Wicked Like a Wildfire - by Lana Popovic (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"Lush. Delicious. Bewildering. And darkly magical. Popovic has created a world that you tumble into from the very first words and wish you could stay in forever." --Evelyn Skye, author of The Crown's Game

"Wicked Like a Wildfire was like devouring a succulent fairy fruit--it will rob your time, settle into your dreams, and leave you starving for more." --Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen

Fans of Holly Black and Leigh Bardugo will be bewitched by Lana Popovic's debut YA fantasy novel about a bargain that binds the fates--and hearts--of twin sisters to a force larger than life.

All the women in Iris and Malina's family have the unique magical ability or "gleam" to manipulate beauty. Iris sees flowers as fractals and turns her kaleidoscope visions into glasswork, while Malina interprets moods as music. But their mother has strict rules to keep their gifts a secret, even in their secluded sea-side town. Iris and Malina are not allowed to share their magic with anyone, and above all, they are forbidden from falling in love.

But when their mother is mysteriously attacked, the sisters will have to unearth the truth behind the quiet lives their mother has built for them. They will discover a wicked curse that haunts their family line--but will they find that the very magic that bonds them together is destined to tear them apart forever?

Wicked Like a Wildfire is the first in a two-book series. Readers will be rapt with anticipation for the sequel.

• Forbidden Magic: Iris can turn visions into glasswork, Malina can shape moods into music. But their mother insists their "gleam" is a secret they must never share, especially with anyone they love.
• Wicked Family Curse: After their mother is attacked, the sisters discover the real reason for her strict rules--a haunting curse that has followed the women in their family for generations, turning their gifts into a liability.
• Lush Balkan-Inspired Fantasy: Set in a secluded seaside town in Montenegro, this darkly magical world is filled with unique folklore, simmering family secrets, and an ancient power that demands a heavy price.
• The Bonds of Sisterhood: Iris and Malina have always had each other. But as they dig deeper into their family's past, they'll be forced to question if their powerful magical bond will save them... or destroy them.

Review Quotes

"Atmospheric and often sensual, this first in a duology is a slow-burning fairy tale about the power of love and the bonds between siblings. Patient readers will find much to savor." - Booklist

"...a wild ride of magic and family secrets... For fans of Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone, readers will be greatly pleased with this debut novel." - School Library Journal

"Readers will revel in the evocative language and sensory details that feel a time and place apart..." - Shelf Awareness

"Lush. Delicious. Bewildering. And darkly magical. Popovic has created a world that you tumble into from the very first words and wish you could stay in forever." - Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author of The Crown's Game

"Wicked Like a Wildfire was like devouring a succulent fairy fruit--it will rob your time, settle into your dreams, and leave you starving for more." - Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen

"This sensory-rich debut and series opener highlights the mysteries of life, death, and love for modern twin witches." - Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will be captivated by [Popovic's] entrancing writing, evocative setting, and distinctive supernatural worldbuilding, and will eagerly await the second book in this planned duology." - Publishers Weekly