I really liked this one. I was surprised by how everything fit together and liked how it ended. ( )

I was surprised at how easily I was able to get back into this story and this world, considering how long it's been since I read the first three. I actually thought we were done with Whit and Wisty after the 3rd book so I was pleasantly surprised to find out there was more to the story. At the same time, I was worried that it would feel like the story was being dragged out too much and I'm happy to say I did not get that feeling from this book and am in fact looking forward to book five with VERY little apprehension. This book takes a look at how the government changed after taking down "The One" and it's not always pretty. We get to see a lot of heartbreak and I did shed tears, but we end with promise of better days to come. Great book! ( )

-The First Truth-
Know The Self.
Illusions Trick The Eyes,
But Not The Inner Eye.

-The Second Truth-
Know The Family.
Trust Is Not Truth;
It Is But A Flickering Flame.

-The Third Truth-
Know Light From Dark.
Magic Is Not Equal To Righteousness.
A Wizard May Destroy Or Save.
A City Hangs In The Balance.

-from the first page

The Fire was the final book in the original Witch & Wizard trilogy. It wrapped up things nicely. So, going into this book, Whit & Wisty and the entire city are all celebrating the end of the evil dictator The One. But, of course things can't stay happy or there wouldn't be a story. There is a new threat, the Wizard King on the mountain. And there is a new government. A council made up of 17 men & women and 17 kids including Wisty & Whit. The head of the council, General Bloom is also a problem. He wants to control things and takes his newfound power too far. The Wizard King has cut off the city's water supply and children have been vanishing from the city. Whit takes off on a peaceful mission to the mountain to negotiate with the Wizard King. And Wisty chooses to stay behind with a mysterious wizard named Heath.

I enjoyed this book. It seemed totally separate from the original trilogy, with new locations and characters popping up that we never heard of before. But, it is another exciting adventure for Whit & Wisty. She is a difficult character to like because she is so hot-headed and always flying off the handle (not a good thing when you can't control your magic and you start fires). But I get her. She seems to fall really fast for this new wizard (Heath) without too much hesitation considering she doesn't really know him. But I guess that's young love in the wizard world. ;) Whit is likable but I wish his powers were stronger. I liked the conflict between the siblings and that they learn they are stronger together.

There were some fun twists towards the end and one especially that I didn't see coming (though some of you may). A fun, very quick read. Overall another good book in the series and great for middle school students.

Recommended to:
Young adults and middle school students. There is magic and adventure, a little romance and a strong brother/sister bond. ( )

Pretty awful...just like the rest of the series. I only continue to read these books because I've read everything else the author has written. I would steer clear of this series, because there is no redeeming quality in it for anyone of any age. ( )

Once I get into a series, I have to finish it... no matter what. This is where I am with this series. I love James Patterson as a rule and I loved the first two in the series. I had issues with the third and I am faced with more here with the fourth. There is another coming later this year and I hold out hope.

Some of it was very good and some of it was head-shakingly not so good. The insta-love between Wisty and Heath drove me insane. It is a YA cliché that I abhor. It colored the entire rest of the story for me. Based on the previously established relationship between Wisty and her brother Whit, I have a hard time believing that he would have just let that go as he seemed to.

The action and the intensity of that aspect was good. There were parts that had me on the edge of my seat. There were also times when I was so frustrated with the "good" characters that I was on the verge of losing my mind.

Things to love...

--The action and the intrigue.

Things I wanted more/less of...

--Less insta-love.
--Less clichés.
--Less companion writers.

My Recommendation...

I will read the next book, but I am truly hoping that the use of companion writers stops. I think his work is much better on his own. ( )