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Ember (Darkest London #0.5)

by Kristen Callihan (Goodreads Author)

3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 · rating details · 382 ratings · 100 reviews

Prequel to Firelight.

After a fire consumes the Ellis family fortune, the beautiful and resourceful Miranda finds herself faced with an impossible dilemma: enter a life of petty crime or watch her family succumb to poverty. But once her fiancé learns of her descent into danger—and of the strange, new powers she's discovered—saving her family may come at the high price of he...more

Kindle Edition, 92 pages

Published January 31st 2012 by Forever Yours

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Oct 15, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-kristen-callihan, series-prequel, series-darkest-london, books-for-review, reviewed-for-netgalley, reviewed-for-publisher, reviewed-by-me, reviewed-at-blithelybookish, 4-stars, 2012-reads, novella

Ember is labeled as the prequel to Firelight, the first book in the Darkest London series, but as many others have said, it doesn’t read like a prequel. For me it’s more of a companion to Firelight, because most of this novella takes place after Archer and Miranda have already met. What Ember does is fill in the gaps, answers questions about what both were doing before the events that brought them together again in Firelight.

This is one of the better novellas I’ve read, and had me wanting to go...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-pnr-sci-fi-romance

Come back to me, Archer.

Though Ember is a prequel to Firelight, in my opinion it's probably better to read this after Firelight. This short story fills in some of the details of the lives of Archer and Miranda, set (mostly) after their first meeting. The narrative alternates between Miranda and Archer's stories.

Miranda's timeline is set solely during 1881 in London. We see Archer travelling the world starting in 1879 in Egypt through the following three years to Central Mexico and the USA, and f...more

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Jan 30, 2012 ♡KarLynP♡ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: novella, published-2012, read-2012, genre-historical, genre-paranromal, steam-warm, arc-copy, netgalley

This short story made me want to read Firelight over again! I read Firelight last month and it stayed fresh in my memory, but reading Ember has brought that book back to life for me. It was so good.

Ember's time line take place between the prologue and chapter 1 of Firelight. While not necessary to read prior to Firelight, it will give readers a better understanding of how Miranda ended up in the situation she did, and explain how Archer has struggled with his curse and ailment.

Ember also gives...more This short story made me want to read Firelight over again! I read Firelight last month and it stayed fresh in my memory, but reading Ember has brought that book back to life for me. It was so good.

Ember's time line take place between the prologue and chapter 1 of Firelight. While not necessary to read prior to Firelight, it will give readers a better understanding of how Miranda ended up in the situation she did, and explain how Archer has struggled with his curse and ailment.

Ember also gives readers a deeper understanding of what connects Miranda and Archer, and you will learn more about her powers and why Archer is desperate to become whole once again. Some of these aspects did not get explained well until later in the book Firelight, but I still enjoyed it greatly. You may want to consider this before deciding which to read first, as there really isn't a must read order.

I thought of Ember as a great 'deleted scenes' addition to the series, and just like a movie I find them most fun to watch after the movie and not before. In Ember, Archer and Miranda's story is told back and forth in snippets, so we see what both are doing while separated over a few years. (Pay attention to Archer's time line as most of it takes place two years later then Miranda's).

The ebook did end at the 73% mark, and the rest of it was snippets from Firelight and the upcoming Moonlight. It was a great short read, not required to read Firelight, but still recommended if you enjoy that book.

ETA: The page count for this book is approx 50-60 pages only, so if you really want to include it while reading Firelight it won't add too much to your reading. Since this story takes place after the prologue and before chapter 1 (during a three year separation), that may be the ideal time to read it.

So you may want to know if Ember was a romance, and more so was it steamy? The answer is YES, and there is some good steam in this one for such a short story! I'm not going to spoil the 'how', but let me say it does help explain the deep connection between Miranda and Archer.

Lastly, I can't end this review without commenting on the author. Kristen Callihan's writing is on a level you just don't see from most first time published authors. I love the story and characters she created, but it is how she brings them to life with her words that makes this series stand out. As I mentioned in my review of Firelight, I have no doubt this author will have many fans, and soon. (less)

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Feb 19, 2012 Dija rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: feb-2012, meh, hr, uf-or-pnr, could-have-been-sooo-much-better, waste-of-anticipation-energy, read-in-2012, my-reviews, arc

As far as novellas go, Ember is one of the better ones out there. But despite it being the prequel to Firelight, I wouldn't recommend reading it in that specific order, becase frankly, Ember isn't nearly as captivating. Most especially if you're meeting Miranda and Archer for the first time. If I'd read this before Firelight, I might have never gotten around to the latter because Miranda comes across as meek and impressionable and Archer as slightly insane and obsessed in this one.

Nonetheless,...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book should really be called #1.5 instead of .05. You'll be much better off if you read Firelight first before reading this book. Ember takes place shortly after Miranda and Archer initially meet and covers the years afterwards until they are reunited. Overall, I loved it. Except one thing.... I want more!

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Feb 06, 2012 Melindeeloo rated it 3 of 5 stars

If you are at all interested in reading Firelight I wouldn't suggest reading Embers first. Even though it is touted as a prequel, Ember reads for the most part like deleted scenes - you know the kind of scenes a good author writes to develop a character's back story, but then religates to the cutting room floor in order to make their finished work stronger. This is especially true for Miranda's part in Ember, her parts just flesh out things that are mentioned in passing for Miranda in Firelight....more

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Feb 08, 2012 Ellen W-S rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-author, paranormal-romance, novella, winter-challenge, kindle-bk, historical-romance, read-in-2012, series

This prequel was well written from the point of view of Archer and Miranda and gave insight into these characters between the time they meet in the alley up to Archer's decision to return to London and claim his "unwitting" bride. This insight could have been incorporated into Firelight and I would have been much less confused. I do enjoy your writing Ms. Callahan! Keep writing, I like your intrigue, action and pace.

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May 15, 2012 ♡ Sassy ~ Amy ♡ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, supernatural, favorites, part-of-a-series, arc

I absolutely LOVED Firelight. Firelight had so many things happening & briefly touched on things that needed more info.

This book just had to be. It explained all the small things that were briefly touched on in Firelight, so I think in order to get the full effect of this story, it is still important to read firelight first. I appreciated this book much better that way.

You get to find out about the warehouse fire; what happened with Archer in Egypt; Miranda & Martin'r relationship &...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Victoria Vane rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-romances-challenge

I read this series prequel because I was seeking a sexy dream sequence as I am writing one. But now I am totally hooked! MUST read more!

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Mar 28, 2012 Dee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Ember is an 8 chapter short prequel to a new series, and has completely caught my imagination. The prequel is set in 1800s London, with rich language and absorbing characters. The story covers two POVs - Miranda (the fire-starter) and Archer (mysterious dark man) - and is the backstory for both characters who the key players in Kristen's Firelight series. I haven't read the series yet, but I'm so going to!

Good: The writing is powerful, and took me straight into Miranda's life. She is forced by h...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Tyraa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ember is the prequel to Kristen Callihan’s much acclaimed debut novel, Firelight. If you haven’t read that book you seriously need to - it was an unforgettable story. Reading Ember before or after Firelight doesn’t make a big difference but I preferred reading it after because a few things click into place and we get more of the couple we love.

Firelight is a very short story, I’m talking about ninety or so pages. We get a few answers in this book, like the reason Miranda’s engagement was called...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Candace (Lovey Dovey Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ember, a prequel for Firelight, answers questions readers may have been wondering about. For instance, readers learn why Miranda and Martin never married and what happened the night Miranda sealed her family’s fate.

The back and forth between Miranda and Lord Archer was great because it was like seeing what each was doing at about the same time. I loved how both Miranda and Archer meant more to each other than they were willing to admit to themselves.

After reading Ember, I can see why Miranda and...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-kristie

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: This prequel novella helps set the dark tone to Firelight, but the events within may be better understood after reading the novel.

Opening Sentence: “This is the story of a beast, so great and fearsome that he was reviled by all. And of a merchant’s daughter, brave and beautiful, whose love for the beast redeemed his soul.”

The Review:

First of all I have to say that I read Ember after reading Firelight. After seeing some of the reviews on Ama...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Danielle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

This was a super quick read by Kristen Callihan and it introduces us the reader, to Miranda and Archer the hero and heroine of her upcoming novel Firelight. I haven't read Firelight yet, but I assume that this takes place directly before the events of Firelight begin. I thought that this was a nice introduction to both Archer and Miranda. I am now super curious to see how and where things end up with the two of them.

Already I am finding myself...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Ferdy rated it 3 of 5 stars

2.5 stars — spoilers

-Prequel to Firelight spanning the years before Archer and Miranda officially meet and marry. We find Miranda stealing for her father out of guilt for burning down his warehouse and losing his fortune. She's also making plans to secretly marry her childhood love, Martin.
Meanwhile Archer is traveling the world trying to find a cure for his scars.
-Miranda pissed me off quite a bit. I thought she was rather ridiculous because her dreams, desires and thoughts were plagued by Ar...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Marsha rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adults

I've been wanting to read "Firelight" for some time now. All of the reviews I've seen have been outstanding. Just as I was about to start the book, I discovered that there was a prequel entitled, "Ember." Since I like to read series in order whenever possible, I immediately downloaded the book. After reading "Ember" I now see what all of the fuss is about. You can tell when you have stumbled upon a series that has the potential to be important in your reading arsenal and this one has all of the...more I've been wanting to read "Firelight" for some time now. All of the reviews I've seen have been outstanding. Just as I was about to start the book, I discovered that there was a prequel entitled, "Ember." Since I like to read series in order whenever possible, I immediately downloaded the book. After reading "Ember" I now see what all of the fuss is about. You can tell when you have stumbled upon a series that has the potential to be important in your reading arsenal and this one has all of the earmarks.

Miranda Ellis is a woman with a secret. She has the ability to start fire with her hands. Unfortunately when she was ten years old, she started a fire on a dare from her best friend, Martin. The fire burned down the werehouse belonging to her father. This event ruined her family's fortune or so she thinks. What she does not realize is that daddy dearest is a scoundrel and a thief. With or without the fire most likely he would have lost the family fortune. But, he send her out on the street to pick the pockets of unsuspecting gentlemen. He tells her he is using the money to maintain the house in which they live without any comfort.

The only thing keeping Miranda marginally content is her relationship with her best friend, Martin who now is also her lover. They meet in secret and plan to marry soon. But when a local scoundrel attempt to rape her, Miranda vurns him severely. She attempts to provide medical assistance for his burns at her house but her father discovers her relationship with Martin. In turn, Martin discovers her burn victim as well as her life of crime stealing. He leaves her at the alter and takes a job on the seas working for her father.

Meanwhile Miranda dreams of a man, Lord Benjamin Archer who saved her from two scoundrels in an alley years before. Unbeknownst to Miranda, he has made a deal with her father to marry her and in turn, he sends money to her father to support them. But daddy dearest is not using the money for what it is intended.

The story has a wonderful start, immediately drawing the reader into the plight of poor Miranda. I was so angry with all of the people who promised to love her but only used her. The story is told from Lord Archer as well as Miranda's point of view. It promises to lead to a epic first meeting and I cannot wait to start the first book. If you have read Firelight but have not picked up this prequel, I highly recommend you do so.

(less)

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Apr 02, 2012 Rae Ryans rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ember is a prequel to Firelight, and it gives more juicy details into the story between Lord Archer and Miranda. I was pleased to review both, and you can see my original review of Firelight here.

I'll start of by saying like Firelight, Ember is also for an adult audience. There is quite steamy, descriptive love scenes, but this is why I have fallen in love with Kristen Callihan's writing. Combine this with her vivid historical settings, and it's just a clear cut winner.

In Ember we learn a bit m...more

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Mar 15, 2012 Jenn of Frequent Reader, Infrequent Blogger rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-pub, own, romance-novels, review-written

RECEIVED FROM: Net Galley For Review

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Miranda Ellis has a gift, a gift that’s also a curse that in one moment destroys her future. Now instead of the coddled merchants daughter we meet as a child, she's a starving petty criminal breaking the law to support her father in hopes of somehow making up for the damage her gift has done to her lives. She plans to marry her best friend from childhood, but when her gift comes back to haunt her again will she make...more RECEIVED FROM: Net Galley For Review

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Miranda Ellis has a gift, a gift that’s also a curse that in one moment destroys her future. Now instead of the coddled merchants daughter we meet as a child, she's a starving petty criminal breaking the law to support her father in hopes of somehow making up for the damage her gift has done to her lives. She plans to marry her best friend from childhood, but when her gift comes back to haunt her again will she make it down the aisle?

Lord Benjamin Archer is cursed and he needs to find the cure so he can return home to his betrothed. Unfortunately his employee that was supposed to have found it has been murdered in Egypt, now Archer must journey there to learn the secret to ending his curse. But when that trip and many others yield no answers will he be able to return to the bride who doesn’t even know she’s engaged to him? And if he does will she accept him anyway?

My first thought is that you should never read a book twice within a week or two. It’s one thing to read a book after a few month have passed and you’ve had time to forget many of the details, it’s another to read it when the details may not be completely clear – enough to write a review per say, but are clear enough that you haven’t forgotten really and the surprise of the story isn’t there at all for you anymore. I requested this off Net Galley and read it the same night, the cover caught my attention the description drew me in. I was so engrossed in this story that when I finished it I didn’t want to take the time to sit down and write review I just wanted to devour the next story in the series which I’d also requested from Net Galley and had sitting on my Nook. Since I won’t deny my self-discipline sucks, I continued to read and since I didn’t start reading the first of the two until it was almost time for bed by the time I read both in one sitting all I wanted to do was sleep. So I didn’t get around to writing the review before the details stopped being fresh and ended up going to back to reread it within a week of reading it the first time. So I’ll warn you that my review might come across as little harsher than I intend for it to because reading it a second time that soon took a lot of the enjoyment out of it for me. On my first reading though I was completely lost in this story to the point I was willing to ignore responsibility and even sleep just to find out what happened next. Please keep that in mind when reading my review that the story had me hooked completely on the first read, so if I’m a little harsh on the second I really don’t intend to be.

Having read both stories in Callihan’s debut series – Darkest London, before writing my reviews I can say that Ember is both a prequel and a companion story to Firelight, the full length novel that follows this novella. While Ember begins before Firelight, it’s told in I’d guess you’d say random scenes rather than as a continuous story. We step into important moments in Miranda’s and Archer’s lives, but we aren’t beside them for all those moments which come between like in a regular novel. Some of the events in Ember occur between the Prolog and Chapter One in Firelight while other occur before, so it’s not completely a prequel. However reading it does add I’d guess you’d say more depth to Firelight because it allows you begin that novel understanding the moments that have shaped the characters they become in Firelight. Our history and our memories help to shape who we are so experiencing some of the moments that shaped these characters really enhances Firelight. In addition to that the plot of Ember is interesting, engrossing from the first page when you meet Miranda as a very little girl with a very special gift, a gift that ends up making her world fall completely apart. What’s interesting about this story is that it’s a romance in which the male and female leads don’t interact. They’ve met once and Archer never even told her who she was, but the memory of that meeting has made an impression on both of them, so much so that they haunt each other’s thoughts and dreams. The meeting doesn’t actually occur during the plot of Ember, you learn about it through their memories. But while the two characters are off experiencing very different adventures in this story you can help but see the similarities between them and see how they could be potentially perfect for each other if they could just cross paths again. Archer’s off trying to find a cure for his curse before he returns to claim Miranda who doesn’t even know she’d betrothed to him. Miranda is planning her wedding to a childhood friend who is comfortable, yet doesn’t really ignite any sparks within her. They both face a considerable amount of hardship and heartbreak in the story, especially Miranda, but Archer and Miranda never actually interact in this story. The novella alternates between Miranda and Archer, using dates to tell where in their lives they’re at when the event is occurring and while multiple scenes might be from close time periods the story doesn’t move in a continuous flow and if you pay attention you’ll notice that at some points you’re jogging between Miranda in 1879 where most of her storyline occurs and forward to Archer in 1881 or later then bouncing back to 1879 with Miranda again. It’s a little confusing at first but when you get used to the pattern it’s really quite engrossing. The story feels like a romance without actually being one and you finish a little heartbroken, but also with a lot of hope which makes me highly recommend getting Ember and Firelight together because you’re not going to want to wait to see if something good might actually happen to these poor souls. One thing I didn’t like is because it falls in the romance genre, as a prequel to a romance story, Callihan felt the need to include erotic scenes in the story that I felt were unnecessary and actually detracted from the plot. The real sex scene was skirted over without detail which wasn’t bad, but I felt pretty awkward intruding on Archer’s private drug induced fantasies of Miranda which were by far the most graphic in the novel. I know sometimes the way I make sex a focus in a romance review that I sound like a prude, but it’s not that racy sexy scenes are great when they enhance the plot but aren’t the entire plot. And while they aren’t even close to the entire plot here, the scenes don’t enhance the plot either, it felt like Callihan was thinking its romance so it needs a sex scene but how the heck do I fit it in without the characters meeting? So she just threw in this unneeded scene. I personally found it detracting but if you need a racy scene in a story to like it, then I guess you’d enjoy the scene. The story is overall well written and fast paced with vivid descriptions and engrossing plot. It’s opens with a distant third person that gives the story an almost fairy tale like quality until the disaster at the end of that event hit, then moves into a close third person when we see the consequences of the opening scene. The close third person point of view alternates between Miranda and Archer as we travel through their stories that are occurring before they really meet in Firelight.

Even though this is a novella the characters, both primary and secondary are extremely well developed without telling us about them. She gives us enough of their actions for us to know them and I found this really impressive. For example I didn’t like Martin from the minute I met him as an adult. Martin is Miranda’s fiancée. We meet him after Miranda has a conversation with the coffee vendor Alice who gives her a free muffin that she can’t afford to pay for because Alice can see Miranda is starving and she can’t stand to watch the girl waste away in front of her. Martin comes up behind her grabs the muffin and takes a bite out of it. Martin has a decent job and he’s not described as needing food when even a coffee vendor can see Miranda needs it, so it’s not like a middle class husband stealing a bite of his wife’s dinner at a restaurant. It’s just being greedy and the fact that the coffee vendor noticed what he didn’t shows how little he cares about her. As this scene progress you get a clear view of how Martin views Miranda and the world, he doesn’t respect her, he may have been her playmate, but he has no interest in her mind and the only thing he really pays attention to is her beauty and her body. And as we’re progressing through this story even though I didn’t want Miranda hurt I wanted Martin out of the picture. I thought his was foul from his first bite of her muffin. Through the scenes of Miranda’s and Archer’s lives that we see she gives us just enough to know both primary and secondary characters without telling us instead due to space reasons. Callahan quickly draws us into these characters by taking us to the right moments, the moments that will make us understand them and feel for them. Her characters aren’t perfect, they’re flawed and vulnerable and you spend the story wishing something would go right for Miranda and Archer.

Overall the story is highly recommend, if you like historical or paranormal romance don’t miss this writer and don’t miss this series. Callihan’s presented an impressive debut novella, leading up to a fabulous debut novel to open her Darkest London series. Her work is original, engrossing and stands out from others in the genre because of the way she tells it. (less)

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Feb 27, 2012 new_user rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, first-reads

Chase down Kristen Callihan's Firelight with the Ember novella. You won't be disappointed if you like deleted scenes or behind the scenes glimpses into nom-worthy titles, but Ember's allusions to scenes in Firelight mean more if one's read Firelight first, prequel or not.

For example, Firelight readers may have wondered about Miranda's relationship with Martin or the years between Miranda and Archer's reunion. Ember answers those questions, elaborates on certain motivations and turning points in...more

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Feb 02, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

For those of us who just couldn't get enough of Archer and Miranda in Firelight, there is just a little bit more of their story to share. "Ember" is characterized a prequel novella, but I'd consider it more like a companion piece highlighting a string of events leading to Archer & Miranda's reunion.

Most of those events are referenced in Firelight, which make them familiar, though enjoyable to read in more detail. We get a closer look at Miranda's failed engagement and how she met Billy, as w...more

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May 13, 2013 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, historical, paranormal-romance, read-a-thon-reads, read-in-2013

Holy wow! This novella makes me want to read Firelight all over again. Because.... OMG! Archer! Miranda! THE THINGS! Seriously, the amount of emotion packed into the pages is phenomenal. I'm a huge fan of bridge novellas as it is and this one knocked it out of the park!

This gives us a peek into what happened in both Miranda's and Archer's lives between when Archer "saved" Miranda in the alley and when he returned to claim her three years later. While Archer's story is riveting (because... whoa.)...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Arlena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-stars, ebooks, paranormal, romance

Author: Kristen Calliahan
Published by: Forever Yours
Age Recommend: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 4
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:

"Ember" by Kristen Calliahan was a quick paranormal romance read. The characters of importance .. or the hero and heroine are Miranda and Archer. In this novel we learn of Miranda's first love (Martin), why her family lost their fortune and why her father (Hector Ellis) has her to steal(picking pockets) and then of Archer coming into her life.

There are many...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Karissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I got an advanced reading copy of this story to review through NetGalley(dot)com. This was an excellent prequel to Firelight and I really enjoyed it. If you read Firelight and liked it I highly recommend reading this, as it gives some good background on Miranda and Archer. If you haven't read Firelight this is a good shorter sample of Callihan's work that you can read to see if you want to read Firelight.

This book explains in more detail how Miranda's family lost their fortune and the life Miran...more

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Feb 06, 2012 Claudette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, historical-fiction, romance, series, read-in-2012

Brilliant! This short story was so enthralling, I began looking for Firelight right after I finished it.

Never mind the references to the Beauty and the Beast story (which is an old favourite of mine) that sparked off my curiosity right away, the writing alone would have been enough to keep me reading for its entire length and more. It was just so detailed and mysterious, and I had that awesome and rare feeling that everything in the book was exactly as it should have been.

The main characters was...more

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Mar 13, 2012 ReadingDiva rated it 3 of 5 stars

**My Rating is 3.5 Stars**
Originally posted on ReadingDiva's Blog

~~~***MY CONTAIN SPOILERS***~~~

Ember is the short story of Miranda & Archer, and the prequel to Firelight. Miranda is a special child, not only for her beauty but because she was born with the ability to create fire. I can’t help but compare this story to Beauty & the Beast but with a fiery twist.

Ember is a story of love, discovery and acceptance. After accidentally burning her family fortune Miranda grows to adulthood feel...more **My Rating is 3.5 Stars**
Originally posted on ReadingDiva's Blog

~~~***MY CONTAIN SPOILERS***~~~

Ember is the short story of Miranda & Archer, and the prequel to Firelight. Miranda is a special child, not only for her beauty but because she was born with the ability to create fire. I can’t help but compare this story to Beauty & the Beast but with a fiery twist.

Ember is a story of love, discovery and acceptance. After accidentally burning her family fortune Miranda grows to adulthood feeling indebted to her father who forces her to steal for a living. One day while being accosted in a dark alley she is rescued by Archer. She is beautiful, the most beautiful woman his eyes have ever seen. Miranda can’t help thinking about that mystery man, the man who not only rescued her but the man who seem to find his way into her mind and possibly her heart.

Archer is a man with a dark past, and a curse. He hides behind masks, trying to hide the monster he has become. He travels around the world looking for a cure. His mind and body aches for her. But before that he must find a way to be cleaned from the curse that accost him and keeps him away from her. Miranda sneaks in his dreams at night, she has grown in his heart.

I enjoy reading Ember; though it is a short story I think it is a great introduction to a promising series. The story flows nicely, however there is a lack of character development. Since this was a short read, there wasn’t much background on some of the characters & events. The story flows in a timeline therefore it is easy to follow.

I enjoyed Miranda’s character. She is beautiful, thoughtful and caring. Though she is all those things one can’t mistake that for weakness. I like her character because she knows how to defend herself, she is controlled but agile. I was however a bit disappointed that not much information was given about Archer. Not clearly at least. There wasn’t much background about Archer’s curse or about how he came to being cursed. Yes, his wealth status was nicely described and his losses were briefly noted. This short read has the perfect ingredients for making a great series. I am looking forward to reading Firelight.

This was a very nice and short read.(less)

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Feb 20, 2012 Alexia Chantel rated it 4 of 5 stars

After reading a book that you loved what do you wish for? Just a little bit more, a new view on some of the characters, a look at events to fill in the blanks, or even a little sneak peek at the next book. Ember has all of that.

Ember is a well-written short that is a great companion to Firelight. It is listed as 0.5 for the Darkest London series, but truly works best as 1.5. You get to see detail on some of the scenes the characters “remember” in book one. You also end up gaining an appreciation...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Wicked ♥ (Wickedly Bookish Reviews) aka Bat-Jess rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, arc-or-galley, historical-romance, netgalley, paranormal-romance, short-stories, smut, spring-reads, supernatural, tales-retold, urban-fantasy

Reviewed for Wickedly Bookish
http://wickedlybookish.blogspot.com/

This companion novella to Firelight fills in that three year time lapse at the beginning nicely. Readers who enjoyed the first book in the Darkest London series, and couldn't get enough of Miranda and Archer will find this informative. There were many things left unexplained about Miranda and Archer's time apart in Firelight like (view spoiler). I definitely wond...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, read-in-2012, for-review-read

Ember is published as a prequel novella to Kristen Callihan's debut novel Firelight but to be honest I think you're probably better off reading it after the main story. I absolutely loved Firelight and I really enjoyed getting a bit more background information about the main characters in Ember.

We get to see what happened to each of them in the three years between their very first meeting and when they marry. It was interesting to see more about how Miranda met Billy and to see just what caused...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Tarra rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished-2012

The events in Ember (mostly) take place during the three year period between the prologue of Firelight and the meat of the story. If I had not read the fantastic Firelight first, I'm not sure I would have based on Ember alone. I enjoyed Ember because a bit more of Firelight's story was fleshed out, a few more questions answered. But these would not make any sense to someone who hasn't read the full novel. Also, I think there were too many hints as to Archer's condition that would take away from...more

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Jan 15, 2013 Katherine rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: novella, historical-paranormal-romance

This review also posted at A Bookish Compulsion

I picked up this story in part because I was not as enthralled by Firelight, Ms. Callihan’s first volume in the Darkest London series, as I thought I would be from all the rave reviews I had read and decided to give it another shot without committing myself to reading a full-length novel. What I found was pretty much the same reaction I had to Firelight which was a bit meh.

While the story is full of intrigue and peppered with a fair amount of angst...more

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Romance > Paranormal Romance

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Romance > Historical Romance

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Romance

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Fantasy

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Historical Fiction

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Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

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Paranormal > Demons

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Short Stories

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Fantasy > Supernatural

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About Kristen Callihan

Kristen Callihan is a child of the 80’s, which means she's worn neon skirts, black-lace gloves, and combat boots (although never all at once) and can quote John Hughes movies with the best of them. A life long daydreamer, she finally realized that the characters in her head needed a proper home and thus hit the keyboard. She believes that falling in love is one of the headiest experiences a person...more

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Ember (Darkest London #0.5)

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