Book Review: Friendship on Fire by Danielle Weiler

Friendship on Fire by Danielle Weiler
Publication Date: March, 2011
Source: From author for a honest review

The first few days of year 12 are disastrous for school captain Daisy Brooks.

But Daisy’s life takes a sudden turn when she is dared by Skye, the leader of the Blonde Brigade, to meet the mysterious, drop-dead gorgeous stranger, Nate, from rival school Addison Grammar. Daisy’s instant attraction to him disrupts her world. But what about her best friend Roman? How will he respond to this intruder?

Daisy is a vulnerable, yet fiery girl going through the chaotic phase between teenage and adulthood. She is about to discover the complexities of relationships, the etiquette of friendship and, most of all, her development as a woman.

Is it too late for Daisy to realise that the choices she makes shapes who she is and who she will become?

My Review:

Favourite Quote:  "It was only now, alone in my moment of reminiscence, with the rain drizzling softly on the shack's roof, that I felt the full effects of falling in love with him."

I love the cover line on this book "Tempestuous and vulnerable, Daisy struggles to navigate her way towards adulthood".  I think it sums this story up perfectly.  Friendship on Fire is set over Daisy's final year in high school.  Weiler did a brilliant job of writing a real, honest and emotional tale that captures the good, bad and ugly moments of the phase between teenager and adulthood.  So many of the issues that Daisy had to deal with I did too at the same age especially in regards to romance and friendship.  And as I read along I was like that is exactly how I felt.

Despite it being 471 pages (that is huge for a contemp) it is intensely readable.   Normally I am afraid of books that large but I can say this never dragged for me. There is one point in particular in the story (which I can't talk about since I don't spoil the book) where it completely becomes unputdownable as you want to know how things are going to turn out.

Daisy is a resonant and endearing character.  She is feisty yet a sweetheart and has addiction to lollies especially Redskins (yum!).   I quickly connected with her on a more on depth level.  They are also a interesting bunch of secondary characters that again I don't want to talk about so I don't give anything away.  But let just say some I never trusted, some I loved from the moment they appeared and some completely surprised me in a good way. 

What I adored most about this novel was the outstanding family dynamics.  Daisy comes from a big family consisting of Mum, Dad, Nanna and three older brothers.  I feel in love with them especially her Dad and brothers.  They brought humour and fun but also some good solid advice.  They would have to be one of my favourite literary families ever.

There is plenty of romance which again I can't really talk about (sorry).  But I can tell you there is yummy kisses and great chemistry.

Overall Friendship on Fire is an impressive debut that you really get emotionally invested in.  I can't wait to see what Weiler writes next!

Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Cover: 3.5/5

For More Info:  Visit Danielle Weiler's website.

Note: This is an Aussie title.  Great for those of you participating in the Aussie YA Reading Challenge.  Also I will be GIVING AWAY a copy on Thursday (INTERNATIONAL) so keep an eye out for that!