Firelight

Firelight is the first novel in it's series. While the idea was very original and could have made a wonderful book, Firelight fell into the pit of Unrealistic Star-crossed Lovers.
THE PLOT:
Jacinda is a draki(human/dragon) who is a rare fire breather, making her valuable to her Pride. She hates this role, but it still loyal to the Pride. One morning, Jacinda and a friend decide to go on a morning flight, which is strictly against the rules. Apparently, it's against the rules for a reason, because a group of dragon hunters immediately spots them and gives chase. Jacienda is forced to hide in a cave, where a young, attractive hunter finds her....and lets her go. Jacinda's life may have been spared, but the pride knows what she has done, and they aren't happy. To protect them, Jacinda's mother takes her and her sister away to the desert, where they will live as humans and Jacinda's draki side will eventually die. But at school, she meets the hunter who lets her go. Suddenly, Jacinda has an incentive to stay. Will she find true love? Or will all her secrets crash down around her?
THE CHARACTERS:
Jacinda was not a great character. She seemed very selfish and childish, especially in the way she treated her mother, who was sacrificing a lot to keep her safe. She became angry with her sister for wanting this life, and was convinced everything they did was some elaborate plot against her. Speaking of her sister.....Tamra is Jacinda's twin, and just as immature. She never "manifested" so she's happy with the move. She at first tries to get Jacinda happy about it, but soon becomes jealous and indulges in stupid behavior just to rub it in Jacinda's face. I felt sorry for their mother. Then there's Jacinda's hunter, Will. Basically, Jacinda and Will avoid each other, then make out, then avoid each other, then decide they are in love, one avoids the other, and so on and so forth. Will seems like a nice guy, just not willing to stand up for his beliefs. Also, their whole relationship seems far more based on lust than trust and friendship. It just seemed forced and rushed.
OVERALL:
This book was written in a lyrical style, but it occasionally didn't work and bordered on melodramatic. And like I said, I loved the idea of Draki, but the plot and characters made this book fall flat. 2 stars.