Book Review of Ignite by Jenna Terese

Book by Jenna Terese

 Review by Grace A. Johnson

*Warnings*

#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.

Synopsis: 

Scarlett Marley was a normal girl with big dreams until she is attacked by an illegal super with fire powers, somehow giving her powers too. With no choice but turning herself in, Scarlett must adjust to being branded a criminal.

Although Ignite may have been my first sci-fi superhero novel, it certainly wasn’t my first YA novel, but, y’all, it was definitely one of the very best I’ve ever read! (YA novels, that is; not superhero novels.)

Jenna Terese accomplished something very few YA authors can do: she wrote a novel that was action-packed and adventurous, wholesome but exciting, and engaging while also being uplifting and thought-provoking. She wove beautiful themes and Christian messages into a story about people with superpowers. She tailored a story to young adults and teens without dumbing things down, but also kept her focus on what truly matters - family, love, sacrifice, human rights - things that inspire and encourage rather than depress or sully (like secular YA fiction does). She threw curveballs and emotional punches in the gut, pacing everything perfectly and balancing plot with development expertly.

I can’t say I’m shocked, but I certainly am amazed! Jenna Terese is a blessing to her genre, let me tell ya! If you’ve had the chance to read her novel, then I’m sure you can agree - but if not, don’t worry! I’m here to convince you to do so! By using what I like to call the Six Ps of a Novel - Prose, Plot, Pacing, People, Purpose, and Preachiness!

Prose:

From a technical perspective, Jenna is a consummate writer with a masterful technique. Her prose is even, strong, and possesses a gentle melody. Hers and Scarlett’s voices came through clearly; she balanced action and description with thought and emotion; there was clarity in her writing without it being blunt. Not to mention, I don’t remember catching a single error or typo!

Plot:

As for the plot? Despite all the tried-and-true superhero tropes, I never felt like I was reading “just another superhero book” or that “same old story,” The plot was unique, engaging, and the perfect balance of action and development! Jenna certainly pulled off a deep, introspective, and emotional action novel - something I’d never expect! Not to mention, the twists were all perfectly written!

I think really the only qualm I had with the plot - with the story as a whole, actually - was that there seemed to be several unexplained things. Loose ends for the next book to tie up? Maybe. But I think some of the information Jenna left out - like how exactly Scarlett was able to get powers from another superhuman - made the story a little confusing.

Pacing:

Her pacing was in perfect synchronization with her plot. The exciting, action-packed scenes were intense and detailed, but always moved along quickly; while her thoughtful, reflective scenes were slow but smooth and steady. Woven together, everything read so smoothly. I never felt like anything important had been glossed over, rushed, or omitted, nor did I think anything was “milked,” so to speak.

People:

Of course, “people” refers to characters, all of which felt so real. From our heroine Scarlett, to Ares and Nadia and Seth, to Dr. Bailey, to Rez and Ivon and the rest of the gang - every character was different, unique, vibrant, and so full of life! Although I typically dislike heroines (particularly those of the YA variety), I liked Scarlett and her point-of-view—the way she grew, the way her mindset changed. Going on that emotional and physical journey with her was an experience.

As for Ares and Nadia and Seth, Jenna did a fantastic job of bringing them to life and portraying their emotions and internal struggles. Most of the time, your side characters are clichéd and under-developed and rather boring—but not Ignite’s!

As for Dr. Bailey? He was such a good antagonist! I literally kept going back and forth on whether he was secretly good or totally evil and then all of a sudden, PLOT TWIST. Once Jenna threw in that epic twist (that I will definitely not spoil), Dr. Bailey’s character developed a hundred new layers that enriched his character even more.

And Rez. I will spare y’all the spoilers, but suffice it to say that Rez was my favorite character of this book. He was perfectly written and represented and is worthy of tons of fangirling...which I shall save for a later date…

As much as I love these characters, though, Ian and Crynn fell flat for me - at least in comparison to the rest of the cast. Since they were secondary characters, it wasn’t too big of a deal, but I feel like they had a lot more potential and could have been delved into more to help explain the whys behind some of their actions.

Purpose:

One of the main reasons why I rarely ever read YA fiction is because of a lack of purpose. It seems that some books are simply there...or at the very least there to make some sort of statement or push an agenda. But not Ignite. This story had a strong theme that I adored, and Jenna kept the focus on her message rather than creating a story that lacked the foundation of a true meaning and purpose.

 This is a story that highlights the sanctity of life and our God-given right as humans - all of us, no matter our race or age - to live and fulfill His purpose for our lives. Another reviewer also pointed out how Jenna’s message of being true to yourself is so applicable in today’s society - and not in the world’s definition of being “true” to some “inner self” that goes against God’s design, but instead in the exact opposite: be true to who God created you to be, not what the world wants you to be. Now, that is worthy of an amen right there!

Preachiness:

Y’all know me...I’m a proud supporter of preachy fiction (don’t give me that look) and books that are glorifying to God. Hence why I’ve included a section all about spiritual content (or preachiness) included in the novel! The Christian elements were very subtle, as the setting of Ignite seemed to be almost a dystopian American, in which the spread of Christianity has lessened considerably...but He was there, and that was so beautiful to see! One character quoted Scripture several times and would openly talk about God, applying Him and His Word to the situation at hand. Although there was never any spiritual resolution on Scarlett’s part (also known as a come-to-Jesus moment), Jenna left it open for the next book to explore God more and show how His love for all His creations affects Scarlett!

All in all, basically everything about Ignite was perfect. How strong but unassuming Scarlett was. How developed and inspiring her journey was. How beautiful the story of a God who loves us all was. How action-packed and well-paced this story was. How unexpected the plot twists were. How awesome *coughs* certain characters were *coughs*. If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to find yourself a copy of Ignite today and show your support for one of our own!

Ignite by Jenna Terese is currently available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle formats!

Disclaimer:

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The author of this review is an Amazon Affiliate and thereby may include affiliate links in her review, from which she will receive a commission in the case of any qualifying purchases being made through the aforementioned links.