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biblizo's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mikaylaslibrary's review
4.25
Reminded me of Percy Jackson and The Land of Stories, which are two of my favourite childhood book series. I loved that it was set on Vancouver Island as well.
The book feels like it was written for a younger audience, but it was still enjoyable, and I need another book.
The book feels like it was written for a younger audience, but it was still enjoyable, and I need another book.
moeboutuncoated's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The book was special and Thea's identity added an interesting layer to the already complex situation
daniellereadsandstuff's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
mixedreader's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you @rowhousepub for the opportunity to read Why We Play with Fire by Giselle Vriesen! It’s a story of magic, belonging, and finding your path that tugged at my heart through the whole book. On her socials, @gisellevriesen has talked about writing parts of her identity into the story — wishing for characters that reflected her diverse background and perspective. If you know me, you know that’s been my journey too as a reader, writer, and teacher, so I knew I’d feel connected to the narrative.
From the beginning of the novel, Thea describes her experience feeling ostracized and disconnected, with the exception of one best friend. Suddenly, a dark magic attack takes over their home and Thea is separated from her mother and nana, the only caretakers she knows. Pushed in a direction by her mother, she ends up in a hidden, magical home of the Malachite, a space where young people who carry the lineage of gods from different traditions learn about their destinies and their powers. But Thea doesn’t get the chance to settle in, as another attack that threatens the safety of this sacred place pulls her into a quest that demands she does the learning along the way.
Vriesen is a vivid and detailed writer, keeping us immersed in detail while building beautiful worlds in this book. As Thea and friends move between magical spaces, I felt grounded in each reality and attuned to Thea’s emotional / social development along the way. Gifted with a hypersensitivity to emotion (feeling like a nod to Butler’s Lauren from Parable), Thea’s journey to self discovery feels dynamic and deeply connected to those around her.
From that living between cultures perspective, there’s also something really important & affecting about the way lineage is talked about in this novel, particularly in the acceptance/ rejection of lineage, choosing connecting with ancestors, and the sense and purpose within those identities. I’ll be thinking about this for a while, with gratitude
From the beginning of the novel, Thea describes her experience feeling ostracized and disconnected, with the exception of one best friend. Suddenly, a dark magic attack takes over their home and Thea is separated from her mother and nana, the only caretakers she knows. Pushed in a direction by her mother, she ends up in a hidden, magical home of the Malachite, a space where young people who carry the lineage of gods from different traditions learn about their destinies and their powers. But Thea doesn’t get the chance to settle in, as another attack that threatens the safety of this sacred place pulls her into a quest that demands she does the learning along the way.
Vriesen is a vivid and detailed writer, keeping us immersed in detail while building beautiful worlds in this book. As Thea and friends move between magical spaces, I felt grounded in each reality and attuned to Thea’s emotional / social development along the way. Gifted with a hypersensitivity to emotion (feeling like a nod to Butler’s Lauren from Parable), Thea’s journey to self discovery feels dynamic and deeply connected to those around her.
From that living between cultures perspective, there’s also something really important & affecting about the way lineage is talked about in this novel, particularly in the acceptance/ rejection of lineage, choosing connecting with ancestors, and the sense and purpose within those identities. I’ll be thinking about this for a while, with gratitude
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
dawnshaee's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
booknallnight's review
fast-paced
5.0
It's been a while since I enjoyed a book so completely. Once I got started reading this I had a hard time putting it down. There is so much to love within these pages:
Mythology ✔️
Magic ✔️
Good vs. Evil ✔️
Enemies to Friends ✔️
Strong Female Characters ✔️
Amazing Writing ✔️
Thea is such a great character, and is so relatable. Paired with Teal, Tiana, the Malachites and yes, even Zero, it makes for an adventure worth getting lost in.
I am desperately hoping there is a follow up to Why We Play With Fire. With that ending..there are so many possibilities and I am here for them all. This is definitely one for fans of YA Fantasy, Mythology, and Magic. Go. Grab. This.
I sincerely appreciate the author for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Mythology ✔️
Magic ✔️
Good vs. Evil ✔️
Enemies to Friends ✔️
Strong Female Characters ✔️
Amazing Writing ✔️
Thea is such a great character, and is so relatable. Paired with Teal, Tiana, the Malachites and yes, even Zero, it makes for an adventure worth getting lost in.
I am desperately hoping there is a follow up to Why We Play With Fire. With that ending..there are so many possibilities and I am here for them all. This is definitely one for fans of YA Fantasy, Mythology, and Magic. Go. Grab. This.
I sincerely appreciate the author for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
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