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Souls of Fire #1
Fireborn
Emberly has spent a good number of her many lives trying to save humans. So when her prophetic dreams reveal the death of Sam, a man she once loved, she does everything in her power to prevent that from happening. But in saving his life, she gets more than she bargained for.
Sam is working undercover for the Paranormal Investigations Team, and those who are trying to murder him are actually humans infected by a virus, the red plague —a by-product of a failed government experiment that attempted to identify the enzymes that make vampires immortal. Now, all those infected must be eliminated.
But when Emberly’s boss is murdered and his irreplaceable research stolen, she needs to find the guilty party before she goes down in flames…
Sam is working undercover for the Paranormal Investigations Team, and those who are trying to murder him are actually humans infected by a virus, the red plague —a by-product of a failed government experiment that attempted to identify the enzymes that make vampires immortal. Now, all those infected must be eliminated.
But when Emberly’s boss is murdered and his irreplaceable research stolen, she needs to find the guilty party before she goes down in flames…
392 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
269 people are currently reading
6563 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
100 books6,002 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
July 4, 2014
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Werewolves, vampires, shifters, fae, mermaids, witches—you name it, I’ve read about ‘em—in fact, I didn’t think that there was a paranormal out there that I hadn’t met, until Keri Arthur’s phoenixes. Now, I’m sure she’s probably not the first writer ever to feature them, but throw in some fascinatingly unique mythology, a different spin on vamps, and three strong fictional crush candidates, and you have one fiery series debut. This seasoned author never disappoints with her trademark writing style, rich world-building, and complex relationships, however I was a little frustrated that the heroine gets kidnapped several times in one novel. I hope that these books won’t be a repeat of Arthur’s DARK ANGELS in that respect. But, that minor annoyance aside, I really enjoyed FIREBORN and can’t wait to get my grabby hands on the next installment!
SOULS OF FIRE and I immediately hit it off; I loved learning about this new universe, and was thrilled with how in depth their lore was explored. Phoenixes have three forms—human, bird, and flame—go through “rebirth” every one hundred years, and have some pretty impressive abilities. Mind you, there are a few major drawbacks to being a fire bird including a nasty witchy curse that’s made true love impossible, they need another phoenix to survive, and living thousands of lifetimes isn’t always all that it’s cracked up to be. But, the world-building doesn’t stop there with additional mythology surrounding fire Fae, vampires, Red Cloaks, and a few mystery supes as well. I was in paranormal heaven!
As far as heroines go, I really liked Emberly; she’s level-headed, quick on her toes, and knows how to throw down. Surprisingly, she still holds out hope that one day she’ll find her soul mate, and I loved that her quasi immortality hasn’t made her bitter despite past failures. Rory is Pearson’s co-phoenix, but because of the curse their relationship is rather complicated; they need each other yet can never click romantically. And, therein lies the problem because any potential suitor must be able to accept that there’s always going to be another man in Emberly’s life. Sam, her ex, left her for that very reason without waiting for an explanation, so I had serious issues with him from the get-go, but on the flip side, I couldn’t exactly fault his logic either. Then add a smexy fire Fae into the mix, and readers are left with a whole lot of man-candy to drool over.
When I first started this book, I wasn’t exactly sure where Arthur was going to go with her phoenixes, but by the end I had a good sense of the main story arc. As in her other series’, the investigative angle is strong, and I enjoyed following this novel’s breadcrumbs. The Sindicati are formidable foes, and I look forward to seeing how the Crimson Death thread plays out as well, not to mention there’s something funky going on with Sam. I already have SO many questions, and this is only the first installment! Earlier I expressed my concerns about this author’s over-utilized kidnapping card, but I was somewhat consoled by the fact that Emberly is extremely difficult to contain. Here’s hoping that she won’t be another helpless victim like Risa Jones.
FIREBORN is book one in a red hot new series that’s destined to become an Urban Fantasy favourite; if you’re tired of the same ol’, then look no further than Keri Arthur’s SOULS OF FIRE.
Werewolves, vampires, shifters, fae, mermaids, witches—you name it, I’ve read about ‘em—in fact, I didn’t think that there was a paranormal out there that I hadn’t met, until Keri Arthur’s phoenixes. Now, I’m sure she’s probably not the first writer ever to feature them, but throw in some fascinatingly unique mythology, a different spin on vamps, and three strong fictional crush candidates, and you have one fiery series debut. This seasoned author never disappoints with her trademark writing style, rich world-building, and complex relationships, however I was a little frustrated that the heroine gets kidnapped several times in one novel. I hope that these books won’t be a repeat of Arthur’s DARK ANGELS in that respect. But, that minor annoyance aside, I really enjoyed FIREBORN and can’t wait to get my grabby hands on the next installment!
SOULS OF FIRE and I immediately hit it off; I loved learning about this new universe, and was thrilled with how in depth their lore was explored. Phoenixes have three forms—human, bird, and flame—go through “rebirth” every one hundred years, and have some pretty impressive abilities. Mind you, there are a few major drawbacks to being a fire bird including a nasty witchy curse that’s made true love impossible, they need another phoenix to survive, and living thousands of lifetimes isn’t always all that it’s cracked up to be. But, the world-building doesn’t stop there with additional mythology surrounding fire Fae, vampires, Red Cloaks, and a few mystery supes as well. I was in paranormal heaven!
As far as heroines go, I really liked Emberly; she’s level-headed, quick on her toes, and knows how to throw down. Surprisingly, she still holds out hope that one day she’ll find her soul mate, and I loved that her quasi immortality hasn’t made her bitter despite past failures. Rory is Pearson’s co-phoenix, but because of the curse their relationship is rather complicated; they need each other yet can never click romantically. And, therein lies the problem because any potential suitor must be able to accept that there’s always going to be another man in Emberly’s life. Sam, her ex, left her for that very reason without waiting for an explanation, so I had serious issues with him from the get-go, but on the flip side, I couldn’t exactly fault his logic either. Then add a smexy fire Fae into the mix, and readers are left with a whole lot of man-candy to drool over.
When I first started this book, I wasn’t exactly sure where Arthur was going to go with her phoenixes, but by the end I had a good sense of the main story arc. As in her other series’, the investigative angle is strong, and I enjoyed following this novel’s breadcrumbs. The Sindicati are formidable foes, and I look forward to seeing how the Crimson Death thread plays out as well, not to mention there’s something funky going on with Sam. I already have SO many questions, and this is only the first installment! Earlier I expressed my concerns about this author’s over-utilized kidnapping card, but I was somewhat consoled by the fact that Emberly is extremely difficult to contain. Here’s hoping that she won’t be another helpless victim like Risa Jones.
FIREBORN is book one in a red hot new series that’s destined to become an Urban Fantasy favourite; if you’re tired of the same ol’, then look no further than Keri Arthur’s SOULS OF FIRE.
June 22, 2015
Welp, I guess I'm not a fan of Kerri Arthur's anymore. I've been in a seriously bad slump so far this year, and I decided to pick this up because I'd liked her Riley Jensen series and knew this should just be easy entertainment... the only good thing about this was that I was at least able to finish it.
The story is about a phoenix (AWESOME!) that becomes embroiled in an investigation involving the murder of her boss. Her ex, of course, is the lead guy on one side of this investigation and there's unresolved feelings that lead to drama.
For a phoenix that had lived so many lifetimes she'd actually lost count she was ridiculously stupid. I've never read a book involving a phoenix so this was why I grabbed it, but instead of her being this amazingly badass, capable, character she was just typical and blah. There were many times she tried to tell me she was badass, but she wasn't showing it. Being afraid of crap that a being with her experience shouldn't be afraid of got on my last nerve, and if I had to hear one more time about the fricken darkness in her ex - just UGH.
Too much obsessing over the exact same crap every other page, a heroine that was nothing special and really stupid (because it's smart to wait until you're almost ready to die from lack of regenerating your essential self over and over and over again), too much tell not even enough show, one dimensional characters, weak plotline, generic prose, and an ending that came out of the blue (seriously, it was at 95%) after a pretty lame climax. This was clearly not a book for me.
September 8, 2014
4.25 stars...Urban Fantasy Filled with Suspense, Action, and Mystery
After each death, the phoenix is reborn and rises from the ashes with the gift to live one-hundred years and fated to find one love of a lifetime, but cursed to always end in heartache. Emberly Pearson, a phoenix, can foresee death. Cheating death usually has consequences, but Emberly gravely defies the grim reaper each opportunity she has. This time, she rescues the man - the love of her current lifetime - who could not accept the Phoenix and what the life entailed. Both walked away feeling betrayed. The murder of her boss brings the two together again, with seething feelings and continued betrayals, onto the trail of an abomination that could affect and infect the human population.
This is my second attempt at Keri Arthur’s work. I once tried her Riley Jensen series, but the promiscuity and my lack of connection to the heroine was a deciding factor in giving up the series. This attempt was very successful!
The plot is filled mystery - Who developed the red capes? Why? It introduces varies factions: werewolves, fae, vampires, and something other. The moments Emberly and Sam (the love of her lifetime) are not chasing villains. and working with or against one another, their moments are heavy with sexual tension. (I didn’t hate Sam, as other readers have. I think there is hope this situation can be redeemed.) Sam has secrets I feel compelled to discover. Their break-up was brutal and hurtful. There has to be more! I want more!
Back to the plot – There’s action, fights, chase scenes, and a doomed love life. Emberly’s tenacious feelings of hope despite her experiences; the odds stacked against her; and the courage she has to fight for life and love makes her a very compelling character. I want Emberly to prevail! I want her to find happiness!
The writing would be considered tight if not for the continuous break-up woes. (It’s like being with a friend who can’t stop talking about the ex. Let it go, girl! I know it’s not going to happen.) The secondary characters, especially Rory’s mate ( it’s complicated ) and the presence of sexy fae keep the fires burning for Emberly. To clarify - Emberly does not feel sorry for herself; she hurts. I hurt for her too! She is brave and strong! I want book 2…now!
digital public library loan
Heartbreak might be our destiny, but it would be a whole lot easier to deal with if only fate would clear out our memory banks at each rebirth. At least it would allowed hope to burn bright. But after all this time, there was little enough of that left.
After each death, the phoenix is reborn and rises from the ashes with the gift to live one-hundred years and fated to find one love of a lifetime, but cursed to always end in heartache. Emberly Pearson, a phoenix, can foresee death. Cheating death usually has consequences, but Emberly gravely defies the grim reaper each opportunity she has. This time, she rescues the man - the love of her current lifetime - who could not accept the Phoenix and what the life entailed. Both walked away feeling betrayed. The murder of her boss brings the two together again, with seething feelings and continued betrayals, onto the trail of an abomination that could affect and infect the human population.
This is my second attempt at Keri Arthur’s work. I once tried her Riley Jensen series, but the promiscuity and my lack of connection to the heroine was a deciding factor in giving up the series. This attempt was very successful!
The plot is filled mystery - Who developed the red capes? Why? It introduces varies factions: werewolves, fae, vampires, and something other. The moments Emberly and Sam (the love of her lifetime) are not chasing villains. and working with or against one another, their moments are heavy with sexual tension. (I didn’t hate Sam, as other readers have. I think there is hope this situation can be redeemed.) Sam has secrets I feel compelled to discover. Their break-up was brutal and hurtful. There has to be more! I want more!
Back to the plot – There’s action, fights, chase scenes, and a doomed love life. Emberly’s tenacious feelings of hope despite her experiences; the odds stacked against her; and the courage she has to fight for life and love makes her a very compelling character. I want Emberly to prevail! I want her to find happiness!
The writing would be considered tight if not for the continuous break-up woes. (It’s like being with a friend who can’t stop talking about the ex. Let it go, girl! I know it’s not going to happen.) The secondary characters, especially Rory’s mate ( it’s complicated ) and the presence of sexy fae keep the fires burning for Emberly. To clarify - Emberly does not feel sorry for herself; she hurts. I hurt for her too! She is brave and strong! I want book 2…now!
digital public library loan
August 14, 2014
I found this while shelf surfing my local library. I was a bit taken back when it was marked "romance" I'm not a romance fan usually. Well, somebody in the department of gene marking screwed up, there is no romance in this book. There is heartbreak, an old one that keeps stabbing her in the back, jerk. There is sex, KA likes to giver her characters sexual freedom without going over the line. ( IMHO) Her female characters are allowed to be who they want to be and feel what they want without worrying about societies issues with it. They are smart, self sufficient, respectful, likable and honest, and I like it.
Emberly's boss is killed and his notes are stollen from her normally dull job. There are people trying to get a hold of his notes that she may have, bad people and worse people. More bodies start showing up all tied to this research her boss was working on, some kind of cure for and illness that is spreading across the city. She is forced contact with her ex while trying to save her new friend a Fire Fae from sure death. (The Fire Fae is lip smacking yummy.) Mysteries, lies, backstabbing tricks, and brutal beatings are in their future.
Emberly, is a Phoenix half of a mated pair. Rory is her mate fated to be forever together but never in love. They are cursed to never really be happy in love outside of each other either. Then there is the they can't not live without the other issue. They have travels through many lifetimes together.
Sam is Emberly's Ex love in this life. He is the jerk with the twisting knife in her back. He shows up in one of her prophetic dream and she saves his miserable life which puts her in range for that dang knife twisting a bit more. Oh I love to hate this man !
I loved the pacing, the action, the strong spirit and the mythos. I can't wait to get book 2. One thing irked me, and it happened a lot. I got tired of Emberly's pinning after super duper jerk wad Sam. He was such a jerk and not worth more than a brief back thought. It did not fit in with what I thought she was and felt out of character.
So here is to Sam dieting a terrible death in book 2 :D
Emberly's boss is killed and his notes are stollen from her normally dull job. There are people trying to get a hold of his notes that she may have, bad people and worse people. More bodies start showing up all tied to this research her boss was working on, some kind of cure for and illness that is spreading across the city. She is forced contact with her ex while trying to save her new friend a Fire Fae from sure death. (The Fire Fae is lip smacking yummy.) Mysteries, lies, backstabbing tricks, and brutal beatings are in their future.
Emberly, is a Phoenix half of a mated pair. Rory is her mate fated to be forever together but never in love. They are cursed to never really be happy in love outside of each other either. Then there is the they can't not live without the other issue. They have travels through many lifetimes together.
Sam is Emberly's Ex love in this life. He is the jerk with the twisting knife in her back. He shows up in one of her prophetic dream and she saves his miserable life which puts her in range for that dang knife twisting a bit more. Oh I love to hate this man !
I loved the pacing, the action, the strong spirit and the mythos. I can't wait to get book 2. One thing irked me, and it happened a lot. I got tired of Emberly's pinning after super duper jerk wad Sam. He was such a jerk and not worth more than a brief back thought. It did not fit in with what I thought she was and felt out of character.
So here is to Sam dieting a terrible death in book 2 :D
October 25, 2015
3.5
The first thing to know about this book is that it is a set-up for the series so the rating reflects that. It doesn't have a distinct 'this is the problem, here is the solution' in it. More like, you certainly get the problem, but the solution is nowhere near when you reach the end. So, yes, there is a cliffhanger. And I hate cliffhangers. The characters are not fully developed either. Still, Keri Arthur still hasn't messed up any of her heroines as far as I am concerned so she gets a pass. For everything.
The main character is a phoenix. What's not to like about that? It means she has three forms: flesh, flame and firebird.
Fireborn starts with Emberly waiting for someone to save him, It turns out she has prophetic dreams and even after a couple of rebirths she still can't stand to leave the things to fate. This time especially because it is the man she once loved. And sure enough, everything happens the way she saw in her dream.
The decision to interfere involves her in something that is just beginning to get shape in this book. After that, someone murders her boss and all of a sudden a lot of people are interested in her.
The phoenix race is cursed when it comes to love. Each of them has their pair who is the other part of their soul. And they need the other phoenix to live. Literally. There was a moment in a book when she needs to recharge her energy but she can't because someone did something to her (it would be a spoiler) and the other phoenix is not close (it is explained why they agreed not to be in danger at the same time).
I love how this was done in this book/world. Em has Rory. I love their relationship. They are not in love. They can't be. They are both doomed to love other people and have their hearts broken. One for each rebirth. None of this is a spoiler because you find out about this right away. The way Rory and Em fight against the fate is both wonderful and heartbreaking. Their spirits are still not broken.
Right from the beginning (the first 10% of the story even) you get Keri Arthur's signature attitude towards sex. None of her paranormal beings (especially women) are prudes. Far from it. I find it funny when people get annoyed by this.
Keri Arthur is unapologetic when it comes to her female characters. She never makes her character do something by the rules of that world (read: beats you over your head with certain, supposedly unbreakable, rules of that particular world), then forgets about the said rules because it is convenient for the present book and twists them to something else (the way you find in most UF and PNR stories/series). I've read most of her series and even when her female characters annoy you (and let's be honest here, Em may annoy you because she acts following her feelings so there is a lot of room for mistakes) it is never because they are not consistent.
Speaking of romance, I think this is the first time I didn't get enough of an explanation for Sam's behaviour. At least not enough to like him. I can understand the anger then, I can understand he didn't want to stay and get an explanation then, but now he is supposed to have access to know better.
Don't get me wrong, somewhere along the way the reason for his behaviour started to take shape but it was left for other books. So, no, I didn't like Sam at all.
I did like Jackson Miller though and the reasons come close to the spoiler territory so I'll just leave it at that.
Overall, it is a good start for a series. All the players are introduced, some got more history than others and some just appeared once. Explanations are rare, most characters are not completely developed because the focus is on the set-up more than anything else. You will be disappointed if you expect more than that.
I expect more from the next book though.
The first thing to know about this book is that it is a set-up for the series so the rating reflects that. It doesn't have a distinct 'this is the problem, here is the solution' in it. More like, you certainly get the problem, but the solution is nowhere near when you reach the end. So, yes, there is a cliffhanger. And I hate cliffhangers. The characters are not fully developed either. Still, Keri Arthur still hasn't messed up any of her heroines as far as I am concerned so she gets a pass. For everything.
The main character is a phoenix. What's not to like about that? It means she has three forms: flesh, flame and firebird.
Fireborn starts with Emberly waiting for someone to save him, It turns out she has prophetic dreams and even after a couple of rebirths she still can't stand to leave the things to fate. This time especially because it is the man she once loved. And sure enough, everything happens the way she saw in her dream.
The decision to interfere involves her in something that is just beginning to get shape in this book. After that, someone murders her boss and all of a sudden a lot of people are interested in her.
The phoenix race is cursed when it comes to love. Each of them has their pair who is the other part of their soul. And they need the other phoenix to live. Literally. There was a moment in a book when she needs to recharge her energy but she can't because someone did something to her (it would be a spoiler) and the other phoenix is not close (it is explained why they agreed not to be in danger at the same time).
I love how this was done in this book/world. Em has Rory. I love their relationship. They are not in love. They can't be. They are both doomed to love other people and have their hearts broken. One for each rebirth. None of this is a spoiler because you find out about this right away. The way Rory and Em fight against the fate is both wonderful and heartbreaking. Their spirits are still not broken.
Right from the beginning (the first 10% of the story even) you get Keri Arthur's signature attitude towards sex. None of her paranormal beings (especially women) are prudes. Far from it. I find it funny when people get annoyed by this.
Keri Arthur is unapologetic when it comes to her female characters. She never makes her character do something by the rules of that world (read: beats you over your head with certain, supposedly unbreakable, rules of that particular world), then forgets about the said rules because it is convenient for the present book and twists them to something else (the way you find in most UF and PNR stories/series). I've read most of her series and even when her female characters annoy you (and let's be honest here, Em may annoy you because she acts following her feelings so there is a lot of room for mistakes) it is never because they are not consistent.
Speaking of romance, I think this is the first time I didn't get enough of an explanation for Sam's behaviour. At least not enough to like him. I can understand the anger then, I can understand he didn't want to stay and get an explanation then, but now he is supposed to have access to know better.
Don't get me wrong, somewhere along the way the reason for his behaviour started to take shape but it was left for other books. So, no, I didn't like Sam at all.
I did like Jackson Miller though and the reasons come close to the spoiler territory so I'll just leave it at that.
Overall, it is a good start for a series. All the players are introduced, some got more history than others and some just appeared once. Explanations are rare, most characters are not completely developed because the focus is on the set-up more than anything else. You will be disappointed if you expect more than that.
I expect more from the next book though.
unfinished
February 27, 2018I'm going to call it quits at about a quarter in. This is an interesting story with a great protagonist and I really liked the possibilities. To a point. The thing is, the lore around phoenixes is very much a curse/blight on relationships. Or, at least, on anything considered human standard. There are two interlocking "mate" bonds that are inherently at odds. One a true mate—another phoenix who is the only person they can actually reproduce with. But the curse dictates that they'll never fall in love and that if they don't, er, "mate" (a fiery state that seemed to be orgasmic, but wasn't racy, really) periodically, they'll fade and eventually die. The other is a "this lifetime's soulmate" and is someone (they only mention humans, but I don't know if that's required) they'll fall in love with but as humans don't live all that long, those relationships are doomed.
So this sets up an intriguing dynamic with Emberly's Sam being the human who rejected her five years ago when he found out about Rory. Naturally, I wanted to see this play out with all the pathos inherent in the system. Only Arthur threw a wrench into the works in the form of a fiery fae named Jackson. He and Emberly go from zero to sizzle in nothing flat. I mean, they're like teen quality testers in an aphrodisiac factory. And that put me outside the story enough to wonder what the crap I'm getting myself in to.
So I snooped. And like all snooping, immediately paid for it by finding out that this is a tetralogy with the same antagonists through all four books! At which point I lost all interest in the relationships and decided to call it quits. I mean, I like series and all that. But the cover copy pretty much guarantees this is all a single plot with a single bad guy/organization. And that just destroyed my interest.
So I'm dnf'ing this without prejudice (rating). The writing is strong and I was pretty interested in the characters. And I was even on board if it turned out that Jackson was going to be the guy (though if the mopey Sam was going to stay viable I might have thrown a minor fit—that guy is like if Charlie Brown had a kid with Eeyore). But I found the bad guys uninteresting and this seems to be the "desperate fight against those who own the shadows and just ugh.
So this sets up an intriguing dynamic with Emberly's Sam being the human who rejected her five years ago when he found out about Rory. Naturally, I wanted to see this play out with all the pathos inherent in the system. Only Arthur threw a wrench into the works in the form of a fiery fae named Jackson. He and Emberly go from zero to sizzle in nothing flat. I mean, they're like teen quality testers in an aphrodisiac factory. And that put me outside the story enough to wonder what the crap I'm getting myself in to.
So I snooped. And like all snooping, immediately paid for it by finding out that this is a tetralogy with the same antagonists through all four books! At which point I lost all interest in the relationships and decided to call it quits. I mean, I like series and all that. But the cover copy pretty much guarantees this is all a single plot with a single bad guy/organization. And that just destroyed my interest.
So I'm dnf'ing this without prejudice (rating). The writing is strong and I was pretty interested in the characters. And I was even on board if it turned out that Jackson was going to be the guy (though if the mopey Sam was going to stay viable I might have thrown a minor fit—that guy is like if Charlie Brown had a kid with Eeyore). But I found the bad guys uninteresting and this seems to be the "desperate fight against those who own the shadows and just ugh.
Read
December 2, 2015Dnf at 60%
I stopped this a while ago, and kept it on my shelf, but I'm not going to finish it. Ugh, 60% and 6 sex scenes and other sexual stuff with 3 different guys... no!
The character irritates me, she thinks how hot guys are all the time! Everything has sexual undertones, even when we're discovering plot points our main character is busy doing the deed while discussing the info.
And no I am not a prude. I love J.R. Ward! Somehow she does it all in a classy way, this just felt cheap to me.
I really wanted to like this because a friend recommended it and he normally has great taste...but this book and I did not get on at all.
I stopped this a while ago, and kept it on my shelf, but I'm not going to finish it. Ugh, 60% and 6 sex scenes and other sexual stuff with 3 different guys... no!
The character irritates me, she thinks how hot guys are all the time! Everything has sexual undertones, even when we're discovering plot points our main character is busy doing the deed while discussing the info.
And no I am not a prude. I love J.R. Ward! Somehow she does it all in a classy way, this just felt cheap to me.
I really wanted to like this because a friend recommended it and he normally has great taste...but this book and I did not get on at all.
March 7, 2016
Emberly
Read 8 July 2014
A very enjoyable opening to a new series. A likeable heroine and secondary characters. Interesting world building. I liked the Phoenix mythology. I'm looking forward to seeding how this series develops ~ ★★★★
Read 8 July 2014
A very enjoyable opening to a new series. A likeable heroine and secondary characters. Interesting world building. I liked the Phoenix mythology. I'm looking forward to seeding how this series develops ~ ★★★★
February 21, 2015
It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either :/
July 6, 2014
Fan-bloody-tastic!!!!
Keri Arthur was my first paranormal author, I bought and read every book of hers that I could get my hands on, until I ran out! The Riley Jenson series and Dark Angel series have always been my favourite, along with The Spook Squad and I've loved all the others. Souls of Fire/Fireborn is way up there at the top with Dark Angel, this first book looks to be the start of another fantastic series.
Emberly Pearson is a phoenix who can take on the form of spirit fire or a phoenix bird and can also foresee death in her dreams. Sam (an investigator with PIT, Paranormal Investigation Team) is an ex that Em fell in love with, however, they split when he thought she was being unfaithful. Rory is Emberly's phoenix mate, together, Rory and Em need each other to ensure their survival, they are mates, but don't love each other in that sense.
Jackson is a fire fae, he runs an investigation business and when Emberly's boss is murdered, things hit the fan!
And then there are the Red Cloaks who are an infected and nasty contagious vampire.
This book is full of action from the first few pages right until the last. Keri arthur has once again captured my attention with a paranormal book full of her usual attributes. I simply couldn't put this book down (but was forced to because of life!) and I know that if I hadn't had to go to work, I would have read this book in one sitting!
I can't wait to get my hands on book two!!!
Keri Arthur was my first paranormal author, I bought and read every book of hers that I could get my hands on, until I ran out! The Riley Jenson series and Dark Angel series have always been my favourite, along with The Spook Squad and I've loved all the others. Souls of Fire/Fireborn is way up there at the top with Dark Angel, this first book looks to be the start of another fantastic series.
Emberly Pearson is a phoenix who can take on the form of spirit fire or a phoenix bird and can also foresee death in her dreams. Sam (an investigator with PIT, Paranormal Investigation Team) is an ex that Em fell in love with, however, they split when he thought she was being unfaithful. Rory is Emberly's phoenix mate, together, Rory and Em need each other to ensure their survival, they are mates, but don't love each other in that sense.
Jackson is a fire fae, he runs an investigation business and when Emberly's boss is murdered, things hit the fan!
And then there are the Red Cloaks who are an infected and nasty contagious vampire.
This book is full of action from the first few pages right until the last. Keri arthur has once again captured my attention with a paranormal book full of her usual attributes. I simply couldn't put this book down (but was forced to because of life!) and I know that if I hadn't had to go to work, I would have read this book in one sitting!
I can't wait to get my hands on book two!!!
August 9, 2015
I read this series out of order. I read this one after I read the second. Honestly, if I had read this one first, I probably wouldn't have continued. I thought this book would showcase how Sam and Emberly broke up, but it didn't. It did set up for the second book quite nicely.
Emberly is happily enjoying her boring life as a transcriber for a researcher. Nothing like her previous lives where she was a cop or another kind of do-gooder.
What I'm trying to figure out is the phoenix mythos here. There seems to be a curse and it's not fully explored in this book or the next. I'm hoping for more details and more world building in this series. It does remind me a little bit of Ms. Arthur's other series. For me, that's okay because I loved them. I read everything she writes that I can get my hands on.
This paranormal story is more urban fantasy for me. The sex in here is fiery and yet oddly cold. There is a lack of intimacy here which leaves me yearning for more. I think it's done specifically this way to encourage some kind of return between Sam and Em. That's my guess and I'm waiting to see what will happen in book 3. Recommended for urban fantasy readers who enjoy a female who knows what she wants.
Emberly is happily enjoying her boring life as a transcriber for a researcher. Nothing like her previous lives where she was a cop or another kind of do-gooder.
What I'm trying to figure out is the phoenix mythos here. There seems to be a curse and it's not fully explored in this book or the next. I'm hoping for more details and more world building in this series. It does remind me a little bit of Ms. Arthur's other series. For me, that's okay because I loved them. I read everything she writes that I can get my hands on.
This paranormal story is more urban fantasy for me. The sex in here is fiery and yet oddly cold. There is a lack of intimacy here which leaves me yearning for more. I think it's done specifically this way to encourage some kind of return between Sam and Em. That's my guess and I'm waiting to see what will happen in book 3. Recommended for urban fantasy readers who enjoy a female who knows what she wants.
September 4, 2023
This is a really cool read.
I loved the concept of the phoenix. I've not read an Urban Fantasy with a phoenix before. The way Arthur set up the background of the phoenix as a mythical creature does make for a bit of a hot mess when it comes to romance, but she made me believe in it, and cheer Emberly on in her pursuit of happiness.
The action storyline was really intense as well. There's lots of intrigue and suspense, as well as cool action. There's a lot of different parties involved, but Arthur's storytelling made sure I never felt lost.
I will confess I didn't like Sam, Emberly's former lover (and one of her current love interests), but there are some other men in Emberly's life who I really liked. I do feel like I will be rooting for the wrong guy, but maybe Sam will surprise me yet.
This book ends with lots of things still unresolved, but luckily not on an unnecessary cliffhanger. Still I'm eager to get my trotters on the next book, because I want to know what will happen next for Emberly.
I loved the concept of the phoenix. I've not read an Urban Fantasy with a phoenix before. The way Arthur set up the background of the phoenix as a mythical creature does make for a bit of a hot mess when it comes to romance, but she made me believe in it, and cheer Emberly on in her pursuit of happiness.
The action storyline was really intense as well. There's lots of intrigue and suspense, as well as cool action. There's a lot of different parties involved, but Arthur's storytelling made sure I never felt lost.
I will confess I didn't like Sam, Emberly's former lover (and one of her current love interests), but there are some other men in Emberly's life who I really liked. I do feel like I will be rooting for the wrong guy, but maybe Sam will surprise me yet.
This book ends with lots of things still unresolved, but luckily not on an unnecessary cliffhanger. Still I'm eager to get my trotters on the next book, because I want to know what will happen next for Emberly.
February 27, 2018
Great for all the fan of UF - Keri Arthur style. Great plot, grey morality, more than one male leads.
July 25, 2014
Claims that this book was a lot like the Riley Jenson series had me practically foaming at the mouth for Fireborn!! Pretty please and thank you. Ironically that's probably why I didn't love it. Because it was too much like the Riley Jenson series. Emberly had plenty of potential, but I didn't feel like she was fully fleshed out. Instead she had all the basics of Riley, and not enough Emberly to separate them. She has a male roommate, her soul mate who she can never be in love with—but still a lot like Riley's brother. Emberly is completely comfortable with her sexuality and owns it! (And really that is an aspect I'm happy to live with.) Emberly wants to live a quiet and normal life—this time around—but she's clearly all over the action and her justifications for getting involved seem stupid. Even the love interest has a lot of qualities like the Riley series, but worse.
Sam is already at that he's-an-asshole-who-felt-betrayed-but-really-just-didn't-understand-and-hurts-Emberly-continually jerk state. No really. Sam is already introduced as Emberly's ex. And he's probably one of the most insufferable male love interests to grace the pages of literature. OK, I've read a few worse ones, but this is a status update as I read: “Queue bus. Sam splatter. Now.” Arthur doesn't set up any time span for readers to get to know Sam as anything but an ass. There's no tender flashbacks. Readers are just supposed to take Emberly's word for it that their love was amazing, and that five years was not enough to get over him. Even though now that he's back in her life he's drugged her multiple times, threatened her, expects her to help him but practically gives her nothing, and one of those druggings leaves Emberly and another person completely defenseless against some enemies he knew where coming after her! Emberly annoyingly pining and Sam being an unmitigated ass gets old fast. Knowing Arthur she will drag this out, and I hate Sam. No matter what there will be no redemption for him.
Other then that, this book is a great start to a knew series! Jackson enters as a fire Faye who's down right sexy and helps Emberly steam up the page! While there is some questions to whether he is a good or bad guy, Arthur is kind enough not to torture readers too long. Also, some question to whether Jackson will be the other side of the love triangle. The vibes I’m getting are just good friends with benefits. They're a great team together and I like the idea of following a series where they both interact. Rory is also a surprisingly fun character, and I hope to see more of him considering he has a pretty tight connection to Emberly.
Which brings me to the coolest aspect of this series. Phoenixes! There's only one book that actually had a lead who was part phoenix that I've read, and others they've just been magical creatures. Arthur spins her mythology well. As phoenix are fire spirits and are quiet different from humans. They have three forms: human, fire, and phoenix! Phoenixes come in pairs, or soul mates, and can not live without their other half. Of course there's a tragic twist that pairs cannot ever be in love, romantically, with each other. Every life they are reborn their destined to have true love, and it is fated to never end well. Really sad crap. But I wonder how much it is they find that “true love” for that life and then they give up on “normal love”. You know the practical kind that you have to work at? Just a thought.
While Fireborn didn't have as powerful a murder mystery as what I'd grown accustomed to from my beloved Riley, I did have fun. (Come on, we all no ones different/wrong with Sam.) The setup for the Red Cloaks was interesting and left open to sprawl out in future entries into the series. (Though how no one would think that there's something fishy to a bunch of “crazy mindless beings” all having red cloaks? Mindless creatures don't wear uniforms.) The dark world and humor that readers have grown to love, and expect, from Arthur is present! While I find two of the men in Riley's life fantastic and love them without actually needing them to be her HEA. I will say that if Sam is dragged out as “the one” I'll probably not continue this series too long. However, I love the promise and I hope to get to know Emberly more! Arthur can deliver better mystery and love story then this and I look forward to it.
And no. You do not need to have read the Riley or Dark Angels series to read this It’s the same universe, but no cross over a that feeling of missing something.
Sexual Content: Hot bedroom scenes, plenty of sexual humor, and well . . . tons of sexual content. It’s Arthur it comes with the turf.
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
Sam is already at that he's-an-asshole-who-felt-betrayed-but-really-just-didn't-understand-and-hurts-Emberly-continually jerk state. No really. Sam is already introduced as Emberly's ex. And he's probably one of the most insufferable male love interests to grace the pages of literature. OK, I've read a few worse ones, but this is a status update as I read: “Queue bus. Sam splatter. Now.” Arthur doesn't set up any time span for readers to get to know Sam as anything but an ass. There's no tender flashbacks. Readers are just supposed to take Emberly's word for it that their love was amazing, and that five years was not enough to get over him. Even though now that he's back in her life he's drugged her multiple times, threatened her, expects her to help him but practically gives her nothing, and one of those druggings leaves Emberly and another person completely defenseless against some enemies he knew where coming after her! Emberly annoyingly pining and Sam being an unmitigated ass gets old fast. Knowing Arthur she will drag this out, and I hate Sam. No matter what there will be no redemption for him.
Other then that, this book is a great start to a knew series! Jackson enters as a fire Faye who's down right sexy and helps Emberly steam up the page! While there is some questions to whether he is a good or bad guy, Arthur is kind enough not to torture readers too long. Also, some question to whether Jackson will be the other side of the love triangle. The vibes I’m getting are just good friends with benefits. They're a great team together and I like the idea of following a series where they both interact. Rory is also a surprisingly fun character, and I hope to see more of him considering he has a pretty tight connection to Emberly.
Which brings me to the coolest aspect of this series. Phoenixes! There's only one book that actually had a lead who was part phoenix that I've read, and others they've just been magical creatures. Arthur spins her mythology well. As phoenix are fire spirits and are quiet different from humans. They have three forms: human, fire, and phoenix! Phoenixes come in pairs, or soul mates, and can not live without their other half. Of course there's a tragic twist that pairs cannot ever be in love, romantically, with each other. Every life they are reborn their destined to have true love, and it is fated to never end well. Really sad crap. But I wonder how much it is they find that “true love” for that life and then they give up on “normal love”. You know the practical kind that you have to work at? Just a thought.
While Fireborn didn't have as powerful a murder mystery as what I'd grown accustomed to from my beloved Riley, I did have fun. (Come on, we all no ones different/wrong with Sam.) The setup for the Red Cloaks was interesting and left open to sprawl out in future entries into the series. (Though how no one would think that there's something fishy to a bunch of “crazy mindless beings” all having red cloaks? Mindless creatures don't wear uniforms.) The dark world and humor that readers have grown to love, and expect, from Arthur is present! While I find two of the men in Riley's life fantastic and love them without actually needing them to be her HEA. I will say that if Sam is dragged out as “the one” I'll probably not continue this series too long. However, I love the promise and I hope to get to know Emberly more! Arthur can deliver better mystery and love story then this and I look forward to it.
And no. You do not need to have read the Riley or Dark Angels series to read this It’s the same universe, but no cross over a that feeling of missing something.
Sexual Content: Hot bedroom scenes, plenty of sexual humor, and well . . . tons of sexual content. It’s Arthur it comes with the turf.
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
May 1, 2020
I previously read Keri Arthur’s City of Light and found it had potential but missed the mark. Thus, I decided to give Fireborn a read in the hope a different series would grab me. Although I enjoyed Fireborn more, it wasn’t quite enough for me to round it up to a four-star rating.
From the start, Fireborn sucks you in. There are plenty of elements to this one, details that will have you theorising how everything will come together. It’s a book that has you curious about the bigger picture, even if the details in this one don’t quite wow. Sure, it’s addictive, but there are quite a few elements that were predictable. Add in how quickly everything came together, and it wasn’t quite everything it could have been.
Although this wasn’t quite all I had hoped, I am curious about book two.
From the start, Fireborn sucks you in. There are plenty of elements to this one, details that will have you theorising how everything will come together. It’s a book that has you curious about the bigger picture, even if the details in this one don’t quite wow. Sure, it’s addictive, but there are quite a few elements that were predictable. Add in how quickly everything came together, and it wasn’t quite everything it could have been.
Although this wasn’t quite all I had hoped, I am curious about book two.
August 14, 2015
4*s
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Fireborn is the first book in the Souls of Fire series and broaches the subject of the Phoenix.
Emberly Pearson is a Phoenix in human form. She has lived many lives, always resurrected with her phoenix spirit time and time again. Each phoenix has a soul mate, another phoenix who sustains them with their energy and without them, they would die but they can never love each other. Each lifetime brings them one true love, one person who will always break their heart and stop their love once again….. it’s a never ending cycle and Emberly has had her share – this lifetime included. Phoenix also have extra powers and Emberly’s is that she can foresee death and where it will strike…. And that is how we meet her, as she saves her ex-lover Sam from death. Sam is a cop with a couple of secrets up his sleeve and when Emberly crashes back into his life he is forced to let her in on his investigation – especially seeing as they are chasing them to kill them. He lets her in on the fact that there is a plague-like virus turning people into vampire like creatures with less vulnerability than normal vampires. Thinking she has done her good deed and having saved Sam, she heads off only to discover that her Boss has been killed and his research has been stolen. She then becomes the target when the enemy discovers that she has more research in her possession….. and they want it… at all costs.
I really enjoyed Fireborn, I’ve read about the Phoenix before but never with a female as the phoenix and I have to say…it was a nice change. I liked Emberly’s character, she seemed very wise but slightly jaded and accepting of her situation. I really like how she evolved throughout the book and got her groove back. Now, there’s always a love interest in a book like this and this had more than one which is a pet peeve of mine but I’ll explain. As a phoenix, she has a soul mate in another phoenix that she can’t fall in love with but is essential to her life because she would die without exchanging energy with him…. So he is her room-mate/f-buddy when she so chooses - because of how they exchange energy. She has an ex who was the love of THIS lifetime that is fated to break her heart; which he has done. This is Sam and he is very present in the story but so is another person who she decides to scratch an itch with on a casual basis but also work with. Don’t let this put you off, yes, it irked me – I hate love triangles/quadrangles….whatever but… she is only sexually involved with one person in the book but the soul mate thing was weird because he was like a husband waiting at home whilst she was out and about doing the nasty. Argh, I don’t know how I felt about it…. Let’s just say it’s the only part I didn’t like about the book.
The storyline was great! I love UF books and this has a great scenario with a virus mutating people and supernaturals alike. It is bringing something new to the characters and something new to the reader. I always like an investigative angle to what happens in books and on one side we have Sam in an official capacity and the other side we have Emberly and a PI whom ends up being a major character who drags a willing Emberly into his investigation. As I mentioned, romance comes from an unexpected source and whilst there was chemistry, there was no feeling and I didn’t get any butterflies from their connection. There is plenty of action from the beginning – whether they’re being chased by the hard to kill Red Coats, Vampires, Werewolves etc. and having to fight for their lives using every trick they know, or being kidnapped and given ultimatums – they aren’t going down without a fight. Emberly has a few tricks up her sleeve, especially considering most don’t know exactly what she is or what she is capable of – so that definitely gives her the element of surprise in quite a few situations. I did like the way they worked together, I liked the way she had Sam on edge, always seemingly a step behind her which makes him take some pretty harsh risks that could put her in danger. She does have chemistry with Sam, there is something still there and of course that will come to a head eventually – which I look forward to! For a first book in a series it was a great introduction with some even better potential, plenty of drama and action, interesting world and characters and never a dull moment… I will be reading more.
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Fireborn is the first book in the Souls of Fire series and broaches the subject of the Phoenix.
Emberly Pearson is a Phoenix in human form. She has lived many lives, always resurrected with her phoenix spirit time and time again. Each phoenix has a soul mate, another phoenix who sustains them with their energy and without them, they would die but they can never love each other. Each lifetime brings them one true love, one person who will always break their heart and stop their love once again….. it’s a never ending cycle and Emberly has had her share – this lifetime included. Phoenix also have extra powers and Emberly’s is that she can foresee death and where it will strike…. And that is how we meet her, as she saves her ex-lover Sam from death. Sam is a cop with a couple of secrets up his sleeve and when Emberly crashes back into his life he is forced to let her in on his investigation – especially seeing as they are chasing them to kill them. He lets her in on the fact that there is a plague-like virus turning people into vampire like creatures with less vulnerability than normal vampires. Thinking she has done her good deed and having saved Sam, she heads off only to discover that her Boss has been killed and his research has been stolen. She then becomes the target when the enemy discovers that she has more research in her possession….. and they want it… at all costs.
I really enjoyed Fireborn, I’ve read about the Phoenix before but never with a female as the phoenix and I have to say…it was a nice change. I liked Emberly’s character, she seemed very wise but slightly jaded and accepting of her situation. I really like how she evolved throughout the book and got her groove back. Now, there’s always a love interest in a book like this and this had more than one which is a pet peeve of mine but I’ll explain. As a phoenix, she has a soul mate in another phoenix that she can’t fall in love with but is essential to her life because she would die without exchanging energy with him…. So he is her room-mate/f-buddy when she so chooses - because of how they exchange energy. She has an ex who was the love of THIS lifetime that is fated to break her heart; which he has done. This is Sam and he is very present in the story but so is another person who she decides to scratch an itch with on a casual basis but also work with. Don’t let this put you off, yes, it irked me – I hate love triangles/quadrangles….whatever but… she is only sexually involved with one person in the book but the soul mate thing was weird because he was like a husband waiting at home whilst she was out and about doing the nasty. Argh, I don’t know how I felt about it…. Let’s just say it’s the only part I didn’t like about the book.
The storyline was great! I love UF books and this has a great scenario with a virus mutating people and supernaturals alike. It is bringing something new to the characters and something new to the reader. I always like an investigative angle to what happens in books and on one side we have Sam in an official capacity and the other side we have Emberly and a PI whom ends up being a major character who drags a willing Emberly into his investigation. As I mentioned, romance comes from an unexpected source and whilst there was chemistry, there was no feeling and I didn’t get any butterflies from their connection. There is plenty of action from the beginning – whether they’re being chased by the hard to kill Red Coats, Vampires, Werewolves etc. and having to fight for their lives using every trick they know, or being kidnapped and given ultimatums – they aren’t going down without a fight. Emberly has a few tricks up her sleeve, especially considering most don’t know exactly what she is or what she is capable of – so that definitely gives her the element of surprise in quite a few situations. I did like the way they worked together, I liked the way she had Sam on edge, always seemingly a step behind her which makes him take some pretty harsh risks that could put her in danger. She does have chemistry with Sam, there is something still there and of course that will come to a head eventually – which I look forward to! For a first book in a series it was a great introduction with some even better potential, plenty of drama and action, interesting world and characters and never a dull moment… I will be reading more.
July 28, 2014
3.5 stars
I have read and enjoyed Keri Arthur's Dark Angels series so I figured I'd give this one a try. The fact that it also features a Phoenix as its main character was also a draw since anything new is going to be a huge draw for me in a genre where the same material gets rehashed over and over again. So meet Emberly, a centuries old Phoenix currently making her home in Melbourne, Australia. She leads an otherwise normal life, working at a normal (if boring) job, and going home to her normal apartment (well, all except for that one fireproof room). Normal soon exits stage left however when she decides to save the life of her ex-lover. Life for Emberly then becomes a series of avoiding attempts on her life while trying to find out who is behind a dangerous new virus that poses a threat to humans and supernaturals alike.
The author does a good job of of mixing her supernatural races. Though the story does include UF perennial favorites, vampires and werwolves, Arthur manages to put her own spin on them. What I found really interesting, however, was her handling of the Phoenix. I won't go into details about the specific "rules" for Phoenix here because learning about them in the story is part of the fun. I will say this though, if you've read the Dark Angels series you know that the author doesn't necessarily have her heroines fall into traditional relationships. Similar to that series, sex means different things to Emberly. There is sex she literally needs to survive, sex that is just recreational, and sex that is of the emotionally connected kind. So it's of no surprise then that the story lands us with three different men in Emberly's life. Normally I hate love triangles and will often drop a series cold turkey because of them but that's not quite what's happening here.
The way things are set up according to the Phoenix "rules" each man plays a specific function in Emberly's life. More's the pity because I don't much care or feel anything for the man who seems to be the designated romantic love interest. I really, really liked the other two men and would be happy if Emberly's HEA lay with either of them but, alas, I don't think things will go that way. Which leads to the reason that this book fell just short of four stars for me. Emberly spends way too much time pining over her former love despite the fact that not once are we given any reason to believe why she would ever be that much in love with him. We are told, repeatedly, but it doesn't come across in their interactions. Meanwhile, Emberly's interactions with the two other men in her life felt natural, fun, sexy, and relaxing. She could be herself with both men so again, more's the pity that Mr. Dud will likely be "the One".
The romantic misfire aside though, this was a nicely paced book that I managed to devour in one sitting. Emberly makes for a smart and sensible heroine and most of the secondary characters were a joy to meet. The book sets up the long arc for the series and even though I have a good idea about the identity of the big bad, I'm still looking forward to reading more of Emberly's adventures.
I have read and enjoyed Keri Arthur's Dark Angels series so I figured I'd give this one a try. The fact that it also features a Phoenix as its main character was also a draw since anything new is going to be a huge draw for me in a genre where the same material gets rehashed over and over again. So meet Emberly, a centuries old Phoenix currently making her home in Melbourne, Australia. She leads an otherwise normal life, working at a normal (if boring) job, and going home to her normal apartment (well, all except for that one fireproof room). Normal soon exits stage left however when she decides to save the life of her ex-lover. Life for Emberly then becomes a series of avoiding attempts on her life while trying to find out who is behind a dangerous new virus that poses a threat to humans and supernaturals alike.
The author does a good job of of mixing her supernatural races. Though the story does include UF perennial favorites, vampires and werwolves, Arthur manages to put her own spin on them. What I found really interesting, however, was her handling of the Phoenix. I won't go into details about the specific "rules" for Phoenix here because learning about them in the story is part of the fun. I will say this though, if you've read the Dark Angels series you know that the author doesn't necessarily have her heroines fall into traditional relationships. Similar to that series, sex means different things to Emberly. There is sex she literally needs to survive, sex that is just recreational, and sex that is of the emotionally connected kind. So it's of no surprise then that the story lands us with three different men in Emberly's life. Normally I hate love triangles and will often drop a series cold turkey because of them but that's not quite what's happening here.
The way things are set up according to the Phoenix "rules" each man plays a specific function in Emberly's life. More's the pity because I don't much care or feel anything for the man who seems to be the designated romantic love interest. I really, really liked the other two men and would be happy if Emberly's HEA lay with either of them but, alas, I don't think things will go that way. Which leads to the reason that this book fell just short of four stars for me. Emberly spends way too much time pining over her former love despite the fact that not once are we given any reason to believe why she would ever be that much in love with him. We are told, repeatedly, but it doesn't come across in their interactions. Meanwhile, Emberly's interactions with the two other men in her life felt natural, fun, sexy, and relaxing. She could be herself with both men so again, more's the pity that Mr. Dud will likely be "the One".
The romantic misfire aside though, this was a nicely paced book that I managed to devour in one sitting. Emberly makes for a smart and sensible heroine and most of the secondary characters were a joy to meet. The book sets up the long arc for the series and even though I have a good idea about the identity of the big bad, I'm still looking forward to reading more of Emberly's adventures.
July 2, 2014
3.5 Stars
I really loved the UF aspect of this book. So much has been done with vampires, fae, werewolves, shifters of any types, etc. But phoenixes? Haven't come across that before.
A fire being that can become spirit and not flesh. It's a pretty awesome concept. The concept of how the fire, ash and rebirth fits in to the phoenix aspect is awesome as well.
The romance part was just ... sad. And awkward. Not something I like, but I have a feeling it may change.. like along the lines of her other series or the Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead where SOMETHING will happen to change it.
I do like the world building and all the action. It's a great start to a new series. The romance aspect leaves much to be desired like I mentioned.
I really loved the UF aspect of this book. So much has been done with vampires, fae, werewolves, shifters of any types, etc. But phoenixes? Haven't come across that before.
A fire being that can become spirit and not flesh. It's a pretty awesome concept. The concept of how the fire, ash and rebirth fits in to the phoenix aspect is awesome as well.
The romance part was just ... sad. And awkward. Not something I like, but I have a feeling it may change.. like along the lines of her other series or the Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead where SOMETHING will happen to change it.
I do like the world building and all the action. It's a great start to a new series. The romance aspect leaves much to be desired like I mentioned.
May 27, 2014
Fireborn by Keri Arthur is the first book in a new urban fantasy series focusing on a phoenix and a mysterious new virus that way too many dangerous people are interested in. Fireborn was a nice combination of the fun things I expect from an urban fantasy book with a few new twists thrown in, phoenix being one of them ;-). I’m liking this trend of urban fantasy worlds where some of the paranormal species have gone public and others are still under the radar like in Fireborn; it makes for some much more interesting dynamics!
Note: I received Fireborn from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some things may have changed in the final version.
This book has adult content.
Fireborn by Keri Arthur (Souls of Fire #1)
Published by Signet on July 1st, 2014
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Length: 400 pages
How I got my copy: Publisher
Emberly has spent a good number of her many lives trying to save humans. So when her prophetic dreams reveal the death of Sam, a man she once loved, she does everything in her power to prevent that from happening. But in saving his life, she gets more than she bargained for.
Sam is working undercover for the Paranormal Investigations Team, and those who are trying to murder him are actually humans infected by a plague-like virus, the Crimson Death—a by-product of a failed government experiment that attempted to identify the enzymes that make vampires immortal. Now, all those infected must be eliminated.
But when Emberly’s boss is murdered and his irreplaceable research stolen, she needs to find the guilty party before she goes down in flames…
Strengths:
I had to grab Fireborn as soon as I saw that the main character was a phoenix! I haven’t read any urban fantasy with phoenix before Fireborn and I loved Fireborn’s spin on the traditional fantasy creature. Emberly is able to take human form, firebird form, and flame form along with being able to produce and control magic fire; so cool!
One of the most interesting parts of being a phoenix in Fireborn, however, is the curse that all phoenix are under. Emberly has a soulmate who she lives with and needs to magically rejuvenate throughout all her rebirths, but her and Rory are cursed with never falling in love with each other. Instead, phoenix are destined to fall in love and have their heartbroken in each lifetime, either because their human love dies or rejects them. This makes the relationship dynamics in Fireborn really interesting, since there is a definite separation between lust and love.
Speaking of lust, Fireborn is on the sexier side of the urban fantasy spectrum, which is always fun to read ;-).
The mystery plot introduced in Fireborn is based around this new virus that has emerged and the researchers working on a cure for it. There isn’t too much emphasis on the scientific research aspects, but it was fun for the mystery to involve research labs. Yey science!
Fireborn takes place in Australia where some paranormal creatures have come out to the public and others are staying a secret. The glimpses we get of what other interesting paranormal species exist, such as phoenix and fire fae, are super intriguing and immediately hooked me on this series. I need to know more!
Weaknesses:
Emberly has already loved and lost when Fireborn starts, but she is still seriously pining over her old boyfriend. Since she has to interact with him a lot during Fireborn, there are a lot of thoughts of “I love him but I must not love him but I love him but but but….”
There is a fair amount of back story that needs to be explained even though this is a first book in this series. I’m not sure if there is a previous series that Emberly shows up in, but I suspect so given the number of references to previous events.
While I enjoyed the glimpses we got of the paranormal world Fireborn takes place in, I felt that I didn’t get enough of the big picture. I really wanted to know more about this alternative Australia and world in general. I’m hoping we get more in the next book ;-).
Summary:
Fireborn is a strong start to what promises to be an exciting and steamy new urban fantasy series. I loved the introduction of the phoenix to the traditional urban fantasy cast, along with a mystery plot that involved research into a scary new virus. Emberly is a great main character with a refreshingly realistic view on lust and love. I’m looking forward to exploring more of the world of Fireborn, book two now please??
Note: I received Fireborn from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some things may have changed in the final version.
This book has adult content.
Fireborn by Keri Arthur (Souls of Fire #1)
Published by Signet on July 1st, 2014
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Length: 400 pages
How I got my copy: Publisher
Emberly has spent a good number of her many lives trying to save humans. So when her prophetic dreams reveal the death of Sam, a man she once loved, she does everything in her power to prevent that from happening. But in saving his life, she gets more than she bargained for.
Sam is working undercover for the Paranormal Investigations Team, and those who are trying to murder him are actually humans infected by a plague-like virus, the Crimson Death—a by-product of a failed government experiment that attempted to identify the enzymes that make vampires immortal. Now, all those infected must be eliminated.
But when Emberly’s boss is murdered and his irreplaceable research stolen, she needs to find the guilty party before she goes down in flames…
Strengths:
I had to grab Fireborn as soon as I saw that the main character was a phoenix! I haven’t read any urban fantasy with phoenix before Fireborn and I loved Fireborn’s spin on the traditional fantasy creature. Emberly is able to take human form, firebird form, and flame form along with being able to produce and control magic fire; so cool!
One of the most interesting parts of being a phoenix in Fireborn, however, is the curse that all phoenix are under. Emberly has a soulmate who she lives with and needs to magically rejuvenate throughout all her rebirths, but her and Rory are cursed with never falling in love with each other. Instead, phoenix are destined to fall in love and have their heartbroken in each lifetime, either because their human love dies or rejects them. This makes the relationship dynamics in Fireborn really interesting, since there is a definite separation between lust and love.
Speaking of lust, Fireborn is on the sexier side of the urban fantasy spectrum, which is always fun to read ;-).
The mystery plot introduced in Fireborn is based around this new virus that has emerged and the researchers working on a cure for it. There isn’t too much emphasis on the scientific research aspects, but it was fun for the mystery to involve research labs. Yey science!
Fireborn takes place in Australia where some paranormal creatures have come out to the public and others are staying a secret. The glimpses we get of what other interesting paranormal species exist, such as phoenix and fire fae, are super intriguing and immediately hooked me on this series. I need to know more!
Weaknesses:
Emberly has already loved and lost when Fireborn starts, but she is still seriously pining over her old boyfriend. Since she has to interact with him a lot during Fireborn, there are a lot of thoughts of “I love him but I must not love him but I love him but but but….”
There is a fair amount of back story that needs to be explained even though this is a first book in this series. I’m not sure if there is a previous series that Emberly shows up in, but I suspect so given the number of references to previous events.
While I enjoyed the glimpses we got of the paranormal world Fireborn takes place in, I felt that I didn’t get enough of the big picture. I really wanted to know more about this alternative Australia and world in general. I’m hoping we get more in the next book ;-).
Summary:
Fireborn is a strong start to what promises to be an exciting and steamy new urban fantasy series. I loved the introduction of the phoenix to the traditional urban fantasy cast, along with a mystery plot that involved research into a scary new virus. Emberly is a great main character with a refreshingly realistic view on lust and love. I’m looking forward to exploring more of the world of Fireborn, book two now please??
January 6, 2015
RATING: 2.5 stars-ish.
Meh. The male lead(s) were either annoying, very stupid or very annoying.
Didn't like the cliffhanger either, although it is pretty easy to see where things will go, who is the mysterious baddie, etc.
The fact that the main character is a phoenix is mildly interesting, but that's about it.
--------------------------------------------------------
“Fireborn” é mais uma nova série dentro do género da fantasia urbana/romance paranormal. De facto, é mais romance paranormal do que fantasia urbana, mas pela sinopse, não parecia. E, como muitos leitores do blogue já sabem (talvez), não vou muito à bola com romance paranormal.
Li este livro principalmente porque a heroína é uma fénix e estava bastante curiosa relativamente à forma como a autora iria explorar mais esta criatura mágica. Posso dizer que gostei, no geral, da forma como Emberly (a nossa fénix) e os seus poderes foram desenvolvidos. Emberly, enquanto fénix, vive eternamente através de diversas vidas (cada uma com exatamente 100 anos, a não ser que não morra de morte natural). Quando o ciclo de vida acaba, Emberly tem de se deixar consumir pelas chamas que tem dentro de si, mas o processo de renascimento é mais complexo do que o de outras fénixes: em vez de renascer das cinzas, é necessário que um macho da espécie (que tem também de ser a “alma gémea”) execute um ritual.
Em “Fireborn”, Emberly começa logo por se encontrar com um antigo namorado, Sam, no processo de o salvar da morte (porque a nossa heroína, para além de ser um espírito do fogo, tem sonhos proféticos). É a partir daí que Emberly se vê envolvida com uma agência que mantém na ordem os seres paranormais (e da qual Sam faz parte); esta agência está a investigar e a tentar conter um vírus concebido com ADN de vampiros, que transforma os infetados em criaturas ainda piores e, para além disso, loucas.
Sinceramente, este livro foi… mediano. Teve mais elementos de romance paranormal do que outra coisa, uma vez que a autora se focou nas desventuras amorosas de Emberly com (neste livro), três homens diferentes: Rory, a fénix macho que é a sua alma gémea, mas que devido a uma maldição mal explicada que recai sobre as fénixes, Emberly nunca poderá amar (e vice-versa), pelo que ambos têm apenas “sexo em fogo” (literalmente, transformam-se em chamas e unem-se) para ganharem energia; Sam, o ex-namorado de quem Emberly ainda gosta, woe; e um terceiro, do qual nem me lembro do nome, que é uma “fada do fogo” e que se torna o “fuck-buddy” da Emberly neste livro (e parece que nos próximos).
Este foco desmesurado no drama que é ter três homens e uma mulher envolvidos numa trama amorosa (e o Sam foi um idiota tão grande e nojento durante grande parte do livro, o que ainda tornou tudo pior) fez com que o mistério fosse deixado para segundo plano… não só é bastante simplista, como não há qualquer resolução do mesmo neste livro (sim, vai passar para o segundo livro, yay! Not). As personagens são bastantes estereotipadas e, como já disse, o Sam é um idiota demasiado grande para que gostasse dele.
O mundo é também bastante genérico e algo aborrecido.
No geral, uma leitura sem sal. Não foi horrorosa, mas o livro não se destaca e creio que ficarei por aqui com esta série, até porque prefiro fantasia urbana com um mundo interessante, do que romance em que as personagens por acaso têm algumas capacidades especiais, mas que mal nos são explicadas porque o importante é o drama amoroso.
Meh. The male lead(s) were either annoying, very stupid or very annoying.
Didn't like the cliffhanger either, although it is pretty easy to see where things will go, who is the mysterious baddie, etc.
The fact that the main character is a phoenix is mildly interesting, but that's about it.
--------------------------------------------------------
“Fireborn” é mais uma nova série dentro do género da fantasia urbana/romance paranormal. De facto, é mais romance paranormal do que fantasia urbana, mas pela sinopse, não parecia. E, como muitos leitores do blogue já sabem (talvez), não vou muito à bola com romance paranormal.
Li este livro principalmente porque a heroína é uma fénix e estava bastante curiosa relativamente à forma como a autora iria explorar mais esta criatura mágica. Posso dizer que gostei, no geral, da forma como Emberly (a nossa fénix) e os seus poderes foram desenvolvidos. Emberly, enquanto fénix, vive eternamente através de diversas vidas (cada uma com exatamente 100 anos, a não ser que não morra de morte natural). Quando o ciclo de vida acaba, Emberly tem de se deixar consumir pelas chamas que tem dentro de si, mas o processo de renascimento é mais complexo do que o de outras fénixes: em vez de renascer das cinzas, é necessário que um macho da espécie (que tem também de ser a “alma gémea”) execute um ritual.
Em “Fireborn”, Emberly começa logo por se encontrar com um antigo namorado, Sam, no processo de o salvar da morte (porque a nossa heroína, para além de ser um espírito do fogo, tem sonhos proféticos). É a partir daí que Emberly se vê envolvida com uma agência que mantém na ordem os seres paranormais (e da qual Sam faz parte); esta agência está a investigar e a tentar conter um vírus concebido com ADN de vampiros, que transforma os infetados em criaturas ainda piores e, para além disso, loucas.
Sinceramente, este livro foi… mediano. Teve mais elementos de romance paranormal do que outra coisa, uma vez que a autora se focou nas desventuras amorosas de Emberly com (neste livro), três homens diferentes: Rory, a fénix macho que é a sua alma gémea, mas que devido a uma maldição mal explicada que recai sobre as fénixes, Emberly nunca poderá amar (e vice-versa), pelo que ambos têm apenas “sexo em fogo” (literalmente, transformam-se em chamas e unem-se) para ganharem energia; Sam, o ex-namorado de quem Emberly ainda gosta, woe; e um terceiro, do qual nem me lembro do nome, que é uma “fada do fogo” e que se torna o “fuck-buddy” da Emberly neste livro (e parece que nos próximos).
Este foco desmesurado no drama que é ter três homens e uma mulher envolvidos numa trama amorosa (e o Sam foi um idiota tão grande e nojento durante grande parte do livro, o que ainda tornou tudo pior) fez com que o mistério fosse deixado para segundo plano… não só é bastante simplista, como não há qualquer resolução do mesmo neste livro (sim, vai passar para o segundo livro, yay! Not). As personagens são bastantes estereotipadas e, como já disse, o Sam é um idiota demasiado grande para que gostasse dele.
O mundo é também bastante genérico e algo aborrecido.
No geral, uma leitura sem sal. Não foi horrorosa, mas o livro não se destaca e creio que ficarei por aqui com esta série, até porque prefiro fantasia urbana com um mundo interessante, do que romance em que as personagens por acaso têm algumas capacidades especiais, mas que mal nos são explicadas porque o importante é o drama amoroso.
July 13, 2014
3.5 stars
Fireborn is not my first book by Keri Arthur, but it’s the first one I truly liked. It’s neither paranormal romance nor urban fantasy in their purest form, but a successful blend of the two, with strong UF elements and plenty of romantic interests.
Emberly Pearson, our heroine, is a phoenix, which is certainly new and interesting in both these genres. She is basically immortal. She burns once every century and is reborn from the ashes, free to continue her existence any way she pleases. With each new rebirth she is destined to fall in love just once, but never with Rory, another phoenix and her counterpart, who keeps her grounded and alive.
The thing with me, however, is that I’m a one-man-one-woman kinda gal. I don’t do love triangles, squares or any other shapes or forms, I don’t do multiple love interests and I most definitely don’t deal well with jealousy. It is, therefore, too bad that I constantly get jealous on behalf of my characters. So when my heroine has one counterpart she doesn’t love romantically but has to have sex with in order to survive, one lost-but-never-forgotten love who abandoned her because of said counterpart and one hot, practically irresistible silver-tongued fae vying for her attention, I’m bound to get more than a little uncomfortable. But that’s just me.
The urban fantasy elements however, are very well done, and the plot is extremely tight. Keri Arthur is a seasoned author, and her vast experience shines from every page. She never once loses control of her many characters or her plot and she knows exactly how to steer the reader through her rich and complicated world.
And let me tell you, with vampires and werewolves out in the open and plenty other creatures still hidden from the world, Arthur had a lot to keep track of and it’s very fortunate that she was up to the task. I loved seeing this dark side of Melbourne and I’ll enjoy going back to it every single time. I just hope the romance will be more focused in future installments.
Fireborn is not my first book by Keri Arthur, but it’s the first one I truly liked. It’s neither paranormal romance nor urban fantasy in their purest form, but a successful blend of the two, with strong UF elements and plenty of romantic interests.
Emberly Pearson, our heroine, is a phoenix, which is certainly new and interesting in both these genres. She is basically immortal. She burns once every century and is reborn from the ashes, free to continue her existence any way she pleases. With each new rebirth she is destined to fall in love just once, but never with Rory, another phoenix and her counterpart, who keeps her grounded and alive.
The thing with me, however, is that I’m a one-man-one-woman kinda gal. I don’t do love triangles, squares or any other shapes or forms, I don’t do multiple love interests and I most definitely don’t deal well with jealousy. It is, therefore, too bad that I constantly get jealous on behalf of my characters. So when my heroine has one counterpart she doesn’t love romantically but has to have sex with in order to survive, one lost-but-never-forgotten love who abandoned her because of said counterpart and one hot, practically irresistible silver-tongued fae vying for her attention, I’m bound to get more than a little uncomfortable. But that’s just me.
The urban fantasy elements however, are very well done, and the plot is extremely tight. Keri Arthur is a seasoned author, and her vast experience shines from every page. She never once loses control of her many characters or her plot and she knows exactly how to steer the reader through her rich and complicated world.
And let me tell you, with vampires and werewolves out in the open and plenty other creatures still hidden from the world, Arthur had a lot to keep track of and it’s very fortunate that she was up to the task. I loved seeing this dark side of Melbourne and I’ll enjoy going back to it every single time. I just hope the romance will be more focused in future installments.
July 12, 2014
This book starts a new series that has a lot of possibilities. I like that Emberly is a phoenix, there just aren't enough books written about these creatures.
I feel bad for how the phoenix's love life rules. They have a mate, but they can't love each other, instead in each life they find one true love, but things don't go well. It would really take a special person to be comfortable knowing that the person you love needs another in their lives.
Emberly's love this life was an ass. From the start I didn't like Sam, didn't like how he treated Emberly and really didn't like that he never gave Emberly a chance to explain about phoenix's and their soul mates. Instead he jumped to his own conclusions, wrong conclusions.
At first I wasn't sure what to think about Jackson. I wondered if he might be there to take advantage of Emberly and end up being a bad guy. Instead Jackson ended up being good for Emberly in more than one way, carving out a spot in her life that was perfect for both of them.
I hated how the overall arc of the red cloaks wasn't resolved, instead it seemed like it was dropped off. But I did like the choice that Emberly had at the end, I think it is a great one for Emberly and for those that are part of her life.
I feel bad for how the phoenix's love life rules. They have a mate, but they can't love each other, instead in each life they find one true love, but things don't go well. It would really take a special person to be comfortable knowing that the person you love needs another in their lives.
Emberly's love this life was an ass. From the start I didn't like Sam, didn't like how he treated Emberly and really didn't like that he never gave Emberly a chance to explain about phoenix's and their soul mates. Instead he jumped to his own conclusions, wrong conclusions.
At first I wasn't sure what to think about Jackson. I wondered if he might be there to take advantage of Emberly and end up being a bad guy. Instead Jackson ended up being good for Emberly in more than one way, carving out a spot in her life that was perfect for both of them.
I hated how the overall arc of the red cloaks wasn't resolved, instead it seemed like it was dropped off. But I did like the choice that Emberly had at the end, I think it is a great one for Emberly and for those that are part of her life.
July 7, 2014
3.5 stars.
I would have rated a solid 4.5 stars but I realized towards the end that there weren't really going to be any significant resolutions to the book. There were immediate crisis resolutions but the book otherwise ended up being world building, character introduction, and the long arc conflict set-up.
That said, I otherwise enjoyed the entire book. Plenty of smexy, plenty of room for the personal stories to reveal backstory and histories, plenty of questions about the new bad-guys, intrigue and mystery, lots of supernatural elements, and a new lore about phoenix's that allowed for a lot of conflict, sex, and love.
I really enjoy it over all, but the book really was a set up type story. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a duology or a trilogy but it certainly read like it.
I would have rated a solid 4.5 stars but I realized towards the end that there weren't really going to be any significant resolutions to the book. There were immediate crisis resolutions but the book otherwise ended up being world building, character introduction, and the long arc conflict set-up.
That said, I otherwise enjoyed the entire book. Plenty of smexy, plenty of room for the personal stories to reveal backstory and histories, plenty of questions about the new bad-guys, intrigue and mystery, lots of supernatural elements, and a new lore about phoenix's that allowed for a lot of conflict, sex, and love.
I really enjoy it over all, but the book really was a set up type story. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a duology or a trilogy but it certainly read like it.
January 23, 2018
This is a new series but I'm an avid fan of anything Keri Arthur writes. This did not disappoint. She writes kick ass woman AND I love that.
Emberly is very cool, very kick ass and I'm looking forward to see where Keri Arthur takes this series. I have a thing for Sam...I'm intrigued by Rory and a wee bit under Jackson's spell.
Suffice to say I am looking forward to bk2.
Emberly is very cool, very kick ass and I'm looking forward to see where Keri Arthur takes this series. I have a thing for Sam...I'm intrigued by Rory and a wee bit under Jackson's spell.
Suffice to say I am looking forward to bk2.
September 13, 2014
Gimme more!!
December 13, 2017
This is the first book I've read from this author, and I quite enjoyed it. Emberly, the main female character in this story, is a Phoenix. The story starts with her saving her very ungrateful ex Sam, from what would have been a certain death. Is he grateful??? No. Instead he is a major douche the whole way through the book. He is working for the Paranormal Investigations Team, and spends the majority of the book getting in Em's way. I did not like him, at all. Poor Em - he is the love of her current life, and she lives daily knowing it's never going to be ( in this book anyway, who knows what happens in the next one ).
Then there's Rory - the Phoenix she has lived this life and many passed lives with. Best friend and lover, but NOT in love with. They need each other to survive. THEN there's Jackson, the fire Fae, who Emberly is insanely attracted to, has major chemistry and heats up the sheets with, not in love with him either. Yep - there's a few guys in this story. The storyline was pretty good - lots of action for Em and Jackson to deal with - proper action like getting kidnapped by vampires and attacked by werewolves ( not just action between the sheets!! ). Can't wait to see you what happens in the next book.
Then there's Rory - the Phoenix she has lived this life and many passed lives with. Best friend and lover, but NOT in love with. They need each other to survive. THEN there's Jackson, the fire Fae, who Emberly is insanely attracted to, has major chemistry and heats up the sheets with, not in love with him either. Yep - there's a few guys in this story. The storyline was pretty good - lots of action for Em and Jackson to deal with - proper action like getting kidnapped by vampires and attacked by werewolves ( not just action between the sheets!! ). Can't wait to see you what happens in the next book.
June 18, 2017
Enjoyable read. Different and fun. I'm a little cheesed because this is obviously a series, and I liked it well enough that now I'm going to have to go buy all the others. Drat. ;o)
July 23, 2019
Enjoyable, light hearted read. I’m intrigued to see how it develops in future books.
December 29, 2016
I picked this book up on a whim and went with it because I generally enjoy supernatural-type plots, but this book was a mess. Here are my biggest pet peeves in a nutshell:
- Author makes up things that are convenient for her story and then never mentions them again. The entire book starts out with the main character going to save someone from death because she had a premonition about them dying and the author makes it seem as though this is a frequent thing. The book spans over a few days (less than a week, probably around 5 days) and never again are the dreams mentioned, nor does she have another one. She also picks up a witness with information who gives her a bunch of flash drives. They are ambushed and separated, then there is only one brief mention of the flash drives again which seemed incredibly important at the time but apparently now no longer matter. These are just two examples but there are many more.
- Incredibly convenient that the main character is destined to never love the man she was born to be with but must also be with him to recharge her powers. Basically it's an easy fix for the main character to be with multiple men so that she can keep her life/powers but still find love. And the whole "recharging powers" thing is, to me, basically sex pollen. She must have fire sex to live. Again: convenient.
- Author reuses phrases too frequently, not very imaginative.
- The main character has three love interests in this book, one of whom is her ex that she is still in love with. Their entire situation reads as a hostage/captor scenario. He drugs her not once but TWICE, prevents her from using her powers which almost kills her, takes advantage of the fact that she still wants him with physical advances that SHOULD be off limits, is very demanding and standoffish and even downright enraged by some of the things she does. And yet she still loves him (and it is stated multiple times that he is "this life's love", meaning those feelings aren't going to go away no matter how he treats her) and she takes no note of his emotionally abusive actions. We thought Twilight was bad? This is so, so much worse.
- I'm personally very big on character development. Other than her love for tea (which isn't even a real character trait, it's a cultural trait IMO), I have no real sense of who the main character is other than her phoenix traits, which are more or less included simply to explain away some of the outlandish scenarios that she finds herself in. I also don't feel like I know anything about the three main men in the book other than very VERY basic facts about them.
- The characters do very unrealistic things for the situation they're in. Tell me, if you had 24 hours to find a thing and bring it to some very bad people in order for them to release someone you care about, would you stop for lunch after you found the thing or would you immediately go and release your friend?
Overall this book reads very much like a pilot to a television show, with lots of plot holes and unresolved situations. If you want a complete story you must read the other books (which I haven't read, honestly they could just add more questions without answering any but I'm trying to be optimistic), but I'd like at least SOME resolution within each book. There can and should be an overall plot that remains unresolved throughout the span of the books, but there should also be at least a few loose ends tied up at the end of each book so you put it down with some satisfaction. I may skim the others in the series or read synopses online just to satisfy my curiosity, but I would not dedicate any real time to finishing the books.
- Author makes up things that are convenient for her story and then never mentions them again. The entire book starts out with the main character going to save someone from death because she had a premonition about them dying and the author makes it seem as though this is a frequent thing. The book spans over a few days (less than a week, probably around 5 days) and never again are the dreams mentioned, nor does she have another one. She also picks up a witness with information who gives her a bunch of flash drives. They are ambushed and separated, then there is only one brief mention of the flash drives again which seemed incredibly important at the time but apparently now no longer matter. These are just two examples but there are many more.
- Incredibly convenient that the main character is destined to never love the man she was born to be with but must also be with him to recharge her powers. Basically it's an easy fix for the main character to be with multiple men so that she can keep her life/powers but still find love. And the whole "recharging powers" thing is, to me, basically sex pollen. She must have fire sex to live. Again: convenient.
- Author reuses phrases too frequently, not very imaginative.
- The main character has three love interests in this book, one of whom is her ex that she is still in love with. Their entire situation reads as a hostage/captor scenario. He drugs her not once but TWICE, prevents her from using her powers which almost kills her, takes advantage of the fact that she still wants him with physical advances that SHOULD be off limits, is very demanding and standoffish and even downright enraged by some of the things she does. And yet she still loves him (and it is stated multiple times that he is "this life's love", meaning those feelings aren't going to go away no matter how he treats her) and she takes no note of his emotionally abusive actions. We thought Twilight was bad? This is so, so much worse.
- I'm personally very big on character development. Other than her love for tea (which isn't even a real character trait, it's a cultural trait IMO), I have no real sense of who the main character is other than her phoenix traits, which are more or less included simply to explain away some of the outlandish scenarios that she finds herself in. I also don't feel like I know anything about the three main men in the book other than very VERY basic facts about them.
- The characters do very unrealistic things for the situation they're in. Tell me, if you had 24 hours to find a thing and bring it to some very bad people in order for them to release someone you care about, would you stop for lunch after you found the thing or would you immediately go and release your friend?
Overall this book reads very much like a pilot to a television show, with lots of plot holes and unresolved situations. If you want a complete story you must read the other books (which I haven't read, honestly they could just add more questions without answering any but I'm trying to be optimistic), but I'd like at least SOME resolution within each book. There can and should be an overall plot that remains unresolved throughout the span of the books, but there should also be at least a few loose ends tied up at the end of each book so you put it down with some satisfaction. I may skim the others in the series or read synopses online just to satisfy my curiosity, but I would not dedicate any real time to finishing the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2015
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I love Keri Arthur and I gradually discover each of the books she has written throughout the years. But when the author returned with a new series and after seeing lot of positive reviews about this first volume, I was really curious to find out more about it. So I took the book as soon as I got the opportunity and I have to say I’m very glad about it.
Emberly is a phoenix … Yes a phoenix! This is not a creature we have an opportunity to meet a lot in novels and I was really curious to see how Keri Arthur was going to bring us this new species. So of course, we have a story around them, they can relive, they are able to take different forms and are capable of great power. Oh yes, I loved finding out more about them and it was fascinating to understand what they could achieve. But they are not the only in the story because many species are present too. Yes because we have some faes, vampires, werewolves and humans with extraordinary abilities. Many characters to discover and to enjoy.
Emberly has a vision at the beginning of the story, showing the man she loved and for whom she has feelings, being killed. She knows that intervening will place fate against her, but she can not let this man, Sam, dying. But by saving it, she will incur the wrath of a large number of characters who do not really have her welfare in mind. But besides that, the teacher she was attended is found murdered and everyone thinks she will help them to recover his researches. But while Sam is in charge of the investigation and that some creatures suffering from a strange virus appear everywhere, Emberly will have to team up with a young fae she meets, against the Sam’s advice and decisions. Oh yes, because the young woman is determined to not let him dictate her choices while he broke her heart in the past and if looking for answers by herself can help her, she will do that! But this does not change the wrath of Sam against her when she is in the middle of his way and he won’t hesitate to let her know that.
Strong tension between the two characters and some points made me think of the other series of the author but it was a pleasure to see all these ideas. Sam is a changed man since the last time that Emberly saw him and it’s true that I was very curious to find out what had happened to him and what he was hiding. I hope that we’ll get the chance soon afterwards to learn his secrets because I am sure that we will see him again, given the turn of the events. It’s pretty sad to see Emberly and her relationships in this novel. It is well known that Sam is the man she loves but her life is cursed and love is not easy for her species. We see that she suffers and it’s true that it made me quite sad. But other characters take place in our heart as Rory, the Emberly’s companion who is always there for her and who will do anything to help her or even the mysterious fae who is more than he seems to be and who’ll eventually becomes very important in the story.
It was in any case, as you guessed it, it’s a good discovery for me and I’m very curious to read the second book to see where the story is going.
My English review
I love Keri Arthur and I gradually discover each of the books she has written throughout the years. But when the author returned with a new series and after seeing lot of positive reviews about this first volume, I was really curious to find out more about it. So I took the book as soon as I got the opportunity and I have to say I’m very glad about it.
Emberly is a phoenix … Yes a phoenix! This is not a creature we have an opportunity to meet a lot in novels and I was really curious to see how Keri Arthur was going to bring us this new species. So of course, we have a story around them, they can relive, they are able to take different forms and are capable of great power. Oh yes, I loved finding out more about them and it was fascinating to understand what they could achieve. But they are not the only in the story because many species are present too. Yes because we have some faes, vampires, werewolves and humans with extraordinary abilities. Many characters to discover and to enjoy.
Emberly has a vision at the beginning of the story, showing the man she loved and for whom she has feelings, being killed. She knows that intervening will place fate against her, but she can not let this man, Sam, dying. But by saving it, she will incur the wrath of a large number of characters who do not really have her welfare in mind. But besides that, the teacher she was attended is found murdered and everyone thinks she will help them to recover his researches. But while Sam is in charge of the investigation and that some creatures suffering from a strange virus appear everywhere, Emberly will have to team up with a young fae she meets, against the Sam’s advice and decisions. Oh yes, because the young woman is determined to not let him dictate her choices while he broke her heart in the past and if looking for answers by herself can help her, she will do that! But this does not change the wrath of Sam against her when she is in the middle of his way and he won’t hesitate to let her know that.
Strong tension between the two characters and some points made me think of the other series of the author but it was a pleasure to see all these ideas. Sam is a changed man since the last time that Emberly saw him and it’s true that I was very curious to find out what had happened to him and what he was hiding. I hope that we’ll get the chance soon afterwards to learn his secrets because I am sure that we will see him again, given the turn of the events. It’s pretty sad to see Emberly and her relationships in this novel. It is well known that Sam is the man she loves but her life is cursed and love is not easy for her species. We see that she suffers and it’s true that it made me quite sad. But other characters take place in our heart as Rory, the Emberly’s companion who is always there for her and who will do anything to help her or even the mysterious fae who is more than he seems to be and who’ll eventually becomes very important in the story.
It was in any case, as you guessed it, it’s a good discovery for me and I’m very curious to read the second book to see where the story is going.
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