As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…
When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.
The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.
Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…
January 5, 2009
Young Adult Urban Fantasy
Paperback, 246 pages
Penguin
Book was received from publisher
Young Adult Urban Fantasy
Paperback, 246 pages
Penguin
Book was received from publisher
I think the above blurb does a great job of summarizing the story and I really don’t want to give more away than that, because part of the fun of reading this book is discovering what exactly lurks below the halls of St. Sophia’s. Lily Parker is dropped off at St. Sophia’s and immediately bonds with her suite mate, Scout, who has been at the school since she was twelve. Scout has a “been there, done that” attitude and takes Lily under her wing. Scout has secrets though – secrets that leave Lily very curious about the “errands” Scout is running that keep her out at night many hours past curfew.
As the blurb states, Scout is part of a rebel group, those who have magic but use it for good, to help innocents who the Reapers (those with corrupted evil power) have targeted. Included in the rebel group are Michael and Jason – both students at the nearby Montclare school, and both very attractive. It is obvious to Lily that there is an attraction between Michael and Scout. And as she looks at Jason, she can’t help to notice his dimples and charming smile. As Lily uncovers the secrets Scout and her group are hiding, Lily finds herself spending more time with Jason and finds out he is hiding something very big himself.
Firespell is a really fun book, but it is also a book that leaves so many questions!! Why torture us Chloe Neill? Alright, I will admit this is a good kind of torture. What is up with Lily’s parents – are they really on an academic sabbatical? Is the headmistress of the school a really mean old lady, or does she have secrets too? I really want to know more about Sebastian, one of the Reapers, for reasons I can’t disclose with out big spoilers. I actually really like series that make you work for all of the answers, and this one will leave you more than ready to read the sequel.
One of my favorite things about Chloe Neill books are her supporting characters. In her Chicagoland Vampire series, I love Mallory, Merit’s best friend. And in Firespell, while I really like Lily, Scout is the one that truly makes the story for me. She has just the right combination of spunk, quirkiness, and loyalty that makes her stand out and steal the spotlight.
Lily bonds with Scout right away, but there are other girls that she is not so fortunate to meet. Scout refers to their actions as TBD – Total Brat Drama, but they are the group of snobby girls who think they are better than everyone else. They are there to give Lily and friends a hard time and cause trouble where they can. Maybe they will play a role in something bigger in future books, but for now they just were annoying – which is likely the intent. While the scenario of new girl at school who has to fight the mean girls (and the monsters) has been played out before, the witty dialogue, unanswered questions, and the depth of the characters are what really stand out in this book.
Firespell only just touches on the supernatural part, leaving much more to be explored in future books. I really like the concept of the evil beings and the fight Lily and crew have ahead of them. The start of the Dark Elite series has grabbed my attention and I am looking forward to the adventures of Lily and Scout (and Jason!).
Rating: Four Stars
I am not a YA reader – but I love books where people come into their strenght either magical or anything else…
I also like the insulated feel of this book.. and the feel of multiply storyline…
Do you think my son wil like this (He likes magical adventure)… The City of Bones Trilogy is his last set of book..
E.H>
Sounds great, and especially since I discovered YA this year. Thanks mandi
Mandi I think I squealed a little when I saw your Firespell review on my feed. I WANT TO READ THIS BOOK –> see how excited I am?
yet another YA to add to my tbr list…
Looks like Firspell is full of mystery, love that. And I like seeing that Chloe has carried over her wonderful skill of developed friendship between her characters – I'm reading Friday Night Bites right now.
Nice review!
I like her Chicagoland vamps, I'd be willing to give this series a go. Sounds good!
I've been hearing good things- which means I need to readddd!!
This does sound like a great paranormal book. I think I am going to have to add it to my list to purchase here next year.
Thanks for the great review!
I really need to get on with reading this series.