Tell the Wind and Fire’s title comes from a Charles Dickens’ quote from A Tale of Two Cities: “Tell the wind and fire where to stop…but don’t tell me.” This novel is a modern day retelling of A Tale of Two Cities, and begins with “It was the best of times until it was the worst of times,” a variation on the opening of Dickens’ novel.

This novel is a mixture of fantasy and romance set in a dystopian society in what was once New York City. NYC is now a city divided between extreme luxury (the Light side) and oppressive poverty (the Dark side). The main character is a courageous young woman, Lucie Manette, who was born in the Dark half of the city, but managed to create celebrity status in the Light side. Unfortunately, her name and face were easily identified, as were those of her boyfriend. When she is so distracted by happiness and loses track of time, and has to ride home on a public train, she and her boyfriend find that their fame is a detriment. Her boyfriend is captured by guards and accused of being someone / something that shocks and terrifies her.

Will Lucie be able to save him? When both halves of the city go up in smoke, and the revolution is in full force, will she be able to survive? And if she can’t save him, will she want to live even if she can survive?

This is an action packed story with pacing that is almost too hard to sustain. Recommended for those readers who like strong female characters, action, romance, fantasy, and dystopia. And for those who enjoy Dickens.