Fire

Akasha #3

by Terra Harmony

Elemental magic is a weapon of power, on both sides of the war.

The Seven has another leader, Kaitlyn is a new mother, and everyone is busy building their armies. During one battle, the secret to Akasha is discovered, and the race to master it is on. With all eyes on the prize, what matters most gets left behind. It is up to Kaitlyn to preserve the planet in the wake of the pure destructive power of Akasha, and the humans who wield it.

Genres: Fantasy, Supernatural, Romance, Magic, Adult, Young Adult, Paranormal

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2012

About the author

Terra is author of The Painted Maidens Trilogy ('The Rising', 'The Betrayed', and 'The Taking', the Akasha Series ('Water', 'Air', 'Fire', and 'Earth'), and 'The Kindred Curse Anthology'.

Terra was born and raised in Colorado but has since lived in California, Texas, Utah, North Carolina and Virginia. Terra has served a 5½ year enlistment in the Marine Corp, has earned her bachelor's and master's degree and presently runs the language services division of a small business.

Terra currently lives in a suburb of Washington, DC with her husband of sixteen years and three children.

Reviews

[Tanja (Tanychy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?

Before I tell you anything about this book in particular here is a little notice. The first book in this series Water is free pretty much everywhere. So get your copy over at Smashwords or Amazon or some other site. You can find more info on Terra's website.

Now a lot of people asked me about this series cause they mostly like the covers. I do love them too, but in case you wanna know more about first two books you can always check my reviews of Water and Air or other reviews here.

So about this book. Fire continues where Air ended. We're in the middle of fight between the two strong forces and their power could do anything. In the middle of that is Kaitlyn, only thing is she is not only Gaia anymore not she is soon-to-be mother as well. She does something, you can say selfish, but truth to be told she is the only one who knows how it is to be in the middle of everything. Two sworn enemies are blind during the battle so they don't pay attention on her. Soon after they realize what happened they must find a way to fix everything. Only problem is that they don't trust each other but also cannot let their enemy from the sight. As always in the battle between until death there can only be one winner, but problem is what else they must destroy to end all this.

I've said it before I really do like this series. Water was something new for me and all this story about elements was really amazing to me. Air continued that way and Fire did too, only problem is that Fire maybe was few pages too long. At some parts Kaitlyn was beginning to over-thing everything. I do understand that but it started to be boring. But everything else in this book was really good. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

[Swiftsea · Rating 1 out of 5]

How I interpreted gists of the book:

'It was all baby this, baby that.' -Kaitlyn
'Oh, how wonderful Kaitlyn is so strong-willed' -Kaitlyn, Shawn, Alex
'I want that baby!' -Micah, Shawn
'Protect Bee!' -Susan, Kaitlyn, Shawn, Micah, Ahi and all the other sad sobs.

You know what I heard? A whiny, extremely insecure woman who always has sex with Micah at the back of her mind.
Bee's paternal results were entirely expected but what I do not understand is why Kaitlyn would not want to have another child. It is not like a child with Micah is going to make her love Bee any less.

Oh, great! Now I realized another reason why I think Kaitlyn is crap. Who names their kids "Bee"?
Most parents think up of a legitimately decent name for their baby long before birth. No offense to those who do otherwise.

Moreover, what is up with the Shade relationship?
Considering it is a fictional novel, I guess the whole Athame idea is kinda cool but I do not see how those personalities could be retained for such a long time.

=_=" Joy. I totally look forward to Earth and the 2 year old Bee (sarcasm input).

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Terra Harmony.)
This is book three in the ‘Akasha’ series, and picks up where book 2 ‘Air’ left off. **warning – some unavoidable spoilers for books 1 & 2 (Water and Air)**
Kick-ass Kaitlyn is now piloting a boat, through a storm, whilst in labour! Knowing that it’s the only way to keep her daughter safe, she’s running away, not only from Shawn who kidnapped her, but from her almost-husband Micha.

Can Kaitlyn really keep her baby safe all on her own though? What will happen to the seven with both Cato and Kaitlyn gone? And will the baby take after her mother and be the next Gaia?


This was an action packed instalment in this series, and I enjoyed every moment of it!

Kaitlyn was clearly doing what she felt was best for her daughter, she has always been a strong character and really showed it again by selflessly putting herself in danger to protect her daughter. I have to give Kaitlyn her dues for this, she always does what she wants to do, and what she needs to do, and doesn’t let other people get in her way.

Kaitlyn and Micha’s relationship suffered a little in this instalment - seeing as she ran off with their baby! But it really did seem like they would overcome their differences, and work together to raise their daughter as safely as possible! I did feel sorry for Micha when Kaitlyn left, but I could also see why she did it.

There were a few surprises in store regarding the baby (of course), and we actually learn what the babie’s powers will be, and who her biological father is! I also have to say a well done to the author for writing about a woman who breast feeds, and in a positive light! Although I’d expect nothing less of someone who’s trying to save the world!
It was the naming of the baby which was most funny though, Kaitlyn didn’t want to name her without Micha’s imput, so she started calling her ‘Bee’ – for Baby! When someone asks if ‘Bee’ is short for something, and Kaitlyn replies ’Baby’ she certainly gets some strange looks!

There was no shortage of action in this book right from the get go, and the seven this time started to expand and really work together to put up a strong front against their enemies. The big battle and the end of this series is looming now, and I can only assume that we will see more action in the last instalment - Earth!
Overall; an exciting paranormal adventure.
7.5 out of 10.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book better than book two. One more to go - I have to see where this ends and be done with it.

[Cat's Review · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn… why does your writer hate you so much?

I do not understand most of Kaitlyn’s thought processes and her ridiculous actions. Kaitlyn is supposedly in love with Micah and he is supposedly in love with her. They have a hand-fasting in book 2 and now they are kind of married in the eyes of the magical until they make it official through a normal, regular type of marriage performed.

Then, the author makes Kaitlyn run away from Micah after the big battle while she is in the process of experiencing labor pains.

Naturally, Kaitlyn is able to give birth, by herself, while both steering the ship towards an island (in the dark night) and battling fires on the ship.

Of course, Kaitlyn has everything she could possibly need to deal with a pregnancy on the ship (thanks, Shawn!) and the baby is born with no major issues.

Kaitlyn is then able to get to her chosen island with no difficulties and makes friends right away. Of course, these people have magical powers just like Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn is living the good life until Shawn and Micah manage to find Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn freaks out and tells her islander friends that they are the bad guys and they cannot find her. Weird because Kaitlyn supposedly loves Micah – he is the love of her life – and yet, he is not allowed to find her and she cannot be with him.

Then, after a major battle scene where many, many islanders get killed (which is technically Kaitlyn’s fault because she involved them in her hide-and-seek game with Shawn and Micah), Katilyn finally gets reunited with Micah and everything is all love and roses between the two of them again.

WHAT?!?!

All those poor people had to unnecessarily DIE and then she joins up with one of the reason why she left in the first place.

Yeah, this is when I lost interest in this entire book.

The whole Sarah thing was so predictable that I knew where she was and that there was going to be an appearance by her very early on (book 2). Her appearance wasn’t that startling and I was actually hoping that she would stay.

I did not care about the big battle that was planned in the United States. How the Chakra people got their information about Shawn and the One Less group was way too easy, way too convenient and did nothing to make me interested in the fight. I was actually started to see Shawn’s point of view and was rooting for his group to succeed and destroy Kaitlyn and friends.

To be honest, I was getting tired of being preached at by all this “save the planet” education. I am all for saving the planet but I felt that the author went overboard in her preachings, I mean storytelling.

I did have a lot of sympathy for Alex. He is the only character I actually like but it seems like the author only created him so that he could provide useful skills, ideas and a confident for Kaitlyn. I felt like he was constantly being “used” in the series and was never given anything in return.

Kaitlyn never acts like a Gaia. I don’t see why she is supposed to be so important and powerful. She is just a screw up who fights with everyone, makes horrible decisions and doesn’t seem to be any more powerful than the people around her. Everyone seems too accommodating towards Kaitlyn and she deserves none of it.

I wish I could stop reading this series but I already bought all the books (because I thought it was a different book series) and now I have to read the last one. I am not looking forward to it.

I give this book one and a half stars. The series is slowly dropping to 1.25 stars

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I would actually rate this one 3.5 stars but rounded up!*

I was super excited to read FIRE after loving the first 2 books of the series, WATER and AIR. But actually I was a little disappointed in it. There just wasn’t much going on compared to the first 2 books which seemed packed full of twists and turns. And for the life of me I couldn't remember why Kaitlyn was hiding her baby from Micah in the first place. Shawn I understood...dude is so messed up in the head. And there was no telling what he would do to her and the baby, a baby that could quite possibly be his.

I just wasn't very impressed with Kaitlyn in this story at all. She was very hot and cold to everyone and in the end it all got a little old. I like Micah and even though he is in the story, I didn’t connect well with him. It was like he was there, but wasn’t. He just wasn't his normal, neanderthal self I have came to know and love. I don’t know… I just didn’t feel a spark with the book or the characters much at all. Now I did enjoy Shawn’s parts. Ridiculous I know. But I thought there was something there and I like how all his scenes played out. I guess because I knew nothing good would come from it. He is a sick, twisted person…but he is a great character none the less.

What I loved about this book and the other 2 as well, is that Harmony is a fabulous writer. I have said this before but Harmony isn't afraid to push the envelope when it comes to sensitive matters. She gives it her all…even adding the gritty stuff. And you can tell that when she writes, she doesn’t just throw something together. She knows her stuff and it shows in the creative story she produces. Her books are different than anything out there. And that is what will keep me coming back with her future work. I am a huge fan of her work, but this one just fell a little bit short of the other two.

So even though I wasn’t mad about this book in the series I still need to know what will happen to everyone…even down to Shawn. I look forward to EARTH and everything the author has planned for the series. Reading the little snippet of EARTH at the end of the book had me thinking about the tv show REVOLUTION in a way. *eeep* This is a must read series!

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a copy for review in exchange for an honest review.

I really have no idea why it took me so long to finally start this. Fire is a past paced, enjoyable story that takes off were Air ended.

The story takes off directly where Air ended. Fire is fast paced and I just wanted to keep reading to find out more. So much happened and I really liked the multiple perspectives in this book wich also gave an idea what the other characters were doing and what was going on in the world. I couldn't put it down and just wanted to keep reading. The last 50 pages where a bit confusing because the reader didn't get all the details on the plan and I felt like I was missing pieces and I was a bit confused at what who was excatly supposed to do. Really the story was great.

I liked getting to know Kaithlin better and we see a whole different side of her in this book. I also liked getting to know the new characters that were introduced in this book. And around halfway thorugh the reader finally find out who the father of Kaithlins child is. So we do get to know a bit more about the characters we already knew and meet some new characters. I really liked seeing Kaithlin adapt and react to everything.

Most of the world building is already in place and in terms of world building this book only added a few pieces. Mostly the focus was on the story.

To conclude: the story is enjoyabel and fast paced and so much is going on and happening in this book. I liked seeing the multiple perspectives and I liked seeing Kaithlin develop. After everything that happened in this book I can't wait to read Earth.

[Kristi Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Mother Nature Batman. Our beloved Gaia Kaitlyn proves once again she doesn't need anyone. B. (for baby) is born and it's off to Easter Island. Micah and Shawn ~wonder twins activate... power of insanity!? A truce? I think a just threw up a little in my mouth?! I love the Easter Islanders! Mama makes me happy, and I think Kaitlyn would be content to spend the rest of her life there! Our little fire starter is born! You had to know something EPIC is going to accrue!!

This book almost felt like it had a different writer in just one sense. Ms. Harmony's voice is there loud and clear, but there were narratives from different characters and stories in different places from the characters. It felt like changing directors half way through a movie series... but it was still a fabulous read. "It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine!"

Again this book like the first two contains explicit adult content. But not dark like the first book.

[Kimberly M Dewitt]

Totally enjoying this series. Just started the last book. I will be sorry when it ends.

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would love to see the whole series on the big screen!!!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy...! *curses* This book was almost my destruction. Full of feeling that threaten my heart. So many anger here that I'm freaking pissed, like for real. Of the first three books, I must say that this one has the worst ending possible. Yeah, I didn't like the end of the second book, but hell! This end was... to die.

Fire takes where Air left, Katie giving birth. We finally meet our little girl friend Bee. That's how Katie's daughter is called. Also we got two terrible issues with this little girl. First, everyone wants to be her father (aka Micah and Shawn) and second, this girl is a fire user, but later we know that she is a Gaia too. Just like her mom, but why she can only uses fire? We dunno. So, Katie's plan was run away from Micah, Shawn, Alex, Susan... everyone, just to protect her. I understand that, but hey! Micah love her and Bee too, he would do anything to save them both, so why run from him? That's what I hate about this book. We get almost 100 pages without Micah being in contact with Katie or Bee, neither Shawn and I'm glad for that. The problem is that Shawm has bigger plans, other than kidnapped Bee. He wants, basically, to eliminate all the technology of Earth. Woah, there, cowboy! You are thinking too much.

So, yeah, we got a lot of problems her. Internal and external ones. I do hope for them to end in good ways in Earth, which is last book. I didn't found a literal motto, but I made one in base of the book. "Fire can be very useful, but you must be very careful while playing with it." If you ask me that if in this book were a lot of games with fire... I got totally answer with a yes. Not only literally, but metaphorically too. Do I recommend the book? Hells to yeah!

[WiLoveBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. Fire is my favorite so far! The books do need to be read in order. If you are new to the Akasha series, be sure to check out Water and Air. Fire starts where Air left off, jumping right into the action. This one has more than just Kaitlyn's point of view, allowing us to see what is going on with the others as well, which adds to the tension. I enjoyed that. As we get to understand Micah better, I am liking him more. Now Kaitlyn is trying to balance motherhood with everything else she has going on and, while I don't have her problems, I could relate. Lots of action and more fun banter. Another cliffhanger ending has me hoping to be able to read Earth soon!

[Meaghan R. (YA-aholic)]

i waited for this book to come out on ibooks, and it didn't, but i really wanted to read it, then i found out there was an epub version on smashwords, where the author had suggested i get the book, but i wasn't 100% certain that it would work in ibooks, so, get this, the author gave me a code to get the book for free just in case it didn't work...she didn't want me to be out any money. how freakin sweet is that?

anyway, i just started it this morning, i'm on chapter 5, and already i am captivated and drawn in to the story. it's been some time since i read the last one, but it feels like it was just yesterday....there doeasn't seem to be any gaps in my memory of the previous book....so far....knock on wood.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this series. I got book 2 as a read to review. I started with book one so I would know some background for my review and was quickly drawn to this series. It is unlike any other paranormal book I have ever read. I finished this in one day and cannot wait for the final book to come out. I can't wait to see what has happened to Micah this whole time. I would like for Micah and Kaitlyn's relationship to have been explained more. I would like to be able to feel more through these characters. I still do not like Shawn. I am having a really hard time believing Bee is Shawn's baby too. I cannot wait to see how the end of the story plays out.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say that I really struggled through the book. I read the first two and enjoyed the story even though each book had issues that bothered me. However, there were several times in reading this book that I thought maybe I just won't finish it. I always knew I would because I have to always finish a book I start, still the thought was still there. This story continues in the battle between the Seven and One Less. Really I have to say I am tired of Shawn always being a step ahead and I am ready for him to get his, enough already. I have to admit I am not sure if I will read the last book, Earth, when it is released. I guess only time will tell.

[Janie Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Harmony begins this third book with a huge storm and the arrival of a 'bundle' of fire! The ride is 'on fire' from there on in. Kaitlyn struggles to right wrongs, choose a path, deal with what life has thrown her and still save the world. Without giving any spoilers, this is one heck of a book that covers the gamit of human courage, cowardess, strength and weakness and gives us hope for the future and leaves us craving more of Kaitlyn and her minions. It is a fine mix of fiction and reality that leads us to think about natural disasters and wondering if they are indeed "natural' or has someone or something created them? ... food of thought and makes for great discussions.

[Jorian · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the series begins to arc the writing has begun to even out some. A lot less of the indecisive heroine who couldn't decide what she wanted and the awkward situations that lost any believability to them and instead allow is to feel and see the progression and understand the foundation of the world that's been created.

When it comes to magic of super powers there has to be rules and regulations to fit and while it took a book and a half to establish the rules for Akasha there is finally a flow and understanding too it. The large battle in this book was a good example and I am excited to delve into earth and see what has happened.

[Maddy Martinelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! My expectations were high to say the least, because the first so novels in this series blew me away, and I'm so glad to say that the third book did just the same. There were some parts here and there that we're starting to get dragged along, but the rest of the novel was pretty fast paced other than those parts. The characters were their lovable selfs once again, however Kaitlyn, our main character, seemed to become a bit irritating when a conflict would come about. I am really excited to read the last book in this series and see how the characters and problems work out!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too goey woey with the child-card... The story is too much based on it that changing the direction of would be a huge problem. It would completely fall if we took the baby part out and its sad not seeing this story be able to go a different path, away from that element. I personaly dont like that it was so dependent based on that key. Harmony should have opened the prospect up for a not so closed road.


Blog reviewed: pilesofbooks

[Rab-Rab · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some strange reason I want kaitlyn and Shaun to be together... Not mikah. I don't know why but whenever Shaun appears I feel bad for him, and I sort of want him to be part of the family.
I really do like this book but it isn't as good as Air. It's too all over the place, and the scenes need to be a bit more obvious or more descriptive. I had difficulty imagining the surroundings so overall I would rate this book at 3.5
On the contrary, I am really looking forward to Earth.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its an ok book. A little predictable but still entertaining. I found that didn't have a proper setting as the other 2 books and because of that it lacked a lot of descriptions and was all over the place. There were points of humor through the story and scenes that just gave it that edge to keep reading. It ends with a good cliff-hanger. I do want to read the next book and see what happens next.

[Joan Case · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an exciting continuation of events in the Akasha series: the use of magic, opposing forces, spies, deception, catastrophes. But poor editing passed errors in grammar, incomplete sentences and spelling mistakes (ie. "their face", "we've been holed up in a motel", "The first man nudged the baby with the boot of his toe").

[Mindy/fangedmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE IT! OMG I love Terra's series! This is just amazing. I am not sure what kind of research Terra had to do for this series but I love her brilliant mind! I love the characters and the story line so much!!!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant third book in the series. leaves you wanting more! I am impatiently waiting for the next book. I can tell you that I am not normally into this style of book but I really got into the plot and can't wait to see how it ends. recommended

[Alicia Prochnow]

This book wasn't near what I expected. The time delay through me off a bit too. I was completely surprised by the ending. Haven't yet decided if I really liked the end, the rest of the book was pretty decent.

[LadyTurtel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange read for me. Settling on three stars, but still not convinced. Even read full series before reviewing. Just not sure exactly where I stand. Might just have been too close to possible to be probable. (same review will stand for all books in series)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read.This.Series. Nuf said!

[Pamela Rosensteel]

Review coming shortly.

[Kel (Faerie-bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, ends at a good part! Cliffhanger!

Terra has done it again. What a great book! The only thing I hate is waiting for the next book, argh!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh god.... OH MY GOD!!! I love it!!! Can`t wait for the next book!