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Santeria Habitat #1
Fire Baptized
Since the 1970s humans have forced supernaturals to live in caged cities. Silver brands embedded in their foreheads identify them by species: a full moon for Vampires, a crescent moon for Shifters, a pair of wings for Fairies, and the list goes on, for each supernatural species has been tagged and categorized by humans.
Lanore Vesta is marked with a silver X, the brand of Mixbreeds, second-class citizens shunned by society. She stays to herself, revealing her ability to create fire only during emergencies. All she wants to do is graduate college and stop having to steal to survive. But when she stumbles upon a murder in progress, she catches the attention of a supernatural killer. Now all she wants is to stop finding dead bodies in her apartment.
Enlisting help from her Were-cheetah ex-boyfriend MeShack and a new mysterious friend named Zulu, she is steered through the habitat s raunchy nightlife. But their presence sometimes proves to be more burden than help, as they fight for her attention.
While the corpses pile up, and the scent of blood fills the air, Lanore is left wondering: will she find the psycho or die trying?
Lanore Vesta is marked with a silver X, the brand of Mixbreeds, second-class citizens shunned by society. She stays to herself, revealing her ability to create fire only during emergencies. All she wants to do is graduate college and stop having to steal to survive. But when she stumbles upon a murder in progress, she catches the attention of a supernatural killer. Now all she wants is to stop finding dead bodies in her apartment.
Enlisting help from her Were-cheetah ex-boyfriend MeShack and a new mysterious friend named Zulu, she is steered through the habitat s raunchy nightlife. But their presence sometimes proves to be more burden than help, as they fight for her attention.
While the corpses pile up, and the scent of blood fills the air, Lanore is left wondering: will she find the psycho or die trying?
276 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2012
164 people are currently reading
3767 people want to read
About the author
Kenya Wright
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Kenya Wright wrote her first novel during her third year at UM Law school. She dropped out a month after the release and never looked back.
Words are power,
and Kenya wants to be the greatest wizard that ever lived.
It's an audacity to inspire
and teach the healing of love through arousal.
It's this crazy idea that love
can not only help a reader escape,
but the story can also teach the person
about being human,
while making them laugh,
cry,
and hot for more sex.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
March 21, 2012
This is not a book I’m happy about reviewing, because I really wanted to like it and its rating doesn’t truly reflect its quality.
You know how you love something like ice cream (note: I don’t like ice cream) and so you eat lots and lots of it. Then one day you pick up your favourite ice cream and it looks extra sumptuous. Even though there is nothing wrong with that ice cream, and even though it’s just like every other ice cream you’ve bought, you just suddenly can’t stomach it.
That was my reading experience with Fire Baptized. Don’t mistake the three star review. This is a well-written book with a very interesting, likable cast of characters. Fans of Paranormal Romance will probably eat this right up and love it. In fact, many, many do.
I got this book very, very excitedly because Wright was not only an author who composes herself amongst the reviewing and reading community with excellent manners, but the very synopsis was intriguing. I WAS INTRIGUED, I SAY! Bloody intrigued. Fascinated. Practically slobbering to get my greedy little paws on it and take it for a roll in the metaphorical reading hay.
But I’ve gorged myself, you see. After taking so many others to my not-so-metaphorical-bed (that’s where I read! Get your mind out of the gutter), I just found that I couldn’t do it again. For now, I’ve had my fill of paranormal romance for now and, unfortunately, I just didn’t realize that until I started this one.
Despite being reasonably well-written with fresh, different characters, there was enough similar to the formula to make an engorged paranormal fantasy book worm grab her tummy and reach for the pepto bismal. From the intensely alpha males to the mystery that can only be investigated by the heroine.
On a personal level, I’ve just read too many similar things too often before. BUT on a purely objective level, I really can’t fault Fire Baptized or Wright. It’s not her fault I’m the floozy of the PNR reading world, that the glamour of the illicit paranormal smoochies has ebbed.
It’s not you, Fire Baptized, it’s me.
Can we still be friends?
Oh, by the way. Did anyone else know that the angry, flaming woman on the cover is wearing a bikini or has years of heavy drinking and rampant book-promiscuity (reading at night!) destroyed my vision? You know, it’s nice to know that in the midst of burning, heinous, fury-fire of epic proportions, she still thought to wear a nice bikini. And she has an excellent brazillian. At least I think it is, but there’s only so much burning crotch you can look at to determine these things before people start thinking you’re crazy. Oooooooohhhhhhhh! You know, I bet she’d be MARVELOUS at a barbecue!
Yeah, okay, I just crossed the line.
You know how you love something like ice cream (note: I don’t like ice cream) and so you eat lots and lots of it. Then one day you pick up your favourite ice cream and it looks extra sumptuous. Even though there is nothing wrong with that ice cream, and even though it’s just like every other ice cream you’ve bought, you just suddenly can’t stomach it.
That was my reading experience with Fire Baptized. Don’t mistake the three star review. This is a well-written book with a very interesting, likable cast of characters. Fans of Paranormal Romance will probably eat this right up and love it. In fact, many, many do.
I got this book very, very excitedly because Wright was not only an author who composes herself amongst the reviewing and reading community with excellent manners, but the very synopsis was intriguing. I WAS INTRIGUED, I SAY! Bloody intrigued. Fascinated. Practically slobbering to get my greedy little paws on it and take it for a roll in the metaphorical reading hay.
But I’ve gorged myself, you see. After taking so many others to my not-so-metaphorical-bed (that’s where I read! Get your mind out of the gutter), I just found that I couldn’t do it again. For now, I’ve had my fill of paranormal romance for now and, unfortunately, I just didn’t realize that until I started this one.
Despite being reasonably well-written with fresh, different characters, there was enough similar to the formula to make an engorged paranormal fantasy book worm grab her tummy and reach for the pepto bismal. From the intensely alpha males to the mystery that can only be investigated by the heroine.
On a personal level, I’ve just read too many similar things too often before. BUT on a purely objective level, I really can’t fault Fire Baptized or Wright. It’s not her fault I’m the floozy of the PNR reading world, that the glamour of the illicit paranormal smoochies has ebbed.
It’s not you, Fire Baptized, it’s me.
Can we still be friends?
Oh, by the way. Did anyone else know that the angry, flaming woman on the cover is wearing a bikini or has years of heavy drinking and rampant book-promiscuity (reading at night!) destroyed my vision? You know, it’s nice to know that in the midst of burning, heinous, fury-fire of epic proportions, she still thought to wear a nice bikini. And she has an excellent brazillian. At least I think it is, but there’s only so much burning crotch you can look at to determine these things before people start thinking you’re crazy. Oooooooohhhhhhhh! You know, I bet she’d be MARVELOUS at a barbecue!
Yeah, okay, I just crossed the line.
April 28, 2020
This is one of those books that made me feel like the author was in my mind and writing down everything that I ever wanted to read.... oh wait... I'm the author of this book! Well I still loved it!
March 30, 2012
A Badass Hidden Gem...
http://badassbookreviews.com/badass-h...
My first "official" review for Bad Ass Book Reviews. I hope you enjoy it.
Or you can read it below..
Let me tell you what I loved about this book…
The characters are so different.
From our human perspective, Lanore, the main character is dark, with dreadlocks. But that is not what I mean by different. I’m talking about different in how they transform into their supernatural self. You have Lanore, who is a mixed breed (she’s part Fairy and part Demon) who has the ability to wield fire, MeShack, who is a full blooded shifter but he also has some fire elements, Zulu who is also a mixed breed and I won’t ruin what he is since his human self is so different from his supernatural self. All the characters, even in their human shell, have characteristics that remind the reader of what they are. MeShack, as a shifter, can use his smell to decipher who has been where, and in the case of Lanore, who’s she been with. Zulu, even as a human, can use some of his supernatural skills to offset other supernaturals.
The author took great care to make all the characters seem like they really could exist in a secret caged city. Part way through the book, as a reader, I could tell what type of creature the next character was just based on that character’s personality, movements, and reactions.
The plot was well written and interesting
This was a mystery that stumped me. I’m pretty observant and can figure out mysteries pretty easily. However, I was stumped. I like that.
The book is dark, and filled with horror elements but not unnecessary horror.
Let me explain (or try to at least). In this book, you have supernatural creatures. Not shifters, vampires, witches or other creatures trying to mix in with humans, but supernatural creatures stuck together under one caged city. It literally is a dog-eat-dog world. Because the characters in this book are inhuman, they don’t possess many of our human qualities. For example, they might rip you apart and then ask questions later. Or they might just kill you if they think you’ve wronged them, and then simply say “oops” if they find out you are innocent. Because of this mentality, you have lots of violence. As a result of the violence, you have lots of body parts and blood. However, the author does not at anytime use the gore for shock value or to disgust the reader, it is just part of this world.
Oh-my-god-there-is-a-love-triangle-that-I-liked!
Seriously. I hate love triangles. I believe in just taking both men in bed at the same time…hehe…just kidding…maybe.
So, MeShack, and Zulu are the men in this triangle and Lanore is the woman. The characters are so well-written and there is a lot of history to explain how this triangle occurred. At no time did I want to scream or plan my team MeShack or team Zulu. It just didn’t work that way in this book. I’m not sure how the author did it but she made a love triangle work.
Lanore rocked.
Here is a supernatural character that is sassy, strong, take no BS, but also possesses the most humanlike characteristics of the supernatural’s. She feels guilty, compassion and sadness. She also is super loyal to both men (if you can imagine that) and to her friends.
Overall
A great book. It’s amazing that this was a self published book and I enjoyed it immensely. It had small issues but nothing that affected the overall book (and nothing that was specific to this book being self published).
I can't wait to read book 2!
http://badassbookreviews.com/badass-h...
My first "official" review for Bad Ass Book Reviews. I hope you enjoy it.
Or you can read it below..
Let me tell you what I loved about this book…
The characters are so different.
From our human perspective, Lanore, the main character is dark, with dreadlocks. But that is not what I mean by different. I’m talking about different in how they transform into their supernatural self. You have Lanore, who is a mixed breed (she’s part Fairy and part Demon) who has the ability to wield fire, MeShack, who is a full blooded shifter but he also has some fire elements, Zulu who is also a mixed breed and I won’t ruin what he is since his human self is so different from his supernatural self. All the characters, even in their human shell, have characteristics that remind the reader of what they are. MeShack, as a shifter, can use his smell to decipher who has been where, and in the case of Lanore, who’s she been with. Zulu, even as a human, can use some of his supernatural skills to offset other supernaturals.
The author took great care to make all the characters seem like they really could exist in a secret caged city. Part way through the book, as a reader, I could tell what type of creature the next character was just based on that character’s personality, movements, and reactions.
The plot was well written and interesting
This was a mystery that stumped me. I’m pretty observant and can figure out mysteries pretty easily. However, I was stumped. I like that.
The book is dark, and filled with horror elements but not unnecessary horror.
Let me explain (or try to at least). In this book, you have supernatural creatures. Not shifters, vampires, witches or other creatures trying to mix in with humans, but supernatural creatures stuck together under one caged city. It literally is a dog-eat-dog world. Because the characters in this book are inhuman, they don’t possess many of our human qualities. For example, they might rip you apart and then ask questions later. Or they might just kill you if they think you’ve wronged them, and then simply say “oops” if they find out you are innocent. Because of this mentality, you have lots of violence. As a result of the violence, you have lots of body parts and blood. However, the author does not at anytime use the gore for shock value or to disgust the reader, it is just part of this world.
Oh-my-god-there-is-a-love-triangle-that-I-liked!
Seriously. I hate love triangles. I believe in just taking both men in bed at the same time…hehe…just kidding…maybe.
So, MeShack, and Zulu are the men in this triangle and Lanore is the woman. The characters are so well-written and there is a lot of history to explain how this triangle occurred. At no time did I want to scream or plan my team MeShack or team Zulu. It just didn’t work that way in this book. I’m not sure how the author did it but she made a love triangle work.
Lanore rocked.
Here is a supernatural character that is sassy, strong, take no BS, but also possesses the most humanlike characteristics of the supernatural’s. She feels guilty, compassion and sadness. She also is super loyal to both men (if you can imagine that) and to her friends.
Overall
A great book. It’s amazing that this was a self published book and I enjoyed it immensely. It had small issues but nothing that affected the overall book (and nothing that was specific to this book being self published).
I can't wait to read book 2!
June 22, 2017
Check out this review and others like it at BadAssBookReviews
4.5 stars. Fanfreakingtastic!
Why did I wait so long to read this book? Perhaps, because I expected it to fizzle out for me. I thought it might catch my attention at the beginning but then ultimately get boring. This was my expectation because with very few exceptions most urban fantasy books have been causing this reaction in me for the past 12-18 months. Fire Baptized is different than most urban fantasy books I have read and as a result I devoured it in 24 hours. I loved it. Simultaneously, it shares a lot in common with the very good and memorable Urban Fantasy books .
Kenya Wright has created this amazingly unique but believable setting of an urban fantasy world in our present time but which exists in a slightly altered reality where supernaturals are known and exist in a variety of creatures: shifters, fae, vampires, demons and witches. Humans have branded all supernaturals and imprisoned them to live in caged cities. Among the supernaturals there is prejudice against “mixies” which are the result of mixing between two different supernatural races. Two of the main characters are mixies, Zulu and Lanore. The other main character is MeShack and he is a shifter. The story revolves around these three characters but is told from the first person point of view of Lanore.
The characters are young, college aged and the setting is very dark, very gritty and very urban. The cage this group of supernaturals lives in is located in Miami and the focus of the religion and culture is Santeria. I haven’t read another urban fantasy book with a similar setting (Miami), a cultural focus of non-European white and a mythology focus on Santeria. If anyone has – please share, I am interested in reading it. I am aware of Outside the Bones, but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.
Ms. Wright richly develops the world her book takes place in without the typical information drop that so many fantasy and urban fantasy books suffer from. Instead, readers learn what they need to as the book progresses. And thank you for that! I hate info drops. The book centers around some bizarre murders and Lanore’s desire to track down the murderer but, thank goodness, the detective aspect is not overdone or boring.
Lanore is not perfect. In fact she is pretty flawed. She is a thief, some readers may be irritated by her sexual boundaries (I am not one of those readers by the way) and she has little trust in authority or those around her. She is still living with and most likely still in love with her ex-boyfriend, for complicated reasons, and she is very interested in a man who is involved in a political revolutionary group for which she co-leads.
Many, most (all?) popular urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy books have as their focus a couple being brought together. Love seemingly conquers all and is exclusive – once the couple acknowledges their feelings for each other the attraction and sexual feelings for anyone else disappear. But is this realistic? Not in my world. I have found, that sex, love and dating is not as linear and perfect as the monogamous ideal portrayed in most genre fiction. Fire Baptized may uncomfortably push the boundaries for many people. Lanore is clearly interested in two men, her interest and ambivalence is not a secret. And both men are likable, sexy and deserving of her attention. But I gotta say I prefer MeShack.
There are detailed sex scenes (thank god), more detailed murder and gore scenes, emotional background stories, the death of characters and some gritty strip club scenes. All good stuff. I have already bought the second in this series and am hopeful that Kenya writes the third in this series and completes it soon!
4.5 stars. Fanfreakingtastic!
Why did I wait so long to read this book? Perhaps, because I expected it to fizzle out for me. I thought it might catch my attention at the beginning but then ultimately get boring. This was my expectation because with very few exceptions most urban fantasy books have been causing this reaction in me for the past 12-18 months. Fire Baptized is different than most urban fantasy books I have read and as a result I devoured it in 24 hours. I loved it. Simultaneously, it shares a lot in common with the very good and memorable Urban Fantasy books .
Kenya Wright has created this amazingly unique but believable setting of an urban fantasy world in our present time but which exists in a slightly altered reality where supernaturals are known and exist in a variety of creatures: shifters, fae, vampires, demons and witches. Humans have branded all supernaturals and imprisoned them to live in caged cities. Among the supernaturals there is prejudice against “mixies” which are the result of mixing between two different supernatural races. Two of the main characters are mixies, Zulu and Lanore. The other main character is MeShack and he is a shifter. The story revolves around these three characters but is told from the first person point of view of Lanore.
The characters are young, college aged and the setting is very dark, very gritty and very urban. The cage this group of supernaturals lives in is located in Miami and the focus of the religion and culture is Santeria. I haven’t read another urban fantasy book with a similar setting (Miami), a cultural focus of non-European white and a mythology focus on Santeria. If anyone has – please share, I am interested in reading it. I am aware of Outside the Bones, but I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.
Ms. Wright richly develops the world her book takes place in without the typical information drop that so many fantasy and urban fantasy books suffer from. Instead, readers learn what they need to as the book progresses. And thank you for that! I hate info drops. The book centers around some bizarre murders and Lanore’s desire to track down the murderer but, thank goodness, the detective aspect is not overdone or boring.
Lanore is not perfect. In fact she is pretty flawed. She is a thief, some readers may be irritated by her sexual boundaries (I am not one of those readers by the way) and she has little trust in authority or those around her. She is still living with and most likely still in love with her ex-boyfriend, for complicated reasons, and she is very interested in a man who is involved in a political revolutionary group for which she co-leads.
Many, most (all?) popular urban fantasy, paranormal romance and fantasy books have as their focus a couple being brought together. Love seemingly conquers all and is exclusive – once the couple acknowledges their feelings for each other the attraction and sexual feelings for anyone else disappear. But is this realistic? Not in my world. I have found, that sex, love and dating is not as linear and perfect as the monogamous ideal portrayed in most genre fiction. Fire Baptized may uncomfortably push the boundaries for many people. Lanore is clearly interested in two men, her interest and ambivalence is not a secret. And both men are likable, sexy and deserving of her attention. But I gotta say I prefer MeShack.
There are detailed sex scenes (thank god), more detailed murder and gore scenes, emotional background stories, the death of characters and some gritty strip club scenes. All good stuff. I have already bought the second in this series and am hopeful that Kenya writes the third in this series and completes it soon!
February 2, 2012
**4.5 Stars**
Before I get into the specifics, I have to say that books like these are the reason I keep my door open to indie authors. Fire Baptized flies in the face of self-published stereotypes. It's fresh and unique. It has great character development, a fantastic plot, and steamy love interests. It's unpredictable; it has great pacing; and it clearly had a proficient editor.
Our heroine is Lanore, a mixed breed supernatural, who lives in the caged ghettos where humans relegate the preternatural community. Like other "mixies," she is looked down upon by the full-blood supes. But she is trying to make something of her life, going to college, while living with her ex-boyfriend and longtime friend MeShack. She is also trying to make things better for others of her kind, working with MFE, a mixie-rights organization. Things are going fairly well for her, until she witnesses a murder in a back alley.
Generally, Lanore's ability to wield fire can save her from most dangerous situations. But she is in real danger, once the killer recognizes her and seeks her out. It turns out that our bad guy is actually a serial killer. And since no one cares much about what happens to the mixies, Lanore takes it upon herself to solve the case. She has MeShack at her back --as well as Zulu, the head of MFE and a potential love-interest.
I'm not going to spoil the particulars of the murder-mystery. But I will say it's very well done. I didn't figure out the identity of the killer, but it made perfect sense once all was revealed. I'll also take a moment to talk about the love-triangle between Lanore, MeShack, and Zulu. Usually, I hate love triangles, but this one worked. Personally, I am in the Zulu camp, but I can see how some might root for MeShack. The action is definitely the forefront of the book, but the relationship issues are woven in seamlessly --and are an integral part of the story.
One other thing to mention is the diversity among the characters. Our heroine is African-American and the supporting cast features an array of ethnicities. It's just another way this story escapes the cookie-cutter feel of so many other books flooding the genre.
I thought it was fantastic and I can't wait to read the next installment.
*ARC provided by author for review
Before I get into the specifics, I have to say that books like these are the reason I keep my door open to indie authors. Fire Baptized flies in the face of self-published stereotypes. It's fresh and unique. It has great character development, a fantastic plot, and steamy love interests. It's unpredictable; it has great pacing; and it clearly had a proficient editor.
Our heroine is Lanore, a mixed breed supernatural, who lives in the caged ghettos where humans relegate the preternatural community. Like other "mixies," she is looked down upon by the full-blood supes. But she is trying to make something of her life, going to college, while living with her ex-boyfriend and longtime friend MeShack. She is also trying to make things better for others of her kind, working with MFE, a mixie-rights organization. Things are going fairly well for her, until she witnesses a murder in a back alley.
Generally, Lanore's ability to wield fire can save her from most dangerous situations. But she is in real danger, once the killer recognizes her and seeks her out. It turns out that our bad guy is actually a serial killer. And since no one cares much about what happens to the mixies, Lanore takes it upon herself to solve the case. She has MeShack at her back --as well as Zulu, the head of MFE and a potential love-interest.
I'm not going to spoil the particulars of the murder-mystery. But I will say it's very well done. I didn't figure out the identity of the killer, but it made perfect sense once all was revealed. I'll also take a moment to talk about the love-triangle between Lanore, MeShack, and Zulu. Usually, I hate love triangles, but this one worked. Personally, I am in the Zulu camp, but I can see how some might root for MeShack. The action is definitely the forefront of the book, but the relationship issues are woven in seamlessly --and are an integral part of the story.
One other thing to mention is the diversity among the characters. Our heroine is African-American and the supporting cast features an array of ethnicities. It's just another way this story escapes the cookie-cutter feel of so many other books flooding the genre.
I thought it was fantastic and I can't wait to read the next installment.
*ARC provided by author for review
February 23, 2012
Wright got it right! What an impressive debut effort!
Kenya Wright's Fire Baptized pleasantly surprised me! Just when I start to wonder if I'm just reading too much Urban Fantasy, I run into a fantastic story like this one.
There are no secret supernaturals here. Since the '70s humans have isolated these species to live in restricted areas. Think District 9 with a little less slum...in some parts of town. They identify all of the different species with brands on their foreheads. Of course there is a class system within their kind, with mixbreeds being on the bottom. Our main character, Lanore, is one of these mixbreeds. Armed with the power of fire, she is far from helpless, but she doesn't really look for trouble either; it merely finds her.
She ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time when she witnesses a grisly murder, eventually making herself a target for this satanic killer. The biggest fear is of the unknown. And to stop this killer she has to team up with a couple of hunky--but helpful--friends as she investigates the murder herself and tries to stay alive.
The world building is fantastic, intriguing, and easy to follow. Some of the characters and the monsters are awesome too, if not a bit sympathetic at times. The story is a shorter read than most, but it still qualifies as a novel and I felt that it was the perfect length. Because of this, I can honestly say that I wasn't bored for a second. I would say that it's a lighter Urban Fantasy with some dark elements to it because I did find myself laughing a good deal of the time.
Lanore is an African American character so I thought it was awesome to change it up from what we usually see (not that I don't love that too). It's just great to see diversity in this genre. I also really liked the descriptions of how she uses her fire power.
I don't like love triangles and this one didn't change my mind. That is pretty much the only harp I have with this book, so I grinned and beared it. Though there is interracial romance, the racism and discrimination is a species-based issue and it gets pretty ugly, making you really question "humanity" or the lack thereof.
Overall I am truly impressed, especially considering that this is Wright's debut novel. It kicks off strong and never lets up. It was a very imaginative world and I am eager to read the next book. While this book solves the mystery, there is definitely a larger overarching plot that is developing, so we have a lot more to look forward to.
And on one last note, I must say that I love love love the subtlety of the cover. I think it looks great!
*ARC provided by the author
*Review also posted to Amazon
Kenya Wright's Fire Baptized pleasantly surprised me! Just when I start to wonder if I'm just reading too much Urban Fantasy, I run into a fantastic story like this one.
There are no secret supernaturals here. Since the '70s humans have isolated these species to live in restricted areas. Think District 9 with a little less slum...in some parts of town. They identify all of the different species with brands on their foreheads. Of course there is a class system within their kind, with mixbreeds being on the bottom. Our main character, Lanore, is one of these mixbreeds. Armed with the power of fire, she is far from helpless, but she doesn't really look for trouble either; it merely finds her.
She ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time when she witnesses a grisly murder, eventually making herself a target for this satanic killer. The biggest fear is of the unknown. And to stop this killer she has to team up with a couple of hunky--but helpful--friends as she investigates the murder herself and tries to stay alive.
The world building is fantastic, intriguing, and easy to follow. Some of the characters and the monsters are awesome too, if not a bit sympathetic at times. The story is a shorter read than most, but it still qualifies as a novel and I felt that it was the perfect length. Because of this, I can honestly say that I wasn't bored for a second. I would say that it's a lighter Urban Fantasy with some dark elements to it because I did find myself laughing a good deal of the time.
Lanore is an African American character so I thought it was awesome to change it up from what we usually see (not that I don't love that too). It's just great to see diversity in this genre. I also really liked the descriptions of how she uses her fire power.
I don't like love triangles and this one didn't change my mind. That is pretty much the only harp I have with this book, so I grinned and beared it. Though there is interracial romance, the racism and discrimination is a species-based issue and it gets pretty ugly, making you really question "humanity" or the lack thereof.
Overall I am truly impressed, especially considering that this is Wright's debut novel. It kicks off strong and never lets up. It was a very imaginative world and I am eager to read the next book. While this book solves the mystery, there is definitely a larger overarching plot that is developing, so we have a lot more to look forward to.
And on one last note, I must say that I love love love the subtlety of the cover. I think it looks great!
*ARC provided by the author
*Review also posted to Amazon
August 22, 2015
Fire Baptized is an action-packed, sexy, murder mystery. There wasn't a moment in the book when I wasn't completely engaged. Lanore commanded my attention.
The habitat is is a caged space where humans force supernaturals to live. Lanore is a Mixbreed, born of two different supernatural species. Like other Mixbreeds, she is an outcast among supernaturals, even within a city full of supernaturals cast out of the human world. As you can see from the cover art, Lanore's power is pyrokinesis. She creates and controls fire with her body.
The first chapter is one large action sequence, which will appeal to you action lovers out there. Personally, I would have preferred a little time to breathe, but some might say that breathing is a bit overrated.
Lanore witnesses a bloody murder committed by a supernatural killer. The bulk of the book is dedicated to Lanore's investigating the murder mystery. There are so many things that are fun about this book. It's an old-fashioned murder mystery with a new twist, and the primary investigator is a witty, fire-throwing rebel with two sexy guys close at her heels. Speaking of the guys, there are a couple of hot romantic moments in here, which definitely ups the fun the level yet another notch.
An exciting read, yes, but this book also touches some serious issues. There's the whole bloody murder thing and chopped up body parts. But there are also issues of equality among members of humanity (or . . . um, supernaturals). The world that Kenya has created is full and complex, where Purebloods rule and Mixies sit in the back of clubs and use Mixbreed-designated restrooms. I'm excited for the next book, to see what else will happen in this amazing world.
Read this book or Lanore will set you on fire.
(You may have to read it to get that joke.)
The habitat is is a caged space where humans force supernaturals to live. Lanore is a Mixbreed, born of two different supernatural species. Like other Mixbreeds, she is an outcast among supernaturals, even within a city full of supernaturals cast out of the human world. As you can see from the cover art, Lanore's power is pyrokinesis. She creates and controls fire with her body.
The first chapter is one large action sequence, which will appeal to you action lovers out there. Personally, I would have preferred a little time to breathe, but some might say that breathing is a bit overrated.
Lanore witnesses a bloody murder committed by a supernatural killer. The bulk of the book is dedicated to Lanore's investigating the murder mystery. There are so many things that are fun about this book. It's an old-fashioned murder mystery with a new twist, and the primary investigator is a witty, fire-throwing rebel with two sexy guys close at her heels. Speaking of the guys, there are a couple of hot romantic moments in here, which definitely ups the fun the level yet another notch.
An exciting read, yes, but this book also touches some serious issues. There's the whole bloody murder thing and chopped up body parts. But there are also issues of equality among members of humanity (or . . . um, supernaturals). The world that Kenya has created is full and complex, where Purebloods rule and Mixies sit in the back of clubs and use Mixbreed-designated restrooms. I'm excited for the next book, to see what else will happen in this amazing world.
Read this book or Lanore will set you on fire.
(You may have to read it to get that joke.)
January 20, 2012
I’ll start off by saying this very much exceeded my expectations. Lanore is a mixbreed with the power to control fire, a pyromancer. When she unknowingly stumbles upon a murder in progress, Lanore being the only witness to the murder and the killer seeing who she is, it puts her in real danger. Not only does Lanore have her own safety to worry about but she is also caught in the middle of two men, each wanting her for themselves, one who she had been with in the past and one who is new on the scene. I have to say, I am very happy with who she ended up picking. There is plenty of action in the read and mystery; it really kept me guessing with who the killer would turn out to be. I also liked the elements of humour throughout this book, especially the moment with these lines;
The story flowed really well and it was an ease to read. I like the shifter and fairy parts, there aren’t enough reads out there with fairy elements in them. The characters each had their own place and leapt off the page, I also liked how there weren’t too many characters involved in the story so it wasn’t overloaded. A really great read that surprised me on many levels, brilliantly written and it kept me guessing right till the very end. I can't wait to see where the story goes and how Lanore's love life continues on in the next book.
*Submitted for review from Author*
“Quickly covering my eyes, I asked, “Are you going to calm down your beast or will I be using that as a seat during our flight?”
A rumble emitted from his chest. I peeked at him through my fingers as he flashed me a black-lipped smile.
“There are so many responses that I could give you to that question,” Zulu replied. “But I’m afraid all of them would probably get me slapped.”
The story flowed really well and it was an ease to read. I like the shifter and fairy parts, there aren’t enough reads out there with fairy elements in them. The characters each had their own place and leapt off the page, I also liked how there weren’t too many characters involved in the story so it wasn’t overloaded. A really great read that surprised me on many levels, brilliantly written and it kept me guessing right till the very end. I can't wait to see where the story goes and how Lanore's love life continues on in the next book.
*Submitted for review from Author*
January 19, 2012
Fire Baptized is a mystery, supernatural, and romance novel all mixed up into one deliciously decadent treat!
Fire Baptized follows Lanore a "Mixbreed" who lives in the habitat, which is a caged city where humans have exiled supernaturals. Lanore as a Mixbreed was born of two different supernatural species and they are further ostracized by the Supes (purebred supernaturals). Lanore witnesses a murder and suddenly is smack dead in the center of a supernatural serial killer sacrificing Supes to the Voudoun deities. Along for the ride are two men dueling for her affections.
Not just an empty calorie treat, Fire Baptized tackles racism/species-ism (?) in an engaging way & the storyline echoes the treatment of minorities in the not too distant past. I cannot wait to read the follow-up to Fire Baptized and follow the entire series. I was hooked from page 1! Kenya Wright has given us a wonderful debut novel!
Fire Baptized follows Lanore a "Mixbreed" who lives in the habitat, which is a caged city where humans have exiled supernaturals. Lanore as a Mixbreed was born of two different supernatural species and they are further ostracized by the Supes (purebred supernaturals). Lanore witnesses a murder and suddenly is smack dead in the center of a supernatural serial killer sacrificing Supes to the Voudoun deities. Along for the ride are two men dueling for her affections.
Not just an empty calorie treat, Fire Baptized tackles racism/species-ism (?) in an engaging way & the storyline echoes the treatment of minorities in the not too distant past. I cannot wait to read the follow-up to Fire Baptized and follow the entire series. I was hooked from page 1! Kenya Wright has given us a wonderful debut novel!
February 19, 2016
Being a persnickety lover of quality Interracial Romance & Urban Fantasy books, all I can say is that I am truly enamored with this amazing book.
Why? Because basically, Kenya starts it off with a bang, and then grabs your attention for a 3 hour tour that blazes through a colorful alternate universe, that's full of fae, demons, vamps, shifters, even weirder demons, and witches.
After reading this amazing book, I truly believe that Kenya Wright is an author whose talent has been seriously under rated, not only by the publishing world, but also by a significant segment of readers also.
Despite a few issues with the storyline, this book was spectacular.
Giving this one: 5 stars
Why? Because basically, Kenya starts it off with a bang, and then grabs your attention for a 3 hour tour that blazes through a colorful alternate universe, that's full of fae, demons, vamps, shifters, even weirder demons, and witches.
After reading this amazing book, I truly believe that Kenya Wright is an author whose talent has been seriously under rated, not only by the publishing world, but also by a significant segment of readers also.
Despite a few issues with the storyline, this book was spectacular.
Giving this one: 5 stars
February 9, 2012
This book was on FIRE!!
FLAME ON!!
No, not like that!
Ok... kinda like that....
WHY?
Because the main girly of the story can do exactly that. She can make -FIRE!!
fire! fire! fire! huh huh huh hmmmmm......
Lanore is a Mixie (mixed supernatural) who lives with her ex- werecheetah -boyfriend, MeShack.
I know... doesn't sound like a good idea. Right?
Did I mention that he's ripped and is in a band... and is a cheetah?
Ladies.... do I have your attention?
Anyways, Lanore is out roaming around one day when she sees a murder.
Like GASP!
Yeah, dude! She sees this chick like totally begging for her life and trying to guilt her murderer that she has a kid and the murderer is like "SO" and BAM.... the chick gets hacked to bitty bit bits! And Lanore like totally hi-tails it back home and is like "DUDE! I just saw a murder!"
Ok... I'm exaggerating a bit.... but you get the jest.
Then this dude named Zulu comes into the picture. He's this other really hot mixie who's past is a secret. What is here? Where did he come from? And why is he eyeing Lanore like that?
Does it matter? He's loaded and is super duper ripped!!
Ladies! Do I have your attention? lolz!
Zulu runs an organization for Mixie Rights. Mixies are being oppressed and he's like "I'm sooo gonna protect you Lanore!"
But why? Oh yeah, after the murderer hacked that chick to bits the murderer was like "OH SNAP! I think that girl saw! I better write her a threatening letter and tell her that I know she knows and I'm soo gonna kill her next."
Or something like that ;)
This was a really fun story. If you like Urban Fantasy but without all the ninja kung fu skills then this book is for you!! I'm not a big fan of Urban Fantasy but I really enjoyed this. I think it's because there weren't any swords and chicks working on their cars and you know... guns and stuff. It was all magic and fire and stuff. I liked that.
I really loved how vivid the characters were. The author did a very good job at giving each character their own personality. You definitively can distinguish between them and pick a favorite. Mine was MeShack.
I also enjoyed how much detail the author put into the species. It was very interesting hearing about pixies, water witches, vampires, were-rats, and more.
This is a great start to what should be a very interesting series. I look forward to reading more!
If you like a good urban fantasy mystery with just a bit of spice (and abs) then go pick up this book. I guarantee that you get caught up in the inferno that is ZULU (oh yeah... and Lanore).
**Paranormal Wastelands would like to thank Kenya Wright for choosing us to review her book.
FLAME ON!!
No, not like that!
Ok... kinda like that....
WHY?
Because the main girly of the story can do exactly that. She can make -FIRE!!
fire! fire! fire! huh huh huh hmmmmm......
Lanore is a Mixie (mixed supernatural) who lives with her ex- werecheetah -boyfriend, MeShack.
I know... doesn't sound like a good idea. Right?
Did I mention that he's ripped and is in a band... and is a cheetah?
Ladies.... do I have your attention?
Anyways, Lanore is out roaming around one day when she sees a murder.
Like GASP!
Yeah, dude! She sees this chick like totally begging for her life and trying to guilt her murderer that she has a kid and the murderer is like "SO" and BAM.... the chick gets hacked to bitty bit bits! And Lanore like totally hi-tails it back home and is like "DUDE! I just saw a murder!"
Ok... I'm exaggerating a bit.... but you get the jest.
Then this dude named Zulu comes into the picture. He's this other really hot mixie who's past is a secret. What is here? Where did he come from? And why is he eyeing Lanore like that?
Does it matter? He's loaded and is super duper ripped!!
Ladies! Do I have your attention? lolz!
Zulu runs an organization for Mixie Rights. Mixies are being oppressed and he's like "I'm sooo gonna protect you Lanore!"
But why? Oh yeah, after the murderer hacked that chick to bits the murderer was like "OH SNAP! I think that girl saw! I better write her a threatening letter and tell her that I know she knows and I'm soo gonna kill her next."
Or something like that ;)
This was a really fun story. If you like Urban Fantasy but without all the ninja kung fu skills then this book is for you!! I'm not a big fan of Urban Fantasy but I really enjoyed this. I think it's because there weren't any swords and chicks working on their cars and you know... guns and stuff. It was all magic and fire and stuff. I liked that.
I really loved how vivid the characters were. The author did a very good job at giving each character their own personality. You definitively can distinguish between them and pick a favorite. Mine was MeShack.
I also enjoyed how much detail the author put into the species. It was very interesting hearing about pixies, water witches, vampires, were-rats, and more.
This is a great start to what should be a very interesting series. I look forward to reading more!
If you like a good urban fantasy mystery with just a bit of spice (and abs) then go pick up this book. I guarantee that you get caught up in the inferno that is ZULU (oh yeah... and Lanore).
**Paranormal Wastelands would like to thank Kenya Wright for choosing us to review her book.
March 1, 2021
You know the feeling when every single person you know loved a book, but you don't? And you wonder why people don't see it? That is how I feel about Fire Baptized.
Supernaturals are being forced to live in cages the size of small cities. Here they live in poverty and suppression. But things are even worse if you are a Mixbreed. They are second-class citizens, even in the Habitat. When she witnesses a gruesome murder on the way home, Lanore is determined to find the killer. But then he starts targeting people around her, and the killings get more personal.
The best way to describe Fire Baptized is an Anita Blake novel merged with a dystopian with social suppression themes. Think pre-orgy Anita Blake here. It's graphic urban-fantasy. There is a high level of gore and sex scenes that leave very little to imagination. I wouldn't recommend this for the sensitive reader. But for those of you who like it gritty - you might like this.
I admire the idea behind the story. It's different from what we're used to. There are Shifters, Vampires, Fairies, Pixies, Half-Demons and Witches; about every supernatural creature you can think of. They live in a caged city, cut off from the world. It's a highly original concept, and I just wish the execution was better.
The thing is, when you make this fantastic world with countless creatures that inhabit it and even make a whole religion for them, I want details. I want to know who built the cage. How does it look. What kinds of supernaturals are there, and what are their powers. When did supernaturals come out of the closet, so to speak? My main problem with Fire Baptized is that these details aren't there. There are pixies flying around, but I don't even know what they look like. Trolls make an appearance, but I have no idea whether they're black, green or orange. I get that you have to avoid info-dumps in books, especially in genres like urban-fantasy, but I sense a new phenomenon here. I'm calling it info-voids.
One of the biggest info-voids is why the supernaturals are even in a cage. Who put them there? Didn't they put up a fight or something? It mustn't be easy to put witches inside of a cage. The elements that make this story unique are just hinted on. Too much information is bad for a story, and it bogs it down. But too little makes it senseless.
Another thing that bothers me is inconsistencies. At one point in the novel, a law is mentioned that says vampires can't grow older than the age of a hundred. A few chapters later, we meet some vampires that are about two hundred years old. Maybe there is an explanation for this, but it isn't mentioned in the book.
If you like stubborn (not necessarily smart) heroines, love triangles, alpha males with rock hard abs, gruesome murders and grown-up bullying, I think you might like Fire Baptized. It really isn't a bad book, and a lot of people have enjoyed and will keep to enjoy it. As of now I am the only person here on Goodreads not to like it that much. Try it, and see for yourself.
Supernaturals are being forced to live in cages the size of small cities. Here they live in poverty and suppression. But things are even worse if you are a Mixbreed. They are second-class citizens, even in the Habitat. When she witnesses a gruesome murder on the way home, Lanore is determined to find the killer. But then he starts targeting people around her, and the killings get more personal.
The best way to describe Fire Baptized is an Anita Blake novel merged with a dystopian with social suppression themes. Think pre-orgy Anita Blake here. It's graphic urban-fantasy. There is a high level of gore and sex scenes that leave very little to imagination. I wouldn't recommend this for the sensitive reader. But for those of you who like it gritty - you might like this.
I admire the idea behind the story. It's different from what we're used to. There are Shifters, Vampires, Fairies, Pixies, Half-Demons and Witches; about every supernatural creature you can think of. They live in a caged city, cut off from the world. It's a highly original concept, and I just wish the execution was better.
The thing is, when you make this fantastic world with countless creatures that inhabit it and even make a whole religion for them, I want details. I want to know who built the cage. How does it look. What kinds of supernaturals are there, and what are their powers. When did supernaturals come out of the closet, so to speak? My main problem with Fire Baptized is that these details aren't there. There are pixies flying around, but I don't even know what they look like. Trolls make an appearance, but I have no idea whether they're black, green or orange. I get that you have to avoid info-dumps in books, especially in genres like urban-fantasy, but I sense a new phenomenon here. I'm calling it info-voids.
One of the biggest info-voids is why the supernaturals are even in a cage. Who put them there? Didn't they put up a fight or something? It mustn't be easy to put witches inside of a cage. The elements that make this story unique are just hinted on. Too much information is bad for a story, and it bogs it down. But too little makes it senseless.
Another thing that bothers me is inconsistencies. At one point in the novel, a law is mentioned that says vampires can't grow older than the age of a hundred. A few chapters later, we meet some vampires that are about two hundred years old. Maybe there is an explanation for this, but it isn't mentioned in the book.
If you like stubborn (not necessarily smart) heroines, love triangles, alpha males with rock hard abs, gruesome murders and grown-up bullying, I think you might like Fire Baptized. It really isn't a bad book, and a lot of people have enjoyed and will keep to enjoy it. As of now I am the only person here on Goodreads not to like it that much. Try it, and see for yourself.
April 6, 2012
I found this book by accident during one of those “lost” nights on goodreads.com. Any goodreader will know exactly what I am talking about. Those nights when hours are lost and unknown books are found. I never would have found this book if I didn’t belong to a site like goodreads, and finding books like Fire Baptized makes this site a gem (so long story short, go join goodreads.com! and for those who are reading this on goodreads, good for you. You have done the right thing.).
Fire Baptized was a great book and a great addition to the Paranormal Romance Genre. When I found the book on goodreads, my attention was caught instantly, and I had to buy it right away. So, off to amazon I went and bought it from the Kindle store. I started the book that night, and I finished it the next day; however, I haven’t had a chance in the past few weeks to actually sit down and write a good review of the book because of work-life issues. As a result, my memory of certain details may not be so good. Oh well, I will just have to review books faster in the future, especially ones that I really enjoyed.
Fire Baptized is a very well written book. I can’t remember a time when I was distracted by a misspelled word or a weirdly written phrase. For that, I have to thank Wright because there are so many books in this genre that I cannot say the same thing and as a result, my enjoyment of said books immediately declines. How can I respect an author’s book if that author cannot even spell a word correctly? Unfortunately, I cannot help but think this when I encounter such a situation.
What I love about the book the most would have to be the world setting. The idea that paranormals are locked away in a caged city, Habitat, so that they cannot interact with the civilized world is a phenomenal idea. Wright could and should do so many things with this. Just the idea that they might one day “get out” would be enough for me to buy future books in the series, and I cannot wait for them to come out. I cannot wait to see what will happen. I just hope the author doesn’t take too long getting “there” (if she even plans to go “there” at all). It would be a bit of a disappointment if I didn’t get to experience this with the characters.
The second thing I love most about this book (but not as much as the world setting) would be the main character, Lanore. She really is fantastic. I love my heroines, and I love them strong and defiant. I can’t help it. The moment a heroine takes control of her destiny is the moment I get lost in a book. I don’t want to read about a girl who is a “push-over.” I don’t want to read about a girl who cannot make choices on her own. I want to read about girls like Lanore (and my all-time favourite heroine, Vin from the Mistborn Trilogy). Lanore rocks my socks off!
Lanore’s ability, to create and wield fire, is great as well. That was another thing that I liked about the book: the range of abilities that the people of the Habitat claim: the all too familiar ones like shapeshifters, vampires and witches, but some new and refreshing ones as well that I will not spoil (the girl at the end being something really spectacular – in fact, I am really looking forward to the story arch with this little gem as she is someone important if I am remembering correctly).
There were very few things that I didn’t like about the book, but the one I will mention is the love triangle. Wright did well with this in Fire Baptized, but I hope that it doesn’t turn into something that weaves in and out of the story through the next books. I am so tired of reading books that have clever ideas like Fire Baptized but after a couple of books, they fall into a story about nothing else but the heroine and “her men.” Ugh, please. I don’t want to read another one of those books. It’s just a personal taste of my own to read about intelligent, interesting characters in an interesting world without having the story rely upon the “love triangle.” Fire Baptized isn’t that… yet. I just hope it doesn’t turn into that in the future.
Overall, the book was great, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal romance as I would consider it one of the best in the genre.
Great read.
Fire Baptized was a great book and a great addition to the Paranormal Romance Genre. When I found the book on goodreads, my attention was caught instantly, and I had to buy it right away. So, off to amazon I went and bought it from the Kindle store. I started the book that night, and I finished it the next day; however, I haven’t had a chance in the past few weeks to actually sit down and write a good review of the book because of work-life issues. As a result, my memory of certain details may not be so good. Oh well, I will just have to review books faster in the future, especially ones that I really enjoyed.
Fire Baptized is a very well written book. I can’t remember a time when I was distracted by a misspelled word or a weirdly written phrase. For that, I have to thank Wright because there are so many books in this genre that I cannot say the same thing and as a result, my enjoyment of said books immediately declines. How can I respect an author’s book if that author cannot even spell a word correctly? Unfortunately, I cannot help but think this when I encounter such a situation.
What I love about the book the most would have to be the world setting. The idea that paranormals are locked away in a caged city, Habitat, so that they cannot interact with the civilized world is a phenomenal idea. Wright could and should do so many things with this. Just the idea that they might one day “get out” would be enough for me to buy future books in the series, and I cannot wait for them to come out. I cannot wait to see what will happen. I just hope the author doesn’t take too long getting “there” (if she even plans to go “there” at all). It would be a bit of a disappointment if I didn’t get to experience this with the characters.
The second thing I love most about this book (but not as much as the world setting) would be the main character, Lanore. She really is fantastic. I love my heroines, and I love them strong and defiant. I can’t help it. The moment a heroine takes control of her destiny is the moment I get lost in a book. I don’t want to read about a girl who is a “push-over.” I don’t want to read about a girl who cannot make choices on her own. I want to read about girls like Lanore (and my all-time favourite heroine, Vin from the Mistborn Trilogy). Lanore rocks my socks off!
Lanore’s ability, to create and wield fire, is great as well. That was another thing that I liked about the book: the range of abilities that the people of the Habitat claim: the all too familiar ones like shapeshifters, vampires and witches, but some new and refreshing ones as well that I will not spoil (the girl at the end being something really spectacular – in fact, I am really looking forward to the story arch with this little gem as she is someone important if I am remembering correctly).
There were very few things that I didn’t like about the book, but the one I will mention is the love triangle. Wright did well with this in Fire Baptized, but I hope that it doesn’t turn into something that weaves in and out of the story through the next books. I am so tired of reading books that have clever ideas like Fire Baptized but after a couple of books, they fall into a story about nothing else but the heroine and “her men.” Ugh, please. I don’t want to read another one of those books. It’s just a personal taste of my own to read about intelligent, interesting characters in an interesting world without having the story rely upon the “love triangle.” Fire Baptized isn’t that… yet. I just hope it doesn’t turn into that in the future.
Overall, the book was great, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal romance as I would consider it one of the best in the genre.
Great read.
Read
March 17, 2025I was one of the lucky people who got a look at Kenya Wright’s Fire Baptized before it was published. On the surface, it may seem distasteful: the Supernaturals have been exiled to a ghetto built out of a literal cage near Miami, Florida. This ghetto, though, is reminiscent of a shetl of Eastern European past: some districts are quite lush and lavish, while others live up to the ghetto name. It’s its own contained community, and it lives and breathes in ways some real cities never do in fiction.
It is one of these poor, gritty districts that Lanore Vesta lives with her childhood friend and protector, MeShack Hooshmand. MeShack is a Were-cheetah, while Lanore is one of the loathed: a Mixie. In La La’s case, she bears both Demon and Fairy blood.
When she witnesses a murder, Lanore is hot on the trail, playing amateur sleuth to uncover the killer. Along the way, she’s got to contend with the possessive posturing going on between MeShack and fellow Mixie Zulu. Lanore adores them both, it’s obvious, and this is a love triangle as complicated as any other – and better than most. It’s Lanore’s heart that’s going to decide this matter, although the men may never stop bristling when they are around each other.
Some of the tension between the men goes beyond the romantic. Zulu’s the dreamer, the revolutionary working to achieve his goals of Supernatural equality and maybe a life among the Humans. MeShack’s more retiring, happy with his life: women, a band, Lanore. He represents the status quo. Part of Lanore’s personal conflict, beyond trying to stay alive, is choosing between change and stasis. This opens the door to personal growth for our heroine, and growth happens even as she seems to be mixed up in something that’s bigger than she is.
All this sets up a story that’s hard to put down, but it’s the Santeria Supernatural Habitat and the people who inhabit it that steal the show. This world is ugly, gritty, brutal. The characters who populate it are survivors. They’re also unforgettable.
It is one of these poor, gritty districts that Lanore Vesta lives with her childhood friend and protector, MeShack Hooshmand. MeShack is a Were-cheetah, while Lanore is one of the loathed: a Mixie. In La La’s case, she bears both Demon and Fairy blood.
When she witnesses a murder, Lanore is hot on the trail, playing amateur sleuth to uncover the killer. Along the way, she’s got to contend with the possessive posturing going on between MeShack and fellow Mixie Zulu. Lanore adores them both, it’s obvious, and this is a love triangle as complicated as any other – and better than most. It’s Lanore’s heart that’s going to decide this matter, although the men may never stop bristling when they are around each other.
Some of the tension between the men goes beyond the romantic. Zulu’s the dreamer, the revolutionary working to achieve his goals of Supernatural equality and maybe a life among the Humans. MeShack’s more retiring, happy with his life: women, a band, Lanore. He represents the status quo. Part of Lanore’s personal conflict, beyond trying to stay alive, is choosing between change and stasis. This opens the door to personal growth for our heroine, and growth happens even as she seems to be mixed up in something that’s bigger than she is.
All this sets up a story that’s hard to put down, but it’s the Santeria Supernatural Habitat and the people who inhabit it that steal the show. This world is ugly, gritty, brutal. The characters who populate it are survivors. They’re also unforgettable.
June 25, 2012
I hate giving this book 3 stars. I wanted to be addicted like everyone else and throw down five. I really loved the concept and writing. The culture and history in the book were also great. Even the characters had traits that I completely loved. But the inconsistencies had a snowball effect.
By inconsistencies, I mean the character traits changed too much. One minute, Lanore is crying and fragile, the next she's strong and dominant. She'll rush into something without thinking, but tell Zulu that he should plan before making an action. Her detective work is crap, but suddenly everything falls into her lap. And this isn't just with Lanore. It's everyone.
Every character has inconsistencies, but it's the main character that bugs me because her issues make her needy and worthless at times. What really upset me was she was supposed to be the first Mixie to graduate from this prestigious school, but she gets too involved with everything else; it's so frustratingly stereotypical. I really wanted to read about a strong Black female lead. That was my desire, but this chick lost her strength the second a finger was jammed into her vagina.
I'd like to restate that the writing is great, but there's one thing that bothers me. When sex scenes pop up, the imagery is magnificent. It makes me think that the writer put extra energy in scenes that could've been glossed over and skipped out on some of the action and emotional moments. Honestly, why didn't you get as descriptive with everything else? I read that Lanore needed to vomit like five times. Isn't there another way to describe it? Can she have another emotion besides a gag reflex? And why does she always want to throw up except the one time she's collecting body parts?
Overall, three stars. This is the fastest I've read a book in a long time, which says a lot about the author's ability to draw you in. Kenya can write. No doubt about that. But I doubt I'll continue with the series unless I hear that Lanore really becomes a genuinely strong female lead.
By inconsistencies, I mean the character traits changed too much. One minute, Lanore is crying and fragile, the next she's strong and dominant. She'll rush into something without thinking, but tell Zulu that he should plan before making an action. Her detective work is crap, but suddenly everything falls into her lap. And this isn't just with Lanore. It's everyone.
Every character has inconsistencies, but it's the main character that bugs me because her issues make her needy and worthless at times. What really upset me was she was supposed to be the first Mixie to graduate from this prestigious school, but she gets too involved with everything else; it's so frustratingly stereotypical. I really wanted to read about a strong Black female lead. That was my desire, but this chick lost her strength the second a finger was jammed into her vagina.
I'd like to restate that the writing is great, but there's one thing that bothers me. When sex scenes pop up, the imagery is magnificent. It makes me think that the writer put extra energy in scenes that could've been glossed over and skipped out on some of the action and emotional moments. Honestly, why didn't you get as descriptive with everything else? I read that Lanore needed to vomit like five times. Isn't there another way to describe it? Can she have another emotion besides a gag reflex? And why does she always want to throw up except the one time she's collecting body parts?
Overall, three stars. This is the fastest I've read a book in a long time, which says a lot about the author's ability to draw you in. Kenya can write. No doubt about that. But I doubt I'll continue with the series unless I hear that Lanore really becomes a genuinely strong female lead.
September 12, 2016
BRIEF SUMMARY
In this world, supernatural creatures have been exposed and the humans keep them in 'sanctuaries'. In the sanctuary located near Miami, there is a serial killer loose, enters heroine Lanore Vesta, a mixed breed. She witnesses the murder of a woman in an alley way by the killer. The murderer decides to involve Lanore in the macabre game. She decides to investigate and catch the killer. Helping her are Zulu and Meshack, both men want her but she shies away from both for different reasons. Some hot and spicy scenes thrown into a Sci Fi murder mystery, with under tones of social rebellion sums this book up.
THOUGHTS
Initially it started and remains at the same pace but eventually picked up to a rollicking pace. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read part two, as the scenery and storyline takes a hold of you. Lanore seemed a bit flaky in her handling of the investigation but eventually she got her head together and handled it logically. Her relationship with both Zulu and Meshack seems to go back and forth, for reasons that are explained throughout the novel. Both men care for her deeply and thankfully, she makes a choice in the end. The murders are pretty gruesome but Ms. Wright manages to make them palatable. Definitely a good read. A standing ovation to the author on what cloud be an exciting start to a series.
Storyline: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Intimacy Level: SPICY
Reviewer / Tamika
http://romancenoveljunkies.com/Kenya_...
In this world, supernatural creatures have been exposed and the humans keep them in 'sanctuaries'. In the sanctuary located near Miami, there is a serial killer loose, enters heroine Lanore Vesta, a mixed breed. She witnesses the murder of a woman in an alley way by the killer. The murderer decides to involve Lanore in the macabre game. She decides to investigate and catch the killer. Helping her are Zulu and Meshack, both men want her but she shies away from both for different reasons. Some hot and spicy scenes thrown into a Sci Fi murder mystery, with under tones of social rebellion sums this book up.
THOUGHTS
Initially it started and remains at the same pace but eventually picked up to a rollicking pace. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read part two, as the scenery and storyline takes a hold of you. Lanore seemed a bit flaky in her handling of the investigation but eventually she got her head together and handled it logically. Her relationship with both Zulu and Meshack seems to go back and forth, for reasons that are explained throughout the novel. Both men care for her deeply and thankfully, she makes a choice in the end. The murders are pretty gruesome but Ms. Wright manages to make them palatable. Definitely a good read. A standing ovation to the author on what cloud be an exciting start to a series.
Storyline: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Intimacy Level: SPICY
Reviewer / Tamika
http://romancenoveljunkies.com/Kenya_...
July 9, 2012
This book was part of our Book of the Month in the group I am in...I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to read this book! Kenya Wright will be on my auto buy list for sure and I can hardly wait for the second book in "the Habitat" series! Kenya's imagination is absolutely amazing and this world that she has created is full of all sorts of different paranormal characters. ( Shape-shifters, demons, pixies etc...)
This book is so much more than a "paranormal romance" and there is such a strong message throughout it. There are the "brands" that are put on the foreheads of each person showing whether the are pureblood or mixies, of course not being a pureblood is not looked upon as a good thing. Also there are four districts in the habitat and each district represents a different class of people. The heroine in the story; Lanore is from the poorest district. This world that the author has created keeps you glued to the pages just to find out what else there is in this fascinating world.
The characters in this book are complex and likable and make the book that much more enjoyable.
The love triangle in the story is brilliant and it is going to be hard to decide who should be together and who should walk away. Meshack and Zulu are both in love with Lanore, and I have to say IMO I am team Zulu all the way!!
I could go on and on about this story but the bottom line is that I highly recommend this fantastic read, it is so worth it!
This book is so much more than a "paranormal romance" and there is such a strong message throughout it. There are the "brands" that are put on the foreheads of each person showing whether the are pureblood or mixies, of course not being a pureblood is not looked upon as a good thing. Also there are four districts in the habitat and each district represents a different class of people. The heroine in the story; Lanore is from the poorest district. This world that the author has created keeps you glued to the pages just to find out what else there is in this fascinating world.
The characters in this book are complex and likable and make the book that much more enjoyable.
The love triangle in the story is brilliant and it is going to be hard to decide who should be together and who should walk away. Meshack and Zulu are both in love with Lanore, and I have to say IMO I am team Zulu all the way!!
I could go on and on about this story but the bottom line is that I highly recommend this fantastic read, it is so worth it!
January 24, 2012
I really enjoyed this book.
I wasnt sure what to expect when I decided to buy this. The author was on my friends list, we have similar taste in books, so I gave it a go.
I am not dissappointed. A great break out book.
With a fresh new outlook on the supernatural, this book is sure to impress. I loved the little love triangle. Both the men made me want to choose them. The dialogue was great. I tend to get really bored with books when they spend too much time explaining non essential things, and spend too much time in the inner dialogue of the MC. This book balanced this out.
The story was interresting, I couldnt put the book down. A great read, and I will impatiently await the next book in this exciting new series.
I wasnt sure what to expect when I decided to buy this. The author was on my friends list, we have similar taste in books, so I gave it a go.
I am not dissappointed. A great break out book.
With a fresh new outlook on the supernatural, this book is sure to impress. I loved the little love triangle. Both the men made me want to choose them. The dialogue was great. I tend to get really bored with books when they spend too much time explaining non essential things, and spend too much time in the inner dialogue of the MC. This book balanced this out.
The story was interresting, I couldnt put the book down. A great read, and I will impatiently await the next book in this exciting new series.
January 17, 2012
Let me first say that I am a HUGE fan of paranormal romances. This book had it all. Romance, humor, mystery, a little danger and of course the paranormal! I loved the heroine. Not only was she kick-ass she was funny, sarcastic and real. (Now that I mention it, all of the characters were tempered with a "real-ness". Something that I related to.) She refused to be pushed to the back and let the menfolk take charge for her. I want to see more from this author. If you are in the market for a page-turner, pick up Fire Baptized. Now, the question is....will there be a sequel?
November 19, 2012
After reading this I think I may have just become Paranormal Fiction Baptized and all the authors who write in this genre have Kenya Wright to thank for my baptism and conversion. So I know what you're thinking i.e. "girl, where have you been all this time??" To be honest, I don't have much of an answer for you. Actually I do, but it's kind of a long story. You see I was always hesitant to start reading the genre. I didn't quite know if I was ready to handle supernatural beings interacting with each other, the shifting and all that. Then you throw in romance/love, emotions, sex with humungous supernatural body parts and it's all potentially explosive. I just didn't know if I could handle it!! *wipes brow* So I sat on the sidelines not quite ready to dive in. But then I read Octavia Butler's Wild Seed November of last year and finished the rest of the series (Seed To Harvest) this year. Each book has supernatural beings, shape shifters and gender bending elements and looking back now, I think that series must have been the turning point.
So after that background I believe I'm now ready to lay out my thoughts on this book. Are you ready? Let's go:
I have to say that the world Kenya Wright has crafted here is really incredible. At first, I thought I would need to take notes on all the genealogy, races and powers and I wasn't too pleased because I don't take notes when reading for leisure. I soon found out however that it wasn't necessary because there's enough description for the reader not to get lost. The information is also repeated in a clever way that is not repetitive.
By the way, after reading this, I seriously need a Were-Cheetah in my life---heck, any Were-Cat Family member will do---Leopard, Lion, Panther, Tiger---I'll take any of them! Actually, now that I think about about it, a Mixie (half-Were Cat Family member and half Fairy) would be HOT! Yes! Can you imagine all that power and sexiness??!!
So where was I? Oh yes, the world Kenya created---like I said---it's incredible. Lanore ends up witnessing a murder which she ends up investigating despite MeShack and Zulu's protests. As the story proceeds, more bodies pile up and it becomes a race against time to be one step ahead of the killer.
The love triangle between Lanore, MeShack and Zulu was also nicely done or maybe it's just because I didn't know who the heck to choose! (*shakes fist* Damn you, Kenya!) It would seem Lanore made her choice at the end of the book and I'm happy with that choice. I wonder what happens in the next installment regarding that choice though.
Honorable mentions: Ray and Nona. Omg, those two are hilarious in different ways especially Nona. Her lines had me cracking up so much. I really hope Kenya doesn't kill her off in the next book or there will be hell to pay *pouts and folds arms* . Ray's Fairy powers were extraordinary and that transformation? My gad! And since we're on the topic of transformation and powers, can we discuss Zulu's as well? Oh, we can? Please kindly pull up a chair and let's get to talking...LOL.
This was certainly an enjoyable read for me. I'm honestly not sure how soon I'll be reading Burning Bush because I don't do well with anticipation --- once I read that one, it's nothing till the next book (Yikes!) and I hear Kenya put a major cliffhanger in it *gulp* I think I'll just run along and go read Ilona Andrews and L.A. Banks to keep me going…hehehe…
So after that background I believe I'm now ready to lay out my thoughts on this book. Are you ready? Let's go:
I have to say that the world Kenya Wright has crafted here is really incredible. At first, I thought I would need to take notes on all the genealogy, races and powers and I wasn't too pleased because I don't take notes when reading for leisure. I soon found out however that it wasn't necessary because there's enough description for the reader not to get lost. The information is also repeated in a clever way that is not repetitive.
By the way, after reading this, I seriously need a Were-Cheetah in my life---heck, any Were-Cat Family member will do---Leopard, Lion, Panther, Tiger---I'll take any of them! Actually, now that I think about about it, a Mixie (half-Were Cat Family member and half Fairy) would be HOT! Yes! Can you imagine all that power and sexiness??!!
So where was I? Oh yes, the world Kenya created---like I said---it's incredible. Lanore ends up witnessing a murder which she ends up investigating despite MeShack and Zulu's protests. As the story proceeds, more bodies pile up and it becomes a race against time to be one step ahead of the killer.
The love triangle between Lanore, MeShack and Zulu was also nicely done or maybe it's just because I didn't know who the heck to choose! (*shakes fist* Damn you, Kenya!) It would seem Lanore made her choice at the end of the book and I'm happy with that choice. I wonder what happens in the next installment regarding that choice though.
Honorable mentions: Ray and Nona. Omg, those two are hilarious in different ways especially Nona. Her lines had me cracking up so much. I really hope Kenya doesn't kill her off in the next book or there will be hell to pay *pouts and folds arms* . Ray's Fairy powers were extraordinary and that transformation? My gad! And since we're on the topic of transformation and powers, can we discuss Zulu's as well? Oh, we can? Please kindly pull up a chair and let's get to talking...LOL.
This was certainly an enjoyable read for me. I'm honestly not sure how soon I'll be reading Burning Bush because I don't do well with anticipation --- once I read that one, it's nothing till the next book (Yikes!) and I hear Kenya put a major cliffhanger in it *gulp* I think I'll just run along and go read Ilona Andrews and L.A. Banks to keep me going…hehehe…
March 21, 2014
Fire Baptized has been on my TBR pile for a long while. To be honest, it was the cover that caught my eye and then to my delighted shock it has an AA female lead. Let's just be real and say that PNR is probably right after historical romance when we talk about the desert of diversity that is present in commercial fiction. Alright...stepping off my soapbox...
Fire Baptized by Kenya Wright is a story that follows Lanore Vesta, a mixed supernatural who is basically trying to fight against apartheid for mixed supernaturals (and more broader - supes in general since they too are oppressed by humans). In this world, supes basically live in designated areas (reservations anyone?) from which they aren't allowed to leave unless they want to come under some heavy artillery from the American government. So this also has a dystopian feel to it. Within these reservations a system is in place where pure blood supernaturals are the dominant society and mixed breeds (supes of two different supe heritages) are at the bottom of the food chain. So one oppressed culture decides to oppress another to make themselves feel good even though ultimately they are all oppressed because they are all stuck in the Habitat. Dang that's sounds historical...see the founding of the United States for context! Damn that soapbox...
I liked Lanore. She is smart, witty, and about her business. She is also tangled up in a love affair that had me jumping sides left and right. I don't know if I'm team Meshack or Zulu. Speaking of our males leads...Meshack is Lanore's former man (who's also a med student/musician - smarts and arts) and Zulu is trying to be her current one (leader of the resistance movement to see the day when equality is given to "mixies" - BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY). Both Lanore and I are very confused about who we want to be with lol. I mean I think she figures it out in the end but I still feel torn.
The plot of the book centers around Lanore witnessing the murder of a mixie in an alley on the way home. Well unbeknownst to her, the killer sees her as well. So now it's a cat and mouse game around who will find who first.
There are some heavy themes in this book if you look beyond the surface: race, class, oppression, discrimination, etc. Or you could look at it as another UF. I challenge you to look beyond what lies on the surface and them look around you especially here in the US and see the fruits of the labors mentioned in this book. I'm ready to read more about Santeria Habitat, Lanore, Zulu, and maybe I'll be a groupie for Meshack ;P
Fire Baptized by Kenya Wright is a story that follows Lanore Vesta, a mixed supernatural who is basically trying to fight against apartheid for mixed supernaturals (and more broader - supes in general since they too are oppressed by humans). In this world, supes basically live in designated areas (reservations anyone?) from which they aren't allowed to leave unless they want to come under some heavy artillery from the American government. So this also has a dystopian feel to it. Within these reservations a system is in place where pure blood supernaturals are the dominant society and mixed breeds (supes of two different supe heritages) are at the bottom of the food chain. So one oppressed culture decides to oppress another to make themselves feel good even though ultimately they are all oppressed because they are all stuck in the Habitat. Dang that's sounds historical...see the founding of the United States for context! Damn that soapbox...
I liked Lanore. She is smart, witty, and about her business. She is also tangled up in a love affair that had me jumping sides left and right. I don't know if I'm team Meshack or Zulu. Speaking of our males leads...Meshack is Lanore's former man (who's also a med student/musician - smarts and arts) and Zulu is trying to be her current one (leader of the resistance movement to see the day when equality is given to "mixies" - BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY). Both Lanore and I are very confused about who we want to be with lol. I mean I think she figures it out in the end but I still feel torn.
The plot of the book centers around Lanore witnessing the murder of a mixie in an alley on the way home. Well unbeknownst to her, the killer sees her as well. So now it's a cat and mouse game around who will find who first.
There are some heavy themes in this book if you look beyond the surface: race, class, oppression, discrimination, etc. Or you could look at it as another UF. I challenge you to look beyond what lies on the surface and them look around you especially here in the US and see the fruits of the labors mentioned in this book. I'm ready to read more about Santeria Habitat, Lanore, Zulu, and maybe I'll be a groupie for Meshack ;P
September 21, 2015
4.5 Stars
When warnings and body parts from the killer starts showing up at La La and MeShack apartment the esoteric Zulu moves in to make himself a bigger part of La La's life.
Mixbreeds or Mixies are treated worse than second class citizens so when the murders start to happen, no one really cares except La La and the MFE, headed by Zulu. Wright does a good job on a sensitive topic in this case speciesism. Here race doesn't matter but if you are a mixie, no matter the combination, you are nothing. Humans have closed the shifter, fairies, vampires and all other species off into area called the Habitat, located outside of Miami. They are not allowed to leave for any reason.
In the mist of La La trying to finish school, she also has to figure out who is threatening her and to top it off she is caught in a love triangle between two super alpha males. Normally I always have a favorite and know which male I like but between Zulu and MeShake, I like them both... A LOT!
This book has a bit of everything romance, urban fantasy, paranormal, mystery. The author has a really good imagination and does a good job of pulling you into the story. There is sex but it the leading up to then fades black and then you pick up with the afterglow so it's not very detailed. There are a few curse words but not the 'really' bad ones. Wright has created a fascinating world and does a good job of keeping things fresh and diverse.
Right now the book is being offered for $.99 a great deal for this book. I've read hundreds of paranormal books and this one is a fresh take on a genre that's drowning in the same old thing under a different title. She's taken little bits from different stories and made it her own. The editing is pretty good too; I only remember a couple little errors. My only little issue (totally mine because I like sex in my books) is that the author keeps the romance fresh. It's kind of hard when it just the leading up to the sex, but you don't want to fill like it's just a repeat of the last time they were together. Like he thrust is tongue in my mouth and I was lost in a world with just me and so and so or he focused on the nipples.
When warnings and body parts from the killer starts showing up at La La and MeShack apartment the esoteric Zulu moves in to make himself a bigger part of La La's life.
Mixbreeds or Mixies are treated worse than second class citizens so when the murders start to happen, no one really cares except La La and the MFE, headed by Zulu. Wright does a good job on a sensitive topic in this case speciesism. Here race doesn't matter but if you are a mixie, no matter the combination, you are nothing. Humans have closed the shifter, fairies, vampires and all other species off into area called the Habitat, located outside of Miami. They are not allowed to leave for any reason.
In the mist of La La trying to finish school, she also has to figure out who is threatening her and to top it off she is caught in a love triangle between two super alpha males. Normally I always have a favorite and know which male I like but between Zulu and MeShake, I like them both... A LOT!
This book has a bit of everything romance, urban fantasy, paranormal, mystery. The author has a really good imagination and does a good job of pulling you into the story. There is sex but it the leading up to then fades black and then you pick up with the afterglow so it's not very detailed. There are a few curse words but not the 'really' bad ones. Wright has created a fascinating world and does a good job of keeping things fresh and diverse.
Right now the book is being offered for $.99 a great deal for this book. I've read hundreds of paranormal books and this one is a fresh take on a genre that's drowning in the same old thing under a different title. She's taken little bits from different stories and made it her own. The editing is pretty good too; I only remember a couple little errors. My only little issue (totally mine because I like sex in my books) is that the author keeps the romance fresh. It's kind of hard when it just the leading up to the sex, but you don't want to fill like it's just a repeat of the last time they were together. Like he thrust is tongue in my mouth and I was lost in a world with just me and so and so or he focused on the nipples.
September 19, 2012
While running from the the local police (known in the habitat as habbies), Lenore stumbles upon a murder. Feeling guilty for not trying to help save the woman, she finds herself trying to probe into her death. While she hoped to discover the identity of the killer, she draws the attention of the killer. She starts to receive gruesome gifts and Lenore knows that she must discover the identity of the killer before the people that she loves becomes victims. Through all the adventure, Lenore finds herself in between to hunky Mixies, Zulu and Meshack. Meshack is her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend and Zulu is her good friend from the MFE movement.
I loved this book!! It was so different that I couldn't help but disappear into this dark dingy world. At first, I was concerned about the world building, but I really had nothing to worry about. Ms. Wright slowly unveils a world of supernatural beings, racial tensions, and an imprisoned society. I loved the murder mystery. I figured out the murderer right before Lenore. The big reveal wrapped up pretty quickly but I was pretty satisfied; it wasn't too quick. There is a love triangle but unlike most series, Lenore makes her choice in the first book. Somehow I don't think her choice will stick but that's just my opinion. I thought it was interesting that both her boy choices were very similar in my mind. One was the militant leader of a movement and the other was a lead singer in a band who drove females crazy. But they seemed very similar. It might have been the high levels of testosterone and clothes ripping.
A little warning...this story can be a bit graphic in terms of violence and sex. Though there aren't many sexual scenes, the descriptions of the make-out sessions are a bit higher on the graphic scale. This is definitely an adult book.
I recommend this any adult reader who want to explore a refreshing read with wonderful world building and an exciting mystery and action.
I loved this book!! It was so different that I couldn't help but disappear into this dark dingy world. At first, I was concerned about the world building, but I really had nothing to worry about. Ms. Wright slowly unveils a world of supernatural beings, racial tensions, and an imprisoned society. I loved the murder mystery. I figured out the murderer right before Lenore. The big reveal wrapped up pretty quickly but I was pretty satisfied; it wasn't too quick. There is a love triangle but unlike most series, Lenore makes her choice in the first book. Somehow I don't think her choice will stick but that's just my opinion. I thought it was interesting that both her boy choices were very similar in my mind. One was the militant leader of a movement and the other was a lead singer in a band who drove females crazy. But they seemed very similar. It might have been the high levels of testosterone and clothes ripping.
A little warning...this story can be a bit graphic in terms of violence and sex. Though there aren't many sexual scenes, the descriptions of the make-out sessions are a bit higher on the graphic scale. This is definitely an adult book.
I recommend this any adult reader who want to explore a refreshing read with wonderful world building and an exciting mystery and action.
January 26, 2012
I was asked by the author to review this book and, since it sounded like a fun read, I accepted.
On the whole I wasn't disappointed as Fire Baptized offers a sassy heroine and plenty of action set in a world of supernatural creatures.
Lanore's character is full of fight and makes a wonderful urban fantasy/paranormal heroine. At times I found her blind independence a little too much, but I admired other aspects of her character that kept me hooked on the story.
The story itself is an interesting concept, reminiscent of works like The Skin Dancer series by Anthony Francis, and I found the world Wright has created intriguing. My only concern was the lack of background information on the creation of the Habitat. If you hadn't read the blurb first, it would take you a while before you realised the supernaturals had been placed in a caged environment by the humans. This is a major plot element and yet it relied on the blurb to get that information across. I would have liked to have seen the reason for this/more background information worked into the text.
The book ends with the threat of war both against the humans and amongst the supernatural groups. This works fine as a hook to lead into a second book, but I did wish there was more of a character-based cliff-hanger as well. As it is, I would be interested in reading the next instalment, but I am not on the edge of my seat to do so.
My final comment would be that this piece has a few flaws, but it still a fine urban fantasy tale and worth checking out.
On the whole I wasn't disappointed as Fire Baptized offers a sassy heroine and plenty of action set in a world of supernatural creatures.
Lanore's character is full of fight and makes a wonderful urban fantasy/paranormal heroine. At times I found her blind independence a little too much, but I admired other aspects of her character that kept me hooked on the story.
The story itself is an interesting concept, reminiscent of works like The Skin Dancer series by Anthony Francis, and I found the world Wright has created intriguing. My only concern was the lack of background information on the creation of the Habitat. If you hadn't read the blurb first, it would take you a while before you realised the supernaturals had been placed in a caged environment by the humans. This is a major plot element and yet it relied on the blurb to get that information across. I would have liked to have seen the reason for this/more background information worked into the text.
The book ends with the threat of war both against the humans and amongst the supernatural groups. This works fine as a hook to lead into a second book, but I did wish there was more of a character-based cliff-hanger as well. As it is, I would be interested in reading the next instalment, but I am not on the edge of my seat to do so.
My final comment would be that this piece has a few flaws, but it still a fine urban fantasy tale and worth checking out.
Read
February 17, 2012The caged habitat may protect the humans from vampires, fairies, shifters, demons, and mixbreeds like Lanore, but it does nothing to protect supernaturals from each other. So when Lanore catches a murderer's eye, and the people around her start dying – there is no one but herself to save her skin.
Fire Baptized is an easy adult read set in a familiar yet very different world where the thugs can shape shift and the drug dealers are truly demons.
Readers should be aware that this book contains extensively detailed sexuality (rape attempt, prostitution, strippers, lap dance, sexual banter, full nudity, arousal, erections, fondling, groping, and sex scenes detailing the progressive state of underwear, where fingers/other things are thrust, and tongues/mouths are employed), gruesome images (burning flesh, chopped off limbs, dismembered bodies, and cannibalism), regular profanity (including the F word), and illegal activity (stealing and drugs).
See more Content based reviews at http://ssbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Fire Baptized is an easy adult read set in a familiar yet very different world where the thugs can shape shift and the drug dealers are truly demons.
Readers should be aware that this book contains extensively detailed sexuality (rape attempt, prostitution, strippers, lap dance, sexual banter, full nudity, arousal, erections, fondling, groping, and sex scenes detailing the progressive state of underwear, where fingers/other things are thrust, and tongues/mouths are employed), gruesome images (burning flesh, chopped off limbs, dismembered bodies, and cannibalism), regular profanity (including the F word), and illegal activity (stealing and drugs).
See more Content based reviews at http://ssbookreviews.blogspot.com/
July 5, 2012
I've loved it.
I started reading and couldn't let go. So I've finished the book and I still want more.
I loved the world Ms. Wright has created with so many different species. Some species I've heard of them before, but the author has just gave them a little personal touch. I really enjoyed the characters, sometimes I rooted for one, others for another.
I am interested and I want to read more!
If you like PNR romances, you should go for it! *Warning - It's addictive"
I started reading and couldn't let go. So I've finished the book and I still want more.
I loved the world Ms. Wright has created with so many different species. Some species I've heard of them before, but the author has just gave them a little personal touch. I really enjoyed the characters, sometimes I rooted for one, others for another.
I am interested and I want to read more!
If you like PNR romances, you should go for it! *Warning - It's addictive"
May 11, 2013
Not as excited as I hoped to be, but overall the writing was good and the story even if obvious was constructed well. My only problem was that I didn't connect with any of the characters, but that's just me. You might feel different about the whole thing. I liked the ritualistic nature of the murders and the symbolism in the staging.
April 23, 2012
Disclaimer
: This book magically appeared in my PO Box. I have no idea where it came from. I didn't buy it and the author didn't send it to me. It seems I was meant to read this book and I'm so glad I did.
Review : If you're anything like me you read the description of this book and rolled your eyes. It starts out strong and then you have a Were-Cheetah, guys named Zulu and the use of the word "raunchy". I knew this book was a risk when I started it. It was either going to be the best book ever written in the Supernatural Genre or it was going to be a complete tomato.
By the time I was two pages in I knew which it was - this was going to be an awesome book. I'll list out below the major things that pull Fire Baptized out from the crowd of crappy Supernatural Romance books out there right now, but the main thing that set it apart is that Wright buys into her own story so completely, it comes alive on the page. There is never a moment when it feels like the author is pushing too hard or where the prose comes across more tongue in cheek then actual. This book is written as fictional realism, contemporary mystery or literary romance, there just happen to be flying monsters and were-folk. It's presented as so common place that you can't help but believe the world created. Parallel to our own, it's a completely plausible alternate reality.
In addition there are a few points that separate Fire Baptized from the pack:
The Love Triangle:
Instead of some convoluted, unexplainable attraction, the romance in FB is believable and engaging. MeShack (the were-cheetah) is Lanore's ex-boyfriend, who is promiscuous and still madly in love with her. It's hard not to want these two to end up together, except for the fact that MeShack is led by his were-instincts more than his head and can't resist the seduction and conquest of a new lover. It seems like Lanore should just tell him to bugger off, but their love is the kind of soul-mate bond that isn't so easily broken. They were raised together and MeShack is conditioned, dedicated and biologically pre-destined to be Lanore's protector. Their childhood traumas and mutual devotion form a strong bond.
The other man in Lanore's life is Zulu (yeah, I laughed at the name at first, but it fits him once you get into his story). He's mysterious, political, influential and driven. As the leader of the MFE (Mixies For Equality) he represents a Black Panther or ACT UP! kind of movement. Lanore is drawn to him for his politics, his beliefs, his devotion to her as well as a sick body.
While there's definitely a choice for Lanore to make, there is no flip flopping or whiny "Oh it's so hard to be me" Twilight bullshit. Instead we have a sexual woman, with a past and a future which includes two wonderful men. Both have flaws but both are fully developed three dimensional characters.
The Diversity:
Thank Baby Buddah! For ONCE there is a book set in the supernatural world which includes people of multiple races. I've read a few who have tried to do this but it's usually a "hey, look! I have a book about black people!" Instead Fire Baptized is just a book, set in a world where diversity is the norm. Race is discussed, joked about and sometimes even an issue, but it's as much a part of their lives as it is for most of us who live in a multi-ethnic community. Lanore isn't just a black girl. She isn't defined or announced by her race, instead MeShack helps her wax her dreads after a shower. It's a normal and real part of her existence. This is the kind of writing which brings diversity into a story without making you feel like you're getting some kind of lecture.
Fire Baptized could easily be seen as a exploration of race relations in America, with segregation and internment camps from our past coming to a speculative reality. If you dig deep, you can see issues of desegregation, inter-racial relationships and children as well as an us vs. them theme. These themes are there, but they aren't teaching us or lecturing us, instead Wright has built on the reality of racism/sexism/homophobia and used them to create a world which presents as true.
The Series:
Fire Baptized is a stand alone book. The story is completed and the reader is satisfied with what they have read. However it is the first book in the Habitat Series. Book Two Burning Bush will be coming out in August and I have to say I am chomping at the bit for a copy. FB did what the best First Book of a Series will do, it made me want to read more, but left me feeling satisfied with the adventure I had been on. Wright also has a free ebook called Caged View which appears to be little character explorations for The Habitat MCs. I'll check it out at some point but I hate ebooks. However, I love this series so much I'm going to try and pick it up. In addition The Habitat World is used as the back drop for another series Wright is working on called Cage Punks. Book One Chameleon is coming sometime later this year. I'm a little giddy...
The Audience:
Another HUGE plus for Fire Baptized is the fact that it is NOT YA. When's the last time you read a good Supernatural Dystopian book that wasn't written for teens? Oh you can think of one? Bet'cha a nickel it was full on romance or erotica. Not so with Fire Baptized . Here we have characters who are strong and vulnerable, smart and emotional. We have a woman who isn't ashamed of her body but who also isn't a slut. Sexy men who serve as more than just masturbation material (although there's some of that too.) This is not PG or PG-13. This is a book meant from grown-ups, real people swear, real people fuck, real people cry. Lanore and her co-horts are more like us than one would expect from a book about Fairies and Were-Cheetahs.
In the end, Fire Baptized is what every Indie book should strive to be. I found ZERO typos or other editing issues. I'm sure there are a few (there are in every book) but I've gotten to be a pretty critical reader and they either aren't there or I was too wrapped up in the story to notice. The book is beautifully written, expertly constructed and fully realized.
If Sookie Stackhouse is a penny that Lanore Vesta is a million dollars. This is the next big thing, buy it now.
Review : If you're anything like me you read the description of this book and rolled your eyes. It starts out strong and then you have a Were-Cheetah, guys named Zulu and the use of the word "raunchy". I knew this book was a risk when I started it. It was either going to be the best book ever written in the Supernatural Genre or it was going to be a complete tomato.
By the time I was two pages in I knew which it was - this was going to be an awesome book. I'll list out below the major things that pull Fire Baptized out from the crowd of crappy Supernatural Romance books out there right now, but the main thing that set it apart is that Wright buys into her own story so completely, it comes alive on the page. There is never a moment when it feels like the author is pushing too hard or where the prose comes across more tongue in cheek then actual. This book is written as fictional realism, contemporary mystery or literary romance, there just happen to be flying monsters and were-folk. It's presented as so common place that you can't help but believe the world created. Parallel to our own, it's a completely plausible alternate reality.
In addition there are a few points that separate Fire Baptized from the pack:
The Love Triangle:
Instead of some convoluted, unexplainable attraction, the romance in FB is believable and engaging. MeShack (the were-cheetah) is Lanore's ex-boyfriend, who is promiscuous and still madly in love with her. It's hard not to want these two to end up together, except for the fact that MeShack is led by his were-instincts more than his head and can't resist the seduction and conquest of a new lover. It seems like Lanore should just tell him to bugger off, but their love is the kind of soul-mate bond that isn't so easily broken. They were raised together and MeShack is conditioned, dedicated and biologically pre-destined to be Lanore's protector. Their childhood traumas and mutual devotion form a strong bond.
The other man in Lanore's life is Zulu (yeah, I laughed at the name at first, but it fits him once you get into his story). He's mysterious, political, influential and driven. As the leader of the MFE (Mixies For Equality) he represents a Black Panther or ACT UP! kind of movement. Lanore is drawn to him for his politics, his beliefs, his devotion to her as well as a sick body.
While there's definitely a choice for Lanore to make, there is no flip flopping or whiny "Oh it's so hard to be me" Twilight bullshit. Instead we have a sexual woman, with a past and a future which includes two wonderful men. Both have flaws but both are fully developed three dimensional characters.
The Diversity:
Thank Baby Buddah! For ONCE there is a book set in the supernatural world which includes people of multiple races. I've read a few who have tried to do this but it's usually a "hey, look! I have a book about black people!" Instead Fire Baptized is just a book, set in a world where diversity is the norm. Race is discussed, joked about and sometimes even an issue, but it's as much a part of their lives as it is for most of us who live in a multi-ethnic community. Lanore isn't just a black girl. She isn't defined or announced by her race, instead MeShack helps her wax her dreads after a shower. It's a normal and real part of her existence. This is the kind of writing which brings diversity into a story without making you feel like you're getting some kind of lecture.
Fire Baptized could easily be seen as a exploration of race relations in America, with segregation and internment camps from our past coming to a speculative reality. If you dig deep, you can see issues of desegregation, inter-racial relationships and children as well as an us vs. them theme. These themes are there, but they aren't teaching us or lecturing us, instead Wright has built on the reality of racism/sexism/homophobia and used them to create a world which presents as true.
The Series:
Fire Baptized is a stand alone book. The story is completed and the reader is satisfied with what they have read. However it is the first book in the Habitat Series. Book Two Burning Bush will be coming out in August and I have to say I am chomping at the bit for a copy. FB did what the best First Book of a Series will do, it made me want to read more, but left me feeling satisfied with the adventure I had been on. Wright also has a free ebook called Caged View which appears to be little character explorations for The Habitat MCs. I'll check it out at some point but I hate ebooks. However, I love this series so much I'm going to try and pick it up. In addition The Habitat World is used as the back drop for another series Wright is working on called Cage Punks. Book One Chameleon is coming sometime later this year. I'm a little giddy...
The Audience:
Another HUGE plus for Fire Baptized is the fact that it is NOT YA. When's the last time you read a good Supernatural Dystopian book that wasn't written for teens? Oh you can think of one? Bet'cha a nickel it was full on romance or erotica. Not so with Fire Baptized . Here we have characters who are strong and vulnerable, smart and emotional. We have a woman who isn't ashamed of her body but who also isn't a slut. Sexy men who serve as more than just masturbation material (although there's some of that too.) This is not PG or PG-13. This is a book meant from grown-ups, real people swear, real people fuck, real people cry. Lanore and her co-horts are more like us than one would expect from a book about Fairies and Were-Cheetahs.
In the end, Fire Baptized is what every Indie book should strive to be. I found ZERO typos or other editing issues. I'm sure there are a few (there are in every book) but I've gotten to be a pretty critical reader and they either aren't there or I was too wrapped up in the story to notice. The book is beautifully written, expertly constructed and fully realized.
If Sookie Stackhouse is a penny that Lanore Vesta is a million dollars. This is the next big thing, buy it now.
April 30, 2012
I love reading a book I know nothing about and finish it pleasantly surprised. Like the description says, all the supernatural creatures live in "habitats" (actually giant cages spanning an entire city). The story never goes into why or how that happened. It is an interesting shift from most other books, where either the supes are the most powerful and/or live under the radar. How the humans rounded up them all I have no idea. What matters is that they did.
The Politics: And within the habitat, there are Purebreds and there are Mixies. The Mixies, or mixed species, are considered second class citizens. To the point where it resembles the 1940's & 1950's where there was the huge race divide in the US, with separate areas for whites and "colors". The Mixies are fighting for their rights, and Lenore is part of the MFE, a group run by Zulu to help establish equal rights.
The police inside the habitat are called Habbies, and they are sent into the habitat to "police" as punishment for their own crimes. So as a police force they are pretty useless. And corrupt.
The Relationships: Of course Zulu has a thing for Lanore. She isn't sure how she feels toward him. And that is complicated by the fact that she lives with her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend MeShack. Who she still has feelings for, after she broke up with him for cheating on her. How she can still be friends with him, let alone live with him, is beyond me.
The Murders: Disgustingly graphic. I must say I was surprised at who the murderer was. I had guesses, but after they ended up being victims I knew I was obviously wrong and stopped trying to guess. They are pretty sick and twisted, and done for what the killer thinks is a bigger purpose.
After Lanore sees a murder being committed, and is unable to stop it, the killer focuses on her. She then takes it upon herself to investigate these crimes, and of course the two men in her life are unable to stop her, so they eventually join her. One more so than the other.
Things that I didn't get/like: She goes to the victims house and discovers she has a son ... so she decides to take him home ... I was baffled by this. It didn't seem to make sense to me, and of course he becomes a weakness that will be exploited by the killer later on. The kid isn't mentioned often, but enough that she feels like he is hers I suppose.
Also, the final scene with the killer seemed somewhat anti-climactic. I won't say much, because I don't want to ruin it, but there was someone else there that just so happened to have the right power to make escape easily possible. Why this other person was there at all was never explained and made no sense to me. There was always only one victim, why this time there was to be two was never explained. It seemed just too random.
At one point Lanore's arm is injured. She mentions it hurting so bad she screams and can't move it, then a few pages later it no longer bothers her. Maybe it could have been mentioned in passing that what happened to her arm generally heals quickly or something, because I would imagine if it still hurt her that bad, it would have made a difference in what happened next. Possibly. Or adrenaline could have been used as an explanation too.
At the end, the eating scene I thought was unnecessary. When you read it, you'll get it.
I wish there was more history explanation, but since it looks like there will be a book two, I am hopefully more will be revealed there.
And just about everyone had dreadlocks, which I find a little odd, but that is just a personal preference. :-)
Things I loved: The characters. They are so well done, and you (eventually) understand their motivations and reasons for reacting to things the way they do. In the beginning it is a little confusing, but you get there. They are so very passionate. They believe and feel strongly, and you start to feel the same things.
"Touch her like that again," Zulu growled. "And I'll rip your fucking fangs out."
Also, the freshness of the story. I have read nothing like this before. It is so very unique. The last 1/4 of the book I couldn't put it down.
The world is so full of turmoil and is so different from anything I have ever read. I think I have said that several times. :-) Sorry.
The things I mentioned as dislikes are what I would consider minor things. Please don't skip this book because there were things I didn't like. I just thought they should be mentioned.
This book gets a solid 4.5 stars from me. Read it, you won't be disappointed. I will be eagerly awaiting book two. At the time of this post, it is only $1.99!
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. And then I bought a copy ;-). If that isn't a good sign, I don't know what is.
The Politics: And within the habitat, there are Purebreds and there are Mixies. The Mixies, or mixed species, are considered second class citizens. To the point where it resembles the 1940's & 1950's where there was the huge race divide in the US, with separate areas for whites and "colors". The Mixies are fighting for their rights, and Lenore is part of the MFE, a group run by Zulu to help establish equal rights.
The police inside the habitat are called Habbies, and they are sent into the habitat to "police" as punishment for their own crimes. So as a police force they are pretty useless. And corrupt.
The Relationships: Of course Zulu has a thing for Lanore. She isn't sure how she feels toward him. And that is complicated by the fact that she lives with her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend MeShack. Who she still has feelings for, after she broke up with him for cheating on her. How she can still be friends with him, let alone live with him, is beyond me.
The Murders: Disgustingly graphic. I must say I was surprised at who the murderer was. I had guesses, but after they ended up being victims I knew I was obviously wrong and stopped trying to guess. They are pretty sick and twisted, and done for what the killer thinks is a bigger purpose.
After Lanore sees a murder being committed, and is unable to stop it, the killer focuses on her. She then takes it upon herself to investigate these crimes, and of course the two men in her life are unable to stop her, so they eventually join her. One more so than the other.
Things that I didn't get/like: She goes to the victims house and discovers she has a son ... so she decides to take him home ... I was baffled by this. It didn't seem to make sense to me, and of course he becomes a weakness that will be exploited by the killer later on. The kid isn't mentioned often, but enough that she feels like he is hers I suppose.
Also, the final scene with the killer seemed somewhat anti-climactic. I won't say much, because I don't want to ruin it, but there was someone else there that just so happened to have the right power to make escape easily possible. Why this other person was there at all was never explained and made no sense to me. There was always only one victim, why this time there was to be two was never explained. It seemed just too random.
At one point Lanore's arm is injured. She mentions it hurting so bad she screams and can't move it, then a few pages later it no longer bothers her. Maybe it could have been mentioned in passing that what happened to her arm generally heals quickly or something, because I would imagine if it still hurt her that bad, it would have made a difference in what happened next. Possibly. Or adrenaline could have been used as an explanation too.
At the end, the eating scene I thought was unnecessary. When you read it, you'll get it.
I wish there was more history explanation, but since it looks like there will be a book two, I am hopefully more will be revealed there.
And just about everyone had dreadlocks, which I find a little odd, but that is just a personal preference. :-)
Things I loved: The characters. They are so well done, and you (eventually) understand their motivations and reasons for reacting to things the way they do. In the beginning it is a little confusing, but you get there. They are so very passionate. They believe and feel strongly, and you start to feel the same things.
"Touch her like that again," Zulu growled. "And I'll rip your fucking fangs out."
Also, the freshness of the story. I have read nothing like this before. It is so very unique. The last 1/4 of the book I couldn't put it down.
The world is so full of turmoil and is so different from anything I have ever read. I think I have said that several times. :-) Sorry.
The things I mentioned as dislikes are what I would consider minor things. Please don't skip this book because there were things I didn't like. I just thought they should be mentioned.
This book gets a solid 4.5 stars from me. Read it, you won't be disappointed. I will be eagerly awaiting book two. At the time of this post, it is only $1.99!
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. And then I bought a copy ;-). If that isn't a good sign, I don't know what is.
April 16, 2012
Originally from my blog: http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
The Good
Consumed...
I was swallowed into the world Wright created from the get-go and then spit out at the very end, left wide eyed and out of breath. Fire Baptized is jam-packed with action, sex, and violence. The perfect cocktail for a great read. This is one of the better urban fantasy books I have read this year. I only wish I had book 2 of the series on hand because I am itching to see what Wright has in store for her characters.
Whom the Angel's Named Lanore...
The summary above does an excellent job of summing up what to expect from this book, so I wont rehash. Let's get right down to Lanore. Even though she is no saint, I admired her. She was strong, intelligent, independent but also vulnerable and sensitive which made her relatable. She was a perfect balance of what I look for in a well-rounded protagonist. She also has an almost unhealthy sense of justice because she never once relents in chasing down this supernatural serial killer. The cops are pretty much useless in the caged city that supernaturals are forced to live in. And when the killer starts leaving presents of the bloody kind for Lanore, she can't help but try to solve these gruesome murders before she is the next victim. And sure, Lanore has the fiercesome ability to create fire and use it as a weapon but she still can't do this on her own.
Shack Up with MeShack...
Enter MeShack and Zulu. MeShack is Lanore's childhood friend and ex-lover. They know everything about each other and have gone through the worst times of their lives side by side. MeShack fascinated me the most. He was so raw and animalistic that I couldn't wait until he appeared on scene. His attitude was both frustrating and endearing. He does not like when he doesn't get his way and makes sure everyone is aware of it. But he would tear down heaven and Earth to keep Lanore safe. His magnetism rivals that of the male leads I have come to love in other urban fantasy novels. So it's easy to see why Lanore finds it so hard to resist him.
Zulu...
Then we have Zulu. I little more calm and collected than MeShack. But he has his own inner animal to contend with. He is the leader of the Mixbreeds for Equality group that is trying to stop the discrimination and brutality most supernaturals bring down on mixbreeds. But his position can also bring about a lot of problems for Lanore, so is it really worth it for her to get involved with him? He may have strong feelings for Lanore, and vice versa, but he also has some secrets that need to be brought to light before Lanore can even consider being with him.
Hot, Hot, HOT!
The plot was very well done. I never knew what was coming next, which made it impossible to put the book down. The pace was fast and exciting, and the characters were well developed. I felt a sense of danger and mystery the whole time and could only hope Lanore, Zulu, and MeShack would find the murderer before it was too late. This book was also pretty gruesome which I thought was perfect considering the gritty feel of the book. Fire Baptized is simply HOT in every aspect. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
The Bad
I guess, if I want to be picky, I could say there was some inconsistencies in action or object/body placement that caught my eye but it didn't take away from the story.
The Snuggly
This book is smoking. It has some sex which is red hot but not overdone. And we also get this love triangle. But the biggest problem is that I wanted Lanore to end up with both MeShack and Zulu. Or at least throw the one she doesn't choose my way because there is no reason to waste such fine...specimens.
But don't expect romance per say, it's more like reading about raw need and sexual charisma that will make your skin tingle.
Overall
I love this book in every way. The action, the sexual tension, and the violent topic that came alive on paper. The supernatural world was intriguing and original. The characters were realistic and fun to read about. The ending made it obvious that this series has a lot of adventures to come and I for one will be there to read every one. Highly recommended.
Quotes
"You have one minute to see who it is or I'm taking you on the kitchen floor," MeShack said.
"That's so romantic. You should write poetry." I turned around and spotted him, standing in my bedroom doorway.
~~~~~~~~~
He closed the distance between us and clasped his huge hands around my waist. His wings rapidly flapped back and forth. "Hold on and close your eyes. If you vomit on me, I'll drop you."
"What?" I gasped.
We soared.
The Good
Consumed...
I was swallowed into the world Wright created from the get-go and then spit out at the very end, left wide eyed and out of breath. Fire Baptized is jam-packed with action, sex, and violence. The perfect cocktail for a great read. This is one of the better urban fantasy books I have read this year. I only wish I had book 2 of the series on hand because I am itching to see what Wright has in store for her characters.
Whom the Angel's Named Lanore...
The summary above does an excellent job of summing up what to expect from this book, so I wont rehash. Let's get right down to Lanore. Even though she is no saint, I admired her. She was strong, intelligent, independent but also vulnerable and sensitive which made her relatable. She was a perfect balance of what I look for in a well-rounded protagonist. She also has an almost unhealthy sense of justice because she never once relents in chasing down this supernatural serial killer. The cops are pretty much useless in the caged city that supernaturals are forced to live in. And when the killer starts leaving presents of the bloody kind for Lanore, she can't help but try to solve these gruesome murders before she is the next victim. And sure, Lanore has the fiercesome ability to create fire and use it as a weapon but she still can't do this on her own.
Shack Up with MeShack...
Enter MeShack and Zulu. MeShack is Lanore's childhood friend and ex-lover. They know everything about each other and have gone through the worst times of their lives side by side. MeShack fascinated me the most. He was so raw and animalistic that I couldn't wait until he appeared on scene. His attitude was both frustrating and endearing. He does not like when he doesn't get his way and makes sure everyone is aware of it. But he would tear down heaven and Earth to keep Lanore safe. His magnetism rivals that of the male leads I have come to love in other urban fantasy novels. So it's easy to see why Lanore finds it so hard to resist him.
Zulu...
Then we have Zulu. I little more calm and collected than MeShack. But he has his own inner animal to contend with. He is the leader of the Mixbreeds for Equality group that is trying to stop the discrimination and brutality most supernaturals bring down on mixbreeds. But his position can also bring about a lot of problems for Lanore, so is it really worth it for her to get involved with him? He may have strong feelings for Lanore, and vice versa, but he also has some secrets that need to be brought to light before Lanore can even consider being with him.
Hot, Hot, HOT!
The plot was very well done. I never knew what was coming next, which made it impossible to put the book down. The pace was fast and exciting, and the characters were well developed. I felt a sense of danger and mystery the whole time and could only hope Lanore, Zulu, and MeShack would find the murderer before it was too late. This book was also pretty gruesome which I thought was perfect considering the gritty feel of the book. Fire Baptized is simply HOT in every aspect. Definitely not for the faint of heart.
The Bad
I guess, if I want to be picky, I could say there was some inconsistencies in action or object/body placement that caught my eye but it didn't take away from the story.
The Snuggly
This book is smoking. It has some sex which is red hot but not overdone. And we also get this love triangle. But the biggest problem is that I wanted Lanore to end up with both MeShack and Zulu. Or at least throw the one she doesn't choose my way because there is no reason to waste such fine...specimens.
But don't expect romance per say, it's more like reading about raw need and sexual charisma that will make your skin tingle.
Overall
I love this book in every way. The action, the sexual tension, and the violent topic that came alive on paper. The supernatural world was intriguing and original. The characters were realistic and fun to read about. The ending made it obvious that this series has a lot of adventures to come and I for one will be there to read every one. Highly recommended.
Quotes
"You have one minute to see who it is or I'm taking you on the kitchen floor," MeShack said.
"That's so romantic. You should write poetry." I turned around and spotted him, standing in my bedroom doorway.
~~~~~~~~~
He closed the distance between us and clasped his huge hands around my waist. His wings rapidly flapped back and forth. "Hold on and close your eyes. If you vomit on me, I'll drop you."
"What?" I gasped.
We soared.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews