~ Book Review: Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott ~

Title: Fire & Flood

Author: Victoria Scott

Publisher: Scholastic Press
Expected Release: February 25th, 2014
Pages: 320
Format: ARC
Source: Scholastic Press
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy

   

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

(4.5) 

Can I just ask for a Pandora? And I don't really mean a bracelet! LOL. Once you read this awesome story you will understand. Now, I have to say that I was really impressed with this book. The story captured me from beginning to end with all its OHs and AHs moments. I love that I was able to transport myself into the story and connect with the characters. It was thrilling, a wonderful ride of emotions that held my attention the whole time. I think the author this an amazing job creating and describing the world.

Tella, our main character, she came across selfish and childish at the beginning. But as the book progressed I got to know her. She is really strong and determined. I love that she is an average girl, she can be girly and goofy or she could be fierce and compassionate. She always hold her ground even in the most toughest situations. During her journey in the Brimstone Bleed, Tella grows, her character becomes more and more awesome! I found her protectiveness over her Pandora really sweet. 

This book was interesting, Ms. Scott definitely shocked me with this. The whole race concept was well done and written. The pace wasn't fast or slow, it was just the right pace. The story is not over detailed but it has enough details and descriptions to transport you inside the world. I love the main character and the secondary characters were pretty badass. I would love to see more of them in the next book. As for the love story within the story, it was not pushed or love at first sight. Tella and Guy balanced each other, and the things that he says and how he looks will make your knees feel like jello. 

Overall, I was pretty surprise with the story, it was really good and kept me turning pages, eager to discover more about this whole race. You will absolutely fall in love with Madox (Tella’s Pandora) and with the secondary characters as well, and there are some other characters that you will want to strangle to death! Be aware that this book will keep you at the edge of your seat, biting your nails! And what I love the most is the reason why Tella entered the race, her brother. I would totally go thru all that for my baby brother. If you love survival stories, family bonds and kick-ass action, this book is for you!