Originally posted on my blog, With Her Head in a Book. 
 Since reading Thorn, I have become a die hard fan of Intisar Khanani. I am always amazed by the worlds I find myself in while reading her books. Each time I pick up one of her books, I finish it the night I begin and immediately beg for more. She's a masterful writer that will capture your fiction-loving heart instantly. 
 While I did thoroughly enjoy Sunbolt, it felt like half a novel (perhaps the books I read are just too big). I can see and understand why Intisar Khanani ended where she did - there isn't anything wrong with where it ended either - but at the same time the story had only just begun! That's not really an issue, though. Plenty of high-fantasy series use the first book to "set things up," to allow the reader to fully immerse them self into the world. Once again, Khanani develops a beautiful world of her own with highly intricate cultures and risky political games. There are plain ol' people, mages, werewolves, fangs (blood suckers), breathers (air suckers), and a whole slew of other paranormal, mythological creatures - all with their own set of issues and prejudices. Though the ending is satisfying, many questions remain to be answered. Also, despite the small page count, the characters are very well developed with distinguishable personalities. 
 I flipped through the pages like Val blows through enemies. Sunbolt is hands down a fast paced read due to the interweaving of multiple storylines. The rebel forces are attempting to transform the world all while performing heroic acts. Hitomi, who has joined the rebel force, Shadow League, has her own secrets. Not to mention her parent's secrets, The Blackflames, Val the Breather, and a grand prophecy! A lot is in the works, which may seem overwhelming, but Khanani's masterful storytelling combines each tale flawlessly, especially considering the book is only 142 pages long. 
 The guy, Ghost, who you think is going to steal the show & the heart of the leading heroine is not the guy that steals the show. The heart of the leading heroine remains to be her own. Sunbolt is completely lacking in romance and damsels in distress. Hitomi likes who she likes, but has a goal in mind - save her own ass. (I have a strong feeling about who likes her, too! I'm a sucker for romance and can find it anywhere.) As I've seen repeatedly in all of her novels, the author loves to takes stereotypes and tropes and turn them on their heads. 
 Luckily, the second book, Memories of Ash, is set to release May 30, 2016. Currently the pre-order price is only 99 cents and will go up to $3.99 upon release. Intisar Khanani is an author to be watched, someone I often recommend to YA fans. Her leading characters are often POC and have a wide range of personality traits from the vulnerable savior to the resourceful princess. I may not be giving Sunbolt a five stars (mostly due to the size), but I'll be raving about this book for the next year. In my heart Sunbolt is a perfect score. 
 An ARC for this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 
 Plot: 3.5/5 
 Characters: 4/5 
 Writing Style: 4/5 
 Total: 4/5