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Shift Happens #1
King of the Fire Dancers
When he’s propositioned by a wealthy stranger, it seems Coy Conlin’s impoverished life is about to be upgraded. But before he can share the news with his family, he comes home to find his grandmother murdered and his little brother missing. To make matters worse, he’s thrown in prison along with every other shifter under the Sovereign’s orders.
August Seaton left his laboratory job at the Asuda Registry to become a Registry officer. But after a mission with his partner goes horribly wrong, August ends up with Coy’s dead grandmother on his hands, and Coy thinks he’s the murderer. Worst of all, his partner discovers his secret.
August is a shifter. And now he’s Coy’s cellmate. Coy and August must survive each other, abusive guards, and a scientist hell-bent on forcing Coy into a breeding program.
Teamed up, the pair escape prison and journey across the country. With the Registry hot on their trail, they have enough things to worry about. Falling for each other wasn’t supposed to be one of them.
August Seaton left his laboratory job at the Asuda Registry to become a Registry officer. But after a mission with his partner goes horribly wrong, August ends up with Coy’s dead grandmother on his hands, and Coy thinks he’s the murderer. Worst of all, his partner discovers his secret.
August is a shifter. And now he’s Coy’s cellmate. Coy and August must survive each other, abusive guards, and a scientist hell-bent on forcing Coy into a breeding program.
Teamed up, the pair escape prison and journey across the country. With the Registry hot on their trail, they have enough things to worry about. Falling for each other wasn’t supposed to be one of them.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2017
2 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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August 20, 2017
**Received this arc from Ninestar Press in exchange for a review**
“Release me.”
Judging by the widening smirk on Coy’s face, the demand had amused him. “May want to reconsider your choice of words. But…”
King of the Fire Dancers was a novel that left me in stitches of laughter one minute and on the edge of my seat in the next breath.
This novel was difficult to tear myself away from as I wanted to read what happened next in the adventure and romance of two amazingly interesting characters. In short, this was the perfect first novel in a great new series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequels.
The world that was created was simple but well-done. Sometimes, simple is really the best option. When writers try to overload their world, it becomes difficult to fully immerse yourself. Also, keeping it simple leaves so many doors open in the future to define new areas and rules.
The shapeshifters are treated as second class citizens, with humans ruling the roost. They are a minority, but although they are powerful the humans have created weapons to combat them and keep them down. From trackers to collars that stop them from shifting, you definitely want to be a human in this world!
The Sovereign (basically the big leader) decides to lock up all the shapeshifters after his daughter is attacked. This leads to unnecessary murders of shapeshifters and arresting children for doing nothing but existing.
The characters were a breath of fresh air. Coy Conlin was hilarious and lacked a humble presence. However, the more we peeled away his layers throughout the book we understand how his stubborn personality revealed a troubled past and his humour was a way of dealing with the problems directly in front of him.
August, on the other hand, lacks the same confidence Coy has. He’s hesitant and places a lot of blame onto his own shoulders when in reality he’s trying to save himself from the same fate that has befallen his kin.
“I always know what I’m doing.”
Coy did not know what he was doing.
Sterlings’ novel really focuses on a slow burn love while also tapping into the beautiful theme of ‘enemy of my enemy is my friend’. Coy and August have less of a friendship and more of an alliance as they escape the cruel world being built around them. Forced together for survival, romance is definitely the last thing on their minds. However, it happens very naturally.
I loved the realism of August and his nervousness at being a virgin and yet he gains confidence when playing a ‘character’, such as at the party they go to. Sometimes, slipping on a mask can give you all the power you need to do what you really want to do, virgin or not. Coy has the confidence of a man who is used to sleeping with whomever he wants. Typically, people come to him and he’s proud of being that attractive to people.
“We need makeup,” Coy announced.
“I’m sure we’ll find plenty lying around in the forest,” August remarked.
The sarcasm was lost on Coy.
“You’re right. Wait here.”
The dialogue and point of view flowed really naturally. I tend to avoid books that switch the point of view regularly between two characters because sometimes I can find that to be disjointed and I want to attach myself to the main character and see the characters through their eyes, but this novel did it really well and I’m happy it did so. It made for a great read. Dialogue was perfect, with each character having their own dialogue traits and way of thinking.
What was so great about sex, anyway? He wondered if maybe he should call Laura
and see what the fuss was all about. He wasn’t exactly sure if he was attracted to her, or any woman for that matter, though the lady of the house did say they had men available, too…
He decided against it.
In terms of sexuality, I love that Sterlings’ didn’t keep this so black and white. We have Coy who is confident with people of either sex. Just give him anyone and he’s happy to get going. August on the other hand is more confused. He’s unsure of whether he likes men or women and in all cases seems pretty much uninterested in sex until he comes across Coy. So he’s a difficult person to figure out. Does he like men? Or is Coy an exception? Or does he like men and women but just hasn’t met anyone he likes? I adore that confusion and the lack of labels put on either character!
“How long are you going to stand there staring at me, Coy Conlin?” Amira asked from her spot behind the bar. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you slip in through the back door.”
Coy smirked as he approached her, maneuvering himself past a couple of women entwined in each other’s embrace.
“Back door’s my favorite place to slip in,” he said.
This book blew me away. I enjoyed every minute of it and loved the themes it encompassed. The characters were perfection and I seriously cannot wait for the next book to come out! It’s worth the read and I’m about to go and have a hunt around to see if I can find any other books by this author to tide me over until the next one!
“Release me.”
Judging by the widening smirk on Coy’s face, the demand had amused him. “May want to reconsider your choice of words. But…”
King of the Fire Dancers was a novel that left me in stitches of laughter one minute and on the edge of my seat in the next breath.
This novel was difficult to tear myself away from as I wanted to read what happened next in the adventure and romance of two amazingly interesting characters. In short, this was the perfect first novel in a great new series and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequels.
The world that was created was simple but well-done. Sometimes, simple is really the best option. When writers try to overload their world, it becomes difficult to fully immerse yourself. Also, keeping it simple leaves so many doors open in the future to define new areas and rules.
The shapeshifters are treated as second class citizens, with humans ruling the roost. They are a minority, but although they are powerful the humans have created weapons to combat them and keep them down. From trackers to collars that stop them from shifting, you definitely want to be a human in this world!
The Sovereign (basically the big leader) decides to lock up all the shapeshifters after his daughter is attacked. This leads to unnecessary murders of shapeshifters and arresting children for doing nothing but existing.
The characters were a breath of fresh air. Coy Conlin was hilarious and lacked a humble presence. However, the more we peeled away his layers throughout the book we understand how his stubborn personality revealed a troubled past and his humour was a way of dealing with the problems directly in front of him.
August, on the other hand, lacks the same confidence Coy has. He’s hesitant and places a lot of blame onto his own shoulders when in reality he’s trying to save himself from the same fate that has befallen his kin.
“I always know what I’m doing.”
Coy did not know what he was doing.
Sterlings’ novel really focuses on a slow burn love while also tapping into the beautiful theme of ‘enemy of my enemy is my friend’. Coy and August have less of a friendship and more of an alliance as they escape the cruel world being built around them. Forced together for survival, romance is definitely the last thing on their minds. However, it happens very naturally.
I loved the realism of August and his nervousness at being a virgin and yet he gains confidence when playing a ‘character’, such as at the party they go to. Sometimes, slipping on a mask can give you all the power you need to do what you really want to do, virgin or not. Coy has the confidence of a man who is used to sleeping with whomever he wants. Typically, people come to him and he’s proud of being that attractive to people.
“We need makeup,” Coy announced.
“I’m sure we’ll find plenty lying around in the forest,” August remarked.
The sarcasm was lost on Coy.
“You’re right. Wait here.”
The dialogue and point of view flowed really naturally. I tend to avoid books that switch the point of view regularly between two characters because sometimes I can find that to be disjointed and I want to attach myself to the main character and see the characters through their eyes, but this novel did it really well and I’m happy it did so. It made for a great read. Dialogue was perfect, with each character having their own dialogue traits and way of thinking.
What was so great about sex, anyway? He wondered if maybe he should call Laura
and see what the fuss was all about. He wasn’t exactly sure if he was attracted to her, or any woman for that matter, though the lady of the house did say they had men available, too…
He decided against it.
In terms of sexuality, I love that Sterlings’ didn’t keep this so black and white. We have Coy who is confident with people of either sex. Just give him anyone and he’s happy to get going. August on the other hand is more confused. He’s unsure of whether he likes men or women and in all cases seems pretty much uninterested in sex until he comes across Coy. So he’s a difficult person to figure out. Does he like men? Or is Coy an exception? Or does he like men and women but just hasn’t met anyone he likes? I adore that confusion and the lack of labels put on either character!
“How long are you going to stand there staring at me, Coy Conlin?” Amira asked from her spot behind the bar. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you slip in through the back door.”
Coy smirked as he approached her, maneuvering himself past a couple of women entwined in each other’s embrace.
“Back door’s my favorite place to slip in,” he said.
This book blew me away. I enjoyed every minute of it and loved the themes it encompassed. The characters were perfection and I seriously cannot wait for the next book to come out! It’s worth the read and I’m about to go and have a hunt around to see if I can find any other books by this author to tide me over until the next one!
November 2, 2017
*I received a free copy of this book from Ninestar Press
This is a hard one guys. I am *still* struggling with how to rate and review this book. I’ve been sitting on it for a while.
Initially this book was almost a DNF. At about the 25% mark I think, I just felt like I could no longer muster the interest. It sat on my kindle for an age before I finally decided to give it one more try. The premise of the book sounds awesome. However, the initial third of the book is slow,and at times disjointed (although now that I’ve read the book, I can see how what seemed like a random thing that happens with Coy was not actually random, so shame on me as a reader there). But Coy came off as unlikeable in a way that didn’t inspire me to want to get to his redemption (if that’s what the author was going for). He’s not a bad guy, just…somewhat unlikeable at first? August was hard to read and it was clear there was more to his story, but again, I wasn’t inspired to find out what it was initially because the pace was slow.
I was initially glad I gave the book another shot, because it definitely picked up and got a LOT more interesting, particularly once we find out what Augusts’s secret is. I was reading this book and messaging my co-reviewer Annie the whole time, so she got first row seats to my sudden OH EM GEE this is great!
Until the end.
**Spoiler and Trigger warning for noncon stuff**
Here is my biggest concern/issue with the book. There is a scene at the end of the book where August is drugged by another person — it’s a date rape sort of drug that makes him very turned on — and he makes many passes at Coy, who initially rejects him because he clearly understands that August is unable to consent.
But then at some point, August is so hard to hold off that Coy ends up giving in…a little? Or what he thinks is a little. I’m going to share some quotes here:
“Something hidden deep down inside of Coy, something that he’d been pretending had not existed, reared its ugly head. It was a voice that told him that, although it was a bad idea, he should do it anyway. That he should give the poor man what he wanted. Look at him, pinned against the wall, breathless and needy, and begging to be fucked.”
So…he decides he should do that.
BUT. He…knows he shouldn’t?
“He would not fuck August. He wanted to, but…he wouldn’t. August was drugged — and a virgin. Still, Coy could give him a preview of what to expect in case this happened again when August was sober.”
Basically, he gets August naked, is touching his genitals, they are both going to get off, but he won’t fuck August without consent?
So. Here’s the thing. The book was interesting, and I want to know what happens (it ends on a cliffhanger). And as a voracious reader of many things, I would not always DNF a book for containing non-consensual scenes. But this isn’t framed as noncon for a plot purpose — it’s framed as “he wanted it”. This is a character understanding that someone cannot consent but giving in because the drugged person is “begging” for it.
That my friends, is insidious rape culture. I cannot speak for the author, but this scene is framed in a way that seemed like the author was trying to straddle that line but trying to make it okay. But it’s not. And I don’t see how any of this was necessary? Yes, what happens here precedes August loosing control and revealing his secret to Coy. But this could have happened in a number of ways that didn’t involve Coy having sex — or trying — when August could clearly not consent. I don’t particularly care that he wasn’t planning on penetrating August, because I don’t think that rape is confined to penetration.
In the end, I liked so many aspects of this book. Once the pace picked up, I was hooked. Barring that scene, this book would have been a solid 3.5 for me. And I honestly think that the author is talented and has a lot to offer. But I cannot in good conscience promote a book that perpetuates this aspect of rape culture. I’m not only a survivor of sexual assault, but I know MANY other women AND men who are as well, some of whom too were told they were “begging” for it, or who have been (including myself) told it wasn’t rape for a variety of reasons, including lack of penetration. But it was. It was.
I’ve thought a lot about this review — I wrote it a week ago — and if I was really comfortable sharing this. And in that time, the thing that has really come to me and stayed with me is the fact that this is the third problematic book I’ve seen come from this press. I’ve loved many books and stories coming from Nine Star. But if you read my review of Elias, you know that I really did not take well to the way that many aspects of the story, including sexual abuse and rape, were handled. After reading Elias, we were offered another MS for a book I had to DNF, that I wrote a long review for that also had super problematic scenes where non-consensual things happen that are not addressed or handled well at all (they’re glossed over and actually lead to sex). When we went to post that review, we discovered that the book had been pulled and we were never informed. I’m guessing (though who knows) that at some point someone alerted the publisher as to how problematic the book was. While this gives me hope that reader/reviewer voices are heard, I’m still disheartened to see that these books are being published and sent out, 2/3 of which were released and gone into the world.
This is a hard one guys. I am *still* struggling with how to rate and review this book. I’ve been sitting on it for a while.
Initially this book was almost a DNF. At about the 25% mark I think, I just felt like I could no longer muster the interest. It sat on my kindle for an age before I finally decided to give it one more try. The premise of the book sounds awesome. However, the initial third of the book is slow,and at times disjointed (although now that I’ve read the book, I can see how what seemed like a random thing that happens with Coy was not actually random, so shame on me as a reader there). But Coy came off as unlikeable in a way that didn’t inspire me to want to get to his redemption (if that’s what the author was going for). He’s not a bad guy, just…somewhat unlikeable at first? August was hard to read and it was clear there was more to his story, but again, I wasn’t inspired to find out what it was initially because the pace was slow.
I was initially glad I gave the book another shot, because it definitely picked up and got a LOT more interesting, particularly once we find out what Augusts’s secret is. I was reading this book and messaging my co-reviewer Annie the whole time, so she got first row seats to my sudden OH EM GEE this is great!
Until the end.
**Spoiler and Trigger warning for noncon stuff**
Here is my biggest concern/issue with the book. There is a scene at the end of the book where August is drugged by another person — it’s a date rape sort of drug that makes him very turned on — and he makes many passes at Coy, who initially rejects him because he clearly understands that August is unable to consent.
But then at some point, August is so hard to hold off that Coy ends up giving in…a little? Or what he thinks is a little. I’m going to share some quotes here:
“Something hidden deep down inside of Coy, something that he’d been pretending had not existed, reared its ugly head. It was a voice that told him that, although it was a bad idea, he should do it anyway. That he should give the poor man what he wanted. Look at him, pinned against the wall, breathless and needy, and begging to be fucked.”
So…he decides he should do that.
BUT. He…knows he shouldn’t?
“He would not fuck August. He wanted to, but…he wouldn’t. August was drugged — and a virgin. Still, Coy could give him a preview of what to expect in case this happened again when August was sober.”
Basically, he gets August naked, is touching his genitals, they are both going to get off, but he won’t fuck August without consent?
So. Here’s the thing. The book was interesting, and I want to know what happens (it ends on a cliffhanger). And as a voracious reader of many things, I would not always DNF a book for containing non-consensual scenes. But this isn’t framed as noncon for a plot purpose — it’s framed as “he wanted it”. This is a character understanding that someone cannot consent but giving in because the drugged person is “begging” for it.
That my friends, is insidious rape culture. I cannot speak for the author, but this scene is framed in a way that seemed like the author was trying to straddle that line but trying to make it okay. But it’s not. And I don’t see how any of this was necessary? Yes, what happens here precedes August loosing control and revealing his secret to Coy. But this could have happened in a number of ways that didn’t involve Coy having sex — or trying — when August could clearly not consent. I don’t particularly care that he wasn’t planning on penetrating August, because I don’t think that rape is confined to penetration.
In the end, I liked so many aspects of this book. Once the pace picked up, I was hooked. Barring that scene, this book would have been a solid 3.5 for me. And I honestly think that the author is talented and has a lot to offer. But I cannot in good conscience promote a book that perpetuates this aspect of rape culture. I’m not only a survivor of sexual assault, but I know MANY other women AND men who are as well, some of whom too were told they were “begging” for it, or who have been (including myself) told it wasn’t rape for a variety of reasons, including lack of penetration. But it was. It was.
I’ve thought a lot about this review — I wrote it a week ago — and if I was really comfortable sharing this. And in that time, the thing that has really come to me and stayed with me is the fact that this is the third problematic book I’ve seen come from this press. I’ve loved many books and stories coming from Nine Star. But if you read my review of Elias, you know that I really did not take well to the way that many aspects of the story, including sexual abuse and rape, were handled. After reading Elias, we were offered another MS for a book I had to DNF, that I wrote a long review for that also had super problematic scenes where non-consensual things happen that are not addressed or handled well at all (they’re glossed over and actually lead to sex). When we went to post that review, we discovered that the book had been pulled and we were never informed. I’m guessing (though who knows) that at some point someone alerted the publisher as to how problematic the book was. While this gives me hope that reader/reviewer voices are heard, I’m still disheartened to see that these books are being published and sent out, 2/3 of which were released and gone into the world.
August 8, 2017
Boy oh boy what a read!!! There are shifters, there is danger, there is a conspiracy going on, and there is attraction between the most two unlikeliest men. A little bit of everything in this first hooknin the series.
This book being book one in this series is basically a book that lays out the lay of the land for how this series is going to go, I believe. It gives background information and how itevents have led up to all the shifters in the land being arrested and caged up like animals. Not to mention tortured and assaulted on a daily basis.
One shifter in particular is bound and determined to escape and figure out what exactly is going on and who is to blame for all of this. Not too mention the fact that he plans to seek revenge for his grandmothers death and rescue his brother from whomever took him. Coy will not rest until he is able to accomplish all of this and more. The one person he plans his revenge on first and foremost is August, whom Coy believes is responsible for Nina's death.
Little does Coy know, but August has several secrets of his own that he is hiding. One of the most volatile being the fact that he is a shifter also and prays that this will never come too light. But when his secret is discovered by Fate, the one who is behind everything happening, August knows he is in trouble. He just does not realize how much trouble until he is thrown into the same cell as the man who wants to kill him.
This is when the real story begins. Will Coy kill August or will he take him at face value along with the information he gives him? Can these two men work together to escape and hopefully come up with a plan to figure out exactly what is happening and why everyone has ended up where they are now?
This being the first book in this series was very informative on the background information for his series. It has definitely caught my attention and had left me impatiently waiting for the next book to come out. I cannot wait to see what awaits August and Coy. Very good read!!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
This book being book one in this series is basically a book that lays out the lay of the land for how this series is going to go, I believe. It gives background information and how itevents have led up to all the shifters in the land being arrested and caged up like animals. Not to mention tortured and assaulted on a daily basis.
One shifter in particular is bound and determined to escape and figure out what exactly is going on and who is to blame for all of this. Not too mention the fact that he plans to seek revenge for his grandmothers death and rescue his brother from whomever took him. Coy will not rest until he is able to accomplish all of this and more. The one person he plans his revenge on first and foremost is August, whom Coy believes is responsible for Nina's death.
Little does Coy know, but August has several secrets of his own that he is hiding. One of the most volatile being the fact that he is a shifter also and prays that this will never come too light. But when his secret is discovered by Fate, the one who is behind everything happening, August knows he is in trouble. He just does not realize how much trouble until he is thrown into the same cell as the man who wants to kill him.
This is when the real story begins. Will Coy kill August or will he take him at face value along with the information he gives him? Can these two men work together to escape and hopefully come up with a plan to figure out exactly what is happening and why everyone has ended up where they are now?
This being the first book in this series was very informative on the background information for his series. It has definitely caught my attention and had left me impatiently waiting for the next book to come out. I cannot wait to see what awaits August and Coy. Very good read!!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
September 16, 2017
-“Open your mouth.”
-“Never had someone say that to me without properly introducing themselves first.”
When it came to this book’s rating I was very indecisive. I liked the second half of the book. Coy with his social and openly sexual character was a nice contrast to August who has spent all his life isolated from other people. The fact that they had to work together to survive, along with their underlying attraction to each other, made things even more interesting. The chemistry between them was really good and I loved their banter and witty dialog.
-“My name is Officer Augustus Seaton. You may refer to me as Officer Seaton.”
-“No problem, Auggie.”
The issue was with the first half of the book were everything moved too slow and the impression the characters left wasn’t always favorable. For starters, the pace of each character’s storyline was mismatched. While Coy’s point of view was throwing the story into action and suspense, August’s point of view was holding it back because his backstory was not introduced at the same time as Coy’s.
Also, the fact that August was able to accept everything that was happening to the shifters after their imprisonment, gave the impression that he was a very selfish character who was indifferent to other people’s suffering. As a result, after he finally understood the injustice that was done to the shifters, his character development was very rushed and not believable.
What rating should i give to this story? The first half was weak, but I was touched by the main character’s interactions in the second half. My dilemma came to an end when I took in consideration one important thing: While August was a virgin, Coy slept with other people long after he had met August. This is an MM romance story after all and there is nothing romantic in a character who has a threesome while his love interest is alone in the next room, listening.
I voluntarily reviewed the free copy that I received.
August 18, 2017
What can I say about this? It's got grit, excitement--like, "edge of your seat realize you're holding your breath" excitement--and passion. Oh good lord does it have passion. And shifters.
This was a wonderful read that took me by surprise with how much it wormed its way into my mind. A well-thought out world, a wonderful descriptive voice with setting, and characters that aren't just archetypes thrown into a story, but feel like real people, that's what you get with King of the Fire Dancers.
The story starts off intense and it just keeps ratcheting up from there, never missing a beat. And yet it still manages to provide excellent character development and growth along with all that plot. S. T. Sterlings definitely made a fan out of me!
This was a wonderful read that took me by surprise with how much it wormed its way into my mind. A well-thought out world, a wonderful descriptive voice with setting, and characters that aren't just archetypes thrown into a story, but feel like real people, that's what you get with King of the Fire Dancers.
The story starts off intense and it just keeps ratcheting up from there, never missing a beat. And yet it still manages to provide excellent character development and growth along with all that plot. S. T. Sterlings definitely made a fan out of me!
lurking-in-kindleland
September 25, 2017This was chosen for me in a PIFM challenge.
I have tried... but it's not working for me. I get to about 15% and lose interest
It's probably just my current frame of mind so I am popping it back for now and will come back to it later
I have tried... but it's not working for me. I get to about 15% and lose interest
It's probably just my current frame of mind so I am popping it back for now and will come back to it later
July 27, 2017
I was given an advanced copy of the book to give an honest review.
I would say that overall I had a great time reading this book! the major characters were all engaging and interesting to me and the world was fascinating. I was honestly surprised by how honestly the writer dealt with with issues relating to the abuses the shapeshifter characters received while imprisoned, there was definitely no beating around the bush there!
I really enjoyed August's character in particular. I felt that his storyline and character struggles were really engaging and interesting. At first I was ambivalent to him, then hated him, then pitied him and finally just really adored him. He was a great character to watch change throughout the story.
I will say I had some difficulties with the way we were just thrown into this world. I felt like I was missing some backstory or exposition there that would have helped me understand the world at the beginning because I was quite confused as to how it worked. I felt a better description of the world building was necessary.
But overall it was a great read! And I totally recommend it!
I would say that overall I had a great time reading this book! the major characters were all engaging and interesting to me and the world was fascinating. I was honestly surprised by how honestly the writer dealt with with issues relating to the abuses the shapeshifter characters received while imprisoned, there was definitely no beating around the bush there!
I really enjoyed August's character in particular. I felt that his storyline and character struggles were really engaging and interesting. At first I was ambivalent to him, then hated him, then pitied him and finally just really adored him. He was a great character to watch change throughout the story.
I will say I had some difficulties with the way we were just thrown into this world. I felt like I was missing some backstory or exposition there that would have helped me understand the world at the beginning because I was quite confused as to how it worked. I felt a better description of the world building was necessary.
But overall it was a great read! And I totally recommend it!
July 17, 2017
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have to say I feel like I got the better end of the deal. lol. I finished this book in about 2 days. It really dragged me in which is always a good thing.
The world building was really great; simple and easy to understand with lots of room to build onto it in the next book.
The characters were great, and I loved getting to know them better and watching them get closer through each of their interactions. I was a little worried in the beginning because they got off to a rough start with each other, but Sterlings does a great job of allowing them to become closer organically and build trust between them through out the book. By the end I was very solidly routing for them and was almost disappointed that I couldn't see more of them together.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, the story was engaging, the characters well developed and the pacing was perfect. I'm very much looking forward to what happens next in this world.
The world building was really great; simple and easy to understand with lots of room to build onto it in the next book.
The characters were great, and I loved getting to know them better and watching them get closer through each of their interactions. I was a little worried in the beginning because they got off to a rough start with each other, but Sterlings does a great job of allowing them to become closer organically and build trust between them through out the book. By the end I was very solidly routing for them and was almost disappointed that I couldn't see more of them together.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, the story was engaging, the characters well developed and the pacing was perfect. I'm very much looking forward to what happens next in this world.
September 18, 2018
This was a good read. I really liked the characters and the plot. I'm going to have to check out more from this author.
September 17, 2017
Well, to be honest, I didn't finish this book. I'm not a fan of persecution and this book starts with sneering humans visiting tagged shifters. Then we have one of the MC helping a character while he is murdering, kidnapping, beating people for his own enjoyment. I don't see how I'm supposed to like him after that and hoping he will be the love interest of the other MC.
So we have humans deciding to arbitrarily arrest all the shifters so they can do all kind of horrible things to them in a prison.
I find that authors often tend to needlessly extend bad treatment of their MC. Like in this case, does Coy have to have his loved ones killed or kidnapped, then suffer humiliation, experimentation, torture... (and what else after I stopped reading it) to want to escape? It couldn't be just because of unfair imprisonment? Nope.
So sure, there is world building, dragons,... but I'm not in the mood for torture.
So we have humans deciding to arbitrarily arrest all the shifters so they can do all kind of horrible things to them in a prison.
I find that authors often tend to needlessly extend bad treatment of their MC. Like in this case, does Coy have to have his loved ones killed or kidnapped, then suffer humiliation, experimentation, torture... (and what else after I stopped reading it) to want to escape? It couldn't be just because of unfair imprisonment? Nope.
So sure, there is world building, dragons,... but I'm not in the mood for torture.
September 20, 2017
'“How long are you going to stand there staring at me, Coy Conlin?” Amira asked from her spot behind the bar. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you slip in through the back door.”
Coy smirked as he approached her, maneuvering himself past a couple of women entwined in each other’s embrace. “Back door’s my favorite place to slip in,” he said.
She rolled her eyes...'
You know, I should have picked up on the snarky humour in the book because of the subtitle: 'Shift happens'. What can I say? I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes. I definitely enjoyed the humour and the exchanges between the two protagonists.
August Seaton seeks power authority and respect through his job with the registry. One of his 'clients' is dragon shifter Coy Conlin. Coy resents the intrusion of the registry into his life and the generally contemptuous way he and his grandmother are treated by registry officials. Coy uses passive aggressive snarky comments in shows of bravado to cope with his frustrations.
The dragon and his family struggle on the breadline, although they are fairly content and protective of each other. On the other extreme August has no close family and his restrictive childhood discouraged any close friendships. This leaves him struggling with conference issues and loneliness whilst figuring out life on his own. He craves acceptance and companionship.
August therefore chooses to hold his work colleague as a role model and aspires to be like him. He is flattered that a friendship appears to be blossoming between them. Blinded by this hope, August justifies and excuses the bigotry and questionable practices of his colleague and dampens down his misgivings.
The novel provides socio-political commentary that is particularly relevant at a time of heightened economic disparity and civil unrest. I think the book excels at depicting the challenges and daily prejudice faced by people deemed to be different. It brilliantly illustrates systematic violence, condescension and dehumanizing treatment of individuals at the hands of officialdom.
The storyline itself takes some time to develop before August and Coy are thrust together and begin tentative steps towards trusting one and other.
Essentially the veneer of August's carefully constructed world begins to crumble and he faces the considerable threat of retribution from Coy who believes August to be responsible for the death of his grandmother and the disappearance of his adopted brother Ari.
Coy is not the kind of person to let bygones be bygones. Therefore trust is a huge issue between them. Coy's sardonic humour is matched against August's quick wit to great affect and some laugh out loud moments even at times of high tension.
August becomes politically motivated and focused on making a difference whereas Coy is preoccupied with finding his brother. This is a collision of opposites and the underlying attraction begins to exert itself. Their adventure is intermingled with a slow-burn romance.
I wondered as I reached the final third of the book how all of the threads woven throughout the story would come together.
The simple answer is they don't.
The reader will have to wait for the next instalment of the Shift Happens series. I really enjoyed the story so far. A cliff hanger ending is a pet peeve of mine, so I am removing a star from my rating because of the frustration factor that nothing is fully resolved and I was not forewarned.
On the other hand there are plenty of other stars awarded for the unswerving portrayal of structural violence and intolerance and inner resilience. I found myself cheering for both Coy and August.
There is in addition an interesting exploration of bisexuality (Coy seems equally attracted to males and females along the way) and the positive inclusion of a transgender female as Coy's childhood friend.
I look forward with verve to the next instalment which in itself demonstrates the writing prowess, because generally when a cliff hanger ending is imposed upon me with little or no warning, I often refuse to read anything further out of principle.
Principles be damned, I shall definitely be keeping a lookout for Shift Happens #2. Since the action got hotter and hotter the next book promises to be worth waiting for.
** My thanks to the author and to the Male/Male Romance group's Don't Buy My Love event who provided a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review **
August 16, 2017
4.5 Stars
Coy Conlin is one of the few dragon shifters left in Asuda, and he detests the Registry that comes every few months to check up on him and his elderly grandmother. August Seaton is one of the new Registry officers and Coy hates him on principle. It's even worse when Coy returns from a night out and finds August present and his grandmother dead. Oh, and capturing him for indefinite imprisonment.
August Seaton has had an unpleasant life, with a brilliant scientist mother who is colder than an iceberg. He's been sheltered and isolated, and hungers for friendship, even from bigoted Registry officer Fate.
The bulk of this story is the struggle for Coy to get free of his prison--and August becomes and unexpected ally. I really don't want to give up too many plot details because the plot is fascinating and the adventure is tense. It's a high stakes experience, and I enjoyed the conversion of August from hapless lackey to imprisoned poseur. He's got a lot to learn about life, which he fully admits. Coy is bitter, but sensible, and takes August's help when the opportunity arises.
I'm totally invested in this series, and I really look forward to the next book! There's not a lot of romance, here, between Coy and August, though the potential is high despite the big reveal. There's a lot still to come besides the romance, though, and I'm just as eager to watch Coy gain his revenge, find his lost brother, and see August learn the truth of his heritage and rescue the imprisoned shifters of Asuda. I'm wondering if all this will happen in one book!!! O.O
Coy Conlin is one of the few dragon shifters left in Asuda, and he detests the Registry that comes every few months to check up on him and his elderly grandmother. August Seaton is one of the new Registry officers and Coy hates him on principle. It's even worse when Coy returns from a night out and finds August present and his grandmother dead. Oh, and capturing him for indefinite imprisonment.
August Seaton has had an unpleasant life, with a brilliant scientist mother who is colder than an iceberg. He's been sheltered and isolated, and hungers for friendship, even from bigoted Registry officer Fate.
The bulk of this story is the struggle for Coy to get free of his prison--and August becomes and unexpected ally. I really don't want to give up too many plot details because the plot is fascinating and the adventure is tense. It's a high stakes experience, and I enjoyed the conversion of August from hapless lackey to imprisoned poseur. He's got a lot to learn about life, which he fully admits. Coy is bitter, but sensible, and takes August's help when the opportunity arises.
I'm totally invested in this series, and I really look forward to the next book! There's not a lot of romance, here, between Coy and August, though the potential is high despite the big reveal. There's a lot still to come besides the romance, though, and I'm just as eager to watch Coy gain his revenge, find his lost brother, and see August learn the truth of his heritage and rescue the imprisoned shifters of Asuda. I'm wondering if all this will happen in one book!!! O.O
August 21, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Wow. King of the Fire Dancers has a taut and well developed plot, a whirlwind escape, and two characters that take the definition of dark to a new level. Almost from the start, I was captivated by the story and while there were some mild pacing issues at first, the writing was strong enough to hold my interest. The author does an excellent job of creating and maintaining a palpable tension that keeps you guessing and waiting for the next event. This books starts out as one thing, but quickly morphs into another and then another. Normally that kind of thing frustrates me, but Sterlings does a wonderful job of juggling every aspect of the story and giving it the flexibility and support to evolve naturally.
Coy and August are not exactly easy to like. Both have their redeeming characteristics, but they are so far past perfect it’s easy to wonder why we should care about them sometimes. Coy is naturally powerful, sensual, and arrogant. He follows the rules set forth by the Registry not because he wants to, but because he has no choice. He is deeply devoted to his family and friends, but has no such empathy or compassion for his fellow shifters. His arrogance seems to stem from knowing that as a dragon he’s nearly untouchable and, as a result, he’s not as cautious or perhaps as pragmatic as he should be. August is even more conflicted and difficult to untangle. Despite being a Registry officer, he seems to have a measure of sympathy towards shifters. Yet he never intervenes on their behalf and stands by on more than one occasion when a shifter is murdered. We’re told that his childhood was beyond horrific and as a result he is poorly socialized, desperate for affection, and somewhat handicapped by his emotions. When we discover the truth of an even darker aspect of his past, it becomes extremely difficult to have any sympathy for him at all. He tends to come of as somewhat pathetic and weak. Yet there is something about August, as there is about Coy, that draws readers in even if they don’t want to be. The journey they share both physically and mentally forces each man to confront the worst part of themselves.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Wow. King of the Fire Dancers has a taut and well developed plot, a whirlwind escape, and two characters that take the definition of dark to a new level. Almost from the start, I was captivated by the story and while there were some mild pacing issues at first, the writing was strong enough to hold my interest. The author does an excellent job of creating and maintaining a palpable tension that keeps you guessing and waiting for the next event. This books starts out as one thing, but quickly morphs into another and then another. Normally that kind of thing frustrates me, but Sterlings does a wonderful job of juggling every aspect of the story and giving it the flexibility and support to evolve naturally.
Coy and August are not exactly easy to like. Both have their redeeming characteristics, but they are so far past perfect it’s easy to wonder why we should care about them sometimes. Coy is naturally powerful, sensual, and arrogant. He follows the rules set forth by the Registry not because he wants to, but because he has no choice. He is deeply devoted to his family and friends, but has no such empathy or compassion for his fellow shifters. His arrogance seems to stem from knowing that as a dragon he’s nearly untouchable and, as a result, he’s not as cautious or perhaps as pragmatic as he should be. August is even more conflicted and difficult to untangle. Despite being a Registry officer, he seems to have a measure of sympathy towards shifters. Yet he never intervenes on their behalf and stands by on more than one occasion when a shifter is murdered. We’re told that his childhood was beyond horrific and as a result he is poorly socialized, desperate for affection, and somewhat handicapped by his emotions. When we discover the truth of an even darker aspect of his past, it becomes extremely difficult to have any sympathy for him at all. He tends to come of as somewhat pathetic and weak. Yet there is something about August, as there is about Coy, that draws readers in even if they don’t want to be. The journey they share both physically and mentally forces each man to confront the worst part of themselves.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
October 29, 2017
The blurb promised a lot of passion, action and world-building; the actual book delivers much less, and what it does deliver I was hard-pressed to care for. Things move very slowly for the first 60% or so of the story, because of lots of filler that I quickly found to be tedious, that is very complacently-described shifter abuse and human hatred - I would not go as far as to claim that the writer is into torture-porn and sadistic humiliation, but it sure headed this way on more than one occasion -, the kind of banter between both heroes that soon gets stale because it does not go anywhere relationship-wise while trying too hard to be funny, and bouts of straight sex by the rampant Coy that endure long after he has met August (yet another virgin character ! furthermore, the rationale behind his innocence is as arbitrary as a lot of the plotting). Putting at least a modicum of spunk in the personality of August, who always behaves like a complete doormat, would have lightened this enormously lenghty exposition; and more in the way of word-building, since we never get an explanation as to the why and how things became this tense between paranormals and humans, would have replaced advantageously a fair of the idle contents these many chapters are bogged down with. Of course, it was too much to hope at this point that the villains would exhibit some depth instead of irrational hatred or bizarre fixation on breeding shifters. When the action at long last resumes, it becomes a merry chase which ends, if not on a cliffhanger, at the very least on an uncertain note as nothing whatsoever is solved - a particularly dishonest way to ensnare the reader and make him splurge for the sequel. Last but not least, the writing is undistinguished, with an overabundance of awkward repetions (for example, "Coy would have to make his move the next time they TOOK HIM out of his cell to drag him to the lab or to the showers. The latter would be best. If they were TAKING HIM to the lab, and his attempt at escape was unsuccessful, he did not want to think about the type of torture Dr. Rowburg would bestow upon him. Perhaps he could tempt Katherine into swapping roles with one of the other officers, TAKE HIM to the showers instead of bringing him his meals") and certain proneness to preaching, most sensible in the not-so-occasional tirade (thus when August is dressed up as a female and asked to get smooth legs, his reluctance -“Not all women shave their legs” - gets him the following retort: "“That's true,” Amira acknowledged. “And I admire your feminist critique, but right now, we don't have time for that. I'm sure there are some men at this function that admire a woman in all of her natural, hairy beauty [sic]. But there are even more sexist, misogynistic pigs down there who think the only thing a woman should be is shaved [re-sic]. You don't have that much hair on you, but it's enough to get noticed. So, it's coming off”"). This lack of flair for crisp writing goes a long way towards explaining the lack of neat, individual voices for Coy and August and the recrudescence of their absurd thinking patterns ("August looked up, his face dripping with dirty shower water, and saw Richards standing in front of him. He pleaded with his eyes, begging the director to save him. Yes, he had lied. He had fooled the Registry. He had made them all look like idiots for not recognizing that one of their own was a shifter. Still, he didn't deserve this, didn't deserve to be beaten by a sociopathic monster like Hickman. “That’s enough, Hickman,” Richards ordered. “Take Seaton back to his cell.”").
April 19, 2018
I enjoyed the unique world and plot in this book! A bit slow to start, but this story does pick up once the action gets going. Unfortunately, that wasn't quite enough to get me really into this book.
I like where the author is going with this series. I can definitely see the enemies-to-lovers trope playing out, and the romance is slow-burn enough to make it believable. But there was just something missing that I can't quite put my finger on. I didn't feel much of a connection between the MC's. With them starting out as enemies it's not hard to imagine that they wouldn't be friendly with one another. But once the witty banter started, I expected to feel more of a connection between them and that just didn't happen. I also had a really hard time sympathizing with August. Although, I can understand the need to redeem August, I felt like he changed too quickly. I love seeing characters develop within a story or series, but that development has to be believable in order for those characters to feel genuine. August just seemed to flip too quickly, and I just couldn't understand his motivation. That being said, I do look forward to seeing how much more August (and Coy) change as the series continues.
I did really enjoy the MC's back and forth banter, and I LOVED Coy's nickname for August!
Despite this being book #1 in a series, I was surprised with the way it ended. Readers who enjoy this will definitely wish for book 2 to come out asap.
3 Stars
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I like where the author is going with this series. I can definitely see the enemies-to-lovers trope playing out, and the romance is slow-burn enough to make it believable. But there was just something missing that I can't quite put my finger on. I didn't feel much of a connection between the MC's. With them starting out as enemies it's not hard to imagine that they wouldn't be friendly with one another. But once the witty banter started, I expected to feel more of a connection between them and that just didn't happen. I also had a really hard time sympathizing with August. Although, I can understand the need to redeem August, I felt like he changed too quickly. I love seeing characters develop within a story or series, but that development has to be believable in order for those characters to feel genuine. August just seemed to flip too quickly, and I just couldn't understand his motivation. That being said, I do look forward to seeing how much more August (and Coy) change as the series continues.
I did really enjoy the MC's back and forth banter, and I LOVED Coy's nickname for August!
Despite this being book #1 in a series, I was surprised with the way it ended. Readers who enjoy this will definitely wish for book 2 to come out asap.
3 Stars
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I'll admit I was unsure about reading it as the shifters genre is not one I generally read, but I thought the premise was interesting so figured I'd give it a go. I liked it a lot! I regret that would not likely have purchased it because I would have missed a really good read.
What I liked: The author built a world that made sense to me. I often don't read a lot of fantasy or shifter type books because the worlds get too complicated and cease to make sense to my brain. This world, despite being a different realm, was presented in a way that I got. From the start I knew what was basically going on and could follow it all.
I liked both characters and found both to be believable. I did see some criticism of August, which I get but disagree with as people are raised in a sheltered, especially unloved environment often respond as he did going from one extreme to another with their emotions and thoughts.
I gave the story 3 stars because nothing was actually resolved in the book leaving a complete cliffhanger. I get it probably part of a trilogy, but I do prefer series where each book can stand alone while leaving you wanting the next one.
I am very much looking forward to the next book! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read a book somewhat outside my norm. :)
What I liked: The author built a world that made sense to me. I often don't read a lot of fantasy or shifter type books because the worlds get too complicated and cease to make sense to my brain. This world, despite being a different realm, was presented in a way that I got. From the start I knew what was basically going on and could follow it all.
I liked both characters and found both to be believable. I did see some criticism of August, which I get but disagree with as people are raised in a sheltered, especially unloved environment often respond as he did going from one extreme to another with their emotions and thoughts.
I gave the story 3 stars because nothing was actually resolved in the book leaving a complete cliffhanger. I get it probably part of a trilogy, but I do prefer series where each book can stand alone while leaving you wanting the next one.
I am very much looking forward to the next book! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read a book somewhat outside my norm. :)
August 26, 2017
This was an action packed, roller coaster, seat of your pants, hold your breath ride. It's an enemy to buddy, buddy to lover story, with great world building, lots of interesting characters, plenty of action., and lots of shifters. Oh and the snark is good!
I had a blast reading this! I picked this up on the recommendation of an author. I am so glad I did!
One note, it does end in a cliff hangar, but don't let that deter you, it's that good.
I had a blast reading this! I picked this up on the recommendation of an author. I am so glad I did!
One note, it does end in a cliff hangar, but don't let that deter you, it's that good.
August 28, 2017
3.25 stars
The first half of the book was terribly frustrating. I didn't particularly like either protagonist. And an "edge" to the action (specifically, the chase) was missing. The burn was so slow I'd forgotten a match might have been lit and the world building left much to be desired. The ending? Well. All things considered, I'm not convinced the next one is worth waiting for.
The first half of the book was terribly frustrating. I didn't particularly like either protagonist. And an "edge" to the action (specifically, the chase) was missing. The burn was so slow I'd forgotten a match might have been lit and the world building left much to be desired. The ending? Well. All things considered, I'm not convinced the next one is worth waiting for.
October 29, 2017
~ 3.5 Stars ~
King of the Fire Dancers started off slow. The pacing was definitely off for me, and it took a while to resolve the issue. The story being told from the alternating POVs of August and Coy created an inconsistency with the flow that I’ll admit was rough to get past during the first half. Coy’s perspective was faster and moving in a more action-packed direction, and I would get totally down with that; but then the switch would happen, and August’s point of view was more introspective and sluggish. Thankfully, it resolved itself about halfway through.
After finishing the story, I understand now why August’s perspective and backstory had to unfold the way it did, but man, I was not his biggest fan. It wasn’t even hate; I just was frustrated with him so many times. He expressed disgust for shifters, and his lack of empathy or understanding of what was truly happening drove be batty. August was completely fine with being given the bare minimum of information, rather happy to stick his head in the sand when he could, and he watched a murder and then was easily manipulated to blame the victim and celebrate the atrocities perpetuated by his employer as well as his work partner. Though his character had me wanting to shake some sense into him, and his perspective did slow down the plot pacing substantially as he worked through these emotions and misguided feelings, I was able to at least understand the whys, and eventually see how he had been conditioned to think and be a certain way. To see he was so lonely and so desperate to please the people around him, in order to finally form relationships and friendships, that he would literally talk himself into believing their bullcrap, even when his gut was originally telling him something else. Despite my irritation with him, I was better able to understand some of his choices and his closed off and distant personality through the rest of the book.
Coy has an ego as big as his shifted form (which is pretty darn big, BTW). He finds himself with the person he believes to have murdered his family dropped right in this lap, and struggles to figure out what he should do. But, as both are stuck together, he learns the truth of what happened. I liked the fact he remains on the fence about whether August is actually telling the truth, or whether it is a setup (which he should, because the Registry are un-fricken-believable in their machinations), or even if August is just saying something to save himself from Coy’s wrath. I appreciate realists, and Coy seems to be mostly that. Sure, he has plans for revenge, and that clouds his mind and judgement, but he tends to see the bigger picture and ask questions others don’t. His blunt nature means he also tells the truth—as he sees it—whether August wants to hear it or not. His harshly delivered honesty causes a lot of tension between the two, because Coy knows he needs to get August to open his eyes and truly see what is going on.
The story picked and up flowed well during the last half. Once August’s true nature is found out, and he is tossed in the very prison he locked other shifters in, things start to happen rather quickly as the perspectives remained steady in their flow. This is where I found myself getting involved and unable to take my eyes off my kindle. The two start out as little more than enemies who have a similar goal—escape. They are then forced together for the long trek across the county, and they start to change to a “frenemy”’ situation, and then evolve to something more. As they journey together, information is uncovered as to the possible reasons why, and who may be behind the atrocities being committed against the shifters, all the while learning about each other’s personalities and even finding common ground in some areas.
I want to be clear this is just the beginning of the series; nothing is wrapped in a happy little bow. Coy and August’s fleeing and subsequent adventure raises a ton of questions but delivers very few answers. As zilch is resolved, we get a sort of cliffhanger, with this book being the foundation opening more paths for future books. The bond forming between August and Coy is fragile, and though there are moments of intimacy between the two, there is a lack of trust as well as external obstacles constantly keeping them from exploring those feelings in any real capacity. So, don’t expect there to be a lot of sexy times for the guys, they have a lot of issues to still work through.
Though the beginning was slower paced, I could see something was building and gradually taking form, so I kept at it. I was rewarded once I got halfway, because the pacing picked up. Now I am hooked on what looks like a very promising start to a new series. I can’t wait to see what the future books have in store because there are a host of baddies who need their reckoning, political ties to uncover, revenge to be had, missing brothers to find, and so much more.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
King of the Fire Dancers started off slow. The pacing was definitely off for me, and it took a while to resolve the issue. The story being told from the alternating POVs of August and Coy created an inconsistency with the flow that I’ll admit was rough to get past during the first half. Coy’s perspective was faster and moving in a more action-packed direction, and I would get totally down with that; but then the switch would happen, and August’s point of view was more introspective and sluggish. Thankfully, it resolved itself about halfway through.
After finishing the story, I understand now why August’s perspective and backstory had to unfold the way it did, but man, I was not his biggest fan. It wasn’t even hate; I just was frustrated with him so many times. He expressed disgust for shifters, and his lack of empathy or understanding of what was truly happening drove be batty. August was completely fine with being given the bare minimum of information, rather happy to stick his head in the sand when he could, and he watched a murder and then was easily manipulated to blame the victim and celebrate the atrocities perpetuated by his employer as well as his work partner. Though his character had me wanting to shake some sense into him, and his perspective did slow down the plot pacing substantially as he worked through these emotions and misguided feelings, I was able to at least understand the whys, and eventually see how he had been conditioned to think and be a certain way. To see he was so lonely and so desperate to please the people around him, in order to finally form relationships and friendships, that he would literally talk himself into believing their bullcrap, even when his gut was originally telling him something else. Despite my irritation with him, I was better able to understand some of his choices and his closed off and distant personality through the rest of the book.
Coy has an ego as big as his shifted form (which is pretty darn big, BTW). He finds himself with the person he believes to have murdered his family dropped right in this lap, and struggles to figure out what he should do. But, as both are stuck together, he learns the truth of what happened. I liked the fact he remains on the fence about whether August is actually telling the truth, or whether it is a setup (which he should, because the Registry are un-fricken-believable in their machinations), or even if August is just saying something to save himself from Coy’s wrath. I appreciate realists, and Coy seems to be mostly that. Sure, he has plans for revenge, and that clouds his mind and judgement, but he tends to see the bigger picture and ask questions others don’t. His blunt nature means he also tells the truth—as he sees it—whether August wants to hear it or not. His harshly delivered honesty causes a lot of tension between the two, because Coy knows he needs to get August to open his eyes and truly see what is going on.
The story picked and up flowed well during the last half. Once August’s true nature is found out, and he is tossed in the very prison he locked other shifters in, things start to happen rather quickly as the perspectives remained steady in their flow. This is where I found myself getting involved and unable to take my eyes off my kindle. The two start out as little more than enemies who have a similar goal—escape. They are then forced together for the long trek across the county, and they start to change to a “frenemy”’ situation, and then evolve to something more. As they journey together, information is uncovered as to the possible reasons why, and who may be behind the atrocities being committed against the shifters, all the while learning about each other’s personalities and even finding common ground in some areas.
I want to be clear this is just the beginning of the series; nothing is wrapped in a happy little bow. Coy and August’s fleeing and subsequent adventure raises a ton of questions but delivers very few answers. As zilch is resolved, we get a sort of cliffhanger, with this book being the foundation opening more paths for future books. The bond forming between August and Coy is fragile, and though there are moments of intimacy between the two, there is a lack of trust as well as external obstacles constantly keeping them from exploring those feelings in any real capacity. So, don’t expect there to be a lot of sexy times for the guys, they have a lot of issues to still work through.
Though the beginning was slower paced, I could see something was building and gradually taking form, so I kept at it. I was rewarded once I got halfway, because the pacing picked up. Now I am hooked on what looks like a very promising start to a new series. I can’t wait to see what the future books have in store because there are a host of baddies who need their reckoning, political ties to uncover, revenge to be had, missing brothers to find, and so much more.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
September 14, 2017
A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
King of the Fire Dancers has a lot of different things going on. As the series title hints, there is an element of humor that appears throughout the book. There's also plenty of sexiness, although no particularly detailed sex scenes. The second half of the book also contains a lot of high-paced escape action. However, the bulk of the book is darker than I had anticipated, which suits the serious subject matter. The central theme of the book is injustice and marginalization, and it doesn't shy away from these topics.
I have so much appreciation for both of the central characters. I love flirty, snarky bisexual characters like Coy, and he develops a lot of complexity over the course of the book. August... well, a quarter of the way into the book I wasn't sure I would ever be able to sympathize with him. Yet somehow by the end of the book, I was really invested in his redemption. More than anything else in this book, I was impressed by the author's ability to pull off August's character arc. The tension and chemistry between Coy and August is believably slow-building and conflicted. There isn't a ton of development of the secondary characters in the book, but there were several who intrigued me, including a transgender woman who is a close friend of Coy's. I also liked that all of the characters are described as brown-skinned, because this seems to be really rare in MM and in fantasy.
There were a few things that kept this book from being a 5-star read for me. The first half of the book was pretty slow and not a lot happened, with nearly all the action packed into the second half. There were several inconsistencies in the way things were described and some plot-holes I couldn't ignore. () I also wanted to know a bit more about the world-building. I was really confused when the book first started to bring in "modern" technologies, and I still don't have a really good mental image of the overall structure of this world and society outside of the stigma against shifters. Finally, I was uncomfortable about .
This is not the book to pick up if you're looking for light-hearted fluff, but if you like some sociopolitical commentary and adventure with your slow-burn romance, it's a great read. Although the first half dragged a bit, I devoured the second half in a few hours. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
King of the Fire Dancers has a lot of different things going on. As the series title hints, there is an element of humor that appears throughout the book. There's also plenty of sexiness, although no particularly detailed sex scenes. The second half of the book also contains a lot of high-paced escape action. However, the bulk of the book is darker than I had anticipated, which suits the serious subject matter. The central theme of the book is injustice and marginalization, and it doesn't shy away from these topics.
I have so much appreciation for both of the central characters. I love flirty, snarky bisexual characters like Coy, and he develops a lot of complexity over the course of the book. August... well, a quarter of the way into the book I wasn't sure I would ever be able to sympathize with him. Yet somehow by the end of the book, I was really invested in his redemption. More than anything else in this book, I was impressed by the author's ability to pull off August's character arc. The tension and chemistry between Coy and August is believably slow-building and conflicted. There isn't a ton of development of the secondary characters in the book, but there were several who intrigued me, including a transgender woman who is a close friend of Coy's. I also liked that all of the characters are described as brown-skinned, because this seems to be really rare in MM and in fantasy.
There were a few things that kept this book from being a 5-star read for me. The first half of the book was pretty slow and not a lot happened, with nearly all the action packed into the second half. There were several inconsistencies in the way things were described and some plot-holes I couldn't ignore. () I also wanted to know a bit more about the world-building. I was really confused when the book first started to bring in "modern" technologies, and I still don't have a really good mental image of the overall structure of this world and society outside of the stigma against shifters. Finally, I was uncomfortable about .
This is not the book to pick up if you're looking for light-hearted fluff, but if you like some sociopolitical commentary and adventure with your slow-burn romance, it's a great read. Although the first half dragged a bit, I devoured the second half in a few hours. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
November 5, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
As the blurb promises this has some dark content. Mainly injustice, captivity and torture. Sometimes these things occur quickly or off page and we’re left to wallow in the MCs feelings on such things. Not in this book. It’s ALL on page. There are also some attempted rapes so prepare yourself for that. This is a trigger for me personally and I normally hate reading anything about it. I will say while it made me sick to my stomach it mostly just fueled my hate for the Registry. Which seemed to serve the purpose of it being in the book. It’s not just there for no reason. The Registry is a group of government officials meant to control and monitor Shifters living in this world. A good portion of this book is spent showing just how evil and cruel humans can be. In this world the Shifters are outnumbered by humans. Out of fear of being the weaker species the humans force the Shifters to register. There’s an apparent prejudice revealed fairly quickly and that includes the officers of the Registry. When a powerful man’s daughter is supposedly attacked by a Shifter they lose every small freedom they had managed to hold onto.
August is the socially awkward Registry officer that helped put Coy in prison. He was also there when Coy’s grandmother was murdered. Coy is a dragon Shifter and considered the most powerful. Despite his hate for August he’s his best chance at escaping. While on the run the guys reluctantly get to know each other. Coy is cocky and rightfully angry. August is full of guilt. He’s also had no friends his entire life so he is easily manipulated. I have to admit to not liking August in the first 100 pages or so of this book. He ignores his instincts to to the right thing out of fear and cowardliness. He sides with the wrong side but ultimately had little choice in the matter. Doesn’t make you forgive him any more easily while the Shifters are being enslaved and tortured. I will say the author did a good job of showing how fear and the need for kindness can make someone do bad things. As the book continues however he seems to redeem himself. Coy isn’t always kind but you always remain in his corner. Together they set out to find out what happened to Coy’s brother and discover who really attacked the little girl. It’s not out right said but there’s obviously a conspiracy of some sort waiting to be solved.
As the blurb promises this has some dark content. Mainly injustice, captivity and torture. Sometimes these things occur quickly or off page and we’re left to wallow in the MCs feelings on such things. Not in this book. It’s ALL on page. There are also some attempted rapes so prepare yourself for that. This is a trigger for me personally and I normally hate reading anything about it. I will say while it made me sick to my stomach it mostly just fueled my hate for the Registry. Which seemed to serve the purpose of it being in the book. It’s not just there for no reason. The Registry is a group of government officials meant to control and monitor Shifters living in this world. A good portion of this book is spent showing just how evil and cruel humans can be. In this world the Shifters are outnumbered by humans. Out of fear of being the weaker species the humans force the Shifters to register. There’s an apparent prejudice revealed fairly quickly and that includes the officers of the Registry. When a powerful man’s daughter is supposedly attacked by a Shifter they lose every small freedom they had managed to hold onto.
August is the socially awkward Registry officer that helped put Coy in prison. He was also there when Coy’s grandmother was murdered. Coy is a dragon Shifter and considered the most powerful. Despite his hate for August he’s his best chance at escaping. While on the run the guys reluctantly get to know each other. Coy is cocky and rightfully angry. August is full of guilt. He’s also had no friends his entire life so he is easily manipulated. I have to admit to not liking August in the first 100 pages or so of this book. He ignores his instincts to to the right thing out of fear and cowardliness. He sides with the wrong side but ultimately had little choice in the matter. Doesn’t make you forgive him any more easily while the Shifters are being enslaved and tortured. I will say the author did a good job of showing how fear and the need for kindness can make someone do bad things. As the book continues however he seems to redeem himself. Coy isn’t always kind but you always remain in his corner. Together they set out to find out what happened to Coy’s brother and discover who really attacked the little girl. It’s not out right said but there’s obviously a conspiracy of some sort waiting to be solved.
September 3, 2017
I LOVED this so much. I was looking for a good enemies-to-lovers book and stumbled upon this and it definitely delivered. I read it from start to finish in one sitting.
The blurb provided summarizes the entire first half of the book. Since it is the first in the series, it starts a little slow as Sterling introduces us to the world and the characters. I was keen to get to the point where they become cellmates which happens half way through, and that's where the book gets really good. I found the pacing from this point on flowed really well. There is a lot of angst and it's a slow burn but I think the pay-off was worth it.
The world that Sterlings has created is fascinating and I have never read a shifter book about a dragon before so I thought that was really cool. The animal that August shifts into is kept a secret until the end, although you will probably be able to guess beforehand, so while it was not a surprise I liked the way it was revealed. I love how the relationship builds between Coy and August and goes from hate to love.
It definitely left me wanting more and I will be keeping a keen eye out for the next release!
The blurb provided summarizes the entire first half of the book. Since it is the first in the series, it starts a little slow as Sterling introduces us to the world and the characters. I was keen to get to the point where they become cellmates which happens half way through, and that's where the book gets really good. I found the pacing from this point on flowed really well. There is a lot of angst and it's a slow burn but I think the pay-off was worth it.
The world that Sterlings has created is fascinating and I have never read a shifter book about a dragon before so I thought that was really cool. The animal that August shifts into is kept a secret until the end, although you will probably be able to guess beforehand, so while it was not a surprise I liked the way it was revealed. I love how the relationship builds between Coy and August and goes from hate to love.
It definitely left me wanting more and I will be keeping a keen eye out for the next release!
October 21, 2017
I received a copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I'll start by saying that this would have been a 5* review if it hadn't ended on a semi cliffhanger. Without giving away any spoilers, the cliffhanger wasn't as abrupt as it could have been and the ending did have a nice feel good factor to it, but - CLIFFHANGER!
I am going to assume (and truly hope) the relationship continues in the next book or I will be very upset. I am invested in the two main characters now and I want to know how they get on and solve the problems they have. I'm also loving the different take on the interaction between humans and shifters in this world. Apart from the ending (I will always hate cliffhangers, even little bitty ones) this is a really good book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I'll start by saying that this would have been a 5* review if it hadn't ended on a semi cliffhanger. Without giving away any spoilers, the cliffhanger wasn't as abrupt as it could have been and the ending did have a nice feel good factor to it, but - CLIFFHANGER!
I am going to assume (and truly hope) the relationship continues in the next book or I will be very upset. I am invested in the two main characters now and I want to know how they get on and solve the problems they have. I'm also loving the different take on the interaction between humans and shifters in this world. Apart from the ending (I will always hate cliffhangers, even little bitty ones) this is a really good book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 8, 2018
2.5 Stars
I finished the book yesterday but wasn't sure what rating to give it.
The first part of the book was really boring and slow. I was in page 100 and nothing had happened.
I don't like DNF the books I choose to read but this one was almost crossing that line. I continue reading and the story get a little better, not that much but it keep my curiosity alive.
While they're escaping and running the plot get interesting. We get to know more about Coy and August but something is still missing.
And the End doesn't help. How could you end the history like that!!!
I don't know if I'll read the next book. I'm really a little disappointed with the book in general. Time will tell :-[
I finished the book yesterday but wasn't sure what rating to give it.
The first part of the book was really boring and slow. I was in page 100 and nothing had happened.
I don't like DNF the books I choose to read but this one was almost crossing that line. I continue reading and the story get a little better, not that much but it keep my curiosity alive.
While they're escaping and running the plot get interesting. We get to know more about Coy and August but something is still missing.
And the End doesn't help. How could you end the history like that!!!
I don't know if I'll read the next book. I'm really a little disappointed with the book in general. Time will tell :-[
September 29, 2017
I don't know how to rate the part I've read.
I loved Coy's chapters, but August's dragged on and on. He had no will and no spark. I get it, such was his life and such were his circumstances, but why did the author have to bore me out of my wits talking about him?
The pacing of the book certainly did not agree with me. Which is a total bummer. I had high hopes for this book :(
3 stars for the 45% I struggled through :(
I loved Coy's chapters, but August's dragged on and on. He had no will and no spark. I get it, such was his life and such were his circumstances, but why did the author have to bore me out of my wits talking about him?
The pacing of the book certainly did not agree with me. Which is a total bummer. I had high hopes for this book :(
3 stars for the 45% I struggled through :(
September 10, 2017
I'm not a fan of books with institutionalized and systemic persecution (or any book featuring 'camps'), and especially not if the narrative moves as slow as this one did. Also, I guess "MM Romance" now means "Bisexual Romance With Much Heterosexual Sex." I didn't get that memo, but evidently this author did.
December 18, 2017
This book will whet your appetite for more, and I want more: now. It starts out at a slower pace as you get to learn about the characters and in particular Coy. You get time to fall in love with his grandma and brother before they are taken from him and it will devastate you just as much as it does him. One great thing about this book is that you get both sides. The devastated Coy experiencing all the evil and August, passively participating in the evil and desperately trying, and for the most part failing, to rationalize it to himself. I honestly appreciated August's growth more than Coy's because he had more to grow from, he's been living a lie his entire life. I believe that his archetype is initially that of an Uncle Tom and it's really satisfying to see the gradual dissolution of that character type.
I did have some concerns with the plot, mainly that you can see all the twists coming. This might go unnoticed by a casual reader but if you pay close attention, you can predict almost all of the developments. I don't think this is necessarily bad, I just don't know if this is what the author intended. I also questioned some choices that the characters make, that were at times illogical and also out of character. Rape and sexual assault are also casually treated which might be triggering to some. I did really like the groundwork being laid for the world though, and hope it is expanded upon in the sequel.
In regards to the romance, it is a slow burn in that we don't get any verbal romantic declarations or really even major sex scenes but there is definitely love developing, a pretty epic love I think. Getting to see that love bloom was a real treat and I can't wait for August to get Coy to give up his prejudices. All in all, this book was fun and a great introduction to a fantasy world that is unfortunately too similar to our own regarding discrimination.
I did have some concerns with the plot, mainly that you can see all the twists coming. This might go unnoticed by a casual reader but if you pay close attention, you can predict almost all of the developments. I don't think this is necessarily bad, I just don't know if this is what the author intended. I also questioned some choices that the characters make, that were at times illogical and also out of character. Rape and sexual assault are also casually treated which might be triggering to some. I did really like the groundwork being laid for the world though, and hope it is expanded upon in the sequel.
In regards to the romance, it is a slow burn in that we don't get any verbal romantic declarations or really even major sex scenes but there is definitely love developing, a pretty epic love I think. Getting to see that love bloom was a real treat and I can't wait for August to get Coy to give up his prejudices. All in all, this book was fun and a great introduction to a fantasy world that is unfortunately too similar to our own regarding discrimination.
August 17, 2017
They go through a wild journey and end up having intense feelings for each other. The world building is beautifully brilliant. I really can’t say enough good about this book. I’m so excited this is a series!
King of the Fire Dancers is a must read!
FULL REVIEW - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
King of the Fire Dancers is a must read!
FULL REVIEW - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
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