vikcs's review against another edition
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
9katiejane's review against another edition
4.0
i thought firespell was very creative and really enjoyed reading this book and i love all of your books
theladygonzalez's review against another edition
4.0
I was already a big Chloe Neill fan (author of the Chicagoland Vampire Books) and Firespell just reinforced my love. Although the novel is a short one, Firespell is rich with well developed characters, plot and settings.
Neill once again paints a vivid world with her writing. Her descriptions of everything in Lily's world are fabulous, whether it be the Gossip Girl-esque boarding school Queen Bees or the creepy world of Underground Chicago. Lily's school, St. Sophia's is also wonderfully depicted - it is an old convent located on Erie Street in the heart of downtown. The school definitely has the creepy vibe going, with stone floors, cold decor and a twisting labyrinth of a floor plan. It is exactly the kind of place you would expect monsters to lurk.
The characters are also given the same wonderful, descriptive treatment. I was in love with them all from the start. Lily, our protagonist, snarky, vibrant, teen with fabulous fashion sense. She often rocks vintage looks, in contrast to the "army of plaid" as Lily puts it, that is the student body of St. Sophia's. She is a down to earth girl, who doesn't exactly fit in with majority of the girls at the school, save Scout and Lesley. She is from up-state New York and out of place in her Chuck Taylor's and faded Ramones t-shirts. Scout, who quickly becomes Lily's BFF, immediately became my favorite. She is a rebel, complete with nose ring and quirky habits, and mortal enemies with the the school Queen - Veronica. You also quickly learn that Scout is hiding something, which the book description says, so I don't feel too guilty about saying it. Scout is a spellbinder and a member of an Elite teen group of Superheroes. Basically this chick is awesome. I love the two of them together - they make a great sassy duo. I also love their vintage/old school interests. They are not cookie cutter characters; they have a unique flavor. Scout loves comic books and Queen (her text message tone is the Flash Gorden theme)and makes references to the epic 80's movie (which is based in Chicago), Ferris Bueller. Like I stated before, Lily often rocks vintage clothes, which include bright yellow boots. it is nice to see characters that embrace their differences and show that it's cool to be yourself. Scout makes statements of this sort throughout the book - she is all about being true to herself.
Scout takes Lily under her wing and somewhat by accident, introduces Lily into her world. Here Lily meets and befriends two members of Scout's group, Michael and Jason. Let the swooning begin. It quickly becomes apparent, which boy belongs with which girl - Michael with Scout and Lily with dreamy Jason. I am really interested to see how these perspective relationships develop - hopefully Scout will get over her denial and accept her feelings for Michael. One can hope, right?
Although, I enjoyed this book, I did have one issue with it. The book was a bit slow to take off. The real action doesn't begin until the second half of the book, and while the first half was interesting, it was not particularly eventful. I expected the action to begin sooner, especially with how much of the plot the book's description gives away. However, I don't want you to think this book was boring, it was the exact opposite. Even thought the action was slow to begin, I never found myself bored with the book.
Firespell was a great start to a new series. Neill doe a fabulous job crafting Lily's world and creating a mysterious, exciting plot that will keep readers interested in books to come. There are plenty of questions left unanswered and plenty of places for the plot to take us in future books, and I am excited to read book two, Hexbound - which comes out in January of 2011.
Neill once again paints a vivid world with her writing. Her descriptions of everything in Lily's world are fabulous, whether it be the Gossip Girl-esque boarding school Queen Bees or the creepy world of Underground Chicago. Lily's school, St. Sophia's is also wonderfully depicted - it is an old convent located on Erie Street in the heart of downtown. The school definitely has the creepy vibe going, with stone floors, cold decor and a twisting labyrinth of a floor plan. It is exactly the kind of place you would expect monsters to lurk.
The characters are also given the same wonderful, descriptive treatment. I was in love with them all from the start. Lily, our protagonist, snarky, vibrant, teen with fabulous fashion sense. She often rocks vintage looks, in contrast to the "army of plaid" as Lily puts it, that is the student body of St. Sophia's. She is a down to earth girl, who doesn't exactly fit in with majority of the girls at the school, save Scout and Lesley. She is from up-state New York and out of place in her Chuck Taylor's and faded Ramones t-shirts. Scout, who quickly becomes Lily's BFF, immediately became my favorite. She is a rebel, complete with nose ring and quirky habits, and mortal enemies with the the school Queen - Veronica. You also quickly learn that Scout is hiding something, which the book description says, so I don't feel too guilty about saying it. Scout is a spellbinder and a member of an Elite teen group of Superheroes. Basically this chick is awesome. I love the two of them together - they make a great sassy duo. I also love their vintage/old school interests. They are not cookie cutter characters; they have a unique flavor. Scout loves comic books and Queen (her text message tone is the Flash Gorden theme)and makes references to the epic 80's movie (which is based in Chicago), Ferris Bueller. Like I stated before, Lily often rocks vintage clothes, which include bright yellow boots. it is nice to see characters that embrace their differences and show that it's cool to be yourself. Scout makes statements of this sort throughout the book - she is all about being true to herself.
Scout takes Lily under her wing and somewhat by accident, introduces Lily into her world. Here Lily meets and befriends two members of Scout's group, Michael and Jason. Let the swooning begin. It quickly becomes apparent, which boy belongs with which girl - Michael with Scout and Lily with dreamy Jason. I am really interested to see how these perspective relationships develop - hopefully Scout will get over her denial and accept her feelings for Michael. One can hope, right?
Although, I enjoyed this book, I did have one issue with it. The book was a bit slow to take off. The real action doesn't begin until the second half of the book, and while the first half was interesting, it was not particularly eventful. I expected the action to begin sooner, especially with how much of the plot the book's description gives away. However, I don't want you to think this book was boring, it was the exact opposite. Even thought the action was slow to begin, I never found myself bored with the book.
Firespell was a great start to a new series. Neill doe a fabulous job crafting Lily's world and creating a mysterious, exciting plot that will keep readers interested in books to come. There are plenty of questions left unanswered and plenty of places for the plot to take us in future books, and I am excited to read book two, Hexbound - which comes out in January of 2011.
ac223's review against another edition
1.0
It was absolutely horrible.. The only person I would recommend this book to is a middle school age kid, even jr. high would be too mature for this book. Chloe Neill has some great books, but this isn't one of them. One scene has Lily the main character giving a speech to the adepts (magic users), about finding one of their missing team members, and another scene where the good guys, and bad guys face off. I was like.. are you serious?? It was like watching a really bad foreign film with subtitles, and in a language that doesn't translate well to english. Absurd, since usually mortal enemies don't stand around to discuss their position, and the reason they are for it or against it. Would not recommend you waste your time with this one.
lilmissreadalot's review against another edition
3.0
Not the best start to a series but since I love the Chicagoland Vampire series Im gonna give the next book a try. It has potential so we'll see.
hollylash's review against another edition
2.0
I wish I had more to say than MEH but really that's it MEH.
There was a secret society. A girl with powers. Lies surrounding her backstory. The cryptic mentor.The love interest that falls in love and reveals his secret within twenty pages of meeting the heroine. The possible second bad-boy love interest. The cast of misfits all kind-of forgettable except for Scout. (Anyone else think this book would've been better if Scout was the heroine? Anyone?)
I mean, there was nothing wrong with this book. There's nothing that made me angry. But at times I also found myself skimming. I would rather be annoyed than bored and this just bored me because I've seen it all before. Thankfully it was mercifully short but this also meant that none of the characters were given time to develop.
And, seriously, what was with the brat pack and Lesley? At first, I thought they were part of the mystery but turns out they were just students thrown in. In the beginning though, they're given screen time (page-time, whatevs) so you assume they're important and in the end they're...not. We barely see the other Adepts beside Michael and Jordan and they aren't given much outside of being love interests.
I'm interested so I may or may not read the second book.
There was a secret society. A girl with powers. Lies surrounding her backstory. The cryptic mentor.The love interest that falls in love and reveals his secret within twenty pages of meeting the heroine. The possible second bad-boy love interest. The cast of misfits all kind-of forgettable except for Scout. (Anyone else think this book would've been better if Scout was the heroine? Anyone?)
I mean, there was nothing wrong with this book. There's nothing that made me angry. But at times I also found myself skimming. I would rather be annoyed than bored and this just bored me because I've seen it all before. Thankfully it was mercifully short but this also meant that none of the characters were given time to develop.
And, seriously, what was with the brat pack and Lesley? At first, I thought they were part of the mystery but turns out they were just students thrown in. In the beginning though, they're given screen time (page-time, whatevs) so you assume they're important and in the end they're...not. We barely see the other Adepts beside Michael and Jordan and they aren't given much outside of being love interests.
I'm interested so I may or may not read the second book.
ivy_skye's review against another edition
5.0
I have read the authors other series (The chicagoland vampires) before and i am now waiting on the next book in that series to be released. I looked around and found she has authored another series :"The Dark Elite". It had a pretty good rating and because i liked the authors style, i threw myself at this book. I did not know what to expect, nor did i know what age group this series was targeted for. Well, it mostly targeted to Young Adults, and i am not a young adult.
That being said, i enjoyed the book immensely, it was very well written without sacrificing reading level or comprehension, The author seemed to be staying true to her style in writing and her love for Chicago. She is also staying clear of foul language, which i immensely appreciate. The characters are flawed but strong and despite the fact that they have "other things" to do, are still normal teenagers.
I am recommending this book to my 17 year old daughter and hope she will enjoy it as well.
I do not give spoilers in my reviews, thats what the synopsis is for.
That being said, i enjoyed the book immensely, it was very well written without sacrificing reading level or comprehension, The author seemed to be staying true to her style in writing and her love for Chicago. She is also staying clear of foul language, which i immensely appreciate. The characters are flawed but strong and despite the fact that they have "other things" to do, are still normal teenagers.
I am recommending this book to my 17 year old daughter and hope she will enjoy it as well.
I do not give spoilers in my reviews, thats what the synopsis is for.
chllybrd's review against another edition
4.0
reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/
I love Chloe Neill's characters as always, the dialogue and banter between characters is always highly entertaining and helps keep the story fun. The friendships and relationships really is what I enjoyed most about the book. I thought the story was a little slow especially in the beginning, it picks up a lot towards the end when stuff really starts to happen. I found the stuff that happened to be believable with the way they are explained and written. Since I'm from Chicago and always love to read books that take place there I enjoyed the setting in which the book was written. I enjoyed it.
I gave it 3.5/5 Stars
I love Chloe Neill's characters as always, the dialogue and banter between characters is always highly entertaining and helps keep the story fun. The friendships and relationships really is what I enjoyed most about the book. I thought the story was a little slow especially in the beginning, it picks up a lot towards the end when stuff really starts to happen. I found the stuff that happened to be believable with the way they are explained and written. Since I'm from Chicago and always love to read books that take place there I enjoyed the setting in which the book was written. I enjoyed it.
I gave it 3.5/5 Stars
jillybean7681's review against another edition
3.0
It was predictable fluff, but just what I wanted to read at the time.
readingundertheradar's review against another edition
3.0
You can read my full review at my blog: http://www.happybookloversblog.com/2014/10/firespell-review.html
I'm also giving lots of books away all October long!: http://www.happybookloversblog.com/search/label/blogtober%20giveaway
This was the essence of what I wanted to read in October. Quintessential boarding school creepy setting in Chicago with old-time magic and lots of sneaking around and cliques. And it was excellent. The characters were a typical cast — mean girls ruling the school, MC new girl to the school, the quirky, weird girl who befriends MC, and a few others thrown in there like the boys from the companion boarding school who visited on occasion. But even though it was the regular cast of people, I still felt like they had wonderful personalities, and they were all developed over time and not just thrown together and mentioned a few times.
I'm also giving lots of books away all October long!: http://www.happybookloversblog.com/search/label/blogtober%20giveaway
This was the essence of what I wanted to read in October. Quintessential boarding school creepy setting in Chicago with old-time magic and lots of sneaking around and cliques. And it was excellent. The characters were a typical cast — mean girls ruling the school, MC new girl to the school, the quirky, weird girl who befriends MC, and a few others thrown in there like the boys from the companion boarding school who visited on occasion. But even though it was the regular cast of people, I still felt like they had wonderful personalities, and they were all developed over time and not just thrown together and mentioned a few times.