I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess Series: Kingdom on Fire #1
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 20, 2016
Pages: 416
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
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Henrietta can burst into flames.
Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she’s shocked when instead of being executed, she’s named the first female sorcerer in hundreds of years and invited to train as one of Her Majesty’s royal sorcerers.
Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the prophesied one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.
But Henrietta is not the chosen one.
As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city—and the one she loves?
Hey everyone! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess (September 20, 2016 — Random House Books for Young Readers). I absolutely LOVED this book!!! It was a roller-coaster of emotions and I’m really excited to share my review with you Enjoy!
ALL THE STARS!!! THIS BOOK GETS ALL THE STARS, YOU GUYS!!! This book was so epic and amazing, I don’t even know how to put it into words. The world, the world-building, the characters, the writing – it’s all epic beyond words and DEFINITELY exceeded my expectations!
Nettie is an epic, fierce heroine. I’m fascinated by her powers and backstory. I’m rooting for her!! Despite her extraordinary circumstances, she feels relatable. She definitely went through a lot and she had a TON of character growth from beginning to end. I can’t wait to see what book two holds for her!
I love Magnus – he’s cocky, hilarious and fiercely loyal to his friends and those close to him. I was definitely shocked at some of his revelations, though, and even hated him a few times. However, overall, he’s wickedly tempting and definitely on my Book Boyfriend list. I REALLY want something to happen with him and a particular person, but I know the obstacles to that and I’m not sure how things will go, but I’m excited to see!
Blackwood was incredibly frustrating and obnoxious, especially in the beginning. But I was shocked to find that, as time went on, I came to like him – a lot! Some of his revelations were INTENSE and CRAZY and I can’t believe the bond that formed between him and MAN I HATE SPOILERS SO JUST READ THE BOOK SO WE CAN DISCUSS THIS, GUYS!
I REALLY liked Hargrove, though I don’t think I was supposed to! But there’s just something about him that made him entertaining to read about. He’s hilarious and sarcastic and like the crazy uncle everyone wishes they had. I wanted to shake him a few times, but the revelations and explanations that had to do with him had me like !!!!!!!!!
I adored Agrippa in the beginning. He was like everyone’s grandfather. And then… things happened… and… SPOILERS SO I CAN’T BUT GRRRR!!!!!!!
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I wasn’t a fan of Rook and never saw him as being a potential love interest. I just never really liked him and I can’t completely figure out why. I just didn’t feel he was an important – or necessary – character.
The writing is gorgeous in this book. It’s descriptive and it flows. The book itself reminds me of a mash-up between The Imposter Queen by Sarah Fine and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. The plot was intriguing and only became more so the longer I read and the closer to the ending I got.
Overall, I loved this book so much, it physically pained me each time I had to put it down! I’m pretty sure this is my #1 favorite book of 2016 (so far)!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on book two and see what happens next! I HIGHLY recommend this one!!! You won’t regret it!!