Before She Ignites by Jodi MeadowsMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Before She Ignites takes place on the Fallen Islands, which live in a fragile peace, held together by the Mira Treaty. Mira, called the Hopebearer, was named after said treaty and has spent her life being groomed into the perfect example. But instead of looking nice at each and every gathering she prefers to spend her hours in the dragon century, protecting and caring for the creatures she loved and adores ever since her childhood. When the dragons go missing a terrible suspicion arises in Mira, which she – doing the right thing – voices in front of her home island's council. Betrayal stings sharply as Mira is suddenly faced with life-threatening changes and a battle she does not feel capable of, an adventure that will not only leave her own life in shambles but might shake the very foundations of the Treaty she was born to protect.
AND I LOVE THIS BOOK. I haven't written a review in ages and I fear I will spend this one just gushing about the amazing storytelling, the interesting characters, and the world I would love to visit in a heartbeat. Seriously, after Middle Earth and Faerie the Fallen Island are up there on the top of my fictional bucket list (And in comparison to the Hinterland and Faerie I might even have a chance of surviving longer than a day). I easily got lost in this world so well thought through and interesting, the concept of the gods alone left me in awe.
I can see that certain scenes might be triggering for people dealing with claustrophobia or a fear of the dark. I never struggled with either but the tension in this book made my heart race. I wonder how much time the other herself spend looked up in a dark dungeon to capture the feeling so well and compassionate (I hope none at all tbh)
Before She Ignites has been the first book I read by Jodi Meadows, though I saw her previous stories on several platforms and in several bookstores. I am very happy that I was introduced to this author for her writing style is easily readable, even for a non-natural speaker of the English language, and I was able to race through the entire book within days (I would not have survived waiting for the ending much longer if I am honest). But even on a second read the little details and her clear writing are more than enjoyable at a slower speed. I definitely intend to reread the entire book before the second one, As She Ascends, hits shelves later this year.
I must admit that Mira wasn't my favorite kind of protagonist at first glance, which turned out to be a rather good thing. We have seen thousands of strong and capable women, dealing with her own foes and shadows, gaining that so dearly desired and truly deserved happy ending. And while there is nothing wrong with it, I was delighted to see such a vulnerable character as a POV (and POC if I am not mistaken now ;) ), a character that slew her own demons in some ways, while still being relatable. (view spoiler) Am I throwing around too many happy words? I honestly cannot come up with anything bad about this book except for the fact that it ended and I still need to wait for the second one...
Yes, I admit it. This was a full five star read and though I always try to be not too fangirly in my reviews I can do nothing but fangirl when it comes to this book. It has been, by far, my favorite read of the last year!
For me, this book was very helpful when it came to dealing with stress. The characters deal with stress in their own ways, I for one am easily moved to tears when stressed – especially when patients and colleagues at work go crazy on me again – so „Strength through Silence“ has become some kind of mantra that truly helps me in these moments to remember: deep calm breaths!
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