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The Seven Signs #1
The Sentient Fire
In one short night, Dormael Harlun’s life was changed forever.
Tired and half drunk, Dormael stumbled upon Shawna Llewan, a beautiful young woman, wounded and near death. What he didn’t realize was that his decision to come to her aid would be only the beginning of his unwitting role in a labyrinthine and perilous game.
Suddenly, Dormael and Shawna find themselves surrounded by enemies bent on their destruction. All avenues to safety are closing rapidly, and their only hope is to find the key to a dangerous secret lost to antiquity. With every ally a potential foe, they can rely only on Dormael’s brother Allen and his cousin D’Jenn to escape the will of a tyrant, the designs of a traitor, and the attention of powers beyond their imagining. Dormael has never been much for games, but destiny has rolled the dice for him and irrevocably placed him in the middle of a deadly game he must desperately play for keeps. Should he lose, he will forfeit not only his own life, but the lives of the ones he loves.
Tired and half drunk, Dormael stumbled upon Shawna Llewan, a beautiful young woman, wounded and near death. What he didn’t realize was that his decision to come to her aid would be only the beginning of his unwitting role in a labyrinthine and perilous game.
Suddenly, Dormael and Shawna find themselves surrounded by enemies bent on their destruction. All avenues to safety are closing rapidly, and their only hope is to find the key to a dangerous secret lost to antiquity. With every ally a potential foe, they can rely only on Dormael’s brother Allen and his cousin D’Jenn to escape the will of a tyrant, the designs of a traitor, and the attention of powers beyond their imagining. Dormael has never been much for games, but destiny has rolled the dice for him and irrevocably placed him in the middle of a deadly game he must desperately play for keeps. Should he lose, he will forfeit not only his own life, but the lives of the ones he loves.
856 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2011
298 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Hawkins
16 books106 followersD.W. Hawkins haunts the badlands of southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Sightings in the wild are rare, and this creature should be approached with caution. If you insist on pursuing this dangerous animal, you can find out more about him by visiting his website.
You can also follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and YouTube.
You can also follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and YouTube.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 6, 2019
Rating and review for SPFBO5 to come soon...ish
November 15, 2022
I read the opening chapter—or part of it as the chapters are quite long—and rather enjoyed it, so I decided to pick this one up to continue. Generally speaking, I had a good time with it, though the element of the story I enjoyed a lot in the opening chapter wasn’t the overriding story in the full book.
We focus more on a different character, so that was slightly disappointing for me, and led to my overall enjoyment and rating not being as high as I’d expected. I quite liked the magic here—although some of it was a bit convenient, there were some good elements to it as well, and I think that’s a decent summary of the book as a whole.
I got sucked in by one story, which conveniently led to another story, and that second story then took centre stage. The initial story that so grasped me was still there, providing those “good” elements, but for me, it wasn’t a big enough part and was overshadowed too much by the second storyline. Still, this was a relatively short, relatively quick-paced read, so it served well as a taster for the rest of the series.
We focus more on a different character, so that was slightly disappointing for me, and led to my overall enjoyment and rating not being as high as I’d expected. I quite liked the magic here—although some of it was a bit convenient, there were some good elements to it as well, and I think that’s a decent summary of the book as a whole.
I got sucked in by one story, which conveniently led to another story, and that second story then took centre stage. The initial story that so grasped me was still there, providing those “good” elements, but for me, it wasn’t a big enough part and was overshadowed too much by the second storyline. Still, this was a relatively short, relatively quick-paced read, so it served well as a taster for the rest of the series.
February 11, 2012
I found this to be an exciting book to read. The author introduced a magic system that was believable and did not stretch the bounds of reality beyond the acceptable. The character development was interesting and continued throughout the book so that new information was timely and lead to further developments in the story line.
There is one complaint about the book that will be taken care of over time. The sequel is not available so that I can continue the story. There are some series of books that I read the entire series only because it is a series, with this book I am actually looking forward to the next one in the series with anticipation.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy and magic presented in a well developed format.
There is one complaint about the book that will be taken care of over time. The sequel is not available so that I can continue the story. There are some series of books that I read the entire series only because it is a series, with this book I am actually looking forward to the next one in the series with anticipation.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy and magic presented in a well developed format.
July 16, 2012
Richly imagined with meticulously developed theories of magic, history, myth, geography, politics and more, D.W. Hawkins’ The Sentient Fire is the first in a series of epic fantasy novels. But it stands alone as a well-drawn, well-finished novel in its own right. The level of detail can be overwhelming at times, but well-plotted history and geography are nicely fed into discussions between strangers (fast becoming friends) on a long and dangerous journey. The scenery switches between frozen waste, oceans, farms, small towns and citadel. Social structures are discussed and explained by politics, history and myth. Meanwhile magic remains a powerful constant, beautifully drawn, with the reader quickly pulled into the experience of using and being used by powers beyond our own.
The social commentary is intriguingly real with all its attendant assumptions and follies. The language is a nice mix of careful description and dialog and displays a pleasing humor, especially when little Bethany repeats the rather course songs of her, as yet unexplained, youth. The characters form a truly intriguing ensemble, with different skills and aims all gathered together in what eventually becomes a single cause. But the plot’s the primary reason for the tale, satisfying, fascinating and pleasingly unpredictable, sufficiently so to keep the reader turning pages even when long explanations seem to have veered into what might seem irrelevant.
I enjoyed the novel and couldn’t put it down, even though I found myself skipping some bits of the world-building. If I only had more time to read I’d be desperately waiting for book 2. If epic fantasy is your genre, and if complex world-building grabs your attention, this series will quickly hook and you and definitely offer something new and satisfying.
Disclosure: I won a free ecopy of this novel during a blog tour.
The social commentary is intriguingly real with all its attendant assumptions and follies. The language is a nice mix of careful description and dialog and displays a pleasing humor, especially when little Bethany repeats the rather course songs of her, as yet unexplained, youth. The characters form a truly intriguing ensemble, with different skills and aims all gathered together in what eventually becomes a single cause. But the plot’s the primary reason for the tale, satisfying, fascinating and pleasingly unpredictable, sufficiently so to keep the reader turning pages even when long explanations seem to have veered into what might seem irrelevant.
I enjoyed the novel and couldn’t put it down, even though I found myself skipping some bits of the world-building. If I only had more time to read I’d be desperately waiting for book 2. If epic fantasy is your genre, and if complex world-building grabs your attention, this series will quickly hook and you and definitely offer something new and satisfying.
Disclosure: I won a free ecopy of this novel during a blog tour.
April 15, 2012
electronic copy from the author
An impressive fantasy debut.
"The Briton in me would say: "Not bad for a fantasy debut novel. It is worth to take in consideration to read the next book in the series"
The German in me would say: "You get a lot of well executed content for your money. That is a true epic fantasy book."
The fantasy lover in me would say: "I found a gem before a publisher discovered it. A great debut. I can't wait to read the next book in the series."
Read my full review over at Edi's Book Lighthouse.
An impressive fantasy debut.
"The Briton in me would say: "Not bad for a fantasy debut novel. It is worth to take in consideration to read the next book in the series"
The German in me would say: "You get a lot of well executed content for your money. That is a true epic fantasy book."
The fantasy lover in me would say: "I found a gem before a publisher discovered it. A great debut. I can't wait to read the next book in the series."
Read my full review over at Edi's Book Lighthouse.
September 9, 2019
It's been a month for some excellent books to come my way and this is certainly no exception. Hawkins creates a complex and detailed world of magic, treachery and intrigue. From the very onset we are thrust headlong into the action and there are no punches pulled as Shawna witnesses her family and household staff tortured, raped and murdered. For the sake of what seems to be merely a trinket of jewellery, her entire life is torn apart in front of her eyes.
But it quickly becomes apparent that this is no ordinary trinket, and it holds secrets and power in equal measure. Power that someone is willing to do anything to get there hands on, and Shawna is thrown into a headlong chase with the power of an Empire snapping at her heels. Into this walks Dormael, a powerful warlock in his own right and drawn to the call of the amulet. When he drags the critically injured girl back into town, he wasn't expecting just how complicated his life was about to become. Nor indeed how fraught with danger. He certainly wasn't planning on going on the run with a girl he'd never met before.
The narrative is woven wonderfully, with it's darker aspects softened somewhat by a dry and witty sense of humour throughout. I loved the characters and how they seem to grow and change slightly yet inescapably as the tale progresses. Shawna is a strong female lead but could easily have become annoying and yet the sense of recent loss and raw grief is evident even at her most snobby and you can't help but warm to her. I adored the interactions between Dormael and his cousin, D'Jenn, and the way they constantly wind each other up yet have each others back is well portrayed. There are a handful of supporting characters and all of them felt real, including the villains where we got to see snippets of motivation and drive rather than just a faceless evil.
The world building can feel slow, but I really enjoyed the way that the geography, politics and magic systems were built into the weave of things. It never felt like a huge info dump, instead you learn more about the nature of the world as you get to know the characters. All in all, I really enjoyed this from beginning to end. My wallet is suffering mind as this is the third book in less than a week that has had me reaching out to buy the sequel. If the rest of the series is as well written as this though, it's more than worth it.
But it quickly becomes apparent that this is no ordinary trinket, and it holds secrets and power in equal measure. Power that someone is willing to do anything to get there hands on, and Shawna is thrown into a headlong chase with the power of an Empire snapping at her heels. Into this walks Dormael, a powerful warlock in his own right and drawn to the call of the amulet. When he drags the critically injured girl back into town, he wasn't expecting just how complicated his life was about to become. Nor indeed how fraught with danger. He certainly wasn't planning on going on the run with a girl he'd never met before.
The narrative is woven wonderfully, with it's darker aspects softened somewhat by a dry and witty sense of humour throughout. I loved the characters and how they seem to grow and change slightly yet inescapably as the tale progresses. Shawna is a strong female lead but could easily have become annoying and yet the sense of recent loss and raw grief is evident even at her most snobby and you can't help but warm to her. I adored the interactions between Dormael and his cousin, D'Jenn, and the way they constantly wind each other up yet have each others back is well portrayed. There are a handful of supporting characters and all of them felt real, including the villains where we got to see snippets of motivation and drive rather than just a faceless evil.
The world building can feel slow, but I really enjoyed the way that the geography, politics and magic systems were built into the weave of things. It never felt like a huge info dump, instead you learn more about the nature of the world as you get to know the characters. All in all, I really enjoyed this from beginning to end. My wallet is suffering mind as this is the third book in less than a week that has had me reaching out to buy the sequel. If the rest of the series is as well written as this though, it's more than worth it.
February 3, 2020
Well developed characters with an okay story. Nothing too out there, nothing to hate.
But what made me review it so badly?
It was the telling vs showing. Scenes are scarcely described. Emotions are almost never shown.
It is “character was feeling angry”
Or
“The scene was tense”
It would be more interesting to read if we were shown how it was tense.
Or shown how the character is feeling instead of being told.
“She was angry”
Or
“Her knuckles tightened around the hilt of her blade and her jaw clenched tightly. She could feel the pressure.... etc”
One of these is more interesting than the other.
That’s all.
But what made me review it so badly?
It was the telling vs showing. Scenes are scarcely described. Emotions are almost never shown.
It is “character was feeling angry”
Or
“The scene was tense”
It would be more interesting to read if we were shown how it was tense.
Or shown how the character is feeling instead of being told.
“She was angry”
Or
“Her knuckles tightened around the hilt of her blade and her jaw clenched tightly. She could feel the pressure.... etc”
One of these is more interesting than the other.
That’s all.
August 27, 2019
Good enough start of the series to get me intrigued enough to read the rest!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2020
I enjoyed this book. In the story you will humor, adventure, magic, fighting, blood, budding friendships, intrigue, deception, kindness, strong wills. You are taken on a trip with some great likable characters that makes you want to keep reading to see how their story unfolds
August 4, 2019
Child of the Flames
An intriguing tale of swords and sorcery! Dormael and D’Jenn were entertaining, fun and kickbutt to read I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.
An intriguing tale of swords and sorcery! Dormael and D’Jenn were entertaining, fun and kickbutt to read I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.
April 9, 2012
Let me start by saying, this book is nearly 800 pages, so be warned, it is not a quick read, but believe me, it is worth it. The characters are engaging and human. They are not depicted as perfect, which makes it easier to connect with them and find them believable. One of my biggest pet peeves with reading any novel is when an author creates a character that is so far out of the realm of reality that there is no way a normal, average person like me can connect with them, as they have no flaws, nothing that makes them seem real and human.
I have come to realize that writing a really great fantasy novel is an art form, and it really is not as easy as creating characters that exist in another world, like fairies, witches, vampires and goblins. You cannot just throw magic into a bland story and expect it to be a fantastic epic fantasy novel. It is an art form that I can honestly and truthfully say that D.W. Hawkins has mastered in spades.
That is not the case in this novel, though. I was instantly able to connect with Dormael in this story. I could feel his feelings and hear what he heard, as the author makes great use of description to make the reader able to become a part of the story. While the book is long, the degree of detail given makes that necessary.
D.W. Hawkins makes great use of back story, without cramming it down your throat right at the beginning. It is spread out throughout the story, and you learn about the characters and get to really feel like you know them by the end of this novel.
I was able to feel the fury of the cousins when they found the little girl in the tower room, and the emotions were almost palpable as I read along in rapt horror at what you perceive has happened to the poor little Bethany.
Then, I felt as though I was travelling with the unlikely group of friends as they traveled throughout the world created in the story.
Okay, that's it. I am not telling you any more about the storyline itself, and you will have to read for yourself. From here forward, I will give you my thoughts about the writing in general, and hopefully I can convey to you how great this story was, enough so that you will want to read it and find out what is in store!
Overall, this was a novel that I could not put down. Every time I tried to walk away from it, I could feel the story and the characters calling to me, telling me that I had no idea what was coming next and I would just HAVE to keep reading to find out.
There were a few points where I was not sure where it was going or what exactly was happening, but somehow it always pulled together and made sense, even if it took a little while to get there. In my opinion, this is a must read, and I will reread this book many times and share it with my son, who is 8 years old and becoming a huge fan of fantasy.
For my rating scale, I am giving this a 5 star rating, well worth the money! I hope you will all enjoy the story as much as I did and do, and will continue too for many years to come! I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next, and anxiously await the next installment in this series, which I am told to expect some time in November of this year.
**DISCLAIMER** I was provided a copy of this story in E-Book format from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated in any way for this posting, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I have come to realize that writing a really great fantasy novel is an art form, and it really is not as easy as creating characters that exist in another world, like fairies, witches, vampires and goblins. You cannot just throw magic into a bland story and expect it to be a fantastic epic fantasy novel. It is an art form that I can honestly and truthfully say that D.W. Hawkins has mastered in spades.
That is not the case in this novel, though. I was instantly able to connect with Dormael in this story. I could feel his feelings and hear what he heard, as the author makes great use of description to make the reader able to become a part of the story. While the book is long, the degree of detail given makes that necessary.
D.W. Hawkins makes great use of back story, without cramming it down your throat right at the beginning. It is spread out throughout the story, and you learn about the characters and get to really feel like you know them by the end of this novel.
I was able to feel the fury of the cousins when they found the little girl in the tower room, and the emotions were almost palpable as I read along in rapt horror at what you perceive has happened to the poor little Bethany.
Then, I felt as though I was travelling with the unlikely group of friends as they traveled throughout the world created in the story.
Okay, that's it. I am not telling you any more about the storyline itself, and you will have to read for yourself. From here forward, I will give you my thoughts about the writing in general, and hopefully I can convey to you how great this story was, enough so that you will want to read it and find out what is in store!
Overall, this was a novel that I could not put down. Every time I tried to walk away from it, I could feel the story and the characters calling to me, telling me that I had no idea what was coming next and I would just HAVE to keep reading to find out.
There were a few points where I was not sure where it was going or what exactly was happening, but somehow it always pulled together and made sense, even if it took a little while to get there. In my opinion, this is a must read, and I will reread this book many times and share it with my son, who is 8 years old and becoming a huge fan of fantasy.
For my rating scale, I am giving this a 5 star rating, well worth the money! I hope you will all enjoy the story as much as I did and do, and will continue too for many years to come! I cannot wait to see what is going to happen next, and anxiously await the next installment in this series, which I am told to expect some time in November of this year.
**DISCLAIMER** I was provided a copy of this story in E-Book format from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated in any way for this posting, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
June 10, 2016
3.5 stars. It took me forever to finish The Senitient Fire because I had so many other things going on and it was so long. I'll start with the good.
I thought the characters were engaging. I liked how Dormael went from being a roving bachelor type to someone more mature. I thought Shawna was a good, strong female character who also retained her femininity. D'Jinn and Allen were both good supporting characters. The bad guys were very sinister which is how they should be. I began to dread reading the parts about them. I'm not including this as a negative because that's what they were supposed to do, I think, fill me with dread.
The fight scenes were very well done and most of them kept me on the edge of my seat.
I enjoyed the romance once it finally got started. (When I say romance I mean the two characters that fall for each other, not the one night stands. I could have done without that.), although I felt a bit cheated when the romance commenced off page at the end of the book. We got teased way too much to miss that!
Ok so now for a few observations. I do think it needs more editing. It is very long. That itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, but part of the book dragged because of it. I just thought there were some things that could have been compacted.
I personally could have done with less of the gross descriptions, both during the fight scenes and while reading about the bad guys. I started to skip over some of those details because it was a bit much for me. A couple of scenes like that are ok for me, but after that I need the rest left to the imagination. I know this is a matter of personal taste and not a real problem with the story itself.
We were reminded too much that Dormael and D'Jinn had goatees. For a while there it seemed like it was every other page one of them was stroking his goatee or something. It started to remind be of Nynaeve's braid pulling in The Wheel of Time series.
I wondered why Dormael didn't just use his lightening on the ship’s hull and sails as well as the ballistas when they were being pursued that first time. It was the first thing that came to my mind and is what I would have done. I suppose it also would have cut a whole action scene from the book, but the book doesn't suffer from lack of those.
I felt there were lost opportunities to develop the romance between the two characters more subtly. Shawna's flirting just sort of came out of nowhere.
Even with the things I thought were negatives it was still a really good book
I thought the characters were engaging. I liked how Dormael went from being a roving bachelor type to someone more mature. I thought Shawna was a good, strong female character who also retained her femininity. D'Jinn and Allen were both good supporting characters. The bad guys were very sinister which is how they should be. I began to dread reading the parts about them. I'm not including this as a negative because that's what they were supposed to do, I think, fill me with dread.
The fight scenes were very well done and most of them kept me on the edge of my seat.
I enjoyed the romance once it finally got started. (When I say romance I mean the two characters that fall for each other, not the one night stands. I could have done without that.), although I felt a bit cheated when the romance commenced off page at the end of the book. We got teased way too much to miss that!
Ok so now for a few observations. I do think it needs more editing. It is very long. That itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, but part of the book dragged because of it. I just thought there were some things that could have been compacted.
I personally could have done with less of the gross descriptions, both during the fight scenes and while reading about the bad guys. I started to skip over some of those details because it was a bit much for me. A couple of scenes like that are ok for me, but after that I need the rest left to the imagination. I know this is a matter of personal taste and not a real problem with the story itself.
We were reminded too much that Dormael and D'Jinn had goatees. For a while there it seemed like it was every other page one of them was stroking his goatee or something. It started to remind be of Nynaeve's braid pulling in The Wheel of Time series.
I wondered why Dormael didn't just use his lightening on the ship’s hull and sails as well as the ballistas when they were being pursued that first time. It was the first thing that came to my mind and is what I would have done. I suppose it also would have cut a whole action scene from the book, but the book doesn't suffer from lack of those.
I felt there were lost opportunities to develop the romance between the two characters more subtly. Shawna's flirting just sort of came out of nowhere.
Even with the things I thought were negatives it was still a really good book
April 3, 2012
This review is going to be hard to write, without giving away any spoilers. I just don't want to give it all away for you guys!
Let's start by saying this book is long. I am used to reading books that are roughly 350 odd pages. This was double that. Yet I never felt it dragging on! Instead of cramming information in, or leaving it out, D.W. Hawkins has just simply made the book long, and it works.
The character's were wonderfully written and you are able to relate to them. The heroes aren't perfect and good, they have their flaws. The villain's aren't just "bad". Overall, the author shows that they are all just people like you and me.
The plot is riveting, the setting I found fresh and exciting. I have my fingers crossed that this novel gets turned into a movie, because I would love to see this come to life - apart from in my own imagination that is!
For lovers of fantasy, I urge to pick this novel up! For everyone else, I also urge you do the same. I would hate for you all to miss out on reading this novel!
Let's start by saying this book is long. I am used to reading books that are roughly 350 odd pages. This was double that. Yet I never felt it dragging on! Instead of cramming information in, or leaving it out, D.W. Hawkins has just simply made the book long, and it works.
The character's were wonderfully written and you are able to relate to them. The heroes aren't perfect and good, they have their flaws. The villain's aren't just "bad". Overall, the author shows that they are all just people like you and me.
The plot is riveting, the setting I found fresh and exciting. I have my fingers crossed that this novel gets turned into a movie, because I would love to see this come to life - apart from in my own imagination that is!
For lovers of fantasy, I urge to pick this novel up! For everyone else, I also urge you do the same. I would hate for you all to miss out on reading this novel!
April 22, 2018
Magic ruined this for me. It's as strong or weak as the plot needs it to be at that point, with very little explanation of why. At one point one of the Wizards sinks a ship, from a distance, in what is basicly a bit of a grumpy tantrum. Then, at the climax where sinking a ship would have solved all their immediate problems, the two Wizards don't even seem to consider it an option!
March 9, 2017
I enjoyed this book
It started OK, the usual "damsel in distress escapes distress and actually is really good with swords and kills things" tale, following on to the rest of the book. It paces well, the baddies are bad and the world is OK if nothing spectaular
There are some jarring moments, the magic system is just sooooo powerful it makes you think the two wizards wouldn't be quite as annoying as they are and at certain points the troubles that meet them just wouldn't be a problem (a fight at sea? Just sink the ship from afar - like they have done a few weeks earlier in a port?). The lead woman is a bit unlikable which may be justified as she has had a bad few days and the young girl they rescue and decide to take with them into certain danger and who turns out to be important is a bit odd.
However the baddies are baddies, magic kills and bravery pays off, so as long as you don't think about it too much then it is enjoyable, the plot is fun if the characterization minimal and the combat is fast and furious.
It is clearly set to be epic over time, reads like someones D&D sessions fleshed out and I will likely read the next one in the series to see how it goes
It started OK, the usual "damsel in distress escapes distress and actually is really good with swords and kills things" tale, following on to the rest of the book. It paces well, the baddies are bad and the world is OK if nothing spectaular
There are some jarring moments, the magic system is just sooooo powerful it makes you think the two wizards wouldn't be quite as annoying as they are and at certain points the troubles that meet them just wouldn't be a problem (a fight at sea? Just sink the ship from afar - like they have done a few weeks earlier in a port?). The lead woman is a bit unlikable which may be justified as she has had a bad few days and the young girl they rescue and decide to take with them into certain danger and who turns out to be important is a bit odd.
However the baddies are baddies, magic kills and bravery pays off, so as long as you don't think about it too much then it is enjoyable, the plot is fun if the characterization minimal and the combat is fast and furious.
It is clearly set to be epic over time, reads like someones D&D sessions fleshed out and I will likely read the next one in the series to see how it goes
February 21, 2019
I don't usually read "sword and sorcery" (I am reading through the backlog on my kindle and this was next in the list), but Child Of Flames was character driven enough for me to really enjoy. This was evident in the lack of direction from co-protagonist Dormael, who, at the beginning could have been regarded as a directionless wandering drunken bard until he comes across Shawna with an arrow in her back who provides him with a mystery to solve. Or perhaps, Shawna was his dentiny all along...
Child Of Flames was very slow plot-wise but this could be attributed to being the firsy in a series; the author has a lot of backstory, chatacter history and scene setting to do. All of which were done in Chilf Of Flames but it still felt slightly lacking. For me, this information came too late and too sporadically so when revelations were made; it was verging on shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.
For me, the main positives of the book were Dormael and D'Jenn. They were so well written characters and the banter between them was true to life for that of cousins.
Would I read the rest of the series? Maybe.
Child Of Flames was very slow plot-wise but this could be attributed to being the firsy in a series; the author has a lot of backstory, chatacter history and scene setting to do. All of which were done in Chilf Of Flames but it still felt slightly lacking. For me, this information came too late and too sporadically so when revelations were made; it was verging on shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.
For me, the main positives of the book were Dormael and D'Jenn. They were so well written characters and the banter between them was true to life for that of cousins.
Would I read the rest of the series? Maybe.
September 13, 2020
I enjoyed Child of the Flames a lot. Even the chapters that took over an hour to read didn't turn me off reading it. It's an engaging dark fantasy and the main characters; Shawna, Doramel, D'Jenn and Bethany are really strong anchors to build a story around. The interplay between the two wizard cousins (Doramel and D'Jenn) gives the reader some lighter moments, and there were a couple of times their banter left me laughing out loud.
I got this book - and the next two in the series - free during an Amazon promotion and I'm frankly stunned the author was giving away books of this calibre. It reads like an adventure that would translate well to the silver screen, or the television screen (just in case any Netflix executives are reading this review.)
I'm looking forward to reading further adventures in this series. If you're looking for a darker form of fantasy, I couldn't recommend this more.
I got this book - and the next two in the series - free during an Amazon promotion and I'm frankly stunned the author was giving away books of this calibre. It reads like an adventure that would translate well to the silver screen, or the television screen (just in case any Netflix executives are reading this review.)
I'm looking forward to reading further adventures in this series. If you're looking for a darker form of fantasy, I couldn't recommend this more.
April 23, 2023
I am now done. I got this book from Bookbub or The Fussy Librarian for free. I cannot pay for any of the other books in ther series. I actually would, if I could.
I can't click on 'Reading ' Everytime I click on, Reading, Goodreads changes it to Read.
I've been enjoying this fantasy story, but what the heck. I don't get it. Sink the ship which is chasing them. Catch it on fire.
They sunk a ship and put fire to it before but now I'm reading on and on and on, which I am flipping through as I'm tired of their BS. They have magic. They lifted a man into the air and dropped him off a cliff. Lift the men off the ship and drop them into the sea. Make an image of their ship for the bad guys to follow. Can they not camouflage themselves, look away spell or a no see spell. Turn a storm onto the other ship that will sink them. Ugh, I'm so bored with this stupid ship chase. I have to flip past it.
I can't click on 'Reading ' Everytime I click on, Reading, Goodreads changes it to Read.
I've been enjoying this fantasy story, but what the heck. I don't get it. Sink the ship which is chasing them. Catch it on fire.
They sunk a ship and put fire to it before but now I'm reading on and on and on, which I am flipping through as I'm tired of their BS. They have magic. They lifted a man into the air and dropped him off a cliff. Lift the men off the ship and drop them into the sea. Make an image of their ship for the bad guys to follow. Can they not camouflage themselves, look away spell or a no see spell. Turn a storm onto the other ship that will sink them. Ugh, I'm so bored with this stupid ship chase. I have to flip past it.
October 11, 2018
This was AMAZING!! I was first introduced to Hawkins' writing with The Killings at Rockman's Ford, a short in the Defiant Guardians collection which was absolutely phenomenal--to the point where I was literally shaking it was so good-- so I had to get into this series and read more about D'Jenn!!
Child of the Flames is an epic masterpiece! Rich characters and even richer world building. It grips you from the first heart-pounding scene, takes you on a wild adventure, and just when you think it can't get any more exciting, Hawkins leaves you with a jaw-dropping epilogue!! Better catch your breath now while you can! Once you start this adventure, you won't want to stop!!!
HIGHLY recommend for fans of Michael J. Sullivan, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Richard A. Knaak, and Jeff Wheeler!
Child of the Flames is an epic masterpiece! Rich characters and even richer world building. It grips you from the first heart-pounding scene, takes you on a wild adventure, and just when you think it can't get any more exciting, Hawkins leaves you with a jaw-dropping epilogue!! Better catch your breath now while you can! Once you start this adventure, you won't want to stop!!!
HIGHLY recommend for fans of Michael J. Sullivan, Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Richard A. Knaak, and Jeff Wheeler!
November 1, 2017
Child of the Flames is the first book of the Seven signs trilogy.
The story starts quite strongly with a vicious attack to Shawna’s family home with the purpose to steal a jewel. Shawna is the only one able to escape with the jewel, but she is wounded. The object she carries attracts a young mage who will be compelled to help the girl.
From there, the story becomes a journey that the heroes (strong willed Shawna, the shy child Bethany, the picaresque mage Dormael and his cousin D'Jenn) must undertake to escape who wants to master the powerful magic of the jewel. It’s a story of good vs evil, but the good guys have a lot of baggage and faults that make them interesting.
There is a lot of action and interesting magic. In my opinion, the second half of the book loses some tension, with powerful magic used a bit too often, but the story ends with a grand final in which the heroes have to struggle against their enemies.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
The story starts quite strongly with a vicious attack to Shawna’s family home with the purpose to steal a jewel. Shawna is the only one able to escape with the jewel, but she is wounded. The object she carries attracts a young mage who will be compelled to help the girl.
From there, the story becomes a journey that the heroes (strong willed Shawna, the shy child Bethany, the picaresque mage Dormael and his cousin D'Jenn) must undertake to escape who wants to master the powerful magic of the jewel. It’s a story of good vs evil, but the good guys have a lot of baggage and faults that make them interesting.
There is a lot of action and interesting magic. In my opinion, the second half of the book loses some tension, with powerful magic used a bit too often, but the story ends with a grand final in which the heroes have to struggle against their enemies.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 16, 2019
Overall rating: 5
A first for me by this author, this was the perfect introduction to this authors writing style and imagination. This started off with a bang, totally grabbing me, and led me down this journey riding all the emotions these characters were subject to. Love the hard learned growth that Shawna experienced, and Brianna totally had me floored. Speaking of which, this book suggests violence towards minors and should not be read by the easily triggered. This author earns five stars for skillfully keeping me guessing through this first book! I already have book 2 on calendar to be read! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
A first for me by this author, this was the perfect introduction to this authors writing style and imagination. This started off with a bang, totally grabbing me, and led me down this journey riding all the emotions these characters were subject to. Love the hard learned growth that Shawna experienced, and Brianna totally had me floored. Speaking of which, this book suggests violence towards minors and should not be read by the easily triggered. This author earns five stars for skillfully keeping me guessing through this first book! I already have book 2 on calendar to be read! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
August 3, 2020
Slam Dunk
This book is first in a new series. I adored this book, and loved the writing style. It is a grand adventure with believable characters. We have a young Baroness, who is also a swordswoman. Two erstwhile wizards who become involved with her along with a cruel used young girl. The story is about their involvement with each other, the journey to save the Baroness and solving the mystery of the girl. It is a fast moving, totally engrossing story. I was up until 3am reading because I couldn't put the book down. Buy it, read it and join me in reading this wondrous new series
This book is first in a new series. I adored this book, and loved the writing style. It is a grand adventure with believable characters. We have a young Baroness, who is also a swordswoman. Two erstwhile wizards who become involved with her along with a cruel used young girl. The story is about their involvement with each other, the journey to save the Baroness and solving the mystery of the girl. It is a fast moving, totally engrossing story. I was up until 3am reading because I couldn't put the book down. Buy it, read it and join me in reading this wondrous new series
September 29, 2017
I found one of the protagonists, Shawana, was too jarring to read. She starts out as the victim, struggling, but is later revealed to be a complete asshole who spends most of the time shouting, glaring, staring, scolding and just being a general condescending prickleboar.
The other two are overpowered wizards and it's completely who put up with her.
There is an ok story with very black and white characters. The villains are evil and the good guys are the shining beacons of virtue in this ugly world.
The other two are overpowered wizards and it's completely who put up with her.
There is an ok story with very black and white characters. The villains are evil and the good guys are the shining beacons of virtue in this ugly world.
February 6, 2019
Great start to a series
I've read a previous edit of this book already, and liked it enough that I was happy to buy this rerelease. It has a great kick ass heroine, with a younger girl waiting in the wings for her chance to shine in later books. The two heroes are also interesting, funny, and intelligent, and the bad guys are properly evil who you'll want to see the end of! I'm really looking forward to the last couple of books, and recommend the whole series to anyone who likes sword and sorcery epics.
I've read a previous edit of this book already, and liked it enough that I was happy to buy this rerelease. It has a great kick ass heroine, with a younger girl waiting in the wings for her chance to shine in later books. The two heroes are also interesting, funny, and intelligent, and the bad guys are properly evil who you'll want to see the end of! I'm really looking forward to the last couple of books, and recommend the whole series to anyone who likes sword and sorcery epics.
February 23, 2019
Pretty awesome
The story has some very interesting in depth characters that one can't help but like and enjoy. The story pulls you in right at the start. I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was gonna happen next. I was at the edge of my seat. The wizards were awesome as well as their bantering. You'll love the main characters growth and fire. I wanna know what will happen with Bethany and the artifact. Who is this Maaz that showed up? This story will pull you and make you want more. The flow of the story is very nicely packed. It's a must read!
The story has some very interesting in depth characters that one can't help but like and enjoy. The story pulls you in right at the start. I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was gonna happen next. I was at the edge of my seat. The wizards were awesome as well as their bantering. You'll love the main characters growth and fire. I wanna know what will happen with Bethany and the artifact. Who is this Maaz that showed up? This story will pull you and make you want more. The flow of the story is very nicely packed. It's a must read!
August 15, 2017
So it begins....
The first part in this series, which i chose on a whim. The plot come together quickly and the story was relatively fast paced. This book is an easy read and I found myself sometimes guessing what would happen next
I look forward to seeing the characters develop in the next book , young Bethany and her traveling companions would appear to have a long journey ahead of them xXx💖 xXx
The first part in this series, which i chose on a whim. The plot come together quickly and the story was relatively fast paced. This book is an easy read and I found myself sometimes guessing what would happen next
I look forward to seeing the characters develop in the next book , young Bethany and her traveling companions would appear to have a long journey ahead of them xXx💖 xXx
September 21, 2017
Perfect for a Rothfuss/Martin Fan!
this book has the right amount of intrigue, drama and violence to keep you turning pages. The character development is good and there's no romance thank goodness! It wasn't too political heavy or hard to follow either, the world it's set in isn't so outlandish or unbelievable. Overall I enjoyed the characters journey and excited for the rest of the series.
this book has the right amount of intrigue, drama and violence to keep you turning pages. The character development is good and there's no romance thank goodness! It wasn't too political heavy or hard to follow either, the world it's set in isn't so outlandish or unbelievable. Overall I enjoyed the characters journey and excited for the rest of the series.
November 21, 2018
Non-stop excitement!
DW Hawkins has created characters so well fashion that any one of them could support a story on its own. We have three wizards and a noble swords woman fighting the forces of evil. What's not to like!
plus, his descriptions of the magical happenings are so real that you can see them occurring. Do not try reading this book if you are trying to get some sleep. You will find yourself reading well into the early hours of the morning.
Enjoy!
DW Hawkins has created characters so well fashion that any one of them could support a story on its own. We have three wizards and a noble swords woman fighting the forces of evil. What's not to like!
plus, his descriptions of the magical happenings are so real that you can see them occurring. Do not try reading this book if you are trying to get some sleep. You will find yourself reading well into the early hours of the morning.
Enjoy!
December 10, 2018
A Good First
This is a good first book for the series. At the beginning you are introduced to the characters and kind of wait for them to catch up with each other. That doesn't mean there is nothing g going on and it's boring! Oh no hot two heroes Dormael and D'Jenn show us about their magic and ways of life. They are some good guys. After a whi!e Shawna is awakened from her coma and the adventures continue.
This is a good first book for the series. At the beginning you are introduced to the characters and kind of wait for them to catch up with each other. That doesn't mean there is nothing g going on and it's boring! Oh no hot two heroes Dormael and D'Jenn show us about their magic and ways of life. They are some good guys. After a whi!e Shawna is awakened from her coma and the adventures continue.
May 22, 2019
Good start to an interesting fantasy series
I was thoroughly entertained throughout this book! The magic is interesting and the world is intriguing. The characters are believable though I’m hoping for more background and depth on a few. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story with witty banter, a badass woman with magical blades and strange bearded wizards!
I was thoroughly entertained throughout this book! The magic is interesting and the world is intriguing. The characters are believable though I’m hoping for more background and depth on a few. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story with witty banter, a badass woman with magical blades and strange bearded wizards!
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