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Damask Circle #1
Circle of Fire
Sixteen teenagers taken from their homes. Eleven bodies recovered, each completely drained of blood. Some believe vampires are responsible, but Jon Barnett knows it's something far worse. To stop the killers in Taurin Bay, he becomes enmeshed in a web of black magic and realizes he needs help. But fate gives him only one choice in the form of recluse Madeline Smith.
Madeline Smith has retreated to an isolated farmhouse, afraid of the psychic abilities she can't control-abilities that have killed. But when "ghost" Jon Barnett brings a warning of danger and her nephew disappears, Maddie has to leave her haven. She also has to learn to control the abilities she fears and place her trust in Jon Barnett, a man who is neither human nor ghost.
But as the search for the teenagers becomes a race against time, and the noose of sorcery threatens to kill Maddie and Jon, the greatest danger to them both could be the feelings they have for each other-feelings that they refuse to acknowledge.
298 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2001
117 people are currently reading
1795 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
100 books6,002 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
December 16, 2017
One of those books I'd read ages ago and never wrote anything about them. I really like Keri Arthur so I read it again today. Nothing is changed really. Even her weaker stories are better than some of the more popular ones out there (won't name any names).
This is the first book about an organization that fights paranormal threats. It acts under the guise of private investigations and such. Each book features different characters and a new threat. The cases are interesting enough.
You can see Keri Arthur exploring some of the themes she will later develop in her other series; in Riley Jenson Guardian she will make them even more serious and the villains even more bloodthirsty and dangerous.
Maddy is dragged out of her self-imposed exile to save a man who contacted her in a not very corporeal form. All of a sudden her problems seem a bit smaller when she realizes humans aren't the only ones living in this world and, as with humans, you get both sides of the coin.
Overall, I still like this.
This is the first book about an organization that fights paranormal threats. It acts under the guise of private investigations and such. Each book features different characters and a new threat. The cases are interesting enough.
You can see Keri Arthur exploring some of the themes she will later develop in her other series; in Riley Jenson Guardian she will make them even more serious and the villains even more bloodthirsty and dangerous.
Maddy is dragged out of her self-imposed exile to save a man who contacted her in a not very corporeal form. All of a sudden her problems seem a bit smaller when she realizes humans aren't the only ones living in this world and, as with humans, you get both sides of the coin.
Overall, I still like this.
dnf
March 25, 2015Nope, can't do it. I hate everyone introduced so far, they can all die in a fire.
did-not-finish
May 28, 2024The writing style irritated me too much.
July 13, 2014
It's not often I award low ratings to books with a shapeshifter as a main character but this was one of Keri Arthur's earliest works and it showed.
Circle of Fire had a simple mediocre plot about missing teenagers including the protagonist's nephew, with shaky writing which failed to suck me in and was occasionally painful to read with it's cheesy and clichéd lines.
The characters appeared all-knowing, a bit of a stretch even with Jon's sharp instincts and the hawk's watchful eyes and Maddie's untrained, and therefore unreliable, psychic abilities.
I never truly cared about this couple or felt anything about their "romance" which to be honest wasn't very romantic at all. Jon in particular was difficult to relate to considering his lack of background. We knew very little about him other than him working as a supernatural PI for the Damask Circle. And strangely for an Arthur book there was only one sex scene, which again wasn't the best but not the worst I've read either.
Maddie's prejudiced brother-in-law, the character I was most intrigued by, was so sceptical about her abilities it bordered on murderous hatred. His behaviour towards her didn't bode well for his relationship with his similarly talented son. The quick mention of their apparently improving father-son relationship disappointed me. That was something I wanted to "see" for myself rather than have briefly described in the epilogue. I also wished to know whether Steve treated Maddie any differently after saving his son and learning of his talents, and if she would ever tell him the truth of what happened to her deceased husband.
The colourful cover is what drew me to this book but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it. I will however try out the next instalment of the Damask Circle trilogy in the hope that the writing improves.
Circle of Fire had a simple mediocre plot about missing teenagers including the protagonist's nephew, with shaky writing which failed to suck me in and was occasionally painful to read with it's cheesy and clichéd lines.
The characters appeared all-knowing, a bit of a stretch even with Jon's sharp instincts and the hawk's watchful eyes and Maddie's untrained, and therefore unreliable, psychic abilities.
I never truly cared about this couple or felt anything about their "romance" which to be honest wasn't very romantic at all. Jon in particular was difficult to relate to considering his lack of background. We knew very little about him other than him working as a supernatural PI for the Damask Circle. And strangely for an Arthur book there was only one sex scene, which again wasn't the best but not the worst I've read either.
Maddie's prejudiced brother-in-law, the character I was most intrigued by, was so sceptical about her abilities it bordered on murderous hatred. His behaviour towards her didn't bode well for his relationship with his similarly talented son. The quick mention of their apparently improving father-son relationship disappointed me. That was something I wanted to "see" for myself rather than have briefly described in the epilogue. I also wished to know whether Steve treated Maddie any differently after saving his son and learning of his talents, and if she would ever tell him the truth of what happened to her deceased husband.
The colourful cover is what drew me to this book but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it. I will however try out the next instalment of the Damask Circle trilogy in the hope that the writing improves.
November 3, 2009
I liked this book. The characters were well written and fun. I really like a good mystery with supernatural creatures. This story has werewolves, psychics, ghosts etc.There's great suspense and danger. I'm a fan of anything Keri Arthur does, so it wasn't a surprise I liked it. I will be reading the next books in the series. Keri Arthur is a great author and you will NOT regret ever picking up any of her books!
January 8, 2014
Initial Thoughts: 3.5 stars. A solid start to the Damask Circle series. This is the first book I've read by this author and I am happy to say that I will be reading more of her books. I literally inhaled this book which had an interesting take on the usual shifters. I loved the lead couple although Jon kind of got on my nerves with his resistance to love. Maddie was interesting - an untrained psychic and fire starter who had to hide her talents. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
The Review:
So here I was getting all excited that I found something new and fresh in the urban fantasy/paranormal romance genre. Then I realized that this series was originally published in 2001 and 2009 under the same name. Well, it's still a new-to-me series, so I guess I can go ahead with my gushing.
It's so much fun to find fresh, new books in urban fantasy. I mean, how many different ways can you do the vampire/werewolf thing? Circle of Fire is a solid start to the Damask Circleseries. In fact, I loved being in this world. I literally devoured the book in one sitting.
I think I enjoyed this book because it was a different take on the same old stuff. The main characters had intriguing abilities. Maddie Smith was an untrained psychic with the ability to start fires. Jon Barnett is a shape shifter whose main form is a hawk.
This world is juxtaposed with our human world. Humans look down upon those with gifts and special abilities. Maddie was untrained because her family, then her late husband all tried to repress her gifts. The result was disastrous for Maddie. Discrimination runs rampant against the gifted and paranormal. Jon works for the Damask Circle, a special agency or police force for paranormal creatures. He is currently investigating the disappearance and murder of teenagers at the full moon.
This is not your ordinary romance. Jon appeals to Maddie to rescue him by appearing to her as a ghost-like image. Despite her reservations, Maddie drives out to Tauren Bay and rescues Jon from a well. Together, they begin to investigate the kidnappings (Maddie has a personal stake - her nephew is one of the missing), putting themselves in danger.
The plot moves along fairly fast. Jon and Maddie race against the clock to rescue the kids before the new moon. The villain is quite powerful and scary as are some of the townspeople.
My only reservation about this book was that I wanted to smack Jon upside the head a few times. I couldn't understand why he would deny his feelings for Maddie for so long. Darn commitment issues.
Circle of Fire was a fast paced, action packed read. I can't wait to get to the next book in the series Circle of Death.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Dell for a review copy of this book.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
The Review:
So here I was getting all excited that I found something new and fresh in the urban fantasy/paranormal romance genre. Then I realized that this series was originally published in 2001 and 2009 under the same name. Well, it's still a new-to-me series, so I guess I can go ahead with my gushing.
It's so much fun to find fresh, new books in urban fantasy. I mean, how many different ways can you do the vampire/werewolf thing? Circle of Fire is a solid start to the Damask Circleseries. In fact, I loved being in this world. I literally devoured the book in one sitting.
I think I enjoyed this book because it was a different take on the same old stuff. The main characters had intriguing abilities. Maddie Smith was an untrained psychic with the ability to start fires. Jon Barnett is a shape shifter whose main form is a hawk.
This world is juxtaposed with our human world. Humans look down upon those with gifts and special abilities. Maddie was untrained because her family, then her late husband all tried to repress her gifts. The result was disastrous for Maddie. Discrimination runs rampant against the gifted and paranormal. Jon works for the Damask Circle, a special agency or police force for paranormal creatures. He is currently investigating the disappearance and murder of teenagers at the full moon.
This is not your ordinary romance. Jon appeals to Maddie to rescue him by appearing to her as a ghost-like image. Despite her reservations, Maddie drives out to Tauren Bay and rescues Jon from a well. Together, they begin to investigate the kidnappings (Maddie has a personal stake - her nephew is one of the missing), putting themselves in danger.
The plot moves along fairly fast. Jon and Maddie race against the clock to rescue the kids before the new moon. The villain is quite powerful and scary as are some of the townspeople.
My only reservation about this book was that I wanted to smack Jon upside the head a few times. I couldn't understand why he would deny his feelings for Maddie for so long. Darn commitment issues.
Circle of Fire was a fast paced, action packed read. I can't wait to get to the next book in the series Circle of Death.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Dell for a review copy of this book.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
March 27, 2016
***A complimentary copy of this read was furnished by NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review***
Madeline Smith's friends and family joked, scoffed and laughed at her so-called psychic powers. Maddie knew her powers were real and knew they were out of control when she caused a death. Maddie chooses to become a recluse while she had a chance to make her own choices. Fearful of powers she can't control, Maddie's refuses to help Jon Barnett when he floats to her and begs for help.
Jon can't accept Maddie's refusal as final if he's going to be saved from certain death, help solve the mystery of the missing teenagers and help Maggie help herself. Attempting to make Maddie understand how dire the situation really is, Jon tells Maddie how her family is affected. Before it happens! She reasons that if that was true, Jon may have been telling the truth
With a time sensitive event in play, Maddie races to find and save Jon so they can find and save her nephew. The mysteries and truths of Jon unfold as he and Maddie work to solve the unknowns surrounding the missing teens.
The characters and introduction were well done and invited the reader to invest in them right away. The romance was also good. The mystery and suspense pieces of finding out what happened to the teenagers gave both Jon and Maddie places to shine and their chemistry seemed to grow as the relationship deepened and the story fell in place.
This read was a surprise, I'd initially put off reading it thinking I knew the genre and wasn't in the mood for it, then I forgot. Color me excited when I found it to be a fairly good and suspenseful adult UF/PNR and not a YA Urban Fantasy. Since I have read the author's later works, its evident this piece was early in her career. This story was close to passing from good to very good but didn't quite make it.
Rating: 3.5stars
Madeline Smith's friends and family joked, scoffed and laughed at her so-called psychic powers. Maddie knew her powers were real and knew they were out of control when she caused a death. Maddie chooses to become a recluse while she had a chance to make her own choices. Fearful of powers she can't control, Maddie's refuses to help Jon Barnett when he floats to her and begs for help.
Jon can't accept Maddie's refusal as final if he's going to be saved from certain death, help solve the mystery of the missing teenagers and help Maggie help herself. Attempting to make Maddie understand how dire the situation really is, Jon tells Maddie how her family is affected. Before it happens! She reasons that if that was true, Jon may have been telling the truth
With a time sensitive event in play, Maddie races to find and save Jon so they can find and save her nephew. The mysteries and truths of Jon unfold as he and Maddie work to solve the unknowns surrounding the missing teens.
The characters and introduction were well done and invited the reader to invest in them right away. The romance was also good. The mystery and suspense pieces of finding out what happened to the teenagers gave both Jon and Maddie places to shine and their chemistry seemed to grow as the relationship deepened and the story fell in place.
This read was a surprise, I'd initially put off reading it thinking I knew the genre and wasn't in the mood for it, then I forgot. Color me excited when I found it to be a fairly good and suspenseful adult UF/PNR and not a YA Urban Fantasy. Since I have read the author's later works, its evident this piece was early in her career. This story was close to passing from good to very good but didn't quite make it.
Rating: 3.5stars
February 23, 2014
I received Circle of Fire by Keri Arthur through Netgalley for an honest review.
Where do I start? From the very first page I was intrigued by this book. It starts of with Maddie being visited by what she thinks is a ghost named Jon. Jon comes to Maddie in what she thinks is some sort of dream. He tells her he has been shot and somehow is connected to her in some way. Jon asks Maddie to rescue him and if she doesn't he will be a ghost soon enough. Maddie doesn't take Jon's warning seriously so the next night he visits her again. He lets her know teenagers are going missing and the next will be a boy named Evan. Evan is Maddie's nephew. Maddie calls her sister and sure enough Evan has gone missing. Maddie and Jon set on a trail to find the missing boy.
I love Maddie in this book. She is a feisty woman who is facing demons of her own. What you don't know about Maddie is that she is a psychic who can produce fire. She has hurt many people in her life and is scared because she can not control her abilities. She looks to Jon for guidance as he is no newbie to the supernatural world.
Jon is a shapeshifter who has been hunting supernatural beings all of his life. He is brave and strong, but likes to do stuff on his own. He looks to no one for help and wants nothing to stand in his way. Jon doesn't get close to anyone and has no friends or family. He solely relies on himself and his abilities to take down evil.
Overall this book was a good read and kept me guessing from one page to the next. Throughout the book I had no clue until the end if Jon and Maddie would end up together. They had a very competitive relationship and were both hardheaded at times. I would have liked to see more of Maddie's past with her ex husband. I would have also liked to know how Jon became a shapeshifter and if it was something he was born into or if he chose this life. I will definitely be purchasing the next book in this series and I cant wait to see what happens with Maddie and Jon.
Where do I start? From the very first page I was intrigued by this book. It starts of with Maddie being visited by what she thinks is a ghost named Jon. Jon comes to Maddie in what she thinks is some sort of dream. He tells her he has been shot and somehow is connected to her in some way. Jon asks Maddie to rescue him and if she doesn't he will be a ghost soon enough. Maddie doesn't take Jon's warning seriously so the next night he visits her again. He lets her know teenagers are going missing and the next will be a boy named Evan. Evan is Maddie's nephew. Maddie calls her sister and sure enough Evan has gone missing. Maddie and Jon set on a trail to find the missing boy.
I love Maddie in this book. She is a feisty woman who is facing demons of her own. What you don't know about Maddie is that she is a psychic who can produce fire. She has hurt many people in her life and is scared because she can not control her abilities. She looks to Jon for guidance as he is no newbie to the supernatural world.
Jon is a shapeshifter who has been hunting supernatural beings all of his life. He is brave and strong, but likes to do stuff on his own. He looks to no one for help and wants nothing to stand in his way. Jon doesn't get close to anyone and has no friends or family. He solely relies on himself and his abilities to take down evil.
Overall this book was a good read and kept me guessing from one page to the next. Throughout the book I had no clue until the end if Jon and Maddie would end up together. They had a very competitive relationship and were both hardheaded at times. I would have liked to see more of Maddie's past with her ex husband. I would have also liked to know how Jon became a shapeshifter and if it was something he was born into or if he chose this life. I will definitely be purchasing the next book in this series and I cant wait to see what happens with Maddie and Jon.
August 6, 2016
Review in the writing ...This was a case of 'the covers hooked me' and I'm disappointed with what was between them. Well, to be fair I understand that this was one of Arthur's first writing endeavors and two stars might bee too harsh but I stand by what I feel.
There were more than a few poorly written sentences. Repetitive descriptions, I can't count the times I'm reminded of Jon's blue blue eyes. I get that, I think I might have even seen them in a dream once or twice. There were parts I could have re-written myself but I hadn't the time and I didn't want to be such a jerk to think I know better (even in fact when I do know better).
Both Jon and Madeline’s character’s need major development. I wanted to learn more about his family, about the mysterious Damask Circle he works for, what on the nine planets do they do? Why can’t Maddie stop whining and reminiscing about her abusive late husband and how Jon reminds her of him? I don’t understand how she really connected the dots on that one. The story line held promise but I found it lacking volume in places, on the whole it turned out to be rather flat.
I think Arthur did a decent job on the villain though. I seem to have a lot of negative things to say about this book but I’ve read a considerable lot to compare it to but like I said it was one of her first works and I expect to see vast improvements in her more recent ones but for now I’ll keep my distance.
There were more than a few poorly written sentences. Repetitive descriptions, I can't count the times I'm reminded of Jon's blue blue eyes. I get that, I think I might have even seen them in a dream once or twice. There were parts I could have re-written myself but I hadn't the time and I didn't want to be such a jerk to think I know better (even in fact when I do know better).
Both Jon and Madeline’s character’s need major development. I wanted to learn more about his family, about the mysterious Damask Circle he works for, what on the nine planets do they do? Why can’t Maddie stop whining and reminiscing about her abusive late husband and how Jon reminds her of him? I don’t understand how she really connected the dots on that one. The story line held promise but I found it lacking volume in places, on the whole it turned out to be rather flat.
I think Arthur did a decent job on the villain though. I seem to have a lot of negative things to say about this book but I’ve read a considerable lot to compare it to but like I said it was one of her first works and I expect to see vast improvements in her more recent ones but for now I’ll keep my distance.
November 26, 2025
Circle of Fire was a highly entertaining paranormal romance. It also has a big dash of murder, lots of mystery with a huge dose of magic...all the makings of a fabulous story. I am an avid fan of Keri Arthur's current works, and was not disappointed with a story from her past. Although it doesn't have the polish of some of her newest creations, Circle of Fire was a compelling story with enticing characters and a thrilling mystery to figure out.
I received this ARC copy of Circle of Fire from Random House - Dell in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on January 28, 2014.
I received this ARC copy of Circle of Fire from Random House - Dell in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on January 28, 2014.
September 5, 2018
Actually read this ages ago and realized I never posted my review. This was a fast-paced paranormal read that I really enjoyed start from finish. I thought the premise was unique and I found the mysteries not easy to solve out on my own. First book I read from the author and I would definitely read more.
April 5, 2022
I’m not as big a fan of the insta-love trope now as I was in my teens… but I read this because I needed a palate cleanser that I knew wouldn’t be emotionally draining and would still be interesting/entertaining. It certainly was that.
March 15, 2019
I was very surprised that this book was so awful. I always love Keri Arthur books. Don't waste your time, I'm sorry to say. ☹️
July 9, 2010
Maddie has some amazing abilities but she has never learnt to control them which led has to disastrous consequences in the past. Now terrified of her own gifts she has hidden away from the world in her isolated farm house not wanting to risk putting others in danger. When she receives a warning that her nephew is in trouble she is forced to face her fears and leave her haven to try and save him. Jon works for the Damask Circle, a secret organisation that protects the world from supernatural creatures gone bad. He is investigating the disappearance of 16 teenagers, 11 of whom have turned up dead with their bodies drained of blood. He needs help but he doesn't want the complication of the attraction he feels for Maddie. Can they learn to trust each other and work together in time to save Maddie's nephew and stop they mysterious force behind the disappearance of the teenagers?
I'm a big fan of Keri Arthur and Circle of Fire wasn't a disappointment. This series is set in the same world as Keri's Nikki & Michael series (if you haven't discovered that series yet then I highly recommend it), Jon actually works for the same organisation as Michael and it was nice to see their boss Seline make an appearance in this book. I would class this as paranormal romance as the focus is more on the relationship between Maddie and Jon but I'm sure there is probably enough action and mystery to keep urban fantasy fans happy too.
Maddie is a really likable character, she has been through a lot and it has made her very nervous of her own abilities. She is wary of the world and doesn't want to hurt someone accidentally so finds it easier to hide away at home and avoid everyone. When her nephew is in trouble she is still reluctant to leave the house but nothing will stop her from going to his aid. She is a lot stronger than she thought she was but still isn't your typical heroine. Jon is also a great character, he does an important job but has pushed away his family because he doesn't want them to be in danger. For the same reasons he is reluctant to let Maddie into his heart but he finds the attraction between them difficult to resist.
This was a great story and although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the Nikki & Michael series I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series and would say it is well worth reading this one if you're a paranormal romance / urban fantasy fan.
I'm a big fan of Keri Arthur and Circle of Fire wasn't a disappointment. This series is set in the same world as Keri's Nikki & Michael series (if you haven't discovered that series yet then I highly recommend it), Jon actually works for the same organisation as Michael and it was nice to see their boss Seline make an appearance in this book. I would class this as paranormal romance as the focus is more on the relationship between Maddie and Jon but I'm sure there is probably enough action and mystery to keep urban fantasy fans happy too.
Maddie is a really likable character, she has been through a lot and it has made her very nervous of her own abilities. She is wary of the world and doesn't want to hurt someone accidentally so finds it easier to hide away at home and avoid everyone. When her nephew is in trouble she is still reluctant to leave the house but nothing will stop her from going to his aid. She is a lot stronger than she thought she was but still isn't your typical heroine. Jon is also a great character, he does an important job but has pushed away his family because he doesn't want them to be in danger. For the same reasons he is reluctant to let Maddie into his heart but he finds the attraction between them difficult to resist.
This was a great story and although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the Nikki & Michael series I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series and would say it is well worth reading this one if you're a paranormal romance / urban fantasy fan.
July 22, 2014
So i pretty much just finished this book in one sitting it was that engrossing. I'll admit i read a little on the way to work and from work last night but no more than a quarter at the most, today i sat down and pretty much just consumed this book. I cant even point out what it was about this book i enjoyed so much, was it the characters? Maddie was certainly lovely to read, besides her fear she had such courage and she wasnt an idiot which seems to be so common of late, even Jon was likable during his dickhead moments - prob helped we got to see from his POV occasionally and understood why he was like that. either way i was rooting for these two the whole way through and i didnt even care that the romance seemed to be the foremost issues rather than the kids survival or danger, which is SOO strange for me! usually i hate romance and groan whenever it takes over the book for some strange reason it worked really well in the Circle of Fire and i truely enjoyed the relationship between Maddie and Jon. though the end was a tad bit too cheesy for me im glad everything worked out in the end.
I have no clue as to whether this is the first book or not in the Trilogy, but im sad to see the other covers seem to have pictures of other girls on them, so this will prob be the only the only book from Maddie and Jon's POV. sad because i do really like these two.
The world is rather interesting as well, though we dont jump to deep into it during this book i can see there is much more to be explored and im looking forward to the next interesting critters we run into.
When i saw this picture i thought it was the perfect image for both Jon and Maddie's inner monologue and couldnt help but laugh, oh how hard they did try. lol.
I have no clue as to whether this is the first book or not in the Trilogy, but im sad to see the other covers seem to have pictures of other girls on them, so this will prob be the only the only book from Maddie and Jon's POV. sad because i do really like these two.
The world is rather interesting as well, though we dont jump to deep into it during this book i can see there is much more to be explored and im looking forward to the next interesting critters we run into.
When i saw this picture i thought it was the perfect image for both Jon and Maddie's inner monologue and couldnt help but laugh, oh how hard they did try. lol.
July 14, 2014
I received this book free from NetGalley for an honest review.
You can tell this is one of Keri Arthur's first books. It seems that she was very much trying to find her voice. The story started slow. Mid-way through the author started to find her rhythm and it gradually picked up. There were parts of the story that needed expounded upon though. The Damask Circle being one of those things. You know that Jon is a part of it, you know that generally what he does, which is hunting down the paranormal that kill, however that's it. Not much light is even shed on the fact that Jon is a shifter. No history of him being a hawk. Not how the bad guys knew he worked for the Damask Circle originally, or why he started to work for them to begin with. His history and what that meant was a gaping hole.
On the other end of the spectrum you have Maddie. You are basically beat over the head with the fact that she was a battered wife. So much so, that a lot of the story gets lost on her relieving it constantly. At those times I felt myself wanting to skim ahead, because honestly I got it the first 100 times it was mentioned before.
The ending also bothered me. It was extremely rushed. And who waits a year and half for a man? The Maddie just simply decides to except that he was to scared to face her? No self respecting female would just be like, I forgive you, lets get married! Um, no. There needed to be a better ending, instead of having a far fetched love being wrapped up neatly in a bow.
Having said that, I liked Jon & Maddie as a couple. I liked the idea of the Damask Circle and the continuation of the story, although it needed much filling in. My hope is that the story is not continued by adding in a new couple, but by starting off where this book left off and with the couple as they were.
2.5 stars
You can tell this is one of Keri Arthur's first books. It seems that she was very much trying to find her voice. The story started slow. Mid-way through the author started to find her rhythm and it gradually picked up. There were parts of the story that needed expounded upon though. The Damask Circle being one of those things. You know that Jon is a part of it, you know that generally what he does, which is hunting down the paranormal that kill, however that's it. Not much light is even shed on the fact that Jon is a shifter. No history of him being a hawk. Not how the bad guys knew he worked for the Damask Circle originally, or why he started to work for them to begin with. His history and what that meant was a gaping hole.
On the other end of the spectrum you have Maddie. You are basically beat over the head with the fact that she was a battered wife. So much so, that a lot of the story gets lost on her relieving it constantly. At those times I felt myself wanting to skim ahead, because honestly I got it the first 100 times it was mentioned before.
The ending also bothered me. It was extremely rushed. And who waits a year and half for a man? The Maddie just simply decides to except that he was to scared to face her? No self respecting female would just be like, I forgive you, lets get married! Um, no. There needed to be a better ending, instead of having a far fetched love being wrapped up neatly in a bow.
Having said that, I liked Jon & Maddie as a couple. I liked the idea of the Damask Circle and the continuation of the story, although it needed much filling in. My hope is that the story is not continued by adding in a new couple, but by starting off where this book left off and with the couple as they were.
2.5 stars
January 20, 2014
This is one of the older stories by Ms. Arthur. It involves the Damask Circle which I've been trying to get a hold of in the States for years. This story is all I hoped it to be. Ms. Arthur delivers another smooth and easy read.
Madeline Smith "Maddie" is a troubled woman with two curses. She gets dreams and is not able to control her own power. Living in fear, the last thing she expects is seeing a man asking her for help. Except he isn't physically there. Jon Barnett is pushed towards Maddie for help. He's not sure why he can only visit her in his out of body experience, but if he can't convince her to help, he's dead.
Maddie is a stubborn character who will do whatever she can to save her nephew. She falls into a rabbit hole of the supernatural and paranormal. It opens up a whole new world for her. Rather than crumble into a sniveling mess, she steps up and fights with her limited untrained skills. She's a trooper. Jon is almost a secondary character; he's more a supporting cast for her determination. Still, it is a Ms. Arthur book so there must be a love interest.
This story isn't as dark and heavy as some of Ms. Arthur's later books. It's interesting to watch Ms. Arthur's progression as a writer. For me, these books are her teething ones. She's testing out a storyline before she writes her Guardian series. This book is recommended for paranormal romance lovers who liked Firestarter.
*provided by Edelweiss
Madeline Smith "Maddie" is a troubled woman with two curses. She gets dreams and is not able to control her own power. Living in fear, the last thing she expects is seeing a man asking her for help. Except he isn't physically there. Jon Barnett is pushed towards Maddie for help. He's not sure why he can only visit her in his out of body experience, but if he can't convince her to help, he's dead.
Maddie is a stubborn character who will do whatever she can to save her nephew. She falls into a rabbit hole of the supernatural and paranormal. It opens up a whole new world for her. Rather than crumble into a sniveling mess, she steps up and fights with her limited untrained skills. She's a trooper. Jon is almost a secondary character; he's more a supporting cast for her determination. Still, it is a Ms. Arthur book so there must be a love interest.
This story isn't as dark and heavy as some of Ms. Arthur's later books. It's interesting to watch Ms. Arthur's progression as a writer. For me, these books are her teething ones. She's testing out a storyline before she writes her Guardian series. This book is recommended for paranormal romance lovers who liked Firestarter.
*provided by Edelweiss
April 12, 2014
This is book #1 in the Damask Circle series. Madeline Smith can see ghosts. It has caused trouble all of her life. She can also start fires. She killed her husband with a fire and burned their house down. Now she is living in seclusion. One night she sees a ghost. He tells her he is not a ghost but barely alive. He was shot with an arrow and fell into a well. His name is Jon. Someone is redirecting his astral projection to her. Someone close to her is in danger. The only one it could be is her nephew Evan. She calls Jayne and asks if Evan is at home. Jayne and Maddie don't get along because of Maddie's gifts. They all think she's crazy. Jayne checks Evan's room. He is there. Maddie is relieved. Jayne's husband Steve is complaining about crazy Maddie's call. Jayne hangs up. But calls back later, Evan has disappeared.
Maddie goes to Taurin Bay and looks for Jon. It is really creepy in Taurin Bay. She checks into the inn where he was staying. Maddie looks at a map and figures out where to find him. She saves him just in time. He tells her to go away so he can concentrate on finding the missing teenagers before they are sacrificed. Maddie tells Jon that one of them is her nephew and she will help find him. Will they find Evan in time to prevent his death?
Maddie goes to Taurin Bay and looks for Jon. It is really creepy in Taurin Bay. She checks into the inn where he was staying. Maddie looks at a map and figures out where to find him. She saves him just in time. He tells her to go away so he can concentrate on finding the missing teenagers before they are sacrificed. Maddie tells Jon that one of them is her nephew and she will help find him. Will they find Evan in time to prevent his death?
July 10, 2014
One and half stars.
This is actually an older work of the author's that has been re-released but while I have been moderately enjoying her current Dark Angels series, I didn't care for this book at all. It was in the urban fantasy section of my local bookstore but it read more like a PNR to me. By page 40 the hero's eyes were piercing the heroine's soul and her body was haunting his dreams. Nevermind that at that point in the story the two characters had "known" each other (and I use that term in the loosest way possible) for about 24 hours. And even though they each comment several times that they barely know each other they are still, somehow, falling in love. Whatever. I was skimming to the end by the halfway mark as the total ridiculousness of it all was giving me indigestion. Oh yeah, there's also the fact that the heroine's nephew has been abducted (that's the whole reason why the hero and heroine even meet) but she's too busy being distracted by how a simple gaze from the hero can warm her all over to really spend much time worrying about the poor kid. There are two more books in this Circle of Damask series but I won't be reading them.
This is actually an older work of the author's that has been re-released but while I have been moderately enjoying her current Dark Angels series, I didn't care for this book at all. It was in the urban fantasy section of my local bookstore but it read more like a PNR to me. By page 40 the hero's eyes were piercing the heroine's soul and her body was haunting his dreams. Nevermind that at that point in the story the two characters had "known" each other (and I use that term in the loosest way possible) for about 24 hours. And even though they each comment several times that they barely know each other they are still, somehow, falling in love. Whatever. I was skimming to the end by the halfway mark as the total ridiculousness of it all was giving me indigestion. Oh yeah, there's also the fact that the heroine's nephew has been abducted (that's the whole reason why the hero and heroine even meet) but she's too busy being distracted by how a simple gaze from the hero can warm her all over to really spend much time worrying about the poor kid. There are two more books in this Circle of Damask series but I won't be reading them.
August 17, 2014
Circle of Fire is the first book in the Damask Circle series by Keri Arthur. It takes place in the same world as the Nikki and Michael series but is separate. It is not necessary to read one to understand the other. As a fan of the Nikki and Michael series I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately it didn’t quite meet my expectations.
Overall, I found Circle of Fire to be a good book but it felt a little flat. I was missing a connection with the characters to draw me in. Jon and Maddie were well described but I felt it was lacking emotional depth. On the plus side, the plot is interesting with action mixed in small doses throughout. The climax near the end was suspenseful and well done. It helped take focus away from the romance which was like a seesaw and rather lackluster. Jon spent so much time trying to distance himself from Maddie emotionally that it puts a damper on their romance. In conclusion, Circle of Fire was an entertaining book but not one I would read again.
Overall, I found Circle of Fire to be a good book but it felt a little flat. I was missing a connection with the characters to draw me in. Jon and Maddie were well described but I felt it was lacking emotional depth. On the plus side, the plot is interesting with action mixed in small doses throughout. The climax near the end was suspenseful and well done. It helped take focus away from the romance which was like a seesaw and rather lackluster. Jon spent so much time trying to distance himself from Maddie emotionally that it puts a damper on their romance. In conclusion, Circle of Fire was an entertaining book but not one I would read again.
July 23, 2016
I'm sorry to say that this is a very weak book. I do realize that this is Ms Arthur at the beginning of her writer career, but I'm not sure the reason is enough to justify the disappointment.
Maybe disappointment is the wrong word. I did not have any expectation going in. I had read her Nikki series, so I knew there were going to be some "problems", but you could also see the beginning of brilliant career.
Still, Circle of Fire has too many faults. There is no mystery in it, you know the culprits, the reasons why, the how; no suspense, the story unravels slowly, you never really feel the danger; no incredible world; no romance, you get a couple and you wonder how they came to be, as you don't see a single spark fly.
Of all the weaknesses what I liked less were characters. A bland hero, a blander enemy and a whiny, less-than-useful princess in distress. It's not my kind of story.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley.
Maybe disappointment is the wrong word. I did not have any expectation going in. I had read her Nikki series, so I knew there were going to be some "problems", but you could also see the beginning of brilliant career.
Still, Circle of Fire has too many faults. There is no mystery in it, you know the culprits, the reasons why, the how; no suspense, the story unravels slowly, you never really feel the danger; no incredible world; no romance, you get a couple and you wonder how they came to be, as you don't see a single spark fly.
Of all the weaknesses what I liked less were characters. A bland hero, a blander enemy and a whiny, less-than-useful princess in distress. It's not my kind of story.
ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley.
December 7, 2015
This is not as good as her later books but an enjoyable series starter anyway. I liked clairvoyant Madeline "Maddie" Smith and eagle shifter Jon Barnett. I thought they had believable chemistry and I liked how the story unfolded. I'm interested in seeing how the rest of the series plays out so I'll be continuing the series.
August 2, 2021
This is one of those books where you realise after 2 chapters you have actually read it! Didn’t stop me flying through it again and actually enjoyed more the second time round. Keri Arthur is one of those authors that just drags you into her worlds! She is a very good writer. This will go into my collection I’m determined to own all her books!
January 27, 2018
I really liked this...
It’s a lot lighter than many of her other series but that being said it’s fast paced and a good read.
It’s a lot lighter than many of her other series but that being said it’s fast paced and a good read.
August 11, 2017
(2.5 stars)
Although I am an avid fan of Keri Arthur, "Circle of Fire" is a mediocre read with mediocre characters, plot etc. This is one of her earlier works where she was honing her talents. The problem for me was the lack of depth in the world building, characterizations and plot. It really didn't evoke any real emotion in me and it didn't help that it was humorless as well.
Maddie has been hiding out in the country from the world as well as living her life. Then, she begins having a series of dreams where what she believes is a ghost name Job who comes to her asking for her help. It seems that this man has the ability to astral project and he is injured and in the brink of death of she doesn't help him. He also warns her that someone she cares about life is at risk. She later learns it is her nephew.
There has been a series of teens being kidnapped and now her nephew is the latest. If she is to save him, she must overcome her fears, locate Jon and save him all while trying to embrace her physic gifts she always believed were a curse. While I read the words of this book, I just did not feel them and quite honestly that is the major ingredient of a good read, getting your reader to feel. Clearly, I won't be moving forward with this series. It just isn't for me.
Although I am an avid fan of Keri Arthur, "Circle of Fire" is a mediocre read with mediocre characters, plot etc. This is one of her earlier works where she was honing her talents. The problem for me was the lack of depth in the world building, characterizations and plot. It really didn't evoke any real emotion in me and it didn't help that it was humorless as well.
Maddie has been hiding out in the country from the world as well as living her life. Then, she begins having a series of dreams where what she believes is a ghost name Job who comes to her asking for her help. It seems that this man has the ability to astral project and he is injured and in the brink of death of she doesn't help him. He also warns her that someone she cares about life is at risk. She later learns it is her nephew.
There has been a series of teens being kidnapped and now her nephew is the latest. If she is to save him, she must overcome her fears, locate Jon and save him all while trying to embrace her physic gifts she always believed were a curse. While I read the words of this book, I just did not feel them and quite honestly that is the major ingredient of a good read, getting your reader to feel. Clearly, I won't be moving forward with this series. It just isn't for me.
October 1, 2023
I thought at first that this was a book aimed at an adolescent readership - the writing is very much 'teenage vampire genre with a touch of Mills and Boon'. However, we then get a fairly detailed and explicit sex scene which indicates that it might actually be a novel meant for adults. Which, if that is the case, means that this is not a particularly good book in my opinion. Very cliched and repetitive (how many times do the characters "brush a strand of hair" away from their own and each other's eyes and faces!) and at times mawkish with its inner romantic voices; it was a bit of a struggle to finish this.
It's unfortunate, because the storyline itself - horror, fantasy and sorcery, sort of Hammer meets Highlander - was interesting at times, albeit a little underdeveloped. I have read other reviewers say that this is an early work from the author and that her later novels are better. Maybe so, but after the slog I've just had getting through this one, I am not sure how soon it will be before I pick up the next!
It's unfortunate, because the storyline itself - horror, fantasy and sorcery, sort of Hammer meets Highlander - was interesting at times, albeit a little underdeveloped. I have read other reviewers say that this is an early work from the author and that her later novels are better. Maybe so, but after the slog I've just had getting through this one, I am not sure how soon it will be before I pick up the next!
August 6, 2017
Horrible. Haven't read such a superficial, bland novel in a long time. The relationship was non existent, so don't call this a romance. The "villain" was a caricature. For a fantasy novel - especially one that is he first in a series - there was no detail, no world building, no background, not even the remotest bit of explanation as to the whole "circle"'that is supposed to be the driving force of the series.
Ugh.
Avoid avoid avoid.
Ugh.
Avoid avoid avoid.
December 19, 2019
DNF at about 75%. Unmemorable, with cliche plotlines. A lot of the characters 'sensing' feelings and personalities for no physiological reason. No world building or character development, and the hated insta-love.
I will say that either the author has a more than competent grasp of the English language, or the editor of the book went over everything with a fine toothcomb. No issues with spelling mistakes or incorrect grammar.
I will say that either the author has a more than competent grasp of the English language, or the editor of the book went over everything with a fine toothcomb. No issues with spelling mistakes or incorrect grammar.
July 7, 2020
I did not care for this story. I did not particularly like the characters or the plot. The hero Jon bothered me in that he didn't seem to know his own mind. The heroine Maddie bothered me too as I found her to be rather insipid. I did not care for the ending and unfortunately do not wish to read others in this series. I have liked other works by this author before but this series is not for me.
September 15, 2023
4/5
This review is from my notes written years ago.
Teenagers are mysteriously disappearing from their homes and showing up dead. Maddie's nephew was just taken. She saves Jon and together they attempt to stop the sacrifices.
Not sure who Jon is or if saving him happened at the beginning or is a major plot point. Seems this note was not very well written.
This review is from my notes written years ago.
Teenagers are mysteriously disappearing from their homes and showing up dead. Maddie's nephew was just taken. She saves Jon and together they attempt to stop the sacrifices.
Not sure who Jon is or if saving him happened at the beginning or is a major plot point. Seems this note was not very well written.
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