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Touching Smoke (Touch #1)

by Airicka Phoenix (Goodreads Author)

3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 · rating details · 666 ratings · 134 reviews

For sixteen-year-old FALLON BRAEDEN being on the run had been the easiest part of her life. Packing up and crossing whole cities on a split second decision had been tedious, having no friends and being alone had been painful, but being caught by the truth was something she learned too late was worse.

Fallon is a weapon. She was created to destroy. Keeping her alive, keeping...more

Paperback, 320 pages

Published July 31st 2012 by Treasureline Publishing

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Dec 27, 2012 D. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: absolutely-love, series-has-the-wow-factor, great-series

Thump thump .........thump thump.....thump.....thump thump thump......thump shhhhhhhhhhh
You know what that is? That my dear friends is my heart beat! Holy smokes.

Touching smoke defies everything I have read as of late. This book was so flipping intense! I have been hours trying to think of something to compare this book with. Congratulations Airicka Phoenix I can not find anything! This book is definitely a intriguing and unique! Seriously no vampires, no werewolf’s, no fairies. Freakin amazing...more

9 likes · like · see review

Nov 02, 2012 Shelly Crane rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-books

Loved it!

I am total Isaiah fan! I loved this book. It was sweet, sexy, swoony and extremely entertaining! The whole story kept me up all night and on my toes.

need book two now. Wondering how Amalie and all that will play out in the story.

Very good job, Miss Phoenix ;)

7 likes · like · see review

Jul 18, 2012 Joshua Spotts rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fallon Braeden has never attended a single school consistently in her life. She has never lived in anything apart from hole-in-the-wall motel rooms. All her belongings fit into one duffel bag. She and her mom had always been drifters, moving from place to place, only stopping long enough to resupply on cash before moving out again.

It all changed one day when Fallon began attending a high-end boarding school. After only one week, a massive earthquake consumed the school. Panic and smoke fought to...more Fallon Braeden has never attended a single school consistently in her life. She has never lived in anything apart from hole-in-the-wall motel rooms. All her belongings fit into one duffel bag. She and her mom had always been drifters, moving from place to place, only stopping long enough to resupply on cash before moving out again.

It all changed one day when Fallon began attending a high-end boarding school. After only one week, a massive earthquake consumed the school. Panic and smoke fought to choke the children fleeing the premises.

Fallon, confused and abandoned, is rescued by a handsome man with superhuman powers. He was the same man who she noticed has been following her mom and her around on a motorcycle. He was the same man whom his mother had run off the road a week before. And there he was, rushing her from the burning, crumbling building, and away from unearthly killers in mad scientist's garb who can throw flames and hover off the ground.

This intense action is only the beginning of Touching Smoke, Airicka Phoenix's debut novel. I can assure you, the rest of the book is just as exciting with several surprises and a few delightfully written action scenes. The entire book is a massive chase with the main characters running from the flame throwing men and several other strange people who work for powerful man called Garrison.

Now, seeing as this is a paranormal romance, I cannot neglect to talk about the relationship between Fallon and her rescuer, Isaiah. Fallon feels a deep attraction to him, and it isn't just because he is frightfully good-looking. He, in turn, feels he must protect her no matter the cost. But, toward the book's end, they both begin to wonder if their love is real. This leaves plenty of room for a sequel.

Vampires and Werewolves are the cliche staple of paranormal romance novels. Touching Smoke defies that cliche. And for that I am very glad. Although the entire book is filled with characters of superhuman abilities, the superhuman aspects do not come from being able to transform into a wolf or sucking blood and living forever. The question is, where do the characters superhuman abilities come from? And how do they impact Fallon and Isaiah's relationship? Well, my friends, you'll have to read the book to find out.

I give this book a 4 out of five stars because there were several plot aspects that I saw coming, but that's just me. And I rarely give five stars to anything. Overall, however, I really did enjoy this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for romance with a mixing of action and thrill. (less)

6 likes · like · see review

Dec 23, 2012 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

5*s
Loved it, review posted here .....
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 08, 2013 Karla(Book Addict) rated it 4 of 5 stars

deleting reviews if you want to take a look at them you can do so on my blog, link on my profile

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 13, 2012 Lex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, fantasy

Now, where to start? Hmmm... Got this from the author herself. Thank you, Airicka for this copy! :)

Touching Smoke, I know that it's a YA book and a Paranormal one. I've read the blurb when I first encountered it but since my memory is not that good I forgot about the blurb. BUT I somehow know that it's not Vampires. Maybe I was expecting Faeries or something. Boy, I was wrong.

Plot: The plot is something I haven't read. I mostly read paranormal stuffs like Vampires and werewolves, faeries, warlo...more Now, where to start? Hmmm... Got this from the author herself. Thank you, Airicka for this copy! :)

Touching Smoke, I know that it's a YA book and a Paranormal one. I've read the blurb when I first encountered it but since my memory is not that good I forgot about the blurb. BUT I somehow know that it's not Vampires. Maybe I was expecting Faeries or something. Boy, I was wrong.

Plot: The plot is something I haven't read. I mostly read paranormal stuffs like Vampires and werewolves, faeries, warlocks, magic, etc. This book is about a girl who was genetically engineered by a madman. She was created. BUT then I thought she really is a vampire.(view spoiler) The pace was okay. It's not slow and not fast. Just normal. But still I wish Fallon's mom answered all her questions and explain it to her personally. Even though she wanted to protect Fallon that's why she lie and keeps secret. Honestly, that's kind of irritating. I understand Fallon's feelings about that.

Characters: I don't like Fallon's mom that much. Yes, She's keeping Fallon safe by not telling her anything but seriously that's kind of wrong thinking. What? "what you don't know wouldn't hurt you?" Maybe, but then again, what they have was a life-or-death situation. And I believe Fallon is in the right age to know about herself.

Fallon, hmm... is kind of whiny. Well, okay, I understand where she's coming from but seriously, I just wish she gave an ultimatum or something to her mom so that her she would tell her past. If I'm in her situation, I'm gonna go crazy about not knowing anything. But thankfully, she became, somehow, kick-ass in the latter part of the book.

Isaiah. So freaking mysterious at first. uh... I don't know how to describe him since I'm not really good at that but all I could say is he's superhuman. >_< And he's connected to Fallon, they are 'soulmate' as the book blurb said.

Btw, I keep on remembering Sadie-chan in the anime, One Piece because of Maia. She's like a sadistic bad girl in the book. LOL! And she's always wearing spandex. :D almost like the anime girl. :P

Overall: I liked it, I actually read it in one sitting. If one sitting means the whole day, then Yes. And for me, it's not predictable. I have my own theories while reading it earlier but it doesn't happen. LOL! So good job, Airicka! :) Go and read this book you might be surprised that you'll like it. :)(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 06, 2012 Krystal Marlein rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: drop-everything-read-now-author

Touching Smoke
By : Airicka Phoenix
Reviewed by : Krystal
5 BIG SPARKLY STARS

I don't know really how to start this other than saying that I ABSOLUTELY FLIPPING LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK!!!! It's an edge of the seat, gripping YA Sci-fi Paranormal Romance. Right from the first page your sucked in by the witty and often snarky thoughts of 16 year old Fallon. You will be taken on a roller coaster ride as everything Fallon has ever known in life is completely and forever changed. The way Ms Airi...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 14, 2012 Ana Cat rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-challenge-2012, r2r

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 23, 2012 Chelesbells rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-debut-author-challenge

After being on the run most of her life, but never knowing the reasons why, one might think finally getting those answers would bring Fallon peace, understanding, or, at the most, closure. But when pieces of the puzzle start falling into place, all those years of being kept in the dark may have been a blessed state of oblivion. Will being hunted and haunted and nursing a painful loss keep Fallon from trusting a complete stranger? Or will trusting him be the key to everything she’s been searching...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 11, 2013 Fab Fun & Tantalizing Reads rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: jodie-s-bestest-ever, jodies-reviews, bree-s-awesome-fabulous, brees-reviews

I can not begin to tell you how many times I not only heard my heart racing, but thought it would pound right out of my chest during the past 24 hours while reading.

Ms Phoenix weaved a tale so different to those that have come before. This YA Paranormal Fantasy was choc full of action, humor, swoony times and mystery. Mystery about DNA strands and what being 'the key to the Amelie project' means.

We got just enough answers to not want to throw ourselves on the floor and tantrum but so few that I...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Laura Watters rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow I've just finished reading touching smoke by Airicka Phoenix , I would like to begin by saying this isn't your normal paranormal book, it's more complexed and amazingly creative that I couldn't put it down, I don't want to go into any spoilers but Fallon and Isaiah difficult relationship is so inbuilt that you can't help wanting an Isaiah for yourself or wanting to be Fallon, Garrison's sick and twisted, power hungry mind just sets the twists and turns of this book. A must book to read and r...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 27, 2013 Tammy Hall rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a rush! Touching Smoke is one thrilling ride that you never want to stop. I opened up a book that I wish had never ended. The intensity of this story had me from the very start and ran away with my heart. The chemistry between Isaiah and Fallon seeped from the page like electric charges to my fingers. I stayed up all night reading this book as I didn't want to put it down. I am so ready for the next book in this series!
Airicka...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 01, 2013 Booknut rated it 4 of 5 stars

An amazing rollercoaster - paranormal with a dash of sci-fi, Touching Smoke is sure to be a winner as you fall headfirst into the world of Fallon and her protector Isaiah...

Merged review:

An amazing rollercoaster - paranormal with a dash of sci-fi, Touching Smoke is sure to be a winner as you fall headfirst into the world of Fallon and her protector Isaiah...

1 like · like · see review

Apr 13, 2013 Christi Haigood rated it 5 of 5 stars

Where do I begin? So much was going on in this book and it started on page 1! I never really felt like I was successfully caught up the whole time I was reading this book but surprisingly enough that was a lot of why I enjoyed it so much.

Every time I felt like I was catching up to what was going on, it would take a hard right turn and take me on another wild goose chase. But the book had a hold of me and kept me glued to it all the way to the last page!! I still have so many unanswered question...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 28, 2012 Valerie Mcqueen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Touching Smoke by Airicka Phoenix

Rating 5*****

This book was provided free from the author in exchange for honest literary review.

Fallon and her mom Erin had been on a road trip for as long as she could remember. From one dive hotel to another they crisscrossed the country looking for the next adventure. School was a afterthought, only necessary when Erin had to work to replenish the funds to travel again.
Suddenly, during one of those educational side trips, everything starts to change. Life...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 04, 2013 Ashley Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it and didn't put it down until I'd read the whole thing I'm now on the second which is more graphic and based on the girl dreamt about in the book while I wait for the second book of the touch series I'd say this is an YA novel very intense love story and a great read to the normal fallen angels and witches and vampires going on lately this is a different twist and is very interesting the book I referred to after this book is 1.5 it is sort of a insight into the first book I won't go into...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 19, 2013 Inna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: soulmates, that-one-true-love

Reviewed by Inna @ Inna's Little Bookshelves
Where to start with this book? It kept me up all night trying to finish it. I just had to know where this story went because honestly I have no clue. the author was throwing things at the reader the entire time and this book just rocked.
Fallon. I have to admit I didn't think I was going to like her first, but she grew to be such an amazing, loyal and protective character that I couldn't help by really grow to like her. She faced a lot in her life and...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 10, 2013 Shelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

I won this from the author in a contest off of Facebook. I put it onto my Nook and left it there for a while. Last night, I wanted to sit down and read something to take my mind off of a horrible book I had finished hours before. I instantly got sucked into Fallon's world, and found myself getting carried away in the story. It's interesting, with a lot of action, and not a lot of teenage angst. One thing that I did dislike, was how long it took to get any sort of questions answered--both for th...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 20, 2012 Roxanne Kade rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: loved-couldn-t-put-down

I won a copy of Touching Smoke in a giveaway a few months ago. I only wish it hadn't taken me so long to read it, as it has to be one of my favorite new series.

From page one this book is a non-stop, thrill ride, with plenty of action and just as much romance. The story is well written with clever twists and turns, and I couldn't put it down. Fallon is a seemingly ordinary teen, with the exception of never settling in one place long enough to have a real life. Although it soon becomes obvious th...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 14, 2012 Bella rated it 5 of 5 stars

Touching Smoke (Touch Series Book One)
By Airicka Phoenix.

Fallon has been on the run since she can remember. She and her mother were always on the move except when she wasn’t going to private schools. That was the only time she was able to stay for a while. Fallon was always hungry and she never understood why. Her mother seemed to have a wealth of secrets and when asked would always tell her the answers would come later. Losing her mother was almost the hardest thing Fallon had to do.

Fallon’s...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 09, 2012 Peggy(Le BookSquirrel Blogger) Warren rated it 4 of 5 stars

When you first start this story your in Fallons nightmare/dream.Then Her and her mother have to leave the area and get into the car and go.This is the norm for Fallon always on the move so her mom can get a job and Fallon will be put into school.On the way though bad things happen and Fallon finds out that Isaiah is the only one that can help her.He protects her as best he can.Isaiah was made to protect Fallon..as Fallon was made to protect Isaiah.

I enjoyed this book..I did feel at times it wa...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 04, 2012 Tanja Brewer rated it 5 of 5 stars

What would you do if you found that your whole life is one big lie that you haven't been qued in on? And your mother seems to always be hiding something moving place to place transferring you from school to school. Well that was the day and life of Fallon. I cannot say that the lead character in Touching Smoke lead a "normal" life by any means. Her mother was hell bent on using the money Fallons father left her for her schooling only and never herself. So whenever Fallons mom was running low on...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 27, 2012 Heather Alexander rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fallon is a 16 year old girl that hasn't lived anywhere for very long. Her mother shuffles her from town to town, school to school under the guise of trying to make money. Fallon doesn't understand, she knows that her father left money for her, why won't her mom use it? Why won't her mother tell her anything about her father at all? On the road one night she spots a guy on a motorcycle following them, her mother freaks and causes the biker to hit the ditch, Fallon feels as if her soul has been t...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 27, 2012 Piseog rated it 2 of 5 stars

I really liked the story of this book up until it was just Isaiah and Fallon. Loved the mother/daughter aspect, with the fact they were on the run from someone after Fallon because of her being "special". Liked the addition of the father issues. It had mystery and tension, with a loving complicated relationship. It felt different to other YAs.

Then we got to the other 3/4 of the book, where it felt like all the bad YAs. I HATE any mention of soul-mates. It's just lazy of an author. There is no bu...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 22, 2012 Rachel Fisher rated it 5 of 5 stars

For more of my reviews, go to www.rachelefisher.com

Title: Touching Smoke
Author: Airicka Phoenix
Rating: 4.5 stars

Amazon Summary

My Review
Ok, so this review is long overdue because I read this book all in one day about a week ago. For full disclosure, Airicka provided me with a review copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.

Before I launch into details, I have to return to the first sentence in this review. I read this book all in one day. That's right, I slurped it up. It was funny and...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Deborah Riley-Magnus rated it 4 of 5 stars

Touching Smoke by Airicka Phoenix is a wild ride through young Fallon’s far from normal teenage life. It’s a try-to-catch-your-breath tour through the young heroine’s confusion, danger, exciting curiosities and possibilities.

Being sixteen is tough enough but Fallon isn’t normal and she knows it. Circumstances she doesn’t understand have sent her running with her mother from threats unknown, making any semblance of normalcy impossible. Her life has been this way for as long as she remembers, but...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Ambear Shellea rated it 5 of 5 stars

This line captured my attention right away: For sixteen-year-old FALLON BRAEDEN, being on the run had always been a mystery, until the day she starts an earthquake and everything falls apart. Well, as you can see, one must learn more. A sixteen-year-old girl causing earthquakes? My question was: why would a young girl start an earthquake, there seem to be very little benefits from such a disaster. I got out my kindle and set course for a new adventure that promised many things; suspense, fear.....more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Linzi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, new-authors

The 3 stars shouldn't be read as a bad thing. In the true Goodreads sense of 'I liked it' it gets 3 stars. I found a taster for this (I think) at the end of a Shelley Crane book and after trying the full sample decided to buy it. At the price 77p (99c) it's a good read. There were several points where I thought 'Well, I didn't see that coming' which for me is a major result. I'd buy the next one.

It's written by a first-time author and I normally mark up on new authors but this really needed some...more

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Aug 16, 2012 AmBear Shellea rated it 5 of 5 stars

This line captured my attention right away: For sixteen-year-old FALLON BRAEDEN, being on the run had always been a mystery, until the day she starts an earthquake and everything falls apart. Well, as you can see, one must learn more. A sixteen-year-old girl causing earthquakes? My question was: why would a young girl start an earthquake, there seems to be very little benefits from such a disaster. I got out my kindle and set course for a new adventure that promised many things; suspense, fear.....more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 Jodie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bestest-ever, love-love-love

2 likes · like · see review

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About Airicka Phoenix

Airicka Phoenix is the best-selling author of The Touch Saga and Games of Fire with short stories in Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology and Midnight Surrender Anthology. When she's not hammering away at the keyboard, she can be found banishing pirates or crawling through the attic looking for lost treasure with her kids. She loves baking, gardening and reading. She also likes to trav...more

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