Scorcher

by Kelly Edwards

Orphaned by the accidental use of her pyrokinetic abilities at the age of 11, Aidan O’Donnell had nowhere to turn when the secret criminal organization known as Iris took her in and used her powers of fire manipulation for their own nefarious purposes.

Hoping to one day break free of Iris’s hold, Aidan closely guards the secret of her criminal life as she struggles to maintain a separate identity as Aidan Grey.

Aidan can't let her guard down, especially not with New York City Detective Marty Knox, the man who won't turn his back on her and the man she can't resist.

But Marty has a secret of his own, one that would endanger both their lives if discovered by Iris.

Genres: Fantasy

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2012

Reviews

[Maria Elmvang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 4.5 star review.

I'd had my eye out for this book for quite awhile as I've been reading the author's blog, so when she revealed that it was free of Amazon weekend before last, I jumped at the chance. I started it a few days later, and it didn't take me long to realize that this would have been well worth shelling out proper money on. A quick and very enjoyable read.

In atmosphere, it most of all reminded me of the animated movie "The Incredibles". The entire idea of superheros hiding among us, and their abilities (although not their secret identities) being common knowledge is incredibly appealing to me, and I especially liked the fact that the superpowers aren't explained! They aren't paranormal creatures, they haven't been bitten by radioactive spiders or fallen into the pot of magic potion as a baby, they're just... super. I'm really glad Kelly Edwards didn't feel the need to give any explanation or reason for that.

The book nicely straddles the line between fantasy and romance, without dipping too heavily into either genre. It has a fairly open ending, but as the plot evolved, it was the only way for it to end, and there were no specific cliff-hangers to annoy me. Still, I can't wait for the sequel, and hope that Kelly Edwards lives up to the high bar she's set for herself here.

[Trunkot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily the best book I have read all year. I usually avoid first time published authors preferring to stick to books that come highly recommended. This book could not have proved me more wrong. Every time I thought I had the plot figured out there was a twist. The lead did not disappoint. It is so nice to be able to relate in strong independent female that does not let you down because she cannot figure out her love life (cough cough Bella cough cough). I am not sure what words I can use to make you support this new and VERY promising author but which ever ones are necessary insert them in here:.........................

I literally cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out. I have been looking for a new series to follow. I am so happy it is this one.

[Trine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect of this book, but my daughter knows the author and promoted it, so I thought I would give it a try on my cross-country train ride (across Denmark, that is). It turned out to be a very nice time consumer. A mix between a romance and a fantasy novel without falling into the pitfalls and clichés of either. I liked the descriptions of how the supernatural charachters tried to live with their secret identities and how their powers weren't that easy to control. I'll be looking forward to the next book and sincerely hope Kelly Edwards will continue to stay away from the typical traps of the genre.

[Nocturnal Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scorcher is a great book. It's definitely a new take on the super hero/villain subgenre of scifi written from the perspective of the conflicted bad girl. Kelly definitely is full of surprises and I can't wait for the next book to come out!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Enjoyed it immensely and can't wait for the sequel.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!! I couldn't put it down. One becomes totally invested with the characters. I can't wait for the series to continue.

[Karl Witsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

That gal is a scorcher.... literally! Follow the changing life of an orphan who was raised by some questionable persons. When she meets a nice guy, her life choices cause her inner turmoil and she has to decide whether she wants to continue her current path or risk going down another... and making some powerful enemies.

The author makes us feel for this poor gal and agonize with her. She draws you in emotionally.

Even though this isn't a genre that I seek out, I met the author at a book fair and had to see her work. The first edition might have seemed to be from a first-time author, but she has re-written it and made it better since writing her second book. So don't be afraid to give it a try. I am now going on to read her second book, just based on her work in this one.

[BookishBexx&theCats · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began comparing the bad to the good when starting this review I began thinking about some other author’s first novels. Exposition, telling versus showing, is something that many authors struggle with (myself included). And the “superfluous language” that the previously mentioned reviewer commented upon is a common byproduct of exposition, trying to get the reader more involved Edwards throws in too many exciting adverbs and adjectives. Keep reading however, after those first few pages Scorcher gets much, much better. I love anything superhero or supervillian related! The telling stops and the showing begins (there are a few lapses here and there, but they are few). The main characters are developed well, as are many of the secondary characters. I would like to learn more about many of the agents that work with Scorcher and Chill. Maybe there could even be more novels about their individual stories? The relationship between Marty and his “normal” family is heartwarming. Yes, it could have used a little more editing, but the plot is strong, and the relationship between Aiden and Marty is intense and believable. It’s like a comic book in novel form, without all the distracting pictures! At the time of the review the Kindle copy of Scorcher is only $2.99, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
BAM! POW! Scorcher dragged me in kicking and screaming. When can I get my hands on the sequel?


Read the full review, including recommendations for more novels like this one on my blog.

http://www.bookgirlsbooknookblog.blog...

[Joanne G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl with the fantastic ability to call forth fire is taken in by a crime syndicate and trained for nefarious purposes. Her dream of escaping her life of crime is complicated when she finds herself falling in love with a man playing for the opposing team.

I had a good idea before picking up Scorcher that it was a superhero story. I didn't realize it was a romance, too. It has kissing, folks! Lots of kissing. Thankfully, the action held my attention, and the romance didn't hurt me too much. I am such a 12-year-old boy, sometimes!

I'm sure those born with the romantic gene would enjoy that aspect of Scorcher. Even with my aversion to the mushy stuff, I'll gladly read the next installment when its written.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different take on a villain story ... Is she bad because she was born that way or because it is her job? Or is she even truly bad or is it a misconception due to the circumstances she was forced to grow up in?

This was an engaging story that made me think alot about the nature of the image we perceive of ourselves...are we what we think we are or how others see us? What exactly is our reality?


The action and adventure are nonstop with a dash of suspense and intrigue just to round out the story :D I can not wait to read more of this series as I can not quite figure what happens next .

**this book is for adults only