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Asylums for Magical Threats #1
Blaze of Secrets
To avoid persecution, the Feiru will do anything to keep their elemental magic a secret from humans—even lock away their children for life. Few know what goes on inside the prison system for magic users, but that is about to change…
Kiarra Melini overhears the dangerous secrets of her blood and decides that if Feiru elemental magic is to survive, she needs to die. But before she can finish the deed, a handsome black-clad man kidnaps her from prison and introduces her to an anti-prison activist group. As the prison retrieval squad hunts for her, Kiarra must overcome the demons of her past or risk losing not only her newfound freedom, but also the man who reawakens her desires and captures her heart.
Jaxton Ward finally rescues his older brother from prison, but instead of helping with his brother’s recovery, he’s ordered to train Kiarra—a stubborn elemental fire user who claims her magic is gone. But just as Kiarra starts trusting him with her secrets, the prison enforcers catch up with them. Now Jaxton must find a way to keep his family safe while also protecting the only woman able to ignite both his temper and his passion.
Kiarra Melini overhears the dangerous secrets of her blood and decides that if Feiru elemental magic is to survive, she needs to die. But before she can finish the deed, a handsome black-clad man kidnaps her from prison and introduces her to an anti-prison activist group. As the prison retrieval squad hunts for her, Kiarra must overcome the demons of her past or risk losing not only her newfound freedom, but also the man who reawakens her desires and captures her heart.
Jaxton Ward finally rescues his older brother from prison, but instead of helping with his brother’s recovery, he’s ordered to train Kiarra—a stubborn elemental fire user who claims her magic is gone. But just as Kiarra starts trusting him with her secrets, the prison enforcers catch up with them. Now Jaxton must find a way to keep his family safe while also protecting the only woman able to ignite both his temper and his passion.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2013
63 people are currently reading
1334 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Donovan
96 books1,254 followersJessie Donovan has sold over half a million books, has given away hundreds of thousands more to readers for free, and has even hit the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists. She is best known for her dragon-shifter series, but also writes about magic users, aliens, and even has a crazy romantic comedy series set in Scotland. When not reading a book, attempting to tame her yard, or traipsing around some foreign country on a shoestring, she can often be found interacting with her readers on Facebook. She lives near Seattle, where, yes, it rains a lot but it also makes everything green.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
September 1, 2013
3.5 stars
What did I think? I'm still not quite sure...
I didn't love this one, nor did I hate it either. It had all the makings to a great book for me, the writing was good, the characters intriguing, steamy, with fantastic world building. Yet somewhere along the way, it just fell flat. Not enough for me to put it down, but enough that it did take me longer than usual to finish it. I tend to rate books based on how unputdownable it is for me. While I was curious enough to finish it, I had no problems putting it down for a while to go back to it later.
My first love is PNR, considering the series that first sucked me into the wonderful world of books was Black Dagger Brotherhood. So I have a bit of a soft spot when it comes to PNR and discovering new authors.
Jessie Donovan is off to a good start with Blaze of Secrets. The unique take on elemental magic and the intricate world building is what initially drew me to this book.
Considering that most of the PNR books I've read lately have been about vampires, demons, or shifters, this was a very refreshing chance of scenery.
The Feiru are struggling to keep their elemental magic a secret from the humans. In order to achieve this, they go to great lengths; locking up their first-born children in compounds known as Asylums for Magical Threats (AMT) when they reach magical maturity.
Unbeknownst to the general public, these Asylums are nothing short of prisons where many Feiru are experimented on, punished, and dying. This is also the place that Keirra has been in for the past 15 years.
Jaxton is ordered by the higher ups to also rescue Keirra for reasons unknown to him, during his rescue mission of his older brother. This is where the story begins.
So why only 3.5 stars?
Well, to be honest, I had a hard time getting into the book. There was a lot of world building that takes place in the first half, and a part of me had a tough time following it at parts. I found myself going back and re-reading certain paragraphs to better understand things. This is at times an issue with the first books in the series, so I overlooked this.
Around the 60% mark the book really took off, and I found myself enjoying it a whole lot more.
Overall, for a debut novel in a series, this was quite good. I feel like as the author grows into her craft the books will just keep getting better and better. The book, although not being a favorite of mine, definitely intrigued me enough to pick up the second book in the series once it comes out.
Keirra's brother, Gio, was the most intriguing part of this book for me. I love characters like him, conflicted, on the wrong side of the war but yet ignorant of it. I really hope that he gets a book soon because I would definitely want to read that.
If you enjoy PNR reminiscent of Nalini Singhs Psy/changeling series but with elemental magic, you'd definitely want to give this one a try. I think what I enjoyed the most about this book was the unique new take on PNR. I see great things coming from this author in the future.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
What did I think? I'm still not quite sure...
I didn't love this one, nor did I hate it either. It had all the makings to a great book for me, the writing was good, the characters intriguing, steamy, with fantastic world building. Yet somewhere along the way, it just fell flat. Not enough for me to put it down, but enough that it did take me longer than usual to finish it. I tend to rate books based on how unputdownable it is for me. While I was curious enough to finish it, I had no problems putting it down for a while to go back to it later.
My first love is PNR, considering the series that first sucked me into the wonderful world of books was Black Dagger Brotherhood. So I have a bit of a soft spot when it comes to PNR and discovering new authors.
Jessie Donovan is off to a good start with Blaze of Secrets. The unique take on elemental magic and the intricate world building is what initially drew me to this book.
Considering that most of the PNR books I've read lately have been about vampires, demons, or shifters, this was a very refreshing chance of scenery.
The Feiru are struggling to keep their elemental magic a secret from the humans. In order to achieve this, they go to great lengths; locking up their first-born children in compounds known as Asylums for Magical Threats (AMT) when they reach magical maturity.
Unbeknownst to the general public, these Asylums are nothing short of prisons where many Feiru are experimented on, punished, and dying. This is also the place that Keirra has been in for the past 15 years.
Jaxton is ordered by the higher ups to also rescue Keirra for reasons unknown to him, during his rescue mission of his older brother. This is where the story begins.
So why only 3.5 stars?
Well, to be honest, I had a hard time getting into the book. There was a lot of world building that takes place in the first half, and a part of me had a tough time following it at parts. I found myself going back and re-reading certain paragraphs to better understand things. This is at times an issue with the first books in the series, so I overlooked this.
Around the 60% mark the book really took off, and I found myself enjoying it a whole lot more.
Overall, for a debut novel in a series, this was quite good. I feel like as the author grows into her craft the books will just keep getting better and better. The book, although not being a favorite of mine, definitely intrigued me enough to pick up the second book in the series once it comes out.
Keirra's brother, Gio, was the most intriguing part of this book for me. I love characters like him, conflicted, on the wrong side of the war but yet ignorant of it. I really hope that he gets a book soon because I would definitely want to read that.
If you enjoy PNR reminiscent of Nalini Singhs Psy/changeling series but with elemental magic, you'd definitely want to give this one a try. I think what I enjoyed the most about this book was the unique new take on PNR. I see great things coming from this author in the future.
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
December 27, 2013
Favourite Lines “He wondered if her hair smelled just as good.
Where the hell had that come from?”
“If there’s one thing you need to remember, it’s this: blood doesn’t necessary make a family. Ambition and power change people in unpredictable ways.”
“To make new memories strong enough to overshadow the old.”
“I can’t guarantee that I’ll never slip up, but I’ll try to ask first, act later. Now, will you tell me why you can gather fire all of a sudden?”
“Just be careful not to char off my bollocks.”
I love it when a strong woman character comes back from the pain of being tortured and becomes a kick ass character! Kiarra is a first born elemental in a world where first borns are thrown in a prison so they "don't harm the world and other elementals" when really they are sent there to be experimented on!
Jaxton has to get his brother out from the AMT prison. He feels responsible for him being there. He mad a deal with Neena, if he also rescued another prisoner she would give him his brothers location. Guess who that prisoner is? Yep Kiarra!
When they meet she's trying to kill herself and seeing her like that stirred something deep inside of Jaxton!
Once Kiarra gets passed being afraid, she does something she hasn't done in many years she trusts someone and that someone is Jaxton!
It's a great story! I love how the author wrote Jaxton with a Irish accent! He calls her pet and say arse! I was cracking up at them 2 arguing!
I so love reading about magic and reading of Kiarra and her elemental magic was great! This book opens a door into a world I want to know more about!
I must know what happen to Jaxton sister! I'm hoping and praying there will be more of the elemental world to come in the future!
This author is amazing and describes Kiarra using her fire in such a way that you can almost feel the heat from the flames!
I was given this book by author in exchange for an honest review
FIVE FIERY FAIRES
Where the hell had that come from?”
“If there’s one thing you need to remember, it’s this: blood doesn’t necessary make a family. Ambition and power change people in unpredictable ways.”
“To make new memories strong enough to overshadow the old.”
“I can’t guarantee that I’ll never slip up, but I’ll try to ask first, act later. Now, will you tell me why you can gather fire all of a sudden?”
“Just be careful not to char off my bollocks.”
I love it when a strong woman character comes back from the pain of being tortured and becomes a kick ass character! Kiarra is a first born elemental in a world where first borns are thrown in a prison so they "don't harm the world and other elementals" when really they are sent there to be experimented on!
Jaxton has to get his brother out from the AMT prison. He feels responsible for him being there. He mad a deal with Neena, if he also rescued another prisoner she would give him his brothers location. Guess who that prisoner is? Yep Kiarra!
When they meet she's trying to kill herself and seeing her like that stirred something deep inside of Jaxton!
Once Kiarra gets passed being afraid, she does something she hasn't done in many years she trusts someone and that someone is Jaxton!
It's a great story! I love how the author wrote Jaxton with a Irish accent! He calls her pet and say arse! I was cracking up at them 2 arguing!
I so love reading about magic and reading of Kiarra and her elemental magic was great! This book opens a door into a world I want to know more about!
I must know what happen to Jaxton sister! I'm hoping and praying there will be more of the elemental world to come in the future!
This author is amazing and describes Kiarra using her fire in such a way that you can almost feel the heat from the flames!
I was given this book by author in exchange for an honest review
FIVE FIERY FAIRES
December 30, 2013
5*s
Loved it!
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Blaze of Secrets was a brilliant start to the Asylums for Magical Threats series and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The series premise is that there are magical people born into the world who control the elements and because it affects the first born children, they are taken away from their parents at maturity and placed in a prison like system, never to see the outside world again. The parents think that they are protecting their first borns from persecution from the outside world and their burgeoning powers so have no qualms about handing then over to people with their best interest at heart…. Little do they know but they are handing over their children to torture, abuse & experimentation. Jaxton Ward’s brother is one of the first borns taken and he has spent the last decade trying to find him and when he eventually obtains the information about his whereabouts, it comes with a condition….. rescue Kiarra Melini, the woman in the cell next door too… and when he does… sparks will fly as the synopsis explains perfectly. I really liked the characters, it was so easy to gel with both of them and I connected with Kiarra in the first chapter because as the synopsis tells us, she is trying to commit suicide. Her life in the prison for the last 15 years has been horrid and she sees no light at the end of the tunnel, it’s amazing she has made it that far so we meet her in the worst possible place in time and it’s impossible not to empathise with her situation. I loved when Jaxton arrived, he had a Knight in black camo thing going on and is totally unprepared for what he finds in Kiarra, he is drawn to her straight away and that’s just the beginning. I loved how their relationship developed and how they worked through their problems, obviously Kiarra is going to be more damaged but she handled it really great and I liked how she worked through things in her head, I also liked Jaxton’s handling of her and their chemistry was sizzling as the trust grew. I actually liked all of the secondary characters as well and a good few of them are stand outs so I’m hoping for more from them too. I loved the idea behind the book, I don’t read a lot about elemental powers and with the first born prison system element it brings something new to the table, giving me a unique and interesting story plus the amount of people in those jails gives this series a lot of possibilities. With the seriousness of what is happening to these elementals we are obviously going to get corruption and abuse of power and that is where the enemy threat comes in, politics does have a role in this although it isn’t overwhelming and as always with tyrannical leaders comes the opposition, the rebellion and the catalyst for change which introduces us to the legend of four exceptional elementals who are destined for big things… if they survive. It had everything I love in a paranormal romance book, the relationship was a major factor & lovely, I liked that Jaxton thought out of the box when it came to winning her over, I said before that I liked how Kiarra handled herself for all she had been through, it was slightly psychological like coaxing an abuse victim to trust someone but that only made me empathise with both characters all the more. When the action got going it took on a run, chase, hide scenario and I like that because it amps up the danger, the bad guys definitely show that they will stop at nothing which also gave a dangerous edge to it and we get a good few point of views that let us into everyones head – good and bad- so we know what’s coming from all angles which I loved. I have to say that I was drawn into this book and hooked by the beginning, it really made an impact and kept me reading, the pacing was great, I was never bored and read it in one sitting and if I’m getting this from the first book, I can’t wait to see what I get from the sequel.
Loved it!
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Blaze of Secrets was a brilliant start to the Asylums for Magical Threats series and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The series premise is that there are magical people born into the world who control the elements and because it affects the first born children, they are taken away from their parents at maturity and placed in a prison like system, never to see the outside world again. The parents think that they are protecting their first borns from persecution from the outside world and their burgeoning powers so have no qualms about handing then over to people with their best interest at heart…. Little do they know but they are handing over their children to torture, abuse & experimentation. Jaxton Ward’s brother is one of the first borns taken and he has spent the last decade trying to find him and when he eventually obtains the information about his whereabouts, it comes with a condition….. rescue Kiarra Melini, the woman in the cell next door too… and when he does… sparks will fly as the synopsis explains perfectly. I really liked the characters, it was so easy to gel with both of them and I connected with Kiarra in the first chapter because as the synopsis tells us, she is trying to commit suicide. Her life in the prison for the last 15 years has been horrid and she sees no light at the end of the tunnel, it’s amazing she has made it that far so we meet her in the worst possible place in time and it’s impossible not to empathise with her situation. I loved when Jaxton arrived, he had a Knight in black camo thing going on and is totally unprepared for what he finds in Kiarra, he is drawn to her straight away and that’s just the beginning. I loved how their relationship developed and how they worked through their problems, obviously Kiarra is going to be more damaged but she handled it really great and I liked how she worked through things in her head, I also liked Jaxton’s handling of her and their chemistry was sizzling as the trust grew. I actually liked all of the secondary characters as well and a good few of them are stand outs so I’m hoping for more from them too. I loved the idea behind the book, I don’t read a lot about elemental powers and with the first born prison system element it brings something new to the table, giving me a unique and interesting story plus the amount of people in those jails gives this series a lot of possibilities. With the seriousness of what is happening to these elementals we are obviously going to get corruption and abuse of power and that is where the enemy threat comes in, politics does have a role in this although it isn’t overwhelming and as always with tyrannical leaders comes the opposition, the rebellion and the catalyst for change which introduces us to the legend of four exceptional elementals who are destined for big things… if they survive. It had everything I love in a paranormal romance book, the relationship was a major factor & lovely, I liked that Jaxton thought out of the box when it came to winning her over, I said before that I liked how Kiarra handled herself for all she had been through, it was slightly psychological like coaxing an abuse victim to trust someone but that only made me empathise with both characters all the more. When the action got going it took on a run, chase, hide scenario and I like that because it amps up the danger, the bad guys definitely show that they will stop at nothing which also gave a dangerous edge to it and we get a good few point of views that let us into everyones head – good and bad- so we know what’s coming from all angles which I loved. I have to say that I was drawn into this book and hooked by the beginning, it really made an impact and kept me reading, the pacing was great, I was never bored and read it in one sitting and if I’m getting this from the first book, I can’t wait to see what I get from the sequel.
September 3, 2013
Definitely check this new series starter out! How often do you read about the fey or Feiru as they are called, in a light as protectors of humans? Blaze of Secrets by Jessie Donovan is a brilliant new take on the paranormal world! The first-born of the Feiru are deemed protectors of humans and kept safely hidden from harm, or are they? DEFEND, a group who knows the truth about what happens to these special first-borns with Elemental powers are on a crusade to save them from a tortured life as a lab rat at the hands of callous scientists.
Kiarra has known cruelties beyond belief, so it’s no wonder that she does not trust Jaxton when he comes blazing in as part of a rescue team. Jaxton is thrown for a loop when Kiarra burrows her way into his heart. She is so damaged; can she ever reach her true potential? Can she ever trust anyone? What are these strange feelings Kiarra has for the tough, yet handsome Jaxton?
Get ready for a great, action-packed tale that is filled with depth, description and pulls you right into the story with great world-building and character development that happens right before you very eyes. Definitely intense, yet not overwhelming, this has the potential for an amazing series with strong characters and plot lines! Ms. Donovan has thrown herself into her writing with vivid scenes, and some historical facts that round out the present story well!
An ARC edition was provided by the author as part of the Release Day Storm blog Tour for Blaze of Secrets.
By Jessie Donovan
Publication Date: September 3, 2013
Series: Asylums for Magical Threats, BOOK 1
ISBN eBook: 978-0989733601
ISBN Print: 978-0615852195
Number of Pages: 330
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Available at: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords / All Romance / Kobo
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
July 25, 2016
This fast paced adult romantic urban fantasy is quite the adventure and was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was quickly invested in the plight of the Fieru and DEFEND, a dedicated self appointed protection group for the
Originally Read: August 17, 2013
Rating: 4.25 Stars Actually
This entire review and others can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
I was quickly invested in the plight of the Fieru and DEFEND, a dedicated self appointed protection group for the
Originally Read: August 17, 2013
Rating: 4.25 Stars Actually
This entire review and others can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
January 24, 2015
Donovan's paranormal romance series is ambitious but it gets confusing, if you spend time thinking about the underlying premise.
Her preface introduces an alternate version of our reality where humans coexist with a human-like race of "Feiru." The name calls to mind the Fae, and the premise recalls their penchant for bargaining for first-born children in exchange for magic. Donovan's riff on the fae turns this around and makes the first born of Feiru women the sacrifice paid by their people to fend off human persecution.
Kierra, the heroine, was handed over when she reached puberty to the custody of an Asylum for Magical Threats (AMT), just like all first born of Feiru. Agents of a rebel faction called DEFEND help her escape a hellish prison / classified research facility where scientists subject them to unconscionable experiments. Their DNA tests have broken Kierra's ability to do magic, and the scientists are excited about using her blood to neuter all other first borns without regard to the high kill rate so far in their testing.
The plot suspense comes from the risk of Kierra being retaken by the AMT, her training to become a DEFEND agent, and the attraction between Kierra and Jaxton, her trainer, as the central romance.
The world building underneath this solid formula became difficult to follow, mostly because it isn't a case of evil humans keeping the Feiru down. The Feiru Five Laws are a lot murkier than Us versus Them.
Editor, my editor, please swoop down with a judicious cursor and show that freelance writing can really work if a good freelance editor gets involved.
Her preface introduces an alternate version of our reality where humans coexist with a human-like race of "Feiru." The name calls to mind the Fae, and the premise recalls their penchant for bargaining for first-born children in exchange for magic. Donovan's riff on the fae turns this around and makes the first born of Feiru women the sacrifice paid by their people to fend off human persecution.
Kierra, the heroine, was handed over when she reached puberty to the custody of an Asylum for Magical Threats (AMT), just like all first born of Feiru. Agents of a rebel faction called DEFEND help her escape a hellish prison / classified research facility where scientists subject them to unconscionable experiments. Their DNA tests have broken Kierra's ability to do magic, and the scientists are excited about using her blood to neuter all other first borns without regard to the high kill rate so far in their testing.
The plot suspense comes from the risk of Kierra being retaken by the AMT, her training to become a DEFEND agent, and the attraction between Kierra and Jaxton, her trainer, as the central romance.
The world building underneath this solid formula became difficult to follow, mostly because it isn't a case of evil humans keeping the Feiru down. The Feiru Five Laws are a lot murkier than Us versus Them.
Editor, my editor, please swoop down with a judicious cursor and show that freelance writing can really work if a good freelance editor gets involved.
September 6, 2013
The Feiru are people with magical abilities that have been basicly taken in prison camps known as AMT. The Feiru first-born are then studied, tortured, abused, and otherwise treated badly by their captors. Kiarra Melini has lost her ability to control elemental fire from the south. She doesn't want to be used for any more experiments especially nullifying one which drives many Feiru insane. Jaxton (Jax) Ward is told by Neena that he must rescue one other prisoner a female along with his brother Garret. Jaxton's team is a well-oiled machine that move this rescue off like clockwork. Jax can't seem to control his thoughts and emotions around Kiarra while trying to be her trainer in DEFEND, an organization dedicated to freeing Feiru, by Neena. Neena gives subtle clues to Kiarra that start the process of healing and trust. The unexpected arrival of Cam Kiarra's younger sister sets off a chain of events nobody in DEFEND safehouse could ever predict or see coming. Cam informs them that a team is being sent to retrieve Kiarra no matter what and that they must leave as soon as possible. Kiarra finds that Jax inspires a kind of trust she thought lost all of these years being imprisoned. James Sinclair is Kiarra's uncle and ruthless leader determined to eradicate The Feiru's abilities from existence. Giovanni is also Kiarra's, Cam's, and James' family wants to help his adopted father with whatever he can. Kiarra is kidnapped again and it's up to Jax to rescue her. Will James' plan work? Will Jax admit his feelings for Kiarra? Will Kiarra escape again? What are Neena's motives? Your answers await you in Blaze of Secrets.
An interesting new world involving magic and it's people. I loved the upheaval in this book because it kept you on the edge of your seat making this book a real page turner. I personally loved Kiarra's name, spirit, and ability to adapt to her surroundings with little effort. Jax is a dreamy tough as nails man that let's nothing stand in his way of what he wants. I also loved that they both would risk much in the name of family consequences be damned. I'm definitely looking forward to next installment in this series.
An interesting new world involving magic and it's people. I loved the upheaval in this book because it kept you on the edge of your seat making this book a real page turner. I personally loved Kiarra's name, spirit, and ability to adapt to her surroundings with little effort. Jax is a dreamy tough as nails man that let's nothing stand in his way of what he wants. I also loved that they both would risk much in the name of family consequences be damned. I'm definitely looking forward to next installment in this series.
August 27, 2016
Jessie Donovan wrote a great book! Blaze of Secrets is a solid 3.5 almost 4 stars form me.
Kiarra is a first born Feiru, otherwise known as Fae, who were discovered by humans in the 1905’s. Being a first born Feiru comes with elemental magic that can control either fire, earth, air and water. Humans had developed policies that kept Feiru as second-class citizens and created the Asylums for Magical Threats, otherwise known as AMT to control first borns. The AMT has found a way to block Kiarra from accessing her magic, and through her blood it might do the same to all Feiru. - That is something that she cannot live with. And this is when Jaxton comes in, and in addition to rescuing his brother Garrett he’s told he must rescue Kiarra as well.
Right away, it’s obvious there is something more besides attraction between the Jaxton and Kiarra! And this book quickly covers the ‘more,’ but leaves you hanging a bit on the details. But, the book keeps the fast pace it started with – a little too fast at times. I thought Kiarra’s 15 year confinement was a lot to get over, and she seemed to adjust to life outside a little too quickly for me. Hence, the 3.5 stars I gave the book. Overall I thought this was a great read, with a lovely romance and plenty of action. It left a lot open and I’d read the next book to find out more!
Disclaimer: I received this book from Lovers of Paranormal (LoP) in exchange for an honest review.
Kiarra is a first born Feiru, otherwise known as Fae, who were discovered by humans in the 1905’s. Being a first born Feiru comes with elemental magic that can control either fire, earth, air and water. Humans had developed policies that kept Feiru as second-class citizens and created the Asylums for Magical Threats, otherwise known as AMT to control first borns. The AMT has found a way to block Kiarra from accessing her magic, and through her blood it might do the same to all Feiru. - That is something that she cannot live with. And this is when Jaxton comes in, and in addition to rescuing his brother Garrett he’s told he must rescue Kiarra as well.
Right away, it’s obvious there is something more besides attraction between the Jaxton and Kiarra! And this book quickly covers the ‘more,’ but leaves you hanging a bit on the details. But, the book keeps the fast pace it started with – a little too fast at times. I thought Kiarra’s 15 year confinement was a lot to get over, and she seemed to adjust to life outside a little too quickly for me. Hence, the 3.5 stars I gave the book. Overall I thought this was a great read, with a lovely romance and plenty of action. It left a lot open and I’d read the next book to find out more!
Disclaimer: I received this book from Lovers of Paranormal (LoP) in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2014
I gave it 3.5 stars
Kiarra has spent most of her life locked away in a prison for the Feiru. She has been experimented on, beaten, and now someone is breaking into her cell and she has no clue why someone would want to kidnap her. Jaxton finds the means to rescue his brother from Prison but the condition is that he also needs to rescue a girl that is also in prison there. When he gets her back to his base of operation he is ordered to train her and quickly finds out why she is so important.
I am a big fan of books where the characters have elemental powers. I don't know why but they usually end up being pretty exciting. The fact that Kiarra's powers are a little more special makes her character a bit more exciting. I liked Jaxton right away. He quickly started caring about Kiarra and although he could be a bit brutish at times I understood him.
I enjoyed BLAZE OF SECRETS. It is one of those books that takes you by surprise when it pulls you in but when it's over you don't have a whole lot to say about it. It just is/was. The characters were likable, the world is on the way to being nicely developed and overall the series is off to a good start. Kiarra's sister will be the star of book 2 and I look forward to reading.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kiarra has spent most of her life locked away in a prison for the Feiru. She has been experimented on, beaten, and now someone is breaking into her cell and she has no clue why someone would want to kidnap her. Jaxton finds the means to rescue his brother from Prison but the condition is that he also needs to rescue a girl that is also in prison there. When he gets her back to his base of operation he is ordered to train her and quickly finds out why she is so important.
I am a big fan of books where the characters have elemental powers. I don't know why but they usually end up being pretty exciting. The fact that Kiarra's powers are a little more special makes her character a bit more exciting. I liked Jaxton right away. He quickly started caring about Kiarra and although he could be a bit brutish at times I understood him.
I enjoyed BLAZE OF SECRETS. It is one of those books that takes you by surprise when it pulls you in but when it's over you don't have a whole lot to say about it. It just is/was. The characters were likable, the world is on the way to being nicely developed and overall the series is off to a good start. Kiarra's sister will be the star of book 2 and I look forward to reading.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2014
Blaze of Secrets (Asylums for Magical Threats #1) by Jessie Donovan
I received this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review by the “Lovers of Paranormal” Group on Goodreads.com
This is a fast paced Urban Fantasy. It follows the story of Kiarra, who has spent most of her life imprisoned in the AMT. The AMT is a facility that houses first born Feiru children who are born with the ability to manipulate elemental energy and are deemed dangerous by the Government. They are imprisoned before their abilities come in, in order to protect the general public and the Feiru community from discovery by the humans. Jaxon breaks into the AMT to rescue his brother and another prisoner that his organisation wants. And so begins the story. This book has a well thought out plot. The writing is rich and the story is well crafted. I could not put this book down and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Well done Jessie Donovan for a brilliant book. I will definitely be looking out for more of this talented author’s work.
I received this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review by the “Lovers of Paranormal” Group on Goodreads.com
This is a fast paced Urban Fantasy. It follows the story of Kiarra, who has spent most of her life imprisoned in the AMT. The AMT is a facility that houses first born Feiru children who are born with the ability to manipulate elemental energy and are deemed dangerous by the Government. They are imprisoned before their abilities come in, in order to protect the general public and the Feiru community from discovery by the humans. Jaxon breaks into the AMT to rescue his brother and another prisoner that his organisation wants. And so begins the story. This book has a well thought out plot. The writing is rich and the story is well crafted. I could not put this book down and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Well done Jessie Donovan for a brilliant book. I will definitely be looking out for more of this talented author’s work.
December 6, 2015
Kiara was born a first born Feiru with magic powers and at a young age they are taken from thire family and locked into a compound called Asylums of magical threats "AMT" and never seen again.
Jaxon's brother was a first born and taken. Jaxton gas been looking for him to take him back. But to get the info on his brother he had to save a woman too "kiarra"
Wow what a cool series. So different with tons of everything I love. Mystery, drama, action, and wow it really was fantastic to read and could be a great movie! It's a most read for anyone who is a fan of magic.
Book gifted for an honest review and I honestly loved it.
Jaxon's brother was a first born and taken. Jaxton gas been looking for him to take him back. But to get the info on his brother he had to save a woman too "kiarra"
Wow what a cool series. So different with tons of everything I love. Mystery, drama, action, and wow it really was fantastic to read and could be a great movie! It's a most read for anyone who is a fan of magic.
Book gifted for an honest review and I honestly loved it.
September 5, 2014
ohhhhh my !!!!!!
so new so fresh so happy i got my hands on this book!!!!
so loved the characters and so loved this new idea of world and all the suspence and fighting and loving
an amazing sotry with a strong headed Alhpa male..too many strongheaded alpha women and some evil people!!!!
5 stars and a must must must must must read!!!!!
so new so fresh so happy i got my hands on this book!!!!
so loved the characters and so loved this new idea of world and all the suspence and fighting and loving
an amazing sotry with a strong headed Alhpa male..too many strongheaded alpha women and some evil people!!!!
5 stars and a must must must must must read!!!!!
January 30, 2025
Paranormal action and MF romance. Aliens are living among us, and they are just like humans except for some of them who have special abilities.
An ambitious politician is working to restrict their rights and imprison those with what we humans would call magic. There's a team of agents opposed to this, and they break two people out of prison. A male agent acts on his attraction to the female escapee despite his reluctance to get involved.
The story was captivating, and I was eager to continue reading. However, I skipped two chapters from the villain's POV (I dislike those), and I also skipped all the sex. If i wanted porn, I'd read that instead.
The book ends with the fate of several important characters unresolved. I assume they'll be discussed in a sequel, but it says that the next book will be about two minor characters from this one.
Typos: "beat her too it" should be "TO it," one end quote mark has a period following it instead of before it (as US style rules dictate that it should).
An ambitious politician is working to restrict their rights and imprison those with what we humans would call magic. There's a team of agents opposed to this, and they break two people out of prison. A male agent acts on his attraction to the female escapee despite his reluctance to get involved.
The story was captivating, and I was eager to continue reading. However, I skipped two chapters from the villain's POV (I dislike those), and I also skipped all the sex. If i wanted porn, I'd read that instead.
The book ends with the fate of several important characters unresolved. I assume they'll be discussed in a sequel, but it says that the next book will be about two minor characters from this one.
Typos: "beat her too it" should be "TO it," one end quote mark has a period following it instead of before it (as US style rules dictate that it should).
December 8, 2013
~* 3.5 Stars *~
The AMT is Terrifying
She is the first-born child of a Feiru mother in a world that hides her kind away in asylums out of a sick paranoia, fear, and prejudice. They call her elemental magic a threat to the unsuspecting human public. They keep her kind secret.
In those asylums they are stripped of their humanity and their dignity, used as lab rats, abused, and suffer torturous "medical" testing that often drives them insane, all for that nebulous Greater Good.
Now Kiarra Melini is left with a horrific choice: sacrifice herself to save her first-born brethren or sit idly by while the researchers at the asylum use her blood to strip the elemental magic from every other first-born they have interred in asylums around the world.
A tragic choice. A heartbreaking choice. But an easy one for the young woman who has been a prisoner of the Asylums for Magical Threats for fifteen years of her life.
She hadn't counted on Jaxton Ward swooping into her cell as she was attempting to end her life. She'd long since given up hope of ever being free from the AMT. Being kidnapped doesn't exactly instill in Kiarra a sense of peace and well being, though, even though Jaxton claims he's rescued her. After all, the AMT is the devil she knows. Jaxton and his anti-AMT group may prove themselves to be just a different sort of devil entirely.
Jaxton knew breaking into the AMT to get his brother and Kiarra out wasn't going to be easy, but he never figured Kiarra would rather suicide than be free. Now he's got to convince the woman he means her no harm and the rebel group he works with needs her elemental magic to fight against the very people who held her captive for most of her life. Training her is going to be a study in frustration, though, given the powerful attraction he has for the brave woman willing to die for her race.
~*~
Unique and original, this series debut by Donovan has a lot going for it, especially in the first half of the book. Kiarra was fiery, cagey, and keenly intelligent, and Jaxton was intense and sexy...and I'm a total sucker for heroes with a British accent. I enjoyed both of their characters very much, and the story was rich with solid world-building, action, and suspense.
I loved Kiarra's whole attitude and personality from the moment she's introduced as an AMT inmate through her dubious rescue and subsequent struggle to adapt to her new freedom. I think she was maybe a bit more balanced and sane than a person would be given what she's been through in her life, but I can't say I minded that for the purposes of the story. I liked her, and I was very pleased with the direction her character took following her rescue. That all worked for me nicely.
And full credit to Donovan for the creep factor and utter horror that was the AMT. I couldn't help but make comparisons to concentration camps in Nazi Germany and it was truly chilling. I find the sort of subversive, subjugating mentality that went into the creation and use of AMTs to be far more effective as a source of external conflict than an individual Big Bad because it's so damn easy to imagine something exactly like that happening, as it's happened before in humanity's darkest times.
I wish I could say I found the second half of the book as entertaining as the first. While the first half provided a solid foundation for the book, was well-conceived and written with a solid focus on fleshing out the world, defining the various factions and introducing the characters, the story took a turn for me at the halfway mark. As soon as Jaxton and Kiarra made it to Scotland and the external conflict became more significant in the plot, I felt like the book started to lose a lot of the cohesion it had established early.
There's a lot going on and it's happening to and with several different characters and their individual points of view. Between the evolution of the main characters, their relationship and all that entailed, their struggles to evade the AMT, the sinister- and almost ridiculously obscure - machinations of Bad Guy Sinclair, and the addition of Kiarra's brother Gio, who was a pretty big question mark to me and seemed an unnecessary source of ancillary conflict, there was too much to focus on. Too much was attempted and not enough of it had payoff. The plot's pacing bogged down and the story got a bit unwieldy and cumbersome.
At times I found myself getting bored - with Kiarra and Jaxton's relationship, with Sinclair's super secret and oh-so-nefarious plans, and with...whatever it was that Gio was trying to do. There were just too many sources of conflict, big reveals, and murky motivations, so many it all became white noise after awhile. It's a shame, because really, there didn't need to be anything beyond the AMT. The reality of those places and the driving force behind their existence is completely horrifying enough on its own to support an entire series of external conflict without needing all the other story detritus that cluttered the back half of this book.
I do think the series has a ton of potential, though, and there are more than enough interesting characters introduced here to provide fodder for many juicy stories to come. This one just didn't quite keep me consistently engaged beyond the story setup and the world-building, and a general sort of appreciation for the romance between Kiarra and Jaxton. Still, I can't say enough about how nice it is to read something that felt truly fresh and original. That alone is worth a lot in a genre glutted on same old same old.
Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided to me by the author for review. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
The AMT is Terrifying
She is the first-born child of a Feiru mother in a world that hides her kind away in asylums out of a sick paranoia, fear, and prejudice. They call her elemental magic a threat to the unsuspecting human public. They keep her kind secret.
In those asylums they are stripped of their humanity and their dignity, used as lab rats, abused, and suffer torturous "medical" testing that often drives them insane, all for that nebulous Greater Good.
Now Kiarra Melini is left with a horrific choice: sacrifice herself to save her first-born brethren or sit idly by while the researchers at the asylum use her blood to strip the elemental magic from every other first-born they have interred in asylums around the world.
A tragic choice. A heartbreaking choice. But an easy one for the young woman who has been a prisoner of the Asylums for Magical Threats for fifteen years of her life.
She hadn't counted on Jaxton Ward swooping into her cell as she was attempting to end her life. She'd long since given up hope of ever being free from the AMT. Being kidnapped doesn't exactly instill in Kiarra a sense of peace and well being, though, even though Jaxton claims he's rescued her. After all, the AMT is the devil she knows. Jaxton and his anti-AMT group may prove themselves to be just a different sort of devil entirely.
Jaxton knew breaking into the AMT to get his brother and Kiarra out wasn't going to be easy, but he never figured Kiarra would rather suicide than be free. Now he's got to convince the woman he means her no harm and the rebel group he works with needs her elemental magic to fight against the very people who held her captive for most of her life. Training her is going to be a study in frustration, though, given the powerful attraction he has for the brave woman willing to die for her race.
~*~
Unique and original, this series debut by Donovan has a lot going for it, especially in the first half of the book. Kiarra was fiery, cagey, and keenly intelligent, and Jaxton was intense and sexy...and I'm a total sucker for heroes with a British accent. I enjoyed both of their characters very much, and the story was rich with solid world-building, action, and suspense.
I loved Kiarra's whole attitude and personality from the moment she's introduced as an AMT inmate through her dubious rescue and subsequent struggle to adapt to her new freedom. I think she was maybe a bit more balanced and sane than a person would be given what she's been through in her life, but I can't say I minded that for the purposes of the story. I liked her, and I was very pleased with the direction her character took following her rescue. That all worked for me nicely.
And full credit to Donovan for the creep factor and utter horror that was the AMT. I couldn't help but make comparisons to concentration camps in Nazi Germany and it was truly chilling. I find the sort of subversive, subjugating mentality that went into the creation and use of AMTs to be far more effective as a source of external conflict than an individual Big Bad because it's so damn easy to imagine something exactly like that happening, as it's happened before in humanity's darkest times.
I wish I could say I found the second half of the book as entertaining as the first. While the first half provided a solid foundation for the book, was well-conceived and written with a solid focus on fleshing out the world, defining the various factions and introducing the characters, the story took a turn for me at the halfway mark. As soon as Jaxton and Kiarra made it to Scotland and the external conflict became more significant in the plot, I felt like the book started to lose a lot of the cohesion it had established early.
There's a lot going on and it's happening to and with several different characters and their individual points of view. Between the evolution of the main characters, their relationship and all that entailed, their struggles to evade the AMT, the sinister- and almost ridiculously obscure - machinations of Bad Guy Sinclair, and the addition of Kiarra's brother Gio, who was a pretty big question mark to me and seemed an unnecessary source of ancillary conflict, there was too much to focus on. Too much was attempted and not enough of it had payoff. The plot's pacing bogged down and the story got a bit unwieldy and cumbersome.
At times I found myself getting bored - with Kiarra and Jaxton's relationship, with Sinclair's super secret and oh-so-nefarious plans, and with...whatever it was that Gio was trying to do. There were just too many sources of conflict, big reveals, and murky motivations, so many it all became white noise after awhile. It's a shame, because really, there didn't need to be anything beyond the AMT. The reality of those places and the driving force behind their existence is completely horrifying enough on its own to support an entire series of external conflict without needing all the other story detritus that cluttered the back half of this book.
I do think the series has a ton of potential, though, and there are more than enough interesting characters introduced here to provide fodder for many juicy stories to come. This one just didn't quite keep me consistently engaged beyond the story setup and the world-building, and a general sort of appreciation for the romance between Kiarra and Jaxton. Still, I can't say enough about how nice it is to read something that felt truly fresh and original. That alone is worth a lot in a genre glutted on same old same old.
Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided to me by the author for review. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
January 13, 2018
I love the concept of the book a hidden world of magical away from human eyes. I love Kiarra character but I wished she had more thought about going into a situation that was dangerous. Jaxton great overall character to me at all times.
Cam.... didn't see that coming at all. Nor did I with the brother. I know that Cam as her own book but I do hope the brother will too and finally see the truth.
Cam.... didn't see that coming at all. Nor did I with the brother. I know that Cam as her own book but I do hope the brother will too and finally see the truth.
January 9, 2024
My third series by Jessie Donovan and I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I loved the story and the characters. Blaze of Secrets is just the beginning of what I believe will be a great series. I love Kiarra's fire (and yes that was a bit of a pun) and how despite the horrors of her past she learns with the help of Jaxton to push past it and become strong and who she is meant to be. Jaxton sees the fire in Kiarra and drawn to her in a way he never has been with anyone else. Kiarra finds herself rescued from the AMT, what is basically a prison for those with abilities where they are treated as experiments, by DEFEND, those who are trying to put an end to the AMT. Work that was done on Kiarra has made the researchers believe that they have finally found a way to null those with abilities. Jaxton becomes Kiarra's trainer, to help her heal from her imprisonment and help her learn to defend herself. After being attacked at their base, Kiarra and Jaxton are sent to find answers. On their journey to become closer to one another and more secrets are revealed. Action packed with a promise of a story that is just starting, I'm super excited to read the rest of the series!
November 9, 2025
on fire
Blaze of secrets book 1 of series Asylums for magical threats by Jessie Donovan is unique and an interesting read. Similar to stories written by Zoe Chant and others. This story easily draws in readers to explore and discover what the magical threats are. The magic is unique to the beholder and the story is full of surprises, twists and turns along with a couple of red herrings. I look forward to the next chapter
Blaze of secrets book 1 of series Asylums for magical threats by Jessie Donovan is unique and an interesting read. Similar to stories written by Zoe Chant and others. This story easily draws in readers to explore and discover what the magical threats are. The magic is unique to the beholder and the story is full of surprises, twists and turns along with a couple of red herrings. I look forward to the next chapter
May 19, 2017
Awesome book by one of my favorite authors
The book is really well written with slight grammatical errors. The characters draw in the reader and she leaves the readers with questions. I want to read the next one to get some answers and to follow this wonderful journey she has laid out.
The book is really well written with slight grammatical errors. The characters draw in the reader and she leaves the readers with questions. I want to read the next one to get some answers and to follow this wonderful journey she has laid out.
July 7, 2022
Great series
I'm a big fan of Jessie Donovan, so I'm not surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Instantly fell in love with the characters and the AMT story. I'll be starting Cam and Marco's story next. Can't wait to find out what Millie is upto and what part Gio will play.
I'm a big fan of Jessie Donovan, so I'm not surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Instantly fell in love with the characters and the AMT story. I'll be starting Cam and Marco's story next. Can't wait to find out what Millie is upto and what part Gio will play.
August 30, 2013
*This book was provided to me as an arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
To be honest with you, when I read paranormal/fantasy romance I am almost always reading bestselling international names. In fact I'm in the middle of reading the black dagger brotherhood. Most of the books I take for read 2 review are just plain romances and only a few have had paranormal elements. So I went into this book a little uncertain of it standing up for itself in between me reading BDB#4 and BDB#5. Would it have the same well developed world and history? Would the 'powers' make sense and not feel contrived? Would I feel part of some worldwide political battle? Would I care deeply about the main characters?
Well, do you know what? This book is really very good! I've just finished and if book 2 was right there ready for me I'd pick it up and start reading it. Let me break it down a little...
The idea of this world, of the Feiru and the modern history that got to them to our current position is fascinating. It feels grounded in an ancient history, it has complexity of political/idealogical positions, it has intrigue and corruption and torture. In other words it is entirely gripping! I want to know what's going on and I want to see how it's going to get resolved and I want to read that now! I was really impressed with how much background and work has gone into creating this world. It did, however, take me awhile to get to grips with it. I didn't immediately see the who's and why's of what was going on. At first I found that frustrating because it felt that there was a lot of information imparted but it wasn't clear to me. By the end of the book though I feel just the right balance of informed but with lots of questions for the next book/s. I feel I've gone on the journey with Kiarra, so it's right that it began with confusion and ends with anticipation and curiosity.
This is not the first book about elemental magic I've read but it does already feel unique and that' because of how well grounded in history and politics the book is.
As for the characters and the romance. Well, I love Kiarra! Vulnerable but strong, cautious but caring, and one tough cookie. Jaxton was a perfect alpha male, a hero complex, bossy and irritating but loyal and protective and respectful. I love bickering romances with passion and fierceness in it. None of these soppy romances for me. Love consumes, it burns, it is light and passion and belonging. This all felt right, built with the right pace, had a good balance of uncertainty and risk taking and a good dollop of passion.
The side characters are interesting and I had a sense that we're just being introduced to them, like little teasers. I don't know whether book 2 will keep following Kiarra and Jaxton or move onto some other characters as focus (much like BDB) but I will read it whatever. I'm completely invested in this world, I want to save the first-borns, I want to stop the evil dude, I want the good guy to get their gals etc. etc.
I would also like to praise a thing that I often miss in books when it's not thought about. The sense of place. It was great that places were described but not only in names and sights, but in dialects, sounds, environment etc. Of course it helped that a good portion was somewhere I know quite well and that there were so many British accents about. I found it endearing, although it didn't always sit right. "Pet" is a very regional endearment, as is "ducky", and they are not the same region. Probably only fellow British people would pick up on it, and it's no big deal of course, it's just the people who have called me "pet" in 31 years in this country are of an older generation and based in the North East of England rather than the Peak District where I believe Jaxton is supposed to be from if memory serves me correctly. I'm really being picky though. I'm always thrilled when authors write with accents and I think the author generally did a good job of it here.
So, you may well be wondering why I've gone for 4 stars given how much I clearly enjoyed this book. Well, the reason why is because it took me maybe 60% to really get into the writing style. I felt I had to concentrate or I'd miss things or get confused. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but it was very wordy. I found I could only read when I had chance to focus, whereas I normally read anywhere. Part of the problem for me was that the streams of consciousness were sometimes very long. I even wondered on occasion how the character could possibly think as much as that without the other characters thinking their lack of immediate response odd! I also felt that some thoughts and motivations could have been demonstrated through dialogue and action rather then a stream of the character relaying what they think about some situation or other. I think it could be pared back a fair bit in some of these areas with no loss. The last third of the book was full of action and so it flowed for me much better. I don't think I glanced at the % between 80 and the end!
To summarise, a great world built here with plenty of action and political intrigue. Topped with a steamy romance it couldn't really go wrong! Bring on book 2!
To be honest with you, when I read paranormal/fantasy romance I am almost always reading bestselling international names. In fact I'm in the middle of reading the black dagger brotherhood. Most of the books I take for read 2 review are just plain romances and only a few have had paranormal elements. So I went into this book a little uncertain of it standing up for itself in between me reading BDB#4 and BDB#5. Would it have the same well developed world and history? Would the 'powers' make sense and not feel contrived? Would I feel part of some worldwide political battle? Would I care deeply about the main characters?
Well, do you know what? This book is really very good! I've just finished and if book 2 was right there ready for me I'd pick it up and start reading it. Let me break it down a little...
The idea of this world, of the Feiru and the modern history that got to them to our current position is fascinating. It feels grounded in an ancient history, it has complexity of political/idealogical positions, it has intrigue and corruption and torture. In other words it is entirely gripping! I want to know what's going on and I want to see how it's going to get resolved and I want to read that now! I was really impressed with how much background and work has gone into creating this world. It did, however, take me awhile to get to grips with it. I didn't immediately see the who's and why's of what was going on. At first I found that frustrating because it felt that there was a lot of information imparted but it wasn't clear to me. By the end of the book though I feel just the right balance of informed but with lots of questions for the next book/s. I feel I've gone on the journey with Kiarra, so it's right that it began with confusion and ends with anticipation and curiosity.
This is not the first book about elemental magic I've read but it does already feel unique and that' because of how well grounded in history and politics the book is.
As for the characters and the romance. Well, I love Kiarra! Vulnerable but strong, cautious but caring, and one tough cookie. Jaxton was a perfect alpha male, a hero complex, bossy and irritating but loyal and protective and respectful. I love bickering romances with passion and fierceness in it. None of these soppy romances for me. Love consumes, it burns, it is light and passion and belonging. This all felt right, built with the right pace, had a good balance of uncertainty and risk taking and a good dollop of passion.
The side characters are interesting and I had a sense that we're just being introduced to them, like little teasers. I don't know whether book 2 will keep following Kiarra and Jaxton or move onto some other characters as focus (much like BDB) but I will read it whatever. I'm completely invested in this world, I want to save the first-borns, I want to stop the evil dude, I want the good guy to get their gals etc. etc.
I would also like to praise a thing that I often miss in books when it's not thought about. The sense of place. It was great that places were described but not only in names and sights, but in dialects, sounds, environment etc. Of course it helped that a good portion was somewhere I know quite well and that there were so many British accents about. I found it endearing, although it didn't always sit right. "Pet" is a very regional endearment, as is "ducky", and they are not the same region. Probably only fellow British people would pick up on it, and it's no big deal of course, it's just the people who have called me "pet" in 31 years in this country are of an older generation and based in the North East of England rather than the Peak District where I believe Jaxton is supposed to be from if memory serves me correctly. I'm really being picky though. I'm always thrilled when authors write with accents and I think the author generally did a good job of it here.
So, you may well be wondering why I've gone for 4 stars given how much I clearly enjoyed this book. Well, the reason why is because it took me maybe 60% to really get into the writing style. I felt I had to concentrate or I'd miss things or get confused. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but it was very wordy. I found I could only read when I had chance to focus, whereas I normally read anywhere. Part of the problem for me was that the streams of consciousness were sometimes very long. I even wondered on occasion how the character could possibly think as much as that without the other characters thinking their lack of immediate response odd! I also felt that some thoughts and motivations could have been demonstrated through dialogue and action rather then a stream of the character relaying what they think about some situation or other. I think it could be pared back a fair bit in some of these areas with no loss. The last third of the book was full of action and so it flowed for me much better. I don't think I glanced at the % between 80 and the end!
To summarise, a great world built here with plenty of action and political intrigue. Topped with a steamy romance it couldn't really go wrong! Bring on book 2!
January 13, 2018
I had high hopes but I got bored very fast. From 45% onward I was skim reading.
May 16, 2018
It's getting harder and harder to find good romance books. xD I've been ruined for any ordinary love story, which this is. Protagonists summed up? Kindly, strong protector of damaged girl.
September 26, 2013
Kiarra Melini hasn't had an easy time of it. She's part of a race of people known as the Feiru. They look and act like humans for the most part, but the first-born children of Feiru are born with something called elemental magic (meaning they can control one of the four elements: wind, earth, fire, or water). Kiara can manipulate fire and at the age of 13 (when she hit magical maturity), she was given up by her parents to a facility known as the Asylum for Magical Threats or the AMT. The larger Feiru population believes that the AMT Compounds keep first-borns there in order to protect them from the danger of using their elemental magic in front of humans and ruining the secret of their existence, but, as Kiarra knows all too well, the compounds are little more than a prison where the first-borns are abused physically and mentally, as well as used as genetic guinea pigs. She had been under AMT control for over 15 years and was at the end of her rope, preparing to do the unthinkable and kill herself when Jaxton Ward stepped into her cell and changed her destiny.
Jaxton Ward was just trying to save his older brother, Garrett from the AMT. The Ward family had faked Garrett's death and he spent a good part of his life outside of the AMT system, so when he was finally found out during college, Jaxton swore to help save his brother. His work for the pro-first-born organization, DEFEND, often sends him on dangerous missions with elemental magic users, though he himself isn't a first-born. He didn't expect to be told to save Kiarra, too, but he followed orders and brought her to safety. What he didn't know was that it would be a struggle to keep her once she was free because the AMT are willing to risk almost anything to take her back into custody. Kiarra's blood is special - it can be used to nullify the talents of the first-borns, essentially taking away their magic.
Plus, he finds himself distracted by this pretty new recruit and struggles to keep their relationship professional so that he can give her the help she needs - if she would only accept it instead of fighting him at every turn!
Now that she's free, Kiarra has to find a way to rehabilitate from her harrowing experiences inside the compound and learn how to defend herself. With the help of Jaxton, DEFEND and some unexpected new friends, Kiarra must fight for her first-born rights and her own freedom.
Best Thing: I was really impressed with this book! The whole "world" of the Feiru was really well-formed and interesting and you are drawn into it from the very first pages. Kiarra and Jaxton are great characters individually and together. The character development for both of them was fun to watch - especially for Kiarra as she reclaimed her individuality and confidence. I loved the way they fought with each other and the chemistry they had kept you on the edge of your seat - if you weren't already! The pacing was awesome, too, since they slowly revealed more and more about Feiru politics and Kiarra and Jaxton's families - making it super suspenseful. I also liked that as more characters were introduced, the world got bigger and bigger and so did the overall storyline, culminating in a great ending to this story, but a great beginning for the series as a whole.
Worst Thing: I think there are a few things to wrap up in the next books. Some of the side characters went on missions that we never heard the resolution to, especially Jax's man Darius and the shadow-shifter who tried to kill Kiarra in the beginning. I'm sure some of this was done to build anticipation for the next books (which, no trouble there!), but I would've liked a bit more resolution from at least one or two of these side stories. Plus, my hopes were built up by the Epilogue at the end and then quickly disappointed because it didn't really tell us any new/important information. That sucked, because I loved the book and the original ending, so ending on the underwhelming Epilogue instead fell a bit flat for me.
Overall: I'm a convert - sign me up for DEFEND! This is a truly original story with great world-building and better characters. I can't wait for the next books in this series!
Jaxton Ward was just trying to save his older brother, Garrett from the AMT. The Ward family had faked Garrett's death and he spent a good part of his life outside of the AMT system, so when he was finally found out during college, Jaxton swore to help save his brother. His work for the pro-first-born organization, DEFEND, often sends him on dangerous missions with elemental magic users, though he himself isn't a first-born. He didn't expect to be told to save Kiarra, too, but he followed orders and brought her to safety. What he didn't know was that it would be a struggle to keep her once she was free because the AMT are willing to risk almost anything to take her back into custody. Kiarra's blood is special - it can be used to nullify the talents of the first-borns, essentially taking away their magic.
Plus, he finds himself distracted by this pretty new recruit and struggles to keep their relationship professional so that he can give her the help she needs - if she would only accept it instead of fighting him at every turn!
Now that she's free, Kiarra has to find a way to rehabilitate from her harrowing experiences inside the compound and learn how to defend herself. With the help of Jaxton, DEFEND and some unexpected new friends, Kiarra must fight for her first-born rights and her own freedom.
Best Thing: I was really impressed with this book! The whole "world" of the Feiru was really well-formed and interesting and you are drawn into it from the very first pages. Kiarra and Jaxton are great characters individually and together. The character development for both of them was fun to watch - especially for Kiarra as she reclaimed her individuality and confidence. I loved the way they fought with each other and the chemistry they had kept you on the edge of your seat - if you weren't already! The pacing was awesome, too, since they slowly revealed more and more about Feiru politics and Kiarra and Jaxton's families - making it super suspenseful. I also liked that as more characters were introduced, the world got bigger and bigger and so did the overall storyline, culminating in a great ending to this story, but a great beginning for the series as a whole.
Worst Thing: I think there are a few things to wrap up in the next books. Some of the side characters went on missions that we never heard the resolution to, especially Jax's man Darius and the shadow-shifter who tried to kill Kiarra in the beginning. I'm sure some of this was done to build anticipation for the next books (which, no trouble there!), but I would've liked a bit more resolution from at least one or two of these side stories. Plus, my hopes were built up by the Epilogue at the end and then quickly disappointed because it didn't really tell us any new/important information. That sucked, because I loved the book and the original ending, so ending on the underwhelming Epilogue instead fell a bit flat for me.
Overall: I'm a convert - sign me up for DEFEND! This is a truly original story with great world-building and better characters. I can't wait for the next books in this series!
September 19, 2013
~~I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Loved it!! I cant wait to read the next book! Im a sucker for alpha males and sassy girls, this book covers both. It is funny how one thinks they have their life planned out, then fate has a way of changing things. To top fate off as such, human nature shows itself at its finest. When there is something we dont know, understand generally we tried to cage and disect it. A govermental medical compound for first born elementals. Anyone that is a first born child that can wield magical powers of the elements. Then you have the otherside a mixture of humans and elementals that are out to change the government views of firstborns and rescue who they can.
Jaxton is the rescuer and Kiarra is the rescuee (along with Jaxtons brother). Kiarra has the ability to wield fire, the heat spikes anytime she is around her rescuer. Jaxton sees his work cut out for him, not only does he need to train Kiarra but also gain her trust. Kiarra has her own skeletons to dust off if she is ever going to stop being a victim.
As Jax and Kiarra get closer they both start to realize its not just a job anymore, they cause a heat that would burn a normal person. They do have a habit of bumping heads, Jaxton is... well bossy and of course Kiarra takes offense to that. When they get close to each other, it has nothing to do with the job but how they make each other feel.
A sweet fun sexy passionate.. and thats just in the bedroom. So Let Ms Donovan weave her magic spell around you as you read, meeting all the hot and sexy, sassy and arrogant characters. This book should have you rallying for Jaxton and Kiarra. Enjoy!!
fate has a way of changing things. To top fate off as such, human nature shows itself at its finest. When there is something we don't know, understand generally we tried to cage and dissect it. A governmental medical compound for first born elementals. Anyone that is a first-born child that can wield magical powers of the elements. Then you have the other side a mixture of humans and elemental that are out to change the government views of first-born and rescue who they can.
Jaxton is the rescuer and Kiarra is the rescuee (along with Jaxtons brother). Kiarra has the ability to wield fire, the heat spikes anytime she is around her rescuer. Jaxton sees his work cut out for him, not only does he need to train Kiarra but also gain her trust. Kiarra has her own skeletons to dust off if she is ever going to stop being a victim.
As Jax and Kiarra get closer they both start to realize its not just a job anymore, they cause a heat that would burn a normal person. They do have a habit of bumping heads, Jaxton is... well bossy and of course Kiarra takes offense to that. When they get close to each other, it has nothing to do with the job but how they make each other feel.
A sweet fun sexy passionate.. and thats just in the bedroom. So Let Ms Donovan weave her magic spell around you as you read, meeting all the hot and sexy, sassy and arrogant characters. This book should have you rallying for Jaxton and Kiarra. Enjoy!!
Loved it!! I cant wait to read the next book! Im a sucker for alpha males and sassy girls, this book covers both. It is funny how one thinks they have their life planned out, then fate has a way of changing things. To top fate off as such, human nature shows itself at its finest. When there is something we dont know, understand generally we tried to cage and disect it. A govermental medical compound for first born elementals. Anyone that is a first born child that can wield magical powers of the elements. Then you have the otherside a mixture of humans and elementals that are out to change the government views of firstborns and rescue who they can.
Jaxton is the rescuer and Kiarra is the rescuee (along with Jaxtons brother). Kiarra has the ability to wield fire, the heat spikes anytime she is around her rescuer. Jaxton sees his work cut out for him, not only does he need to train Kiarra but also gain her trust. Kiarra has her own skeletons to dust off if she is ever going to stop being a victim.
As Jax and Kiarra get closer they both start to realize its not just a job anymore, they cause a heat that would burn a normal person. They do have a habit of bumping heads, Jaxton is... well bossy and of course Kiarra takes offense to that. When they get close to each other, it has nothing to do with the job but how they make each other feel.
A sweet fun sexy passionate.. and thats just in the bedroom. So Let Ms Donovan weave her magic spell around you as you read, meeting all the hot and sexy, sassy and arrogant characters. This book should have you rallying for Jaxton and Kiarra. Enjoy!!
fate has a way of changing things. To top fate off as such, human nature shows itself at its finest. When there is something we don't know, understand generally we tried to cage and dissect it. A governmental medical compound for first born elementals. Anyone that is a first-born child that can wield magical powers of the elements. Then you have the other side a mixture of humans and elemental that are out to change the government views of first-born and rescue who they can.
Jaxton is the rescuer and Kiarra is the rescuee (along with Jaxtons brother). Kiarra has the ability to wield fire, the heat spikes anytime she is around her rescuer. Jaxton sees his work cut out for him, not only does he need to train Kiarra but also gain her trust. Kiarra has her own skeletons to dust off if she is ever going to stop being a victim.
As Jax and Kiarra get closer they both start to realize its not just a job anymore, they cause a heat that would burn a normal person. They do have a habit of bumping heads, Jaxton is... well bossy and of course Kiarra takes offense to that. When they get close to each other, it has nothing to do with the job but how they make each other feel.
A sweet fun sexy passionate.. and thats just in the bedroom. So Let Ms Donovan weave her magic spell around you as you read, meeting all the hot and sexy, sassy and arrogant characters. This book should have you rallying for Jaxton and Kiarra. Enjoy!!
August 31, 2013
Posted At: Riverina Romantics
My Rating: 4 out of 5 *
Hotness Rating: 3 out of 5 <3
I'm very interested in the world Jessie Donovan has built in this book. There aren't many books about Fey, or in this case Feiru, to begin with. I'm not sure I completely understand it yet either, and I'm okay with that. I'm hoping all will be explained as the series develops. But for a first book, this world building, history, and issues going on are fresh and intriguing.
I only had one issue with this book, and that was the connection between Jaxton and Kiarra. I adored both characters on their own, but I never felt the connection between them until about halfway through the book. It made it very difficult to get through at times. When I'm reading a romance, I really have to believe the relationship the main characters have. Eventually the depth of their relationship had me believing by the end, but up until that point, I just found it hard to get behind.
Jaxton was a great hero and I loved him. From the moment he rescues Kiarra to the moment he admitted his love for her, I was sold on him. He was a warrior, a trainer, and a lover. He was always at a disadvantage and learned to make that a strength. He healed Kiarra in ways no one else could have, and he helped her become the woman she had always been deep down inside. He protected her with a fierceness that rivals alpha werewolves, and he loved her in a way that chased away her demons. He was the complete package for someone damaged like Kiarra, and in healing her, he allowed her to do the same for him.
Kiarra was an incredibly strong woman to endure what she had since she was a child and became the woman she was, with Jaxton's help. She developed in such a believable way, and her thought process through it all was understandable. She was determined not to let her life in the AMT (Asylum for Magical Threats) rule her on the outside, and she did everything she could to conquer her fears and doubts. She ended up becoming not only a strong woman, but a woman of importance and a woman who finally knew true love. All of these things gave her the courage to do what she knew needed to be done and helped her discover the truth about herself in the process. Her love for Jaxton healed his own scares that he never truly thought existed. Through each other, they became something so much more.
Overall this was a very good story. The world building had me interested and the small developments throughout was good enough to add some kind of inkling as to how future books are going to develop. I just wish it hadn't taken so long for the connection between Jaxton and Kiarra to really kick in. It would have made the book so much better, and probably would have landed it on my favorites shelf.
It'd definitely worth checking out.
***This ARC was given to me by Jessie Donovan in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 *
Hotness Rating: 3 out of 5 <3
I'm very interested in the world Jessie Donovan has built in this book. There aren't many books about Fey, or in this case Feiru, to begin with. I'm not sure I completely understand it yet either, and I'm okay with that. I'm hoping all will be explained as the series develops. But for a first book, this world building, history, and issues going on are fresh and intriguing.
I only had one issue with this book, and that was the connection between Jaxton and Kiarra. I adored both characters on their own, but I never felt the connection between them until about halfway through the book. It made it very difficult to get through at times. When I'm reading a romance, I really have to believe the relationship the main characters have. Eventually the depth of their relationship had me believing by the end, but up until that point, I just found it hard to get behind.
Jaxton was a great hero and I loved him. From the moment he rescues Kiarra to the moment he admitted his love for her, I was sold on him. He was a warrior, a trainer, and a lover. He was always at a disadvantage and learned to make that a strength. He healed Kiarra in ways no one else could have, and he helped her become the woman she had always been deep down inside. He protected her with a fierceness that rivals alpha werewolves, and he loved her in a way that chased away her demons. He was the complete package for someone damaged like Kiarra, and in healing her, he allowed her to do the same for him.
Kiarra was an incredibly strong woman to endure what she had since she was a child and became the woman she was, with Jaxton's help. She developed in such a believable way, and her thought process through it all was understandable. She was determined not to let her life in the AMT (Asylum for Magical Threats) rule her on the outside, and she did everything she could to conquer her fears and doubts. She ended up becoming not only a strong woman, but a woman of importance and a woman who finally knew true love. All of these things gave her the courage to do what she knew needed to be done and helped her discover the truth about herself in the process. Her love for Jaxton healed his own scares that he never truly thought existed. Through each other, they became something so much more.
Overall this was a very good story. The world building had me interested and the small developments throughout was good enough to add some kind of inkling as to how future books are going to develop. I just wish it hadn't taken so long for the connection between Jaxton and Kiarra to really kick in. It would have made the book so much better, and probably would have landed it on my favorites shelf.
It'd definitely worth checking out.
***This ARC was given to me by Jessie Donovan in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2013
When scrolling through the Goodreads R4R thread I noticed this title and was immediately interested. Blaze of Secrets is the first book in the Asylums for Magical Threats series by Jessie Donovan. I was lucky enough to be given a copy to review and what I found there really impressed me.
The Feiru, a magical species living in hiding from Human sight, go to such extreme lengths to avoid discovery that they would even lock their children away for life in one of the prisons for magic users. For many years, first-born children have been sent away to prison as they are the ones gifted with ability to work elemental magic.
We meet Kiarra Melini, an inmate at one of these prisons, who overheard her researcher discussing the uses and implications of her blood and the dangerous secrets it holds. She decides that if Feiru are to survive and keep their abilities, she needs to die. Prepared to take her own life with a blade crudely fashioned from a hair brush handle, Kiarra is stopped at the last moment by a surprisingly handsome intruder.
Jaxton Ward, a DEFEND officer, has been sent to infiltrate the prison compound and rescue Kiarra. Neither realise it at the time, but it is the beginning of a drastic change for them both.
Once free of the compound, Jaxton takes Kiarra under his wing, training her to function once again as a person and to join DEFEND – an anti-prison activist group. Training together, Kiarra finds herself attracted to this man in a most unnerving way. Having spent so many years fearing the touch of the researchers and other members of staff inside the prison, Kiarra has to learn to trust and overcome the demons of her past.
The prison retrieval squad hunt for Kiarra forcing her to work with Jaxton to evade capture of both herself and a fellow recent escapee – Jaxton’s brother. Through twists and turns we follow Kiarra and Jax as passions and tempers flare. When the co-leader of DEFEND informs Kiarra of a closely guarded secret, Kiarra refuses to believe the myths to be true; especially as they are about her.
The romance between Kiarra and Jaxton is strong throughout the book without feeling forced at any time, making for an easy and incredibly enjoyable read. The inclusion of the Feiru and their history in relation to real-world events gives this book a distinctive feel; you almost want to believe it to be true. As a species of their own, the Feiru are a wonderfully rounded creation with their own myths and traditions, laws and punishments.
As a romance book I found this to be one of the better ones I have ever read, and as a first novel it excelled far beyond my expectations. The ending to this book answers enough of the reader’s questions to appease them, yet leaves plenty open for the continuation of the series – something I will most certainly be reading.
The Feiru, a magical species living in hiding from Human sight, go to such extreme lengths to avoid discovery that they would even lock their children away for life in one of the prisons for magic users. For many years, first-born children have been sent away to prison as they are the ones gifted with ability to work elemental magic.
We meet Kiarra Melini, an inmate at one of these prisons, who overheard her researcher discussing the uses and implications of her blood and the dangerous secrets it holds. She decides that if Feiru are to survive and keep their abilities, she needs to die. Prepared to take her own life with a blade crudely fashioned from a hair brush handle, Kiarra is stopped at the last moment by a surprisingly handsome intruder.
Jaxton Ward, a DEFEND officer, has been sent to infiltrate the prison compound and rescue Kiarra. Neither realise it at the time, but it is the beginning of a drastic change for them both.
Once free of the compound, Jaxton takes Kiarra under his wing, training her to function once again as a person and to join DEFEND – an anti-prison activist group. Training together, Kiarra finds herself attracted to this man in a most unnerving way. Having spent so many years fearing the touch of the researchers and other members of staff inside the prison, Kiarra has to learn to trust and overcome the demons of her past.
The prison retrieval squad hunt for Kiarra forcing her to work with Jaxton to evade capture of both herself and a fellow recent escapee – Jaxton’s brother. Through twists and turns we follow Kiarra and Jax as passions and tempers flare. When the co-leader of DEFEND informs Kiarra of a closely guarded secret, Kiarra refuses to believe the myths to be true; especially as they are about her.
The romance between Kiarra and Jaxton is strong throughout the book without feeling forced at any time, making for an easy and incredibly enjoyable read. The inclusion of the Feiru and their history in relation to real-world events gives this book a distinctive feel; you almost want to believe it to be true. As a species of their own, the Feiru are a wonderfully rounded creation with their own myths and traditions, laws and punishments.
As a romance book I found this to be one of the better ones I have ever read, and as a first novel it excelled far beyond my expectations. The ending to this book answers enough of the reader’s questions to appease them, yet leaves plenty open for the continuation of the series – something I will most certainly be reading.
September 27, 2013
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I must say this book was different. I have never read anything like it before, and I am happy to say that I wasn’t disappointed. The only thing that would have made it better, in my opinion, would have been if the author would have included a pronunciation guide for the word Feiru. To be quite honest, I felt like an idiot all the way through the book because I didn’t know the proper way to pronounce it. In a sense, it took away from the book a bit, for me at least, because it didn’t hold much meaning, or make a good connection, without knowing the proper way to say it. I know I’m weird, and this opinion is by no means a negative mark on the author’s work. Her writing and storytelling skills are simply wonderful.
I loved the characters in Blaze of Secrets. I think they were well developed. They were developed in a way that wasn’t an ‘information dump,’ and it helped move the story along. As you read through the book bits and pieces of each characters past was revealed to explain their actions or reactions, and I thought that was really nice. Very quickly Jessie Donovan made me care about the main female character, Kiarra, and about what happened to her. The main male character, Jaxton, took me a while to warm up to much like it did Kiarra. About half way through the book though, I had come to care about Jaxton and his well being as much as I did Kiarra.
I have personally read many books about characters with elemental magic, but none like Blaze of Secrets. Jessie Donovan put a twist on a familiar concept with the first-born child of a Feiru woman being the only child in the family to have elemental magic. When this child reached the age of magical maturity, they were basically shipped off to a ‘compound’ where they would not be able to hurt themselves or the human population. In reality though they were shipped off to a prison and used for experiments. They were treated brutally, and many went insane or committed suicide. Any children born after the first-born child could have latent abilities that developed later in life, but they were never subjected to the brutality of the Asylum for Magical Threats (AMT). Kiarra was a first-born who was able to escape from the AMT with the help of Jaxton.
Overall this book is very well written. Jessie Donovan has a wonderful talent, and I look forward to reading more of her work. Also I’m sorry if this seems like a short review, but I just don’t want to give too much of this amazing piece away. I recommend that you go pick up a copy and enjoy.
September 7, 2014
http://badbirdreads.com/review-blaze-...
At A Glance
I really enjoyed this book. The story and characters were great. But there was a lot unresolved in the end.
The Good
Blaze of Secrets was a refreshing paranormal read. I loved the unique magical element and the scary as hell AMT (the place were magical children are kept, experimented on, and often killed). The characters drew me in and kept me reading.
Kiarra was such a great character. She was broken and fearful from years spent in the AMT but she had a strong will that never let her truly give up. Kiarra grew so much in this book, especially with Jaxton’s help. His tough love brought out her warrior side. She was so selfless and admirable I could easily see why Jaxton couldn’t get her out of his heart.
Jaxton was a total alpha-male but with a sweet side. He used rough and tough techniques in training Kiarra and bringing her out of her shell and it totally worked. Jaxton tried to keep his relationship with Kiarra professional, but they were irrevocably drawn together. Jaxton helped Kiarra become a fighter and a woman. He really was a great support and strong arm for Kiarra throughout the whole story.
The writing was good and the action was really great. The world building was amazing. I am really interested in learning more about this mad world Donovan created, as well as the characters within it.
The Bad
My biggest problem was the ending. So much was left unresolved. Some characters were just never heard from again. I hate that. Even if the next book is about them, I feel we need to have some closure on what happened to them, bad or good.
Some parts were a little boring. Not a lot, mind you, just some.
The Snuggly
It took some time for Kiarra and Jaxton to get together but they were great together once they caved to their feelings. I loved how they brought out the best in each other. For the life of me I can’t remember the sex scenes but I am pretty sure they were there. lol, I know, I suck.
Final Thoughts
I would definitely read the next book in this series. Blaze of Secrets felt unique and the characters really drove the story. A great start to a great series. Very recommended.
Quotes
“If there’s one thing you need to remember, it’s this: blood doesn’t necessary make a family. Ambition and power change people in unpredictable ways.”
“I can’t guarantee that I’ll never slip up, but I’ll try to ask first, act later. Now, will you tell me why you can gather fire all of a sudden?”
“Just be careful not to char off my bollocks.”
“He wondered if her hair smelled just as good. Where the hell had that come from?”
At A Glance
I really enjoyed this book. The story and characters were great. But there was a lot unresolved in the end.
The Good
Blaze of Secrets was a refreshing paranormal read. I loved the unique magical element and the scary as hell AMT (the place were magical children are kept, experimented on, and often killed). The characters drew me in and kept me reading.
Kiarra was such a great character. She was broken and fearful from years spent in the AMT but she had a strong will that never let her truly give up. Kiarra grew so much in this book, especially with Jaxton’s help. His tough love brought out her warrior side. She was so selfless and admirable I could easily see why Jaxton couldn’t get her out of his heart.
Jaxton was a total alpha-male but with a sweet side. He used rough and tough techniques in training Kiarra and bringing her out of her shell and it totally worked. Jaxton tried to keep his relationship with Kiarra professional, but they were irrevocably drawn together. Jaxton helped Kiarra become a fighter and a woman. He really was a great support and strong arm for Kiarra throughout the whole story.
The writing was good and the action was really great. The world building was amazing. I am really interested in learning more about this mad world Donovan created, as well as the characters within it.
The Bad
My biggest problem was the ending. So much was left unresolved. Some characters were just never heard from again. I hate that. Even if the next book is about them, I feel we need to have some closure on what happened to them, bad or good.
Some parts were a little boring. Not a lot, mind you, just some.
The Snuggly
It took some time for Kiarra and Jaxton to get together but they were great together once they caved to their feelings. I loved how they brought out the best in each other. For the life of me I can’t remember the sex scenes but I am pretty sure they were there. lol, I know, I suck.
Final Thoughts
I would definitely read the next book in this series. Blaze of Secrets felt unique and the characters really drove the story. A great start to a great series. Very recommended.
Quotes
“If there’s one thing you need to remember, it’s this: blood doesn’t necessary make a family. Ambition and power change people in unpredictable ways.”
“I can’t guarantee that I’ll never slip up, but I’ll try to ask first, act later. Now, will you tell me why you can gather fire all of a sudden?”
“Just be careful not to char off my bollocks.”
“He wondered if her hair smelled just as good. Where the hell had that come from?”
November 26, 2013
Step back Hunger Games!
The feiru is a race similar in appearance to humans, but with slight genetic differences. First-born children of feiru have the ability to manipulate elemental energy particles. They control fire, water, earth and wind. But first- born feiru children was deemed dangerous and is placed into Asylums for Magical Threats aka AMT.
These AMT’s was supposed to protect world and the first-born placed into their care, but what is happening inside these AMT’s are appalling. When Jaxton Ward is send it to retrieve a prison and his brother, he finds a young woman trying to kill herself with everything she’s got. The question is why?
Kiarra Melini just wanted to end the threat she was to the other first-borns kept in the AMT systems. With her blood they can take their magical abilities from them forever. If she dies no-one can hurt the others. The plan was simple, until a man burst into her cell and prevent her from ending it all. Outside the AMT for the first time in years, she reveals what is happing inside the AMT’s and join the resistance to close them down. But when you’re the prime ingredient to solve the problem, your life is in constant danger. Can she stay out of their clutches?
Wow! Well know this was an interesting and fresh read. Reading this I couldn’t help but think of Hunger Games a few times, but I’ll admit it’s ten times better. Donovan created and amazing storyline filled with suspense and adrenalin. I kept closing my eyes dreading the next page.
Kiarra starts off as the tortured soul she is. Abused and tortured within the AMT one can expect nothing less. With Jaxton intervention he carefully maneuver around her and start bringing out the warrior locked away in her. Kiarra goes from scared to a very epic calm feisty warrior prepared to fight for her kind.
Jaxton was the perfect hero. At first he had a tough time knowing how to handle Kiarra without breaking her further. But when he discover the secret ingredient to ignite the warrior inside her, he discovers a feisty woman with way more than what he expected.
Intrigued I was glued to the pages and in one session finished it. If you’re looking for suspense, adrenalin and epic adventure, this one is for you. Well done to the author and a well-deserved 5 stars from me.
The feiru is a race similar in appearance to humans, but with slight genetic differences. First-born children of feiru have the ability to manipulate elemental energy particles. They control fire, water, earth and wind. But first- born feiru children was deemed dangerous and is placed into Asylums for Magical Threats aka AMT.
These AMT’s was supposed to protect world and the first-born placed into their care, but what is happening inside these AMT’s are appalling. When Jaxton Ward is send it to retrieve a prison and his brother, he finds a young woman trying to kill herself with everything she’s got. The question is why?
Kiarra Melini just wanted to end the threat she was to the other first-borns kept in the AMT systems. With her blood they can take their magical abilities from them forever. If she dies no-one can hurt the others. The plan was simple, until a man burst into her cell and prevent her from ending it all. Outside the AMT for the first time in years, she reveals what is happing inside the AMT’s and join the resistance to close them down. But when you’re the prime ingredient to solve the problem, your life is in constant danger. Can she stay out of their clutches?
Wow! Well know this was an interesting and fresh read. Reading this I couldn’t help but think of Hunger Games a few times, but I’ll admit it’s ten times better. Donovan created and amazing storyline filled with suspense and adrenalin. I kept closing my eyes dreading the next page.
Kiarra starts off as the tortured soul she is. Abused and tortured within the AMT one can expect nothing less. With Jaxton intervention he carefully maneuver around her and start bringing out the warrior locked away in her. Kiarra goes from scared to a very epic calm feisty warrior prepared to fight for her kind.
Jaxton was the perfect hero. At first he had a tough time knowing how to handle Kiarra without breaking her further. But when he discover the secret ingredient to ignite the warrior inside her, he discovers a feisty woman with way more than what he expected.
Intrigued I was glued to the pages and in one session finished it. If you’re looking for suspense, adrenalin and epic adventure, this one is for you. Well done to the author and a well-deserved 5 stars from me.
April 14, 2014
For a debut novel from this author it turned out to be quite a nice surprise and a fantastic read. Only one other time had I read a book on elementals which happened to be a series and had exhausted it to the end. I have not come across another yet that compared or was as good until this one. This one also was unique in its approach to them and the story behind them. The terminology fits right with this novel also which this author does a fine job of explaining so the reader is not in the dark on anything. This is mainly about the Feiru and the rescue of two in particular that were housed in AMT which by all descriptions was a horrendous place. Jaxton and his team go into rescue his brother Garrett but they are told to make sure and rescue one named Kiarra very important. They come in the nic of time and stop her from doing something stupid but she felt necessary. Kiarra is a fire element and very important in more ways than one. After this she is offered freedom of a sort with training to defend herself and help this group DEFEND. She is just the first step in bringing together four very important elements. Jaxton is appointed her trainer and the fun begins with a adventure that would give anyone looking for a exciting read what they wanted. This is filled with jammed packed even cat and mouse games between the good guys and the bad guys with lots of twists and turns. On the plus side also is the romance that builds between Kiarra and Jaxton that neither one expected but happens none the less. The fire that builds between them happens in more ways than one which in turn he also becomes the key I would say in regaining something she thought lost. He also becomes her other half that strengthens her and aids her elemental abilities. The chase also includes her reuniting with a sister and confronting a brother. Each has a unique tale of its own contained within this novel. While going with the flow of this novel enjoying every minute of it it contains lots of supporting characters some will stand out more than others. By the time I reach the end I am alittle disappointed there already but also learn there is more to follow. received a arc for a honest review LOP(Lovers of Paranormal)
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