Wicked Like a Wildfire is creeping up my TBR list, and with good reason. A story of twin sisters bound by inherited magic, hidden truths, and a dangerous curse? Yes, please. With lush prose and a mysterious seaside setting, this magical YA fantasy sounds perfect for readers who love atmospheric reads like The Cruel Prince or Shadow and Bone. I can’t wait to dive into Iris and Malina’s world and see where their tangled fate leads.
Update: I’ve officially finished Wicked Like a Wildfire—and yes, its dreamy, folklore-rich magic was worth the wait. Read the full review here.
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Bookish Essentials
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy / Paranormal / Magical Realism
Series: Book 1 of Wicked Like a Wildfire (2 Books)
Reading Age: 14+
Published: 2018
Pages: 432
Reading Order: Wicked Like a Wildfire, Fierce Like a Firestorm
From the Jacket of Wicked Like a Wildfire
“Lush. Delicious. Bewildering. And darkly magical. Popovic has created a world that you tumble into from the very first words and wish you could stay in forever.” —Evelyn Skye, author of The Crown’s Game
“Wicked Like a Wildfire was like devouring a succulent fairy fruit—it will rob your time, settle into your dreams, and leave you starving for more.” —Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen
Fans of Holly Black and Leigh Bardugo will be bewitched by Lana Popovic’s debut YA fantasy novel about a bargain that binds the fates—and hearts—of twin sisters to a force larger than life.
All the women in Iris and Malina’s family have the unique magical ability or “gleam” to manipulate beauty. Iris sees flowers as fractals and turns her kaleidoscope visions into glasswork, while Malina interprets moods as music. But their mother has strict rules to keep their gifts a secret, even in their secluded sea-side town. Iris and Malina are not allowed to share their magic with anyone, and above all, they are forbidden from falling in love.
But when their mother is mysteriously attacked, the sisters will have to unearth the truth behind the quiet lives their mother has built for them. They will discover a wicked curse that haunts their family line—but will they find that the very magic that bonds them together is destined to tear them apart forever?
Wicked Like a Wildfire is the first in a two-book series. Readers will be rapt with anticipation for the sequel.
Why Wicked Like a Wildfire is on My TBR
There’s something captivating about witchy tales set against a coastal backdrop, and Wicked Like a Wildfire promises just that. The blend of magic, a haunting family curse, and the allure of a mysterious seaside town intrigues me. As Lana Popović’s debut novel and the first in a duology, it offers a fresh voice in YA fantasy. While it may not have dominated bestseller lists, its dedicated following suggests a story rich in atmosphere and emotion. I’m eager to delve into this enchanting world and uncover its secrets.
You Might Also Like
- Poison Priestess, by Lana Popović
- Forgotten Cove, by T.G. Elsher
- Born Wicked, by Jessica Spotswood
Save Lana Popović’s Wicked Like a Wildfire to your TBR

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Love stories with heart and magic? Check out my novel, Forgotten Cove, the first book in the Hailing Cove series by T.G. Elsher.
Elle Wildes was a normal teenage girl. Or at least she thought she was until her mother sent her to her grandma’s house in Hailing Cove. Anticipating a boring summer, Elle’s world is turned upside down when she realizes the sleepy coastal town holds its own mysteries and those from her past as well.
When Elle’s forgotten memories come back to haunt her, she discovers the secrets of her family’s lineage and the responsibilities that come with it. But with two dreamy guys vying for her attention, she is taken on a roller coaster ride of heartache and betrayal as she discovers her identity in an unknown magical town.
Reader Praise
What can I say about T.G. Elsher’s debut novel, Forgotten Cove? Elsher is a gifted storyteller who immerses readers in the enchanting world of Hailing Cove, where witchcraft and magic blend seamlessly with a cast of loveable, deeply human characters. Elle Wildes, the relatable protagonist, navigates her powers, friendships, and heartbreak with authenticity that pulls at your heartstrings. The book masterfully combines mystery, romance, and coming-of-age themes, keeping me hooked from the first page to the last. The emotional climax, written with breathtaking beauty, moved me to tears. T.G. Elsher may well be this generation’s L.J. Smith, creating stories that are both magical and profoundly moving. I truly couldn’t get enough!