‘I played with the flames and got burnt beyond the third degree. But just like a tattoo, it’s a scar that has meaning to me. It’s seared into my being. I’ve learned to be still…and I’ve had the f***ing time of my life setting the world on fire.’
Setting the World on Fire is the first book in the Gaslighter trilogy written by Maggie K.C. It is centred around Rebecca, a naive seventeen year old, and an heiress from a rich family who don’t really have much time for her. She lives her life in a bubble, she has everything she could ever need and yet she goes on a downward spiral, setting her world on fire.
In a twist of fate she meets three life-experienced brothers, who bring her into their world of gigs, drugs and sex.
When I first started reading this book, I found some scenes rather uncomfortable to read, Rebecca is an incredibly naive girl who doesn’t understand that the brothers are using her for her money and/or trying to perv on her. However, I feel this is a compliment to the author, to be able to create a believable naive character who has no understanding of the world around her.
The author also hits the nail on the head of what it is like to be a shy girl who starts getting attention from an attractive guy. It transported me back to being a shy seventeen year old, getting male attention for the first time and all the emotions that came with it.
The main four characters are well-developed and believable and the relationships between the four of them are so complex and well explored through out the book. However, I personally found the side characters (Holland and Ressandra) to be over the top and stereotyped.
I enjoyed the blossoming romance between Kal and Rebecca. It was very sweet and reminiscent of first love.
I did think the book glamorised drug use and that there were very few negative effects from drug taking (although I’m hoping this may be explored in the sequel). There were moments where the author info dumped and I found myself reading back occasionally, there were also a few scenes I found not only bizarre but unbelievable.
I will admit, this is not normally the genre of book I would choose to read (I usually prefer a lot more fantasy), that being said, I did enjoy reading Setting the World on Fire. It is a light and easy read that flows nicely, with some intense moments to boot! Just please be aware that it could be possibly triggering for some readers.
–Natasha Reads x
The Talking Bookshelf 