Review: Firespell by Chloe Neill

Title: Firespell
Author: Chloe Neill
Reading Level: Young Adult
Series: The Dark Elite book 1
IBSN: 9780451228864
Blurb:
As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

My Thoughts:

Lily is expecting her junior year of high school to be normal. How can it be anything but normal in her small town of Sagamore New York. Lily's parents have other ideas. When they get the opportunity of a lifetime--to do research in Germany for two years--they send Lily to boarding school. Yes, you heard right, boarding school. Snotty rich girls, plaid skirts, headmistresses and all. How can it get any worse? Lily is about to find out.

In a genre laden with boarding school dramas how can one possibly stand out? Ask Chloe Neill. She did an excellent job of making Firespell stand out above all the others. How, you may ask. By writing exceptionally interesting fun characters.

Lily and Scout were definitely my favorite part of the book and definitely two of my favorite characters I have read in a long time. The banter between the two was laugh out loud funny at times. They were witty and intelligent as opposed to airheahed and dense. They were just an all around hoot to read about! Not to mention all the great side characters. From the snotty girls to the hot guys, they were all exceptionally well written.

The premise of the Dark Elite was very intriguing. I always love books where there is an array of powers and not just vampires or werewolves. I can't wait for the second installment to learn more about everyone's different powers and the Reapers. This one definitely leaves you wanting more!

All in all Firespell is a must read for any paranormal junkie! Chloe Neill is a great new voice in YA. 4 Stars!

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher for review, free of charge.