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Guardians of the First Realm #1
Alaskan Fire
PARASITE PUBLICATIONS ~ Paranormal Romance/Shapeshifter Fantasy For lovers of shapeshifters, mythological fantasy, and paranormal romance, Alaskan Fire is a groundbreaking leap into the myths and monsters of old. Blaze MacKenzie is an odd heiress who just discovered that her ‘parents’ actually found her abandoned as an infant in some bizarre human sacrifice in the woods. Along with that nasty little bit of information came a six hundred thousand dollar check, a strange golden feather, and the ability to move to the Alaska Bush and begin her dream-life living off the Grid. Unfortunately for Blaze, life in rural Alaska isn’t as peaceful as she expected. Among her many startling discoveries is that her sexy new handyman, Jack Thornton, has already ‘claimed’ the territory that her new lodge is sitting on … Further complicating matters, Jack makes it clear to Blaze that there are a good many things that go bump in the Alaskan night, and when a pack of werewolves goes rogue and starts killing or turning everyone along the Yentna River, Blaze and Jack find themselves in a fight for survival in this magic-soaked Land of the Midnight Sun.
576 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2012
542 people are currently reading
1049 people want to read
About the author
Sara King
21 books780 followersAfter a long, twisted road, Alaskan Fury is my 15th book. The rest (aside from the first five or so ‘practice books’) spent the last 3-6 years languishing on my hard drive as I waited for some really cool editor at a big, traditional publishing house to notice me. It didn’t happen, even with a world-famous agent doing his damnedest to get my books out there.
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
May 9, 2012
I met Sara King about four (or was it five?) years ago while I was participating on writing.com. I started reading the story she'd posted there entitled "Outer Bounds," or should I say part of a novel because it simply consisted of the first few chapters she'd been working on. I was immediately hooked, so much so that I almost cried when I reached the end of what she'd posted. When I discovered more about her, I was absolutely astonished that she hadn't been picked up by a big-time publisher, even with the help of a go-getter agent. After all, it only takes a brief glance at any of her works to see that this lady has an untamed imagination and an unstoppable talent.
That said, this book is one hot mess. Don't get me wrong, it was fun to read. (And rather spooky from my end: The heroine is 6'4" tall [if I'm remembering correctly] and complains about how men her height seem to have a genetic disposition to prefer women about a foot shorter than they, leaving her out in the cold and having to deal with the freaks who only like her because they can dress her up in leather and be their 'Amazon woman'. I'm 6'1" and have often complained about the same issue. Not to mention I've literally had people cling to the other side of a hallway I'm walking down, in fear, I guess, of me squishing them to death. I seriously thought about growling out "Fee, Fie, Fo, Fum" at them. But I digress...) Blaze's inner dialogue concerning her dating issues and other problems can be quite hilarious; the description of Jack facing the humiliation of his paralyzed legs is heart-wrenching; and the parts where the bad guys are being bad made my butt pucker with the utter 'badness' of the villains. However, the story, taken as a whole, is all over the place. You can tell King and company really tried with the editing (since she doesn't have access to a professional editor, she relied on the help of several friends and first readers), but the book desperately needs that professional polish and tightness. The so-called banter between Jack and Blaze often became infantile and drawn-out. Their continual arguments and insults, with the occasional "Um, I like you" inserted just to let the reader know that the two of them were engaged in some sexy banter designed to build up tension, failed as such because they just went on for too long. Even the sex scene, once the two finally worked their issues out and got together, went on way too long. They'd start getting hot and heavy, then they'd stop to talk right in the middle of the action, then get back to it. Frankly, it took all the heat out of it. The action jumps around, going from a near-fatal encounter in which either Blaze or Jack is unconscious and ready to die, to the description of Blaze or Jack or both going about their duties on the lodge grounds as if nothing had happened. Stuff gets built up and then we pause, then it starts up again and then we pause again, like going up a hill and down a hill and up a hill and down a hill, instead of a nice steady climb to the final scene: There's no real coherency. And once the climax is reached, the book continues on for another good while, describing how things get back to normal at the Sleeping Lady lodge, with Blaze and Jack turning it into a scare-fest for geeks and thrill-seekers. While that's all well and good (and personally, I like a bit of a wrap-up once the villain(s) has been taken care of and all personal issues between lovers have been cleared up), it just seems like a rather flat way to end the book. Coming down from the high of the climax is fine, but with this, we've come down and started to fall asleep once the book finally ends.
Basically what we've got here is a good set of bones that desperately needs the flesh rearranged to make it more appealing. After all, King has managed to combine the Alaskan Bush, wereverines, werewolves, a phoenix in human form, and other assorted supernatural and mythical beasties into one novel and, aside from a few bumps, makes it work. That's no small feat. Which is why, at the end of the day, I gave this book 4 stars. It may need some serious reworking to make it flow better, but I was still enthralled and entertained by what I read, enough to make me eager to start book two. And for anyone who's read enough of my reviews, you'll know that I am rarely eager (in fact, before now I'd say never eager) to read a second book in a series if the first book has as many editing errors as Alaskan Fire. There's a good story here if you're willing and have the patience to dig it out.
That said, this book is one hot mess. Don't get me wrong, it was fun to read. (And rather spooky from my end: The heroine is 6'4" tall [if I'm remembering correctly] and complains about how men her height seem to have a genetic disposition to prefer women about a foot shorter than they, leaving her out in the cold and having to deal with the freaks who only like her because they can dress her up in leather and be their 'Amazon woman'. I'm 6'1" and have often complained about the same issue. Not to mention I've literally had people cling to the other side of a hallway I'm walking down, in fear, I guess, of me squishing them to death. I seriously thought about growling out "Fee, Fie, Fo, Fum" at them. But I digress...) Blaze's inner dialogue concerning her dating issues and other problems can be quite hilarious; the description of Jack facing the humiliation of his paralyzed legs is heart-wrenching; and the parts where the bad guys are being bad made my butt pucker with the utter 'badness' of the villains. However, the story, taken as a whole, is all over the place. You can tell King and company really tried with the editing (since she doesn't have access to a professional editor, she relied on the help of several friends and first readers), but the book desperately needs that professional polish and tightness. The so-called banter between Jack and Blaze often became infantile and drawn-out. Their continual arguments and insults, with the occasional "Um, I like you" inserted just to let the reader know that the two of them were engaged in some sexy banter designed to build up tension, failed as such because they just went on for too long. Even the sex scene, once the two finally worked their issues out and got together, went on way too long. They'd start getting hot and heavy, then they'd stop to talk right in the middle of the action, then get back to it. Frankly, it took all the heat out of it. The action jumps around, going from a near-fatal encounter in which either Blaze or Jack is unconscious and ready to die, to the description of Blaze or Jack or both going about their duties on the lodge grounds as if nothing had happened. Stuff gets built up and then we pause, then it starts up again and then we pause again, like going up a hill and down a hill and up a hill and down a hill, instead of a nice steady climb to the final scene: There's no real coherency. And once the climax is reached, the book continues on for another good while, describing how things get back to normal at the Sleeping Lady lodge, with Blaze and Jack turning it into a scare-fest for geeks and thrill-seekers. While that's all well and good (and personally, I like a bit of a wrap-up once the villain(s) has been taken care of and all personal issues between lovers have been cleared up), it just seems like a rather flat way to end the book. Coming down from the high of the climax is fine, but with this, we've come down and started to fall asleep once the book finally ends.
Basically what we've got here is a good set of bones that desperately needs the flesh rearranged to make it more appealing. After all, King has managed to combine the Alaskan Bush, wereverines, werewolves, a phoenix in human form, and other assorted supernatural and mythical beasties into one novel and, aside from a few bumps, makes it work. That's no small feat. Which is why, at the end of the day, I gave this book 4 stars. It may need some serious reworking to make it flow better, but I was still enthralled and entertained by what I read, enough to make me eager to start book two. And for anyone who's read enough of my reviews, you'll know that I am rarely eager (in fact, before now I'd say never eager) to read a second book in a series if the first book has as many editing errors as Alaskan Fire. There's a good story here if you're willing and have the patience to dig it out.
May 1, 2012
I don't know why I ended up reading this. Somewhere someone gave it high praise. For the life of me I can't figure out why. It's also long. I tried. I really tried. I read every page until I got about half way through and then I just started skimming so I could get to the end with a general idea of how it ends. I guess it pulled me in enough that I cared to know how it ended.
The author has talent but she needs a better editor to begin with. The story was long and drawn out. I had a problem with the way the two main characters related to each other. I think the author was trying to build sexual chemistry but it ended up sounding like my two teenagers having hourly squabbles. The only reason you knew they liked each other is because the other would sneak in a few sentences telling you how much they liked each other and then it was back to name calling and ridiculing each others weaknesses. It got on my nerves. The thing that annoyed me most is that some scenes didn't flow together at all. Several times I would check and make sure I wasn't missing pages. Like when Blaze is rescued from the pack of wolves...all of a sudden she wakes up and gets dressed and hops on a tractor? She was dying jus two sentences before that.
There are a few scenes where I felt the author got it right. When Jack loses feeling in his legs. Her description of his shame and embarrassment when he messes his pants in front of her was very life like for me. I felt so embarrassed for him. However, the good parts are greatly outweighed by cheesy dialogue, choppy storytelling and characters I didn't like to be around.
The author has talent but she needs a better editor to begin with. The story was long and drawn out. I had a problem with the way the two main characters related to each other. I think the author was trying to build sexual chemistry but it ended up sounding like my two teenagers having hourly squabbles. The only reason you knew they liked each other is because the other would sneak in a few sentences telling you how much they liked each other and then it was back to name calling and ridiculing each others weaknesses. It got on my nerves. The thing that annoyed me most is that some scenes didn't flow together at all. Several times I would check and make sure I wasn't missing pages. Like when Blaze is rescued from the pack of wolves...all of a sudden she wakes up and gets dressed and hops on a tractor? She was dying jus two sentences before that.
There are a few scenes where I felt the author got it right. When Jack loses feeling in his legs. Her description of his shame and embarrassment when he messes his pants in front of her was very life like for me. I felt so embarrassed for him. However, the good parts are greatly outweighed by cheesy dialogue, choppy storytelling and characters I didn't like to be around.
July 2, 2012
Read the full review, including Memorable Quotes and Recommended Reads, on GraveTells here:
http://gravetells.com/2012/07/02/revi...
Blaze, a 6'4" flame-haired woman with a mysterious past and a passion for reclaiming our food supply from the clutches of big corporations who care more bout how long a food will last in transit than how healthy it is, buys a lodge in the Alaskan bush hoping to start her own business. With very few choices in knowledgeable, skilled natives to hire, Blaze's pretty much stuck with Jack, whether she likes him or not, even after he reveals his beastly nature. But neither Jack nor Blaze is what they seem, and a whole host of otherworldly problems are about to snow them under. When every choice you make affects whether you live or die, who do you trust? Alaskan Fire is a must-read!
Wereverines aren't exactly your average romantic hero shifters... well, Jack isn't, anyway. This guy, extremely hairy and only around 5'7" in human form, takes one whiff of Blaze and knows she's more than the simple, freakishly tall human she believes she is. He also knows that while he has no plans to hurt Blaze, none of his otherworldly neighbors would feel the same and, like it or not, she's safest... and stuck... with him.
It took me a while to get into this book. Stories set in the bush, even some by my very favorite authors (and by "bush" I'm not limiting that to just Alaska), are just not my thing. On top of that, neither Jack nor Blaze are even remotely your typical romantic hero/heroine pair, and while I appreciate good, creative writing, I generally prefer the more standard characterization. So the first 7% of Alaskan Fire didn't really grab me. It wasn't until Blaze really got into her groove talking about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism) that I started getting chills. My first thought was "oh my god, is that for real?!" followed immediately by "must keep reading!" The intensity went from I-can-read-this passively to I-cant-wait-to-see-what-happens-next.
In a story where the physical attributes of the characters are important to the plot arc, it would be easy for the author to drop the ball and let the reader forget how uncomfortably different they are from typical romantic heroes and heroines. Ms. King does a great job of integrating that physicality into the story without over- or under-playing it. In fact, Ms. King never allowed her manuscript to fall victim to any of the pitfalls that commonly plague self-published authors... no head hopping, no tense switching, no repetitive adjective usage or flawed grammar and spelling.
The lore is also unique and we'll developed. Don't let the cover of this book put you off! This is not some half-brained, convenient, created-for-the-story world... it is easily a story in itself, with so many intricacies and diversity, yet without confusing the reader with lack of information or by, conversely, giving too many details. I've never seen an explanation of weres and vampires quite like this and I love it. It makes so much sense! And where else would a bunch of supernaturals who don't want to be discovered live than in the Alaskan wilderness?
The sexual tension between Jack and Blaze is complicated, and I should probably point out (for my fellow PNR smut fans) that this book is predominantly urban fantasy... although, in this case, perhaps we should term it rural fantasy? *grin* The progression of their relationship both made me smile (and laugh, a lot) and irritated me. It seemed to take forever for them to finally get together, but the journey is so worth the wait.
Imaginative, snarky, action-packed, visceral... in a word, Alaskan Fire is entertaining, and more than worth your while to read. This book is so unconventionally compelling you won't be able to keep your eyes off it. Ms. King delivers just about everything you could want out of a good book, with nearly nothing you don't. The writing is sophisticated, the characters are wonderfully complex, and the world takes on a life of its own. I have read books published by the big name houses that have less polish and sophistication than this self-pub. Ms. King takes us on an adventure of hope, dreams, life, love, and the struggle that comes with fighting for what you believe in, and I cannot wait to start the next book in the series!
4.5/5 stars
http://gravetells.com/2012/07/02/revi...
Blaze, a 6'4" flame-haired woman with a mysterious past and a passion for reclaiming our food supply from the clutches of big corporations who care more bout how long a food will last in transit than how healthy it is, buys a lodge in the Alaskan bush hoping to start her own business. With very few choices in knowledgeable, skilled natives to hire, Blaze's pretty much stuck with Jack, whether she likes him or not, even after he reveals his beastly nature. But neither Jack nor Blaze is what they seem, and a whole host of otherworldly problems are about to snow them under. When every choice you make affects whether you live or die, who do you trust? Alaskan Fire is a must-read!
Wereverines aren't exactly your average romantic hero shifters... well, Jack isn't, anyway. This guy, extremely hairy and only around 5'7" in human form, takes one whiff of Blaze and knows she's more than the simple, freakishly tall human she believes she is. He also knows that while he has no plans to hurt Blaze, none of his otherworldly neighbors would feel the same and, like it or not, she's safest... and stuck... with him.
It took me a while to get into this book. Stories set in the bush, even some by my very favorite authors (and by "bush" I'm not limiting that to just Alaska), are just not my thing. On top of that, neither Jack nor Blaze are even remotely your typical romantic hero/heroine pair, and while I appreciate good, creative writing, I generally prefer the more standard characterization. So the first 7% of Alaskan Fire didn't really grab me. It wasn't until Blaze really got into her groove talking about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism) that I started getting chills. My first thought was "oh my god, is that for real?!" followed immediately by "must keep reading!" The intensity went from I-can-read-this passively to I-cant-wait-to-see-what-happens-next.
In a story where the physical attributes of the characters are important to the plot arc, it would be easy for the author to drop the ball and let the reader forget how uncomfortably different they are from typical romantic heroes and heroines. Ms. King does a great job of integrating that physicality into the story without over- or under-playing it. In fact, Ms. King never allowed her manuscript to fall victim to any of the pitfalls that commonly plague self-published authors... no head hopping, no tense switching, no repetitive adjective usage or flawed grammar and spelling.
The lore is also unique and we'll developed. Don't let the cover of this book put you off! This is not some half-brained, convenient, created-for-the-story world... it is easily a story in itself, with so many intricacies and diversity, yet without confusing the reader with lack of information or by, conversely, giving too many details. I've never seen an explanation of weres and vampires quite like this and I love it. It makes so much sense! And where else would a bunch of supernaturals who don't want to be discovered live than in the Alaskan wilderness?
The sexual tension between Jack and Blaze is complicated, and I should probably point out (for my fellow PNR smut fans) that this book is predominantly urban fantasy... although, in this case, perhaps we should term it rural fantasy? *grin* The progression of their relationship both made me smile (and laugh, a lot) and irritated me. It seemed to take forever for them to finally get together, but the journey is so worth the wait.
Imaginative, snarky, action-packed, visceral... in a word, Alaskan Fire is entertaining, and more than worth your while to read. This book is so unconventionally compelling you won't be able to keep your eyes off it. Ms. King delivers just about everything you could want out of a good book, with nearly nothing you don't. The writing is sophisticated, the characters are wonderfully complex, and the world takes on a life of its own. I have read books published by the big name houses that have less polish and sophistication than this self-pub. Ms. King takes us on an adventure of hope, dreams, life, love, and the struggle that comes with fighting for what you believe in, and I cannot wait to start the next book in the series!
4.5/5 stars
February 22, 2016
“The best fantasy is written in the language of dreams. It is alive as dreams are alive, more real than real ... for a moment at least ... that long magic moment before we wake.” – George R. R. Martin
It wasn’t supposed to be, well, “easy,” not exactly. I mean, moving into an isolated, 10,000 square foot fishing lodge in the backwoods of Alaska isn’t for the weak of heart or soul. But when you inherit a good bit of money, just enough to buy your dream, it is hard to think about all the things that can happen when you are a 6’4” woman with orange hair, huge feet, and a childhood wish to run a backcountry fishing lodge. So, Blaze dove in, monster feet first. But, well, yeah. Stuff happens.
“Stuff” like your handyman suddenly turning into a were wolverine and attacking not an hour after the bush plane drops you off on the banks of Lake Ebony on the Yentna River. Yep. Things are going downhill from here, toot sweet. Oh, werewolves and wolverine, dragons and Thunderbird and, well, you get the point. And baby, “Something Wicked definitely this way comes…” But, darn it, this is HER place – even if a curmudgeonly, foul tempered, bad mouthed wolverine IS accusing her of being some kind of fantasy creature bent on elbowing in on “his” territory. Hey, she has the proof of her ownership of those thirty acres in her safety deposit box! Jerk.
I was truly surprised and thrilled to find a new-to-me author I am now so enthralled with. Alaskan Fire is a new sort of beast. A fantasy/paranormal with new and fascinating world and character building. Yes, there are the “standard” list of fantasy characters. Weres and dragons, etcetera. But done with an interesting twist of characterization and storyline that created a book I honestly couldn’t put down. And rather than gulping the book in huge bites, I savored it, taking my time and learning to love a couple of pretty unusual oddballs.
Let’s face it. Jack the wereverine is someone that I would normally absolutely despise in any other situation. From the first, I hated him. I mean really hated him. But stepping back, I began to learn who he was, deep down. All the millennia of being alive, through a time when man was barely walking erect, through the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and beyond . . . centuries without measure, filled with love and loss and more pain than any one creature should be forced to bear.
Yep. Jack is a piece of work. And before it was over, well, I may never be a charter member of the Jack Fan Club, but I absolutely want to continue the story. Because this? Well, this was awesome.
“I read once that the ancient Egyptians had fifty words for sand & the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep & there are no words for that.” ― Brian Andreas, Story People: Selected Stories & Drawings of Brian Andreas
I will warn you that Ms. King has an obsessive love affair with misplaced and unnecessary commas, as well as unnecessary hyphens, so expect it. Yes, she needs an editor. But her writing overall is so compelling even I was able to overlook it. And that is pretty darn special.
“Alaskan Fire” is the first of Sara King’s “Guardians of the First Realm” series. Book two is “Alaskan Fury” and I already have it downloaded. Here’s a hint for Were and Human alike – these are Kindle Unlimited, so what are you waiting for?!
It wasn’t supposed to be, well, “easy,” not exactly. I mean, moving into an isolated, 10,000 square foot fishing lodge in the backwoods of Alaska isn’t for the weak of heart or soul. But when you inherit a good bit of money, just enough to buy your dream, it is hard to think about all the things that can happen when you are a 6’4” woman with orange hair, huge feet, and a childhood wish to run a backcountry fishing lodge. So, Blaze dove in, monster feet first. But, well, yeah. Stuff happens.
“Stuff” like your handyman suddenly turning into a were wolverine and attacking not an hour after the bush plane drops you off on the banks of Lake Ebony on the Yentna River. Yep. Things are going downhill from here, toot sweet. Oh, werewolves and wolverine, dragons and Thunderbird and, well, you get the point. And baby, “Something Wicked definitely this way comes…” But, darn it, this is HER place – even if a curmudgeonly, foul tempered, bad mouthed wolverine IS accusing her of being some kind of fantasy creature bent on elbowing in on “his” territory. Hey, she has the proof of her ownership of those thirty acres in her safety deposit box! Jerk.
I was truly surprised and thrilled to find a new-to-me author I am now so enthralled with. Alaskan Fire is a new sort of beast. A fantasy/paranormal with new and fascinating world and character building. Yes, there are the “standard” list of fantasy characters. Weres and dragons, etcetera. But done with an interesting twist of characterization and storyline that created a book I honestly couldn’t put down. And rather than gulping the book in huge bites, I savored it, taking my time and learning to love a couple of pretty unusual oddballs.
Let’s face it. Jack the wereverine is someone that I would normally absolutely despise in any other situation. From the first, I hated him. I mean really hated him. But stepping back, I began to learn who he was, deep down. All the millennia of being alive, through a time when man was barely walking erect, through the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and beyond . . . centuries without measure, filled with love and loss and more pain than any one creature should be forced to bear.
Yep. Jack is a piece of work. And before it was over, well, I may never be a charter member of the Jack Fan Club, but I absolutely want to continue the story. Because this? Well, this was awesome.
“I read once that the ancient Egyptians had fifty words for sand & the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep & there are no words for that.” ― Brian Andreas, Story People: Selected Stories & Drawings of Brian Andreas
I will warn you that Ms. King has an obsessive love affair with misplaced and unnecessary commas, as well as unnecessary hyphens, so expect it. Yes, she needs an editor. But her writing overall is so compelling even I was able to overlook it. And that is pretty darn special.
“Alaskan Fire” is the first of Sara King’s “Guardians of the First Realm” series. Book two is “Alaskan Fury” and I already have it downloaded. Here’s a hint for Were and Human alike – these are Kindle Unlimited, so what are you waiting for?!
August 19, 2014
This story had so much promise in the beginning - It was believable, the conflict for the main characters started out exciting ...
(Blaze the heroine is a very tall 6'4 woman, she buys property in BFE upon her parents death. When her hired handyman Jack the hero of the story comes to pick her up when she arrives he senses that she is something other than human. Jack freaks out and turns into a wolverine scaring the whole shit out of Blaze. Come to find out this BFE is inhabited by werewolf's, dragons, fey, etc. Now she wants to get the F out of there! But Jack feels bad for scaring, threatening death, etc on her and tries to put her at ease so she will not run off and tell his secret and he is attracted to her)
... Then it just started dragging. At about 60 percent I started to skim to make sure the main characters actually got together. Jack fought his attraction by being a total ass to the heroine. He called her childish names (Yeti, Clydesdale, etc). I really felt like slapping him. There was NO chemistry between them. They should of stayed friends. Blaze felt sorry for herself a lot in the story, she was taller than Jack and had felt self conscious all her life. Jack and Blaze seemed like two teenagers arguing. I was waiting for some awesome hot mature guy to come sweep her off her feet.
The story was LONG, slow, and frustrating.
(Blaze the heroine is a very tall 6'4 woman, she buys property in BFE upon her parents death. When her hired handyman Jack the hero of the story comes to pick her up when she arrives he senses that she is something other than human. Jack freaks out and turns into a wolverine scaring the whole shit out of Blaze. Come to find out this BFE is inhabited by werewolf's, dragons, fey, etc. Now she wants to get the F out of there! But Jack feels bad for scaring, threatening death, etc on her and tries to put her at ease so she will not run off and tell his secret and he is attracted to her)
... Then it just started dragging. At about 60 percent I started to skim to make sure the main characters actually got together. Jack fought his attraction by being a total ass to the heroine. He called her childish names (Yeti, Clydesdale, etc). I really felt like slapping him. There was NO chemistry between them. They should of stayed friends. Blaze felt sorry for herself a lot in the story, she was taller than Jack and had felt self conscious all her life. Jack and Blaze seemed like two teenagers arguing. I was waiting for some awesome hot mature guy to come sweep her off her feet.
The story was LONG, slow, and frustrating.
April 26, 2012
3.5 stars
Funny, annoying, heart-wrenching tale about a very unlikely couple. It's a great story; gritty and realistic, sweet and sexy, milk-snorting through the nose funny--AND in desperate need of editing. Simply put, some scenes just go on way too long, like three pages instead of a paragraph or two, and need shortening and tightening to really let them shine.
Funny, annoying, heart-wrenching tale about a very unlikely couple. It's a great story; gritty and realistic, sweet and sexy, milk-snorting through the nose funny--AND in desperate need of editing. Simply put, some scenes just go on way too long, like three pages instead of a paragraph or two, and need shortening and tightening to really let them shine.
August 4, 2012
I went into this book thinking it was paranormal romance but well, it isn't exactly that. We've got our heroine who decides to buy a hunting lodge in the middle of nowhere, Alaska. Her name is Blaze and not only is she 6 foot 4 but she's got glow in the dark hair. Then when she gets there, she finds her handyman, Jack, is somewhat freaky. The first third of the book is more about the heroine hopping into a major life change. Then we get some paranormal conflict and an idea that all isn't what it's supposed to be. Turns out that rural Alaska is where all the otherworldly like to hang out and swap recipes. This isn't a book where the hero is suave and the heroine is plucky and uses a sword on the baddies. Sometimes I would wince when Jack would call Blaze a "Yeti wench" but it's a fun novel. I was so interested that I looked up the author and found she's got a solid scifi background. Also she hangs out in rural Alaska a lot. I can't say much more without giving something away. Occasionally the book does drag but I got very involved in the characters and I even bought book two.
August 24, 2015
This is such a fun read.
Not a short read and some readers might not like the long commitment this one requires but I had fun all the time so for me, it was not too long.
Yes Blaze is not over the fact that she has red hair to rival the sun, she is 6.4f and build like an Amazon warrior, but people, if you have been suffering your entire life due to genetics then at 25 you will not be over it either.
Everything in this story is over done. Bigger than life, as big as Alaska and I totally adored the read.
Truly. This was a good one. Do not however figure you will be reading this in one sitting. That aint happening. But if you stick with it the book is a riot. A fun and entertaining read, thus, all I want from a good book.
Not a short read and some readers might not like the long commitment this one requires but I had fun all the time so for me, it was not too long.
Yes Blaze is not over the fact that she has red hair to rival the sun, she is 6.4f and build like an Amazon warrior, but people, if you have been suffering your entire life due to genetics then at 25 you will not be over it either.
Everything in this story is over done. Bigger than life, as big as Alaska and I totally adored the read.
Truly. This was a good one. Do not however figure you will be reading this in one sitting. That aint happening. But if you stick with it the book is a riot. A fun and entertaining read, thus, all I want from a good book.
March 23, 2012
I stayed up the whole night, because it hooked me that much. Had to go to bed at 6am when I no longer could read the words on the screen... *ahem*
The story arc is interesting, as are the main characters, although I personally think some of the scenes were a bit dragged out, and some things felt a bit like *yeah yeah, you might not know that, but I certainly know something weird is going on, so stop hinting about it already* on the other hand I'm one of those who like to predict how the story goes as I read, part of this story was quite predictable, while other stuff had a nice twist.
Any way, this is a good book to get hooked in. If you liked Twilight, you'll love this. I don't want to compare it to Twilight, but I feel like I have to draw that comparison because if Twilight has the craze, then certainly Alaskan Fire deserves a craze.
All in all, if you haven't read it, read it! You won't be disappointed.
I give it 4 stars of 5, I'm not sure if it's the story or the characters or the writing that bugs me, but there is something in the back of my head that goes *not a 5 but close* and I can't put it in words, so I give it a 4 with the comment "Read it!"
The story arc is interesting, as are the main characters, although I personally think some of the scenes were a bit dragged out, and some things felt a bit like *yeah yeah, you might not know that, but I certainly know something weird is going on, so stop hinting about it already* on the other hand I'm one of those who like to predict how the story goes as I read, part of this story was quite predictable, while other stuff had a nice twist.
Any way, this is a good book to get hooked in. If you liked Twilight, you'll love this. I don't want to compare it to Twilight, but I feel like I have to draw that comparison because if Twilight has the craze, then certainly Alaskan Fire deserves a craze.
All in all, if you haven't read it, read it! You won't be disappointed.
I give it 4 stars of 5, I'm not sure if it's the story or the characters or the writing that bugs me, but there is something in the back of my head that goes *not a 5 but close* and I can't put it in words, so I give it a 4 with the comment "Read it!"
March 30, 2013
In the end, I thought it was marvelous. At first the characterizations felt very stiff and not at all 'real'. That changed over time as my suspension of disbelief grew to encompass a far deeper and well thought out world than I had imagined.
I can only characterize the relationship that grows between Jack and Blaze as "HOT".
I am six foot nine. So when Blaze is going on and on about her height issues, I knew where she was coming from. I wanted to tell her "baby, you are just right!". I found myself wanting to smack Jack around for her, and then I found myself wanting hang out with him. The sexual tension between the two was thick and palpable. Overdone at times, but fun nonetheless.
The real intricacies of the plot are with the world building, I really loved the wide canvas defined with only few sharp brushstrokes- a dread unicorn horn here, a void titan bone there, dragons, moon-kissed, fey.
Sara King made a delightful romp well worth the reading. I am looking forward to the next story.
I can only characterize the relationship that grows between Jack and Blaze as "HOT".
I am six foot nine. So when Blaze is going on and on about her height issues, I knew where she was coming from. I wanted to tell her "baby, you are just right!". I found myself wanting to smack Jack around for her, and then I found myself wanting hang out with him. The sexual tension between the two was thick and palpable. Overdone at times, but fun nonetheless.
The real intricacies of the plot are with the world building, I really loved the wide canvas defined with only few sharp brushstrokes- a dread unicorn horn here, a void titan bone there, dragons, moon-kissed, fey.
Sara King made a delightful romp well worth the reading. I am looking forward to the next story.
April 22, 2012
I really wish we could give half stars because I would put this at 4.5 stars.
The first 50% of the book was a five star for me. I loved the inner dialogue going on inside Blaze and Jack. It made me laugh out loud as did their banter back and forth. The story moved at good clip as well.
It was about the 50% mark that the inner dialogue became less and we got caught up in the werewolves/Amber side of the tale. I thought it was dragged out and the story slowed a bit for me. This is where it dropped to a 4 star for me. I still enjoyed the story but just not as much.
Then the action picked back up around 80% and kept the pace pretty strong. The last big action part was a little confusing. I was not sure where the commandos came into the picture and who was directing them but maybe that will be explained in book 2 which I will definitely be reading.
The first 50% of the book was a five star for me. I loved the inner dialogue going on inside Blaze and Jack. It made me laugh out loud as did their banter back and forth. The story moved at good clip as well.
It was about the 50% mark that the inner dialogue became less and we got caught up in the werewolves/Amber side of the tale. I thought it was dragged out and the story slowed a bit for me. This is where it dropped to a 4 star for me. I still enjoyed the story but just not as much.
Then the action picked back up around 80% and kept the pace pretty strong. The last big action part was a little confusing. I was not sure where the commandos came into the picture and who was directing them but maybe that will be explained in book 2 which I will definitely be reading.
February 14, 2016
DNF @17% I feel bad reviewing a book that I didn't finish but I can't help my self. Neither one of the MC were attractive. I realize this is subjective but when the Hero is described as having back hair so long that you can see it stand up under his shirt and he compares the heroine to a horse and calls her an idiot I just can't bring myself to do anything but hate him. The heroine is described as having bright orange hair she's 6' 4" and wears a size 11 shoe. Again not a woman I find attractive not to mention that she lets the "hero" make fun of her and doesn't say anything because she needs him as a handyman! All this bullshit happened within the first couple pages making it impossible to read on.
June 7, 2012
At first it took me a little bit to get into the story, not because of the writing, just because I have read a lot of books lately with super natural beings. So I went and read a couple of funny books and then came back to this one. I have to say I really like Sara's writing, I think she is going to be getting better with each book she writes. I got this book free off of amazon, but just bought 2 more of her books today. The characters really flow through out the book and I like how you are getting the first person accounts of most the characters. I would definitely recommend this author and book to anyone looking for a new author to read.
March 26, 2012
I'm not going to re-hash the plot here because the book summary on Amazon is both accurate and sufficient.
I did my best to read this book in one night, but it's satisfyingly long and my stamina eventually failed me at about 5am. The tension between Blaze and Jack was beautifully written and there some great plot twists. Every time I thought it couldn't get better, it did. I really, really didn't want to put it down till I found out how the story panned out, and when I did finish, I wished I'd made it last longer. Give it a try and you won't be disappointed.
I did my best to read this book in one night, but it's satisfyingly long and my stamina eventually failed me at about 5am. The tension between Blaze and Jack was beautifully written and there some great plot twists. Every time I thought it couldn't get better, it did. I really, really didn't want to put it down till I found out how the story panned out, and when I did finish, I wished I'd made it last longer. Give it a try and you won't be disappointed.
April 15, 2012
This book was a total riot. I laughed myself to tears, thrilled along for the ride, felt my hackles go up more than ones and a few times even put it down with goose bumps on my arms. I would have to say, while not Sara's single, most stunning piece of work, this one is still a step above the rest. On par with Orson Scott Card in my humble book, but I am just a reader, so far... what would I know.
~D
And yes, I DID finish this book two days before it was published. It is good to know your authors and be on their first reader lists. ;p
~D
And yes, I DID finish this book two days before it was published. It is good to know your authors and be on their first reader lists. ;p
April 14, 2012
this book was a really tremendous book. I enjoyed the new idea of the story. this book was really funny and I loved all the characters even if some of them were the bad guys. it had lots of twists and turns that keep you up late at night. I recommend this book to readers andhope you enjoy it as I have. now I just bought the second book Alaskan fury and ill be back to tell you how that goes. (stay tuned)
May 5, 2012
I was able to obtain this book during a promotional day so it was literally a dollar. After reading it I would have paid more, and did for the Fury. This book is crudely funny with sarcasm, intellectual showdowns, oh...and a few 'critters' running around. I'm from the south and I was able to imagine southern people when the dealings of the main two characters came to head. A riot!
February 17, 2013
Deeply in need of editing, the story was long, boring, convoluted and the characters made of cardboard. The world building was minimal, the romance unbelievable, and the entire book a chore rather than a pleasure
March 22, 2012
Alaskan Fire is a fun book with an original idea! Most Paranormal novels are so predictable, but King put a great twist to it! This is one of those books that I will read many times!
April 25, 2012
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! For SO many reasons - great Characters, great story, great writing & great editing... LOVED IT!! Will do a full review soon - too eager to start book 2 Alaskan Fury!!
May 16, 2012
Alaskan Fire is a completey unique story that I absolutely loved. The tension between Blaze and Jack is entertaining! This is a great story and I can't wait to read more!
May 26, 2012
Alaskan Fire… the name alone drew me into purchasing this book. Miss King did not disappoint me with her imagery of the unspoiled wilderness that this spectacular state is known for. The little things that she brought to life, such as Blaze’s reaction to the scenery during her flight in a small plane taking her to a life long dream “The Sleeping Lady Lodge” was similar to my first reaction to seeing Alaska. Most writers forget those tidbits that make the characters journey, your own.
Her heroine, Blaze MacKenzie is wonderfully different. She is neither dainty nor faint of heart; she stands at 6’4’ with carrot orange flaming colored hair, and tagged an Amazon by some.
A social outcast, many of us have been on her side of the fence, so I was delighted to see that Miss King made her a real woman, one that fights her self-conscious and sometimes insecure belief in herself.
With the death of her parents, Blaze takes her inheritance, a strange feather in a box, and makes a step of faith and buys her dream, a fishing lodge named “The Sleeping Lady”. Not everything is going to go as smoothly as she hoped, the lodge is not what the realtors had presented, nor is the handyman old like she thought either.
I had to chuckle at Blaze meeting her not old but hunky handyman Jake Thornton. I knew with “thorn” being part of his last name, was a hint that this is to be a bumpy ride. Miss Kings talent for the smart, witty batter between the two of them is one of the things I love about this book; it’s a game of cat and mouse. Their dance is sensual, suspenseful; blended with wonderful humorous moments, among Blazes effort to bring the Lodge back to life, and Jacks effort to get Blaze to go back the way she came from.
Jack, the handy man is more than your average Alaskan male, but a ….you’ll have to read to find out for yourself.
Top that off, Blaze finds that good help is hard to find in the bush, and when you do they too have secrets. Ahhhh but Blaze herself has yet to discover the truth behind the feather in the box, so another secret and adventure unveils.
Yes, this is a book where the neighbors are restless, and battles lines are drawn. It is filled with humor, adventure, the discovery of who we are and who we can be, all mixed with a paranormal romance where a wereverine, phoenix, fury and a djinni, become your best friends. Don’t try to finish this in one setting, unless you are prepared to stay up all night and be late for work the next day as it is 544 pages of delight.
ALASKAN FIRE by Sara King… It’s BOLD, MEMORABLE, a UNIQUE CHARACTER DRIVEN PARANORMAL, and YES!! It SATISFIES.
Her heroine, Blaze MacKenzie is wonderfully different. She is neither dainty nor faint of heart; she stands at 6’4’ with carrot orange flaming colored hair, and tagged an Amazon by some.
A social outcast, many of us have been on her side of the fence, so I was delighted to see that Miss King made her a real woman, one that fights her self-conscious and sometimes insecure belief in herself.
With the death of her parents, Blaze takes her inheritance, a strange feather in a box, and makes a step of faith and buys her dream, a fishing lodge named “The Sleeping Lady”. Not everything is going to go as smoothly as she hoped, the lodge is not what the realtors had presented, nor is the handyman old like she thought either.
I had to chuckle at Blaze meeting her not old but hunky handyman Jake Thornton. I knew with “thorn” being part of his last name, was a hint that this is to be a bumpy ride. Miss Kings talent for the smart, witty batter between the two of them is one of the things I love about this book; it’s a game of cat and mouse. Their dance is sensual, suspenseful; blended with wonderful humorous moments, among Blazes effort to bring the Lodge back to life, and Jacks effort to get Blaze to go back the way she came from.
Jack, the handy man is more than your average Alaskan male, but a ….you’ll have to read to find out for yourself.
Top that off, Blaze finds that good help is hard to find in the bush, and when you do they too have secrets. Ahhhh but Blaze herself has yet to discover the truth behind the feather in the box, so another secret and adventure unveils.
Yes, this is a book where the neighbors are restless, and battles lines are drawn. It is filled with humor, adventure, the discovery of who we are and who we can be, all mixed with a paranormal romance where a wereverine, phoenix, fury and a djinni, become your best friends. Don’t try to finish this in one setting, unless you are prepared to stay up all night and be late for work the next day as it is 544 pages of delight.
ALASKAN FIRE by Sara King… It’s BOLD, MEMORABLE, a UNIQUE CHARACTER DRIVEN PARANORMAL, and YES!! It SATISFIES.
June 15, 2012
Wow, I have always wanted to roam up to Alaska. Who wouldn't be drawn to the wildness and the solitude it offers ? Then there are the dangers, many dangers. I love the way the author incorporated both the dangers and the bonuses of Alaskan life in her paranormal twisted tale of adventure and love. From the strange folks that have been known to live there to the weather and survival issues. She has us worried about getting the generators running while watching for the werewolf attack. She tells a truth and mixes it with a myth, wonderfully. She also includes a lengthy lecture on ecology and the destruction of heirloom plants and animals and it's effect on the future for all. I found it a bit preachy but having grown up around environmentalists I just might be burned out on it. This was my only complaint. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, it took me to another place wild and unpredictable with well developed characters and plot. A very well done fantasy.
November 5, 2012
There is so much to say about this book that I do not even know where to start. First of all, the book has two characters that are hard not to like eventually. There was good character development with the two main characters ant it made me fall in love with them because I first I did not like either one at all. Blaze felt like she was needy and weak and Jack felt like, well, an asshole. After they started to come together and learn from each other, the story blossomed from there. I am not going to say much else because I do not want to ruin it for others. However, I did enjoy this story and it actually bought up a lot of issues about farming and homesteading that I have been researching recently. Overall, this was a well written story that I couldn't put down.
August 5, 2012
I stumbled upon this book by accident & was attracted to it by the title. I was skeptical before starting, mainly because I was judging the book by the cover--I was wrong. What a fun, witty, creative story. Blaze & Jack's characters developed at a great pace and the story never grew old. I found myself falling in love with Runt. I wish I had a little annoying friend like him. I'm looking forward to reading what King has in store for her readers in book #2. I wish her much success on the road to discovery.
November 8, 2012
I Love Paranormal. I have never read this Author. I am so glad I did.
The whole premise of this book was so far out there yet the way Ms. King wrote the storyline made it so believable and wonderful.
This storyline draws the reader right in. You will love every minute of it.
I want to go live in the Alaskan Wildernesses, maybe I will find my soul mate I wonder what he will be. But then again there are so many bad Others. I mean this is their home and they will protect it. So many have lived here far longer then many will ever know.
The whole premise of this book was so far out there yet the way Ms. King wrote the storyline made it so believable and wonderful.
This storyline draws the reader right in. You will love every minute of it.
I want to go live in the Alaskan Wildernesses, maybe I will find my soul mate I wonder what he will be. But then again there are so many bad Others. I mean this is their home and they will protect it. So many have lived here far longer then many will ever know.
January 14, 2019
This went on forever. I enjoyed the story at first but then the same repeated themes kept showing up the whole book. Also, the nonchalant way the characters reacted in certain situations bothered me. As broody and emotionally overreacting the main leads were the whole book, why did they just shrug off some things like they didn't happen?
The author does keep you hanging on wanting to discover the main leads secret (but after awhile even that became annoying). I kept reading and was interested overall; so I gave it an extra star for it's entertainment value.
The author does keep you hanging on wanting to discover the main leads secret (but after awhile even that became annoying). I kept reading and was interested overall; so I gave it an extra star for it's entertainment value.
July 25, 2013
Noisy, roaring, brilliant fun! - another fabulous read from Sara King, peeps, which reminded me of The Taming of The Shrew, the characters were fighting each other and their attraction to each other so hard. The main heroine is big and bulky and very-self-conscious girl and the main hero is a social suicide. Everything that comes out of his mouth is foul, embarrassing and incredibly funny, considering how awkwardly in love and lust he is with his Amazon. Do read it, I beg you!
December 11, 2021
Loved it the first time, not so much on 2nd read. The super snarky H re-inforces the h's self esteem issues. She's different, so is her dream and she needs the H's help but they fight the whole book. Their story got lost in the Telling, but it's an interesting plot. There's a lot of yelling, grumpiness, awful characters and a meandering story line. They eventually get their HEA but it didn't appeal enough to want to read book 2.
September 11, 2012
This was a real interesting book with lots of paranormal happening. Blaze the red headed 6'4' "amazon" and Jack the wereverine are the center of the story. Blaze is other worldly but doesn't know it. Blaze has moved to the bush to start a farm and lodge and finds out that is also where the other worldly folks live too. There are fae, werewolves, djinni, a thunderbird and more.
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