Hi guys and gals!
Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, I'm bringing you an ebook title I finished earlier this week that really left me...speechless...and adding the print edition to my wish list STAT! For those the frequent the site, you know my love/hate relationship with ebooks, so for a title to leave THAT much of an impression, it had to be good. Well, guess what? It wasn't...it was GREAT. Yeah, great. Ready to explore London (and the world) after it's been ravaged by war, time, and mankind? Let's do this! Today's ebook of choice is on deck...
by
Danielle Rogland
Inkitt
About the book...
In the ruins of London, the Empire rules through fear and fire.
"Everyone knew about 'The Flames' and how much trouble they had caused for the Empire. They were the only rebel group anyone knew about that had lasted longer than a few months without getting caught, leaving candles behind whenever they snatched somebody out of the Empire's grasp. Getting involved with people like them is stupid. So stupid."
Ever since her parents were murdered by the empires agents, Jacks has been living on the street as a pickpocket trying to keep away from trouble. When she accidentally witnesses the rebel group 'The Flames' in the middle of an operation she is unwillingly swept up into their world, and has to decide if she's going to go back to looking after herself or join the rebellion and help them fight for the people of London Ruins.
She knows that getting involved was stupid, but does she really have a choice?
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Oh how to even begin!
Ever finish a book and just sit there like, WHOA. Then, after that momentary stupor, feel the need to discover so many things at once...is there a sequel, what else has the author written, find a print copy to add to your library, and TELL THE WORLD! Yes, yes to all of those things and then some. Even though my ecopy was an ARC (meaning there were a few issues to edit away before the final version), I was totally immersed in the story from start to finish and here's why...
Jakes isn't a hero. She doesn't have superpowers, other than an affinity to be "invisible" to the general populous which mainly serves her in her role of pickpocket. She's not a super genius, mega rich, or even especially brave...but she's REAL. Now, I know...it's a fiction novel...blah blah blah....yes, I was there for the reading, seeing as I did it, but Jakes FELT real. Her reactions or even lack of action, her internal struggles to do what she thinks is right versus smart, her deep seated desire to simply STAY ALIVE, even after the brutal loss of her parents. She's a great leading lady, whether she'd agree or not, and so much more than she even at first knows. The growth she experiences as the story develops is astounding (to all parties) but a perfect match for all that's unfolded. BUT...she's not the only lead character in this multi-POV (point of view) story.
Equal narration time is given to at least three of the other Flames (the rebel group kicking the Empire's butt!)...Zira, Corry, and Jeremy, though the other players are certainly noteworthy as well (shout out to Addy, and Finn!). Zira is a STRONG female character, and as leader of a rebel group, she really needed to be. She didn't come to the role easily though and she has secrets she'd rather stay hidden. Why? Because they could crack the very foundation of the resistance they are fighting for. Word to the wise for Zira...sometimes, people can surprise you in a GOOD way....something Corry has been trying to tell her for ages. Speaking of Corry, he's pretty much joined at the hip with Zira, and when considering their past, it makes perfect sense. He's a good guy, deserving of much more than the station in life he was born into (but that's pretty much all of them), and definitely the hero type. Here's hoping that doesn't get him killed along the way. *gulp* Last but certainly not least, there's Jeremy. A fellow kid from the streets, he's the easiest for Jakes to trust, but he also has his own survival instinct, or as he put it...he won't be jumping in front of any bullets for anyone. *ahem* Sure, Jeremy. We'll see about that.
Ever finish a book and just sit there like, WHOA. Then, after that momentary stupor, feel the need to discover so many things at once...is there a sequel, what else has the author written, find a print copy to add to your library, and TELL THE WORLD! Yes, yes to all of those things and then some. Even though my ecopy was an ARC (meaning there were a few issues to edit away before the final version), I was totally immersed in the story from start to finish and here's why...
Jakes isn't a hero. She doesn't have superpowers, other than an affinity to be "invisible" to the general populous which mainly serves her in her role of pickpocket. She's not a super genius, mega rich, or even especially brave...but she's REAL. Now, I know...it's a fiction novel...blah blah blah....yes, I was there for the reading, seeing as I did it, but Jakes FELT real. Her reactions or even lack of action, her internal struggles to do what she thinks is right versus smart, her deep seated desire to simply STAY ALIVE, even after the brutal loss of her parents. She's a great leading lady, whether she'd agree or not, and so much more than she even at first knows. The growth she experiences as the story develops is astounding (to all parties) but a perfect match for all that's unfolded. BUT...she's not the only lead character in this multi-POV (point of view) story.
Equal narration time is given to at least three of the other Flames (the rebel group kicking the Empire's butt!)...Zira, Corry, and Jeremy, though the other players are certainly noteworthy as well (shout out to Addy, and Finn!). Zira is a STRONG female character, and as leader of a rebel group, she really needed to be. She didn't come to the role easily though and she has secrets she'd rather stay hidden. Why? Because they could crack the very foundation of the resistance they are fighting for. Word to the wise for Zira...sometimes, people can surprise you in a GOOD way....something Corry has been trying to tell her for ages. Speaking of Corry, he's pretty much joined at the hip with Zira, and when considering their past, it makes perfect sense. He's a good guy, deserving of much more than the station in life he was born into (but that's pretty much all of them), and definitely the hero type. Here's hoping that doesn't get him killed along the way. *gulp* Last but certainly not least, there's Jeremy. A fellow kid from the streets, he's the easiest for Jakes to trust, but he also has his own survival instinct, or as he put it...he won't be jumping in front of any bullets for anyone. *ahem* Sure, Jeremy. We'll see about that.
So, in closing, I'm going to steal my own final sentiments from my GoodReads feed. It may not be the most "professional" sounding, but really...that's not what this post or this site is about. It's about sharing the love of reading, and all the highs, lows, and in-betweens, no matter how fan-girlish it may sound. With that in mind, my closing thoughts...
"Holy snikies, that was ridiculously AMAZING! Seriously! So, so good. The author brought the story right off the page, and making the multi POV narration run smooth as silk. The triumphs and failures are equally represented and harrowing in their own right, while the characters stay with you right to the end. AWESOME read!"
Yep. That about sums it up. ^_^
Think The Hunger Games minus the food factor for a VERY basic understanding of what you're stepping into, and then multiply the awesome factor by about a hundred. Recommended for Young Adults readers, teens through adults due to some violent content, but the blush factor is totally minimal, so no worries on that front. What are you waiting for? Go grab yourself a copy! You'll be SO glad you did.
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About the author...
Danielle Rogland began writing Ignite at the age of 17 and finished at age 21. She is now 25 and lives in Seattle, Washington, where she earned her English degree from Seattle Pacific University, and works in marketing and freelance writing while working on her second novel. She grew up near Portland, Oregon, and was always one of those kids who carried around giant books like The Lord of the Rings to read during recess. She can currently be found frequenting comic conventions, pestering her three younger siblings, or hiding out in her home and posting things on social media.
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Special thanks to Emma at Inkitt for the ebook for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title just celebrated its book birthday earlier this month, so be sure to pick up your print or ecopy today!
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
1 comment:
Hi Gina, Lovely to be back with you.
Wow! 21. I am impressed. Liking everything about this from the cover to the synopsis. Thanks for a great review of what sounds like a highly readable book.
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