Wilde's Fire

Aug 12, 2012 Lynsey (The Demon Librarian) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, received-for-review, ya, alternate-universe, book-boyfriend, high-fantasy, magic-tastic, romantic-elements, post-apocolyptic, sweet-romance, unusual-creatures-beings-species, fantasy, kick-ass-chicks

What? No, no, no, no, no, that's not the end! It's doesn't end there! *Shakes eReader furiously* Ah man! That sucks!

Well, aside from the book ending VERY abruptly, and without any warning. (Usually you can tell you are being prepared for the end, even for a cliffhanger ending. This one kind of just stops. And I REALLY didn't want it to because I was enjoying it tremendously). So aside from THAT, I loved it!

I always know when my interest has been peaked by a book a bit more than usual because all...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Susie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, ya, romance, 2012, favorites

A fun book from new author, Krystal Wade. 3 friends from Virginia go camping and end up seeing a mysterious light that leads them to a portal that takes them another world. This other world is cast in darkness, and evil creatures attack them as soon as they enter. They are rescued by people who live there, those that remain anyway, and are brought to their underground lair. There the main character, Katriona, learns of her destiny, her true love and what unrequited love will do to people.

Such a...more

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May 15, 2012 Dawna Raver rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love this book. Newbie author, Krystal Wade has a winner here! This solid 4 star story has everything: magic, romance, intrigue -- oh, and did I mention sword fights? Written in present tense, first person, Wade's style is a welcome change from many of the books out there. Ms. Wade has envisioned a world full of darkness where the only light comes from the hope of the characters and the growing romance between Kate and Arland. The storyline is well thought out and by the end of the story, you'...more

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May 07, 2012 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-read

GoodReads Synopsis: “There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most.”—Katriona Wilde.

Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate’s for...more GoodReads Synopsis: “There is no pain in this death, only peace, knowing I am going to die with the one I love the most.”—Katriona Wilde.

Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. Kate’s forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What’s worse, she has no control over her new future, and it’s full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will Kate discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?

My Thoughts: This was an unexpected gem I found very hard to put down. One thing that kept me glued to the page was Kate’s dreams and visions. I really wanted to know what was prompting them. Was she seeing the future? Didn’t seem like it because there were a handful of scenarios that alternated. Was she, sub-consciously, remembering something?

We were plunged into a world of Krystal Wade’s making. Let me preface this by saying I am not a hard-core fantasy fan. However, this was the kind of fantasy I enjoy. Wade’s world, is a lot like Earth, many similar animals and plants…but the creatures Harlan and company are at war with are different. This world is part of a system of worlds ruled by a group of Gods. There is always on God that has to spoil it for all the others and it’s inhabitants…LOL!

Wade’s major plot is this war that Kate is the key to…however there are lots of sub-plots really driving the story along. The characters are complex and very likeable, and the villains are particularly heinous. Then there is that major cliffhanger at the end. I did enjoy “Wildes Fire” and will be anxious to read what happens next.
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Mar 04, 2013 Katy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of fantasy, strong heroines

Recommended to Katy by: NetGalley

Shelves: ebook, galley-for-review, net-galley

Please note: I read and reviewed this book in November 2012; just adding a copy since it's free on Amazon and the copy I had was an eARC from NetGalley. Minor changes may be made if I find any errors in my original review.

Book Info: Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Older Young Adult (18+)
Recommended for: People who enjoy fantasy, strong heroines, good world-building

Disclosure: I received an e-book ARC/e-galley from Curiosity Quills via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my...more

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May 07, 2012 Zuleeza rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dnf, debut-author-read-in-2012, ongoing-series, series-i-given-up, arc, paranormal

This review is also available on my blog, Qwerty

This e-ARC was provided to me by NetGalley and Curiosity Quills Press.

I don’t mind lesser known books, I never mind lesser known books. In fact, by going hipster I discovered Soul Seeker and The Curse Girl :3 So, when this title was up on NetGalley, I was like

Nice cover, interesting blurb. I mean, we’re talking about portal here,

Bring it on!

Sadly, my patience grew paper thin and eventually it vanished.

Usually when I did not finish a book, I’ll min...more

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May 13, 2012 Farrah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

Excellent, unique, and truly spectacular! Wilde's Fire starts off with a bang and doesn't slow down. Everything about this book was amazing.

The story starts off quickly. Kate, her sister, and her best friend (Brad) are camping. They find a cave, not realizing it's a portal to another world, and fall into the world of Encardia. There she meets the man of her dreams (literally) and finds out that she is the subject of a...more This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

Excellent, unique, and truly spectacular! Wilde's Fire starts off with a bang and doesn't slow down. Everything about this book was amazing.

The story starts off quickly. Kate, her sister, and her best friend (Brad) are camping. They find a cave, not realizing it's a portal to another world, and fall into the world of Encardia. There she meets the man of her dreams (literally) and finds out that she is the subject of a prophecy and meant to save the world from the Darkness that has taken it over.

First of all, Kate is a wonderful character. She's strong and more than capable of fulfilling her role in the prophecy. When she's told about the portal and the magic, she's understandably skeptical but she accepts the reality and her role as the savior. That was especially nice, because it's more than a little frustrating when the main character in so many YA books refuses to accept the truth. What I especially loved is that, even though she's dreamed about the love interest, she doesn't just fall into his arms. She waits to actually know the man in real life before beginning their relationship. She's tough, smart, and has won her way onto my list of favorite female leads.

Arland, the love interest, is BRILLIANT. I adored him; he's sweet, hot, and basically perfect in every way. Kate had dreamed of him for years and when they finally meet in real life, sparks fly. Their relationship develops realistically despite the whole dream thing. And when they do get together, their relationship is heartwarming in it's devotion and pure, true love. It was uber-sweet that Kate's magic was based on their love. That might not make sense now, but when you read the book, the meaning is clear-and unbelievably sweet. But let's get back to Arland. He's one of the best love interests I've read. Truly, he will capture your heart without a doubt.

One of the most interesting elements of this book, however is Kate's relationship with her best friend, Brad. I don't want to say to much and give away the most exciting part of the story, but-wow-their relationship is complicated. Brad has been in love with Kate for years, but Kate doesn't love him in return. But that's not where it ends. Throughout the course of the book, their relationship is redefined so many times that it made my head spin. When I thought I understood it, something would happen that completely changed the game. My feelings about Brad changed so many times that I can't tell you how I feel about him after finishing the book. His character is dynamic and without a doubt one of the most interesting I've ever read. (BTW: for those who worry about a love triangle, don't worry. The situation with Brad doesn't turn into one.)

The story, as I said, is fast-paced and kept me riveted the entire time. Every moment is interesting, every page has excitement. And the ending was AMAZING. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I swear, I'm going to go crazy with anxiety trying to figure out what will happen next. The last line of the book is one of my favorite quotes:

"My name is Katriona Wilde and I have fire."
(Honestly, that describes her perfectly)

Wilde's Fire is a brilliant book. Everything about it is absolute perfection!

5/5

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!(less)

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May 12, 2012 Chrystina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley-arc

First off I wanna say Wow, beautiful cover. The cover is always the first thing that draws me to a book, and this one is really lovely. Also the cover actually pertains to the book, and that isn't always the case anymore.

This book really threw me because it was written in first person present tense, and I have a hard time getting into book written this way. It took me a while, probably almost halfway through, before I felt comfortable reading and not paying too close attention to the wording. I...more

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May 26, 2012 Marielle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was a little nervous starting Wilde’s Fire because it is not the usual kind of book I read. I’m glad that I decided to take the plunge.

When Kate, her sister, Brit, and her best friend, Brad, go on their annual camping trip, they expect a relaxing hike, some swimming, and big bugs (at the worst). They never thought that they would end up in another world, surrounded by demons, but they do. They land in Encardia, another world, and the world that Kate was born in. For years, she had dreams that...more I was a little nervous starting Wilde’s Fire because it is not the usual kind of book I read. I’m glad that I decided to take the plunge.

When Kate, her sister, Brit, and her best friend, Brad, go on their annual camping trip, they expect a relaxing hike, some swimming, and big bugs (at the worst). They never thought that they would end up in another world, surrounded by demons, but they do. They land in Encardia, another world, and the world that Kate was born in. For years, she had dreams that took place in a beautiful land and that featured Arland: the man of her dreams (literally hehehe). However, when she arrives in Encardia, it is not the land from her dreams. It is covered in Darkness so thick that not even the sun can shine and the land is crawling in demons, one of which wounds Brad, who had just confessed his love to Kate; too bad it’s unrequited. As Kate finds out what she must do to save the land, she falls deeply in love with Arland, who is prophesized to be the Keeper of Light. Kate is the Light that will save the land from the Darkness with the help of old magic; she is the only one that can use it anymore because it was forgotten long ago. She must battle for those she loves and find out how to save the entire population of Encardia.

There was only one main problem with this book, and it is a problem that I have witnessed in many YA books recently: insta-love. Kate and Arland fall in love in the first day they know each other. I know that Kate had been having dreams about him, but you can’t fall in love with someone you’ve only met in your dreams. Arland never had any dreams about her and he met her one time when he was like 5. That is no reason to be in love with each other. On the first night of them knowing each other, they take a bath together. That’s kind of fast, don’t you think? I’m not saying that their love wasn’t totally precious; it was. It was just too much, too fast. Other than the insta-love, there was nothing really wrong with this book.

The heroine, Kate, was pretty good. She was strong, smart, and she had common sense. I thought she was likable, but at points she was a little ridiculous. For example, she would apologize for being sad because something horrible happened to her. You’re allowed to be sad when you’re best friend is dying, okay? Other than that, I liked her a lot.

Arland, the hero of the book, was also a nice character. He was pleasant, strong, and likable. Overall, he was a good guy. My favorite character, though, was Flanna. She was hilarious and bubbly. She made every scene she was in enjoyable to read and she just cracked me up.

I loved the story line. It kept me guessing until the very end. Actually, it’s still keeping me guessing and it’s over. I can’t wait for the next book! I can’t say that this book was the most original thing in the world, but it had a lot of aspects that I thought were very original. You should read this book because it was really good!
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Jun 24, 2012 Tyler-rose (The Reading Pile) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oiginally posted on: www.the-reading-pile.blogspot.com

I have really loved following Kate on her adventure, my boyfriend probably has a good gist of what is going on in Wilde's Fire, purely from my out loud comments that I thought I was saying in my head... oh well. Kate and her sister, along with her 'best friend' find a cave at the bottom of a lake/river, loads of water... so they swim to it only to find a portal, not a cave. Kate's life is changed forever here.

I thought Kate was a character w...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Merin rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, read-in-2012, mythology

Wilde's Fire is a pretty solid debut by author Krystal Wade. When I first saw the blurb up on NetGalley, I was immediately intrigued, as I have a thing for characters being thrust into new situations and worlds and having to adapt, all while trying to save the world. For the most part, this book delivered on all of my expectations, at least in terms of the story itself.

The strongest part of the book was probably the world-building. The author has created a fictional land called Encardia, in whi...more Wilde's Fire is a pretty solid debut by author Krystal Wade. When I first saw the blurb up on NetGalley, I was immediately intrigued, as I have a thing for characters being thrust into new situations and worlds and having to adapt, all while trying to save the world. For the most part, this book delivered on all of my expectations, at least in terms of the story itself.

The strongest part of the book was probably the world-building. The author has created a fictional land called Encardia, in which Darkness has overtaken the sun and confined the people to living underground, in constant fear of the daemons that attack in the dark and have nearly destroyed the entire world. Kate, our main character, is suddenly thrust into Encardia when her and her sister, Brit, follow a light into an underground cave, which actually turned out to be a portal. In Encardia, Kate meets Arland, whom she had actually been dreaming about for her entire life. Arland is the one to tell Kate that there's actually a prophecy about her, that she's Light, and will save Encardia from Darkness. (I know, all these capital letters are a bit much. If you're going to read the book, get used to them!) In Encardia we also meet probably my most favorite character, Arland's cousin, Flanna. Flanna is an impossibly upbeat, cheerful girl who instantly becomes Kate's friend. She's full of great insight and understanding, and I just really enjoyed every single second she was on the page.

I do want to warn that we have a bit of insta-love here - I mean, this is a YA book, right? - but I was willing to let it go for the most part because of the set-up for Arland and Kate. Both of them have prophecies that pretty much dictate their lives, not to mention that Kate's been dreaming about him for forever. To Wade's credit, they actually go a pretty darn long time before they even kiss, so I give her major kudos for at least not having them dive straight into anything physical. I do admit to a minor problem, however, with the fact that Kate's powers don't really materialize unless Arland's near her, though, although I'm assuming that the second book will move away from that, considering the cliffhanger-like ending. And as a heads-up to any parents, there are some minor smexy times in this book, although I wouldn't really call any of it graphic in the slightest.

My biggest problem with this book is that I had some trouble with the style at first. Wilde's Fire is told via Kate's first person, present tense voice, and I found the sentence structure to be a bit choppy and unpolished at the start. One thing I noticed straight off is that there is a lack of contractions throughout the book, which always makes things seem more stilted, at least for me. People speak in contractions! I could understand perhaps Arland not using them, since he's from a more formal, rather set world, but there really wasn't any excuse for Kate to not use them. It just generally makes spoken conversation flow more easily. I also felt like the book didn't pick up until about 65% into it, when things really start coming to a head. There are a lot of daily activities, like mucking out the barn, milking cows, chopping potatoes, etc., and it did become a tad tedious. The bits where Kate is working on her weapons skills were better, mostly because I just find sword fighting and learning to shoot a bow exciting. I also liked the little bits where Arland would fill Kate in on Encardian history, and the magic usage. I also had a bit of trouble with the whole Brad plot line, particularly Kate's feelings toward him once he wakes up. That whole bit seemed disjointed, and her feelings were so erratic and hard to follow, but maybe that was the point.

I also thought the sort of ridiculous, over the top declarations of love in this book were a bit much. If someone were to say some of these lines to me, I would have a really hard time not laughing in their faces, even if my love for them was all-consuming. Still, maybe that's just the cynical part of me reacting to what - to me - bordered on cheesiness. Your mileage may vary, etc. :)

All in all, this was a pretty intriguing, decently written and solid debut novel. There are enough loose ends to make me want to immediately dive into the sequel (which is also up on NetGalley). I am definitely intrigued about where the author is going, and what's next up for Kate. I especially look forward to her character development, and the evolution of her abilities. Wilde's Fire is now available in North America from a bookseller of your choice. If you want something a bit different, give it a read.(less)

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Jun 12, 2012 Jackie -Sated Faery rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: other-paranormal

Wow! This was such a good book! One minute you're in the middle of basic teen drama, the next minute you're in a whole new world with darkness, war, and other unimaginable horrors! Kate is amazing! She is brave and open-minded, not to mention loyal & caring. Arland is absolutely dashing as an other-worldly leader & warrior with a great heart underneath. This was such a unique & refreshing story & I cannot wait to find out what happens next!!

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Apr 02, 2013 Carrie Slager rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews

[Full disclosure: I received a free book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]

After my rant about the lack of diversity in fantasy, I took a break from the genre for a bit, knowing that a return would prompt another rant. Now that I’m through my cooling off period, I decided to give fantasy another chance. And you know what? I’m glad I did because I found Wilde’s Fire by Krystal Wade.

Romance, fascinating characters, a love triangle with a huge twist and superb world-building…what mor...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wanted to love this book and there are things I do love about it like:
The character were likable and believable. I will say Kate acted a little younger in her whimsical emotions but I recall acting similar (no matter how annoying it was).
I'm a sucker for hot scenes and it had enough to keep me reading to the next part. Typical YA though. (If she's college level it should have been more than what did occur, oh well)

My grievance though small weighs big on my over all score, which is, the story w...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

To start, I liked the book, but to be completely honest, I didn't love the book. I think it is because of the romantic in me. Unlike some of the other readers, I like that Kate and Arland had an epic kind of love...one that developed extremely fast for him, but was in place for her after dreaming of him for 6 years. I could understand Kate's frustration in not having her feelings reciprocated, but I liked the fact that though he didn't love her immediately, there wasn't another woman in the pict...more To start, I liked the book, but to be completely honest, I didn't love the book. I think it is because of the romantic in me. Unlike some of the other readers, I like that Kate and Arland had an epic kind of love...one that developed extremely fast for him, but was in place for her after dreaming of him for 6 years. I could understand Kate's frustration in not having her feelings reciprocated, but I liked the fact that though he didn't love her immediately, there wasn't another woman in the picture so those feelings could arise faster than they probably would have. Yes, unrealistic, but who wants realistic when reading a fantasy novel?

However, like any other romance type book I've read, it isn't really that simple is it? Kate and Arland may in love, but there is Brad - the best friend that is in love with her to the point of obsession - and Perth - the man that she was promised to before she was even born. The first, she cares about and believing Arland was just a figment of her imagination, starts to think a relationship with may him not be a bad thing...especially as they are in the midst of danger and he nearly dies for her. Brad is a confusing character. That is what did throw me off about the book. In the beginning, he was a great best friend...one that has cares a great deal more for her than she ever knew, but not one that came across as a bad person. Then he is made to be a bad person...which is weird when you think about the fact that when he knows he is dying, he tells her to find love. Brit seemed uncomfortable around him, and I thought it was because she had feelings for him, but that wasn't the case. As the book neared the end and he is brought back to health, he is made to be a really crazy obsessed person. It is not until the end when you learn that Darkness got a hold of him and made him do a lot of those things....how no one else figured any of that out surprises me. Maybe this is me, but I was also a little uncomfortable with Kate's reactions to Brad. She loved him, she hated him, he was her best friend who knew her better than anyone, he was a liar who hurt her....that was all understandable, but there were times when she came across as caring too much...not sure how Arland stayed understanding...

At the end, I was caught up in trying to see where the story would take you in the war against Darkness. I think the story could have moved along quicker than it did when I think back on where we got based on where we started. It was also really confusing how no one would say what their prophecies were about in detail and how many secrets there were. Made it difficult to understand everything or put it into context...until the end when Kate is talking to one of the Gods, you struggle to understand why her, what started this, where it is going, etc.(less)

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Mar 07, 2013 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, a-new-adult, g-fantasy-paranormal

I am such a sucker for these types of books. It had a lot of my favorite elements in it:

Kick Ass Heroine...check
Travel to alternate reality...check
Best friend who falls in love with heroine...check
Kick Ass Hero...check
Some sort of war where only the hero can save alternate reality...check
Some sort of scary ass monster...check
A little bit of magic...check
Plot that makes sense...check
Some sort of forbidden love...check

It is like somebody understands my love of Fantasy based novels or at least took...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Nereid rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Talk about a camping trip gone wrong, Kate, her sister and her best friend Brad (who wants to be so much more) venture out to do some camping and end up stumbling across a portal to another world. From there on in, all hell breaks loose as they are attacked by Daemons and then rescued by the man of her dreams literally. I did expect more action initially but it does pick up the pace though I would describe this story as more romance orientated. There is a triangle of sorts between Brad who decla...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Tahlia Newland rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, fantasy

Wilde’s Fire is a young adult fantasy that crosses, via a portal in a cave, from our known world to another reality. It’s a classic coming-of-age tale of a girl’s journey to find herself, her previously unknown powers and her place in a new world. This is a common underlying theme for young adult fantasy, but so long as authors keep coming up with new takes on it (as Krystal Wade has here), it never grows old, because it’s an analogy for every teenager’s life as they move from the known life as...more Wilde’s Fire is a young adult fantasy that crosses, via a portal in a cave, from our known world to another reality. It’s a classic coming-of-age tale of a girl’s journey to find herself, her previously unknown powers and her place in a new world. This is a common underlying theme for young adult fantasy, but so long as authors keep coming up with new takes on it (as Krystal Wade has here), it never grows old, because it’s an analogy for every teenager’s life as they move from the known life as a child to the unknown life of an adult.

All teens have inner resources they know nothing about until they are tested, and Katriona Wilde is tested when she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, but had no idea was real. She enters a nightmarish world embroiled in a war with lethal monsters, and discovers that her mother lied to her, she apparently has no control over her future and someone close to her has betrayed her.

The only plus to her new life is that those who rescue her from the same fate as her best friend are, in the main, nice people, and she meets the man she feels she knows already because she has dreamed of him and her in an intimate relationship. It’s an interesting way to circumvent the falling-in-love-too-quick criticism the book would probably otherwise receive. After seeing her relationship with this man grow over 6 years of highly realistic dreams, of course, she feels she knows him. He doesn’t know her, but his role as protector and her need for his presence as support throw them together, so they become close more quickly than would otherwise be the case.

Kate is the one prophesised to save this other world, but if you’re thinking of groaning, remember that this is another way of telling every reader (presuming they identify with the main character) that they are important to the overall scheme of things.

In general, this is a well-crafted story and the beginning of what promises to be an interesting series. The characters and fantasy world are well developed, the relationships realistic, the plot moves along at a good pace and though the ending definitely is designed to draw us into the sequel, it’s also a satisfying end to a first book.

I loved the descriptions of the ‘old magic’ in action. The light truly brightens up that dark world, and the ‘stronger-together/love is powerful’ aspect of the power makes a worthwhile statement.

On the down side, I would have enjoyed a touch of humour to lighten the book, and I found Kate’s emotional reactions a little melodramatic, perhaps even overwritten, but I know that many teens enjoy that kind of angst. When, at one point in the story, one of the other characters tells Kate to get over it already, I had to agree.

I give it 4 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes a good young adult fantasy.
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Sep 03, 2012 Thea Gregory rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance

I was offered the opportunity to review Wilde's Fire by Krystal Wade. I accepted, not quite knowing what to expect. For full disclosure, I've never read a book that's billed itself as "romance" before, paranormal or otherwise. Sure, there have been romance subplots, most stories have them in some form or another, but never a romance. I figured that I could stand to learn a thing or five about the genre, and gave it a try.

I actually really enjoyed it. The story itself was captivating, and the rom...more I was offered the opportunity to review Wilde's Fire by Krystal Wade. I accepted, not quite knowing what to expect. For full disclosure, I've never read a book that's billed itself as "romance" before, paranormal or otherwise. Sure, there have been romance subplots, most stories have them in some form or another, but never a romance. I figured that I could stand to learn a thing or five about the genre, and gave it a try.

I actually really enjoyed it. The story itself was captivating, and the romantic aspect was well-played and balanced. It never overpowered the story, and it actually complimented the action very well. But, that's what you get when your heroine is powered by love.

The story is told from the point of view of the main character, Kate Wilde. She's a bit introverted, and a little clueless about some things, but it makes her loveable and she has an inner strength that isn't tempered by the chaos of adjusting to a new world. She's not just a passive heroine, either. She kicks butt, blasts daemons with magic and even saves the hero a few times. Her activeness and vitality are probably why I enjoyed the book so much. She's a strong character and she drives the story.

The experience of reading this book is much like reading a dream. The imagery and narration make you see as though you're in a dream, and whisked away to another world. The dream can turn to nightmare to bliss, and back again. The imagery is ethereal, pictured so beautifully in your mind but just beyond what's real. It's truly fantastic. Daemons, little sprites, horses, even food, it's all there just like you dreamed it last night. It's enthralling.

The story and plot were engaging. I needed to know what happened. I was tempted to fire up my Kindle at work just to try go get that one little piece. There's great foreshadowing, and there's always something around the corner. Kate and Arland are like electricity when combined, their chemistry may burn out your ereader if you're not careful.

In short, I read this book not knowing what to expect. I didn't know if it was for me, and I was very pleasantly surprised. Now, it's time to read Wilde's Army, and find out what happens!(less)

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Aug 08, 2012 Stephanie Ward rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review

'Wilde's Fire' is a young adult fantasy that follows the main character, Kate, out of her reality and into a world that is relying on her to save it. I thought that the idea of the novel was unique and interesting. However, I found the writing style to be a little bit lacking and it actually made what I thought would be a refreshing concept turn into a relatively dry and predictable story. I think what I disliked about the writing was the lack of character and story building as well as not enoug...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Shae Carcar rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Overall Thoughts:
I was intrigued about this story from the amazing cover, but after reading the book, the summary is just the same.

Wilde's Fire begins with the main character Katriona going camping with her sister, Brit, and her best friend, Brad. All the while, she gets these flashes of nightmares, the same nightmares that she's been having for the last 6 years without fail. Periodically, she sees these random flashes of light, and out of pure curiosity, she leads herself and her camping compan...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Gwen Gardner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

New author Krystal Wade has done a superb job of world-building in this urban fantasy romance:

Katriona Wilde learns that she and her family are from another world when she accidentally slips through the portal to Encarta. Things start to make sense when she meets Arland, the man she’s been dreaming about her whole life, and to whom she feels an immediate attraction. What doesn’t make sense is how she’s supposed to fulfill the prophesy to save Encarta from the darkness that has pervaded the land...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Jaime rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My main issue with the book is the heroine is to old. She is a 20 year old college student at a major university and somehow remains utterly clueless and had never been kissed. She sleeps in the bed with her best friend all the time, who is male and is madly in love with her, but she never notices? I mean she usually sleeps wrapped up in his arms. And even though everyone around her can see his love for her, and tells her so she denies it. She falls through a portal to another world where they l...more

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Jul 09, 2012 Jessa Russo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My disclosure for this review is that Krystal Wade is my editor at Curiosity Quills, where my debut novel will be published by the end of the year. I am only disclosing this information because I have to admit that I was worried about reading WILDE'S FIRE. I'm ridiculous, I know. But here's a sneak peek into what was going through my mind: What if I didn't like it? What if I didn't like her writing style? What would that say about me, or about my own book that she picked out of dozens of manuscr...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Haley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels-demons, love-triangle, arc

First of all, thanks to Netgalley and Publishers for allowing me the chance to read and review this book!

Wilde’s Fire was one intense, spectacular, mind numbing ride. And honestly, I do feel quite “numbed.”

This book was a one sitting read which isn’t to unusual for me, but this book was unusual in general. It starts off easy with three friends venturing into the wilderness for a camping trip. While on the trip, the MC Kate sees this yellow light after everyone is asleep. So, naturally, she fol...more First of all, thanks to Netgalley and Publishers for allowing me the chance to read and review this book!

Wilde’s Fire was one intense, spectacular, mind numbing ride. And honestly, I do feel quite “numbed.”

This book was a one sitting read which isn’t to unusual for me, but this book was unusual in general. It starts off easy with three friends venturing into the wilderness for a camping trip. While on the trip, the MC Kate sees this yellow light after everyone is asleep. So, naturally, she follows the yellow light to this spot on the river and the light-bop-falls into the river like “Come follow me, Kate!” She, perhaps being smarter than some other main characters, travels back to her base to weight for the others. The next day the threesome returns and when they swim down there they find a divine cave that transports them to another dimension entirely.

Lovely, eh?

My Thoughts.

I think…I enjoyed this. The writing was never dull, the characters didn’t lack proper backgrounds or emotions, and the plot and story moved along nicely without many flaws to hinder its progress. It had everything I LOVE in a story: action, romance-ah, Arland, sigh-and most of all a MC who’s head and voice I genuinely enjoyed. I also found the idea of a world besieged by darkness to be a fascinating proposal. What if the world had no light? The world building was done well, although we did not see much. Just a tiny piece of what was once a prosperous place.

Back to the Romance for a quick second. There was a love triangle. (I DESPISE LOVE TRAINGELS;) But this was a good one. Kate has been dreaming about this guy-Arland-since she was fourteen years old. She has never been interested in men, even her best friend who is desperately in love with her. So in love with her that he is a little bit crazy. But ah, Arland. I really like how Miss Wade took the love slow. It would have been so easy to just have them jump right into each other. But she didn’t. No Insta-love here: Hallelujah for that!

My Feelings

Right now, I honestly am super sad. THAT ENDING. Endings like that are the WORST THING EVER. But overall I was very pleased with this novel. The romance was soft and sweet, the evil was darkness itself, and I was never bored. Congratulations on a great first novel, Miss Wade. I will be anxiously awaiting the next.
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Jun 13, 2012 Jaime Kennett rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Complete review can be found on Jaime's Book Blog at jaimekennett.blogspot.com

By accidentally stepping through a portal and into another world imprisoned in darkness and war, Katriona comes face to face with the man she has been dreaming about for the past six years. Unsure if she should trust this man she has fallen in love with in her dreams, Kate is left to try to figure out where she is, who she is, and what is so special about her while worrying about her family back home. Not only that, he...more Complete review can be found on Jaime's Book Blog at jaimekennett.blogspot.com

By accidentally stepping through a portal and into another world imprisoned in darkness and war, Katriona comes face to face with the man she has been dreaming about for the past six years. Unsure if she should trust this man she has fallen in love with in her dreams, Kate is left to try to figure out where she is, who she is, and what is so special about her while worrying about her family back home. Not only that, her best friend, Brad, who stepped through the portal with her, now lies barely clinging to life after being attacked by creatures whose presence in this world has plunged it into darkness and Kate needs to find a cure before he dies.

Krystal Wade's debut novel is a delightful read. Written in the present tense, first person, it was an adjustment, but I quickly became engaged with the story. It seemed the first few pages were quick choppy sentences also. Fortunately, this did not continue throughout the story and the writing became fluid and more enjoyable. (Maybe it was just that I was reading late at night and was too tired to process the words correctly too.) The world of Encardia is nicely built with just the right amount of description so as to give you a vivid picture in your mind while not being over done to make you want to skip ahead to the dialogue.

Kate, Brad, Arland, and their relationships with each other develop and show growth and change during the course of story which we as readers want to see. I was glad to see Arland and Kate's relationship developed realistically over time. My one complaint with the characters was with Kate and her feelings toward Brad after she discovers he has betrayed and manipulated her. Her black and white feelings are a little too much for me given the situation of him almost dying and then knowing that she is never going to see him again when he is sent back through the portal.

Arland, Kate's dream boy...literally, and the wonderfully exciting, enticing, suspenseful ending to this first installment of the Darkness Falls series will leave you anxious to get your hands on the next!(less)

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Jun 11, 2012 Mrs. Kenyon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books

Kate has a best friend that she trusts completely. Even though he is male, her family trusts them enough to sleep together in the same room and even go on a camping trip with just themselves and Kate’s sister. During the camping trip Kate begins seeing a yellow light and has waking visions. She doesn’t think anything about these actions because for the past six years she has had dreams/nightmares about a boy named Arland. After following the yellow light to the nearby swimming hole and deciding...more

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May 14, 2012 C.J. Listro rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs-and-galleys, reviewed, fantasy, high-fantasy, romance, young-adult

Learn more (http://cjlistro.blogspot.com/2012/05/...)

The fantasy elements were strong, but the main plot centered much more about the romance than I had expected. I’m not a romance reader. I love romantic subplots, but emphasis on the sub. I didn’t like Trylle or Twilight, if that gives you any hints. Also, I don’t really like present tense novels. So anyway, if you like any of these things, you’ll probably really enjoy this book. In the interest of a fair review, let’s (watch me) break it down...more Learn more (http://cjlistro.blogspot.com/2012/05/...)

The fantasy elements were strong, but the main plot centered much more about the romance than I had expected. I’m not a romance reader. I love romantic subplots, but emphasis on the sub. I didn’t like Trylle or Twilight, if that gives you any hints. Also, I don’t really like present tense novels. So anyway, if you like any of these things, you’ll probably really enjoy this book. In the interest of a fair review, let’s (watch me) break it down. Yes. I just parenthetically quoted Lady Gaga.

What I Didn’t Like: Start with the sour, then leave ‘em with something sweet. I didn’t buy Kate as a teenager. The way she talks is too pretty. Like she could be a fair romance maiden. Brit had a ton of personality in her dialogue. Kate just seemed kind of flat self-inserty to me. I didn’t really connect with her. The plot was kind of rocky. Started great and exciting, got lost in a mush of training and such, and suddenly what I thought was the main conflict (evil daemons feasting on the populous) took backseat to the me-and-Arland-have-some-issues-with-our-romance-and-something-is-wrong-with-Brad bit. It just felt like they were worrying way too much about their lovey-dovey stuff when people were being killed all around them. The magic was mostly fine, but I thought Kate had it a little too easy towards the end. Maybe it was just a bit mushy for me. I don’t do mushy.

What I Liked: Great world. You’ve got a pantheon, daemons of all varieties, a war with the Darkness, and hidden old magic. Some parts are a wee bit of a stretch (Ground Dwellers, aka I’m pretty sure they’re sort of dwarves and the humans are sort of elves; everything is inexplicably Irish) but those didn’t stop me from enjoying it. I loved the idea of this decimated world with people hiding out in underground bunkers, thirsting for a long-missing sun. Very neat.

As for characters, Kate wasn’t my favorite, but I loved Brit and Flanna. They were snarky, fun, and brought some pizazz to the pages. The romance was not all bad. I loved that she didn’t actually have a thing for her best friend (the part where they share a kiss at the very beginning was very well done!). I also thought Wade was clever in avoiding insta-romance with Kate-to-Arland. Kate had dreamed for years of loving Arland, so no wonder she was instantly in love with him. (It was a little less clear why he would so quickly fall for her, though.)

As for the writing, it didn’t sound like a teen, but it was clear, largely error-free, and set a very nice mystical tone. And the plot? I kind of saw the ending coming, but I thought it was a great move on Wade’s part. It showed a great error in judgment on Kate’s part and shook up her fairy tale ending, which is exactly what you need to do setting up a sequel. It also made the previous plot with Brad (I’ll spare you the spoilers) make sense, whereas before it had seemed much too neat. So kudos on the ending. (less)

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May 11, 2012 BookHookup rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book written in the first person present tense and I have to say it was a bit of an adjustment. But once I got over that (and it didn’t take long), this book captured me. Choosing to write her book in this way means that the author put me right in the thick of things…experiencing the action in real time. Katriona (Kate) Wilde has been having recurring dreams for 6 years about a specific place and a specific man. These dreams are filled with love but also all m...more It’s been a while since I’ve read a book written in the first person present tense and I have to say it was a bit of an adjustment. But once I got over that (and it didn’t take long), this book captured me. Choosing to write her book in this way means that the author put me right in the thick of things…experiencing the action in real time. Katriona (Kate) Wilde has been having recurring dreams for 6 years about a specific place and a specific man. These dreams are filled with love but also all manner of scary situations including death. No one except her sister thinks it’s anything more than a dream. That is, until she, her sister and her best friend manage to pass through a portal and into the exact location of her dreams.

Encardia, the world created by the author, and the place that Kate finds herself in, has depth and color (although you may find this a strange analogy when you read the book). It’s painted so vividly that I could easily imagine myself in this world and living amongst these people. The dangers felt real and the relationships were natural and easy to believe. Even in the face of the state of their world, the inhabitants of this land make rooting for them a foregone conclusion for the reader.

I loved the characters in this book. These are people I could surround myself with…well, most of them anyway! Kate, who was a rather naive character in the beginning of the story, turns out to be a true hero willing to put herself on the front lines and fight the evil that has taken over Encardia. And, even as she learns of all the lies and the information that has been kept from her, she maintains her strength and stays the course. Arland, the sexy man from Kate’s dreams, is…well…just that! He’s confident and gallant. He leads his people with strength and kindness, a kind warrior. Brad is Kate’s best friend and he has a secret that affects the story greatly. My favorite secondary character was Flanna. She’s Arland’s cousin and becomes Kate’s friend and confidante in this new world. She’s funny and sassy…a great combination.

The story has everything. There’s love, betrayal, friendship and evil at play. The task at hand, Kate’s destiny, seems almost insurmountable yet because of the connection I felt with the characters, I was left believing anything is possible. And I love when a book does that to me.

Although there was one specific plot twist that felt a bit jarring for me and a slow down in pace in the middle of the book, the author’s writing style and fantastic characters kept me turning the pages. The cliffhanger at the end promises more adventures to come and left me wanting more. Overall, this is a really good read. You can’t pick it up until next week but I definitely recommend that you do!(less)

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Mar 16, 2012 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-red-stars

Katriona “Kate” Wilde got home from her first year of school at Virginia Tech yesterday. It’s Memorial Day weekend and the family had plans to go camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains, same as they do every year, but this year her mother is very ill. After waking up from a nightmare about a lover named “Arlan” being brutally murdered in front of her, Kate, her sister Brittany “Brit”, and her BFF Brad go on their own. On the road together, Kate and Brit pass the time singing, but Brad is very quiet...more Katriona “Kate” Wilde got home from her first year of school at Virginia Tech yesterday. It’s Memorial Day weekend and the family had plans to go camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains, same as they do every year, but this year her mother is very ill. After waking up from a nightmare about a lover named “Arlan” being brutally murdered in front of her, Kate, her sister Brittany “Brit”, and her BFF Brad go on their own. On the road together, Kate and Brit pass the time singing, but Brad is very quiet. This is his first trip back to the woods after getting very lost at the age of ten. The girls know the trail very well, but before they reach their destination (a two day hike), she has a fainting spell, a strange dream, and discovers that Brit and Brad both want to talk to her, but neither with the other around. She also notices strange gold lights, which flash in the woods, and eventually lead her to her favorite swimming hole and an underwater cave.

The three enter the mouth of the cave together and fall face first into a midnight massacre of women and children. Kate pushes her sister back into water, now a portal behind them. Brad kisses Kate, and believing they’re going to die, she kisses him back. They’re attacked; Brad is impaled by claws that go right through him. When she wakes up next, it is two days later. Brad is hanging onto life by a thread, slowly succumbing to poison for which there is no antidote. And the bed she’s been sleeping in belongs to the underground bunker’s commander, Arlan, the same man she’s seen die a thousand times over in her nightmares.

Let me talk a little bit about Arlan Maher. I don’t know what I was expecting from the hero of this book, but I really wasn’t expecting him. He’s been commanding soldiers in a bunker for years waiting for Kate Wilde to return to their world, and when she’s finally in his house, he manages to avoid being either bumbling, insecure, or obnoxiously confident. Arlan is a gentleman, a warrior, a man whose life has been defined by destiny and duty, and he’s comfortable in his own skin. His secrets are simply withheld data; they never amount to masks. Responsible for the lives of 47 people under his roof, he succeeds in protecting them with a combination of decisive action and charm. All, that is, but Kate.

In one key scene of the book, Brad has woken from his drug-induced coma after three weeks and finds Arlan and Kate locked in a steamy kiss. Brad, whose obsession with Kate has led to a delusion that they’re together, is furious that she’s betrayed him. In stark contrast to Brad, Arlan is not a child. The sunless world in which he was raised never afforded him even moments of immaturity. Though only five years older, Arlan confronts Brad with a true leader’s wisdom…stern, quiet, and fully resolved to put the kid in his place. But Kate steps in front of Arlan just as Brad throws a punch, earning a quick trip to the floor and a shiner for her trouble. Protecting her is Arlan’s foretold destiny, and given that he loves her deeply the fact that this is just one of the moments recently that she’s saved him, he questions whether he’s worthy of being her guardian.

Kate is a very naive, very innocent; twenty-years-old and never been kissed until Brad plants one while thinking they're going to die. When Kate loves someone, whatever the nature of that love, she gives with her whole heart. Looking back on her life, she remembers a boy who has been in every day of her life since grade school. Others around her see Brad's behavior differently, and while they've tried to tell her, she either misses or dismisses their concern.

Setting the manly-men problems aside, Kate is also an independent girl who doesn't like to be told what she will or will not do. People try to cover her escape; she stays behind to fight or die, which really is admirable. For a college sophomore who falls through the bottom of a river into pitch black hell, she handles the news that it’s her destiny to save this strange world rather well. What she doesn’t take well is learning all the secrets that have been kept from her, particularly the twenty-year-old betrothal to the creepy albino soldier in Arlan’s bunker. Perth serves as multitasking plot device. First, he symbolizes the complicated politics that surround Kate and the war being fought with Darkness to save what remains of humanity. Second, he’s an obstacle standing between Arlan and Kate. But there’s something about Kate’s mother, who joins her in the dark world, that makes me think that Perth will be either a big problem, or a persistent one…but not both. That’s pure speculation on my part, and speaking of that, this book left me with a lot of suspicions that I can’t wait for the sequel to answer.

Wilde’s Fire, written in first-person present tense, is a young woman's adventure into the unknown. As past tense generally serves to tell a story remembered, even when there is great conflict or danger, the reader may rely upon those verbs as assurances that the narrator pulls through…like a tight-rope walker high above a waiting safety net. But Kate’s story leads the reader blind from one moment to the next, with only her remembered nightmares of Arlan dying to hold onto for hope that they survive the unfamiliar battle they fight now. Krystal Wade truly is a hot, new talent.(less)

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Wilde's Fire (Darkness Falls #1)

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