Review: Vanish (Firelight #2) by Sophie Jordan

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Hardcover: 304 pages

Release date: September 6th 2011

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: NetGalleyAmazon ││The Book Depository ││ Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Summary: To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone. 

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love? 

Firelight was the first book I’ve read about dragons and it had become a breath of fresh air when I read it earlier this year. I’ve been eagerly pining for the sequel after finishing it since the ending was left off. The cover triggered lots of questions and I couldn’t wait to confirm if my guess was right. Imagine my face when I saw Vanish on NetGalley. I boycotted all my notes and stopped reading whatever book it was to start Vanish. Months and months of waiting were definitely worth it. I enjoyed it much more than I did Firelight and fell harder with the story.

I’d never get enough of Drakis. I became even more fascinated with them and their abilities. Here, the events happened within the Pride so I got to know some of the Drakis better. There was not even one dull moment and I loved guessing what happens next. The plot wasn’t predictable so my anticipation level was always on high. I love Sophie for writing intense and emotionally absorbing scenes that always kept me on the edge of my seat. Never have I ever thought of getting up to eat. So, much thanks to my roommate for forcing me to.

I find Will more enticing than ever in Vanish. He’s still the angsty, striking guy I knew in the first book that has grown into an affectionate man. Though there wasn’t much of him in Vanish, my admiration for him did not get any less. No one could possibly resist the velvet-voiced stud like Will. I totally understand why Jacinda couldn’t let go of him and how he transformed her to be a better person. Personally, I have a thing for the Wills in YA Lit. Why are they so awesome?

On the other hand, kudos again to Sophie for developing Jacinda’s character! I got over my annoyance with her in Firelight, and now I can say I like her. She has transformed into a responsible and considerate person. I also learned to sympathize with Cassian. All of my doubts about his feelings for Jacinda are gone. I can’t remember the time I hated him. At some point, I even hoped Jacinda would fall for him. He’s turned out to be different from his father and he deserves an extra credit for every time he saves Jacinda. All of these interesting characters were rightfully crafted with the right amount of complexity.

Like Firelight, Vanish ends with a cliffhanger that left me wanting for more. I enjoyed every bit of moment I spent with this book and I must say it’s the perfect sequel for this trilogy. If you’re looking for a story away from the plethora of vampires and angels, this might be the perfect series for you!