Before She Ignites

Reviewed by: Will Brown - Falmouth Memorial Library, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 3, 2018

Review

This is a compelling and well written story that's clearly the first step of a much larger tale.

Mira is a girl born to privilege, not just of wealth, but also fame due to an international accord that is her namesake and sets new rules concerning people's interaction with dragons, the children of the gods. Called the Hopebringer, she is a symbol of the new future the Luminary Council has envisioned for the fallen isles. Above all, Mira loves dragons.

But then, before Mira (Or the reader) can understand what's going on, Mira is cast down from her privileged life and harshly imprisoned without trial. What follows is an opening of Mira's eyes to the more complex and considerably darker political reality than she had ever known, to machinations that endanger Mira, her homeland, her beloved dragons, and possibly the Fallen Isles themselves.

What really adds to this story is Mira herself. Often beset with a crushing and crippling sense of anxiety that she can find some respite from through obsessive counting, she is a very flawed character who is nonetheless very easy to relate to. While the future likely holds opportunities to show just how strong and brave she can be, watching her character develop is every bit as compelling as the magic, drama, and dragons going on about her. This book lays a very strong foundation for what is to follow, and would be an excellent choice for any fan of good series fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good