I am the Progeny. The one deemed to carry this weight. The weight of knowing too much. Of knowing there is a darkness in me. Of knowing that even The Fates can screw things up.
Aurora Megalos knew becoming the Progeny meant great sacrifice, but what she wasn’t prepared for was sacrificing herself. Since the day of her birth, she has been set on a path she couldn’t control; a path conceived by The Fates. And after discovering she is mortally connected to her Arch Enemy Zordon-a son of a Fate, Aurora is now left with a path that seems hopeless.
Until she discovers a revelation in the prophecy.
With war on the horizon, she must now find a way to defeat the one who threatens to take everything and everyone she has ever loved from her, without destroying herself. The barrier between both realms is broken, The Fates have been overrun by Zordon, and his darkness now spreads throughout the lands. The odds are stacked against her. Will Aurora and Fenn find a way to undo the work of The Fates in time to save the realms from complete destruction?
Candace Knoebel is a hopeless romantic with an affinity for whiskey and good music. Her love of words began when she met the boy who lived in the cupboard under the stairs. She's a self-proclaimed Lost Girl. Words are her mirror.
With two completed series, her work ranges from paranormal to contemporary, all centered heavily around romance.
Currently she lives in Florida with her husband and two children, and has just completed her thirteenth novel, The Taste of Her Words.
Candace Knoebel has out done herself with this third and final installment in this series. The first two were amazing and this one is even better. Candace Knoebel has outdone herself with From The Embers.
It moved along at a great pace, not slowing down at all, has loveable characters that you fall in love with as well as the ones that you love to hate, and a fantastic story that sucks you in and will not let you leave until the very end.
Way to go, I cannot wait to read what Candace Knoebel writes next.
Young-adult fantasy novels are a difficult market to enter. It's an area inundated with thousands of news books published each year. Despite this, American author Candace Knoebel's final instalment in her Born in Flames trilogy was one book high up on my 2014 wishlist. I couldn't wait to see where the author's creative imagination would take us as she leads her army into the battle foretold in her debut.
If you are new to Candace Knoebel's world, then you won't have read about Aurora's struggles as she comes to terms of her origins and her ordeal at being deemed 'The Progeny'. Aurora held within her a secret dragon form, capable of mastering the fire element to conquer the evil hoards of Zordon, a man she was bound to since birth. Zordon has worked his way up the ranks and hellbent on ruling both the magical realm and the human realm; introducing a newly formed world of hell under his control. Thankfully, we have followed Aurora and her gang of followers already in two books, watched her grow stronger and mature into the warrior she was born to become. From the Embers brings to a close the battle of all battles. Will Aurora become triumphant and free herself of Zordon's tainted darkness, or will the realms crumble under the evil he controls?
What strikes you most I've found is how grown-up Aurora has become. She is eager to become her own woman and make her own way in this looming war. She desperately wants to make her own decisions, not succumb to her elders' opinions. Of course, Aurora has no choice but to do what her gut tells her - not in a teenage rebellious streak, but truly for what she knows to be right. Aurora is no longer the naive and whiny young adult from Born in Flames, oh no. Aurora is a fighter, a strong spirit who is ready to fulfill her destiny and usher in an era of peace for the ones she loves.
One of the highlights for me in the second instalment, Embracing the Flames, was Knoebel's transformation from urban fantasy to epic fantasy. She used a lot of mythical lore to create her own fantastical world, and successfully too. From the Embers follows that tradition superbly and brings to life Cyclopes', Nymphs, Sirens and Necromancers. This is especially exhilarating in her battle sequences, where magic and spells and brute force clash in a deliciously satisfying explosion. All of these ancient and otherworldly beings help bring to life this magnificent outing, which really cements Candace Knoebel's name in the fantasy hall of fame. She really knows her stuff and what works extremely well. When combined with healing priests and flame-throwing dragons, what is not to love? This is a fantasy lover's bible.
Pace is a tricky thing to judge, especially in a final novel, where the author needs to wrap every loose end up, as well as put to rest any questions left unanswered. I mean, even from the early pages in Born in Flames, we knew an intense and final battle was on the cards, and drumming up the tension until its very occurrence can be difficult. From the Embers is Aurora's final journey in rounding up any support she can to take into battle with her. And to be fair, the book does seem slow at times, especially in the beginning. You're not quite sure where it is going to go. It is heavy on the dialogue in the first chapters, and the action doesn't pick up until the final third. This doesn't ruin the novel, certainly, and this is because we've already become accustomed to Knoebel's storytelling in the first two novels.
It is through her superb understanding of characterisation that helps the novel move forward. There are a wide range of characters that can grab your attention. I have my favourites! I love the cold Lexi - her sarcastic responses are timeless and makes the scenes come alive. Everything isn't as rosy as Aurora wants it to be.
I think it has to be said that Candace Knoebel understands her audience completely. It can appeal to both sexes, but undeniably its romantic ambiance and loved-up dialogue especially is there to hook its female readership. The love triangle between Aurora, Fenn and Zane comes to head here and it's dramatic and addictive. Everyone's mind should be on the demise of their world, but as we all know, love is never far away in people's minds. Aurora really has a lot on her plate. Themes of honesty, truth and lust are just some that are pulled and exposed to their very limits.
It has been such an exhausting ride following Aurora on her hardships, but one that has been such a delight. Life is actually not fluffy and easy, yet despite the struggles, despite the death and pain, Aurora manages to capture your heart. From the Embers is a modern fairytale that has you smiling and gasping and shrieking with its many shocks and surprises. Once upon a time has never been so magical. As a fantasy writer myself, I can't recommend this juicy series as a whole enough to get your teeth into. It may have captured your attention in Born in Flames, gave you goosebumps in the even better Embracing the Flames, but believe me, From the Embers comes to an end by knocking you off your feet.
Words cannot truly express how I feel right now! I just finished reading this book and those final words "The End" had me tearing up. There's a bittersweet moment when you get to the end of an amazing series; the joy and privilege you feel at having been on such a fantastic journey with wonderful characters will live with you forever, but there’s also a great sadness that tugs at your heart because it's all over.
Knoebel continues with her spellbinding tale of courage, sacrifice, love and hope, as Rory faces her foe once and for all. After the devastating turn of events in, Embracing the Flames, I had to wonder what more lay in store for the amazing characters of this series. Not only did Rory have to contend with her failures of the past and a way to bring hope and peace back to her people, but she was also faced with her feelings for Zane (and yes, she is still very much in love with Fenn!), the animosity directed her way by Lexi, and ending the evil that brought discord to the realm. It seemed like so much for one person to have to deal with, but thankfully Rory was kickass and never backed down once. She was so determined to prove herself and turn things around that she was willing to give up her life should it come to that.
Knoebel’s writing was electrifying, making for a vivid read that played out in my mind like a movie. I felt Rory’s every emotion as if I was experiencing the events of this book first hand; my heart broke with the loss of key characters, I rejoiced with each victory – no matter how small, and the closer she got to fulfilling her destiny, the more hope blossomed inside me. I had no doubt she’d be the Progeny she was meant to be, but every time she came face to face with Zordon, my heart leapt into my throat. He was pure, maniacal evil.
This book moved from one epic battle to the next as Rory and her friends sought a way to overcome evil. Friendships were tested, love was lost and found, and in the end, hope and courage delivered a victorious end to all the heartbreak and suffering. This book was an epic fantasy filled with excitement, adventure and action. It will latch its claws into you from the first page, and continue to draw you in completely. Be prepared to be blown away!
In the past 36 hours I have read the entire trilogy of these novels and From the Embers was a stunning conclusion. There were so many heart felt moment for the characters I loved but in the end, everything ended on a note that I personally thought was right. The novel ended not as I entirely expected it would but I am very happy with how it did. From the Embers was jam packed with a number of exciting twists and turns that only brought me joy as I ultimately found out what would happen to all the characters I have come to love dearly.
From the moment I read the prologue I was utterly thrown into Aurora's world where so many things had changed compared to Embracing the Flames. It was a shock to me that so many things were different and everything I knew, was out the window. There were new characters who were amazing and helped the novel along immensely. There was also the ever amazing Candace Knoebel writing signature where you feel you are the characters. Likely when I go to sleep tonight, I will be thrown into the world of Aurora just because I have come to know it so well through the writing.
Now in all honestly, this was a gut wrenching finale. I was sitting on the edge of my seat for the whole entire thing because I never knew what would happen next. I learned from the two previous books that everything I predict doesn't come true, so I just let my imagination run wild in this case. Everything that happened was something I didn't see coming and a number of things shocked me. From the Embers filled me with a passion to continue reading on as things became more and more suspenseful.
For all you fantasy lovers out there; you will love Candace Knoebel. Her trilogy was unique beyond compare and I am so happy I had the chance to read such beautiful works of art (in literature form).
Amazing book and incredible series! Candace is a wonderful writer and I can't get enough of her books! This series has so much strength, heart and courage that it makes you want to read it again and again. Your imagination soars when it comes to this book, where everything is real and and they are all coming to get you. I couldn't put it down from the very first word and I am sure you won't be able to either!
Aurora Megalos is the Progeny. She was to stop Zordon from fulfilling the prophecy but things didn't go quite according to plan. Since the day of her birth, she has been set on a path she couldn’t control, a path conceived by The Fates. Aurora was left with a path that seems hopeless.
That is until they discovered the missing part of the prophecy.
Now Aurora is back, its a year later and ever thing has changed. Zordon has taken over and they don't have many allies left, not only that but Zordon's darkness in leaking into the human realm. In order to save both worlds Aurora must step up and except the destiny she was dealt. The odds are stacked against her. Will Aurora and Fenn find a way to undo the work of The Fates in time to save the realms from complete destruction?
this was such a great story! lexi was one of my favourite characters from the previous books so to see her in this one again was fun. Zane was also one of my favs his turn from the evil to the good was the best!
if you haven't read this series you should go out and get your copies today! TBR right now!
I have read all the books in this series. I continue to be blown away by this author. I have come to have high expectations with each book she writes, I was not let down by this book. Candace does a amazing job of putting you in the story. This is the final chapter in a story full of courage, love, sacrifice, action and adventure. All my favorite were back, Aurora, Fenn, Zane....I was crushed with the loss of characters that I have come to love. Aurora must do what is right now matter the consequences. This is my favorite book of the series. I recommend you start at book one to get the whole story but, you will have a hard time putting this trilogy aside. This series is YA but their is nothing young about the decisions and choices made!! I am excited to see what other adventures Knoebel will take us on...
OMG......I am speechless!! This book was incredible and I could not put it down!! I spent 3 hours glued to my kindle from beginning to end, and the ending.....well, was the best. My eyes actually teared up at the end. The author did a magnificent job with this last book. I was entertained, awed, and on the end of my seat. This is by far my favorite one of all three. I will treasure this whole set of books, but this book will be the one I will re-read and love for years to come. I am extremely happy to have had the opportunity to read this remarkable series. I am HIGHLY recommending this book to YA and Ya at heart! This is a great action pact trilogy that will warm your heart and keep you begging for more!!
I received an e-ARC copy of this book, from the author, as part of a blog tour, in return for an honest review.
From The Embers is a great ending to the Born In Flames Trilogy. Candace Knoebel has made sure to tie up every loose end that may have been dangling in either the first or second book in the series. This book will have you on the edge of your seat, reaching for the tissues, cheering and even laughing out loud. I felt all sorts of emotions while I was reading this book and was truly satisfied with the conclusion. I was sad to see the story end but the story was truly awesome.
I was gifted this book by the author for my hones review. I absolutely loved this book. It is the final book in the series. Aurora has to defeat Zordon in order for the realm to be safe from his darkeness. This book keeps you going the whole time. It is a must read. I am sad this series is over. I really hope the author does a "where are they now" story. It would be nice to see what the characters are up to..
wow.. I was really iffy on this series since the first book didn't hook me but I am so happy I stuck with it.. she ended this trilogy so much better than I would have ever imagined. I highly recommend it to any paranormal lover.