I was really surprised by how much I wound up enjoying Wicked Like a Wildfire. Yes, it's a slow starter. Yes, it's very odd. Yes, it's a lot of pretty, purple prose. But all of these things, together with the lore, the characters and this story, really came together in a way that wound up working for me as a reader. I'm really happy that I liked this one, but before I go into the specific things I enjoyed, let me tell you a little bit about what it's about.
Wicked Like A Wildfire is the story of twin sisters Iris and Malina, who were born into a bloodline where all the women have a magical ability (known as a 'gleam') to manipulate beauty. Iris can see flowers in fractals and work with glass, while Malina translates emotions into music. Their mother forbids them to share their magic or their hearts with anyone in order to keep them safe. But everything unravels when their mother is attacked, and the sisters discover the truth about their family, their abilities and themselves.
I'll say right off the bat that Wicked Like a Wildfire will not appeal to every single reader. The first part of it meanders a little, as the reader is introduced to the main characters, the setting and the magic. I personally didn't mind the build-up, clearly, as I found myself entranced with how the rest of the story unfolds - the discoveries that the twins make about their magic, the relationships that blossom and flourish, the magical moments that are sprinkled in every now and then. I felt like I was truly swept up in this potent mix of magical lore, terrified and fascinated and troubled at turns by the odd, dark, beautiful, magical story. It was immersive, and I enjoyed every second I spent reading it.
While I won't give a general recommendation for Wicked Like a Wildfire (since I know taste-wise, it'll garner a variety of reactions), I personally liked it and would recommend checking it out if premise appeals to you.
Wicked Like a Wildfire by Lana Popović | Series: Hibiscus Daughter #1
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books | Publication Date: August 15, 2017
Source: e-galley downloaded from Edelweiss (Thank you!)
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