forsakenfates's review against another edition
4.0
I want to start this review off with just a simple checklist of what you can expect:
1. dragons, dragons, and more dragons -- check!
2. political intrigue -- double check!
3. mystery -- check!
4. amazing diverse characters -- check!
5. great friendships, both old and new -- check!
6. unexpected twists and turns -- check!
This book was so unexpectedly amazing. I went into it excited to finally read a Jodi Meadows book and intrigued by the idea of dragon trafficking. But this book is so much more than that. The world that Mira has come to know is actually entirely different, but she comes to know this as you do, which is a refreshing plot point. I love finding out about secrets and alliances as characters do rather than through off-hand comments to keep you as the reader in the loop.
Before She Ignites completely blew me away in terms of the level of detail that went into creating both the world and the political scene around it. I absolutely loved watching as Mira tried to navigate her changing world view with the political scene as it unravelled. It was fascinating to see how other characters dealt with similar situations and how Mira as our main character navigated the tricky situations she was placed in, politically, emotionally, and even physically.
I know Jodi Meadows is notorious for cliff-hangers and horrible endings making you regret reading book one before book two (or even three is available), luckily I did not find the ending to this book to be too bad. I obviously cannot wait for the next book as this one has become a new favorite, but it was not a cruel horrible ending.
I cannot wait to see where Mira journey takes her next, plus we obviously need more dragons!
*Thanks to the publisher for an early copy*
1. dragons, dragons, and more dragons -- check!
2. political intrigue -- double check!
3. mystery -- check!
4. amazing diverse characters -- check!
5. great friendships, both old and new -- check!
6. unexpected twists and turns -- check!
This book was so unexpectedly amazing. I went into it excited to finally read a Jodi Meadows book and intrigued by the idea of dragon trafficking. But this book is so much more than that. The world that Mira has come to know is actually entirely different, but she comes to know this as you do, which is a refreshing plot point. I love finding out about secrets and alliances as characters do rather than through off-hand comments to keep you as the reader in the loop.
Before She Ignites completely blew me away in terms of the level of detail that went into creating both the world and the political scene around it. I absolutely loved watching as Mira tried to navigate her changing world view with the political scene as it unravelled. It was fascinating to see how other characters dealt with similar situations and how Mira as our main character navigated the tricky situations she was placed in, politically, emotionally, and even physically.
I know Jodi Meadows is notorious for cliff-hangers and horrible endings making you regret reading book one before book two (or even three is available), luckily I did not find the ending to this book to be too bad. I obviously cannot wait for the next book as this one has become a new favorite, but it was not a cruel horrible ending.
I cannot wait to see where Mira journey takes her next, plus we obviously need more dragons!
*Thanks to the publisher for an early copy*
literarynessie's review against another edition
Update: After reading Melody's review, I chose not to rate this book numerically because I want to be socially conscious of how this could effect other black readers, both positively and negatively. I have kept my review up but it's worth it to hear another perspective.
---
Thank you Jodi Meadows for sending me an ARC of Before She Ignites
Full review to come!
Edit: 01/30/2018
I promised a full review last year. I removed my mini review. Here's my updated one.
---
I was first drawn to this book because of the cover. I was over the moon to see a black model on the cover of a FANTASY series. I was always wondered if it was possible to write a fantasy with people of color who were main characters and not just slaves because most fantasy is Euro-centric. When I saw this, I couldn't believe it. Then I realized the author was white. At first, I did think that was a bit odd for this to happen. I did some digging and found an article about the story behind the cover and people's reactions to it. There was obviously a bit of controversy surrounding this to say the least, but I won't say anymore.
R E V I E W
Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows is a brand new fantasy series that involves a princess with anxiety, betrayal, and dragon trafficking. Need I say more?
Mira Minkoba is the Princess whom everyone sees as the Hopebearer. She does what she's always told and wants to please everyone. That is until she learns of a dark secret that knowing gets her thrown into prison. Because of her severe anxiety, Mira barely survives her time there. Mira doesn't know who she can trust with her secret ---- she knows how to raise dragons and someone is trying to traffic them off her island for their own cause.
This book is a very slow burn and at times it felt like I waited and waited for the action to take off. There are dragons, but we don't see them too much yet. I'm really fascinated by the noorestones and the magic and history behind them. I liked the world the author created, but I would have liked less prison time for the main character. The action doesn't actually start to happen until around the 60% mark. The author takes its time building the world around you and connecting you to each character.
I really came to like all of Mira and all her prison friends. I don't know why, but I LOVE stories with unlikely allies. I actually prefer a series that doesn't show all its cards in the first book because then it means there will be so much more great surprises and cool things to look forward to in the second book. I was definitely surprised by the end. The only downside for me (and perhaps a few other people) is that we didn't get to see more dragons because they were stolen. But I'm super giddy that in the sequel what will most likely happen is that Mira will track down and rescue these dragons. Why must I wait?
I liked Mira because she was soft-spoken, compassionate, and graceful. You can tell she doesn't entirely take herself seriously even though she was born into high status. She also has anxiety and it was important that this was represented because I have anxiety. While I love to read badass heroines who aren't reluctant to kick someone's butt, Mira's hesitancy to be courageous in the face of adversity felt very real. What makes her truly brave, isn't that she's fearless, but that acts even when she's afraid. I think that's why I kept reading. I truly emphasized with Mira's character. Her character contrasts heavily with the bad as bones, angered, murdering heroines we see in YA books today and I actually loved that about her. It was nice to see a character who didn't have a need for vengeance, but cared about a cause bigger than herself.
Things I Liked in a Nutshell
Mental illness rep.
Literal black girl magic.
Betrayal.
Dragons being illegally smuggled.
Explosive candle things called noorestones.
Prison breaks.
Broken treaties.
Friendships, alliances, and of course enemies.
---
Thank you Jodi Meadows for sending me an ARC of Before She Ignites
Full review to come!
Edit: 01/30/2018
I promised a full review last year. I removed my mini review. Here's my updated one.
---
I was first drawn to this book because of the cover. I was over the moon to see a black model on the cover of a FANTASY series. I was always wondered if it was possible to write a fantasy with people of color who were main characters and not just slaves because most fantasy is Euro-centric. When I saw this, I couldn't believe it. Then I realized the author was white. At first, I did think that was a bit odd for this to happen. I did some digging and found an article about the story behind the cover and people's reactions to it. There was obviously a bit of controversy surrounding this to say the least, but I won't say anymore.
R E V I E W
Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows is a brand new fantasy series that involves a princess with anxiety, betrayal, and dragon trafficking. Need I say more?
Mira Minkoba is the Princess whom everyone sees as the Hopebearer. She does what she's always told and wants to please everyone. That is until she learns of a dark secret that knowing gets her thrown into prison. Because of her severe anxiety, Mira barely survives her time there. Mira doesn't know who she can trust with her secret ---- she knows how to raise dragons and someone is trying to traffic them off her island for their own cause.
This book is a very slow burn and at times it felt like I waited and waited for the action to take off. There are dragons, but we don't see them too much yet. I'm really fascinated by the noorestones and the magic and history behind them. I liked the world the author created, but I would have liked less prison time for the main character. The action doesn't actually start to happen until around the 60% mark. The author takes its time building the world around you and connecting you to each character.
I really came to like all of Mira and all her prison friends. I don't know why, but I LOVE stories with unlikely allies. I actually prefer a series that doesn't show all its cards in the first book because then it means there will be so much more great surprises and cool things to look forward to in the second book. I was definitely surprised by the end. The only downside for me (and perhaps a few other people) is that we didn't get to see more dragons because they were stolen. But I'm super giddy that in the sequel what will most likely happen is that Mira will track down and rescue these dragons. Why must I wait?
I liked Mira because she was soft-spoken, compassionate, and graceful. You can tell she doesn't entirely take herself seriously even though she was born into high status. She also has anxiety and it was important that this was represented because I have anxiety. While I love to read badass heroines who aren't reluctant to kick someone's butt, Mira's hesitancy to be courageous in the face of adversity felt very real. What makes her truly brave, isn't that she's fearless, but that acts even when she's afraid. I think that's why I kept reading. I truly emphasized with Mira's character. Her character contrasts heavily with the bad as bones, angered, murdering heroines we see in YA books today and I actually loved that about her. It was nice to see a character who didn't have a need for vengeance, but cared about a cause bigger than herself.
Things I Liked in a Nutshell
Mental illness rep.
Literal black girl magic.
Betrayal.
Dragons being illegally smuggled.
Explosive candle things called noorestones.
Prison breaks.
Broken treaties.
Friendships, alliances, and of course enemies.
gingerlaura's review
3.0
A book that didn't quite reach its full potential.
This book had everything on paper. A new fantasy world, DRAGONS, an interesting enemy, and some great characters with intriguing backgrounds. It all seemed great at first, and I can't say this book was bad, but it just didn't... wow me. I feel like there were some things missing that caused this feeling, because I think this could've been an easy 5-star if it was executed a little better.
The world-building was good, but not great.
In this book we dive into a world where islands and its people with different cultures are held together by the Mira treaty. It's mighty interesting that every island has its own customs, but they could've been explored more. I wanted to know more about every island, how all of them related to each other, and what their histories are. What I did definitely love was the dragons because, well, I mean, DRAGONS. You can't not love them. I also love how this book takes place for a great deal in a prison, its a concept I really like. I just wish the book dove more into everything, tell me all about the politics, how dragons are born, what the landscape looks like, what weather it is, I want to know! Make this book 700 pages, please!
The characters were good, but not great
Mira is a character I didn't really know what to make of at first. She's naive, she's been pampered all her life, but she's also very kind and does have some bravery hidden inside of her. In theory you can just FEEL the character development, but it doesn't really happen. In the first few chapters she literally has to learn how to clean, like what?? Her character does become better throughout the book, but she doesn't become the kickass girl I really would've wanted her to be. Other interesting characters were Gerel, Aaru and Chenda, they had interesing backgrounds which I hope will be explored more in the following books. Because why were they thrown in prison, who are they, how have they survived for so long in prison unlike others? I want to know!
The book was good, but not great
There were just some elements missing. I think this book would've reached it's full potential more if it simply had more pages, it feels like some information has been left out because otherwise this book would've been too 'big'. A shame, because it has all the ingredients to be a fantastic book (series). Maybe the following books will be better, but I'm not really sure if I'll continue this series.
Other things to mention is that mental health plays a pretty prominent role in this book, something that gives this book a more serious undertone. I also was surprised at the lack of romance in this read, like there was something simmering but not at all like most YA/NA nowadays. Very refreshing!
Do I recommend this book? I'm not really sure. It was okay, not bad, but nothing special either.
This book had everything on paper. A new fantasy world, DRAGONS, an interesting enemy, and some great characters with intriguing backgrounds. It all seemed great at first, and I can't say this book was bad, but it just didn't... wow me. I feel like there were some things missing that caused this feeling, because I think this could've been an easy 5-star if it was executed a little better.
The world-building was good, but not great.
In this book we dive into a world where islands and its people with different cultures are held together by the Mira treaty. It's mighty interesting that every island has its own customs, but they could've been explored more. I wanted to know more about every island, how all of them related to each other, and what their histories are. What I did definitely love was the dragons because, well, I mean, DRAGONS. You can't not love them. I also love how this book takes place for a great deal in a prison, its a concept I really like. I just wish the book dove more into everything, tell me all about the politics, how dragons are born, what the landscape looks like, what weather it is, I want to know! Make this book 700 pages, please!
The characters were good, but not great
Mira is a character I didn't really know what to make of at first. She's naive, she's been pampered all her life, but she's also very kind and does have some bravery hidden inside of her. In theory you can just FEEL the character development, but it doesn't really happen. In the first few chapters she literally has to learn how to clean, like what?? Her character does become better throughout the book, but she doesn't become the kickass girl I really would've wanted her to be. Other interesting characters were Gerel, Aaru and Chenda, they had interesing backgrounds which I hope will be explored more in the following books. Because why were they thrown in prison, who are they, how have they survived for so long in prison unlike others? I want to know!
The book was good, but not great
There were just some elements missing. I think this book would've reached it's full potential more if it simply had more pages, it feels like some information has been left out because otherwise this book would've been too 'big'. A shame, because it has all the ingredients to be a fantastic book (series). Maybe the following books will be better, but I'm not really sure if I'll continue this series.
Other things to mention is that mental health plays a pretty prominent role in this book, something that gives this book a more serious undertone. I also was surprised at the lack of romance in this read, like there was something simmering but not at all like most YA/NA nowadays. Very refreshing!
Do I recommend this book? I'm not really sure. It was okay, not bad, but nothing special either.
whimsicallymeghan's review
3.0
Mira has a deep love for dragons, one that no one else really like or appreciates. She’s also always been sort of like a spokesperson for hope where she lives in the Fallen Isles. When she uncovers a secret, she’s imprisoned for it and left behind by everyone who knows her, including her family. Now she must fight to survive to tell the truth and defend the dragons she loves so much. This novel was an alright start to a trilogy. It didn’t really impress or wow the reader, but they also didn’t completely hate it either. It had interesting elements to it, but it also felt like it was lacking a lot. The pacing started off really quick and the reader found they were flying through the story, but by the time it got to the mid-way point and the end it slowed a bit and all the reader wanted was to figure out how it would end, which was on a cliff hanger. The overall story arc felt underdeveloped because it wasn’t really explained what was happening and why it was happening. There was a whole dragon plot, and we’re led to believe that our main character is in prison because of her connection to dragons, but it just didn’t feel like this reader understood the why of it all. The reader wished there had been a little more backstory and a little more dragons; we only got to see them in the flashbacks for the most part which were only two to five pages long. This reader will try reading the second novel to see if we get more explanations and world building than the first. Speaking of world building, the reader couldn’t help but notice some similar names being used to those in the Mortal Instruments series, like complete word-for-word names of places, people and societies. That felt like lazy writing; for a series as big as TMI, it’s not something that wouldn’t go unnoticed. As for the characters, they were good, if a little two dimensional. It felt like the author was trying to flip the main character energy on its head a bit because we always read that heroes/heroines are tough, strong-willed, willing to speak out and do anything, they’re very outgoing, this main character wasn’t really any of that. The reader appreciated trying to make her different, but they also understand why a main character is like that, it makes them interesting and entertaining to read. She was kinda meek and a bit boring. By the end she started to feel more main character energy and was stronger, but it took too long to get there. The romance plot the author tried to get going also felt so out of left field for everything going on, that hopefully that doesn’t take off in the following novels. In the end, this was an alright read. The reader would like to see more dragons, better world building, with more unique names for things, and stronger characters for the second novel. The way it ended felt like we could get that, so it leaves the reader feeling hopeful.
novelheartbeat's review against another edition
1.0
Wow, talk about disappointing. Honestly, this is probably one of the most disappointing books I've ever read in all my life. I love dragon stories. And the fastest way to ruin a dragon story is, gee, to NOT PUT ANY DRAGONS IN IT.
Where were the dragons I was promised? WHERE?! (And I quote, from Jodi herself: "Lots and lots of dragons." UTTER. BULLSHIT.) I mean, it had some dragons. But most of the dragon stuff was just talking about dragons. And thinking about dragons. Not. Actual. Dragons. There were only two major dragon scenes in the whole book, and they were over in the span of a few pages. Everything else was only small snippets in Mira's flashbacks. That's right, folks. There were maybe 25 pages of dragons in a five hundred page book....about dragons. Let that sink in for a moment.
The majority of this book was spent in a prison cell. I'm talking like 75% of the book. (It may have been less, but it sure as hell felt like that much.) Which makes for the most boring shit you could ever read. Literally nothing happened for almost this whole story. And this book is damn near FIVE HUNDRED PAGES LONG. That's at least 350 pages of absolute nothing. There was little to no plot. If you asked me what happened in this book, I couldn't even tell you. Because nothing happened.
The world building was half assed at best. I didn't understand the politics of the world because it was never actually explained? Just a mediocre info dump in the beginning and not much else.
The characters were cardboard cutouts. I didn't care about anyone, least of all the main character. Which is sad, because Mira, the main character, has crippling anxiety. As someone who suffers from anxiety (although much milder), I thought this would make a connection. Nope. I didn't connect to her at all. To be honest I didn't even remember her name, I had to look it up. I don't remember any of the other characters' names, either. I don't even remember what happened at the end of the book. Much of this book was spent trying not to bash my skull into a wall out of sheer boredom.
If you're wanting to read this book because you love dragons, skip it. Don't waste your time like I did. I don't even know why I kept going - I usually DNF ruthlessly before 100 pages. I guess I kept holding out hope that Jodi's promise of "lots and lots of dragons" would actually come to pass.
Spoiler alert: It didn't.
This review was originally posted on Novel Heartbeat. To see a breakdown of my assessment, please visit the full review here.
valeriefm's review against another edition
5.0
What do I think of this book? Hmmm...
1) it's like OITNB but fantasy
2) you'll never look at small confined spaces the same way
3) you'll need a nightlight in the dark
4) DRAGONS!
5) bad ass lady characters
1) it's like OITNB but fantasy
2) you'll never look at small confined spaces the same way
3) you'll need a nightlight in the dark
4) DRAGONS!
5) bad ass lady characters
ginnikin's review against another edition
I really enjoyed this. I really appreciate how hard Mira is trying. I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy!
womanon's review against another edition
3.0
I felt like nothing happened for the first 75% of the book. The last 25 were quite enjoyable, but I wasn't very excited about it overall. I am curious for the next books though.
alexperc_92's review against another edition
5.0
Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
"Before she Ignites" proved to be one of the best fantasy books I've read in the fall, along with others of course. Mira is the Hopebringer, a princess in one of the seven Fallen Isles. This world has many different cultures, beliefs and histories but all are connected through the Mira Treaty, which among others, it also protects the dragons.
I knew that Jodi Meadows had said that she was hoping to make a detailed guide about the dragons of this world, but now she must! There is so much beauty in these creatures, they are emotional and very nicely described!
While Mira is thrown into the Pit, one of the worst jails in the Fallen Isles, she will discover a worldwide plot against the dragons as also the magic behind the glowing stones of her world. I liked Mira; while she was pampered as a princess, she wanted more and her OCD with the number was a calming technique against the pressure. From what I have gathered her family is awful, especially her mother; she was never violent, but you can't make your own child feel unworthy by mentioning all of her possible-maybe they are not there, flaws.
The plot is steady and moves back and forth in time. There is a nice group of secondary characters, which I'd love to see more detailed and grown in the next book. And of course, there's Aaru. One of the beautiful parts of his character was the silent, sign-like language he and Mira had. While his feelings may not be so developed, to this point he proved to be very helpful and supportive.
I truly believe that this book has great potential, not to mention that the plot will thicken more and the world-building surely will expand drastically towards the next book! Very recommended if you like dragons and fantasy!
And don't forget my sweet baby sized dragon, Lala!
"Before she Ignites" proved to be one of the best fantasy books I've read in the fall, along with others of course. Mira is the Hopebringer, a princess in one of the seven Fallen Isles. This world has many different cultures, beliefs and histories but all are connected through the Mira Treaty, which among others, it also protects the dragons.
I knew that Jodi Meadows had said that she was hoping to make a detailed guide about the dragons of this world, but now she must! There is so much beauty in these creatures, they are emotional and very nicely described!
While Mira is thrown into the Pit, one of the worst jails in the Fallen Isles, she will discover a worldwide plot against the dragons as also the magic behind the glowing stones of her world. I liked Mira; while she was pampered as a princess, she wanted more and her OCD with the number was a calming technique against the pressure. From what I have gathered her family is awful, especially her mother; she was never violent, but you can't make your own child feel unworthy by mentioning all of her possible-maybe they are not there, flaws.
The plot is steady and moves back and forth in time. There is a nice group of secondary characters, which I'd love to see more detailed and grown in the next book. And of course, there's Aaru. One of the beautiful parts of his character was the silent, sign-like language he and Mira had. While his feelings may not be so developed, to this point he proved to be very helpful and supportive.
I truly believe that this book has great potential, not to mention that the plot will thicken more and the world-building surely will expand drastically towards the next book! Very recommended if you like dragons and fantasy!
And don't forget my sweet baby sized dragon, Lala!
librovert's review against another edition
3.0
I got this book from the September Owl Crate Box. There were definitely some things I loved - it spotlights a character who has anxiety and has some really creative world building. But overall it's sitting in my average pile.
I felt like this book really suffered from first-in-a-series syndrome. There was a focus on setting the stage for the major conflict and building up the characters and the world, but there was very little action. It was a book I could easily put down after reading a chapter. At the end everything culminates into one major action scene of holy crap this is amazing - but it took too long to get there. I think there's potential in the rest of the series, but it's not a book I'll be buying immediately after release.
I felt like this book really suffered from first-in-a-series syndrome. There was a focus on setting the stage for the major conflict and building up the characters and the world, but there was very little action. It was a book I could easily put down after reading a chapter. At the end everything culminates into one major action scene of holy crap this is amazing - but it took too long to get there. I think there's potential in the rest of the series, but it's not a book I'll be buying immediately after release.