The Flames that Corrupt Us by Isabel Jordan Review

It’s difficult to write a book like The Flames that Corrupt Us. Stories that take place in intricate universes tend to lack in either world-building or character development.

Isabel Jordan has woven a story that doesn’t lack either.

Warning: spoilers ahead!

From the very first encounter, you are pulled into the Valley. You take that plane with Insley and Andrew through the hole in the sky, and you are there. This level of world-building surpasses some from adult authors, yet Jordan has struck genius. I cannot fathom the depth of her imagination. She details what can best be described as augmented reality: she strikes a balance between magic, science, and reality with delicacy. Her world doesn’t rely on any one aspect—it’s extraordinarily balanced.

But the focus on world-building doesn’t distract from characterization. Insley and Andrew are especially developed; their tenacity is astounding without defying normal fourteen-year-old tendencies. They embark on this journey not without fear, but without trepidation. Jordan shows you just how determined they are to save their home. I would definitely like to see some more development of Alaina, Charlotte, Joshua, and Connor, but I know there are more books on the way and therefore plenty of time to get to know these characters as well as we’ve come to know Insley and Andrew.

Jordan maintains a steady and quick pace throughout the book. Usually, I’m not prone to liking books that move this quickly, but her story lends itself perfectly to this speed. The style itself conveys the urgency with which Insley and Andrew act to get this liquid and save the Valley. Though there were a few scenes in which I’d have liked a bit more detail, Jordan elaborated exactly where it counted, such as when Insley has to sew up Andrew’s arm.

I can’t wait to read the next book, The Maze that Deceives Us (which is an awesome title, I must add) because the first book has pulled me into this world and has acquainted me with these characters and, quite honestly, I’m not quite ready to leave the Valley just yet.

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