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Celta's Heartmates #13
Heart Fire
On the planet Celta, accepting a HeartMate can be the greatest challenge in the universe…
Antenn, an architect hired to build a cathedral in Druida City, dares not think of his HeartMate. Even though he yearns for her, he’s taken steps to ensure she will be forever unknown to him. After all, how could he, a commoner who grew up in the slums, the brother of a murderer, be worthy of any woman?
Tiana, a priestess, has her own fears about being a HeartMate. She's watched her friends struggle with such a stormy destiny. She's sure her HeartMate has never claimed her due to a terrible scandal involving her Family, and she's set aside hopes for love.
Antenn's gotten the commission of his life. The cathedral will make him famous, but more, it will last for ages and prove to others he can contribute to Celta...if the controversial structure isn't destroyed while being built. Tiana, too, is an integral part of this process, but the villain who wrecked her Family is ready with firebombs. Can they trust each other in dangerous circumstances to succeed...and to love?
Antenn, an architect hired to build a cathedral in Druida City, dares not think of his HeartMate. Even though he yearns for her, he’s taken steps to ensure she will be forever unknown to him. After all, how could he, a commoner who grew up in the slums, the brother of a murderer, be worthy of any woman?
Tiana, a priestess, has her own fears about being a HeartMate. She's watched her friends struggle with such a stormy destiny. She's sure her HeartMate has never claimed her due to a terrible scandal involving her Family, and she's set aside hopes for love.
Antenn's gotten the commission of his life. The cathedral will make him famous, but more, it will last for ages and prove to others he can contribute to Celta...if the controversial structure isn't destroyed while being built. Tiana, too, is an integral part of this process, but the villain who wrecked her Family is ready with firebombs. Can they trust each other in dangerous circumstances to succeed...and to love?
369 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
November 29, 2020
4 - 4.5 Stars
I love how far the Celta Heartmate series has come. Heart Search (Laev T'Hawthorn's story)introduced the beginning of the next generation, which we'd seen as adolescents in earlier books. At last, Antenn Blackthorn-Moss gets the happy ending he has long-craved - struggled under the shadow of his murderous brother, Shade, a character whose actions debased many Noble families - in Heart Fire.
The interactions and dialogue was rich in details I had forgotten in Celta'a past, which shouldn't interfere for new readers, but they do add a complexity to the Celta world for long-time fans. I loved it! It was done so smoothly, without feeling like annoying or token info-dumping.
Religious persecution was a strong theme. This series is a futuristic fantasy romance and the Celtans ancestors fled on starships from Earth to flee the persecution of Wiccan and those with Psi flair, so the theme was profoundly relevant to this particular world. It was well-done!
The romance took a little long. Yet I appreciate how Owens didn't rush the characters to over their personal obstacles. Antenn's poignant HEA brought tears to my eyes and was worth the wait! (I've re-read my favorite scenes several times.) I started reading this book late Saturday night, grabbed some sleep, and had Heart Fire completely read by morning. Definitely worth the wait. This is now one of my favorites in the series!
I love how far the Celta Heartmate series has come. Heart Search (Laev T'Hawthorn's story)introduced the beginning of the next generation, which we'd seen as adolescents in earlier books. At last, Antenn Blackthorn-Moss gets the happy ending he has long-craved - struggled under the shadow of his murderous brother, Shade, a character whose actions debased many Noble families - in Heart Fire.
The interactions and dialogue was rich in details I had forgotten in Celta'a past, which shouldn't interfere for new readers, but they do add a complexity to the Celta world for long-time fans. I loved it! It was done so smoothly, without feeling like annoying or token info-dumping.
Religious persecution was a strong theme. This series is a futuristic fantasy romance and the Celtans ancestors fled on starships from Earth to flee the persecution of Wiccan and those with Psi flair, so the theme was profoundly relevant to this particular world. It was well-done!
The romance took a little long. Yet I appreciate how Owens didn't rush the characters to over their personal obstacles. Antenn's poignant HEA brought tears to my eyes and was worth the wait! (I've re-read my favorite scenes several times.) I started reading this book late Saturday night, grabbed some sleep, and had Heart Fire completely read by morning. Definitely worth the wait. This is now one of my favorites in the series!
February 9, 2016
4.5/5; 5 stars; A
Within the context of the series this is one of the best books and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Before reading this one I went back and re-read Straif and Mitchella's story, Heart Choice, in which Antenn Moss figures prominently. Antenn was about ten in that book and thirty in this one.
I enjoyed the continuity between this book and previous ones. It contained very satisfying threads related to Residences, Balmheal and TQ, a continuation of the Mugwort family story along with the priestess, Tianna, and her connection to Antenn Moss. I enjoyed the further development of the world building with respect to the other religion on Celta and the building of their cathedral was the foundation of much of the book. The turquoise house was one I always enjoyed seeing in the various books of the series and, it sounds kind of strange, but this house gets a HEA in addition to the main couple.
The book had many hilarious "Fam" moments. Ratkiller cracked me up.
This book restored me as a fan of the Celta series, after being disappointed in book 12. I am really looking forward to the next one.
Within the context of the series this is one of the best books and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Before reading this one I went back and re-read Straif and Mitchella's story, Heart Choice, in which Antenn Moss figures prominently. Antenn was about ten in that book and thirty in this one.
I enjoyed the continuity between this book and previous ones. It contained very satisfying threads related to Residences, Balmheal and TQ, a continuation of the Mugwort family story along with the priestess, Tianna, and her connection to Antenn Moss. I enjoyed the further development of the world building with respect to the other religion on Celta and the building of their cathedral was the foundation of much of the book. The turquoise house was one I always enjoyed seeing in the various books of the series and, it sounds kind of strange, but this house gets a HEA in addition to the main couple.
The book had many hilarious "Fam" moments. Ratkiller cracked me up.
This book restored me as a fan of the Celta series, after being disappointed in book 12. I am really looking forward to the next one.
November 17, 2014
Rating~ 2.75-3 Stars.
I really enjoyed Celta’s heart mate series and this is book number 13, we have now moved on from books about the older generation to the younger one. This book should not be read as a standalone in my opinion because there’s so many things you would not understand otherwise.
Antenn Blackthorn-Moss was first introduced as a young boy in Heart Choice (Celta) where by the end of the book he gets adopted by Mitchella who is heartmate to Straif Blackthorn. Now years later he is a successful architect with a great family and friends yet feels like his past as a brother to a murderer who killed several members of the noble families never fully left him. Which is why he needs the Cathedral to be beautiful and successful so he can make a name for himself not for vanity but because he did something good which not have it associated with his past.
Tiana Mugwort is a priestess whose family lost everything including their noble status because of the wrong allegations made by a jealous nobleman. Tiana wants to be a high priestess of the main temple on the planet not just because of her spiritual beliefs but because it would show people how wrong they were about her family and that they are honorable people who did not deserve what was done to them. She always thought that her heartmate knew who she was and chose to ignore her and the bond because of her disgraced family. Now she is assigned to help with the associated activities with the cathedral of a religion that her mother worships and was the reason they were disgraced.
The premise of the story was interesting, the plot device strong. The characters lovely, who not only have interesting back stories but are also independent and strong to achieve their life goals. However the whole book felt more about the plot, the politics, the religious sects in Celta than about the actual couple in the book (which would be fine if it was not a romance book),sure they were present in those discussions but most of the time in the book they were separate. What I did enjoy was Vinnie and his heartmate Avelanna’s scenes and the TQ house who finally gets his HEA with a family it wanted.
Quibbles: Antenn, I was really looking forward to his book but alas he did not live upto my expectations, I did not feel that he cared or really loved Tiana sure he was attracted to her and desired her but cared no, I think he cared more about his cathedral than he did about Tiana. I also did not like the lack of communication by that I mean the book takes place over a couple of days Tiana and Antenn do not really get to know each other, sure we know all about them but they don’t. It also seemed to me that whenever Tiana was in trouble or hurt, Antenn was no where to be found. I felt like I was missing some information espeically since Antenn goes from not wanting a heartmate, not even having a tiny link to her for years hurting his heartmate to wanting a heartbond, leading to me also feeling that they moved to fast into the heartbond.
Overall the book did not work for me and resulted in a ok-ish read. I don’t know at this stage if I’ll be continuing with this series unless the next book happens to be about Vinni and Avelanna.
I really enjoyed Celta’s heart mate series and this is book number 13, we have now moved on from books about the older generation to the younger one. This book should not be read as a standalone in my opinion because there’s so many things you would not understand otherwise.
Antenn Blackthorn-Moss was first introduced as a young boy in Heart Choice (Celta) where by the end of the book he gets adopted by Mitchella who is heartmate to Straif Blackthorn. Now years later he is a successful architect with a great family and friends yet feels like his past as a brother to a murderer who killed several members of the noble families never fully left him. Which is why he needs the Cathedral to be beautiful and successful so he can make a name for himself not for vanity but because he did something good which not have it associated with his past.
Tiana Mugwort is a priestess whose family lost everything including their noble status because of the wrong allegations made by a jealous nobleman. Tiana wants to be a high priestess of the main temple on the planet not just because of her spiritual beliefs but because it would show people how wrong they were about her family and that they are honorable people who did not deserve what was done to them. She always thought that her heartmate knew who she was and chose to ignore her and the bond because of her disgraced family. Now she is assigned to help with the associated activities with the cathedral of a religion that her mother worships and was the reason they were disgraced.
The premise of the story was interesting, the plot device strong. The characters lovely, who not only have interesting back stories but are also independent and strong to achieve their life goals. However the whole book felt more about the plot, the politics, the religious sects in Celta than about the actual couple in the book (which would be fine if it was not a romance book),sure they were present in those discussions but most of the time in the book they were separate. What I did enjoy was Vinnie and his heartmate Avelanna’s scenes and the TQ house who finally gets his HEA with a family it wanted.
Quibbles: Antenn, I was really looking forward to his book but alas he did not live upto my expectations, I did not feel that he cared or really loved Tiana sure he was attracted to her and desired her but cared no, I think he cared more about his cathedral than he did about Tiana. I also did not like the lack of communication by that I mean the book takes place over a couple of days Tiana and Antenn do not really get to know each other, sure we know all about them but they don’t. It also seemed to me that whenever Tiana was in trouble or hurt, Antenn was no where to be found. I felt like I was missing some information espeically since Antenn goes from not wanting a heartmate, not even having a tiny link to her for years hurting his heartmate to wanting a heartbond, leading to me also feeling that they moved to fast into the heartbond.
Overall the book did not work for me and resulted in a ok-ish read. I don’t know at this stage if I’ll be continuing with this series unless the next book happens to be about Vinni and Avelanna.
May 17, 2019
Thirteen? This can’t possibly be the thirteenth story in the Celta’s Heartmates series. I have loved these books since the first one was published. I have no idea how I discovered them, but I am so glad I did. Like every series, there are some books (and Fams) I prefer more than others, but I enjoy them all.
Heart Fire is one of the good ones. Antenn and Tiana are both likeable people with their own personal problems to overcome. Antenn comes from a violent background and Tiana suffered from a violent episode in her childhood. Both of them keep too much bottled inside which interferes with the Heartbond.
They are both dedicated to their careers and neither feel that it is the right time to begin a serious relationship. Sex? Of course. There is plenty of time for a sexual relationship, but not time enough to commit to a Heartbond.
But this is Celta and the Heartbond will win out.
Antenn’s Famcat Pinky was introduced in an earlier book and has been with him since he was a child. Tianna has just met her Famcat Ratkiller although he also made a small appearance in an earlier book. Another recurring character is the Turquoise House. He is a young sentient house and I love him. I enjoyed watching his development towards becoming a Residence.
Since this is the thirteenth book, there is plenty of history available. The author does an excellent job of reminding longtime fans of what has happened before without overwhelming them with backstory. However, there is enough backstory to keep new readers from being confused.
I have to say, she gives just enough of the earlier books to make me want to go back and read them again.
Heart Fire is wonderful as a stand alone novel, but I highly recommend the entire series. We’re in the next generation of characters and it is fun to see their lives now.
Heart Fire is one of the good ones. Antenn and Tiana are both likeable people with their own personal problems to overcome. Antenn comes from a violent background and Tiana suffered from a violent episode in her childhood. Both of them keep too much bottled inside which interferes with the Heartbond.
They are both dedicated to their careers and neither feel that it is the right time to begin a serious relationship. Sex? Of course. There is plenty of time for a sexual relationship, but not time enough to commit to a Heartbond.
But this is Celta and the Heartbond will win out.
Antenn’s Famcat Pinky was introduced in an earlier book and has been with him since he was a child. Tianna has just met her Famcat Ratkiller although he also made a small appearance in an earlier book. Another recurring character is the Turquoise House. He is a young sentient house and I love him. I enjoyed watching his development towards becoming a Residence.
Since this is the thirteenth book, there is plenty of history available. The author does an excellent job of reminding longtime fans of what has happened before without overwhelming them with backstory. However, there is enough backstory to keep new readers from being confused.
I have to say, she gives just enough of the earlier books to make me want to go back and read them again.
Heart Fire is wonderful as a stand alone novel, but I highly recommend the entire series. We’re in the next generation of characters and it is fun to see their lives now.
September 8, 2015
I will confess this the Celta Series is in my top favorite of all time. Magic, fated mates, taking cats, psychologically complex characters, powerful love stories, engaging secondaries, and wonderful world building.
This books marks coming into the second generation characters. We get the oldest adopted son of the hero and heroine of Heart Choice. He is a great character with internal conflicts from being lowborn and the action of his brother. Our heroine is a priestess who is not always serene and the book's book centers around her search for justice for her family. We also get a wonderful Fam named Ratkiller and a sentient house gets his family. All good stuff.
The romance is good too but the whole book takes places in 4 days. So, we don't really get the couple time I like and if you don't already love the series I wouldn't start here. You will adore this book if you are a faithful reader of the series as some key issues get resolved (TQ) and the couple is compelling but Ratkiller steals the show.
If you haven't started reading this series, start with Heart Mate and enjoy!
This books marks coming into the second generation characters. We get the oldest adopted son of the hero and heroine of Heart Choice. He is a great character with internal conflicts from being lowborn and the action of his brother. Our heroine is a priestess who is not always serene and the book's book centers around her search for justice for her family. We also get a wonderful Fam named Ratkiller and a sentient house gets his family. All good stuff.
The romance is good too but the whole book takes places in 4 days. So, we don't really get the couple time I like and if you don't already love the series I wouldn't start here. You will adore this book if you are a faithful reader of the series as some key issues get resolved (TQ) and the couple is compelling but Ratkiller steals the show.
If you haven't started reading this series, start with Heart Mate and enjoy!
September 9, 2014
Antenn and Tiana. I've waiting for this book for years and years. The story was well done and did justice to both, I think. They were both a bit broken and scarred by their pasts. They worked very well together.
November 8, 2014
Favorite Quote: “It’s only men who believe larger is better.”
Low born architect Antenn Blacktorn-Moss has been given the biggest commission of his career; to build a cathedral. He is convinced that this will be the accomplishment he needs to prove himself to the first families of Celta. He has a HeartMate but his shame over his commoner background has convinced him she will not want anything to do with him.
First Level Priestess Tiana Mugwort is at a crossroads in her own career. Her anger and shame over her own scandalous history has her superiors wondering if she is ready for advancement. She is also suffering over her absent Heartmate, sure he has avoided looking for her because of her family’s fall from grace.
Antenn and Tiana are forced together by circumstances and forge a reluctant working relationship that soon morphs into more. However, unless they come to terms with their respective pasts, they will have no future together.
Readers of Ms. Owens’ Heartmate series will rejoice in finally getting the story of Antenn Blackthorn-Moss and Tiana Mugwort. Fans will remember Antenn from Heart Choice and Tiana from Heart Secret. Though each book in this series can be read as a stand alone, the arc and it’s relation to this couple has a history that reaches deep within the series. Owens’ does a wonderful job of referencing the past and giving new readers and those readers who may need a refresher the basics of both protagonists though I recommend reading Heart Choices and Heart Secrets to gain a full understanding on which Antenn and Tiara base the decisions they make in here. Heart Fire wraps up the arc and subplots that were left open in the books listed above.
In the last few books, Owens has taken a different approach with the second generation of colonialists. The very reasons these people left Earth to settle here made a similar appearance once they were settled. Bigotry, intolerance, and elitism all emerged and soon the first families elevated themselves above those whom they considered inferior. With the second generation, we see the first families and lowbornes mingling more. Friendships and romantic connections are made with less thought to bloodlines and family names. Yet, as with all societies, there are those who believe the old ways are the best and strive to maintain the status quo at any cost.
Antenn was adopted into the Clover family as a teenager. Abandoned by his family, Antenn lived on the streets until circumstances brought him to Michaela Clover’s notice. She adopted Antenn and it’s then his life began. When Michaela married Staif Blackthorn, Antenn became a Blackthorn by default and gained admittance into an elusive first family. But Antenn has never felt like he belonged. His brother’s crimes against the first families places Antenn in a tentative position as many first families lay the blame for his brother’s crimes at his feet.
“Though he was only twelve, his enemies wanted him dead for what his brother had done. His home was gone. If he survived, he knew gut deep, bone deep, everything would change.”
Tiana Mugwort also has a dark cloud hanging over her. As a child, Tiana and her family were accused of dealing in Black Magic due to their family’s religious views. After their home was firebombed, they were stripped of everything and forced on the run.Though they were able to secure a home and eventually build a life in a secretive secure location, Tiana carries a fair bit of residual anger over the accusations, the destruction, and the fact her family never fought back.
“She had to prove that she-her Family-were honorable people.”
The relationship between Antenn and Tiana starts off slightly antagonistic as they are both attracted to one another yet very career oriented.Their careers are the only thing they feel defines and separates them from their murky pasts. Antenn doesn’t think his HeartMate will want him and Tiana feels her Heartmate denied her because of her family’s past. Their bond develops slowly and their friends, a certain young and enthusiastic house, and a very unusual FAM decide the couple needs some help so they maneuver and manipulate circumstances to bring them together. There is a lot of hurt in them and the emotional journey they take towards their future together is fraught with anger, confusion, and sadness.
Read the rest of my review at Smexy Books.
Low born architect Antenn Blacktorn-Moss has been given the biggest commission of his career; to build a cathedral. He is convinced that this will be the accomplishment he needs to prove himself to the first families of Celta. He has a HeartMate but his shame over his commoner background has convinced him she will not want anything to do with him.
First Level Priestess Tiana Mugwort is at a crossroads in her own career. Her anger and shame over her own scandalous history has her superiors wondering if she is ready for advancement. She is also suffering over her absent Heartmate, sure he has avoided looking for her because of her family’s fall from grace.
Antenn and Tiana are forced together by circumstances and forge a reluctant working relationship that soon morphs into more. However, unless they come to terms with their respective pasts, they will have no future together.
Readers of Ms. Owens’ Heartmate series will rejoice in finally getting the story of Antenn Blackthorn-Moss and Tiana Mugwort. Fans will remember Antenn from Heart Choice and Tiana from Heart Secret. Though each book in this series can be read as a stand alone, the arc and it’s relation to this couple has a history that reaches deep within the series. Owens’ does a wonderful job of referencing the past and giving new readers and those readers who may need a refresher the basics of both protagonists though I recommend reading Heart Choices and Heart Secrets to gain a full understanding on which Antenn and Tiara base the decisions they make in here. Heart Fire wraps up the arc and subplots that were left open in the books listed above.
In the last few books, Owens has taken a different approach with the second generation of colonialists. The very reasons these people left Earth to settle here made a similar appearance once they were settled. Bigotry, intolerance, and elitism all emerged and soon the first families elevated themselves above those whom they considered inferior. With the second generation, we see the first families and lowbornes mingling more. Friendships and romantic connections are made with less thought to bloodlines and family names. Yet, as with all societies, there are those who believe the old ways are the best and strive to maintain the status quo at any cost.
Antenn was adopted into the Clover family as a teenager. Abandoned by his family, Antenn lived on the streets until circumstances brought him to Michaela Clover’s notice. She adopted Antenn and it’s then his life began. When Michaela married Staif Blackthorn, Antenn became a Blackthorn by default and gained admittance into an elusive first family. But Antenn has never felt like he belonged. His brother’s crimes against the first families places Antenn in a tentative position as many first families lay the blame for his brother’s crimes at his feet.
“Though he was only twelve, his enemies wanted him dead for what his brother had done. His home was gone. If he survived, he knew gut deep, bone deep, everything would change.”
Tiana Mugwort also has a dark cloud hanging over her. As a child, Tiana and her family were accused of dealing in Black Magic due to their family’s religious views. After their home was firebombed, they were stripped of everything and forced on the run.Though they were able to secure a home and eventually build a life in a secretive secure location, Tiana carries a fair bit of residual anger over the accusations, the destruction, and the fact her family never fought back.
“She had to prove that she-her Family-were honorable people.”
The relationship between Antenn and Tiana starts off slightly antagonistic as they are both attracted to one another yet very career oriented.Their careers are the only thing they feel defines and separates them from their murky pasts. Antenn doesn’t think his HeartMate will want him and Tiana feels her Heartmate denied her because of her family’s past. Their bond develops slowly and their friends, a certain young and enthusiastic house, and a very unusual FAM decide the couple needs some help so they maneuver and manipulate circumstances to bring them together. There is a lot of hurt in them and the emotional journey they take towards their future together is fraught with anger, confusion, and sadness.
Read the rest of my review at Smexy Books.
November 8, 2014
This one was fun to read because I remember Antenn as a boy in the earlier books. I would have thought that due to the years passing he would have gotten over his issues, instead they seemed to grow along with him. Tiana seemed to have her own issues, ones I understood. Had my family been wronged like that I would have held onto my anger too. I hated that Antenn and Tiana almost let their issues come between them.
The best thing about this book was the role that the Turquoise House played. TQ has a great personality, an almost childlike glee with the next step he was taking. While TQ did make some mistakes, his heart was in the right place.
I loved how this one ended, loved that Antenn accomplished one of his life goals and did so in a way that made a big difference for all those on Celta.
The best thing about this book was the role that the Turquoise House played. TQ has a great personality, an almost childlike glee with the next step he was taking. While TQ did make some mistakes, his heart was in the right place.
I loved how this one ended, loved that Antenn accomplished one of his life goals and did so in a way that made a big difference for all those on Celta.
November 29, 2014
4.5 stars- review to come but... I really enjoyed this story, it was great to see past pieces of the world and little side bits from other stories come together here - especially for Atten who has grown up over the course of the series. I also liked seeing at bit of the Cross Folk's religion - which actually was quite different than I expected. And, as a weird aside, for some reason I thought that Tiana's finding her heartmate was mentioned in her sister's book, but I couldn't find it when I skimmed -I remember being bummed that that relationship was off screen - it's bad enough that I have a hard time remembering what has gone before in a series but apparently now I am making up new memories. Oh well, bottom line is that I really like this and was happy to see Tiana, Attenn, and Turquoise House all get their HEA.
September 26, 2014
I received an ARC for an honest review on Night Owl Reviews.
I absolutely love Robin Owens' Heartmates series. I must admit that I didn't realize that we were up to book 13 so I have some catching up to do but for newer readers, you won't be lost in her worldbuilding if this is the first book you pick up from her series.
I loved the couple. I love Robin Owens writing. But I *love* Ratkiller. He stole every scene. Just wonderful.
I absolutely love Robin Owens' Heartmates series. I must admit that I didn't realize that we were up to book 13 so I have some catching up to do but for newer readers, you won't be lost in her worldbuilding if this is the first book you pick up from her series.
I loved the couple. I love Robin Owens writing. But I *love* Ratkiller. He stole every scene. Just wonderful.
October 7, 2022
2022 bk 307 Of her more recent books (10 + in the series), this is probably one of my favorites. The tale of the building of a great cathedral, the uncovering of those responsible for damaging the lives of the Mugwurt family, and the story of Antenn finding his love is well done and enjoyable!
January 17, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
In her 13th book about Celta Hearmates, Robin D. Owens brings us almost back to the beginning. In her very first book we get hints of a raggedy boy who runs with a gang.. his character grows as the series does and finally, he's all grown up and Antenn Blackthorne Moss is now a man with dreams and goals, triumphs and fears and he's ready to share his story..
Tiana Mugwort is a priestess on the fast track, her goal? To eventually be the High Priestess of Celta.. It will take time but when it happens, she feels she will finally be able to put her past behind her. The past where false accusations ruin her parents, send the family into hiding and forces Tiana to accept that there is no justice. Her goals are on track but the current High Priestess has other plans for Tiana. She wants her to recognize her talents, to use her ablity to craft ceremonies and rituals to their fullest potential. To that end Tiana has been given the job as liason to the architect who is building the cathedral for the cross folk religion. The same religion that her mother practices, the one that people used to destroy the family. Afraid and trembling Tiana knows she has no choice and accepts. Only to be thrown in with Antenn Blackthorn-Moss.. probably the sexiest architect ever..
Antenn Blackthorn-Moss may be the oldest adopted child of a first family. After an early childhood of despair he has been raised to the highest level of society. Only some members of that same society blame him for the actions of his brother. The brother who killed several members of the ruling council. How dare he think he could ever be accepted? And yet accepted he truly desires to be or at least respected. In a way to prove his value to Celta, Antenn takes on the job of designing a cathedral the likes that have never before been seen on Celta.. A challenge to be sure.. now if he can just contain his feelings around his sexy liason..
I really, really enjoyed this book. It has to be one of the best in the series. Antenn and Tiana both have something to prove. And neither is aware that the other is the one person on all of Celta designed for him/her. Physical attraction is understandable and yet from the moment they meet there is a connection that sizzles..
And their fams? Well let's just say that Zanth has some competition in the ugliest fam category..
One of the best things Ms. Owens does is grow her characters.. as I said in the beginning this is her 13th Celta book and it is as fresh and enthralling as the very first. Actually it might be even better. We watched Antenn grow through the other books. We watched him become more than just a secondary character, he was important almost from the first. And Tiana? She has been mentioned for quite some time herself.. a mere footnote in the beginning but then a friend, then a sister and finally a main character. Wonderfully done.. Telling fresh stories about characters we already know can be hard. It's easy to get lost in the back story and Ms. Owens manages to escape that particular story flaw.
I seriously recommend this series.. It's fun and unique with each story being told to highlight the individual characters. I expect great things in this series for many many more books (please)...
Shauni
In her 13th book about Celta Hearmates, Robin D. Owens brings us almost back to the beginning. In her very first book we get hints of a raggedy boy who runs with a gang.. his character grows as the series does and finally, he's all grown up and Antenn Blackthorne Moss is now a man with dreams and goals, triumphs and fears and he's ready to share his story..
Tiana Mugwort is a priestess on the fast track, her goal? To eventually be the High Priestess of Celta.. It will take time but when it happens, she feels she will finally be able to put her past behind her. The past where false accusations ruin her parents, send the family into hiding and forces Tiana to accept that there is no justice. Her goals are on track but the current High Priestess has other plans for Tiana. She wants her to recognize her talents, to use her ablity to craft ceremonies and rituals to their fullest potential. To that end Tiana has been given the job as liason to the architect who is building the cathedral for the cross folk religion. The same religion that her mother practices, the one that people used to destroy the family. Afraid and trembling Tiana knows she has no choice and accepts. Only to be thrown in with Antenn Blackthorn-Moss.. probably the sexiest architect ever..
Antenn Blackthorn-Moss may be the oldest adopted child of a first family. After an early childhood of despair he has been raised to the highest level of society. Only some members of that same society blame him for the actions of his brother. The brother who killed several members of the ruling council. How dare he think he could ever be accepted? And yet accepted he truly desires to be or at least respected. In a way to prove his value to Celta, Antenn takes on the job of designing a cathedral the likes that have never before been seen on Celta.. A challenge to be sure.. now if he can just contain his feelings around his sexy liason..
I really, really enjoyed this book. It has to be one of the best in the series. Antenn and Tiana both have something to prove. And neither is aware that the other is the one person on all of Celta designed for him/her. Physical attraction is understandable and yet from the moment they meet there is a connection that sizzles..
And their fams? Well let's just say that Zanth has some competition in the ugliest fam category..
One of the best things Ms. Owens does is grow her characters.. as I said in the beginning this is her 13th Celta book and it is as fresh and enthralling as the very first. Actually it might be even better. We watched Antenn grow through the other books. We watched him become more than just a secondary character, he was important almost from the first. And Tiana? She has been mentioned for quite some time herself.. a mere footnote in the beginning but then a friend, then a sister and finally a main character. Wonderfully done.. Telling fresh stories about characters we already know can be hard. It's easy to get lost in the back story and Ms. Owens manages to escape that particular story flaw.
I seriously recommend this series.. It's fun and unique with each story being told to highlight the individual characters. I expect great things in this series for many many more books (please)...
Shauni
April 14, 2015
Is Owens running out of interest in the whole Heart Mate concept? This book focuses more on the building of a Cathedral for the Cross Folk religion than on the romance between the cathedral's architect, Antenn Blackthorn-Moss, and traditional religion priestess Tiana Mugwort. They spend hardly any time together, and when they do, they're usually fighting, often over things I really didn't get. Both say they are too busy with their careers to bond with a Heart Mate, but their reluctance hides deeper fears of being rejected. Tiana's character arc—a priestess, she's been repressing her anger at the bombing of her family's home when she was a child, in particular her parents' lack of fighting back, at the time and in the aftermath, and she needs to acknowledge and feel that anger before she can move on—is somewhat interesting, but it didn't make sense that Antenn, who hardly knew her, would be the one to point this out to her. Antenn himself makes a gesture at the end of the book to overcome his own social fears, but there was little sense of gradual change or growth. A disappointing effort, especially because I was really looking forward to Antenn's book.
November 10, 2014
The resolution of a number of threads from the previous books, Heart Fire shows you the Turquoise House finding its family, Antenn Moss coming into his own as a first-level architect, Tiana Mugwort becoming a first level priestess and finding her Heartmate, and some interesting political struggle as the cross folk from the Intersection of Hope Church are accepted by the broader religions on Celta.
Sometimes the story felt rushed, maybe too easily resolved, but this was actually an improvement over some of the frustrating plots that recent books in the series suffered from. An enjoyable entry and a happily ever after. I liked that the story revolved around the message that prejudice within a society hurts everyone. I also appreciated that Antenn and Tiana talked through things and we saw the quick resolutions that resulted. I hate the angst that failure to communicate introduces into so many stories.
This set up entries for Vinni and Avellana, as well as some mystery characters like the missing Yew heir.
Sometimes the story felt rushed, maybe too easily resolved, but this was actually an improvement over some of the frustrating plots that recent books in the series suffered from. An enjoyable entry and a happily ever after. I liked that the story revolved around the message that prejudice within a society hurts everyone. I also appreciated that Antenn and Tiana talked through things and we saw the quick resolutions that resulted. I hate the angst that failure to communicate introduces into so many stories.
This set up entries for Vinni and Avellana, as well as some mystery characters like the missing Yew heir.
August 9, 2020
I was really disappointed in this long awaited story of Antenn and Tiana. While Tiana's story is worked through well Antenn's seems to be abreviated. I'm not sure if this is because we have known him so long during the series but it is misguided. We need to understand the world and his relationships from his viewpoint. And it is as if he is abandoned again - he barely seems to interact with Mitchella and Straif and we don't meet his sibs at all although we already know he loves them. The only one we meet is his cuz. This is weird and just doesn't sit right as caste is important on Celta and the movement through societal levels is so much a part of Antenn's story and personality development. But it is not well drawn out in this story sadly. Mind you I still love any story from Robin D Owens and especially the Heartmates and I gobbled this up. But I'm always going to be disappointed because I feel like she cut huge bits out and that is a shame!
November 5, 2014
The idea of two people getting together, have some healings when it come to their own respective past, finding self confidence, strength to forgive and place in society does have its merits, but the story of Antenn and Tiana lacks the oomph factor. I have to admit that my eyes glazed during the cathedral rounds and all the politics associated with it. Whilst not depicted as one dimensional characters, Antenn and Tiana just don't grip my heart. There is a detachment from my part that sadly I am not eloquent enough to explain.
This is one of the duds within Celta's Heartmates for me, but as always I remain faithful to the series. Looking forward to Vinni & Avelanna.
This is one of the duds within Celta's Heartmates for me, but as always I remain faithful to the series. Looking forward to Vinni & Avelanna.
November 25, 2014
I doubt it would win any new converts to the series, but ok for those of us who are already involved. They tend to run together now, no real standouts recently. This one almost read too 'preachy' with the tolerance message. Not that it's a bad message, just too much driving in this story. I had to go back and read Heart Mate and Heart Thief after finishing this one.
tbr-later
December 24, 201429 August 2014: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
November 20, 2014
This joint review was originally published at The Book Pushers
Marlene: Owens’ Heartmate series is an auto-buy for me; as soon as I finish one, I start counting down until the next. However, Heart Fire is the thirteenth book in the Celta series, and I’m not sure that it wasn’t an unlucky number. I read Ghost Layer in the same weekend that I read Heart Fire, and I liked the new series better. Not that I didn’t enjoy Heart Fire, because I certainly did, but because the Ghost series felt fresh and new, and the story from Heart Fire contained a whole lot of stuff we’ve seen before. It felt like it was finishing off the unfinished business from several earlier stories, especially Heart Choice and Heart Secret.
E: I have followed Owen’s Celta series for about 13 years now and while I haven’t liked them all equally, I look forward to each new installment. Another reviewer on twitter asked if I had read it yet last week and when I said it was still on the list, she wanted me to hurry up and read it because she was sure I would really enjoy it. And she was right.
Marlene: The central couple in this particular story consists of two people who were severely wounded as children, and have spent their adult lives attempting to cope with the resultant loss of status and self-esteem. Because both Antenn and Tiana have self-worth issues, they both find reasons to delay their heart mate bond in favor of continuing to build up their careers. And of course that’s the wrong way to go.
E: I felt Owens reinvigorated this series by mixing two people, familiar to the series, haunted by their childhood, unusual Fams, and ambition into an exciting story. Antenn and Tiana both wanted to prove to Celtan high society they belonged inspite of society’s negative opinion based on other people’s actions. Even as they denied any interest in finding their heart mates the attraction between them was unmistakable even as they discovered they had a common enemy. Their journey as they dealt with the emotional pains of the past and created a future was moving and aided by some other familiar characters.
Marlene: Tiana Mugwort is one of the priestess of Celta. It’s kind of a public service office, and she hopes to rise in her profession. It’s not just that she’s ambitious, but that her public acceptance as an important member of the established religion might go a long way towards wiping out the unfair stain on her family. Her family lost their home and their place when a unscrupulous noble used her mother’s membership in an alternate religion to whip up a mob. (Story in Heart Secret). Tiana has never found justice for what happened, and she carries a lot of unresolved anger at the attack and at her parents’ continued unwillingness to fight for their rights. Unless she finds a way to resolve all the baggage that she is carrying around, Tiana will not be able to advance further in her career. In order to help and understand others, it is necessary that one understand and accept oneself first.
E: Tiana, a priestess, really wanted to follow a path to become the next High Priestess but she never dealt with her anger over what happened to her family and the continuing negative impacts to include a feeling of abandonment. Watching her start to stand up for what she felt instead of forcing all of her emotions down under a layer of religious serenity was entertaining. Each time she got mad I cheered and when she finally decided to take action I let out several mental cheers.
Marlene: Antenn Blackthorne-Moss is just as messed up as Tiana. His brother was killed for dabbling in Black Magic and assassinations, and Antenn spent a lot of time just trying to survive another day. But his budding architectural talent brought him to the attention of designer Mitchella Clover, and when she married into the nobility, he became the adopted son of one of the noble houses (Story in Heart Choice). Now Antenn is a master architect in his own right, and has been commissioned to design and build a cathedral for that same offshoot religion that includes Tiana’s mother. Antenn believes that creating this grand building will cement his reputation as an architect and make his fortune. If it gets built.
E: Antenn, a brilliant architect, felt like he was still considered the street kid with bad blood whose brother attempted to murder the entire NobleCouncil. As a result he really wanted to succeed in his new commission to design and build a new cathedral leaving his mark on Celta for all to see. He wasn’t prepared to deal with pent up emotions, sabotage, and someone who shared a traumatic past with him.
Marlene: So Tiana and Antenn’s past brings them together. Tiana’s superiors assign her as the liaison between the new religion and the established one, which puts her directly into contact with architect Antenn. Neither of them is looking for a relationship, they are both much too invested in their careers. But there is a third party involved who wants to make sure that their potent physical attraction burns through their resistance (and possibly the sheets). The Turquoise House is newly sentient, and it has decided that Tiana and Antenn will be its family. All it has to do is get them to acknowledge that they are heart mates and are better off together than apart.
E: Wounded characters aren’t anything new in this particular series but for some reason these two resonated more with me than some of the more recent couples. I loved their tension and unresolved separate issues which ended up overlapping. I also found the combination of each needing to deal with a desire to prove themselves yet refusing to make their point at the cost of hurting other innocents said a lot about who each was. Turquoise House was one of those hurting characters who knew what he wanted but unfortunately didn’t quite know how to be patient. I have enjoyed its development into a Residence and wonder how many other baby Residences are waiting for their Families to arrive.
Marlene: I don’t think this couple resonated with me quite as much as they did my colleague. I was very, very happy to see both Antenn and Tiana’s stories get resolved into a happy ending, but this entry in the series just wasn’t as much fun for me as some of the more recent ones like Heart Fortune and Hearts and Swords: Four Original Stories of Celta.
However, I loved that the Turquoise House finally got itself a family. Watching a house “grow up” in the last several stories has been terrific fun.
E: I also LOVED the nonstandard Fams. Antenn’s Fam Pinky started off as an ordinary cat but somehow over the course of several years was able to achieve Fam status. He was rather spoiled and soft because he was the first thing to ever care about Antenn and as a result wanted for nothing. Tiana’s Fam on the other hand came from the street like Zanth from Heart Mate but unlike Zanth he was well known and feared by all of the other Fams. The Fams were such a contrast to their humans with Pinky calming and stablizing Antenn, while Felonerb brought the spirit of a fighter to Tiana.
Marlene: I always love the fams in this series, and Pinky and Felonerb were definitely no exception. Felonerb is such a scamp! I’m not sure he’s quite as streetwise as he pretends to be, but he is a scrappy survivor, and that spirit; his willingness to take on whatever life threw at him and claw it into submission if necessary, was something that Tiana definitely needed.
E: On top of the personal difficulties Antenn and Tiana faced, they also had to deal with fanatics who were trying to use religion against the cathedral and Tiana’s family. This was against one of the central Celta beliefs but until it was proven the fanatics intolerance caused harm nothing other than banning from ceremonies could occur. On the other hand, the leaders of the new cathedral were very insistent only their rites would be used for protection, stability, and blessing on the structure and grounds as a reaction to the fanatics. Juggling the religious tensions and their pasts made them want to delay admitting any personal feelings even more since they thought feelings would just distract them for their ambitions.
Marlene: I did enjoy the political wrangling, in an ironic sort of way. While most of the parties had the best of intentions, their squabbling reminded me of academia, a kind of political maneuvering that often fights over small victories.
That this story showed a different type of religion for Celta was neat and showed their development as a society. It feels realistic that humans have created more than one type of worship.
Third hand, I figured out who the big bad was very early on, and he was a bit “over the top” in the villany department. He was so obvious I couldn’t figure out why it took people so long.
E: I thought the scenes where both Tiana and Antenn worked through their issues together and decided to journey together were very well done. Owens showed how changing and opening up was not easy – especially after a lifetime of denying what they felt. Turquoise House also had to do some growing up and realize that he wasn’t infallible when it came to dealing with people.
Heart Fire brought in several threads from a variety of previous stories, tying the past to the present. While you could start with this story, I highly recommend you start from the beginning of the series to fully understand the changes in Druida City’s society to allow this story to happen. I had a lot of fun seeing how some characters to include a Residence were progressing and glimpsing updates on others. I have an urge to go back and re-read the entire series while I wait to see how this generation is going to continue moving Druida City forward from the power abuses of the past.
I give Heart Fire an A-
Marlene: Heart Fire reminded me a bit of Heartmate, where scrappy survivor finds true love with a lady he thinks is above him. For me, that’s not a good recommendation, as I didn’t like Heartmate the first time I read it, and only got into the series on the second go, after I’d read a couple of the other books.
I still love this series, and the author’s creation of the fascinating and multi-layered world of Celta, and I’m up for more adventures here. If you like futuristic romance, taking the trip to Celta is definitely worth your reading while.
I give Heart Fire a B
Marlene: Owens’ Heartmate series is an auto-buy for me; as soon as I finish one, I start counting down until the next. However, Heart Fire is the thirteenth book in the Celta series, and I’m not sure that it wasn’t an unlucky number. I read Ghost Layer in the same weekend that I read Heart Fire, and I liked the new series better. Not that I didn’t enjoy Heart Fire, because I certainly did, but because the Ghost series felt fresh and new, and the story from Heart Fire contained a whole lot of stuff we’ve seen before. It felt like it was finishing off the unfinished business from several earlier stories, especially Heart Choice and Heart Secret.
E: I have followed Owen’s Celta series for about 13 years now and while I haven’t liked them all equally, I look forward to each new installment. Another reviewer on twitter asked if I had read it yet last week and when I said it was still on the list, she wanted me to hurry up and read it because she was sure I would really enjoy it. And she was right.
Marlene: The central couple in this particular story consists of two people who were severely wounded as children, and have spent their adult lives attempting to cope with the resultant loss of status and self-esteem. Because both Antenn and Tiana have self-worth issues, they both find reasons to delay their heart mate bond in favor of continuing to build up their careers. And of course that’s the wrong way to go.
E: I felt Owens reinvigorated this series by mixing two people, familiar to the series, haunted by their childhood, unusual Fams, and ambition into an exciting story. Antenn and Tiana both wanted to prove to Celtan high society they belonged inspite of society’s negative opinion based on other people’s actions. Even as they denied any interest in finding their heart mates the attraction between them was unmistakable even as they discovered they had a common enemy. Their journey as they dealt with the emotional pains of the past and created a future was moving and aided by some other familiar characters.
Marlene: Tiana Mugwort is one of the priestess of Celta. It’s kind of a public service office, and she hopes to rise in her profession. It’s not just that she’s ambitious, but that her public acceptance as an important member of the established religion might go a long way towards wiping out the unfair stain on her family. Her family lost their home and their place when a unscrupulous noble used her mother’s membership in an alternate religion to whip up a mob. (Story in Heart Secret). Tiana has never found justice for what happened, and she carries a lot of unresolved anger at the attack and at her parents’ continued unwillingness to fight for their rights. Unless she finds a way to resolve all the baggage that she is carrying around, Tiana will not be able to advance further in her career. In order to help and understand others, it is necessary that one understand and accept oneself first.
E: Tiana, a priestess, really wanted to follow a path to become the next High Priestess but she never dealt with her anger over what happened to her family and the continuing negative impacts to include a feeling of abandonment. Watching her start to stand up for what she felt instead of forcing all of her emotions down under a layer of religious serenity was entertaining. Each time she got mad I cheered and when she finally decided to take action I let out several mental cheers.
Marlene: Antenn Blackthorne-Moss is just as messed up as Tiana. His brother was killed for dabbling in Black Magic and assassinations, and Antenn spent a lot of time just trying to survive another day. But his budding architectural talent brought him to the attention of designer Mitchella Clover, and when she married into the nobility, he became the adopted son of one of the noble houses (Story in Heart Choice). Now Antenn is a master architect in his own right, and has been commissioned to design and build a cathedral for that same offshoot religion that includes Tiana’s mother. Antenn believes that creating this grand building will cement his reputation as an architect and make his fortune. If it gets built.
E: Antenn, a brilliant architect, felt like he was still considered the street kid with bad blood whose brother attempted to murder the entire NobleCouncil. As a result he really wanted to succeed in his new commission to design and build a new cathedral leaving his mark on Celta for all to see. He wasn’t prepared to deal with pent up emotions, sabotage, and someone who shared a traumatic past with him.
Marlene: So Tiana and Antenn’s past brings them together. Tiana’s superiors assign her as the liaison between the new religion and the established one, which puts her directly into contact with architect Antenn. Neither of them is looking for a relationship, they are both much too invested in their careers. But there is a third party involved who wants to make sure that their potent physical attraction burns through their resistance (and possibly the sheets). The Turquoise House is newly sentient, and it has decided that Tiana and Antenn will be its family. All it has to do is get them to acknowledge that they are heart mates and are better off together than apart.
E: Wounded characters aren’t anything new in this particular series but for some reason these two resonated more with me than some of the more recent couples. I loved their tension and unresolved separate issues which ended up overlapping. I also found the combination of each needing to deal with a desire to prove themselves yet refusing to make their point at the cost of hurting other innocents said a lot about who each was. Turquoise House was one of those hurting characters who knew what he wanted but unfortunately didn’t quite know how to be patient. I have enjoyed its development into a Residence and wonder how many other baby Residences are waiting for their Families to arrive.
Marlene: I don’t think this couple resonated with me quite as much as they did my colleague. I was very, very happy to see both Antenn and Tiana’s stories get resolved into a happy ending, but this entry in the series just wasn’t as much fun for me as some of the more recent ones like Heart Fortune and Hearts and Swords: Four Original Stories of Celta.
However, I loved that the Turquoise House finally got itself a family. Watching a house “grow up” in the last several stories has been terrific fun.
E: I also LOVED the nonstandard Fams. Antenn’s Fam Pinky started off as an ordinary cat but somehow over the course of several years was able to achieve Fam status. He was rather spoiled and soft because he was the first thing to ever care about Antenn and as a result wanted for nothing. Tiana’s Fam on the other hand came from the street like Zanth from Heart Mate but unlike Zanth he was well known and feared by all of the other Fams. The Fams were such a contrast to their humans with Pinky calming and stablizing Antenn, while Felonerb brought the spirit of a fighter to Tiana.
Marlene: I always love the fams in this series, and Pinky and Felonerb were definitely no exception. Felonerb is such a scamp! I’m not sure he’s quite as streetwise as he pretends to be, but he is a scrappy survivor, and that spirit; his willingness to take on whatever life threw at him and claw it into submission if necessary, was something that Tiana definitely needed.
E: On top of the personal difficulties Antenn and Tiana faced, they also had to deal with fanatics who were trying to use religion against the cathedral and Tiana’s family. This was against one of the central Celta beliefs but until it was proven the fanatics intolerance caused harm nothing other than banning from ceremonies could occur. On the other hand, the leaders of the new cathedral were very insistent only their rites would be used for protection, stability, and blessing on the structure and grounds as a reaction to the fanatics. Juggling the religious tensions and their pasts made them want to delay admitting any personal feelings even more since they thought feelings would just distract them for their ambitions.
Marlene: I did enjoy the political wrangling, in an ironic sort of way. While most of the parties had the best of intentions, their squabbling reminded me of academia, a kind of political maneuvering that often fights over small victories.
That this story showed a different type of religion for Celta was neat and showed their development as a society. It feels realistic that humans have created more than one type of worship.
Third hand, I figured out who the big bad was very early on, and he was a bit “over the top” in the villany department. He was so obvious I couldn’t figure out why it took people so long.
E: I thought the scenes where both Tiana and Antenn worked through their issues together and decided to journey together were very well done. Owens showed how changing and opening up was not easy – especially after a lifetime of denying what they felt. Turquoise House also had to do some growing up and realize that he wasn’t infallible when it came to dealing with people.
Heart Fire brought in several threads from a variety of previous stories, tying the past to the present. While you could start with this story, I highly recommend you start from the beginning of the series to fully understand the changes in Druida City’s society to allow this story to happen. I had a lot of fun seeing how some characters to include a Residence were progressing and glimpsing updates on others. I have an urge to go back and re-read the entire series while I wait to see how this generation is going to continue moving Druida City forward from the power abuses of the past.
I give Heart Fire an A-
Marlene: Heart Fire reminded me a bit of Heartmate, where scrappy survivor finds true love with a lady he thinks is above him. For me, that’s not a good recommendation, as I didn’t like Heartmate the first time I read it, and only got into the series on the second go, after I’d read a couple of the other books.
I still love this series, and the author’s creation of the fascinating and multi-layered world of Celta, and I’m up for more adventures here. If you like futuristic romance, taking the trip to Celta is definitely worth your reading while.
I give Heart Fire a B
September 4, 2023
Heart Fire on Books On Track
RTC
Previous books:
✦ Heart Fortune (Celta's Heartmates, #12) ~ ★★★ (07/06/2023)
✦ Heart Secret (Celta's Heartmates, #11) ~ ★★★ (16/05/2023)
✦ Heart Search (Celta's Heartmates, #10) ~ ★★★ (07/11/2022)
✦ Script of the Heart (Celta's Heartmates #9.1) ~ ★★★ (03/10/2022)
✦ Heart Journey (Celta's Heartmates, #9) ~ ★★★ (09/05/2022)
✦ Heart Change (Celta's Heartmates, #8) ~ ★★★★ (03/11/2021)
July 22, 2018
Antenn, adopted son of the Blackthorn clan gets the commission of a lifetime - the building of a new cathedral. Tiana, whose family suffered religious prosecution in the past, is the priestess assigned to work with him.
The fam animals are my favorite part. Antenn has had cat Pinky for years but elegant, immaculate Tiana is suddenly adopted by Ratkiller the toughest and most dangerous street cats on Celta. (Think Conon the Barbarian and Bambi)
The lovers must deal with many real world issues. Violent discontent from a splinter religious group, Tiana's PTSD from the night her house burned, Antenn's own nightmares of growing up in Downwind, and temple politics all make "Heart Fire" is a fast moving novel.
The fam animals are my favorite part. Antenn has had cat Pinky for years but elegant, immaculate Tiana is suddenly adopted by Ratkiller the toughest and most dangerous street cats on Celta. (Think Conon the Barbarian and Bambi)
The lovers must deal with many real world issues. Violent discontent from a splinter religious group, Tiana's PTSD from the night her house burned, Antenn's own nightmares of growing up in Downwind, and temple politics all make "Heart Fire" is a fast moving novel.
January 8, 2020
We finally get to meet the family that the Turquoise House, TQ, has been dreaming of, and we also get to finish the story arcs of the Mugwort family (Tiana is the heroine here); the three friends that comprise of Camellia Darjeeling, Glyssa Licorice, and Tiana Mugwort; and the story that began with Ruis Elder’s book (book 2 of the series)... that of Antenn Blackthorn-Moss. That’s a lot of story arcs to be completed 😉
We are also introduced to a few more of the younger people on Celta, the children/heirs of the original characters!
It was an enjoyable addition to the world of Celta, and although there was a ‘bad guy’ in this book, that particular storyline was a minimal one, because the book was really about the mental growth of the two main characters.
All in all a good read.
We are also introduced to a few more of the younger people on Celta, the children/heirs of the original characters!
It was an enjoyable addition to the world of Celta, and although there was a ‘bad guy’ in this book, that particular storyline was a minimal one, because the book was really about the mental growth of the two main characters.
All in all a good read.
July 2, 2017
One of the strengths of Owens' series is that she keeps the old characters involved in the new book. In this case, we again visit the time of the Black Magic Cult and the horrible firebombing by Shade. For the Mugworts, who were driven from their home and their livelihoods, the book brings vindication. The Turquoise Heart finally becomes a full Residence. And Antenn Blackthorn-Moss finds his own peace and freedom from his past. The Fams are cats, but Felonarb (how do you pronounce that) Ratkiller isn't my favorite Fam. I would have liked to have seen Zanth take him down a peg.
Interesting use of religion in the development of the story.
Interesting use of religion in the development of the story.
January 18, 2019
Loved this book. I think my least favorite HeartMate story was Straif and Mitchella’s because I hated the fact that she was sterile. But so much richness came out of that story, that I’ve been glad I read it.
Antem Moss was the first child adopted by Mitchella, and while we have caught glimpses of him in other stories in the series, he had to grow up. This story was worth the wait.
Antem Moss was the first child adopted by Mitchella, and while we have caught glimpses of him in other stories in the series, he had to grow up. This story was worth the wait.
May 16, 2023
I enjoyed going a little deeper into the world and revisiting some old friends. I really love seeing and learning how some of the children from the first few books grew up. This was a lovely story and tied up a few loose ends that I'd completely forgotten about. Though it was slightly draggy in a few places, it didn't last long, and I enjoyed how they earned their happy ending.
May 5, 2020
Another hit for Owens
Read most of the “Heart” books. Especially like this one for showing human error and human rights. Both male and female and sentient houses. Yes, I would recommend the “Heart” books, light reading? Yes, but also in-depth of what man or woman can accomplish.
Read most of the “Heart” books. Especially like this one for showing human error and human rights. Both male and female and sentient houses. Yes, I would recommend the “Heart” books, light reading? Yes, but also in-depth of what man or woman can accomplish.
October 19, 2020
Celta's Heartmates #13
I have to say that I truly liked Anten Blackthorne Moss's book. I especially liked the fact that it didn't end as soon as they heart bonded, as the vast majority of these books have. Enjoy!
Read:
October 18-19, 2020 – Audible Plus
I have to say that I truly liked Anten Blackthorne Moss's book. I especially liked the fact that it didn't end as soon as they heart bonded, as the vast majority of these books have. Enjoy!
Read:
October 18-19, 2020 – Audible Plus
January 31, 2018
Review to follow shortly
March 20, 2018
There was nothing wrong with this, but there was nothing particularly special about it either. Very much a "meh" book for me.
August 2, 2018
Another hit
Another great read from Celta. I love the people chosen to be heartmates. I am looking forward to the next book.
Another great read from Celta. I love the people chosen to be heartmates. I am looking forward to the next book.
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