Kiki and Jules Rating: 5 stars
Kiki and I often read the same books, though at different times, and discuss them at great lengths after. On very rare occasions we find a book that we must read together. This book was one of those exceptions. When I first started Fire and Ice I was intrigued, but somewhat lost. I quickly called up Kiki and after a brief review of where I stood in the book she was hooked. She quickly caught up with me and we were off to the races. Through laughter, frustration, and some immense OMG heat, we blew up our phones with text messages. We were so caught up after page 30 there was no way we were putting this book down. That alone earns this book the 5 stars, but oh dear readers, there was so much more.
Carrie Olguin takes you to Majien, one of the Five Worlds after the radiation storms. The story seems to start off in the middle. You are at the Majien Advanced Learning Academy awaiting the proposal of Noble Judge Rosche to Sarica, the Professor's daughter. Professor Stockley needs funding for an exploration that Rosche is willing to offer with a catch, his daughter's hand. The Professor, who is going on the expedition with or without Rosche's funding, leaves the decision up to Sarica. You do not know the ins and outs of what went on with Rosche and the Professor at this point, and neither does Sarica. That's why she harshly refutes him before he even gets the proposal out. The next thing we know Sarica's father has failed in his expedition and died. She has been thrown in debtors prison awaiting an auction that will sell her off to the highest bidder. In comes Rosche again to save the day, or so he thinks, by paying off her debts and taking her on as a "servant". He knows this deal comes in a distant second to his ultimate goal, Sarica becoming his wife.
Sarica, who is a very intelligent scholar that dreams of running free, exploring the Five Worlds, can't believe she is in this dire situation. She just got out from under the tight control of her over-protective father to fall into the hands, of what she feels, is a crude, cold-hearted judge that only wants to use her as a sex slave. What Sarica does not know is that Rosche also has an Anom gift, one that is the complete opposite of her Din cold generation. Rosche has the gift of Drakond fire. What she also does not know is that Rosche desperately needs her because only her gift can control the heat within him, and he will do anything to possess her, forever. This, my friends, is where the fun begins!
Fire and Ice, with its large cast of characters, has many twists and turns that make it much more than a love story. There is an extensive subplot that goes on in this series, and Kiki and I both felt this first book was just the tip of the iceberg in letting you know what is really going on in the Five Worlds. There is so much more that Olguin could have said, and so many different ways she can take the next book. Kiki and I are completely invested in the series and can't wait for the next installment. I do have to give one warning. This is 100% an adult book. There are some very racy scenes that can make even the most veteran of readers blush. But please don't let that stop you. We encourage you to pick up this book, and then dare you to try and put it down!
Happy Reading
~Jules
