TRIAL BY FIRE by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: EgmontUSA (June 14, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606841688
Source: Publisher
Rating: YYYY Y

Bryn is finally settling into her position as alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack- or at least, her own version of what it mean to be alpha when you’re a human leading a band of werewolves. Then she finds a teenage boy bleeding on her front porch. Before collapsing, he tells her his name is Lucas, he’s a Were, and Bryn’s protection is his only hope.

But Lucas isn’t part of Bryn’s pack, and she has no right to claim another alpha’s Were. With threats old and new looming, and danger closing in from all sides, Bryn will have to accept what her guardian Callum knew all along. To be alpha, she will have to give in to her own animal instincts and become less human. And at the end of the day, she’s going to have to do it alone.

My Thoughts

Trial by Fire is the heart stopping sequel to Jennifer Lynn Barnes Raised by Wolves series. I have been eagerly waiting for this read for nearly a year and was not disappointed in the least. I adore this series and it's kick-ass protagonist combined with a were story that is unlike any lupine adventure before it.

Trial by Fire shortly takes off after Raised by Wolves ended with Bryn being the Alpha in a newly formed and small pack. Bryn is taking each day in stride, testing her boundaries while keeping her pack safe. Then a severely wounded wolf literally collapses on Bryn's doorstep and he is seeking refuge, and that is bad news because he belongs to another pack of a sworn enemy. Bryn soon realizes that although she will do anything to save and protect her pack she is still human and no match for the power and ruthlessness of a were. Especially one that would rather see her dead, but that is the least of her problems for a new adversary makes their presence known and they play dirty. Bryn and her pack will have to work together to fight off their enemies but at what cost will she be willing to win?

Can I just say WOWZA! because I am style hyped up about this amazing read. I am a big fan of Bronwyn Alessia St. Vincent Clare aka Bryn a resilient protagonist that is intelligent, fearless and human alpha of a unique were pack. I know you might think that the idea of a human being in charge of a pack of wolves to be a bit off and unbelievable but that is the beauty of this story, for it totally works. You become immediately consumed with this story and just when you think you have things figured out the rug gets pulled from underneath you and you're left on your backside. . . .stunned. I know this occured when I read Raised by Wolves but this time the stakes have been raised and no one is safe. A new group of characters splash the pages and they are wicked to behold and witness as they demonstrate what they are capable off. I found them a great additional twist to the storyline even though they strongly reminded me of a certain breed of sparkly red-eyed vampires, minus the fangs.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes has penned an action packed adventure that is taunt with mystery, unimaginable situations and remarkable characters. When I read the last few pages I was left with my mouth wide open contemplating on how I would handle waiting for next book to come out because I need to know NOW what is going to happen next to Bryn and her company of wolves and you will also.

Memorable Moment: "Damn him for doing this to me. Damn him to hell and back, but I wasn't going to die crying. Given half a chance, I'd take out his eyes."