Trial by Fire

September 29, 2014
A native of Salem, Mass., Lily Proctor seems allergic to the worldâshe can't even go out with her crush Tristan without collapsing, sick, in front of her classmates. When a powerful witch named Lillian, identical to Lily in every way, tricks her into crossing into a parallel Salem, Lily's "allergies" become symptoms of her enormous power as a "Crucible." In this medieval yet modern alternate Salem (which Lillian rules), fearsome, manmade creatures called the Woven terrorize non-citizens. As at home, Lily has a sister, Juliet, and a friend named Tristan in this Salem, but there is also Rowan, a beautiful witch's mechanic, or attendant, to whom Lily is powerfully drawn. Angelini (the Starcrossed series) creates an escapist fantasy infused with magic and complicated romance, while taking up themes of science gone wrong and humans' endangerment of the world and their environment. The ways in which the two worlds mirror one anotherâspecifically, how Lily's weakness in one realm means strength in the otherâprovide emotional resonance and fascinating possibilities for subsequent books in the Worldwalker trilogy. Ages 12âup. Agent: Mollie Glick, Foundry Literary + Media.

Emma Galvin's confident and measured narration introduces Angelini's new fantasy series, which delves into parallel dimensions, one of which contains doppelgŠngers with magical powers. In her own dimension Lily is sick and weak, characteristics that are reflected in a timid and cautious voice. Rowan, a local warlock, helps Lily learn her newfound magical powers. Galvin nails the relationship between Lily and Rowan--their emotional connection crackles with intensity. Lily's doppelgŠnger, Lilian, has a raspy tone stripped of all compassion. The more confident Lily becomes with her powers, the deeper Lilian descends into raging madness, which Galvin nails with the perfect maniacal pitch. The narration is paced just right, keeping the listener fully engaged until the cliff-hanger ending. M.F.T. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine