Before She Ignites - (Fallen Isles) by Jodi Meadows (Paperback)

About the Book

Mira has always been a symbol of hope for the Fallen Isles, perfect and beautiful -- or at least that's how she's forced to appear. When she uncovers a dangerous secret, Mira is betrayed by those closest to her and sentenced to the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles. Except Mira is through being a pawn. Fighting to survive against outer threats and inner demons of mental illness, Mira must find her inner fire and the scorching truth about her own endangered magic -- before her very world collapses.

Book Synopsis

"A fully realized fantasy world complete with dragons, treachery, and flawed characters discovering their courage. I couldn't put it down!" --C. J. Redwine, New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow Queen

From the New York Times bestselling co-author of My Plain Jane comes a smoldering new fantasy trilogy perfect for fans of Victoria Aveyard and Kristin Cashore about a girl condemned for defending dragons and the inner fire that may be her only chance of escape.

Mira has always been a symbol of hope for the Fallen Isles, perfect and beautiful--or at least that's how she's forced to appear. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret, Mira is betrayed by those closest to her and sentenced to the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles.

Except Mira is over being a pawn. Fighting to survive against outer threats and inner demons of mental illness, Mira must find her inner fire and the scorching truth about her own endangered magic--before her very world collapses.

And that's all before she ignites.

• A Strong Female Protagonist: From a perfect political pawn to a fighter who refuses to be silenced, Mira must find her own strength in a world determined to break her.
• Wrongfully Imprisoned: Betrayed for uncovering a dangerous secret, Mira is cast into the deadliest prison in the Fallen Isles, where survival is the only rule.
• Mental Health Representation: A gripping survival story that authentically portrays a hero's battle with inner demons and debilitating anxiety.
• A World of Dragons: In a realm where dragons are sacred but endangered, one girl's defense of them costs her everything and ignites a power she never knew she had.

Review Quotes

"Do not walk, run to get this book, so you can devour it like I did! Mira is a fascinating and flawed heroine who tilts the world on its side. I loved her and this fiercely imagined world. Jodi Meadows is a genius." - Mary Pearson, New York Times bestselling author of The Remnant Chronicles

"A fully realized fantasy world complete with dragons, treachery, and flawed characters discovering their courage. I couldn't put it down!" - C .J. Redwine, New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow Queen

"Complex world-building and luminous storytelling. Mira will sear a mark on your heart long after the final page is consumed." - Stacey Lee, award-winning author of Outrun the Moon

"The complex political system is compellingly built, and Mira's characterization is admirable. Hand to fans of rich world building--and, of course, fans of dragons."

- ALA Booklist

"Meadows portrays acutely Mira's insecurities about not living up to the demands of her station or to her mother's expectations...while exploring issues of inclusivity and discrimination. Fans of Naomi Novik's Temeraire series or Julie Kagawa's Talon books will be delighted." - Publishers Weekly

"In this first of the Fallen Isles Trilogy, Meadows sows the seeds for an exciting follow-up and creates a rich, vivid world with characters who blossom on the page.... A page-turner that promises future intrigue, special powers, and dragon adventures." - Kirkus Reviews

"If you were looking for a new YA fantasy book to read with incredibly diverse characters, fantastical world-building, and a riveting plot, then Before She Ignites is the book for you. This book is what the future of the YA genre should be." - Geeks of Color

"...fast-paced, with surprising twists and turns. This richly written fantasy--the first in a trilogy--will keep readers asking whom to trust and wondering what's true." - School Library Journal

Meadows weaves a taut narrative of loss, betrayal, and friendship, building a politically and environmentally fascinating world that readers who are looking for fantasies that center on people of color will especially appreciate. Readers struggling with mental health issues will be especially heartened to see a heroine whose anxiety doesn't define her. - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Meadows weaves a taut narrative of loss, betrayal, and friendship, building a politically and environmentally fascinating world that readers who are looking for fantasies that center on people of color will especially appreciate. - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books