Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Review: Destiny’s Fire by Trisha Wolfe

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Destiny’s Fire
Trisha Wolfe
Release date: January 10th, 2012
by Omnific Publishing

Goodreads / Purchase

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she’s forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she’s feared her whole life.

*A copy was provided by Omnific Publishing for review purposes*
As a new steampunk novel, Destiny’s Fire delivers with a lot of action, steamy scenes and a fantastic futuristic setting. On the brink of extinction, enemy races Narcolym and Shythe are going to have to learn to live with each other, because Haven Falls’ protective barrier has come down.

While I had difficulty at the start, I ended up captivated by the world that Trish has built. Right from the beginning we’re thrown into this world with Nacrolyms, Shythe, and the intriguing history surrounding them. I was a bit disjointed at first, not knowing the specifics of this reality. How they live, the barrier, why they are at war; the politics behind the plot take a while to become clear. Combined with the slower pace, I wasn’t sure what to make of the book. However, about half-way through it picks up quite a bit, along with deeper world building which quickly turns it into an engrossing tale.

Inside this world resides quite a few fascinating characters. Dez, our main character, is determined, strong, with an attractive personality. I loved her attitude, as well as her realistic reactions to the events in the story. Her “secret” also promises an exciting, action packed series. The only thing I didn’t like was how she treated Jace as sort of a stand-in for her real interest. I loved Jace. He’s so sweet and genuine; I really felt for him. Dez’s best friend, Lana, is a fun, well-rounded character that you get to care about as much as the protagonist. She’s exuberant and simply fills the pages with life.

The unique lore together with unexpected plot twists gives us a remarkably elaborate story. Everything blends together wonderfully. I especially enjoyed the romance that allows a breather from the intensity. There is definite chemistry between the love interests which is perfectly paced to make us long for more. Altogether well written and gratifying, Destiny’s Fire is an honorable debut that I recommend to all steampunk fans.

Fun fact: I have a strong dislike for the word eyeteeth. (Which does not, in fact, mean eyeballs on teeth *phew*) O_o  

4 Hot Espressos
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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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25 Responses to “Review: Destiny’s Fire by Trisha Wolfe”

  2. Renu

    LOVE the combination of action, steamy scenes and a futuristic setting! Can’t wait to read this book – sounds fantastic!

    Awesome review. 😀

  5. Giselle

    Thanks ladies!

    @JJ iReads: Haha, I had never heard that word before and I was picturing some seriously disturbing mouths. Until I decided it was too strange and Googled it.

  6. A Canadian Girl

    Though the world takes time to understand, I love the sound of it especially since it’s a steampunk setting. The characters also sound pretty interesting and it’s always nice when there’s chemistry.

  7. Alexa

    I enjoyed this book too, despite the fact that I was a little frustrated by my own confusion at the very beginning. I feel like there’s more to come – and I can’t wait to find out what that may be!

  9. Mary @ BookSwarm

    Wow. This sounds great! I do have it on my wishlist, mostly because it’s Steampunk and I can’t seem to get enough of that genre (probably because there’s not that much out there YA-wise). But this world and these awesome-sounding characters have moved it from the wishlist to the order this list!

  13. Amber

    I’m really glad to read you enjoyed this one. I’ve been reading fantastic reviews all over the place. I definitely can’t wait to get a copy of this novel!

  15. Carina

    I loved Trisha’s short story UNVEILED and therefore I can’t wait to read her debut novel. Your review is really great, Giselle, and considering what you say about this book I’ll probably like it, too. Definitely need to get a copy soon. 🙂

    Carina
    Fictional Distraction

  22. Candace

    Wow, this one sounds good! I think that I’d have some trouble with the beginning, I have problems with new worlds, but the whole idea of everything sounds fantastic! I’m happy to see such a great review of it!

  24. Mimi Valentine

    Eyeteeth? LOL I’m so intrigued!! x)

    This was such an awesome review, Giselle!! I had absolutely NO CLUE that it was a steampunk novel from looking at it and that alone makes me want to read it! And I love that there’s a guy named Jace in it (because I love that name — care to guess why?? LOL!)! I can’t wait to read this book now! Thanks a million for putting it on my radar, Giselle! 🙂 <3

  25. Elodie

    This one sounds very good .. The only steampunk novel I’ve ever read was Clockwork AngeL and I really liked it .. Can’t wait for this one 🙂 !!

    Great review 😉