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The Flame of Prometheus
Rowyn Eloise Darrow is no stranger to death.
At the age of eight, Rowyn and her family fled the comfort of the American Coalition’s High Society to live in the Wastes—the land left Decimated by the Demise.
It was never her plan to join the Resistance—she promised her father as much—but after her parents disappeared, Rowyn saw no other way to keep her little sister safe.
Now, at twenty-two, she is Agent Red, the best soldier in the Coalition Resistance Forces. She is not only tasked with protecting her sister, but the entire Resistance. When her mission is sabotaged, Red is apprehended by her childhood friend and current Lieutenant General of the Coalition Army, Callum Osouf.
Rowyn manages to keep her cover, but as she navigates her new role as spy, she finds herself slipping into her past as her feelings for the Lieutenant General grow and dark family secrets unravel.
Will Rowyn take up the old life she thought she’d lost all those years ago, or will she burn the world to create a new one?
At the age of eight, Rowyn and her family fled the comfort of the American Coalition’s High Society to live in the Wastes—the land left Decimated by the Demise.
It was never her plan to join the Resistance—she promised her father as much—but after her parents disappeared, Rowyn saw no other way to keep her little sister safe.
Now, at twenty-two, she is Agent Red, the best soldier in the Coalition Resistance Forces. She is not only tasked with protecting her sister, but the entire Resistance. When her mission is sabotaged, Red is apprehended by her childhood friend and current Lieutenant General of the Coalition Army, Callum Osouf.
Rowyn manages to keep her cover, but as she navigates her new role as spy, she finds herself slipping into her past as her feelings for the Lieutenant General grow and dark family secrets unravel.
Will Rowyn take up the old life she thought she’d lost all those years ago, or will she burn the world to create a new one?
485 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2024
14 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 3, 2025
I truly don’t even know what to say! I just finished and I’m left in shock, broken hearted, and dying for more! Truly a remarkable book and I cannot wait for part two. So glad I was an arc reader on this book. I cannot recommend it enough!!
September 13, 2024
Full review will come soon but besties I need you all to hop to it and read this one
Full review: This book was such a treat. The story follows Rowyn, aka Red, a member of the Coalition Resistance Forces as she embarks on a mission that turns into far more than she bargained for. Brimming with mystery and suspicions, this is a book that absolutely kept me on my toes. Many screams were scrumpt, I laughed, and I also was absolutely going through it.
One of my favorite elements of this book was the characters. Rowyn is a gem, and I really enjoyed being alongside her for this ride. She’s sharp and smart, and I was rooting for her the whole time. Callum, our Lieutenant General, was interesting and I really enjoyed his arc through the book. He has some interesting ups and downs, and I’m very curious to see what is in store for him next.
There’s also quite the crew of side characters, and I quite frankly would love entire books for all of them. Aletheia, Sancus, Bellona, and Ulysses were some of the most interesting and I am dying to know more about all of them. I really enjoyed how real and defined all the characters were. At every point as a reader I feel like I had a clear picture of each character no matter how small their role. Many of them seem to have some secrets, but they feel very multifaceted for sure!
I loved the different layers to the plot and story that were going on in this book. There’s a mystery set forth in the early chapters, and Rowyn is determined to learn more about her father and his role in the mystery. Add in a corrupt government and a struggling resistance and you’ve got a really engaging story that sucks you in and keeps you guessing.
Along with all of that, there’s a lot of cool science in this book. There are some really fascinating and frightening choices being made in this book on a scientific level, and it added so much depth to what was going on! All of these aspects together kept things feeling fresh and exciting, and as I’ve said, I was fully locked in and so enjoyed this one.
It’s a 5⭐️ rating from me, fam! Time to eagerly await book two! 🤩
Full review: This book was such a treat. The story follows Rowyn, aka Red, a member of the Coalition Resistance Forces as she embarks on a mission that turns into far more than she bargained for. Brimming with mystery and suspicions, this is a book that absolutely kept me on my toes. Many screams were scrumpt, I laughed, and I also was absolutely going through it.
One of my favorite elements of this book was the characters. Rowyn is a gem, and I really enjoyed being alongside her for this ride. She’s sharp and smart, and I was rooting for her the whole time. Callum, our Lieutenant General, was interesting and I really enjoyed his arc through the book. He has some interesting ups and downs, and I’m very curious to see what is in store for him next.
There’s also quite the crew of side characters, and I quite frankly would love entire books for all of them. Aletheia, Sancus, Bellona, and Ulysses were some of the most interesting and I am dying to know more about all of them. I really enjoyed how real and defined all the characters were. At every point as a reader I feel like I had a clear picture of each character no matter how small their role. Many of them seem to have some secrets, but they feel very multifaceted for sure!
I loved the different layers to the plot and story that were going on in this book. There’s a mystery set forth in the early chapters, and Rowyn is determined to learn more about her father and his role in the mystery. Add in a corrupt government and a struggling resistance and you’ve got a really engaging story that sucks you in and keeps you guessing.
Along with all of that, there’s a lot of cool science in this book. There are some really fascinating and frightening choices being made in this book on a scientific level, and it added so much depth to what was going on! All of these aspects together kept things feeling fresh and exciting, and as I’ve said, I was fully locked in and so enjoyed this one.
It’s a 5⭐️ rating from me, fam! Time to eagerly await book two! 🤩
December 10, 2024
I was waiting to read this book because a few friends told me it ends with a cliff hanger and there isn’t a second book published yet! I am not a patient reader and need to immediately know what happens next! However my book club voted we read this book this month, so I obliged!
I was hooked from the very beginning and did not want to stop reading each week’s section! And of course it ends on a cliff hanger. I NEED BOOK TWO NOW (respectfully), please.
I was hooked from the very beginning and did not want to stop reading each week’s section! And of course it ends on a cliff hanger. I NEED BOOK TWO NOW (respectfully), please.
December 26, 2023
“Books can be dangerous. They give people thoughts and ideas. They provoke thinking, which is the enemy to people in power.”
Rowyn Eloise Darrow “Red” is a resistance fighter who finds herself behind enemy lines (and in her enemy’s home), without backup or instruction, and has to figure out how to survive - all while discovering her world and personal history is not what it seems.
This debut dystopian sci-fi with a healthy sprinkling of romance is out January 9!
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
Rowyn Eloise Darrow “Red” is a resistance fighter who finds herself behind enemy lines (and in her enemy’s home), without backup or instruction, and has to figure out how to survive - all while discovering her world and personal history is not what it seems.
This debut dystopian sci-fi with a healthy sprinkling of romance is out January 9!
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
January 14, 2024
This is my first sci fi book and it was awesome! I love the story, world building, characters and even what felt like an illegal cliffhanger at the end. Highly recommend 🥰
December 21, 2023
What a journey! I genuinely enjoyed this book and the characters. The tension, the subtle hints and twists that feed the need to know, mysterious characters…it all kept me reading and wanting more! Rowyn is a phenomenal FMC and I will absolutely be following her journey through the subsequent books. Just when I thought I had a character figured out, Taryn would drop some info that had me questioning everything! I loved the Dystopian/Sci-fi vibe. I also appreciate that the romance aspect wasn’t overwhelming. In my opinion, it was very balanced with the plot and it felt naturally placed in the story instead of forced and unnecessary. The thing I wasn’t prepared for….that ending. I was pacing my house during my final hour of reading. So intense, shocking, and utterly jaw dropping in all the best ways!
January 9, 2024
4.25.
This book pulled me in with its characters, twists and world building. I was eager to keep reading and see how the story would unfold, what Red would discover and what choices our characters would make. I loved how the author chose to reveal new details, expertly peeling back layers and revelations. Early on, I caught vibes of the world and tone of the Legend series and also the camaraderie and banter of the inner circle in Sarah J Maas’ ACOTAR series. And that ending!! I am eagerly awaiting the next installment to see where Taryn will take us.
Pick this one up for a captivating winter weekend read!
This book pulled me in with its characters, twists and world building. I was eager to keep reading and see how the story would unfold, what Red would discover and what choices our characters would make. I loved how the author chose to reveal new details, expertly peeling back layers and revelations. Early on, I caught vibes of the world and tone of the Legend series and also the camaraderie and banter of the inner circle in Sarah J Maas’ ACOTAR series. And that ending!! I am eagerly awaiting the next installment to see where Taryn will take us.
Pick this one up for a captivating winter weekend read!
January 13, 2024
Woah! The action, childhood friends to lovers romance, family secrets, hidden agendas…
and that ending… 🤯
I hope Taryn’s next book comes out quickly because I need to know what happens to Red, her sister, Callum, everyone from this story!
If you enjoy dystopian romance, sci fi, family secrets, action, or generally just enjoy reading, this book is a must!
and that ending… 🤯
I hope Taryn’s next book comes out quickly because I need to know what happens to Red, her sister, Callum, everyone from this story!
If you enjoy dystopian romance, sci fi, family secrets, action, or generally just enjoy reading, this book is a must!
December 21, 2023
This is my honest review after finishing an e-ARC that was gifted to me. Thank you again for the e-ARC!
4 Stars
I will admit it did take me a little bit to get into the book, but once I was in I was thoroughly enjoying the read!
To me it feels more dystopian /scifi, which is right up my alley. If this had come out in the mid 2000's it could have been right up there with the heavy hitters of that time period.
Rowyn is not a spy. But she is part of the resistance. Unfortunately through no fault of her own she finds herself thrust into the midst of enemy territory and must adapt to being a spy quickly.
We learn small details throughout the whole book that always make me want more more more right then. And when we do get the last but largest piece of the cookie I was very happy with it!
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will read the following book(s) when they release as well.
p.s I'm not great at writing reviews, if it wasn't already obvious, but I do want to say this book was fun, and if you like dystopian/ scifi then you should give it a try!!
4 Stars
I will admit it did take me a little bit to get into the book, but once I was in I was thoroughly enjoying the read!
To me it feels more dystopian /scifi, which is right up my alley. If this had come out in the mid 2000's it could have been right up there with the heavy hitters of that time period.
Rowyn is not a spy. But she is part of the resistance. Unfortunately through no fault of her own she finds herself thrust into the midst of enemy territory and must adapt to being a spy quickly.
We learn small details throughout the whole book that always make me want more more more right then. And when we do get the last but largest piece of the cookie I was very happy with it!
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I will read the following book(s) when they release as well.
p.s I'm not great at writing reviews, if it wasn't already obvious, but I do want to say this book was fun, and if you like dystopian/ scifi then you should give it a try!!
October 16, 2024
It has been a MINUTE since I was this hooked while reading a dystopian novel. I didn’t want to put it down. Loved the storyline, FMC, the emotions certain scenes evoked, and the friends to enemies to lovers is 🤌🏼
Get it. Read it. You won’t regret. And I need more people waiting for book two like I am ✌🏼😅
Get it. Read it. You won’t regret. And I need more people waiting for book two like I am ✌🏼😅
March 5, 2024
I was very impressed by the story line, I felt like it was different from the other dystopian books I’ve read recently. Action-packed, futuristic and a little romance will keep you on your toes and asking for more! I cannot wait for the next book!
January 16, 2024
Red is found stuck between lives. Her old home and family at the resistance and her long lost childhood friend in the coalition. Taryn keeps the reader engaged as you follow Rowyn’s life unfold as a spy and she battles with her emotions between gathering information for the resistance and loving her childhood friend on the opposing side. There’s action, betrayal, secrets and lies. The ending definitely leaves you wanting to know how it’s all going to play out.
As I read, I found myself wanting more. What is the demise? How did society get to this point? What’s going to happen? I hope we get to find out more!
Lastly, I really was digging the science. Was that a Darwin reference in there Taryn?! If you’re a sci - fi nerd who also is super fascinated by genetics, you’ll appreciate the experiments.
As I read, I found myself wanting more. What is the demise? How did society get to this point? What’s going to happen? I hope we get to find out more!
Lastly, I really was digging the science. Was that a Darwin reference in there Taryn?! If you’re a sci - fi nerd who also is super fascinated by genetics, you’ll appreciate the experiments.
January 9, 2024
Dystopian society with sci-fi elements, romance, and an ending that makes me ready for the sequel.
Taryn's debut novel is a strong start for a promising series. The beginning is fast paced and intriguing while the end will have you waiting for book 2's release date.
Diverse, strong, uncompromising, and balanced main and secondary characters. Action, intrigue, twists and turns. If you're looking for something different this is it.
Taryn's debut novel is a strong start for a promising series. The beginning is fast paced and intriguing while the end will have you waiting for book 2's release date.
Diverse, strong, uncompromising, and balanced main and secondary characters. Action, intrigue, twists and turns. If you're looking for something different this is it.
February 5, 2024
If you like Red Rising but think it needs more romance: The Flame of Prometheus. If you like The Hunger Games but are no longer a ten year-old: The Flame of Prometheus. If you like Divergent but thought Tris wasn't bad-ass enough: The Flame of Prometheus. If you like Shards of Honor, but wanted Cordelia to loosen up a bit: The Flame of Prometheus. If you wish your creative writing students would stop complaining about writing a 1000-word story and want to show them how one of your former students wrote her book so maybe they should just be quiet and start typing because how else will you ever be able to live up to great expectations: The Flame of Prometheus. Oh, and if your last book needed a bigger cliff-hanger with the promise of more to come: The Flame of Prometheus.
March 1, 2024
page-turner
Couldn’t put it down! An inventive and engaging story for anyone who likes sci-fi, romance, or dystopian novels. The author has a background in biology, which comes through in the themes of genetics and scientific ethics.
Can’t wait for the other books in the trilogy!
Couldn’t put it down! An inventive and engaging story for anyone who likes sci-fi, romance, or dystopian novels. The author has a background in biology, which comes through in the themes of genetics and scientific ethics.
Can’t wait for the other books in the trilogy!
February 10, 2024
Really fun read! The world-building is inventive and engaging, the twists are unpredictable, and who doesn’t love star-crossed lovers?
January 23, 2024
Couldn't put it down
I can't wait to learn more about Rowyn and this fascinating and disturbing society she must navigate. Hope I don't have to wait too long for the follow-up.
I can't wait to learn more about Rowyn and this fascinating and disturbing society she must navigate. Hope I don't have to wait too long for the follow-up.
January 15, 2024
What a book. What an ending. Can’t wait for the next one!
April 6, 2024
"The Flame of Prometheus" is a captivating novel filled with intriguing twists and turns. The seamless blend of romance, mystery, and a surprising ending kept me hooked from beginning to end. The author's storytelling prowess shines through, making this a must-read for fans of the genre. I can’t wait for her next book!
February 2, 2024
I can’t even begin to say how excited I am for the next installment. Taryn has created an amazing world, and it’s so exciting to think Red’s story is not done yet! The detail will keep you engaged and you are guaranteed to become emotionally invested in at least one character. If dystopian societies, forbidden love, or science fiction this is a must read.
February 28, 2024
THIS BOOK. If you are looking for an exciting, captivating, exhilarating page turner that will have you unable to stop reading look no further. This book had it all- action, plot twists, dystopian society, futuristic portrayals, and a touch of romance that kept me having to scrape my jaw off the floor at every turn! I NEED the second book to come out soon 🥲
January 15, 2024
I need to know what happens! I loved the relationships in this book and the twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I was just as torn in the choices Rowyn had to make in the book 🫣. I’m itching to read the next book!!
February 23, 2024
I couldn't put this book down. It is so beautifully written. Packed with action and plot twists, I can't believe this is Taryn's debut novel. And it had the right amount of romance too, just overall perfect! I loved it, and I'm dying to read book two.
April 6, 2024
I can’t believe this is Taryn’s first novel, it is SO good! I can’t wait until she comes out with the next book.
December 25, 2023
Strong, dystopian FMC working in STEM!
Wow wow. This book had so many great things, what an interesting read. It starts with a train heist (hit) by the rebels then turns into an undercover spy story in a dystopian city with really cool technology. I loved the genetic experiments and that the FMC worked in a lab.
The love story is really cute too. Childhood best friends separated for 16(?) years but are on opposite sides. And with secrets like theirs, you knew it was going to get messy.
The author builds a complex future world with science and politics but balances all that world building with the relationships between characters. There are so many strong females in this book too! I liked that many of the characters seemed to be hiding something. We get some answers but I'm hoping more will come in book 2!
I also appreciated that the very dark moments of the story were not brushed off. There are scenes of sexual assault, attacks on civilians, and violence to animals. The author gave Red space to feel reactions, while keeping this a fast paced read.
Wow wow. This book had so many great things, what an interesting read. It starts with a train heist (hit) by the rebels then turns into an undercover spy story in a dystopian city with really cool technology. I loved the genetic experiments and that the FMC worked in a lab.
The love story is really cute too. Childhood best friends separated for 16(?) years but are on opposite sides. And with secrets like theirs, you knew it was going to get messy.
The author builds a complex future world with science and politics but balances all that world building with the relationships between characters. There are so many strong females in this book too! I liked that many of the characters seemed to be hiding something. We get some answers but I'm hoping more will come in book 2!
I also appreciated that the very dark moments of the story were not brushed off. There are scenes of sexual assault, attacks on civilians, and violence to animals. The author gave Red space to feel reactions, while keeping this a fast paced read.
January 17, 2024
What an explosive and thrilling debut novel!
We follow Rowyn Eloise Darrow aka Red, a member of the Imperium Coalition Resistance Forces, operating at Base outside of the boundaries of the American Coalition.
On a mission to the Coalition things go wrong and she is stuck behind enemy lines, where she soon learns that things aren’t as she expected them to be.
As the daughter of a famous geneticist, and a military scientist herself, she discovers some unexpected secrets about DNA manipulation done by the Coalition, and with that her doubts about the Resistance, the Coalition, and her family begin to light a flame.
This was such a thrilling and engrossing book, I can’t believe it’s only Taryn’s debut novel.
I appreciated the dash of romance in it as well. We need more romance in sci-fi!
Congrats on smashing it, Taryn.
We follow Rowyn Eloise Darrow aka Red, a member of the Imperium Coalition Resistance Forces, operating at Base outside of the boundaries of the American Coalition.
On a mission to the Coalition things go wrong and she is stuck behind enemy lines, where she soon learns that things aren’t as she expected them to be.
As the daughter of a famous geneticist, and a military scientist herself, she discovers some unexpected secrets about DNA manipulation done by the Coalition, and with that her doubts about the Resistance, the Coalition, and her family begin to light a flame.
This was such a thrilling and engrossing book, I can’t believe it’s only Taryn’s debut novel.
I appreciated the dash of romance in it as well. We need more romance in sci-fi!
Congrats on smashing it, Taryn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
A book full of words & I’m at a loss for them!
…wow. Just, WOW!…
I’m sitting here in the immediate moments after finishing this book (for the first time; because I can assure you I will be reading it again) and my emotions and brain are REELING. The imagery, the character building, the intricate story line, twists and turns constructed by Taryn L. Davidson are beautiful and traumatic!…I LOVE IT!
This is certainly “book hangover” quality; I’m already living that life in a big bad way, friends! So, read, READ this book and enjoy the burn of the first book in a series sure to bring many more laughs, smiles, heated moments & book hang overs!
Now send a prayer to the book Gods so Taryn L. Davidson publishes book 2 in the series SOON. My vision will be RED until then!
…wow. Just, WOW!…
I’m sitting here in the immediate moments after finishing this book (for the first time; because I can assure you I will be reading it again) and my emotions and brain are REELING. The imagery, the character building, the intricate story line, twists and turns constructed by Taryn L. Davidson are beautiful and traumatic!…I LOVE IT!
This is certainly “book hangover” quality; I’m already living that life in a big bad way, friends! So, read, READ this book and enjoy the burn of the first book in a series sure to bring many more laughs, smiles, heated moments & book hang overs!
Now send a prayer to the book Gods so Taryn L. Davidson publishes book 2 in the series SOON. My vision will be RED until then!
January 13, 2024
Usually not a sci-fi/future fantasy reader (historical fantasy is the preferred genre) but this was SO GOOD. It took me a few chapters to really get into it but then I was hooked and couldn't put it down. The twists and turns at the end... I really need to stop reading books before a series is complete because now I am going to check back for the next release constantly.
Enemies/friends to lovers was done so well and their relationship was perfectly frustrating. Light spice (maybe a sprinkle) but the character and world building was so well done.
I've read many newly published books with poor writing and editing recently, but this was not one of them. Can't wait for book 2!!!
Enemies/friends to lovers was done so well and their relationship was perfectly frustrating. Light spice (maybe a sprinkle) but the character and world building was so well done.
I've read many newly published books with poor writing and editing recently, but this was not one of them. Can't wait for book 2!!!
February 3, 2024
intrigue, spies, plot twists, romance, love and betrayal - this debut novel from promising young author Taryn L. Davidson has it all. I am particularly struck by the vivid detail which brings this dystopian world and its characters to life. This novel is an engaging page turner for sure. Whether sci fi/dystopian novels are your thing or not, you will be captivated by the story and fall in love with (or come to hate) its well developed characters. This book leaves you wanting more, so please Ms. Davidson, bring it on!
December 20, 2024
It took awhile to get into this book, but after about a third I was willing to see how it ended. The main thing that might discourage people that are red rising fans is that for the first third of the book you're hit with so many constant reminders of red rising. The story itself is good but to keep reading I'm red and darrow, it could make you want to stop reading or roll your eyes everytime but all of that does work itself out and you are left with a good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews