blo Teens Read and Write: Teen Fiction Review & Giveaway: TRIAL BY FIRE by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Teen Fiction Review & Giveaway: TRIAL BY FIRE by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: TRIAL BY FIRE
by: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
pub: June 14, 2011/Egmont
genre: Teen Fiction/Paranormal/Werewolves
There can only be one alpha.
Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack—or at least, her own version of what it means to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope.
But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were. With threats—old and new—looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And, she’s going to have to do it alone.
Bryn faces both the costs, and the rewards, of love and loyalty, in this thrilling sequel to Raised by Wolves.
Bryn, one of the strongest YA protagonists, becomes even tougher in this sequel to RAISED BY WOLVES. An abused werewolf collapses on her doorstep. She can't intervene without causing werewolf chaos/war, so she struggles for a solution using brains, brawn and her pack's help to overcome the lethal threat. 

Or so I like to think!
Barnes kept surprising me. I knew things weren't quite what they seemed. And then I figured out what was going on - and I was right - BUT I wasn't completely right. That's what's so fun. 

I get to say, "See, I knew it!" and pat myself on the back with a smug grin.

Then Barnes says, "Yes, you're so smart...but I'm smarter," because she throws in an added twist that I didn't see coming! At which point my smug grin disappears. I keep trying to one-up her, but never succeed - wench! Oh, well, maybe in the next book...but doubtful.

The secondary cast of characters - Devon, Lake, Ali - are back in terrific form. The psychics are a deviously delicious addition for their nasty mind tricks and unexpected depth. 

I'm still waiting for the romance to heat up between Bryn and Chase. Sure they care for each other but there're isn't time to act on it. Bryn's priority is the pack, so when they need her, she and Chase get put on the back burner, which is pretty much all the time. 

So while I like the 'girl power' message, and it's refreshing that Bryn isn't pining and whining for Chase, with all the crap Bryn has to deal with, a little more fulfillment in the romance department would be welcome.

This series has more of a gritty, bittersweet feel, and tends toward the darker side rather than happy fairy-tale-esque. With wonderful suspense, character development, action, mind-games, surprises, and a terrific unexpected twist at the end, werewolf lovers should be excited for this summer read!  

Contest Details: 
  • Fill out the form
    • Open to U.S./Canada mailing addresses only.
    • Ends 7/19 at 11:59pm CST. 

    17 comments:

    Missie, The Unread Reader said...

    I really think it is so fun when characters pull a fast one on you. You can't help but think, Gah! How the heck was I out witted?

    Hehe

    Bum deal that the romance took the back burner. I always welcome more.

    And can I just say... Dooood, every review you do comes with a giveaway. How freaking awesome is that?! Thank.

    Jenny said...

    YES!!! That's exactly how I felt Alyssa! I was all "I know where this is going" and then Jennifer's all "You're so wrong but I'll let you believe you're right for a while longer." :) LOVED it:)

    And yes to just a touch more romance. I love Bryn and Chase and that their connection is so understated yet strong, but maybe just a tiny bit more with their relationship would be great.

    Melissa (Books and Things) said...

    I still need to read the first! I however would not be smug at all so I guess me brain doesn't work good. :) Oh I so need to read this... especially with the girl power involved! Perhaps more romance will be in the next!

    Jessy said...

    Now I want to find out what all of the twists were. Gah, I need another job to pay for all of my books!

    Jamie Kline (Bookerella) said...

    Oooh, this one sounds so good! I'm the same way, I love when I think I have things all figured out and then the author throws out another twist. I guess I like being surprised, at least a little :) Thanks for the giveaway and I'm definitely adding this to my TBR list!

    Felicia the Geeky Blogger said...

    I love that cover!

    I love it when I guess what it is going to happen then end up being wrong or just a little off target! That means it was written really well :)

    Jenny N. said...

    There are times when I'm reading and can figure everything out but then right at the end the author throws in a big twist that throws me for a loop. I'm hoping to maybe read the first book this summer since I know Jennifer Lynn Barnes will be doing a signing in my area this fall.

    A Canadian Girl said...

    I've got Raised By Wolves in my TBR pile but keep putting it off because there are so many other books that need reading. Plus, I want more romance than reviews suggest. I love it though when authors one-up you so maybe I'll bump it up. Thanks!

    Nic @ Irresistible Reads said...

    Great review! I love this series especially Bryn. She is such a strong character. I can't wait to read this instalment in the series :)

    Danny said...

    What an awesome review!! I truly enjoyed the first one and I'm excited for this one too! It's great to hear that the sequel is good, often second books are disappointing and now I'm even more excited to read it!

    Unknown said...

    I definitely have to read this book at some point! :)

    Happy Reading! ;)
    Suz @ A Soul Unsung
    My IMM
    My Teaser Tuesday
    My WoW!

    Orchid said...

    I HAVE got to read this series, I'm definitely intrigued by your description of Bryn and the plot twists.

    Unknown said...

    I haven't read too many YA novels about pack society..this one looks good! I'll have to check into this author.

    Dottie :)

    latishajean said...

    What a great review thank you so much for the great giveaway .I can't wait to read this book thank you so much for the chance!

    lulilut said...

    Thanks for the review - I liked the first one and I'm looking forward to this one especially with all the twists you mentioned.

    Liz @ Cleverly Inked said...

    I love the shoutout to Girl Power.

    Unknown said...

    zzzzz2018.7.20
    moncler jackets
    nba jerseys
    canada goose jackets
    coach outlet
    nike outlet
    nike presto femme
    ugg boots
    coach outlet
    ralph lauren uk
    michael kors outlet online sale

    Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...