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Vampire Geek Cycle #1
Your Name, In Fire
Game producer Connor Black doesn't believe in the supernatural. He's about to find out how wrong he is.
Sparks fly when a pretty, enigmatic writer named Wendy joins Connor's video game studio. Wendy has some strange habits, and she's careful never to reveal much of her backstory. But despite their mutual infatuation, Connor's too distracted by work to dig deeper.
And before long, he's got his own secrets to worry about. A tattooed stranger nearly kills Connor, but he keeps the incident to himself—and he tries to convince himself that Wendy's weird behavior isn't really that weird. Stressed and sleep-deprived over the looming deadline of a huge game launch, Connor has no time to deal with 'weird'.
But when the evidence trail of a murder begins to lead back to Connor himself, he must track down the answers to the questions he's been avoiding, even if it means risking his sanity—and his life.
With YOUR NAME, IN FIRE, new author Kera Emory spins a psychological vampire thriller with a black sense of humor and a deeply nerdy heart.
Sparks fly when a pretty, enigmatic writer named Wendy joins Connor's video game studio. Wendy has some strange habits, and she's careful never to reveal much of her backstory. But despite their mutual infatuation, Connor's too distracted by work to dig deeper.
And before long, he's got his own secrets to worry about. A tattooed stranger nearly kills Connor, but he keeps the incident to himself—and he tries to convince himself that Wendy's weird behavior isn't really that weird. Stressed and sleep-deprived over the looming deadline of a huge game launch, Connor has no time to deal with 'weird'.
But when the evidence trail of a murder begins to lead back to Connor himself, he must track down the answers to the questions he's been avoiding, even if it means risking his sanity—and his life.
With YOUR NAME, IN FIRE, new author Kera Emory spins a psychological vampire thriller with a black sense of humor and a deeply nerdy heart.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 16, 2019
This is a 3.5 star read.
A very geeky vampire tale that was far from boring but, omg, it felt like it dragged on for three quarters of the book! The last quarter was action packed with reveals and one very psychotic vamp with ownership issues.
At times the book was a bit drenched in gamer tech and it was here that I felt the story suffered with a bit too much information. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining read and certainly a different take on vamps. I'd especially recommend it for gamers and fellow computer nerds. 😎
A very geeky vampire tale that was far from boring but, omg, it felt like it dragged on for three quarters of the book! The last quarter was action packed with reveals and one very psychotic vamp with ownership issues.
At times the book was a bit drenched in gamer tech and it was here that I felt the story suffered with a bit too much information. Nonetheless, it was an entertaining read and certainly a different take on vamps. I'd especially recommend it for gamers and fellow computer nerds. 😎
March 24, 2017
*Thank you to the author for giving me a free e-copy to review!*
Actual Rating: 4.5
I can't believe it was Kera Emory's first book - Your Name, In Fire was amazingly organized, amazing thought-out, and simply just amazingly written.
What I really loved about the relationship between Wendy and Connor was that it was not insta-love, it was insta-attraction.
I'd like to interject here and point out the difference, since just recently I got into a slight squabble with someone about another book where I disliked the insta-love that took place. To me, insta-love is when two characters meet and immediately take a liking to one another (especially speaking in terms of physical appearance). They begin to spend every waking minute of their lives either with that person or thinking about them, and soon admit that they cannot live without one another, although they’ve only known each other a little while. Insta-love, more commonly known as love at first sight, really annoys me if it's not written well.
It might be cute at first, but then it simply feels overdone if the two characters don't know each other well enough to feel a connection to that extreme extent. Simply put, it just seems surface-level and unrealistic.
On the other hand, insta-attraction would also be when two people are immediately drawn to one another, BUT they do not declare romantic feelings quickly, but rather let it build up, leading either to friendship or romance. It begins with an attraction and ends with something much bigger.
So that's how I define insta-love and insta-attraction - of course, your definition could be different.
Back to Your Name, In Fire: even though, right off the bat, Connor thought Wendy was beautiful, he got to know her and they became friends only because they had so much in common - it wasn't a blind kind of falling in love. I am such a big fan of the dynamic between those two.
Connor's relationship with his little sister Kelly was depicted perfectly as well. I don't have a younger sibling, but Kelly and Connor's relationship details all the reasons why I'd want one. She looks up to him and he takes care of her - they were close but not suffocatingly so.
The plot of this book was evenly paced - although we start to see the paranormal side of Connor's story later in the book, Emory threw in little Easter eggs throughout the rising action and made the story interesting and engaging. Your Name, In Fire is written from Connor's perspective, but from two different times - before and after; I really enjoyed this structure because it felt like we had most of the story down and were just anticipating the biggest missing puzzle piece.
All of the characters were extremely likeable (even the antagonist!) and the way Emory tied events together was phenomenonal.
AND I AM SO SATISFIED WITH THE ENDING.
This book just came out and it really doesn't get enough credit - go read it!
Actual Rating: 4.5
I can't believe it was Kera Emory's first book - Your Name, In Fire was amazingly organized, amazing thought-out, and simply just amazingly written.
What I really loved about the relationship between Wendy and Connor was that it was not insta-love, it was insta-attraction.
I'd like to interject here and point out the difference, since just recently I got into a slight squabble with someone about another book where I disliked the insta-love that took place. To me, insta-love is when two characters meet and immediately take a liking to one another (especially speaking in terms of physical appearance). They begin to spend every waking minute of their lives either with that person or thinking about them, and soon admit that they cannot live without one another, although they’ve only known each other a little while. Insta-love, more commonly known as love at first sight, really annoys me if it's not written well.
It might be cute at first, but then it simply feels overdone if the two characters don't know each other well enough to feel a connection to that extreme extent. Simply put, it just seems surface-level and unrealistic.
On the other hand, insta-attraction would also be when two people are immediately drawn to one another, BUT they do not declare romantic feelings quickly, but rather let it build up, leading either to friendship or romance. It begins with an attraction and ends with something much bigger.
So that's how I define insta-love and insta-attraction - of course, your definition could be different.
Back to Your Name, In Fire: even though, right off the bat, Connor thought Wendy was beautiful, he got to know her and they became friends only because they had so much in common - it wasn't a blind kind of falling in love. I am such a big fan of the dynamic between those two.
Connor's relationship with his little sister Kelly was depicted perfectly as well. I don't have a younger sibling, but Kelly and Connor's relationship details all the reasons why I'd want one. She looks up to him and he takes care of her - they were close but not suffocatingly so.
The plot of this book was evenly paced - although we start to see the paranormal side of Connor's story later in the book, Emory threw in little Easter eggs throughout the rising action and made the story interesting and engaging. Your Name, In Fire is written from Connor's perspective, but from two different times - before and after; I really enjoyed this structure because it felt like we had most of the story down and were just anticipating the biggest missing puzzle piece.
All of the characters were extremely likeable (even the antagonist!) and the way Emory tied events together was phenomenonal.
AND I AM SO SATISFIED WITH THE ENDING.
This book just came out and it really doesn't get enough credit - go read it!
September 15, 2016
Your Name, In Fire by Kera Emory is a fresh approach to the tried and true vampire tale, with the horror not being slasher bright but haunting, lurking, subtle, insidious, keeping the suspense at a high level.
To see more visit fundinmental
To see more visit fundinmental
August 14, 2017
First book
This was the author's first book and was a great foundation. At times it moved a little slow but overall was a great book. Wonderful story line as well.
This was the author's first book and was a great foundation. At times it moved a little slow but overall was a great book. Wonderful story line as well.
February 7, 2017
I loved being immersed in the world of gaming. Their jobs weren't just mentioned briefly, the majority of the story happens at their place of work so I actually feel as if I have learned behind-the-scenes things about the gaming world which interested me and fascinated me. I love learning new things from fiction stories. Throughout the story, you get hints of the paranormal aspects - like little breadcrumbs - sunglasses, eating habits, etc. until the end, which was a good ending. The tension in this story is a slow building one, and from the middle of the story there is conversations he cannot remember, things that start coming back to remind him, so my rating is that this is a great story to get lost in. Recommended to gaming nerds and geeks who love to read paranormal stories.
August 12, 2017
Different
More of a slow burn romance / murder mystery than regular urban fantasy. Most of the book is quite mundane. It also skips most of the vampire tropes.
I really liked this. Connor felt very real as a character. The supporting cast was solid and varied without resorting to cardboard stereotypes. Francis, the antagonist, was a little thin, but it didn't harm the story.
I am going to go buy the next book right now. And I will pay full price, not borrow.
More of a slow burn romance / murder mystery than regular urban fantasy. Most of the book is quite mundane. It also skips most of the vampire tropes.
I really liked this. Connor felt very real as a character. The supporting cast was solid and varied without resorting to cardboard stereotypes. Francis, the antagonist, was a little thin, but it didn't harm the story.
I am going to go buy the next book right now. And I will pay full price, not borrow.
October 15, 2017
Geek meets vampire
I am a geek who likes vampire stories. The characters resonated with me. In all honesty I think the reactions of Connor make perfect sense. The author has woven a fictional tale that sounds almost plausible in the modern day. I loved it!
I am a geek who likes vampire stories. The characters resonated with me. In all honesty I think the reactions of Connor make perfect sense. The author has woven a fictional tale that sounds almost plausible in the modern day. I loved it!
October 17, 2018
What a fun book, and so unexpected to find a gem like this in with vampires and video games!
Please see my full review here:
https://www.morebooksthantime.com/you...
Please see my full review here:
https://www.morebooksthantime.com/you...
August 29, 2017
A good read with some very interesting twists.
Nerds as heroes in a well constructed story. The characters are realistic and fun. I recommend this to paranormal fans.
Nerds as heroes in a well constructed story. The characters are realistic and fun. I recommend this to paranormal fans.
October 15, 2021
Really unique book in a saturated vampire market.
Despite being very central to the theme the vampire aspects were kept fairly subdued for most of the book and yet Kera Emory made fantastic use of pulling the theme back into the reader's face at all the right moments, for example subtle hints about one of the characters eating habits through speech and through the main character's own observations even though he himself thought nothing of it.
Characterisation in this book was wonderful; being a huge nerd myself I loved how the protagonists were based within the video game industry and how they themselves and the other characters interacted. Also Connor's ptsd episodes were some of the highlights for me, the precautions he felt he had to take the drinking, the solitude etc all the while still being humorous enough not to pull the book into a depressive tail spin.
Overall I think if you're looking for romance with some drama/thriller elements you'll enjoy this one, and if you're after a romance with vampires you'll like this one. Personally I think this would fit the taste of quite a number of readers so if you're reading this you should definitely give it a shot.
Edit 5 years late-shamefully I forgot about this book somewhat. Spotting it in my library, I decided to pick it up again and re-familiarise myself with the story. Honestly think I enjoyed it more the 2nd time around, I’d forgotten quite a few details that let me enjoy it almost as if it was the first time, but remembered enough to pick up on some of the things I’d missed on my first read.
Despite being very central to the theme the vampire aspects were kept fairly subdued for most of the book and yet Kera Emory made fantastic use of pulling the theme back into the reader's face at all the right moments, for example subtle hints about one of the characters eating habits through speech and through the main character's own observations even though he himself thought nothing of it.
Characterisation in this book was wonderful; being a huge nerd myself I loved how the protagonists were based within the video game industry and how they themselves and the other characters interacted. Also Connor's ptsd episodes were some of the highlights for me, the precautions he felt he had to take the drinking, the solitude etc all the while still being humorous enough not to pull the book into a depressive tail spin.
Overall I think if you're looking for romance with some drama/thriller elements you'll enjoy this one, and if you're after a romance with vampires you'll like this one. Personally I think this would fit the taste of quite a number of readers so if you're reading this you should definitely give it a shot.
Edit 5 years late-shamefully I forgot about this book somewhat. Spotting it in my library, I decided to pick it up again and re-familiarise myself with the story. Honestly think I enjoyed it more the 2nd time around, I’d forgotten quite a few details that let me enjoy it almost as if it was the first time, but remembered enough to pick up on some of the things I’d missed on my first read.
May 4, 2016
I read the blurb for this book, and had to grab it. Emory is a New-To-Me author, but after reading her debut book, I will be following her a lot more closely! Fantastic first book!
This book combines a bit of paranormal, with a bit of urban fantasy and a whole lot of geekiness and video game love, which is wonderful. It really has an awesome flow to it, and kept me flipping pages when I really had other things to do. She arranged this story in such a great way that there's a bit of tension and suspense throughout the whole thing, until the end. It was outstanding!
Connor and Wendy are fantastic, and I liked their chemistry, and the lack of insta-love. Not a fan of love at first sight books, because I just don't find it real, but this book did a great job of making the attraction pretty instant (hot girl and video game guy, what's not to love?), but growing the chemistry and relationship through the whole book, while we dive into all the twists and turns the author had for us. All in all, fantastic cast, and well written. I highly recommend this novel to paranormal lovers everywhere, because I was totally caught up in it.
Look forward to more by this author! :)
*I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review. This review was done in conjunction with NerdGirl Official, for more information, visit them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG/ *
April 22, 2016
I haven't dipped my toes into the vampire mythos since 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'. Not really my thing. Fortunately, there is so much more in this book. I'm somewhat confused as to the genre: geeky paranormal suspense romance? Whatever. I loved the book.
The gamer/tech personalities are delightfully spot-on with a richness even those on the periphery of the industry will appreciate. The world in which this story takes place resonates and tickles my nostalgia bits. The details are delivered at 1200 baud where every line brings a gentle tingle while the story rockets along at T3 speeds. The dry, sarcastic tone mixes nicely with the budding romance.
And then there's the soundtrack: I really hope the movie adaptation can secure the song rights.
(Disclaimer: I've known the author for years. She's talked about writing and I've said vaguely encouraging things. Because that's what friends are for, right? But I never actually expected her to finish a book let alone get it published. Because, come on, what are the odds of that happening, right? So, when Kera did, I felt obligated to buy the damn thing and read it, fearing the entire time that it was going to suck and then I'd feel bad for encouraging her all these years. Thankfully, it didn't suck.)
The gamer/tech personalities are delightfully spot-on with a richness even those on the periphery of the industry will appreciate. The world in which this story takes place resonates and tickles my nostalgia bits. The details are delivered at 1200 baud where every line brings a gentle tingle while the story rockets along at T3 speeds. The dry, sarcastic tone mixes nicely with the budding romance.
And then there's the soundtrack: I really hope the movie adaptation can secure the song rights.
(Disclaimer: I've known the author for years. She's talked about writing and I've said vaguely encouraging things. Because that's what friends are for, right? But I never actually expected her to finish a book let alone get it published. Because, come on, what are the odds of that happening, right? So, when Kera did, I felt obligated to buy the damn thing and read it, fearing the entire time that it was going to suck and then I'd feel bad for encouraging her all these years. Thankfully, it didn't suck.)
August 31, 2016
Many of my favorite fantasies are slow burns, books firmly rooted in a world that feels so very real that when the fantasy elements are introduced a bit at a time they feel just as real as everything else. While reading, I'll forget it's fiction because the details and characterization are so well-drawn and accurate that it reads more like...real life? A memoir? I don't know, but this book is exactly that authentic.
Kera Emory either lives and breathes geek/video game/computer nerd culture or she's done extensive real-world research. And, I think part of the reason this book feels so right is because it's indie and allowed to be exactly what it is, no frills, no gimmicks, no squeezing plot points or characters in to fit a formula. Light fantasy set in a contemporary world is my favorite thing to read and so hard to find done well. When the characterization is this great and the plot is this immersive, I'm in love. I can't wait for the sequel.
Kera Emory either lives and breathes geek/video game/computer nerd culture or she's done extensive real-world research. And, I think part of the reason this book feels so right is because it's indie and allowed to be exactly what it is, no frills, no gimmicks, no squeezing plot points or characters in to fit a formula. Light fantasy set in a contemporary world is my favorite thing to read and so hard to find done well. When the characterization is this great and the plot is this immersive, I'm in love. I can't wait for the sequel.
July 24, 2017
I saw a review by another author that I've enjoyed (L.T. Vargus) and thought I'd give this one a shot. With most vampire books you're up to your eyeballs in blood and fangs by the second page. This one maintained a promise of something wicked this way coming but let the story unfold gradually, letting you really invest in the characters. The story moves back and forth in time which usually feels awkward but the author handles the transitions smoothly, avoiding the disorientation. Sprinkle in some gaming & geeking and you've got a great time.
April 4, 2016
Get ready for really intense suspense that will knock your sox off!
Connor is the ultimate nerd doing a dream job. A new programmer joins the staff, and they do more than click. But then things get weird and dangerous, even involving his sister. It's too hard to hint without spoilers, so forget that idea. What you really want to know is that it is cohesively written with lots of action, suspense, and plot twists, and that the characters are engaging and believable. And that you really ought to get this book and let it draw you in!
"This ebook was provided by the author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of LibraryThing."
You are the author of this review
Connor is the ultimate nerd doing a dream job. A new programmer joins the staff, and they do more than click. But then things get weird and dangerous, even involving his sister. It's too hard to hint without spoilers, so forget that idea. What you really want to know is that it is cohesively written with lots of action, suspense, and plot twists, and that the characters are engaging and believable. And that you really ought to get this book and let it draw you in!
"This ebook was provided by the author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of LibraryThing."
You are the author of this review
April 17, 2016
Funny, sweet, and full of suspense.
This is not just "good for a new author" good. This book is GOOD good.
It's full of endearing characters: Connor, the adorable nerd. Wendy, the new girl with secrets. Not to mention the wide range of supporting characters. Liza Jane with her snarky 'tude is probably my favorite. Even the villain, while not likable per se, is something new -- or at least something I haven't seen 1000 times before.
The cleverly structured plot is built for maximum suspense. It's so well paced... one of those books that sucks you in early on and doesn't let go. I kept saying, "Just one more chapter..." And then I'd blink and realize twenty minutes had gone by, and I'd blown through not one, but four more chapters.
This is not just "good for a new author" good. This book is GOOD good.
It's full of endearing characters: Connor, the adorable nerd. Wendy, the new girl with secrets. Not to mention the wide range of supporting characters. Liza Jane with her snarky 'tude is probably my favorite. Even the villain, while not likable per se, is something new -- or at least something I haven't seen 1000 times before.
The cleverly structured plot is built for maximum suspense. It's so well paced... one of those books that sucks you in early on and doesn't let go. I kept saying, "Just one more chapter..." And then I'd blink and realize twenty minutes had gone by, and I'd blown through not one, but four more chapters.
March 14, 2016
I enjoyed this book. The characters are believable and the writing was great.
I do not know much about releasing a major game program, but all of the details sure sound correct. I do remember playing some of the games that Connor and Wendy talk about, so that was cool.
I hope that there will be another book about these characters, as I like them and don't want them to go away.
Thank you for this story.
I do not know much about releasing a major game program, but all of the details sure sound correct. I do remember playing some of the games that Connor and Wendy talk about, so that was cool.
I hope that there will be another book about these characters, as I like them and don't want them to go away.
Thank you for this story.
March 13, 2016
This book was filled with so much to love. Mystery, romance, some supernatural shenanigans...What more could you want? (Except possibly a sequel!) Beautifully and cleverly written. Lots of humor to ease the peril. This author is as adept at writing those sweet, lump-in-the-throat moments as she is the heart-pounding fearful ones. Can't believe this clever effort is her first book. Looking forward to reading many, many more in the years to come!
October 26, 2016
A Fun tastic Read!
Just in time for Halloween, mix a geeky gaming company, a lot of unique characters, and a storyline that's a totally new take on things that feed off blood, and mix in a little romance and some tongue in cheek humor, and you get a read that's impossible to put Down! Now I gotta wait for the next book?! Noooooooo!Yes!
Just in time for Halloween, mix a geeky gaming company, a lot of unique characters, and a storyline that's a totally new take on things that feed off blood, and mix in a little romance and some tongue in cheek humor, and you get a read that's impossible to put Down! Now I gotta wait for the next book?! Noooooooo!Yes!
January 15, 2017
Disappointing start great finish
The cover pulled me in but I'm afraid I did not enjoy this as much as I hoped too. I found it long-winded until I reached the 60% mark. The story then took off and held my attention and the writer had me glued to the end. I did like the happy ending which is unusual for a vampire story
The cover pulled me in but I'm afraid I did not enjoy this as much as I hoped too. I found it long-winded until I reached the 60% mark. The story then took off and held my attention and the writer had me glued to the end. I did like the happy ending which is unusual for a vampire story
April 4, 2016
Awesome vampire story!
Not your typical vamp story by far! Incredibly well written and extremely engaging take on vampires! Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good story with lots of geek culture references!
Not your typical vamp story by far! Incredibly well written and extremely engaging take on vampires! Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good story with lots of geek culture references!
May 8, 2016
Surprisingly good
For a free Amazon book, I put off reading another vampire book, especially with a computer gaming background and I was gripped twists and at one point didn't know if it was going th o be a happy ending or not
For a free Amazon book, I put off reading another vampire book, especially with a computer gaming background and I was gripped twists and at one point didn't know if it was going th o be a happy ending or not
September 18, 2017
Different and good.
This is different from therapies stories. I like the way the story is told mostly through a re-telling. I will buy other books in this series once I am caught up on my other Kindle books.
This is different from therapies stories. I like the way the story is told mostly through a re-telling. I will buy other books in this series once I am caught up on my other Kindle books.
July 20, 2020
I hadn't expected to like this book (paranormal isn't my usual genre), but it ended up being gripping and a bit funny, while being creepy (in a good way) at the same time. The love interest, Wendy, was a Mary Sue, though I loved the protagonist, Connor.
April 17, 2016
loved this book! fast passed and enjoyable, fun characters make this a must summer read. it appealed to the nerd in me and I loved that it takes place near my hometown!
September 4, 2016
Looking forward to the next book, Your Name, In Blood.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews