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Circle the Square #1
The Elemental Keyes
Today is the day the world ends.
Fine, tomorrow is the day the world ends, but is that actually better? My name is Blaze Keyes, and I’m a seer. Since I was a kid, I’ve known that the world was going to end on my twenty-fifth birthday.
But the day before the apocalypse, the most unexpected guy falls into my lap—or maybe I’d like to fall into his. Elethen is tall, handsome, a type of mage that disappeared from earth a century ago . . . and an elf. Also, he says he fell through a portal from another world, and I sort of believe him.
If I can’t save earth, maybe I can at least get Elethen home safe. Or if we can get my infuriating brother to work with us, maybe we can save everyone on both of our worlds. Maybe the world dies tomorrow, but damn it, I’m not going out without a fight.
The Elemental Keyes is the first of two books featuring a deadly portal between two very different worlds, a confused elven Robin Hood, an unemployed mage trying to deal with the end of everything he knows, his snarky criminal brother, and a few surprises along the way. It will conclude on April 13th with book two, The Elemental Ruins.
Fine, tomorrow is the day the world ends, but is that actually better? My name is Blaze Keyes, and I’m a seer. Since I was a kid, I’ve known that the world was going to end on my twenty-fifth birthday.
But the day before the apocalypse, the most unexpected guy falls into my lap—or maybe I’d like to fall into his. Elethen is tall, handsome, a type of mage that disappeared from earth a century ago . . . and an elf. Also, he says he fell through a portal from another world, and I sort of believe him.
If I can’t save earth, maybe I can at least get Elethen home safe. Or if we can get my infuriating brother to work with us, maybe we can save everyone on both of our worlds. Maybe the world dies tomorrow, but damn it, I’m not going out without a fight.
The Elemental Keyes is the first of two books featuring a deadly portal between two very different worlds, a confused elven Robin Hood, an unemployed mage trying to deal with the end of everything he knows, his snarky criminal brother, and a few surprises along the way. It will conclude on April 13th with book two, The Elemental Ruins.
300 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2023
299 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 23, 2025
This is a duology and must be read together. Everything only really makes sense once you've almost finished the second book, so it's best to read them back-to-back.
The first book was rather lame, not bad, but it was slow-ish and didn't make that much sense. The world-building is great, and so is the plot, but something is missing.
What frustrated me in particular was that Blaze talks about his brother all the time and how great he is. That made it so hard to empathize with Blaze; you constantly had the feeling that this was a story about three main characters. Although it should have focused on the development of the relationship between Blaze and Elethen, the brother River was constantly in the spotlight.
On top of that, the relationship between Blaze and Elethen doesn't have much time to develop. I think the plot only spans two days, so it's insta-ish. And then it's also draggy. It doesn't really move forward.
All in all, it's strange.
Super hot, nice sex scenes, though, if you don't give up beforehand.
Anyway, I'm giving it 4 stars because I really liked the book overall. Even though I've focused on the not-so-great stuff now.
The actual story is awesome. And it gets really great in the second book.
Also, a very nice cliffhanger, but you can see it coming from a mile away.
I hoped for the sake of any sexual partners that he was a shower, not a grower. Or maybe elves just had massive dicks like fucking tree trunks, and they weren’t sexually compatible with humans. 🤭🤭🤭
He wiped his come off my chin, then reached down and fisted my cock roughly, the pace almost too much in my overstimulated state.
“This will happen again when we aren’t running from that ass and his minions. I will have you in a bed. Strip you naked one piece of clothing at a time and worship your body with my tongue. Open you up that way, until you’re loose and pliant and begging me to fuck you. Make you come twice before I give you my cock. Utterly wreck you with my lips and tongue and teeth, until you’re incoherent and whining my name. Then I’ll take you. Fill you up. Make you mine.” 🤤🤤🤤
The first book was rather lame, not bad, but it was slow-ish and didn't make that much sense. The world-building is great, and so is the plot, but something is missing.
What frustrated me in particular was that Blaze talks about his brother all the time and how great he is. That made it so hard to empathize with Blaze; you constantly had the feeling that this was a story about three main characters. Although it should have focused on the development of the relationship between Blaze and Elethen, the brother River was constantly in the spotlight.
On top of that, the relationship between Blaze and Elethen doesn't have much time to develop. I think the plot only spans two days, so it's insta-ish. And then it's also draggy. It doesn't really move forward.
All in all, it's strange.
Super hot, nice sex scenes, though, if you don't give up beforehand.
Anyway, I'm giving it 4 stars because I really liked the book overall. Even though I've focused on the not-so-great stuff now.
The actual story is awesome. And it gets really great in the second book.
Also, a very nice cliffhanger, but you can see it coming from a mile away.
I hoped for the sake of any sexual partners that he was a shower, not a grower. Or maybe elves just had massive dicks like fucking tree trunks, and they weren’t sexually compatible with humans. 🤭🤭🤭
He wiped his come off my chin, then reached down and fisted my cock roughly, the pace almost too much in my overstimulated state.
“This will happen again when we aren’t running from that ass and his minions. I will have you in a bed. Strip you naked one piece of clothing at a time and worship your body with my tongue. Open you up that way, until you’re loose and pliant and begging me to fuck you. Make you come twice before I give you my cock. Utterly wreck you with my lips and tongue and teeth, until you’re incoherent and whining my name. Then I’ll take you. Fill you up. Make you mine.” 🤤🤤🤤
March 11, 2023
I love it when Sam Burns mixes sub-genres together to create an utterly compelling narrative set in a vividly imagined world.
With the Circle the Square duet (I've also read book two but it's not showing up on Goodreads yet) she's crafted an amazing story of twins, of brothers, of magic and treachery which links two worlds together across vast distances and twists multiple threads together.
It's fast-paced, it's funny, it's heart-warming, it's seriously steamy and emotionally powerful, plus it causes the pulse to race and it keeps you reading until the early hours of the morning.
I can't chose a favourite, I absolutely adored all of them, from snarky River and his beautifully soft-hearted twin Blaze, to Elethen, the Robin Hood style criminal known as The Crow and to The General, Lasya, a man who was willing to sacrifice all to save his people.
The young King is a delight, the other secondary cast of characters bring so much added depth and we have a villain well worthy of the hatred and distrust.
I loved both books so much I read them in a day. I know this is a duology but I would be so, so happy to see Sam returning to this world, there's so many other people I'd love to also see with a Happy Ever After!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
With the Circle the Square duet (I've also read book two but it's not showing up on Goodreads yet) she's crafted an amazing story of twins, of brothers, of magic and treachery which links two worlds together across vast distances and twists multiple threads together.
It's fast-paced, it's funny, it's heart-warming, it's seriously steamy and emotionally powerful, plus it causes the pulse to race and it keeps you reading until the early hours of the morning.
I can't chose a favourite, I absolutely adored all of them, from snarky River and his beautifully soft-hearted twin Blaze, to Elethen, the Robin Hood style criminal known as The Crow and to The General, Lasya, a man who was willing to sacrifice all to save his people.
The young King is a delight, the other secondary cast of characters bring so much added depth and we have a villain well worthy of the hatred and distrust.
I loved both books so much I read them in a day. I know this is a duology but I would be so, so happy to see Sam returning to this world, there's so many other people I'd love to also see with a Happy Ever After!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
June 19, 2023
3.5 stars but rounded up for Greg B’s narrations
This is a duology, but the couples in each book are different. They follow the Keyes twins who are mages and the last day/days on earth haha
I enjoyed Blaze and Elethen’s relationship it was pretty good, and shockingly to me didn’t feel rushed! But like with past Sam Burns books I’ve read it felt like something was missing, I can’t pin point it but I just felt like there could have been something more…
Definitely focused more on how badass River was rather than Blaze who was the main twin character of this story..
But even with that said this was a ride. I am hoping Rivers audio book comes out soon because that ending! Hahaa, I am patient and I will hopefully remember what happened in this book by the time the audio for book two comes out 😂
This is a duology, but the couples in each book are different. They follow the Keyes twins who are mages and the last day/days on earth haha
I enjoyed Blaze and Elethen’s relationship it was pretty good, and shockingly to me didn’t feel rushed! But like with past Sam Burns books I’ve read it felt like something was missing, I can’t pin point it but I just felt like there could have been something more…
Definitely focused more on how badass River was rather than Blaze who was the main twin character of this story..
But even with that said this was a ride. I am hoping Rivers audio book comes out soon because that ending! Hahaa, I am patient and I will hopefully remember what happened in this book by the time the audio for book two comes out 😂
March 11, 2023
3.75
Well, this was hugely entertaining.
I was hooked from the very start: Sam Burns has managed to create a very fascinating, very gripping story with a lovely, swoon-worthy romance and a cast of absolutely lovable characters.
I admit, I loved the first half of the book a tiiiiny smidge more, because I always love that initial "getting to know you" phase of a (romance) book, and because the non-stop action became a bit confusing near the end.
I adored everything else though! And Blaze and Elethen were fabulous protagonists. Elethen in particular, he was a mix of beyond sexy and cute as hell. He's got the Golden Retriever energy, being all charming and excitable, but also that sexy, domineering beast energy as well.
So yeah, I really adored them individually, and together, and their chemistry, their relationship and the steam were freaking great.
I also completely ADORED River. He's such a mystery, and the way he was with his brother, all that devotion and the bond? *wipes eyes*
The world-building was fascinating and the plot was also very thrilling! I have the feeling I am going to LOVE the next book: I cannot wait to dive into it.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this was hugely entertaining.
I was hooked from the very start: Sam Burns has managed to create a very fascinating, very gripping story with a lovely, swoon-worthy romance and a cast of absolutely lovable characters.
I admit, I loved the first half of the book a tiiiiny smidge more, because I always love that initial "getting to know you" phase of a (romance) book, and because the non-stop action became a bit confusing near the end.
I adored everything else though! And Blaze and Elethen were fabulous protagonists. Elethen in particular, he was a mix of beyond sexy and cute as hell. He's got the Golden Retriever energy, being all charming and excitable, but also that sexy, domineering beast energy as well.
So yeah, I really adored them individually, and together, and their chemistry, their relationship and the steam were freaking great.
I also completely ADORED River. He's such a mystery, and the way he was with his brother, all that devotion and the bond? *wipes eyes*
The world-building was fascinating and the plot was also very thrilling! I have the feeling I am going to LOVE the next book: I cannot wait to dive into it.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2023
I enjoyed this one, though I did find the focus on River and him being the super sparkly awesome one to be a little odd--it felt like the author was more interested in him and writing his book than in Blaze, who was supposed to be the focus... Still, enjoyed the world-building here and I'm looking forward to reading the next!
April 12, 2023
Damn! I was about to cry foul! How could you do that to my River?! I like him! But then I thought there's another book and for sure they will not do what I thought they were doing. Anyway, I got so fired up by that cliffhanger that I had to go read the blurb and yes, it is a duology or twin book (get that?), and my boy is in book 2. YES!
This story is very good actually. I haven't read a book of this plot so it's very intriguing and even though the world-building is not enough (we don't get enough background on the mysteries between world), I assume everything will be answered on the next book.
Elethen is very endearing and definitely matches Blaze's kind and soft-hearted personality. His POV on everything he saw for the first time, especially technology, was very refreshing. Calling vehicles as animals in a distance or phones as a black rectangle box. His view in food and starvation was a good perspective. His analogies in hunger and gluttony was very apt. It made me think.
Although, sex in day 1 is... but hey, the world is ending! So sure, why not? LOL
I feel bad that I can't remember what happened in Fantastic Fluke but there should be a reason I remember Sam Burns' name. Gotta reread those but first, onto the next Keyes' story! 😂😂😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2023
3.5
Light and easy read without angst or drama which isn't easy for a story about probably planet-destroying portals, crazy sects and a shape-shifting refugee from a world on the brink of starvation. Seems that can be done following characters with defined personality and a set of attitudes and where the story evolves around them. That way you don't have to worry about adapting issues after an elf is thrown to earth or because the brother of an MC is working for the mob and you probably won't miss a more detailed world building as long as it's a fun and cute ride through an alternate earth with mages and a bit of dystopian background.
Entertaining, unchallenging adventure read for a lazy summer day and therefore exactly what I was looking for. Might be the reason why I only have a slight niggle about the magic system.
Light and easy read without angst or drama which isn't easy for a story about probably planet-destroying portals, crazy sects and a shape-shifting refugee from a world on the brink of starvation. Seems that can be done following characters with defined personality and a set of attitudes and where the story evolves around them. That way you don't have to worry about adapting issues after an elf is thrown to earth or because the brother of an MC is working for the mob and you probably won't miss a more detailed world building as long as it's a fun and cute ride through an alternate earth with mages and a bit of dystopian background.
Entertaining, unchallenging adventure read for a lazy summer day and therefore exactly what I was looking for. Might be the reason why I only have a slight niggle about the magic system.
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March 24, 2023A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Elemental Keyes is the first book in Sam Burns’ new Circle the Square duet and I absolutely loved it. I have tried not to be too specific about just what happens here, as so much of the fun is watching Blaze and Elethen learn what is really going on. But this story is twisty and exciting and really so clever. The set up here is so interesting, with these two mages from different realms coming together. Elethen is a spirit mage, something that has completely died out in the human world, leaving only elemental mages like Blaze and River. Spirit and elemental mages working together can create immense magic, so the loss of the spirit mages has changed the human world for the worse. But it also means that Elethen and Blaze as a pair have an enhanced magic that starts to work together. What I found clever here is that with both men being mages, when Elethen shows up, they sort of immediately understand one another.
I am really excited to see how it all comes together and definitely can recommend this story. Grab it now so you are ready when book two arrives in a few weeks!
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
The Elemental Keyes is the first book in Sam Burns’ new Circle the Square duet and I absolutely loved it. I have tried not to be too specific about just what happens here, as so much of the fun is watching Blaze and Elethen learn what is really going on. But this story is twisty and exciting and really so clever. The set up here is so interesting, with these two mages from different realms coming together. Elethen is a spirit mage, something that has completely died out in the human world, leaving only elemental mages like Blaze and River. Spirit and elemental mages working together can create immense magic, so the loss of the spirit mages has changed the human world for the worse. But it also means that Elethen and Blaze as a pair have an enhanced magic that starts to work together. What I found clever here is that with both men being mages, when Elethen shows up, they sort of immediately understand one another.
I am really excited to see how it all comes together and definitely can recommend this story. Grab it now so you are ready when book two arrives in a few weeks!
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 8, 2023
I think I’ve finally figured out what my problem is with this author. However they write, it doesn’t come across as emotional to me. Like I never feel anything with their books emotion-wise.
Regardless, they always write very entertaining stories and this was yet another one. And I loved the name Elethen.
Regardless, they always write very entertaining stories and this was yet another one. And I loved the name Elethen.
May 6, 2023
4.5 stars
Sam Burns never disappoints in providing rich characters and interesting stories! I loved Blaze, Elethen, and even River. So much action, mystery, danger, and love - even if it only took two days! This is super fast paced with many enemies as well as a few friends. I can’t wait for River’s book!!
Sam Burns never disappoints in providing rich characters and interesting stories! I loved Blaze, Elethen, and even River. So much action, mystery, danger, and love - even if it only took two days! This is super fast paced with many enemies as well as a few friends. I can’t wait for River’s book!!
April 9, 2024
4+⭐
Started out as a decent urban fantasy, but in the end I was very hooked and had to dive right into the second book. Magic, two worlds, fish-out-of-water and lots of little plot twists.
Thanks for the author for the copy I won during MMRG Anniversary.
Started out as a decent urban fantasy, but in the end I was very hooked and had to dive right into the second book. Magic, two worlds, fish-out-of-water and lots of little plot twists.
Thanks for the author for the copy I won during MMRG Anniversary.
January 5, 2026
Cannot wait to read the second part!
April 2, 2024
The set up was intriguing but the plot was ultimately disappointing. The two main characters never actually did anything. Despite the very cool backstory of being a Robin Hood-style notorious thief and the face of a rebellion AND having the title of 'The Crow', he didn't actually do anything of note throughout the whole novel! I don't think he even shifted to crow form apart from the beginning.
When reading this book, it seemed painfully obvious to me that the author would much rather be writing about River, portrayed as the much more awesome and much more interesting twin (although in my opinion pushed to an obnoxious degree) - and to the surprise of no one, the novel ends with a sequel bait for River's book! Who woulda thunk?
When reading this book, it seemed painfully obvious to me that the author would much rather be writing about River, portrayed as the much more awesome and much more interesting twin (although in my opinion pushed to an obnoxious degree) - and to the surprise of no one, the novel ends with a sequel bait for River's book! Who woulda thunk?
March 23, 2023
The Elemental Keyes was a fantastic read! The Keyes brothers and Elethen are having a hard time being chase and of course trying to save the world. Blaze Keyes is a seer and a elemental mage and since he was a kid he have know when the world is going to end, in his twenty five birthday …yes tomorrow is the end of the world. He has a twin brother who also is a seer, I like River and his bada$$ attitude.
Elethen is a type of mage that disappeared from earth a century ago, he fell thought a portal by accident trying to escape and he end up in another world, he can shape shift into a crow. He and Blaze meet the same day he fell through the portal and now both are trying to escape the bad guys that are trying to kill Elethen. Blaze is determined to save him before the world ends but he needs his brothers help.
I like the plot of the story and how things developed between Blaze and Elethen, they have a great chemistry and are perfect together! River was a great surprise and they have great action scenes. This book end in a cliffhanger but it’s so good and left you wanting more!! The next book was going to be awesome! Can’t wait!!
Elethen is a type of mage that disappeared from earth a century ago, he fell thought a portal by accident trying to escape and he end up in another world, he can shape shift into a crow. He and Blaze meet the same day he fell through the portal and now both are trying to escape the bad guys that are trying to kill Elethen. Blaze is determined to save him before the world ends but he needs his brothers help.
I like the plot of the story and how things developed between Blaze and Elethen, they have a great chemistry and are perfect together! River was a great surprise and they have great action scenes. This book end in a cliffhanger but it’s so good and left you wanting more!! The next book was going to be awesome! Can’t wait!!
February 28, 2024
As is to be expected at this point, Sam Burns writes a book and I devour it, usually with random laughing and squeeing along the way. This book was no exception.
Her way with words is fantastic, from simple yet vivid descriptions to flat out hilarious one-liners .
LOVED this book and immediately started book 2.
Her way with words is fantastic, from simple yet vivid descriptions to flat out hilarious one-liners .
LOVED this book and immediately started book 2.
May 25, 2023
This is good. I'm engrossed. I need to get to the next now because I have questions that cannot wait
February 2, 2024
this had the potential to be a mess but it was so good
February 24, 2024
4.75 stars
So good that I'm starting book 2 right now!
So good that I'm starting book 2 right now!
May 29, 2023
The Elemental Keyes is the first in Sam Burns' Circle the Square duology. This book was nicely paced and had a wonderful combination of world-building, funny moments, action sequences and romance.
I love Blaze, River and Elethen. River is snarky, a criminal but has a good heart and has always taken care off his twin brother Blaze ever since they were young. Blaze is soft-hearted and was a member of the law enforcement until he got screwed over. I loved the dynamics of the brothers. Their banter and interactions were so fun to read and you can actually tell that they do deeply care for each other. Elethen has gone through so much in his life but still retained the goodness in himself. I adore his relationship with Blaze. Sure it was instalove (which might turn some people off), but in this instance worked because of the premise as well as on how it was written.
It didn't feel forced and the two just clicked.
The world-building was nicely done - detailed enough that the reader gets a good picture but not overly long that it bogs down the story. It's a fast paced story with enough twists and turns that leave one wanting more. The first book wraps it's main plot nicely while also leaving a cliff hanger on the over-arching arc for this duology.
I can't wait to read the next book.
This would be 4.5 stars out of 5.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
I love Blaze, River and Elethen. River is snarky, a criminal but has a good heart and has always taken care off his twin brother Blaze ever since they were young. Blaze is soft-hearted and was a member of the law enforcement until he got screwed over. I loved the dynamics of the brothers. Their banter and interactions were so fun to read and you can actually tell that they do deeply care for each other. Elethen has gone through so much in his life but still retained the goodness in himself. I adore his relationship with Blaze. Sure it was instalove (which might turn some people off), but in this instance worked because of the premise as well as on how it was written.
It didn't feel forced and the two just clicked.
The world-building was nicely done - detailed enough that the reader gets a good picture but not overly long that it bogs down the story. It's a fast paced story with enough twists and turns that leave one wanting more. The first book wraps it's main plot nicely while also leaving a cliff hanger on the over-arching arc for this duology.
I can't wait to read the next book.
This would be 4.5 stars out of 5.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
July 21, 2023
DNF. The size difference between the MCs and how it was frequently mentioned that one was tiny, innocent and constantly blushing was making me quite uncomfortable to be honest. A huge size difference is a common trope I don't care for in general, so it's likely me, not the book.
May 29, 2024
I don't think I have it in me to be disappointed with a Sam Burns book. Honestly. Every one that I've read has been amazing and this one was no exception. Blaze and Elethen make my heart sing. River is the snarkiest snark to ever snark and I can't wait to read his book when it comes out. I'm super curious about Julian, but I'm not sure if I'll get my questions answered there or not. Ugh. This was just.. such a great urban fantasy romance and I will be swooning over it for a long time to come.
re-read: still a lot of fun. definitely a series I'll keep returning to.
re-read: still a lot of fun. definitely a series I'll keep returning to.
June 13, 2023
Excellent.
Fun tale of two worlds and magic.
It was a rollercoaster ride of action, opposing factions and snarky banter.
Blaze and Elethen were lovely, but it was River I adored. Can't wait to read his book next.
Fun tale of two worlds and magic.
It was a rollercoaster ride of action, opposing factions and snarky banter.
Blaze and Elethen were lovely, but it was River I adored. Can't wait to read his book next.
October 7, 2023
A fun premise with a slightly under-developed but fascinating world, insta-lust that left the main romantic relationship feeling slightly superficial, but also a brother-bond of twins that is probably one of my most favorite things ever to read. All in all, it felt a little bare-bones and could have benefitted from being fleshed out, but for what I was given, I enjoyed it.
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
Sure. It did exactly what I needed it to, which is fill a gap with a story of less emotional intensity in between reading/finishing books/series that are much higher in intensity for me.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: I have a huge love of brothers when it comes to characters. In this one we have twins, magic, and a brother-bond that I just wanted to keep seeing more of. I could only imagine that if they worked together, they’d be unstoppable. I really hope we’ll somehow get that in book two. River was my favorite, although he fell into that trap of ‘protecting’ his brother to the point of not telling him anything. I felt I didn’t get enough of a chance to spend time seeing Blaze truly flourish. A lot of the book detailed how things had happened TO him, but not giving him enough chance to regain a lot of that power, despite clearly being a powerful being himself. I also hope we’ll get more of that in the next book, seeing him come into his own WITH his twin there to see it. As for Elethen, I have a feeling we’ll see more of him, but he too seemed very… it was almost too easy for major events to occur and his reaction felt odd to me. But he is likeable enough!
PLOT: I do think the chance to see things fleshed out further would have really benefitted the plot. It’s more predicated on the mystery of what’s going on, rather than character or action-driven. Because both main POVs are characters who don’t have enough information, we as the reader don’t get a lot of it filled in either. The world-building is just at the beginning of what seems a fascinating idea. Ultimately, the plot didn’t drag or race, but kept a steady tempo of interest throughout.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
1 out of 5/low. Exactly what I’d expected, which is good, since that’s what I needed to read. I wouldn’t mind if it surprised me, of course, but everything is skimmed just enough to keep this one as something more surface-level entertaining, rather than cutting deep with the emotional intensity.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. The main characters aren’t really ‘pro’-tagonists at all when it comes to the conflict and the final outcome. Additionally, the reaction to such a momentous occurrence as the events turn out to be ends up being too superficial in my opinion too. Perhaps because this is still only a book one, but the denouement simply isn’t there. This one ends on a cliffhanger rather than offering any closure anywhere else.
Would I go back in time and still read this book, knowing what I know now?
Sure. It did exactly what I needed it to, which is fill a gap with a story of less emotional intensity in between reading/finishing books/series that are much higher in intensity for me.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: I have a huge love of brothers when it comes to characters. In this one we have twins, magic, and a brother-bond that I just wanted to keep seeing more of. I could only imagine that if they worked together, they’d be unstoppable. I really hope we’ll somehow get that in book two. River was my favorite, although he fell into that trap of ‘protecting’ his brother to the point of not telling him anything. I felt I didn’t get enough of a chance to spend time seeing Blaze truly flourish. A lot of the book detailed how things had happened TO him, but not giving him enough chance to regain a lot of that power, despite clearly being a powerful being himself. I also hope we’ll get more of that in the next book, seeing him come into his own WITH his twin there to see it. As for Elethen, I have a feeling we’ll see more of him, but he too seemed very… it was almost too easy for major events to occur and his reaction felt odd to me. But he is likeable enough!
PLOT: I do think the chance to see things fleshed out further would have really benefitted the plot. It’s more predicated on the mystery of what’s going on, rather than character or action-driven. Because both main POVs are characters who don’t have enough information, we as the reader don’t get a lot of it filled in either. The world-building is just at the beginning of what seems a fascinating idea. Ultimately, the plot didn’t drag or race, but kept a steady tempo of interest throughout.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
1 out of 5/low. Exactly what I’d expected, which is good, since that’s what I needed to read. I wouldn’t mind if it surprised me, of course, but everything is skimmed just enough to keep this one as something more surface-level entertaining, rather than cutting deep with the emotional intensity.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
75%. The main characters aren’t really ‘pro’-tagonists at all when it comes to the conflict and the final outcome. Additionally, the reaction to such a momentous occurrence as the events turn out to be ends up being too superficial in my opinion too. Perhaps because this is still only a book one, but the denouement simply isn’t there. This one ends on a cliffhanger rather than offering any closure anywhere else.
May 24, 2023
This hooked me pretty good right from the beginning. Elethen’s world of Halana is your typical fantasy setting, that sort of timeless-but-kinda-medieval place with a palace, royals & political scheming, inequality and rebellion, plus some magic. So right off the bat, I was interested.
Admittedly my interest waned a bit after we got to Earth and the newness of Blaze and Elethen meeting wore off. I mean, the setting sounds like Earth but if we continue on the same path of ignoring climate change, so… dreary. Grim. The only way it’s an improvement from Halana is the food and technology. But luckily, the Keyes brothers have money? Enough to not really feel the pain of society’s downfall, I guess.
The plot also lagged a bit in the middle, as you can imagine. But I also admit I thought it was pretty easy to guess the ending early on and that might’ve influenced my opinion. River’s behavior showed all the signs, frankly. And as his character came into the foreground, I could tell what it was building to.
I gotta admit. I struggled with keeping the twins separated at times. Obviously their names are the opposites of their elements and I kept wanting to switch them around in my head.
Loved Elethen and Blaze together, though. I mean it’s kinda insta-love, but wouldn’t you fall for Elethen instantly too? I liked the heat.
Anyway I’d probably give parts of this book 3 stars, parts 4. I can’t rate anything less than 4 stars when it made me cry like that even when I *knew* what was coming. If you have siblings you’re close to, I mean, duh? Of course I cried.
I’ll probably read book 2 because a) I’ve been interested in the elven general since the beginning, and b) I just wanna know how it all wraps up. I really don’t like switching to a new MC within a series, and I���m not the biggest fan of River right now. Hiding shit and making life-changing decisions for other people sucks, River. Like, Blaze is just going to berate himself for not being a better seer and figuring it out. Also that’s such a selfish choice! Everyone plus Blaze dies, or just Blaze dies? Either way, Blaze dies! At least let him choose to save the world while doing it, man. River doesn’t claim to be a good person though, I get it. I digress. Alas, reading book 2 is how we get to the HEA…
Admittedly my interest waned a bit after we got to Earth and the newness of Blaze and Elethen meeting wore off. I mean, the setting sounds like Earth but if we continue on the same path of ignoring climate change, so… dreary. Grim. The only way it’s an improvement from Halana is the food and technology. But luckily, the Keyes brothers have money? Enough to not really feel the pain of society’s downfall, I guess.
The plot also lagged a bit in the middle, as you can imagine. But I also admit I thought it was pretty easy to guess the ending early on and that might’ve influenced my opinion. River’s behavior showed all the signs, frankly. And as his character came into the foreground, I could tell what it was building to.
I gotta admit. I struggled with keeping the twins separated at times. Obviously their names are the opposites of their elements and I kept wanting to switch them around in my head.
Loved Elethen and Blaze together, though. I mean it’s kinda insta-love, but wouldn’t you fall for Elethen instantly too? I liked the heat.
Anyway I’d probably give parts of this book 3 stars, parts 4. I can’t rate anything less than 4 stars when it made me cry like that even when I *knew* what was coming. If you have siblings you’re close to, I mean, duh? Of course I cried.
I’ll probably read book 2 because a) I’ve been interested in the elven general since the beginning, and b) I just wanna know how it all wraps up. I really don’t like switching to a new MC within a series, and I���m not the biggest fan of River right now. Hiding shit and making life-changing decisions for other people sucks, River. Like, Blaze is just going to berate himself for not being a better seer and figuring it out. Also that’s such a selfish choice! Everyone plus Blaze dies, or just Blaze dies? Either way, Blaze dies! At least let him choose to save the world while doing it, man. River doesn’t claim to be a good person though, I get it. I digress. Alas, reading book 2 is how we get to the HEA…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2023
Absolutely Fabulous Storytelling! A Must Read!
Rating: 5🌈
“I was about to die.
Even worse, maybe the world was better off for it.”
So begins our journey into The Elemental Keyes , the first of Sam Burns the absolutely outstanding, and emotionally gripping new two book series, Circle the Square.
A two person POV, which starts from one world, then begins a journey that the author will take her characters and readers on that just shy of brilliant.
There’s no way to go about describing the storylines except what relayed in the description. The world is about to end. We know because one of our narrator’s a seer, Blaze Keyes and he’s seen the world will end on his birthday.
Well, that of his and his twin brother, River’s. They are elemental mages as well as seers. River a fire mage and Blaze ironically a water mage. And it’s because of mages the world once succeeded, and it’s because of mages it’s now going to die.
The other wildly different perspective comes from a elf, Elethen Voransa, aka The Crow. A well known thief among his people, his entrance into the lives of the Keyes brothers is spectacular and shattering for all.
Burns does amazing things in bringing all the characters to life, along with the dire circumstances under which they are living and maneuvering through the obstacles that keep rising up around them.
There’s no way to prepare someone for the neat twists and surprises Burns has laid down for the readers here. Like silken traps threaded through the narrative, they snap shut with a well plotted zest, making this reader anticipate with great excitement and glee what the next and final book holds.
I’m highly impressed with The Elemental Keyes, it’s so imaginative, with great twists, wonderful characters, and a fantastic storyline.
April 13th, the date The Elemental Ruin is released, can’t get here soon enough.
Circle the Square- 2 books
- [x] The Elemental Keyes Book 1
- [ ] The Elemental Ruin Book 2 - April 13, 2023
Rating: 5🌈
“I was about to die.
Even worse, maybe the world was better off for it.”
So begins our journey into The Elemental Keyes , the first of Sam Burns the absolutely outstanding, and emotionally gripping new two book series, Circle the Square.
A two person POV, which starts from one world, then begins a journey that the author will take her characters and readers on that just shy of brilliant.
There’s no way to go about describing the storylines except what relayed in the description. The world is about to end. We know because one of our narrator’s a seer, Blaze Keyes and he’s seen the world will end on his birthday.
Well, that of his and his twin brother, River’s. They are elemental mages as well as seers. River a fire mage and Blaze ironically a water mage. And it’s because of mages the world once succeeded, and it’s because of mages it’s now going to die.
The other wildly different perspective comes from a elf, Elethen Voransa, aka The Crow. A well known thief among his people, his entrance into the lives of the Keyes brothers is spectacular and shattering for all.
Burns does amazing things in bringing all the characters to life, along with the dire circumstances under which they are living and maneuvering through the obstacles that keep rising up around them.
There’s no way to prepare someone for the neat twists and surprises Burns has laid down for the readers here. Like silken traps threaded through the narrative, they snap shut with a well plotted zest, making this reader anticipate with great excitement and glee what the next and final book holds.
I’m highly impressed with The Elemental Keyes, it’s so imaginative, with great twists, wonderful characters, and a fantastic storyline.
April 13th, the date The Elemental Ruin is released, can’t get here soon enough.
Circle the Square- 2 books
- [x] The Elemental Keyes Book 1
- [ ] The Elemental Ruin Book 2 - April 13, 2023
March 23, 2023
I love books with portals that take place in more than one world. I liked how both worlds weren’t ours, and each was missing something the other has. The characters caught me immediately and I had to keep reading to make sure that Blaze and River’s vision of no tomorrow doesn’t eventuate.
I loved the twins, Blaze and River, and how their name reflects each other’s ability. Very clever. They also have very different personalities. I loved Blaze. He’s a good guy and someone who wants to make a difference. He and Elethen are good for other, with both needing someone who accepts them for who they are. I liked how Elethen has always kept a part of himself hidden, thinking anyone who knows will be repulsed by who he truly is. His and Blaze’s magic is very cool, and I love their connection.
River’s an interesting character. Like his brother, yet not. A criminal yet one of the good guys who will do whatever it takes to keep his brother and loved ones safe. I’m looking forward to reading his story in book 2.
I like how there are different layers of bad guys in this, and how the good guys are actually the criminal syndicate who work with River. There are plenty of bad guys, with Blaze’s ex, and his ex-police partner on top of the list of those who are truly obnoxious.
I loved the storyline, and worldbuilding that goes with it. Both Halana and the twins’ version of Earth are interesting. I particularly loved the mix of magic and technology on Earth
And that twist at the end? Nicely done.
I loved the twins, Blaze and River, and how their name reflects each other’s ability. Very clever. They also have very different personalities. I loved Blaze. He’s a good guy and someone who wants to make a difference. He and Elethen are good for other, with both needing someone who accepts them for who they are. I liked how Elethen has always kept a part of himself hidden, thinking anyone who knows will be repulsed by who he truly is. His and Blaze’s magic is very cool, and I love their connection.
River’s an interesting character. Like his brother, yet not. A criminal yet one of the good guys who will do whatever it takes to keep his brother and loved ones safe. I’m looking forward to reading his story in book 2.
I like how there are different layers of bad guys in this, and how the good guys are actually the criminal syndicate who work with River. There are plenty of bad guys, with Blaze’s ex, and his ex-police partner on top of the list of those who are truly obnoxious.
I loved the storyline, and worldbuilding that goes with it. Both Halana and the twins’ version of Earth are interesting. I particularly loved the mix of magic and technology on Earth
And that twist at the end? Nicely done.
March 23, 2023
This first book had me under it's spell from the beginning. I absolutely loved the characters and thought they all had not only unique personalities but also very well developed character traits. This is dual POV between Blaze and Elethen. Elethen gets pulled out of his world and plopped into a somewhat familiar Earth. Blaze is out of a job and sort of waiting around of the end of the world to happen which is supposed to be tomorrow on his birthday. There's a great amount of magic and incredible world building. I love the twins Blaze and River and how different yet protective of each other they are. Specially River with Blaze. The relationship between Elethen and Blaze was well paced. Both steamy yet getting to know each other thrown in the mix of a crazy adventure, these two are pretty solid. The ending was on point and leaves a tiny cliffhanger behind. I cannot wait to read the conclusion as I believe it's just a duet.
This is for any fantasy lover who also likes a dash of end times thrown in! A very fun urban fantasy with amazing characters!
This is for any fantasy lover who also likes a dash of end times thrown in! A very fun urban fantasy with amazing characters!
March 13, 2023
Waves
I don’t know about you but I plan to stay tethered to my Kindle until I can finish this enthralling and incredible duology. It’s not just magical, holy blazes is it that; it’s the mystery, the clues, the characters (River is allll mine), the world-building, the reveals, it’s so fantastic it’s almost unbelievable. But believe it, I do, and I can’t even squee about the parts I love the most. So hurry up and read it for yourself, so freaking good and worth the book hangover.
Happily, I can squee about how much I adore Blaze and Elethen though. These two, mmm, they make my heart happy, and when they let loose, rawr. I’m not sure which I love more Blaze’s appetite for Elethen, or Elethen’s appetite for well, everything. “Blaze Keyes was mine, and I was his. Till the end of the world.” Alright, it’s the way these two love. It gets me in the feels and I need more, more, more. The ending is a jaw dropper, so be prepared, and be ready to crow about this book for years to come.
I don’t know about you but I plan to stay tethered to my Kindle until I can finish this enthralling and incredible duology. It’s not just magical, holy blazes is it that; it’s the mystery, the clues, the characters (River is allll mine), the world-building, the reveals, it’s so fantastic it’s almost unbelievable. But believe it, I do, and I can’t even squee about the parts I love the most. So hurry up and read it for yourself, so freaking good and worth the book hangover.
Happily, I can squee about how much I adore Blaze and Elethen though. These two, mmm, they make my heart happy, and when they let loose, rawr. I’m not sure which I love more Blaze’s appetite for Elethen, or Elethen’s appetite for well, everything. “Blaze Keyes was mine, and I was his. Till the end of the world.” Alright, it’s the way these two love. It gets me in the feels and I need more, more, more. The ending is a jaw dropper, so be prepared, and be ready to crow about this book for years to come.
March 23, 2023
I didn't read this book so much as inhaled it. What started out as "just one chapter" very quickly turned into "I can probably read a couple more pages in the grocery line" and then "if I don't sleep before work, I can finish the book."
I fell in love with Blaze the water mage pretty much instantly. The world-building was so well done; the small details really fleshed out the story for me. Even though you think you know the stakes going in, it quickly becomes apparent that things aren't always as they seem.
Blaze and Elethen were an adorable couple, and I love how they both slotted into the broken jagged parts of their other half to make a pretty awesome team.
As the story progresses, I also found myself wanting to know more about their family, both blood and found.
I will warn that it ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, but don't fret too much. The second book in this duology is just a few weeks behind the first!
I fell in love with Blaze the water mage pretty much instantly. The world-building was so well done; the small details really fleshed out the story for me. Even though you think you know the stakes going in, it quickly becomes apparent that things aren't always as they seem.
Blaze and Elethen were an adorable couple, and I love how they both slotted into the broken jagged parts of their other half to make a pretty awesome team.
As the story progresses, I also found myself wanting to know more about their family, both blood and found.
I will warn that it ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, but don't fret too much. The second book in this duology is just a few weeks behind the first!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2023
This was overall an enjoyable read, but a few lingering thoughts ultimately led me to rate it only three stars. First, the issue of life spans just never came up, but I kind of feel like it's important for a relationship between two species that live for a different amount of time. Second, I have to agree with another reviewer that the author really seemed to like River more as a character and wanted to write about River, not Blaze. Third, there were references to events that happened in River and Blaze's past with their father, things that River refused to tell Blaze. I kept expecting these issues to come up again where Blaze would learn about it and the two brothers would grow even closer. Blaze obviously has a bit of an inferiority complex, so talking it out would have gone a long way. Maybe it's something that's addressed in the next book, but I really feel it should have been addressed here.
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