Book Review: Fire and Flood by Victoria Scott

Fire & Flood 

(Fire & Flood #1) 

by 

Victoria Scott 

Pub February 25th 2014 

by Scholastic Press 

Summary

A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Lindy's Thoughts

Fire & Flood, by Victoria Scott, was a memorable, thrilling, suspense-filled adventure!  Ms. Scott has shown how talented, and multi-faceted her writing is.  I love her Collector Series, and Fire & Flood is vastly different in most aspects.  Yet, a few things that both of these series' have in common are unforgettable characters, an addictive story, and such vivid imagery, that you will feel like you are a part of the story!

The story is told from Tella, the main character's point of view.  Her older brother, Cody, is dying rapidly, of a strange illness, that the doctor's don't understand, and can't cure.  Tella and her family move to Montana, because her mother thinks that the fresh air will be good for Cody's health.  One day, a strange gadget appears on Tella's bed, but before she can listen to it, her father confiscates it.  Later, she learns that it contains an invitation to the Brimstone Bleed, a race against four ecosystems; jungle, desert, mountains, and water.  The winner of the race, will get the ultimate prize; the cure for a loved one who is dying.  So Tella, sneaks out of her home, to compete in the ultimate race.  

Fire & Flood reminded me a lot of the television show, Survivor, with Science-Fiction & Dystopian elements.  The competitors have to learn how to survive in harsh weather conditions, hunt and gather non-poisioness food, find drinkable water, and battle dangerous animals.  However, I wasn't prepared for the biggest danger of all; the fact that some of the other competitors would pose the largest threat of all.

One of my favorite aspects of the story were the "Pandora's."  These were animals that had been genetically modified, hatched from an egg, and were designed to help their competitor win the race.  Many of these Pandora's resembled typical animals in nature, but had very special skills.  They were fiercely loyal, and put their competitor's survival before their own.  My favorite Pandora, was Tella's cute little fox, Madox.  I enjoyed learning about the various Pandora's and their skills. 

I also loved many of the characters in this story, but Guy was my absolute favorite.  He had piercing blue eyes, and came off as callous and determined.  He was very mysterious, liked to be alone, and had great survival skills.  However, we learn fairly early on that he has a soft spot for Tella, and is very protective of her.  As the romance between these two began to heat up, I wanted more!  I can't wait for the next installment of this, to be continued series.  The ending left me excited for the next book.  This race has proven to be dangerous, and even deadly for some.  The stakes have gotten even higher, as Tella and Guy's feelings for each other have grown, and certain information has been revealed.  I wonder, where will it all lead?  

My Rating

Fire and Flood was a great story, and has the makings of an amazing movie.  There was suspense, action, adventure, a little romance, amazing characters, and endless twists and turns.  Two of which, I never saw coming!  I Give Fire & Flood, by Victoria Scott, 4  Addictive, Adventurous, Suspenseful, "I Want a Pandora," Filled Stars!  Pick up this story if you enjoy survival stories and Science Fiction.  This story is perfect for guys and girls of all ages!

The Way Ria See's It

PAN-FLIPPIN-DORAS everyone!!!!

When I first heard of this concept I was all like..."Oooh that sound interesting" and was it ever! Holy Moly so so so good! At first I was a petulant child because I wanted to know what was going on and I couldn't put my finger on it but once the race began and the questions started unravelling I was hooked! I even went so far as to EXPLODING on my fiancé yelling "Oh.MY.Gosh! You don't even know what is going on right now!!! They're going to KILL THEM!!!!" Then he says very calmly "Your right, because I don't even know who they are." I shoot out of the bed and say "Fine I'm going to charge your iPad but I REALLY need to get back to this uninterrupted!!" and I shook my book in his face, with a goofy grin and crazy laugh. As I walked out of the room I yelled over my shoulder "You don't even know babe! There is some serious stuff going on, and you almost got punched." Lol the fact that he puts up with me is a testament to his love. The fact that I didn't punch him in the throat for interrupting my reading during a very serious moment, so I could go "charge" his very not serious iPad is a testament of mine. :0) Um...but Seriously I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT!! What will it be? Ice Snow, Salt?.. Eeeeeeep!!!!!! V.S. is a genius. #Fact

F-resh air, Tella is taken away from her friends and her life as she knows it is changing.

I-rritating, Cody has always picked on Tella, its part of the brother sister dynamic.

R-eality, there is nothing Tella won't do for her brother her love for him will be her motivation.

E-vil, something has made her brother sick and all she wants if for him to get better.

A-dventure, Tella doesn't know what is happening but she knows she has to win she has to save her brother.

N-ights, are scary Tella has made allies but in the world she has been thrown into she's not sure if she can trust them.

D-eath, the pandoras offer protection but who will protect them.

F-iend, a cruel enemy is formed he will stop at nothing until he has what he wants.

L-ight, travels are more difficult but there is a task and a goal everyone wants to achieve.

O-pponent, cruel and a tad crazy Tella's enemy catches up to her.

O-ptions, none are left Tella is exhausted the rules demand she do this. With the guidance of her friend she does what she must. 

D-awn, after being in the dark for so long Tella vows to do things differently. With what she knows now, she will follow the path her heart takes her on.

There are a lot of twists and turns and crazy AWESOME story lines! This plays out like an epic adventure thats super addicting. Okay I seriously need the next book now! I am in love with it and I know this is going somewhere. There are a lot of secrets revealed but I'm feeling there is more we've yet to discover. Ms. Scott's writing is very gripping I would love to see this on the big screen!! Its like the Golden Compass meets the Hunger Games. Love love love!!!

My Fav's 

Madox

Tella's pandora I hate spoilers so I'll just say this...He is super Baaaaaaad A$$$$$$$$$$! 

Tella

Her character development is shocking. I liked her okay in the beginning but by the end of the book I was fist pumping for her success. I like that she is a normal girl with a fire in her heart. She loves openly and freely. I enjoyed seeing her take charge because she truly deserves it. 

Guy

Strong smart and prepared. He is mysterious but Tella snags his attention right away. Guy reveals parts of his heart and past to Tella but something tells me there is much more we have yet to discover.

My Rating

4.5 Cabin, Homeschool, Illness, White Device, Lion, Fox, Eagle, Elephant, Cheeta, Bear, Hawk, Serpent, Daring Quest Hopeful Love seeking stars! If you enjoy YA...This is going to rock your socks so pick it up!

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About The Author 

I’m a teen fiction writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. My work is represented by Sara Crowe of Harvey Klinger literary agency. I have a master’s degree in marketing, and currently live in Dallas with my husband, Ryan. My first series started with THE COLLECTOR, and was published by Entangled Teen in April 2013. The second book in the trilogy, THE LIBERATOR, will release August 2013. My next series kicks off with FIRE & FLOOD and is being published by Scholastic, February 2014

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