I initially loved everything about The Fire Artist, until I thought more deeply about the novel when penning this review. (Basically, I had the same reaction to Twilight.) The author’s writing is compelling, but for what purpose? So we, as the readers, can experience yet another insta-love, or so we can read about a lackluster protagonist? Either way, Whitney’s approach worked out in my case.
Aria is an performing artist, just not in the way you’d expect. She plays with the elements, creating fire from her hands. Yet Aria is a thief as much as she is an artist; she steals her power her lightning. Such a risk seems to pay off when Aria is recruited to perform, but her power is fading too fast to keep stealing. Left with no choice, Aria turns to a Granter, a modern day genie. Of course, her wish comes at a high price, which increases when Aria falls in love with the Granter. Aria must decide just how much her heart, body, and soul are worth.
As sick as I am of clichés in general, I’m especially exasperated of this idea called love at first sight. Two characters make eye contact and fall in lust–you get the picture. The Fire Artist brings such insta-love to new extremes. Aria becomes scarily obsessed with her Granter, her “beautiful boy.” Add in the fact that Aria tries to justify her instant obsession, and you’ve got one annoyed book reviewer. I’m all for finding exceptions to rules, but there is no exception to my “insta-love is terrible” opinion. In fact, The Fire Artist is the epitome of insta-loves gone wrong. Harsh criticism, yes, but it is also the unfortunate truth.
Insta-love aside, I liked the tone of The Fire Artist. Initially, there were many conflicting tones, as if Whitney hadn’t set her mind on one specific tone. However, by the middle of the book, Whitney figured out how she wanted to her novel to come off as – seriously fun, intriguing, and somewhat magical. The author’s idea, combining the elements with genies and a powerful back story, is promising. Her mastery of tone further elevates the novel’s status, but it all comes crashing down when the romance takes center stage and falls victim to classic tropes.
Still, The Fire Artist is an enjoyable light read, perfect for those spring and summer days.
Rating: 6 out of 10
Publisher: Bloomsbury (October 14th, 2014)
Length: 288 pages (Hardcover)
ISBN #: 9781619631328
Source: Netgalley
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