BLAZE IGNITES blends strong, clever women and tough, sexy men in a fast paced, volatile cocktail of action, seduction and wicked humour.
"Destiny my ass." Jade Glaster refuses to believe the Fates rule her life. After a Scourge attack leaves her orphaned as a child, a young Jade vowes never to be powerless again. Now, grown and strong, wielding the affinities of fire and healing, Jade protects innocents as an enforcer for her world's elite policing agency—The Talon.
When an emissary mission to reinstate a race of exiled Elves brings Galan into her life, Jade finds herself overwhelmed by new passions, some welcome, some not. Although Galan's antiquated views on women offend her to her heated core, when the Scourge target his family, she helps him navigate the outside worlds he knows nothing about—the magical Realm of the Fair and, stranger still . . . the modern streets of Toronto.
Through their sensually charged pursuit of justice, Jade discovers that when dealing with the Fates—destiny is never random.
JL Madore’s Blaze Ignites is a fun romp through a modern day Fae kingdom where armor and swords are supplemented by cell phones and headsets. Blaze, the female main character, is a strong, determined force with the currently predictable tendency towards wise-cracking. Some of which is funny and some is only predictable. Although Galan (MMC) holds outdated notions about women, in an interesting twist on the conventional romance, he is more prone to emotional turmoil and the gentler one in the pair. The villains are suitably loathsome so that it easy to enjoy it when they meet violent ends at the hands of the heroes.
It's a promising concept: urban fantasy with more fantasy elements, a hidden race of elves, fun quest, strong lead, a love interest that's actually sort of a jerk but not too bad.
But I keep putting it down. Mostly cause the dialogue is really corny and awkward. It's like disney channel trying to write high fantasy. It's really hard to ignore when the strong heroine is supposed to be witty but every single joke or clever comeback falls flat.
Also this was published in 2013 so I can sort of excuse it, but slut shaming is still ugly. Any woman showing any sexual agency is written like a joke or an immoral witch. Meanwhile, our perfect heroine speaks directly to God and has literally never felt sexual attraction before meeting the hero.
3.5 stars I read this book over a two day period during which I was struggling through some pretty heavy shit. I honestly don't remember what happened in this story - I remember the H was all "I'm not worthy of you" and the h was like "I'll give up my whole mission in life if you'll stay with me" and I was all like "Whaaat?" And that's it.
I think I enjoyed it, I kept trying to get back to reading it, but I don't remember anything other than those two things that annoyed me.
In case I soon suffer from some debilitating brain malfunction, tell the doctors that symptoms began right around now.
Jade Glaster, Talon Enforcer nicknamed Blaze, has been hunting down the Scourge responsible for her parents death by Right of Vengeance. Alexannia "Lexi" Grace adopted sister of Jade and partner in Talon Enforcement. Jade and Lexi are sent on mission by Castian to the Highbourne Elves. Both Lexi and Jade are stunned by this move yet take their job seriously. Galandel "Galan" Caleblasse and his two best friends Thamior "Tham" and Aust go on Fates Journey only to encounter Jade and Lexi waiting for them. Can Jade and Lexi persuade Galan and company about their purpose? Will Jade finally meet her match? Your answers await you in Blaze Ignites.
I found this to be an intriguing book. I love the mix fantasy and mythology! Jade is my kind of heroine quick-witted, strong, and passionate. Galan isn't your typical hero which makes him all the more appealing in my eyes. Blaze showcases good storytelling, great characters, and different ideas. I will definitely look into this series in the future.
First, I would like to thank the author J.L. Madore for giving me this book for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, the story is a very good. I did feel at times that some things were jumping around and that there could have been more detail added. There were some editing problems, but not enough to discourage. But over-all, I really liked the story, it is different and kept me hooked until the end. I am looking forward to reading more of this series. The characters; Blaze was a very strong independent female, she was easy to like and root for through the whole story. Galen was sexy and I really liked him, but he did upset me when he was doing the I am not good enough crap. I understood why he was doing it, those that have been abused by someone have a very low self-esteem, it just tended to make me upset when he did it. I loved all the characters that came into play, and were of main focus. I am ready for more of all of them.
Blaze Ignites by J.L. Madore is one of the best books I have read in awhile, a perfect combination of fantasy, adventure, action, humor and romance. Jade and her adoptive siblings are members of Talon, the enforcers of Haven laws. When she is called upon to make first contact with the Highborne elves, a race banished without magic for eight thousand years, her life takes on new twists and turns, mostly due to Galanodel, a silver-haired elf who brings her dormant passion to life. The characters were fabulous and fun, full of depth and emotion. The world J.L. Madore created blended modern day with fairy tale, alive with weres, fae, druids, magic, and even a few fate-telling drag queens. I loved everything about this book. I hope this is a series, because there are so many characters and their stories I would love to follow. New, enthusiastic J.L. Madore fan here.
I, unlike several of the other reviewers, had a bit of trouble jumping in to this book at first. The plot and universe the author had created were very intriguing, but it took me a little bit to find my stride with the story. However, once I got going I ended up really enjoying the story.
I liked that the female protagonist, Jade, was tough and determined, but that the reader also got to see her vulnerable side. We got to see her struggles and also what made her strong. I found the approach to a modern Fae world to be really interesting and engaging. I think that was what took me a little bit of time to get accustomed to - remembering that it was a -modern- Fae world, not the older Fae world I normally immerse myself in.
Overall I would say this was a highly enjoyable read and I liked J.L. Madore's approach to this type of story.
I was asked to do a honest review of this book by the author. From the first paragraph, I was hooked. This book drew me in, and it didn't let me go until the end. This book was a real page turner. I think the author did a awesome job with creating the characters. I felt as if I was there with them the entire time. The descriptions and emotions of the characters, was amazing. However, the book did leave off on a cliffhanger, I hope there is another book coming out soon with the same characters. I want to say thank you to the author, and the group where I found this book, for allowing me to read and review this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal books. There is something here for everyone!
I was given this book to write a honest review by the good reads group read at reap 259 What a brilliant read!! I must say I loved this book. The characters in the book had so many qualities it Was difficult to pinpoint a favourite With the exception of Blaze. I found this book entertaining and refreshing. Galan was great as a male lead, I found it good that he wasn't your normal tall, strong male that's always there to save the helpless female. He had a vulnerability that was endearing. Blaze aka Jade, What a women? Girl power ladies lol The author did a fantastic job with her character and the twist omg! I was shocked and elated for her! Bring on book 2 in the series Can't wait! Thanks Linz xx
I was given a free copy of the book for an honest review. Thank you to the author for their generosity.
Blaze Ignites is a fun-filled fantasy romp that seamlessly blends magic and modern technology. I enjoyed the strong female lead, who doesn't fall apart and become useless the minute she meets her love interest.
The Talon Enforcers drew me in with their mix of wise-cracking and martial skills. The many characters each had their own distinct personalities, making it easy to tell them apart and root for them.
The only problems I ran across were some editing and odd sentence structure. Also, the plot twist of who Galan and Blaze really were felt a bit contrived.
I will most likely read the other books in the series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story about a female warrior, Jade, who falls in love with an Elf, Galan. She is on a mission to avenge her mother who was brutally killed when Jade was a child. It's an exciting story with adventure, romance and a few sex scenes. Sooo this is not for kids.
I liked the beginning + end of the book and there were interesting twists in the plot but I thought it was maybe a bit too long and at times the Elves spoke too formally for my taste.
BUT Galan (mmmhmhmmm) - in his leather pants... I liked Jade... I loved Galan! I kept on reading just to hear more about him. Nice ;)
It's a good book with great characters, humour and energy. Galan, I give you my 3 stars.
I enjoyed this book. It pretended to be urban fantasy but was more high fantasy. But this does give the series room to take the story in different directions.
I liked Jade, she was powerful but knew her physical limitations. Galan was very old world (in keeping with his story).
I thought the ending was a bit rushed, a lot of reveals and storyline’s tied up. The feminist in me didn’t like the compromise at the end but then, I’ve never been in a grand romance like that, so what do I know!
Blaze Ignites is the powerful 1st book in the Scourge Survivor Series by J.L. Madore. Holy cow this book was awesome! I’m going to be honest here. Interesting way to start a review, huh? I kind of got away from the paranormal romance sub-genre. That’s all I read for awhile and I got burned out. I am so glad I decided to give this book a read. This book had all of the usual suspects – fae, shifters, weres, vampires, elves, demons, gods and goddesses.
Jade Glaster suffered a horrible tragedy when she was a child, but it only made her stronger. As a member of The Talon, an elite policy enforcing agency, it is her job to protect the secret world of the Realm alongside her chosen brethren. Her specific talent is wielding fire and the power of healing. As a warrior she is a valued member of Talon and a formidable opponent to her enemies. She will stop at nothing to hunt down every individual that had a hand in killing her family. First she has to get through her current mission as an emissary to the elves. This particular mission will completely change her life and everything she knows to be true.
Galan and his 2 closest friends are to set out on their Ambar Lenn – Fate’s Journey. This journey will lead them to their destiny. Galan reluctantly agrees to go, but has no hopes that anything in his life will change. His destiny is to be his father’s punching bag and his sister’s protector, nothing more. Meeting Jade and her friend has proven to him just how wrong he is. She rubs him wrong from the very minute he meets her. He can not believe that these women have been sent to ease his people back into the realm after years of exile. Women are meant to be gentle and taken care of, not think themselves equal to a warrior. Sadly, when returning to their village they find that their people have been attacked, the village destroyed and his beloved sister has been kidnapped. He needs Jade now more than ever. It just complicates things more that the more time he spends with her the less he can deny his attraction and feelings for her. Sadly, it can never progress. He could never love a female warrior. The thought of anything ever happening to the woman he pledges his life to is beyond anything he can imagine. Yet, his heart and traitorous body seem to have a mind of their own.
Thank the gods this book is a part of a series. I seriously want to learn more about these amazing characters! While Galan and Jade were wonderful and I enjoyed their story very much, I fell in love with the supporting characters, as well. I can not wait to read more about this fantastic world and the war that is brewing.
I would like to offer up a huge thank you to J.L. Madore for the loan of this book in exchange for my honest review.
DISCLAIMER: I was given a copy of this book by the author (via Goodreads/Shut Up and Read/Read It And Reap) in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
ADVISORY: This book contains mature, adult situations and dialogue.
Synopsis:
Jade (aka Blaze) and Lexi -- are adoptive sisters, working as Talon Enforcers -- the law enforcement of the magical world known as the “Realm of the Fair”. They are survivors of a Scourge attack, and along with their adoptive brothers, they try to keep order, as well as respond to ongoing attacks from the Scourge. They receive their orders from their adoptive father, Maximus Reign (aka "The Reign of Terror"), and Jade receives additional guidance and direction from Castian Larethan, the Fae god of gods, who gives her access to some pretty nifty magical powers.
Unfortunately, Jade hasn't had the best of luck with her love life. Her last boyfriend, Samuel (a Scottish wizard), dumped her. But things change when Jade and Lexi are sent on a diplomatic mission to issue a pardon to the Highborne Elves. They need the assistance of three Highbornes -- Galan, Tham, and Aust, who are currently on their Ambar Lenn (Fate's Journey) -- in order to complete their assignment. Once their task is successfully completed, the Highborne Elves will be reinstated in the Realm with full honor restored to them.
Sparks fly between Galan and Jade from the get-go, and try as they might to fight it, they are drawn to one another. But it is quite the challenge considering their differing views on the roles of women in society (especially warrior women), as well as the fact that the Highbornes have been isolated for 8000 years and are not current with the Modern Realm (aka the human world). In addition, they are opposed to magic, since the misuse of magical powers was what caused their banishment. However, over time, the Highbornes find it hard to deny the latent powers they possess, and soon come to respect and rely on Jade's talent for healing.
The story takes our merry band on a variety of adventures in the Highborne lands, Haven, and other parts of the Realm of the Fair, as well as visits to the Modern Realm (mostly Canada, eh). We are introduced to interesting characters along the way, as well as plot twists involving prophecy, betrayal, revenge, bloodlines, and destiny. Plus the bad guys -- The Scourge -- drop by and cause mayhem.
Comments:
I thought “Blaze Ignites” was pretty darn good. No, it was *really* good. Overall, I felt that it had an interesting storyline, the dialogue is smart and sassy, and the characters and locations are detailed and richly developed. (I ran across some minor errors in grammar and punctuation, but that happens.)
I enjoyed reading the book, and look forward to the next one in the series. (There are several major and minor characters that are worthy of spinoffs.)
Jade Glaster doesn’t think much of fate. Her life has been a literal shit storm to this point (in fact, the series was originally called the Shit Storm Survivors, which I now note has been tactfully changed to Scourge Survivors) and if this was fate’s doing, Jade wants none of it.
Her Talon code name is Blaze because of her red hair and fiery temper, which often results in the unleashing of a literal blaze of power.
One of Jade’s laments at the outset of the novel (aside from the Scourge murdering her parents), is her apparent frigidity. When her duties for Castain, chief of the Fae gods, bring her face to face (and crotch to crotch—had to be said) with Galen, however, Jade’s problem ceases to be one of not reacting to men, but of her overwhelming reaction to Galen.
This is not what she needs right now. She has a mission to complete.
The writing is taut and gives the reader Jade’s attitude with both barrels. I like the ‘tude and the sexy bits, which are well-done. I only have a few issues with Blaze Ignites, and most of those are matters of personal taste (word choice, creative decisions) which other readers will likely not cavil at.
Events begin with a bar fight involving an Otterkie that is never mentioned again. Readers often expect details like this to have a pay off somewhere later in the novel. It’s a loose thread that should be woven in.
Though conflict, physical and otherwise, abounds, the novel takes a while to pick up the pace. When things swing into high gear, the author keeps them at a high pitch with few exceptions.
I have to point out, for a supposedly “kick-ass” heroine, Jade gets her ass kicked more often than not. This I did have a bit of a problem with, especially given the denouement of the novel (which I will not give away).
It just seemed to me that Jade shouldn’t have had her ass handed her or to be in need of rescue as often as she did. Yes, Galen needs a maiden in distress, but there might have been another way around this.
Blaze Ignites is a solid contender in the paranormal romance and urban fantasy sub-genres and suitable for fans of Laurel K. Hamilton and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Readers of Charles de Lint will find Madore’s work enjoyable as well.
A good first novel in a new series that I’m sure we’ll see more of in the future.
I loved this book! it was so awesome! so different then everything else I usually read and so full of action and intrigue! J.L. Madore is a awesome writer and takes you on an adventure like you haven't quite seen before in a world within worlds!
Jade "the Blaze" Glaster doesn't want to believe that the "fates" or Destiny have any ruling over her life. hot headed and hot blooded she lives her life by the warrior code. Blessed with the gifts from the elven God of Gods her and her sister receive order to travel to the exiled lands to retrieve three of the Highborn and bring back a book for the elven God himself.
When the Scourge attacked and left her a alone and helpless as a child, she swore vengeance on the ones that stole her family from her. Now the Scourge is back and hey are after the Highborns and in particular Galans family. Blaze knows what is like to have them come after your own and she will stop at nothing to stop them. but will it be enough?
Amidst the battle something strange is going on for Jade can't seem to keep herself away from the elf he draws her in like a magnet. This journey brings Galan into her life and Jade finds herself overwhelmed by these new passions, some welcome, some not. Although Galan's antiquated views on women offend her to her heated core. Will he ever see her as the warrior she is? or are they doomed to run circles around on another forever?
This book was incredible! I loved every min of it! the battles were awesome! and the people were bad ass! My favourite being her father Reign he was about as bad ass as you could get...lol...my fav of her brothers was Bruin and she only had one sister so Lexi wins hands down....lol
J.L. Madore is a superb writer and I would defiantly read more! I loved this book and I would like to see more of these characters! the book was unique new and different and I loved that about it!
if you haven't read this do so NOW! you don't want to miss out on this adventure!
Jade Glaster is a strong quick witted heroine. Yet the author shows her vulnerability. She’s had to be on her own since her family was attacked by Scourge soldiers. She works for Talon, an elite police force. And I love her mount. Galan is an unconventional hero at first because of his outdated views of women. However, he’s one of those guys you love to dislike until you too find yourself falling for him. Together, the chemistry between Jade & Galen is potent. J.L. Madore writes this so well I was feeling tingles along with the heroine. The characters are unique. The dialogue fits each character so well that I didn’t need tags to know who was speaking. This novel has adventure, romance, fantasy, and even humor. It will be interesting to see the next book with these characters as I sense there is more tale than just in this one book. Overall, a great read that will have you re-reading parts because Madore puts you into the heroine’s skin. I was given a free copy of this book for an honest opinion.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review** Jade is sent on a mission with her sister to acquire and safeguard a relic, and reinstate a race of Elves who have been exiled for over 8000 years. When she meets the three elves on the mission she is instantly and regretfully attracted to Galon, only regretfully because his mentality is ancient since he has been in an exiled community. Gallon however learns quickly that he needs to change with the times if he wishes to integrate properly in the new world and win Jade's heart.
I never really read too much fantasy but I really enjoyed Blaze Ignites, a little different from what I usually read but I'm glad I did. Blaze Ignites was an excellent story, very well written, and I loved all of the action and twists. I thought it was a great read and am looking forward to more of the story.
First off, I loved this book. I was drawn in right at the beginning. The characters were well written and often humorous and the story was very entertaining.
Jade Glaster is a half-human in the world of the Fae. Orphaned as a child while her parents were killed and tortured, Jade grew up to be a female warrior and an enforcer with the Talons. With her fire and healing abilities she is nothing short of amazing. When she is sent on the most important mission of her life to help the previously exiled Highborne elves acclimate to modern life, she meets Galen . A wonderfully sexy Highborne elf who completely infuriates her with his antiquated views on woman. Yet she is so drawn to him. Galen and Jade follow the tides of the Fates, and the surprises in the story will shock you.
Jade a gifted Talon warrior was orphaned at young age. She was hidden while she listened how her father was murdered and saw how het mother was raped and killed. She was saved by Reigh, whom raised her as his daughter and trained her to become a Talon warrior.
While on a mission to help the highbornes, she also met her mate. Nothing she did came easy. She had to prove she was a strong willed woman who could do anything a man could. Constantly prove her father that. On her journey she got to know more about herself and her true life, were she came from and what her destiny was and what her future would look like...
I truly enjoyed this book.and after reading the expert on book 2, I would really like to read the complete series as soon as they are out. Intriguing... Love on another level... Amazing book!
I want to start off by saying I was honored to receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. It had everything, romance, humor, supernatural, Gods and Goddesses, war, and anything else you can think of. The main female character was strong in every way imaginable, which is great because too often the female main characters are wussy and damsel-in-distress-y, but not in this book.. which I have to say, I love. If you like supernatural, love stories, or just an overall good book, I highly recommend this book.
Jade is orphaned at a young age. She is hidden in a root cellar and listens to her parents being tortured. Jade was saved by Reign. He raises her to become a Talon warrior. She is given a mission to help the highborne elves. Jade realizes she has met her mate in Galan. She never thought she would be mated with an elf. There are many secrets in Jade's life. She struggles for the answers. Jade's journey is action packed.
I enjoyed this book. The book needs very little editing. I would like to read the next book in the series!
I loved this book! Full of fantasy and adventure, it is beautifully written and fast paced. Great action scenes and lots of them. I love a good battle, although I wish Blaze had been better in battle, maybe kicked a little more ass. Still it's a great story with an original plot and great romance. The world creation was amazing, weaving the fantasy world with the modern world so seamlessly. I really have nothing bad to say about this book and look forward to reading the next in the series! I received this book for free for my honest review.
Very fun read - lots of action, romance and great dialogue between the characters. Author has a great sense of the characters and makes them and the world they inhabit come to life on the page.
The concept of the story was good but I felt it lacked depth and world building. At the beginning the story it was confusing as there wasnt any explanation as to what really was going on, who the characters where and what kind of world they were all living on. I almost gave up reading the book but Im glad I persevered. The storyline was better further along as you got to know the characters a bit better and the world they were living. I liked the female MC Jade, as she was witty and owned it in a fight. She was certainly no damsel. The only thing I didnt like about her was the fact she practically threw herself at Galan near the end when he didnt want her. He had his own ancient ideals of women which meant he didnt want Jade being a warrior , so basically he gave her a choice which was him or her job. Being a strong female lead I would have made him run after her especially after he so cruelly kicked her to the kerb. I didnt feel a connection to Galan at all. He was a difficult character to like. He was moody, arrogant and his emotions/feelings were all over the place. However I did like the other characters especially Lexi and Tham. We were led to believe Samuel who was Jades ex boyfriend was bitter and had a snipping tongue. However I really felt for him in the end when I understood his reasons for his behaviour toward her. I felt I connected more with him than Galan. It would have been nice to have felt the emotions of the characters but with no connection it was difficult. The storyline was more focused on an adventure through the forest to attain a spell book. In certain parts it was so confusing I was lost with lack of understanding. Once the mission of retreiving the spell book was successful it wasnt mentioned again. The stories main focus was on the relationship between Jade and Galan, their destiny and fate rather than the actual storyline which was muddled. None of the ends were tied up in the final pages only the relationship. Presumably the other published books in this series will do this however Jade and Galens POV ends in this book. Consequently it didnt feel the story connected to anything which was such a shame. If the world/character building had been explored and developed more the storyline would have been great. I also didnt like the fact that even a bonded male could be a consort to another bonded female on her request. What kind of soul/mate bonding is this when they can just go with anybody? It brings to mind swinger parties. A good surprise at the end about Jades parents and what she actually is. Regardless of my rantings in this review I still felt it was a good page turner. There is swearing and sexual content in this book.
THE PLOT HOLES ARE BIGGER THAN THE POTHOLES ON MY HOMETOWN ROADS. Like come on. It felt like lazy writing. We just kept bringing up stuff to have to never mentioned again.
Again, I’m so tired of books being sold as enemies to lovers when they are not. They were insta love okay. Don’t be fooled.
The plot held so much promise of a good story line but it fell flat. And while I love a good urban fantasy, the writing was dated and cringe. It’s hard to combine modern world with fantasy and this is not a great example.
I could rant forever about how she was supposed to be this strong independent warrior woman who wants to be equal with the men but makes sexist comments to herself. And homie falls in love with Jade during her badass warrior phase to then only be like I can’t be with you if you are doing this stuff. BRO. She quits it all just so she can get laid and have kids in the future?! Nope. Not for me.
There’s so much more regarding the actual story line that irks me but I’m gunna move on and hopefully my next read will be great because it’s been a while. I will not be finishing this series.
Meh- wasn't terribly impressed. The world has a lot of potential - I really liked the mythology aspect, and the Talons, and the juxtaposition between magic and modern tech. But the characters lost me. They all felt flat - very one-dimensional. The plot moved entirely too quickly and took a few wacky turns, and there were multiple moments where I wasn't exactly sure what had just happened. Things seemed to come out of the blue.
I wanted to like it. I stuck with it to the end of the book, and it never lived up to the potential. I was disappointed, more than anything else.
What a jewel of a book. I have never read any of J.L. Madores books before, but I'm so happy that I have read this one. The realms are so beautiful and I feel like I'm right there with all of the wonderful characters. All of the characters are brilliant and our Blaze is charismatic,loveable, and my kind of woman. I love her adopted family the old and new. I cannot wait to read more of these stories.