Book Shelf: Firewalker (The Worldwalker Trilogy #2) by Josephine Angelini

Lily Proctor has made it back to her own universe, and it's finally time for her and Rowan to be happy and relax. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape, and they must hide her new magic for the safety of the world, but compared to fighting the monstrous Woven and leading armies in the alternate Salem, life is looking good.

'You think I'm a monster, but my choices, as ruthless as they seem, are justified.'

Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. Lily is the closest version of herself she's ever seen in all her worldwalking, and Lillian's running out of time. If she can't persuade Lily and Rowan to return to her world, she'll have to find a way to make them come back.

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Review:

Josephine Angelini is back with the second novel in her Worldwalker series, Firewalker, and continues to expand the already intricate world she introduced in Trial by Fire; taking readers on another magical adventure where not everything is as it seems. 

After the events of the last novel, newly discovered witch Lily Proctor finds herself back in her own world….only she hasn’t returned alone. Her head mechanic and boyfriend Rowan has returned with her, having refused to let her go whilst she was on the pyre. Though Lily would love to forget everything that happened while she was in the alternate universe, her alter ego Lillian refuses to allow her to do just that; reaching out to Lily and even sending someone after her. With no choice but to return, Lily, Rowan and a new bunch of mechanics journey back, putting in motion events that will change the way Lily, Rowan and the Outlanders will view their world forever….. 

Having enjoyed Trial by Fire, I was thrilled to discover that Firewalker more than lived up to its predecessor. Sometimes sequels fail to do so, but this is not the case with this novel, as Josephine Angelini expands on her already detailed world and adds another layer to the characters, mythology and creatures within her series. Loyalties are questioned and the motives of key characters are explored in a different light throughout Firewalker; especially Lillian. 

Considering all that she has done, and will continue to do, we finally come to understand the reasons behind Lillian’s harsh actions and inexcusable behavior in Firewalker. And in thrilling fashion, Angelini manages to blur the line between good and evil; making you contemplate just who are the good guys versus the bad guys. Angelini makes you question the importance of doing things for the greater good, something we see her character of Lillian dealing with throughout the story.

Our main character Lily truly has grown throughout Trial by Fire and Firewalker. Towards the end of this second instalment, Lily reads very much like a seasoned woman, as opposed to the unsure teenage girl we first met. I like the growth in her and how Angelini showcases the differences between her and Lillian, while also expressing how very similar they are. This book really shows the power choice and free will can have on a person. 

Alongside Rowan, Lily also takes on some new mechanics in Firewalker, including the “other” Tristan from her home world and characters Breakfast and Una. I loved the dynamic between these three together with Lily and Rowan. They really cared deeply about each other and I thought Josephine Angelini did a great job with the romance, friendship and camaraderie's in this novel. 

The idea that the Woven are not as simple as they appear is something Angelini highlights in this instalment and if any of the discoveries we’ve made so far and the hints that have been dropped are anything to go by, then there is a lot Angelini has up her sleeve. And I for one am looking forward to discovering what that is. 

Exciting and action packed, Firewalker is passionate, but not without its losses and revelations. Leaving readers at a critical moment Josephine Angelini sets us up excellently for the next novel; ensuring that readers like myself will be dying to get their hands on the next books as soon as possible. 

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Pan Macmillan (Thank you Alana!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: Fantasy fans will love.
Cover: I love this cover. It's really striking.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. I look forward to more!