Review: Wildfire - Karsten Knight

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (July 26, 2011)

Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

My Thoughts...

Oh boy!  This book was magic!  I don't know where to start describing the awesome that is Wildfire.  I guess I will try starting with the mythology aspect.  This book wasn't solely focused on any one culture, there seemed to be a little bit of everything rolled up here.  I enjoyed that very very much.  While I do love story's that do focus on one culture or belief system it is nice to see something different and fresh.  Something else I have yet to encounter is Polynesian mythology, but from the taste I got here I want more.  Our characters were pretty great as well.  They kind of seemed like a group jumble, like if not for there commonality they probably wouldn't have become friends. But they did and together they were fun and great.  I'm not going to go into details about anyone but Ashline.  She was a nifty main character.  She came off as strong yet still incredibly vulnerable.  I'm not sure I can't discuss the plot without raving and giving stuff away so we will leave it at this.  this was an amazing story that I didn't want to end.  I need more, right now!  The ending had me sitting here saying "there better be a book number two".  I can't wait for the next book I want to hear more about these characters and dive deeper into this story.  I give this one 5 stars and raving recommendations!