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Fire with Fire and The Killing Woods

Tuesday, October 8, 2013


Fire with Fire by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian
Goodreads

WHAT'S THE DEAL? Lillia, Kat, and Mary are back in the second instalment of the Burn for Burn trilogy. In the wake of the disaster that was Homecoming, the trio try to lay low whilst continuing to exact revenge on their frenemies - most notably Reeve Tabatsky. However, as feelings begin to change and secrets are found out, the girls have to decide whether or not it's worth the trouble. 

ANY GOOD? First of all, I have to say that I really, really want to read Siobhan Vivian's The List but I cannot get hold of it in the UK, what's with that? Now, onto the book...it was brilliant! As I said in my review of Burn for Burn, I love the style of writing - it reminds me of the Earlybird Instagram filter (if that makes sense). I also really like the names of the characters. They're modern but also vintage sounding (Lillia, Mary, Reeve, Rennie). Anyway, the plot was fast paced and engaging and the character development was excellent. All hail Princess Lillia! I must say, it's really nice to have an Asian character as the lead. Also, it was interesting to get more of Kat's backstory with her mother's death and her relationship with Rennie. Oh and we managed to leave Jar Island for a bit too, which was exciting! Mary's story was weird from the beginning and it got hella weird in the end (but in a good way). The ending is a shocker and will leave you reeling and wanting more. I for one cannot wait for the final book of the series. 

ADD TO BASKET? Yes, most definitely but read Burn for Burn first if you haven't already. 


The Killing Woods by Lucy Christopher

WHAT'S THE DEAL? Emily's dad suffers from PTSD and regularly disappears into the woods near their house. One evening, he returns with the lifeless body of Emily's classmate Ashley Parker. Fast forward a few months and everyone is convinced Emily's dad is a murderer, including himself. However, Emily is not convinced and tries to get help from Ashley's boyfriend, Damon. It soon becomes clear that Damon knows more than he is letting on - even if he's not so sure.

ANY GOOD? A taut, dark, psychological thriller. If you thought Stolen threw out some twists and turns then you need to read The Killing Woods. The pacing was on point and I liked that the story seemed to go round and round, getting more confusing and frenetic, just like Emily in the woods searching for answers. None of the characters were particularly likeable (Emily had quite a few shrill, Carrie from Homeland style moments) but I don't think that matters in this kind of book. It was also quite a believable story as I'm sure there are young people who play similar games. Overall, it was a chilling but thrilling story. 

ADD TO BASKET? If you liked Stolen or those Scandi drama remakes/BBC 3-part, Sunday night murder mysteries. 

4 comments

  1. I love the Burn for Burn books! They are so fast-paced and interesting and I love all three girls (although Mary-whoa). I cannot freaking wait for the last book. I really enjoyed the List. It's a bummer you can't get it over there. Do you have an e-reader? Maybe you could get it that way.

    The Killing Woods sounds pretty awesome. I'll have to add that to my TBR pile.

    Great reviews!

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    1. Haha yes Mary takes the 'woman scorned' idea to another level. I'm so excited to see how it all wraps up! I have a Kindle and a Nook but unfortunately The List isn't available on either of them in the UK. I think I'll ask my bookseller friends to investigate for me.

      Thank you for commenting Natalie!

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  2. I've seen quite a few positive reviews for both of these book and I'm glad to hear you liked them! I haven't read Stolen yet, but it's on my to-read shelf now. I'm not sure if I would like Fire with Fire, but The Killing Woods could be a possibility. Nice reviews =)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Stephanie! I loved Stolen - it was such a mindbender. I didn't know anything about the Burn for Burn trilogy when I bought the first book and almost definitely would've given it a miss if I'd heard there was a paranormal element but I was pleasantly surprised! I would a-liken the tone to Pretty Little Liars.

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