I received this book at no cost from the publisher
A Thousand Fires by Shannon PriceISBN: 1250219426
Published by Tor Teen on October 27, 2020
Pages: 304
Goodreads
Paperback : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 1250219426
ISBN-13 : 978-1250219428
Publisher : Tor Teen (October 27, 2020)
Language: : English
“A Thousand Fires pulls you in close and shows you the essence of what it means to keep fighting. Shannon Price is one to watch.” ―Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds
“Brutal and beautiful, A THOUSAND FIRES broke my heart. A fast-paced tragedy of love, betrayal, and vengeance.” ―Heidi Heilig, author of FOR A MUSE OF FIRE
“Modern, unflinching and filled with haunting, lingering imagery, A Thousand Fires gives the story of the Iliad the bare-knuckled update it deserves.” ―Colleen Oakes, author of The Black Coats
“Fast-paced… Vivid descriptions and intricate details bring San Francisco to life … A promising debut.” ―Kirkus
“A heart-wrenching tale… action-packed and intense… A fantastic read.” ―School Library Journal
Shannon Price’s A Thousand Fires is a breakout contemporary debut―think The Outsiders meets The Iliad―that’s perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Veronica Roth.
10 Years. 3 Gangs. 1 Girl’s Epic Quest…
Valerie Simons knows the city’s gang wars are dangerous—her own brother was killed by the Boars two years ago. But nothing will sway her from joining the elite and beautiful Herons to avenge his death—a death she feels responsible for.
But when Valerie is recruited by the mysterious Stags, their charismatic and volatile leader Jax promises to help her get revenge. Torn between old love and new loyalty, Valerie fights to stay alive as she races across the streets of San Francisco to finish the mission that got her into the gangs.
REVIEW
It is so hard to classify this book – it is a mash-up of contemporary, fantasy, and dystopian genres. The story follows Valerie through the streets of San Francisco and the gangs that exist there like the Stags (new money), the Boars, (natives), and the Herons (old money) as they fight with vigilance to reign over the city. The gangs conscript new members without consequences for those who decline which seems strange but *suspend belief* and move on to the rest of the story. Valerie wants to join the Herons so she can find out who murdered her brother. There is nonstop action with a small romance that was more of an afterthought. I really did love the story and the writing.
SHANNON PRICE is a proud Filipina-American and Bay Area native. She once led an a cappella group for three years despite not knowing how to read music, and she carries that same level of confidence in every area of her life. When not writing, she can be found watching baking shows, exploring old bookstores, and going to the beach as often as she can.
Her debut novel A Thousand Fires is a YA reimagining of the Iliad set in modern day San Francisco. She is represented by Elana Roth Parker of Laura Dail Literary Agency and thanks her lucky stars that she is.
INTERVIEW
- What is on your nightstand?
I keep it simple: plant, lamp, and a picture frame of one of my favorite quotes. - What author would you totally fan?
Claudia Gray. She has such a successful career and has been in the industry so long; I don’t know what we’d talk about! I’d just want to listen to her give any and all advice whether it’s about storytelling, or just life! - What makes you cringe?
I hate getting shots and have to mentally prepare for days in advance. - Do you obsessively plot out each point or just go with the flow?
I go with the flow! - Is there a word you love to use?
Not one in particular, because I think it’d stand out too much if I used one word repeatedly. I do love the word “panacea” and was able to sneak it into my next book.
