Book Review: Ignite by Jenna Terese // #aresfanclub UNITE XD
July 11, 2021Happy Sunday!
Today I come to you with the most fangirl-y book review you've read in a while. look, I'd like to say that I got more "professional" over my now very extended hiatus, but in fact my mind has just descended more deeply into the depths of incoherent fangirling XD
Ignite, the incredible debut novel by Jenna Terese, released on July 2nd. I was lucky enough to both beta-read and ARC-read this novel, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint.
disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. :)
What if superhumans weren't considered heroes?
When Scarlett Marley is attacked by an illegal super with fire powers, she doesn’t get burned, but now she has a fire-like glow flickering in her eyes.
With superpowers criminalized, she has no choice but to turn herself over to the Superhuman Containment Facility, or risk hurting everyone she loves.
Her normal life seems lost forever, until she is selected to be one of the first to receive the experimental cure to destroy her powers. In exchange, she must first complete one mission:
Infiltrate and capture one of the largest gangs of supers in the remains of once-great Rapid City.
With the cure and all her future at stake, Scarlett is prepared to do whatever it takes to bring these criminals to justice so she can return to her family. But this gang and their leader, Rez, aren’t what everyone says, and Scarlett begins to question everything she was ever told about the SCF and the fire flowing in her veins.
The cure is her only hope for returning her life to what it was before, but is that life worth returning to after all?
This is one of the easiest five stars I've ever given a book. I absolutely loved every minute of it.
The best way I can describe this book's plot (and general vibe) is like a cross between My Hero Academia and A Time to Die. And as someone who loves both of those stories, I felt like this book was 110% up my alley.
I mean, superpowered beings - but they're the bad guys? Um, AMEN TO THAT. Most of the book taking place in a dystopian version of Rapid City? YES PLEASE. And Christian themes attached to all of this? PERFECTION.
The story was fast-paced and emotional, and I never once got bored. (Considering my current attention span, that is a huge compliment. XD) Also, the fact that there isn't really any romance in this entire book was just so nice *sighs happily*.
On the other hand, the cure subplot got surprisingly dark?? I don't know - part of it is that stuff like that in books is always rough for me to read. However, I love that this book was able to go dark places and still retain hope. (more on that later.)
My absolute favorite part of Ignite, though, had to be . . .
(this is where I lose my ability to scream about this book coherently. be warned, screeching lies beyond this point)
I. Love. All. Of. These. Characters.
So let's just get into the characters.
Scarlett, our main character, had a beautiful character arc. I loved reading about her struggle of doing the right thing, being forced into a position of leadership, and looking down on her God-given abilities. While I won't spoil anything about the way her arc resolves, it is just *chef's kiss*.
Seth . . . I just hurt for Seth and that's all I have to say about that. *sobs*
There's Nadia, my precious earthquake girl who does not deserve anything that's happened in her life. She needs hugs desperately.
*deep breath*
And then we have ARES, AKA THE MOST SUPERIOR CHARACTER IN THIS ENTIRE STORY. I AM OFFICIALLY ADOPTING THIS ICE CHILD. HE DESERVES BETTER. *SCREAMS ETERNALLY*
Can we just talk about his backstory and how he just keeps everything bottled up inside? About the manipulation he has to put up with in this story? About his quiet, logical sad personality? And about his absolutely PATHETIC social skills? (I have never related harder XD.)
This boy left me WRECKED the entire book. The amount of times I grinned or gasped while reading about him was probably concerning to my parents, who were in the same room with me as I read the book. XD
Ahem. I should probably stop talking about Ares now. there are apparently other characters besides him??? I know, I was surprised too
A character I didn't expect to love as much as I did was Ian! I really don't know where this love came from, but now I am super excited to learn what happens to him next. (Because Ignite is the first book in a duology.)
In short . . . I love all these characters especially Ares, and I thought that they were definitely the highlight of the book. <3
So what did I leave this book feeling?
Hm. That's hard to say. because I closed this book with a tear rolling down my face from a Certain Thing in the Ending
I guess . . . I left this book with a feeling of hope.
One of the biggest themes of Ignite is that of coming to terms with who you're created to be. And the way it was executed encouraged me greatly. <3
Now, it does get dark in some places. I've seen a few reviewers comment that Ignite feels more like a dystopian than a superhero story, and to an extent I definitely agree with them. It doesn't shy away from darkness or heartache.
But hope does shine through in beautiful ways, and for that alone I'd 100% recommend this book.
I'd say you would enjoy this book if you like:
- My Hero Academia
- A Time to Die
- superheros/Marvel
- dystopian vibes
- realistic characters who will make you sympathize with them
- icy boys who will BREAK YOUR HEART when they cry (okay FINE, I'll actually stop talking about Ares)
- themes of hope, identity, and family
you would enjoy this book.
And I, for one, cannot WAIT for book two.
#aresfanclub
-Nicole <3
4 comments
Okay, well now I have to read the book because I love me some tortured soft boys who bottle up their feelings. This one's been on my TBR since I first heard about it, but I definitely need to buy a copy and actually read it now.
ReplyDeleteExcept that like, costs money, and I don't spend money. So I'll probably put in a request that my library obtain a copy, lol.
Anyway, I loved your review, Nicole. I will simply never grow tired of listening/watching you fangirl. <3333
OH MY WORD, NICOLE! 😍 Thank you for this amazing review! It means so much to me that you enjoyed this story and connected with the characters. ❤️#aresfanclubforlife
ReplyDeleteARES. *hugs Ares* Easily the best character. #ARESFANCLUB
ReplyDeleteAnd I completely agree about the themes! Stories that shine hope even in the dark are my favorites.
I love your review! (Reading all these reviews has me wanting to reread Ignite already. XD)
I CAN"T WAIT TO READ IT!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the comment section! I love hearing what you guys think and seeing you guys talk. Just remember to keep it clean, and as always, check back for my replies! <3
-Nicole