Blaize and the Maven

The Energetics #1

by Ellen M. Bard

Blaize is a powerful but inexperienced energetic. Having only just passed her first Chakra Trial, Manipura, fire, she is sent to Canada to an expert Maven to be trained in her second energy: Ajna, or the mind.

Her Maven is the mysterious and reluctant Cuinn, who has problems of his own - disturbing dreams that appear to show him standing against the destruction of the energetics race. When he discovers that Blaize is part of the prophecy, he knows her training needs accelerating - but he’s not prepared for the heat she brings to his normally calm and ordered world.

But both Cuinn and Blaize have secrets of their own, secrets that could destroy their partnership before it’s begun - a partnership that has a far greater importance than they realize.

Will they trust each other before it's too late?

The first in a captivating new series of romance and magic, family and loyalty, love and power.

Genres: Fantasy, Ebooks, Paranormal Romance, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

British-born psychologist Ellen Bard is the author of The Energetics, a paranormal romance series where fate, magic and passion collide.

Ellen’s love for storytelling is matched only by her fascination with human behavior and the mysteries of the mind, making her the perfect guide through the tangled worlds of her characters. When she’s not crafting magical romances, she indulges her passions for travel, coffee, and seeking her next adventure. Whether riding a motorbike, Krav Maga classes, or immersing herself in tantric yoga, she’s always chasing inspiration.

Ellen lives with her family in Bangkok, Thailand, and her books reflect her belief in the transformative power of love and personal growth—to heal, evolve, and conquer any challenge, no matter how supernatural.

Reviews

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I admit it I'm a huge sucker for urban fantasy that has unique magic in it . These Energetics that live quietly amongst Humans have abilities to control elements using their inner Chakra magic. We meet Blaize whose primary power is kind of revealed by her name but she also has a secondary ability Ajna, meaning of the mind so she can dream walk but also far more frightening is the fact that potentially a trained Ajna can control others ! Blaize is sent to live with Cuinn, a reclusive Maven with a history he would really not like to repeat. They are instantly at loggerheads but things are happening in the Energetic world that means time is a luxury. This trainer and his pupil are up against rogue Energetics who want to start a war !
I was very much impressed by the ideas in play here but sadly the almost instant romance just didn't work for this reader. Blaize is cocky and opinionated and felt shallow. Cuinn quite rightly given his age felt more mature but again the relationship and the speed with which it escalated just felt wrong and surely could have been built up over a couple of books ? This is an interesting world with possibilities and I'm very keen to know what happens next.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s a powerful but inexperienced energetic and she’s just passed her first Chakra Trial, Manipura, fire. She’s looking forward to some taking some time from her energetic studies but instead, Blaize is being sent to train in her second energy – Anja, or the mind. Quinn would rather be devoting his time to unlocking the prophecy that his disturbing dreams of the destruction of the energetic dreams are showing him that take on a trainee. But when it becomes obvious that need to work together, they both have secrets that could destroy their partnership and have a far greater importance than they realize.

This series debut story is a thrilling read in a fascinating new world where the characters are able to manipulate various types of energy through their bodies. The characters are strong, compelling and easily capture the readers’ attentions and their relationship is full of sizzling chemistry, flying sparks, steamy passion and emotional turbulence, all of which combine to make the story interesting and enjoyable, especially since the relationship starts off on the wrong foot and remains a bit rocky throughout.

The plot is steady to fast paced and full of thrilling suspense that draws the readers in, igniting the curiosity and adrenaline pumping excitement that keeps readers biting their nails in anticipation of what will happen. While Blaize is a bit predictable in some her actions, she also has plenty of surprises for the readers as well and the story has enough twists and turns to keep readers on their toes and the readers should be prepared for some new vocabulary (there is a very helpful glossary at the end of the story) and fascinatingly unique elements in this exhilarating read.

[Lucy Gardiner (luc_lostinbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blaize and the maven is about a girl named Blaize who is a fire and mind control energetic who has just passed her trials and is furthering her education in her mind powers.

Cuinn is her mind power maven which basically means he is her mentor/teacher. As a mind power energetic himself, he can dream walk seeing prophecies in his dreams.

He didn’t want to take her on so when they meet they don’t hit it off but must work together to solve a prophecy.

This book has such a very imaginative way to describe the magic system and different powers people have. It was unlike any urban fantasy I’ve read before in that sense.
My only small gripe with the story is I would have liked more development for Blaize, other than the fact she is proud and has a temper there isn’t really much else to go on. She made some quick ill advised decisions, hopefully she develops more in the next book.

I loved Cuinn as a character his struggle to accept Blaize due to his past and how he overcame this. I liked the strong connection he had with his family. I also thought the romance was done extremely well it didn’t happen to fast for me at all.

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, great world building, good characters, fast paced plot, this is a really good urban fantasy. I really looks forward to future books.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Ramona Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blaize and the Maven is an interesting book written by Ellen M. Bard. I enjoyed that she didn't take the usual approach to witches in this book and found a different angle on how one can harness power and used Chakras instead. This makes this book rather unique and different since I have, at least to date, not read a book like this one. The book shows a lot of promise and overall I really like the story. The pace of the book is pretty good, I never felt like the author was rushing me through the story nor did it ever feel dragged out. There were a couple of scenes I felt didn't really add to the story but other than that the plot made sense.

The plot focuses mostly on the issues of the relationship that is forming between our main characters Blaize and Cuinn. I honestly like Cuinn, although it is kind of funny that past issues were at first the reason why he made the decisions he made and didn't want Blaize as an Adherent, yet once she was there things changed VERY fast for him. But he was a honest and real man, so I can leave with that. Even with that conundrum in my eyes, he always what he things is best and supports that one hundred percent.

Now Blaize, she is a bit more difficult in my eyes and definitely a little bit more difficult to like. Yes I get her Chakra is fire, and therefore she is a bit more hot headed I suppose, but come on, does that prevent you from using common sense when even in your head she knows that maybe this is not the right thing to do? She just seems to jump from one bad decision to the next and seems to live in the moment regardless of consequences at times. Also what irked me in the very beginning, yes you may have just completed your training, and yes you may have had the same rules there, or did you? Does that give you the right to be a brat to your new teacher? If you pride yourself in being someone great, a great student, well then you should also have great work ethics and know to respect your teacher and elders and quite frankly other human beings, so that one just really annoyed the crap out of me. She did a few little things like that where I really wondered that if you think so highly of yourself and your craft and think you mastered it, you should really have a better grip on your temper!

So hopefully she will grow up FAST and with the guidance of Cuinn and hopefully developing her other Chakra she will round up. From what I gather the other books in this series are more focused on other couples so I am curious to see how that goes. From what I have read so far I really like Tierra but I have no idea what kind of direction her story will take.

I have received this book from the author for an honest review.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet Blaize, the heroine of the story, as she is undergoing trials after five years as an Adherent training to use her primary chakra, the navel, which signifies fire. The trials are grueling and have the potential to kill the person being tested. We meet Cuinn as he is being asked to take on a new Adherent. He is a Maven, one who is well skilled in using the power of their two chakras, the dominant and the auxiliary. He doesn't want to take one on for a variety of reasons, the main one being that he has a lot going on with a dire prophecy that he is accessing during his dream walking. Blaize passes her test, and she does become Cuinn’s new Adherent.

I've actually studied chakras for a long time, so I found the bedrock idea of this book to be a fascinating one. I don't think I've ever seen the chakra system used in such a way as the basis for a magical world. The author has clearly given this much thought, as the concepts are sophisticated but accessible. I wouldn't say you need to know about chakras to appreciate this book, but if you do, you will find the way the author plays with them to add to your enjoyment of reading it.

This book is about the prophecy mentioned above, which is slowly being revealed, as well as the initially slow burn romance between Blaize and Cuinn. The prophecy does take away some of the conflict and tension in the book because it gives us such a glimpse of what's going to happen, even if we don't know all the details or what they'll be able to do to counteract what has been foreseen. But there's still enough going on to keep your interest. I thought the relationship between Blaize and Cuinn wasn't quite as natural and organic as I like in stories with an element of romance. He was so dead set against having an Adherent, yet almost as soon as he meets her, this shifts quickly. Blaize can be unlikable, impetuous, proud, and sometimes a little rude, so it doesn't quite seem that this person who has lived for so long would have an attraction so quickly to such a relatively immature young woman.

Weighing up the pluses and minuses of this book, I find that I like the chakra background so much that it outweighs what I might not like about it. So, if you like books about magical worlds—and perhaps an especially interesting one in that isn't about witches and warlocks—you might find this a fascinating read.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book creates an interesting world which mixes magical abilities with a persons chakras. In this world, usually a person has a dominant and an auxiliary magical ability. It is obvious that Blaize’s dominant magic is fire and she has the personality to match it. She is often aggressive, competitive and hard-headed. She has become a practitioner in fire but is sent to Cuinn to help her develop her strong auxiliary power of the mind. Cuinn reluctantly agrees to be her maven to train her. Before they even get started training, Blaize is attacked and it is clear that someone is after her. Cuinn has the gift of foreseeing and has gotten glimpses of a coming prophecy that involves not only himself but also Blaize. He has to train her to use her abilities to protect herself before the prophecy comes true. I liked this story with some caveats. First, most of the characters were well fleshed out except for Cuinn. I just didn’t get a feel for his personality. He’s scholarly and a recluse, he often overworks himself dream walking which seems to weaken him but he is supposed to be a very powerful person. It just didn’t come through. Second, the instant romance was a bit much especially taking into account that Blaize and Cuinn were so abrasive with each other. Third, it just seemed too easy for Indigo to act on her whims. Fourth, the prophecies need a little more flesh to them to hold my interest, they are too vague. Finally, sometimes Blaize does things that are so stupid you want to yell at her to use her head. After all that, I liked the story but those areas need improvement. I am interested in seeing where this series will go. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not gunna lie, it took me a while to get into this book. There is a steep learning curve as the author sets up this world and all the moving parts, beliefs, and powers. That being said, once I got on board, I couldn't stop!

Blaize is a bit of a rebel. She's well trained, talented, and a bit emotional, which goes along with having fire powers. Magic is real in this world, but still hidden. She's just completed her biggest test, making her kind of certified in her main power. Usually, people get to take a break between their power training, but the times call for ramping up Blaize's power quickly.

Cuinn is a trainer (aka Maven) in a mind magic. He had a very traumatic experience with his last trainee, so he is naturally reluctant to take on anyone else. Essentially isolated except for a select few, he has immersed himself in prophecy and research. When his friend calls in a favor, he ends up accepting Blaize into his home and his life. Things get even more critical when he sees her in a vision of sorts, warning him of the importance of her training and his relationship with her.

I guess there's no rules against trainers and trainees hooking up, because thing sizzle and pop between these two! There's also a bit of mystery, action, and a slow burn towards what will no doubt be an epic showdown. This book showed how much can change when the right two people join forces.

[Shani Lila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll describe this book in one word: hasty
Let me explain:
I do have a preference for books that go straight to the point and don't linger on unimportant matters but this may have gone a bit too fast.
The plot was clear and so was every motive, but it did all lack depth. If you ask me it all seemed to come out of nowhere, I wouldn't have minded a little more backround information.
Another aspect I found missing was character development. Expect from Cuinn overwinning his trust issues and Blaize finally setting her morals aside and engaging in a relationship I didn't see much happen.
But overall I did like Blaize, she was funny, witty and very much human. She's someone you can easily relate to omitting the fact that none of us have superpowers.
Cuinn was quit boring if you ask me, but then again everybody has a different type. What I will say is that had the book been a bit longer the relationship between the two of them could've been built over a larger amount of time because to me it felt as if the feelings they developped for each other came out of nowhere. They just magically appeared out of thin air.
I wasn't entranced with the story which is a shame because the synopsis really spoke to me. But I can easily understand how others may have found a likeness to it.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We enter the story as the main character, Blaize, starts a series of trials to assess her primary power — she’s kind of a badass. Cuinn is her reluctant new maven, assigned to train her in her secondary power. I like that both characters are introduced and developed separately, vs. within a romantic context (they don’t even meet for 60+ pages, and it’s not instant chemistry...but it heats up later). This feels like a good story that happens to contain a romance, vs. the romance carrying the plot. Blaize is a grown woman who starts out powerful (SHE’S the warrior, not him), which is a refreshing change. There’s a prophecy and people working for and against it, with Blaize and Cuinn playing a central role, interesting secondary characters I want to see more of, and a villain who is more complex than some of the one-dimensional caricatures I’ve read lately. The book resolved well (no cliff-hangers!), but the story arc has lots of potential for several more good books I look forward to reading.

[Alyssa Stockwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free for an honest review.

I would give this book 3.5 stars. The beginning was a little slow. I didn't really see a relationship developing so it took me by surprise when Quinn and Blaize were sleeping together and Quinn was professing his love.

The 2nd half really drew me in, though. The author did a great job at showing how worried Quinn was and it left me wanting to read the other books in the series.

There's only one thing that I really didn't care for and is probably why I didn't give this book 4 stars. Even though the story is about a young 20-something year old girl and a 500 yr old man, it felt like it was written for the high school YA crowd. But then the author threw in a very detailed sex scene that really didn't feel like it matched the rest of the tone of the book and definitely wasn't appropriate for teens.

Overall, it is a good book and I'm interested in where the story will go.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing start to what seems like it will be a great series. I loved it. It's exciting and interesting. I really enjoyed reading this book. Energetics are a species of people who have powers based on their chakra energies. They are able to manipulate energies related to their chakras. The species of energetics are hidden from humans they live alongside peacefully under the radar. Their species is threatened because evil energistics are leeching energy, which is forbidden. This first book is about Blaize who is fire and mind/ajna energies. She passes her fire/mudijahara exam and then goes on to study for her mind energy her auxiliary, which she rarely practiced with. Her relationship with her new Maven is in a prophecy, she gets attacked by the evil rogues and there a romantic twist within the drama of the novel. I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving a free ARC.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an advanced reader copy for giving my two cents. Interesting read. It took me a bit to get into it but it was well worth the wait. We meet Blaize who is about do a trial to become a practitioner in her fire chakra. However her Maven feels she needs to move onto devleoping her next chakra...anja. her aunt and uncle know just the person but he doesn't want anything to interfere with him piecing 2gether the prophecy. Cuinn doesnt have time for a new apprentice, esp one so fiery but he has no choice now...its a done deal. What he didn't expect was a strong independent woman. There are evil forces working against them to gain power and end their race. Blaize and Cuinn are the key...they fates intertwined....but at what cost? An emotional disturbing tale of learning to trust and fighting for ones life.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything by Ellen Bard but, based on how much fun Blaize and the Maven: The Energetics Book 1 was, this is something I’m going to have to rectify. Blaize is a great leading character. Add in romance and a truly cool and imaginative magic system, then mix in a great plot and supporting cast and the resulting concoction is a total winner. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Joy D. Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this story! I was pleasantly surprised with just how much I enjoyed this story and the creativity of the world Ellen Bard has created. As someone who is into energy and chakras and the like this was like a novel written just for me.

I enjoyed the fact the story was told from both Blaize and Cuinn's perspectives. This helped me become attached to them both and made me invested in the story right away. We also see bits and pieces of the antagonist point of view and this as well added to the drama and conflict.

Anyone who is a fan of modern fantasy, steamy romance, or just a plain good read will thoroughly enjoy this book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a start to a new series by a new to me author. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in but was pleasantly surprised. It was an interesting magical story that was impacted by a prophecy. Although it had a slow start for me and was part of a complicated world, the characters were well developed and the romance was very slow-burn. It did take me a bit to warm up to the hero, and that slowed my appreciation for the nuances of the story, in the end it all came together and made me eager to read the next book. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series. I love the detail and attention the author put into creating this world. Although it's a lot to keep straight, the guild and circle guide at the end was a big help. I wanted to learn more about all of the characters, even Indigo who I did feel a little sympathy for. This book just scratched the surface of the bigger mystery at play and i can't wait to see it unfold as other characters get drawn in deeper. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to get hooked on a new series.

[Katie Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building and the idea of the energetics was such a unique and fun part to read. I really like the energetics-- the dominant and auxiliary, and the use of elements and chakras. I liked the idea of havens in the mind. The prophecy seemed interesting too and definitely left room for more stories that will tie into this one.
However, something about the book made it hard to stay interested sometimes and the romance seemed forced. Overall it was a good story and very creative world building.

[Jess Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book grabs you from the first page, dropping you right into high stakes trials. The world building and magic system are really interesting. I feel like this book would be a good fit for someone who likes Anime. The overall prophecy/quest for this series to bring together 12 people with different powers to save a race from extinction feels like an Anime quest to me, and I was really vibeing with it. The romance portion of the book was pretty lacking for me, but it was the first in the series , so I have hope that it will improve with the second book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is exceptional. Original and very good. A whole new world, new culture, new experiences. It is exciting and a new learning experience also. I think the danger can be something else, not only physical but mental too. Getting into a new world is very exciting. it makes you think on different level. I have enjoyed this world very much. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.

[Delacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I greatly enjoyed this book. There was a little humor and some good character development and lots of action.The world building was good, and flowed well with the story IMO. I was eager to read the next in the series. The romance did progress a little quick, but not excessively. Overall, a very enjoyable urban fantasy romance. *I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this introduction of this series. There is a background story of a prophecy, but it appears that there will be at least 6 books to conclude that storyline, but this one does wrap up the romance part, and in many ways can be a stand alone. I have already purchased the next one, and look forward to reading it, and am excited to know that the 4th one is written, and is in editing as I write this review. Recommend.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. I enjoyed learning about the different Chakras and how they're used.

Cuinn and Blaize were great even if Blaize was annoying at times. I hope there's a second book to play out the prophecy as that was very interesting and also learn who Indigo's maven is...sooo want to know.

Good book and glad I came across it.

[Sil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Net galley, author and publisher for a kindle copy of the book.
I was sucked into the world of Blaize and the Maven very quickly. The story flows very well, it is an easy and enjoyable read. The characters are very likable. Overall it is a great read. I'll be reading the second book in the series very soon.

[Regina Kiddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cuinn is a strong Ajna. He does not want to take a Adherant and become her Maven, be there done that, and it didn’t end well. So a debt is called in and he become Blaize maven. Can they beat the prophecies? With help from there friends they undergo a journey like no other!

I read this book as an arc from NetGalley

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this even though I finished it because I'm stubborn like that. I didn't care about their powers, it had the near instalove trope and was a setup for a bunch of other couples to get together. I've read other series like that with pleasure but I can't find it in me to care to read further.

[Shelby P]

I found this one ok. Blaize was mostly likable but I feel like the story progressed too quickly and was lacking some filler. It felt like an info dump at times which is a turn off. Otherwise I think this was a decent book!

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, sexy and mysterious. Very hard to stop reading. I want to read more about Blaize and Cuinn!

[Virginia Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

I'm not into the chakras and all that so it isn't exactly my thing. The story is good and as are the characters.

[anie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received from Author

I like the magical system - chakra energy used and the way they use it. It's something I haven't read about yet, very unique and interesting.

I like the premise of the story and the plotline. My least favorite part was the start. Sometimes I like it when books start in the middle of the action, but sometimes, like in this case, it threw me off a bit. I had trouble connecting and caring for Blaize. However, the story gets lots better as the chapters move on. And I ended up liking it. :)