brad plants one while thinking they're going to die. When Kate loves someone, whatever the nature of that love, she gives with her whole heart. Looking back on her life, she remembers a boy who has been in every day of her life since grade school. Others around her see Brad's behavior differently, and while they've tried to tell her, she either misses or dismisses their concern.
Setting the manly-men problems aside, Kate is also an independent girl who doesn't like to be told what she will or will not do. People try to cover her escape; she stays behind to fight or die, which really is admirable. For a college sophomore who falls through the bottom of a river into pitch black hell, she handles the news that it’s her destiny to save this strange world rather well. What she doesn’t take well is learning all the secrets that have been kept from her, particularly the twenty-year-old betrothal to the creepy albino soldier in Arlan’s bunker. Perth serves as multitasking plot device. First, he symbolizes the complicated politics that surround Kate and the war being fought with Darkness to save what remains of humanity. Second, he’s an obstacle standing between Arlan and Kate. But there’s something about Kate’s mother, who joins her in the dark world, that makes me think that Perth will be either a big problem, or a persistent one…but not both. That’s pure speculation on my part, and speaking of that, this book left me with a lot of suspicions that I can’t wait for the sequel to answer.
Wilde’s Fire, written in first-person present tense, is a young woman's adventure into the unknown. As past tense generally serves to tell a story remembered, even when there is great conflict or danger, the reader may rely upon those verbs as assurances that the narrator pulls through…like a tight-rope walker high above a waiting safety net. But Kate’s story leads the reader blind from one moment to the next, with only her remembered nightmares of Arlan dying to hold onto for hope that they survive the unfamiliar battle they fight now. Krystal Wade truly is a hot, new talent.
June 20, 2012
Wilde's Fire is a pretty solid debut by author Krystal Wade. When I first saw the blurb up on NetGalley, I was immediately intrigued, as I have a thing for characters being thrust into new situations and worlds and having to adapt, all while trying to save the world. For the most part, this book delivered on all of my expectations, at least in terms of the story itself.
The strongest part of the book was probably the world-building. The author has created a fictional land called Encardia, in which Darkness has overtaken the sun and confined the people to living underground, in constant fear of the daemons that attack in the dark and have nearly destroyed the entire world. Kate, our main character, is suddenly thrust into Encardia when her and her sister, Brit, follow a light into an underground cave, which actually turned out to be a portal. In Encardia, Kate meets Arland, whom she had actually been dreaming about for her entire life. Arland is the one to tell Kate that there's actually a prophecy about her, that she's Light, and will save Encardia from Darkness. (I know, all these capital letters are a bit much. If you're going to read the book, get used to them!) In Encardia we also meet probably my most favorite character, Arland's cousin, Flanna. Flanna is an impossibly upbeat, cheerful girl who instantly becomes Kate's friend. She's full of great insight and understanding, and I just really enjoyed every single second she was on the page.
I do want to warn that we have a bit of insta-love here - I mean, this is a YA book, right? - but I was willing to let it go for the most part because of the set-up for Arland and Kate. Both of them have prophecies that pretty much dictate their lives, not to mention that Kate's been dreaming about him for forever. To Wade's credit, they actually go a pretty darn long time before they even kiss, so I give her major kudos for at least not having them dive straight into anything physical. I do admit to a minor problem, however, with the fact that Kate's powers don't really materialize unless Arland's near her, though, although I'm assuming that the second book will move away from that, considering the cliffhanger-like ending. And as a heads-up to any parents, there are some minor smexy times in this book, although I wouldn't really call any of it graphic in the slightest.
My biggest problem with this book is that I had some trouble with the style at first. Wilde's Fire is told via Kate's first person, present tense voice, and I found the sentence structure to be a bit choppy and unpolished at the start. One thing I noticed straight off is that there is a lack of contractions throughout the book, which always makes things seem more stilted, at least for me. People speak in contractions! I could understand perhaps Arland not using them, since he's from a more formal, rather set world, but there really wasn't any excuse for Kate to not use them. It just generally makes spoken conversation flow more easily. I also felt like the book didn't pick up until about 65% into it, when things really start coming to a head. There are a lot of daily activities, like mucking out the barn, milking cows, chopping potatoes, etc., and it did become a tad tedious. The bits where Kate is working on her weapons skills were better, mostly because I just find sword fighting and learning to shoot a bow exciting. I also liked the little bits where Arland would fill Kate in on Encardian history, and the magic usage. I also had a bit of trouble with the whole Brad plot line, particularly Kate's feelings toward him once he wakes up. That whole bit seemed disjointed, and her feelings were so erratic and hard to follow, but maybe that was the point.
I also thought the sort of ridiculous, over the top declarations of love in this book were a bit much. If someone were to say some of these lines to me, I would have a really hard time not laughing in their faces, even if my love for them was all-consuming. Still, maybe that's just the cynical part of me reacting to what - to me - bordered on cheesiness. Your mileage may vary, etc. :)
All in all, this was a pretty intriguing, decently written and solid debut novel. There are enough loose ends to make me want to immediately dive into the sequel (which is also up on NetGalley). I am definitely intrigued about where the author is going, and what's next up for Kate. I especially look forward to her character development, and the evolution of her abilities. Wilde's Fire is now available in North America from a bookseller of your choice. If you want something a bit different, give it a read.
The strongest part of the book was probably the world-building. The author has created a fictional land called Encardia, in which Darkness has overtaken the sun and confined the people to living underground, in constant fear of the daemons that attack in the dark and have nearly destroyed the entire world. Kate, our main character, is suddenly thrust into Encardia when her and her sister, Brit, follow a light into an underground cave, which actually turned out to be a portal. In Encardia, Kate meets Arland, whom she had actually been dreaming about for her entire life. Arland is the one to tell Kate that there's actually a prophecy about her, that she's Light, and will save Encardia from Darkness. (I know, all these capital letters are a bit much. If you're going to read the book, get used to them!) In Encardia we also meet probably my most favorite character, Arland's cousin, Flanna. Flanna is an impossibly upbeat, cheerful girl who instantly becomes Kate's friend. She's full of great insight and understanding, and I just really enjoyed every single second she was on the page.
I do want to warn that we have a bit of insta-love here - I mean, this is a YA book, right? - but I was willing to let it go for the most part because of the set-up for Arland and Kate. Both of them have prophecies that pretty much dictate their lives, not to mention that Kate's been dreaming about him for forever. To Wade's credit, they actually go a pretty darn long time before they even kiss, so I give her major kudos for at least not having them dive straight into anything physical. I do admit to a minor problem, however, with the fact that Kate's powers don't really materialize unless Arland's near her, though, although I'm assuming that the second book will move away from that, considering the cliffhanger-like ending. And as a heads-up to any parents, there are some minor smexy times in this book, although I wouldn't really call any of it graphic in the slightest.
My biggest problem with this book is that I had some trouble with the style at first. Wilde's Fire is told via Kate's first person, present tense voice, and I found the sentence structure to be a bit choppy and unpolished at the start. One thing I noticed straight off is that there is a lack of contractions throughout the book, which always makes things seem more stilted, at least for me. People speak in contractions! I could understand perhaps Arland not using them, since he's from a more formal, rather set world, but there really wasn't any excuse for Kate to not use them. It just generally makes spoken conversation flow more easily. I also felt like the book didn't pick up until about 65% into it, when things really start coming to a head. There are a lot of daily activities, like mucking out the barn, milking cows, chopping potatoes, etc., and it did become a tad tedious. The bits where Kate is working on her weapons skills were better, mostly because I just find sword fighting and learning to shoot a bow exciting. I also liked the little bits where Arland would fill Kate in on Encardian history, and the magic usage. I also had a bit of trouble with the whole Brad plot line, particularly Kate's feelings toward him once he wakes up. That whole bit seemed disjointed, and her feelings were so erratic and hard to follow, but maybe that was the point.
I also thought the sort of ridiculous, over the top declarations of love in this book were a bit much. If someone were to say some of these lines to me, I would have a really hard time not laughing in their faces, even if my love for them was all-consuming. Still, maybe that's just the cynical part of me reacting to what - to me - bordered on cheesiness. Your mileage may vary, etc. :)
All in all, this was a pretty intriguing, decently written and solid debut novel. There are enough loose ends to make me want to immediately dive into the sequel (which is also up on NetGalley). I am definitely intrigued about where the author is going, and what's next up for Kate. I especially look forward to her character development, and the evolution of her abilities. Wilde's Fire is now available in North America from a bookseller of your choice. If you want something a bit different, give it a read.
March 18, 2012
Katriona Wilde, her sister Brit and her best friend Brad don’t have a clue what they are about to get themselves into when they head into the woods for a traditional camping trip. Kate has experienced wonderful dreams that always turn into horrible nightmares, ending with the death of her ‘dream-lover’, Arland. But are they just dreams?! They must be, because Kate doesn’t know who Arland is. When Kate, Brit and Brad tumble through a portal they find while on their camping expedition, it spits them out into another world and Kate realizes that the dreams may have some truth to them, she only hopes that the death of Arland doesn’t come true.
Wilde’s Fire is written in the present tense, and while I wasn’t a big fan of present tense in the past, Krystal Wade has changed that! Though the eyes of Kate, we seeing everything as it happens. It’s immediate, right now, and intense. I love the action of the scenes, Krystal is a great writer and I really enjoyed Wilde’s Fire. It’s fantasy at its best. Filled with magic, hidden portals, daemons... a great twist to the fantasy / supernatural genre!
I want to mention a few of the characters... Katriona of course, being the main character, I will start with her. She starts off in this book as a naive young adult who has never even kissed a boy! She is thrust into this world that had only existed in her dreams and excepted it rather well considering I would have fought like hell to get back to the ‘real’ world. My first thoughts of Kate were, oh please don’t be a push over, fight girl, fight! (I am a kick-ass heroine junkie so when I see a character come off as a little weak I always root for them to become stronger) and wow, did she ever!
Brad Tanner has been Kate’s friend for...well, ever, since she can remember, but little does she know he is in lover with her. I rooted for Brad, even though the sexy warrior of Kate’s dreams comes into the picture, I still rooted for him. Even when my brain said, ‘Hello?! Sexy warrior!” I still wanted Brad to have Kate. Until of course, Krystal threw in that nice little twist. (I’m not telling what, so you’ll just have to buy the book and find out for yourself!)
Arland. Well, he is the sexy warrior of her dreams so its only fitting that they would be together, but Arland does a great job at keep distance between them and Krystal Wade does an amazing job at showing that he doesn’t really want to even though its through Kate’s eyes and she has mixed feelings about what he wants.
Ok, that’s enough talk about the characters, I just had to ramble a little because I enjoyed them so much!
Overall I am very impressed with this novel for quite a few reasons, but I think the most important one is that Krystal Wade has changed my opinion on present tense. Honestly, I really didn’t like it before picking up Wilde’s Fire and more often than not when reading a book written this way, I usually put it down, but with Krystal’s book I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to keep reading, I had to find out what Kate was going to do, what was going to happen when the dark and light clashed and who she was going to end up with. I’m still not sure about that because there are more twists to come in book two, I can feel it!
Well done Krystal, I am thoroughly impressed and I am so happy I had the chance to read and help promote your book. Great job!
Wilde’s Fire is written in the present tense, and while I wasn’t a big fan of present tense in the past, Krystal Wade has changed that! Though the eyes of Kate, we seeing everything as it happens. It’s immediate, right now, and intense. I love the action of the scenes, Krystal is a great writer and I really enjoyed Wilde’s Fire. It’s fantasy at its best. Filled with magic, hidden portals, daemons... a great twist to the fantasy / supernatural genre!
I want to mention a few of the characters... Katriona of course, being the main character, I will start with her. She starts off in this book as a naive young adult who has never even kissed a boy! She is thrust into this world that had only existed in her dreams and excepted it rather well considering I would have fought like hell to get back to the ‘real’ world. My first thoughts of Kate were, oh please don’t be a push over, fight girl, fight! (I am a kick-ass heroine junkie so when I see a character come off as a little weak I always root for them to become stronger) and wow, did she ever!
Brad Tanner has been Kate’s friend for...well, ever, since she can remember, but little does she know he is in lover with her. I rooted for Brad, even though the sexy warrior of Kate’s dreams comes into the picture, I still rooted for him. Even when my brain said, ‘Hello?! Sexy warrior!” I still wanted Brad to have Kate. Until of course, Krystal threw in that nice little twist. (I’m not telling what, so you’ll just have to buy the book and find out for yourself!)
Arland. Well, he is the sexy warrior of her dreams so its only fitting that they would be together, but Arland does a great job at keep distance between them and Krystal Wade does an amazing job at showing that he doesn’t really want to even though its through Kate’s eyes and she has mixed feelings about what he wants.
Ok, that’s enough talk about the characters, I just had to ramble a little because I enjoyed them so much!
Overall I am very impressed with this novel for quite a few reasons, but I think the most important one is that Krystal Wade has changed my opinion on present tense. Honestly, I really didn’t like it before picking up Wilde’s Fire and more often than not when reading a book written this way, I usually put it down, but with Krystal’s book I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to keep reading, I had to find out what Kate was going to do, what was going to happen when the dark and light clashed and who she was going to end up with. I’m still not sure about that because there are more twists to come in book two, I can feel it!
Well done Krystal, I am thoroughly impressed and I am so happy I had the chance to read and help promote your book. Great job!
May 13, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
Excellent, unique, and truly spectacular! Wilde's Fire starts off with a bang and doesn't slow down. Everything about this book was amazing.
The story starts off quickly. Kate, her sister, and her best friend (Brad) are camping. They find a cave, not realizing it's a portal to another world, and fall into the world of Encardia. There she meets the man of her dreams (literally) and finds out that she is the subject of a prophecy and meant to save the world from the Darkness that has taken it over.
First of all, Kate is a wonderful character. She's strong and more than capable of fulfilling her role in the prophecy. When she's told about the portal and the magic, she's understandably skeptical but she accepts the reality and her role as the savior. That was especially nice, because it's more than a little frustrating when the main character in so many YA books refuses to accept the truth. What I especially loved is that, even though she's dreamed about the love interest, she doesn't just fall into his arms. She waits to actually know the man in real life before beginning their relationship. She's tough, smart, and has won her way onto my list of favorite female leads.
Arland, the love interest, is BRILLIANT. I adored him; he's sweet, hot, and basically perfect in every way. Kate had dreamed of him for years and when they finally meet in real life, sparks fly. Their relationship develops realistically despite the whole dream thing. And when they do get together, their relationship is heartwarming in it's devotion and pure, true love. It was uber-sweet that Kate's magic was based on their love. That might not make sense now, but when you read the book, the meaning is clear-and unbelievably sweet. But let's get back to Arland. He's one of the best love interests I've read. Truly, he will capture your heart without a doubt.
One of the most interesting elements of this book, however is Kate's relationship with her best friend, Brad. I don't want to say to much and give away the most exciting part of the story, but-wow-their relationship is complicated. Brad has been in love with Kate for years, but Kate doesn't love him in return. But that's not where it ends. Throughout the course of the book, their relationship is redefined so many times that it made my head spin. When I thought I understood it, something would happen that completely changed the game. My feelings about Brad changed so many times that I can't tell you how I feel about him after finishing the book. His character is dynamic and without a doubt one of the most interesting I've ever read. (BTW: for those who worry about a love triangle, don't worry. The situation with Brad doesn't turn into one.)
The story, as I said, is fast-paced and kept me riveted the entire time. Every moment is interesting, every page has excitement. And the ending was AMAZING. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I swear, I'm going to go crazy with anxiety trying to figure out what will happen next. The last line of the book is one of my favorite quotes:
"My name is Katriona Wilde and I have fire."
(Honestly, that describes her perfectly)
Wilde's Fire is a brilliant book. Everything about it is absolute perfection!
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
Excellent, unique, and truly spectacular! Wilde's Fire starts off with a bang and doesn't slow down. Everything about this book was amazing.
The story starts off quickly. Kate, her sister, and her best friend (Brad) are camping. They find a cave, not realizing it's a portal to another world, and fall into the world of Encardia. There she meets the man of her dreams (literally) and finds out that she is the subject of a prophecy and meant to save the world from the Darkness that has taken it over.
First of all, Kate is a wonderful character. She's strong and more than capable of fulfilling her role in the prophecy. When she's told about the portal and the magic, she's understandably skeptical but she accepts the reality and her role as the savior. That was especially nice, because it's more than a little frustrating when the main character in so many YA books refuses to accept the truth. What I especially loved is that, even though she's dreamed about the love interest, she doesn't just fall into his arms. She waits to actually know the man in real life before beginning their relationship. She's tough, smart, and has won her way onto my list of favorite female leads.
Arland, the love interest, is BRILLIANT. I adored him; he's sweet, hot, and basically perfect in every way. Kate had dreamed of him for years and when they finally meet in real life, sparks fly. Their relationship develops realistically despite the whole dream thing. And when they do get together, their relationship is heartwarming in it's devotion and pure, true love. It was uber-sweet that Kate's magic was based on their love. That might not make sense now, but when you read the book, the meaning is clear-and unbelievably sweet. But let's get back to Arland. He's one of the best love interests I've read. Truly, he will capture your heart without a doubt.
One of the most interesting elements of this book, however is Kate's relationship with her best friend, Brad. I don't want to say to much and give away the most exciting part of the story, but-wow-their relationship is complicated. Brad has been in love with Kate for years, but Kate doesn't love him in return. But that's not where it ends. Throughout the course of the book, their relationship is redefined so many times that it made my head spin. When I thought I understood it, something would happen that completely changed the game. My feelings about Brad changed so many times that I can't tell you how I feel about him after finishing the book. His character is dynamic and without a doubt one of the most interesting I've ever read. (BTW: for those who worry about a love triangle, don't worry. The situation with Brad doesn't turn into one.)
The story, as I said, is fast-paced and kept me riveted the entire time. Every moment is interesting, every page has excitement. And the ending was AMAZING. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I swear, I'm going to go crazy with anxiety trying to figure out what will happen next. The last line of the book is one of my favorite quotes:
"My name is Katriona Wilde and I have fire."
(Honestly, that describes her perfectly)
Wilde's Fire is a brilliant book. Everything about it is absolute perfection!
5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
March 11, 2018
Learn more (http://cjlistro.blogspot.com/2012/05/...)
The fantasy elements were strong, but the main plot centered much more about the romance than I had expected. I’m not a romance reader. I love romantic subplots, but emphasis on the sub. I didn’t like Trylle or Twilight, if that gives you any hints. Also, I don’t really like present tense novels. So anyway, if you like any of these things, you’ll probably really enjoy this book. In the interest of a fair review, let’s (watch me) break it down. Yes. I just parenthetically quoted Lady Gaga.
What I Didn’t Like: Start with the sour, then leave ‘em with something sweet. I didn’t buy Kate as a teenager. The way she talks is too pretty. Like she could be a fair romance maiden. Brit had a ton of personality in her dialogue. Kate just seemed kind of flat self-inserty to me. I didn’t really connect with her. The plot was kind of rocky. Started great and exciting, got lost in a mush of training and such, and suddenly what I thought was the main conflict (evil daemons feasting on the populous) took backseat to the me-and-Arland-have-some-issues-with-our-romance-and-something-is-wrong-with-Brad bit. It just felt like they were worrying way too much about their lovey-dovey stuff when people were being killed all around them. The magic was mostly fine, but I thought Kate had it a little too easy towards the end. Maybe it was just a bit mushy for me. I don’t do mushy.
What I Liked: Great world. You’ve got a pantheon, daemons of all varieties, a war with the Darkness, and hidden old magic. Some parts are a wee bit of a stretch (Ground Dwellers, aka I’m pretty sure they’re sort of dwarves and the humans are sort of elves; everything is inexplicably Irish) but those didn’t stop me from enjoying it. I loved the idea of this decimated world with people hiding out in underground bunkers, thirsting for a long-missing sun. Very neat.
As for characters, Kate wasn’t my favorite, but I loved Brit and Flanna. They were snarky, fun, and brought some pizazz to the pages. The romance was not all bad. I loved that she didn’t actually have a thing for her best friend (the part where they share a kiss at the very beginning was very well done!). I also thought Wade was clever in avoiding insta-romance with Kate-to-Arland. Kate had dreamed for years of loving Arland, so no wonder she was instantly in love with him. (It was a little less clear why he would so quickly fall for her, though.)
As for the writing, it didn’t sound like a teen, but it was clear, largely error-free, and set a very nice mystical tone. And the plot? I kind of saw the ending coming, but I thought it was a great move on Wade’s part. It showed a great error in judgment on Kate’s part and shook up her fairy tale ending, which is exactly what you need to do setting up a sequel. It also made the previous plot with Brad (I’ll spare you the spoilers) make sense, whereas before it had seemed much too neat. So kudos on the ending.
The fantasy elements were strong, but the main plot centered much more about the romance than I had expected. I’m not a romance reader. I love romantic subplots, but emphasis on the sub. I didn’t like Trylle or Twilight, if that gives you any hints. Also, I don’t really like present tense novels. So anyway, if you like any of these things, you’ll probably really enjoy this book. In the interest of a fair review, let’s (watch me) break it down. Yes. I just parenthetically quoted Lady Gaga.
What I Didn’t Like: Start with the sour, then leave ‘em with something sweet. I didn’t buy Kate as a teenager. The way she talks is too pretty. Like she could be a fair romance maiden. Brit had a ton of personality in her dialogue. Kate just seemed kind of flat self-inserty to me. I didn’t really connect with her. The plot was kind of rocky. Started great and exciting, got lost in a mush of training and such, and suddenly what I thought was the main conflict (evil daemons feasting on the populous) took backseat to the me-and-Arland-have-some-issues-with-our-romance-and-something-is-wrong-with-Brad bit. It just felt like they were worrying way too much about their lovey-dovey stuff when people were being killed all around them. The magic was mostly fine, but I thought Kate had it a little too easy towards the end. Maybe it was just a bit mushy for me. I don’t do mushy.
What I Liked: Great world. You’ve got a pantheon, daemons of all varieties, a war with the Darkness, and hidden old magic. Some parts are a wee bit of a stretch (Ground Dwellers, aka I’m pretty sure they’re sort of dwarves and the humans are sort of elves; everything is inexplicably Irish) but those didn’t stop me from enjoying it. I loved the idea of this decimated world with people hiding out in underground bunkers, thirsting for a long-missing sun. Very neat.
As for characters, Kate wasn’t my favorite, but I loved Brit and Flanna. They were snarky, fun, and brought some pizazz to the pages. The romance was not all bad. I loved that she didn’t actually have a thing for her best friend (the part where they share a kiss at the very beginning was very well done!). I also thought Wade was clever in avoiding insta-romance with Kate-to-Arland. Kate had dreamed for years of loving Arland, so no wonder she was instantly in love with him. (It was a little less clear why he would so quickly fall for her, though.)
As for the writing, it didn’t sound like a teen, but it was clear, largely error-free, and set a very nice mystical tone. And the plot? I kind of saw the ending coming, but I thought it was a great move on Wade’s part. It showed a great error in judgment on Kate’s part and shook up her fairy tale ending, which is exactly what you need to do setting up a sequel. It also made the previous plot with Brad (I’ll spare you the spoilers) make sense, whereas before it had seemed much too neat. So kudos on the ending.
May 26, 2012
I was a little nervous starting Wilde’s Fire because it is not the usual kind of book I read. I’m glad that I decided to take the plunge.
When Kate, her sister, Brit, and her best friend, Brad, go on their annual camping trip, they expect a relaxing hike, some swimming, and big bugs (at the worst). They never thought that they would end up in another world, surrounded by demons, but they do. They land in Encardia, another world, and the world that Kate was born in. For years, she had dreams that took place in a beautiful land and that featured Arland: the man of her dreams (literally hehehe). However, when she arrives in Encardia, it is not the land from her dreams. It is covered in Darkness so thick that not even the sun can shine and the land is crawling in demons, one of which wounds Brad, who had just confessed his love to Kate; too bad it’s unrequited. As Kate finds out what she must do to save the land, she falls deeply in love with Arland, who is prophesized to be the Keeper of Light. Kate is the Light that will save the land from the Darkness with the help of old magic; she is the only one that can use it anymore because it was forgotten long ago. She must battle for those she loves and find out how to save the entire population of Encardia.
There was only one main problem with this book, and it is a problem that I have witnessed in many YA books recently: insta-love. Kate and Arland fall in love in the first day they know each other. I know that Kate had been having dreams about him, but you can’t fall in love with someone you’ve only met in your dreams. Arland never had any dreams about her and he met her one time when he was like 5. That is no reason to be in love with each other. On the first night of them knowing each other, they take a bath together. That’s kind of fast, don’t you think? I’m not saying that their love wasn’t totally precious; it was. It was just too much, too fast. Other than the insta-love, there was nothing really wrong with this book.
The heroine, Kate, was pretty good. She was strong, smart, and she had common sense. I thought she was likable, but at points she was a little ridiculous. For example, she would apologize for being sad because something horrible happened to her. You’re allowed to be sad when you’re best friend is dying, okay? Other than that, I liked her a lot.
Arland, the hero of the book, was also a nice character. He was pleasant, strong, and likable. Overall, he was a good guy. My favorite character, though, was Flanna. She was hilarious and bubbly. She made every scene she was in enjoyable to read and she just cracked me up.
I loved the story line. It kept me guessing until the very end. Actually, it’s still keeping me guessing and it’s over. I can’t wait for the next book! I can’t say that this book was the most original thing in the world, but it had a lot of aspects that I thought were very original. You should read this book because it was really good!
When Kate, her sister, Brit, and her best friend, Brad, go on their annual camping trip, they expect a relaxing hike, some swimming, and big bugs (at the worst). They never thought that they would end up in another world, surrounded by demons, but they do. They land in Encardia, another world, and the world that Kate was born in. For years, she had dreams that took place in a beautiful land and that featured Arland: the man of her dreams (literally hehehe). However, when she arrives in Encardia, it is not the land from her dreams. It is covered in Darkness so thick that not even the sun can shine and the land is crawling in demons, one of which wounds Brad, who had just confessed his love to Kate; too bad it’s unrequited. As Kate finds out what she must do to save the land, she falls deeply in love with Arland, who is prophesized to be the Keeper of Light. Kate is the Light that will save the land from the Darkness with the help of old magic; she is the only one that can use it anymore because it was forgotten long ago. She must battle for those she loves and find out how to save the entire population of Encardia.
There was only one main problem with this book, and it is a problem that I have witnessed in many YA books recently: insta-love. Kate and Arland fall in love in the first day they know each other. I know that Kate had been having dreams about him, but you can’t fall in love with someone you’ve only met in your dreams. Arland never had any dreams about her and he met her one time when he was like 5. That is no reason to be in love with each other. On the first night of them knowing each other, they take a bath together. That’s kind of fast, don’t you think? I’m not saying that their love wasn’t totally precious; it was. It was just too much, too fast. Other than the insta-love, there was nothing really wrong with this book.
The heroine, Kate, was pretty good. She was strong, smart, and she had common sense. I thought she was likable, but at points she was a little ridiculous. For example, she would apologize for being sad because something horrible happened to her. You’re allowed to be sad when you’re best friend is dying, okay? Other than that, I liked her a lot.
Arland, the hero of the book, was also a nice character. He was pleasant, strong, and likable. Overall, he was a good guy. My favorite character, though, was Flanna. She was hilarious and bubbly. She made every scene she was in enjoyable to read and she just cracked me up.
I loved the story line. It kept me guessing until the very end. Actually, it’s still keeping me guessing and it’s over. I can’t wait for the next book! I can’t say that this book was the most original thing in the world, but it had a lot of aspects that I thought were very original. You should read this book because it was really good!
May 12, 2012
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book written in the first person present tense and I have to say it was a bit of an adjustment. But once I got over that (and it didn’t take long), this book captured me. Choosing to write her book in this way means that the author put me right in the thick of things…experiencing the action in real time. Katriona (Kate) Wilde has been having recurring dreams for 6 years about a specific place and a specific man. These dreams are filled with love but also all manner of scary situations including death. No one except her sister thinks it’s anything more than a dream. That is, until she, her sister and her best friend manage to pass through a portal and into the exact location of her dreams.
Encardia, the world created by the author, and the place that Kate finds herself in, has depth and color (although you may find this a strange analogy when you read the book). It’s painted so vividly that I could easily imagine myself in this world and living amongst these people. The dangers felt real and the relationships were natural and easy to believe. Even in the face of the state of their world, the inhabitants of this land make rooting for them a foregone conclusion for the reader.
I loved the characters in this book. These are people I could surround myself with…well, most of them anyway! Kate, who was a rather naive character in the beginning of the story, turns out to be a true hero willing to put herself on the front lines and fight the evil that has taken over Encardia. And, even as she learns of all the lies and the information that has been kept from her, she maintains her strength and stays the course. Arland, the sexy man from Kate’s dreams, is…well…just that! He’s confident and gallant. He leads his people with strength and kindness, a kind warrior. Brad is Kate’s best friend and he has a secret that affects the story greatly. My favorite secondary character was Flanna. She’s Arland’s cousin and becomes Kate’s friend and confidante in this new world. She’s funny and sassy…a great combination.
The story has everything. There’s love, betrayal, friendship and evil at play. The task at hand, Kate’s destiny, seems almost insurmountable yet because of the connection I felt with the characters, I was left believing anything is possible. And I love when a book does that to me.
Although there was one specific plot twist that felt a bit jarring for me and a slow down in pace in the middle of the book, the author’s writing style and fantastic characters kept me turning the pages. The cliffhanger at the end promises more adventures to come and left me wanting more. Overall, this is a really good read. You can’t pick it up until next week but I definitely recommend that you do!
Encardia, the world created by the author, and the place that Kate finds herself in, has depth and color (although you may find this a strange analogy when you read the book). It’s painted so vividly that I could easily imagine myself in this world and living amongst these people. The dangers felt real and the relationships were natural and easy to believe. Even in the face of the state of their world, the inhabitants of this land make rooting for them a foregone conclusion for the reader.
I loved the characters in this book. These are people I could surround myself with…well, most of them anyway! Kate, who was a rather naive character in the beginning of the story, turns out to be a true hero willing to put herself on the front lines and fight the evil that has taken over Encardia. And, even as she learns of all the lies and the information that has been kept from her, she maintains her strength and stays the course. Arland, the sexy man from Kate’s dreams, is…well…just that! He’s confident and gallant. He leads his people with strength and kindness, a kind warrior. Brad is Kate’s best friend and he has a secret that affects the story greatly. My favorite secondary character was Flanna. She’s Arland’s cousin and becomes Kate’s friend and confidante in this new world. She’s funny and sassy…a great combination.
The story has everything. There’s love, betrayal, friendship and evil at play. The task at hand, Kate’s destiny, seems almost insurmountable yet because of the connection I felt with the characters, I was left believing anything is possible. And I love when a book does that to me.
Although there was one specific plot twist that felt a bit jarring for me and a slow down in pace in the middle of the book, the author’s writing style and fantastic characters kept me turning the pages. The cliffhanger at the end promises more adventures to come and left me wanting more. Overall, this is a really good read. You can’t pick it up until next week but I definitely recommend that you do!
June 3, 2012
This is definitely a fantasy novel. The summary of the book explains quite well what the main idea of the story was. I greatly enjoyed this book; it had magic, monsters, a bad guy or bad guys, a prince (sort of), fairy type beings that are good, and a strong female lead.
Wilde’s Fire is a fast paced, action packed novel. I was sucked in and didn’t want to put it down. There is the perfect amount of romance and fighting battles in this book to make me very happy. Though the romance happens much too quickly and I can’t really believe that in 3 weeks two people would be so madly in love with each other, but in the novel Katriona and Arland do.
I thought that this book was going to be another one of those books with the love triangle going on and the flighty girl who can’t make up her mind, but it is not. Now, Katriona does say that she loves her best friend, Brad, but that she does not and never did, love him the way that he loved her. Katriona is and always has been, in love with Arland, even before she met him, because she had had dreams about him for years.
I want to say that there is no actual sex in this book, but there are very close calls and talk of sex. Katriona mentions several times that she and Arland made love in the dreams that she had been having of him for years. Both Katriona and Arland are adults, but not married. It is actually Arland who stops Katriona from seducing him multiple times, even when she strips naked for him, since they are not married yet.
I think the most annoying thing about this book is that there is absolutely no ending, just a major cliff hanger. As you know, if you read my reviews on a regular basis, this is my pet peeve. Anyhow, I would definitely read the next book in this series. I want to see where the author was going and what happens next for everyone.
I would not recommend this book for kids under the age of 18, mostly because of the sex and the fact that Katriona doesn’t care that they are not married, doesn’t even think about marriage really, as a determining factor in her behavior. Obviously, this decision is up to you. The sex is not romance novel descriptive, but the wanton attitude bothers me. I would not put it in a school library or classroom library.
I received this book as an ARC. I do not get paid to review books; I do so in order to assist you in recognizing books that you might enjoy and also to assist parents and teachers in recommending appropriate books for your kids to read.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: sarahereads(dot)wordpress(dot)com
Wilde’s Fire is a fast paced, action packed novel. I was sucked in and didn’t want to put it down. There is the perfect amount of romance and fighting battles in this book to make me very happy. Though the romance happens much too quickly and I can’t really believe that in 3 weeks two people would be so madly in love with each other, but in the novel Katriona and Arland do.
I thought that this book was going to be another one of those books with the love triangle going on and the flighty girl who can’t make up her mind, but it is not. Now, Katriona does say that she loves her best friend, Brad, but that she does not and never did, love him the way that he loved her. Katriona is and always has been, in love with Arland, even before she met him, because she had had dreams about him for years.
I want to say that there is no actual sex in this book, but there are very close calls and talk of sex. Katriona mentions several times that she and Arland made love in the dreams that she had been having of him for years. Both Katriona and Arland are adults, but not married. It is actually Arland who stops Katriona from seducing him multiple times, even when she strips naked for him, since they are not married yet.
I think the most annoying thing about this book is that there is absolutely no ending, just a major cliff hanger. As you know, if you read my reviews on a regular basis, this is my pet peeve. Anyhow, I would definitely read the next book in this series. I want to see where the author was going and what happens next for everyone.
I would not recommend this book for kids under the age of 18, mostly because of the sex and the fact that Katriona doesn’t care that they are not married, doesn’t even think about marriage really, as a determining factor in her behavior. Obviously, this decision is up to you. The sex is not romance novel descriptive, but the wanton attitude bothers me. I would not put it in a school library or classroom library.
I received this book as an ARC. I do not get paid to review books; I do so in order to assist you in recognizing books that you might enjoy and also to assist parents and teachers in recommending appropriate books for your kids to read.
Please read more of my reviews on my blog: sarahereads(dot)wordpress(dot)com
July 22, 2012
Originally posted at my blog Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books
I give it 4 1/2 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for my Honest review.
Published March 13th 2012 by Curiosity Quills Press
I really liked Wilde’s Fire. It was a pleasant mix of sci-fi and fantasy that I really enjoyed. Katriona (Kate) Wilde gets transported to another world through a portal, that Kate, and her best friend and sister were lead to during a camping trip. Its great how you start off in the middle of the usual teen drama, then the next minutes your in a whole new world with war, and darkness and unimaginable horrors! Kate is amazing, she is brave and open-minded, as well as caring and very loyal. Arland is quite dashing, as a other-worldly warrior/leader, that has a great heart underneath.
It’s a very unique and a refreshing story. I am anxious now to read book 2 Wilde's Army (review of it coming soon too!)
I highly recommend if you like the fantasy/sci-fi books. Paranormal book lovers will love this too.
Summary from Goodreads:
“There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most.”—Katriona Wilde.
Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her.
Kate’s forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What’s worse, she has no control over her new future, and it’s full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made.
Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
I give it 4 1/2 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for my Honest review.
Published March 13th 2012 by Curiosity Quills Press
I really liked Wilde’s Fire. It was a pleasant mix of sci-fi and fantasy that I really enjoyed. Katriona (Kate) Wilde gets transported to another world through a portal, that Kate, and her best friend and sister were lead to during a camping trip. Its great how you start off in the middle of the usual teen drama, then the next minutes your in a whole new world with war, and darkness and unimaginable horrors! Kate is amazing, she is brave and open-minded, as well as caring and very loyal. Arland is quite dashing, as a other-worldly warrior/leader, that has a great heart underneath.
It’s a very unique and a refreshing story. I am anxious now to read book 2 Wilde's Army (review of it coming soon too!)
I highly recommend if you like the fantasy/sci-fi books. Paranormal book lovers will love this too.
Summary from Goodreads:
“There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most.”—Katriona Wilde.
Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her.
Kate’s forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What’s worse, she has no control over her new future, and it’s full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made.
Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews