Shannon Price’s A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut–think The Outsiders meets The Iliad–that’s perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth. 10 Years. 3 Gangs. 1 Girl’s Epic Quest… Valerie Simons knows the Wars are dangerous–her little brother was killed by the Boars two years ago. But nothing will sway Valerie from joining the elite and beautiful Herons with her … sway Valerie from joining the elite and beautiful Herons with her boyfriend Matthew to avenge her brother. But when Jax, the volatile and beyond charismatic leader of the Stags, promises her revenge, Valerie is torn between old love and new loyalty.
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Gang wars, revenge, and volatile leaders? As a Sons of Anarchy fan, I couldn’t wait to read this (even though the gangs aren’t MCs).
First, let me say that it took enormous effort on my part to put down my Kindle while reading this – I was riveted. Valerie losing her younger brother is a tragic story, and her warring emotions are well-portrayed. Important topics such as depression, cutting, and talk of suicide are also addressed. While much of this book is very dark, having a supportive circle of family and friends is emphasized. The origin of the gangs is explained well, and the Stags fight against gentrification is understandable. I found myself rooting for them – just maybe not all the methods they use in their fight.
While I felt I knew Valerie and Micah pretty well, when it came to Jax, there were still several blank spaces by the end of the book. Valerie’s feelings for him seemed to be based on nothing more than his looks and the information he possessed that she wanted. He’s an interesting character, and I craved more details. The Westons and their influence were also a gray area for me, and more explanation of their involvement would have helped.
Taking the subject matter into account, don’t expect a unicorns and rainbow-type of ending, but many things are resolved. With a compelling tale involving themes of family, revenge, betrayal, and grief, this is a fantastic debut novel, and I’ll be looking for future books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (
Note: This Review contains NO spoilers
I enjoyed this debut novel from Shannon Price. Although I vaguely remember The Iliad and The Outsiders, I can say that A Thousand Fires definitely gave off a loose reimagining feel of such stories. Anyways, A Thousand Fires is a gripping and captivating story of love, loss, revenge, and sacrifice. Moreover, I think it is more fitting for an upper Young Adult audience since it contains mature content.
Shannon Price created an intriguing story with well-developed and complex characters that made this riveting story almost impossible to put down. With the subtle hints of romance, this story had its fair share of interesting and revealing twists. A Thousand Fires is also an emotional journey of a young woman’s search for “justice.”
I don’t want to say anymore or else I would reveal too much. I am not one to spoil a good book to others. I know this is a read that some may not enjoy, but I can say that the characters alone can be relatable to others. Moreover, these characters have qualities/aspects to real issues that many of today’s young adults deal with. So, yah, I think others will enjoy this YA debut novel.
Reviewer: Jasmine
Ok I read the preview provided on Netgalley so was quite intrigued to see where this story would go. Essentially we have Valerie who dearly wants more than anything to find out which gang member killed her brother. Her chance to finally find out is crushed when instead of being offered a position with the Herons she suddenly finds herself taken by the Stags ! Not what Valerie wanted but their unpredictable leader offers to help her so Valerie leaves behind her safe world and enters one full of secrets, deceit and danger.
I really wanted to like this as I thought the idea of Gangs reminded me of West Side Story and obviously Romeo and Juliet. I will say because Valerie is in love with Matthew the idea of star crossed lovers did crop up but sadly it didn’t actually go in the direction I’d hoped for. Valerie and Jax just never made sense to this reader as he wasn’t developed enough. Plus the three gangs and the power they had really wasn’t that believable. This is a standalone book so expect Valerie to get revenge but the cost is hard leaving this reader feeling empty.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair