Inner Fire
R.L. Stedman
Published on 11/30/14
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
‘‘Maybe it would be better if I started at the beginning.’ Gran watched me carefully. ‘This ability we have; my mother, me. You. We draw heat along our bodies; anger makes us flame.’
When her friend is assaulted, Corrine Peterson can’t help reacting. But she didn’t think and now her hands are burnt, Gran is coming to look after her and, scariest of all, strange men are watching her house. Could they be terrorists? Secret agents?
It seems that Gran’s idea of a solution is to introduce Corrine to Rowan. Okay, sure, maybe eighteen year old Rowan is gorgeous – but he has his own troubles. And right now, Corrine doesn’t need complications in her life.
But in a world of surveillance and secrecy, complexity is inevitable. And as the tension mounts Corrine realizes - maybe Gran can help her, after all.
REVIEW
Inner Fire was an interesting concept. What if a genetic disorder caused a girl to get so hot, she can not only burn herself, but others too? Intriguing. Corrine was dealt an unfortunate hand at birth. She views her ability as a handicap or a curse, but her gran, who also has the same condition, sees it as a strength. There is a subplot in this book that deals with how London has cameras everywhere. This is actually true and I found all that very interesting, however I don’t think it was well-developed. I never quite made all the connections that seem to be promised in the beginning.There is a lot of action in this book and while I usually like that, some of it wasn’t the exciting kind. I did enjoy Corrine’s backstory a lot. I loved how the author weaved in true life events in New Zealand to give her a past. But some of the other details just fell flat to me.
One thing I really didn’t enjoy was the romance. It was just way too fast. I get teenagers do that stuff, but there was no real reason to have this be the case in this story. I mean, they were not drunk and making bad decisions. The world wasn’t ending and this might be the only chance they have at kissing. So this was just the boy’s MO. Which no. that’s not a hero I really want to root for in a YA book. I don’t mind the sex at all, but it seemed so out of place. One minute Corrine is acting childish, then the next her and her BFF are talking about Going All the Way.
I think the problem with Inner Fire is that it can’t make up its mind. It wants to be a new adult book and a young adult book at the same time. So that was confusing.
On the other hand, I did like the writing and the story, for the most part. It held my interest and I felt the plot idea was original. I think it just needed more details. More character building, more relationship building, and a tighter plot.
Three and a half stars for Inner Fire.
About R.L. Stedman
My name is Rachel Stedman. I’m a physiotherapist (physical therapist) by background, but now I work as a freelance contractor. I live in the wild and windy place of Dunedin, New Zealand, with my husband and two kids.
I write mostly for children and young adults. In 2012 I won the Tessa Duder Award for an unpublished YA work and my first novel, A Necklace of Souls, was published by HarperCollins in 2013 (available in the United Kingdom and on Book Depository from June 2015). This year, A Necklace of Souls was awarded Best First Book at the 2014 New Zealand Post Book Awards and won a Notable Book Award from Storylines. Inner Fire is my second novel.
Liz @ Fictional Candy
Sounds interesting. I don’t read so much YA anymore, but if this went full on NA I think I’d be all in. And I really liked your review – but I totally giggled that “she’d been dealt and unfortunate hand at birth” and she burns her hands…. heheh.
Liz @ Fictional Candy recently posted…Crush by JC Emery (Review & Giveaway)
Irma Jurejevčič
Sounds interesting, this is a new author to me and I’m glad I read this post!
naila be
this is one of those times when I want the book just for the cover
so firey
Shannon Blackwell-Williams
This books sounds awesome!! Thanks for all your giveaways!!
Filia Oktarina
Like the cover book. The story sounds interesting, thanks for sharing
Priscilla Slone Thacker
Sounds like something Iwould really enjoy reading! Thanks for the giveaway <3 You put so much time, work, and effort into your blog. Most of all I freaking LOVE your books! So glad I found you J.A Huss <3
Mary G Loki
Def want to read this! Thank you for the chance!
lea
thanks for the chance <3