Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Review: Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe

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  

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