Trial by Fire - new series by Josephine Angelini

Synopsis: "This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected."

So this was me when I heard Josephine Angelini was bringing out a new book:

This was a amazing beginning to a new series. I already loved her Starcrossed trilogy and had high hopes for this new series. And I wasn't disappointed.

The story centres around Lily, a girl that has never really fit into her world. Her allergies make it impossible for her to have a somewhat normal life. And the one thing that was supposed to change it all, the visit to a high school party, ends in a disaster for Lily. Determined not to let others see her humiliation, she walks along the shore of her hometown to find some peace and quiet. What she finds though is a voice in a head and herself suddenly in a different world. It's her hometown, but there is something different about it. People look  scared of her, people are running after her, scaring her, and there is still that voice in her head. 

Thrust into a world she knows nothing about, a life she has no idea existed, Lily has to learn to deal with witches, world travelers, shamans and guys. 

This book is beautifully written with enjoyable characters. Lily is approachable and real, making her a great character to identify with in that story. She's strong, manages to keep a clear head in all the craziness that just entered her life, and meanwhile realises things about herself that she did not see coming. 

And then there's Rowan....oh, what a guy! Let me tell you, I love those kinda guys that are head-strong, pissy and the more the book goes on, the more likeable he gets. Because he realises that what he wanted to be true no longer held any appeal. And the romance angle is so much more interesting since he has a past. With the very version of Lily that lives in this Salem. So believe me when I say that things are kinda complicated for Rowan. But maaaan I love this guy!!!

The story is very promising and I wish the next book would already be out, that's for sure!!! If you loved the Starcrossed trilogy, give this new series a chance. I can guarantee you, you won't regret it!!!

Always yours,

Yvi

PS: All pics found on google