Callihan, Kristen - Firelight - Start Date: April 12th 2013

[Nichole]

My plan was to start this today but that's not going to happen. So, tomorrow it is!

[K~Terror]

I actually got to start this tonight. I thought it would take me awhile to get into the story but it really eased me into it. I'm enjoying getting to know Miranda and somewhat Archer too. I can see why they might be drawn to each other - they both seem in great need of a fresh start.

I've read through Chapter 11. Wondering who the heck (view spoiler)[ this Victoria chick is... What a piece of work. Curious to understand why Victoria seems to want Archer so badly. I'm trying to get a handle on this whole mask / deformity thing... (hide spoiler)]

[Vi]

I'm down with a cold so I just started it - at chapter 5 now so a little too early to say anything.

[K~Terror]

I'm up to Chapter 28

(view spoiler)[ I really am not a fan of that Victoria and I'm frustrated with Archer and all his secrecy. I guess both of their secrecy, but I think that Miranda would be more upfront with her activities if he would reciprocate.

Finally, at least, it seems some of the hidden truths are starting to come to light. Hopefully Archer realizes that Miranda still isn't running. I know he's been burned before, but it seems he should know his relationship with Miranda is different - more real. Hopefully he will learn he can trust her. (hide spoiler)]

Uh... having trouble putting this one down. LOL!

[Nichole]

I finally started! I'm only on chapter 8 but I'm definitely intrigued. I should be able to read/listen to quite a bit tomorrow. I'm really curious about your spoiler, lol. Tomorrow, tomorrow...

Feel better soon, Vi!

[Vi]

I'm about 58% in and the suspense is killing me. I have no patience. LOL! I just want to make them both sit and talk.

(view spoiler)[ Seriously, who is this Victoria? I want to know more.

I agree - both their secrecy is torturous. I know they can't trust each other right off the bat but still. (hide spoiler)]

Also, the time frame and the genre in this book is difficult to get a handle on. It is supposed to Victorian but to be frank, I don't get the feel. Basically, the world is not yet fully defined (or atleast quarter). Yet, I can't put the book down!

[K~Terror]

You've gotten pretty far, V - hopefully that means you're feeling better!

I have to admit, I usually don't spend much time thinking about the time period of the book but just take in the stories as they are told. Probably because history was never my strong suit. LOL! I see some (but not all) consider this steampunk so I'm not sure if that's why there can seem to be some discrepancies. I'm not sure though - this is just my 2nd steampunk book I've read. I just finished this last night and enjoyed the story - very entertaining read and felt a connection to the main characters. It seemed like it moved rather quickly and, like you, I just had trouble putting it down!

The spoiler below should be ok to read as it was my impression of the book and main characters about half way through.

I loved the (view spoiler)[ connection between Archer and Miranda. That they both are very lonely and broken people who have each other now. They both have such good hearts and are such caring people. Misunderstood. Celeste seems so evil and untrustworthy. I just wanted to know what her story was to figure out her agenda.. Or she could just go away & leave everyone alone! LOL!
(hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

I found some questions from the earlier Buddy Read. These relate up through Chapter 4 & I added my thoughts in the spoiler links.

1. The fencer that grabbed Archer’s attention turns out to be a girl! And a fiery one at that. Were you surprised?
(view spoiler)[ --> I was pleasantly surprised. I like when girls have the tough skills! (hide spoiler)]

2. Ellis sounds like a horrible father! Do you think he was always that way? Or is he cold because Miranda burned down his warehouse? What do you think of Miranda’s ability to make fire with her mind?
(view spoiler)[ --> I think Miranda’s father wasn’t the best to begin with, because if he were, the fire wouldn’t have changed his feelings towards his daughter. He was likely cold to begin with and then the fire furthered the distance even more. (hide spoiler)]

3. Miranda is fiery and fierce and Archer is cold and distant, complete opposites. Do you think this is why they are so attracted to each other?
(view spoiler)[ --> Although I do believe opposites attract and that this may play a part in their attraction, I also think that they also hold some similarities that may further strengthen their pull towards each other. I think they both are very lonely and have not been treated well in life since so many are afraid of them. Each of these ‘broken souls’ have found someone who has a good heart and understands the need to be loved for who they are. (hide spoiler)]

4. Marriage tomorrow? So quick? What a choice! Marry a man you don’t know with a reputation of being mean or have no shelter over your head. Do you think Miranda made the right choice?
(view spoiler)[ --> I do. I think she knows there is some sort of connection with her new husband despite rumors. (hide spoiler)]

5. Archer told Miranda that he was marrying her because he needed an heir, but we later find out that was all a lie. Surprised? Do you think he should have been more honest? Were you surprised Miranda stayed?
(view spoiler)[ --> I wasn’t surprised as we knew he was drawn to her for some reason. It’s probably good he saved the honesty for a later time as that might have been pretty creepy to hear any sooner. (hide spoiler)]

6. Archer has this huge secret monster like quality that we don’t know yet. Any guesses? Are you surprised he’s been looking for a cure and may be close to one?
(view spoiler)[ --> My first guess was that he might be part shifter of sorts. (Probably because of the similarities to “Beauty and the Beast”. I was not surprised he wanted to find a cure since he felt like a freak and hid behind a mask, thinking he was unlovable. However, I was glad to know he was close to one. Although I’m not sure if I was surprised or not by that revelation since I don’t really remember thinking about how close he may be in the first place. (hide spoiler)]

7. The author talked about making this book sound like the old books of Dracula, Frankenstein, or Phantom of the Opera. Do you get that type of vibe from the story?
(view spoiler)[ --> Yes, I can completely see this book in that light.. which may have something to do with the series name – Darkest London.. It seems to set that type of tone from the onset. (hide spoiler)]

8. Do you like the book so far? Any crazy predictions?
(view spoiler)[ --> I actually do like this book even better than I thought I would. I mean, I’d heard it was good but usually historical books take me awhile to get into the story because there is so much description that goes into it. I felt like this book is moving along at a very nice pace and doesn’t feel slow even at the beginning. (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Sonia's Questions and Comments for Chapter 5 - Chapter 10 --> I've added my answers in the spoiled links


9:Sir Percival Andrew was murdered by a masked man with a familiar voice. It seems that someone from Archer's past wants to frame him. Or is he the killer? Thoughts about that?

(view spoiler)[-----> I get the feeling it is both! I think Archer seems to have enough enemies that it's very possible that person killed Sir Percival Andrew and then wanted to make sure it looked like it was Archer who was the murderer. (hide spoiler)]


10:The whole wedding dinner adds to Parvathy's Beauty and the Beast vibe. Don't you agree? And clearly Miranda an Archer seem very attracted to each other. Do you think they'll resist long? Archer's secret accident has me burning me with curiosity!

(view spoiler)[-----> YES, me too! I'm wanting to know what is up with Archer and his accident and what he looks like underneath the mask. This book is definitely giving me a Beauty & the Beast vibe. In fact, I think I mentioned it in the first set of questions. LOL! (hide spoiler)]


11:An eye for an eye. Yikes. And Sir Percival's eye was missing. Is it the same eye? Does this mean that we're still going to see his heart? Maybe use it to solidify the case against Archer?

(view spoiler)[-----> I'm really not sure how to answer any of these because I don't feel like I know enough yet to have any kind of educated guess.. These are the questions though that make me want to keep reading and find out. (hide spoiler)]


12:Miranda finally knows that it was Archer on that night. Do you think she will confront him?

(view spoiler)[-----> I wouldn't be surprised if she did - she's definitely a spitfire. (hide spoiler)]


13:A lot is going on with Rossberry and Archer. I'm dying to know more about this mysterious secret club. Do you think they really are into botanics, or is just a cover up?

(view spoiler)[-----> My feel is that it is more than just botanics, but botanics is the safe answer and probably a partial truth. (hide spoiler)]

14:The nerve of that Victoria woman, trying to pass herself off as a distant relative. Thoughts about her?

(view spoiler)[-----> I have many thoughts on this woman but none are kind! She is evil and I'm dying to know what she is up to. Nothing good I'm sure! (hide spoiler)]


15:Another murder. Another West Moon Club coin over one eye. Any suspects? Or is it too soon?

(view spoiler)[-----> I'm sure Victoria is behind it somehow! HAHAHA! It's probably too early to tell though - we are not given much information to go off of.. (hide spoiler)]

[K~Terror]

Questions/Answers to Next Chapters (16-18):


So we finally see (view spoiler)[ Miranda in her element. ;) Quite an impressive power. What did you think of it? That's one very dangerous power to possess especially if you can't control it.
I thought Miranda was totally bad ass. No wonder she is frightened of her self though - that is a lot of power to wield and a lot of patience and practice to learn how to properly control I'm sure (hide spoiler)]

Victoria is (view spoiler)[ not Archer's cousin after all, but a former lady friend. Although it doesn't sound quite like she's much of a lady. "Everybody lies." Yeah, and I bet Victoria is one of the worst liars around. Would you believe anything that comes out of the woman's mouth?
Never in a million years would I believe anything that 'woman' says. She says whatever she wants to get people to do or act however she wants them to do. She just toys with people I think! (hide spoiler)]

So it sounds like Archer's (view spoiler)[ailment, whatever it may be, can spread, but makes him stronger???? What in the world is going on with him?
YES, inquiring minds want to know!!!! At this points I'm still thinking some sort of shifter or shifter-misshap but I can't tell and I'm extremely curious. (hide spoiler)]

Any idea how a (view spoiler)[ ring could cure Archer? Why did the former captain and his son want to kill Archer for asking about it? Was it because of the ring or because of his knowledge of their shipboard thievery?
Hmm.. Well, on Vampire Diaries, the vampires wear rings so they can be in the daylight... :D Maybe the ring is made of some sort of element that inhibits whatever it is that causes Archer's deformity.. I don't know that much about the ring but I thought their response was a little extreme so I just know that there is a lot more information to this story that I need... (hide spoiler)]

So Miranda's (view spoiler)[ secret has been outed but not to Archer. What do you think Lord Ian Mckinnon will do with the information? What did he do to make Miranda cry? Did you see the description of him? "Sharp Canines" and "feral grin"? Okay we've got Wolf tattoos, a West Moon Club, Feral smiles and sharp canines....Are you thinking what I'm thinking...
All signs point to shifter still but now it seems to obvious....maybe.... Everyone but Archer seems to be willing to give Miranda snippets of Archer's truths. He needs to be honest with her and give her all the information in context if he doesn't want her to be blind sided and thinking that things could possibly be worse than they are by her coming to her own conclusions with partial information... (hide spoiler)]

So the (view spoiler)[ ring was stolen by Lord Alasdair Ranulf, Earl of Rossberry and Miranda's father played a roll in it? I think there's a lot Miranda doesn't know about her father.
Absolutely! (hide spoiler)]

So we know Archer's problem (view spoiler)[ appears to be contained to only one side, but exactly how low does it go? I mean he still hasn't made a move on Miranda. Does anyone else wonder? Or do you think he's afraid of somehow spreading it to Miranda or a child they'd make?
I'm still deeply curious about what his "deformity" entails even if we know it's primarily on just one side. I'm not sure why he hasn't made his move on Miranda. It may be because he can't - or it could be because of Archer being afraid to spread his genetics... Although I also would think that he needs to come clean with Miranda before he does take their relationship further. (hide spoiler)]

[Vi]

I'm feeling much better, Kristin. I had lots of reading time yesterday so I managed to get my reading done (and also because I was behind for another BR)

I finished the book early today and I have to say, I'm very disappointed. I had high expectations (especially the romance) but I sort of feel let down.

My problems basically:
- Romance: It was basically insta-love combined with a marriage of convenience. I don't like insta-love - I just can't get behind it but I love marriage of convenience trope. While I liked the beginning, the whole not-communicating thing just threw me off. The device served only to annoy me instead of building tension.

- World: I'm usually the sort where I just go along with the story but I need some handle on the world (even if there are inconsistencies). I was really looking forward to Historical PNR so I felt that I was short-changed on both. There was no explanation on Miranda's powers.. nor if there are any other similar people there. The only background we got was on Archer but not enough IMO. The time period could have been anytime.

I know I'm probably nitpicking but they were so glaring (to me) that I couldn't really enjoy. I kept hoping the book would get better but then the ending. I was eye-rolling the whole time. In the end, I just couldn't hop on the ride. A meh book for me - 2 stars.

I'm sorry if I've spoiled it for you. :(

[K~Terror]

Vi wrote: "I'm feeling much better, Kristin. I had lots of reading time yesterday so I managed to get my reading done (and also because I was behind for another BR)

I finished the book early today and I have..."

Oh no, Vi, you absolutely didn't ruin it for me. I loved reading your thoughts on the book and can see where you are coming from. I'm really sensitive to insta-love so I'm not really sure why it didn't bother me in this book because usually it makes me roll my eyes so much I think they'll eventually fall out of my head. It might be because they kept it mostly to themselves and didn't continually profess their undying love for each other after meeting for a cup of coffee. But, you're right, even though they weren't total cheese balls about it, inside you their heads it was clear that was what was going on.

I really do think the biggest hole was the lack of details about Miranda's abilities.. I think all we really knew was that she had them, had a few incidents, and then learned how to control it. I kept thinking there would be info on how she came about having her special skills and if there were others like her.

You really read caught up fast missy!

[Nichole]

I'm so sorry, I had a crazy week! I did finish the book yesterday though. I enjoyed it (4 stars) and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Vi, you have good valid points. Usually I would agree with you but it didn't really bother me with this book. I'm not a fan of insta love but I'm more tolerable with PNR. I just wish they would have been more forthcoming with each other. That part took a little too long, imo.

I also agree about the world. I had a hard time really forming a clear picture in my mind that this was supposed to be Victorian. But in the end, it didn't really matter to me and I still enjoyed the story.

Their powers. Now this is something that did bother me. Am I the only one that thought she was a Dragon and him a Vampire? I wasn't expecting him to be a Demon. And really, where did her powers come from? I would have liked a whole lot more explanation on that part. Maybe in future books it will come out?

What I did like was their chemistry. Okay, so the alley scene was ... yeah I liked the naughty bits, lol. And the next book is with Ian, the trouble maker. I'm looking forward to that one. I like the bad boys :)

[Kelly]

Anyone still reading this one? Was thinking of starting. I've had it forever and have heard it's good.

[Kelly]

Prologue - Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[
It seems like Archer is a combination of the Beast from Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera with a little ninja spy thrown in.

I like the story so far. I was very confused the first few chapters but I'm catching up now. I wonder how Miranda's gift plays into this all or if anyone else knows about it. Maybe they'll be a crime fighting duo!
(hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Kelly I'm reading it.

[Kelly]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Kelly I'm reading it."

Ahh, good to hear. I've had this one forever. I picked it up on a kindle daily deal almost 2 years ago and kept meaning to read it. Glad to finally have a reason to :)

[RachelvlehcaR]

lol, yes, us pokey people. I will get cracking on it.

[Kelly]

Chapter 9-15
(view spoiler)[
So far I like Archer even though he is really down on himself. It feels a lot like the alpha men novels but written in the past with magic.

I still think they're going to end up fighting together in whatever society he's part of. Though as is typical with romance novels there not much action since the plot takes a back seat to the romance part.
(hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Chapter 16-20
(view spoiler)[
Ooo. It sounds like Archer turned himself into some type of Demon or something. Or that he traded part of his soul/body for the power to cheat death. He's certainly much more powerful than expected.

I do tend to get annoyed at these books that could be resolved if the main characters would just talk to each other. Each is so scared of what the other will say. However I do like that Miranda is really stubborn at trying to get Archer to talk.
(hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Chapter 21-28
(view spoiler)[
So, right about the demon thing mostly. Though drinking pure demon juice (blended?) is rather gross. I'm a bit annoyed that they made his deformity ice sex-god chic. It would have been a bit more interesting if she found him attractive regardless of the issue.

She seems very unconcerned about the fact that he might actually turn into a demon at some point. I think I'd be trying to find a way to stop that. Plus he didn't really question her at all about the fire which seems odd. Maybe he already knew?

Anyhow, right now I'm thinking the bad guy is either the guy who became a demon a long long time ago or one of his fellow immortaltarians who wanted to become half demonised instead.
(hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Anyone notice how the women in the book have names of passages of text. Eula, Miranda (Miranda Rights)

[Kelly]

Chapter 29-end
(view spoiler)[
Hmmm. Feels a bit too convenient that the only thing that could kill her was fire and wow look, we have a fire mage here to do our bidding.

It was a sweet ending though slightly unbelievable in my opinion. I'll give it a 4 star since I enjoyed it.
(hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Okay Kelly, I'm starting the book tonight. :) Sorry for the delay. I've been in a lot of BRs. I'm going to be reading bits and pieces of this one but plan to finish it in about 4 or 5 days.

[Kelly]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Okay Kelly, I'm starting the book tonight. :) Sorry for the delay. I've been in a lot of BRs. I'm going to be reading bits and pieces of this one but plan to finish it in about 4 or 5 days."

No problem :) I know how busy the reading gets.

[RachelvlehcaR]

Prologue - Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[ I'm finding this a little confusing at first. I'm almost tempted to re-read the beginning to see if I can make sense of it but perhaps it will just work itself on track.

The feel for the books seems like a mixture of classic books. It has an old feel to it. Almost like a Victorian Gothic but with a twist of German Expressionist. I'm not sure why I have that kind of feel from it but I do. The mask really reminds me of Phantom of the Opera.

I like the dinner part where Miranda and Lord Archer (Benjamin) are talking about his income. How she says he has 70 million. That's a huge amount. It's funny how his associates are Rockefeller and Carnegie, lol. That they make a lot more. She is amazed it's her money too. I'd marry him for that income too. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Prologue - Chapter 5"

(view spoiler)[
I found it easier to read after the first part when she comes and lives with him. It's very Beauty and the Beast in my opinion.

I'm curious why more women weren't going after him. I think a lot of women in those days would marry terrible people just to have a good income since there weren't many options.
(hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Chapter 6

(view spoiler)[ I had to look up what 20 stone was. I knew it was weight for in the UK but it was lost on me. It means he was 280 pounds. 1 stone is 14 pounds. Good to know.

It was in the part:

Daisy had warned her once that attraction of a physical nature had no rhyme or reason. One might be inexplicably swept off one's feet by a short, bald man of twenty stone and not by able to ignore it.

Oh my goodness! I want him to claim her. ;) He is so jealous!

What?! Inspector Winston Lane with the Criminal Investigation Department. Oh boy. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Kelly wrote: "RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Prologue - Chapter 5" [spoiler]"

(view spoiler)[ I agree. Women's rights were not there. Women and children were the property of the man and he pretty much could do whatever, I mean, other than killing them and get away with it. So, yes many women did marry just for stable security. Now I remind you, this is the time and peak of Female Hysteria, so things were not happy in the bedroom department at home. However in the brothels and such, they were happier with the oldest profession in the world.

I agree there is that kind of Beauty and the Beast. But I feel a mixture of genres in this one. Major love story coming on. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Chapter 7

(view spoiler)[ Oh, the entire conversation between Archer and Winston. The coin! Miranda listening to all this. There is a mystery now. I don't think he did it but you never know. :P (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Kelly wrote: "Prologue - Chapter 8 [spoiler]"

I finished Chapter 8 and I'm on Chapter 9.

(view spoiler)[That would be real neat if they were a fighting duo. I'd like that a lot. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Chapter 10

(view spoiler)[Victoria put a mix into things with Archer. I wonder how this will go. I knew the mistress thing would come into play. I just knew it!

Lord Marcus Cheltenham. Darn! These coins! (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Chapter 11

(view spoiler)[ Aww, poor Miranda, when she is talking with Daisy. "That, my dear," Daisy said, "is a ton marriage. Be thankful for it." No, that was loneliness. :(

I like how Daisy and Poppy will help her. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Chapter 14

(view spoiler)[ Oh! That's a very nice sex scene, Bow Chicka Wow Wow. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

I finished the book today. I have it a 3.5 rating.