Setting the World on Fire

Thank you Maggie K.C. Au for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this debut novel. First to any who read this there are triggers of sexual and physical abuse.

I loved the concept of this coming of age story. It is never easy growing up, at any age, and the obstacles in Becca's life are harsh lessons to live through. Having a family so unabashedly cold and cruel was heartbreaking. Being taken advantage of by people she believed were friends and cared about her was difficult to read as well. Watching Becca come into her strength, realize her worth, and work through her naivety was refreshing.

That being said I had a very hard time with Becca's character and connecting with her. I remember myself at 17 and Becca is an extremely unbelievable naive girl of 17. If she was younger, say 12 or 13, I could understand her character better. Girls in this day and age, even 10 years ago, know what drugs and sex were and are not so easily fooled into that sort of lifestyle. Yes, some girls at 17 are innocent and naive of life but not to this degree.

I think with further editing and drafts this will become a really great YA book about a young girl who learns she has value, learns to stand up for herself, and learns while life may not be easy, it is worth living.