Nothing big and crazy, but just enough to make me smile. I was also happy to see there was a little bit of romance. I didn’t really feel like there were any that were swept under the rug or that I didn’t get to know very well so I was happy about that. Also, the author is juggling a lot of characters here, twelve to be exact, but I felt like she did a good job of keeping up with each character. Everyone had to their quirks and weaknesses and strengths and I loved learning about these things. It was sad and heartbreaking and really helped me to connect a little better to the character.Īlso, the characters were so wonderfully written and diverse and I loved them. Speaking of time, we also get a few flashbacks of Natalia’s to help us understand what happened to her and her family all those years ago. It helped me to keep track of how things were going for them, but I also just thought it was interesting and a nice touch to the story. Something else I enjoyed, that was kinda a small thing, were the time stamps on each chapter. But I liked that it kept me so intrigued with what would happen next and invested in the characters. I was so anxious by the end and half convinced that I would never hike again.

Someone got hurt, or sick, or nearly died in every chapter. The first chapter told us how the fire was started and then jumped into the story in the second chapter.Īs well, when I say this book was nerve-wracking, I mean it! Literally everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. I like that the plot started almost right off the bat. 'A must-have for YA mystery-thriller collections.This book was exciting, nerve-wracking, and very well-paced! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting to see how they were going to solve their next challenge. Recommended for middle school and high school mystery/thriller/suspense collections and for April Henry fans.' - VOYA, starred review 'Henry has done it again with another edge-of-your-seat mystery/thriller. Winner of the Anthony Award for Best Young Adult Mystery Novel A thriller that manages to be both creepy and fun.' - Kirkus Reviews 'Henry delivers a compelling thriller that weaves supernatural elements into a topical tapestry of loss, betrayal, and family drama. Hand to anyone in search of a page-turner.' - Booklist clear, lucid prose and well-paced action scenes make for a fast, accessible read. 'Taut and suspenseful, with a hint of the supernatural.

'Well written and undeniably, regrettably relevant given the inevitability of future West Coast conflagrations.' - The Bulletin 'Inspiration abounds, though, as the teens work together, making this read adventurous as well as satisfying.' - Booklist April Henry's YA mysteries have collectively been awarded over fifty state honors and awards.

Playing with fire by april henry