Spotlight is my new regular Saturday feature in which I highlight a book I really enjoyed or am eagerly waiting for.  This time around, it’s the incredible debut novel of Krystal Wade, called Wilde’s Fire.

Katriona Wilde has never wondered what it would feel like to have everything she’s ever known and loved ripped away, but she is about to find out. When she inadvertently leads her sister and best friend through a portal into a world she’s dreamed of for six years, she finds herself faced with more than just the frightening creatures in front of her. She’s forced to accept a new truth: her entire life has been a lie, and those closest to her have betrayed her. What’s worse, she has no control over her new future, and it’s full of magic and horrors from which nightmares are made. Will she discover and learn to control who she really is in time to save the ones she loves, or will all be lost?

Now here is some good fantasy!  It has an unique premise, amazing characters and is well written.  You can’t ask for more.

However, what really stood out for me in Wilde’s Fire was the narrator, Kate (Katriona).  She doesn’t spend an inordinate amount of time agonizing over her situation and actually adapts quite well to the world of Encardia.  Not only that, she doesn’t want to be a helpless maiden and makes an effort to learn how to use a sword so she can survive.  Kate’s a pretty independent, well developed character, so her love for Arland doesn’t feel contrived at all.  What I mean is that when characters aren’t developed properly, reading about them falling in love is not nearly as interesting as when they are as fleshed out as Kate.

The other thing that really stood out for me in Wilde’s Fire was the world-building.  Krystal Wade developed a history for Encardia, religion and a sophisticated political system.  You would be surprised at how many authors have a fundamental misunderstanding of politics, so this was a pleasant change.

If you’re looking for a great fantasy book to read, you need to pick up Wilde’s Fire right now.  You won’t be able to put it down!