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Fire Play
Fire demiurge Lau had it made until the Mother Goddess banished him for his cruel treatment of humans. Now he’s stuck in a mortal life, trying to cope without his powers—mainly by partying hard and seducing anything with a heartbeat.
Then he meets Jesse Warner.
College student Jesse is new to Montreal. Out from under his parents’ thumbs for the first time, he can’t wait to begin to discover who he really is. He has no idea what’s really at stake when he falls in love with the former demiurge... until a powerful being with a grudge shows up, ready to destroy them both.
Then he meets Jesse Warner.
College student Jesse is new to Montreal. Out from under his parents’ thumbs for the first time, he can’t wait to begin to discover who he really is. He has no idea what’s really at stake when he falls in love with the former demiurge... until a powerful being with a grudge shows up, ready to destroy them both.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2012
1 person is currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Dany Sirene
12 books15 followersDany Sirene has been writing since she learned to hold a pen, and her life changed forever when she stumbled upon a slash story at the age of... well, too young. She stared at the computer screen in sheer fascination, then opened the word processor and wrote her own. Some years later, she looked at the pile of rejection letters along the lines of “this is very good but we do not accept explicit material” and had an epiphany. She’s been writing erotic romance and dark fantasy ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 11, 2012
Lau is a demiurge, cast into the human world as punishment for his casual disregard for human life. Jesse is a college student who has come out of his shell since leaving his oppressive home. He's supposed to be a plaything for Lau, something to break and watch squirm, but things don't quite go according to plan. Will love be enough to overcome all the hurdles that stand before them, or will it be too little, too late?
Lau is a conflicted character, arrogant and uncaring. Aware of his history as a demiurge but unable to access his powers, he regards humans as inferior despite now being one of them, entertainment and nothing more. He grows interestingly as a character once he meets Jesse, showing a vulnerable side that's really quite touching, redeeming him from his previous sociopathic behavior. His protective urges in particular made him quite an appealing character, showing a level of development that definitely fit.
Jesse is much more straightforward, but still layered interestingly. He's playing goth since moving to Montreal for college, dying his hair black and piercing his lip--and finally acting on the attraction to men he hid throughout high school. When presented from outside points of view, he actually comes across as confused and a little pathetic, playing with things he really doesn't understand. Despite that, he's charming in his forthrightness, sticking to his guns and by Lau even as their world begins to fall apart.
The dynamic between Lau and Jesse starts as wildly unbalanced, but quickly equalizes as Lau comes to understand certain things about himself. Things between them are about do much more than just the sex, though sex is definitely a frequent part of their interaction. It's quite interesting to see the evolution of their relationship, as they learn about themselves and each other.
The supporting cast is fairly small and sometimes fleeting; Holly and Rui are the largest secondary players, though others do make brief appearances. Holly is a character I'm torn about, as her later behavior doesn't make sense to me, even with Rui's influence. Rui, on the other hand, is easy to hate, even when the revelation of the past he shares with Lau adds another layer to his quest for vengeance.
The story itself is mostly strong, if rather bleak. The ending was a bit of a letdown for me, though, with Lau's final revelation not quite jiving with previous statements by other characters. It was a sweet ending, it just seemed a little rushed and pat. I could have done without the epilogue as well, but it did tie Holly's thread up fairly well. The writing was well-done with few errors, which made it easy to get sucked in to the world.
Overall, this is not a happy story, darker than I usually prefer, but it worked. Complex characters in particular made this an interesting read, if not a light one, and the growth they demonstrated kept everything moving along at a good clip. In the end, I'm glad I took a chance on it and would recommend it to anyone looking for something that puts you through the wringer before delivering that happily ever after.
Lau is a conflicted character, arrogant and uncaring. Aware of his history as a demiurge but unable to access his powers, he regards humans as inferior despite now being one of them, entertainment and nothing more. He grows interestingly as a character once he meets Jesse, showing a vulnerable side that's really quite touching, redeeming him from his previous sociopathic behavior. His protective urges in particular made him quite an appealing character, showing a level of development that definitely fit.
Jesse is much more straightforward, but still layered interestingly. He's playing goth since moving to Montreal for college, dying his hair black and piercing his lip--and finally acting on the attraction to men he hid throughout high school. When presented from outside points of view, he actually comes across as confused and a little pathetic, playing with things he really doesn't understand. Despite that, he's charming in his forthrightness, sticking to his guns and by Lau even as their world begins to fall apart.
The dynamic between Lau and Jesse starts as wildly unbalanced, but quickly equalizes as Lau comes to understand certain things about himself. Things between them are about do much more than just the sex, though sex is definitely a frequent part of their interaction. It's quite interesting to see the evolution of their relationship, as they learn about themselves and each other.
The supporting cast is fairly small and sometimes fleeting; Holly and Rui are the largest secondary players, though others do make brief appearances. Holly is a character I'm torn about, as her later behavior doesn't make sense to me, even with Rui's influence. Rui, on the other hand, is easy to hate, even when the revelation of the past he shares with Lau adds another layer to his quest for vengeance.
The story itself is mostly strong, if rather bleak. The ending was a bit of a letdown for me, though, with Lau's final revelation not quite jiving with previous statements by other characters. It was a sweet ending, it just seemed a little rushed and pat. I could have done without the epilogue as well, but it did tie Holly's thread up fairly well. The writing was well-done with few errors, which made it easy to get sucked in to the world.
Overall, this is not a happy story, darker than I usually prefer, but it worked. Complex characters in particular made this an interesting read, if not a light one, and the growth they demonstrated kept everything moving along at a good clip. In the end, I'm glad I took a chance on it and would recommend it to anyone looking for something that puts you through the wringer before delivering that happily ever after.
March 8, 2012
Reviewed by Jamie: Gorgeous cover, and a hint at the originality of this book that makes it stand out. This is no sappy romance, this story is hard, gritty, and yet so beautifully written it was easy to read.
I don't often read books in one sitting, especially if the book is good, as I like to enjoy them the longest, but I just had to find out what happened next. From the unique plot lines to the sassy dialogue and humour, it was a real page turner for me.
It starts with Lau, a fire god, who is banished and forced to live the life as a human, as punishment for a crime that isn't fully revealed until much later. Many may view Lau as a bad guy who deserves to suffer, and the book is definitely about his journey to "grow" as a human being, to develop feelings, a conscience, humility, and to fall in love.
It really is a very sweet story, especially with wide eyed wholesome, good boy Jesse, who worships the ground that bad boy Lau walks on.
As the story progressed, I really found myself rooting for these two, as they embarked on a relationship. Lau finds himself falling in love, against his own wishes at first, but then embraces Jesse and everything about him. But the lurking danger is another god who holds a grudge, and that's where more of Lau's past comes to light.The plot is beautifully woven, with elements of fantasy but its really a contemporary setting.
Recommend for any contemporary romance fans who like exciting, nail biting romance, rather than slightly yawnsome and predictable plots. Also a definite recommend for fantasy fans.
A+
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.com/2...
I don't often read books in one sitting, especially if the book is good, as I like to enjoy them the longest, but I just had to find out what happened next. From the unique plot lines to the sassy dialogue and humour, it was a real page turner for me.
It starts with Lau, a fire god, who is banished and forced to live the life as a human, as punishment for a crime that isn't fully revealed until much later. Many may view Lau as a bad guy who deserves to suffer, and the book is definitely about his journey to "grow" as a human being, to develop feelings, a conscience, humility, and to fall in love.
It really is a very sweet story, especially with wide eyed wholesome, good boy Jesse, who worships the ground that bad boy Lau walks on.
As the story progressed, I really found myself rooting for these two, as they embarked on a relationship. Lau finds himself falling in love, against his own wishes at first, but then embraces Jesse and everything about him. But the lurking danger is another god who holds a grudge, and that's where more of Lau's past comes to light.The plot is beautifully woven, with elements of fantasy but its really a contemporary setting.
Recommend for any contemporary romance fans who like exciting, nail biting romance, rather than slightly yawnsome and predictable plots. Also a definite recommend for fantasy fans.
A+
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.com/2...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2012
I really wasn't sure how this story was going to work, Lau is reprehensible in the start of this story and has some terrible things happen to him and in turn does some horrendous things to others, leaving me thinking how in the hell can he be redeemed. But the story does work and I found myself liking Lau by halfway through the book. I think what makes this story work is that Lau is not looking to be redeemed he is not looking for forgiveness or love he is just looking to survive anyway he can, and it is not pretty. I also liked the fact the Jesse was not trying to save Lau from his life but just acepted how Lau made his rent and wanted to be with him inspire of advise to stay away.
This story is stark and in places really ugly but that is its beauty and why it is so good. It is not afraid to show you the ugly face life shows some people and it makes no apology for it. If you are looking for hearts and fluffy bunnies this is not the book for you, but if you want a story with real grit and believability in its emotional depth then read this book and fall in love with a really talented author.
This book was reviewed for musings of a bookworm
This story is stark and in places really ugly but that is its beauty and why it is so good. It is not afraid to show you the ugly face life shows some people and it makes no apology for it. If you are looking for hearts and fluffy bunnies this is not the book for you, but if you want a story with real grit and believability in its emotional depth then read this book and fall in love with a really talented author.
This book was reviewed for musings of a bookworm
June 4, 2012
A bit on the harsh side though.
Made myself finish this book. From my point of view it was not a lesson in humility and pain, it was pure torture with collateral damage. The ending was too quick and not satisfying enough after all the torture.
I felt the fantasy part was more for exotic setting and easier ending (with 'magic' it's always easier to make a happy ending, than to make it believable with only human abilities) than for background, character development or even a need on the author's part to share her fantasy world with others.
I didn't entirely hate it though. There were some beautiful moments as well, but I always felt that amidst all that violence it is easier to make such moments shine.
To advise any future readers:
September 10, 2013
Not such a fan of this. It started out promising, but it really fell short in my books. The relationship between the two main characters was just not believable for me - Lau hated him and then suddenly loves him? And did Jesse just conveniently forget that Lau was a whore? It was never brought up between them apart from that first time. The plot jumps around too - at one point, it suddenly jumped a few months forward and I was completely lost. Everything seems to be just glossed over superficially - I would've liked it to have gone into more detail in certain scenes. And more development in the characters would have been nice. I honestly found nothing to like about Lau and he didn't seem to grow at all, except for when he will suddenly beg for Jesse's life, which comes a bit out of nowhere. Both Jesse and Lau were stereotypes and not very deep characters.
February 12, 2012
Finished it in one sitting. All I can say is... boy, can Ms. Sirene do angst! The main character, fallen god Lau, can be hard to like at times, but then again that's his charm. His love interest Jesse has the cute naive puppy-dog-eyes thing going on. I loved how the author handled the two of them falling in love, and Lau gradually learning to feel human emotions.
And then of course, bad stuff happens. Once the two get together and you think that things are looking up, it gets worse, and worse. And worse.
Finally, it's set in Canada, and it's always fun to read books that are set in one's hometown ;) recognizing all the places and streets and such. It also helps that there's lots of cute alternative boys in eyeliner, and the cover is stunning!
And then of course, bad stuff happens. Once the two get together and you think that things are looking up, it gets worse, and worse. And worse.
Finally, it's set in Canada, and it's always fun to read books that are set in one's hometown ;) recognizing all the places and streets and such. It also helps that there's lots of cute alternative boys in eyeliner, and the cover is stunning!
May 15, 2012
I'm a little disappointed in this book. The prologue was very intense, and I was all "Wooo, good book promise!" and bought it immediately. But the first chapter starts with the very young and innocent boy Jesse, out clubbing (I feel so old. He's only 18! And the club scene just makes me tired). It's in said goth club that he meets our seductive sociopathic hero Lau, and of course falls head over heels in lust. I'm still not sure why, other than the fact that Lau's pretty. Lau is not a nice guy, and he prostitutes himself on the Canada's mean streets for money. I'm not finding much to respect, here.
And now I can't stop seeing Jesse as the bitter antagonist describes him: greasy dyed hair, pale skin, an infected piercing. NOT feeling the romance.
And now I can't stop seeing Jesse as the bitter antagonist describes him: greasy dyed hair, pale skin, an infected piercing. NOT feeling the romance.
July 12, 2012
Couldn't finish. The concept was intriguing and the beginning sample got me to purchase the book. However, once the two heroes finally met the head-hopping made me want to poke my eyes out. I hate head-hopping with a passion. I won't purchase another novel from this author.
May 26, 2015
I don't know whether I liked it or disliked it. It was one of the weirdest books I've ever read. Good weird, I must say though. But.. I really don't know. I really loved the plot.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews