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Waking Flames: A Tale of Ba'karan
"Close your eyes, Maya."
Every time I hear his voice, ice scalds my veins. It's all in my head. He's not real.
At least, not until he's standing in front of me with his eyes as black as coal and wings like ash spread wide behind him.
Either I need to be admitted to the psych hospital, or the god of fire from my dreams is standing in the street of my hometown claiming I am his.
A dark, urban, Sleeping Beauty retelling, featuring fated mates, elemental gods, and portals to another world.
Every time I hear his voice, ice scalds my veins. It's all in my head. He's not real.
At least, not until he's standing in front of me with his eyes as black as coal and wings like ash spread wide behind him.
Either I need to be admitted to the psych hospital, or the god of fire from my dreams is standing in the street of my hometown claiming I am his.
A dark, urban, Sleeping Beauty retelling, featuring fated mates, elemental gods, and portals to another world.
324 pages, Paperback
Published June 17, 2024
5 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 19, 2024
Leigh is one of my fave authors but this book WOW!!! I could not put it down! such an amazing story of how a powerful women escaped her abusive boyfriend. What Girl doesn't want to be whisked away to a whole new world by a handsome man with wings and discover you are meant to rule the new world. the love between Ashvel and Maya is amazing and Maya is a bad @$$ through the entire book. do yourself a favor and read this book it really is beautiful.
April 6, 2024
This book literally haunted my dreams! After reading it, I had a dream about a black winged fire god! I'm here for it!
This book is amazing! It is a wonderful journey into another realm with twists and turns!
You'll learn to love the fire. You'll also learn to harness the fire within yourself!
We get a black winged god of fire! We have TRIUMPH! We have a sweet love. We also have obstacles we have to overcome. As well as a world on fire.... There are these mysterious Thiror who read the stars. A spy is deeply seated in the royal Court. It is intriguing, inspiring, warm (pun intended), and thrilling!
This is my favorite book from Leigh Ferguson to date!
This book is amazing! It is a wonderful journey into another realm with twists and turns!
You'll learn to love the fire. You'll also learn to harness the fire within yourself!
We get a black winged god of fire! We have TRIUMPH! We have a sweet love. We also have obstacles we have to overcome. As well as a world on fire.... There are these mysterious Thiror who read the stars. A spy is deeply seated in the royal Court. It is intriguing, inspiring, warm (pun intended), and thrilling!
This is my favorite book from Leigh Ferguson to date!
April 19, 2024
This story is very heavy, so check Leigh’s trigger warnings. Maya is in an abus!ve relationship, with a very controlling partner. Constantly making excuses for her partner, and saying “it wasn’t his fault”. She’s punishing herself for her surviving a past car accident, when her sister did not. Twists and turns later, and Maya discovers she’s from another world where magic is real, a world that she’s been visiting in her dreams since her sisters death. She was born to be a powerful flame. Her soulmate and twin flame is the god of fire, and they are to balance each other out perfectly. I overall enjoyed the story!
April 7, 2024
Leigh is a great writer and I was interested in the story! If you like bat boys, fantasy, and fire, this book is for you. Leigh captivated me and left me wanting to know what was going to happen.
I will say there is not a lot of world building and the book moves very quickly, so it was hard for me to visualize the world of Ba’karan to its fullest extent. Maya is a wonderful character and I love a strong female lead! I wish we got to see her progress when she first got to Ba’karan before she ascended.
I thought the ending of the book was great and definitely left me waiting to see what’s going to come of book two!
I will say there is not a lot of world building and the book moves very quickly, so it was hard for me to visualize the world of Ba’karan to its fullest extent. Maya is a wonderful character and I love a strong female lead! I wish we got to see her progress when she first got to Ba’karan before she ascended.
I thought the ending of the book was great and definitely left me waiting to see what’s going to come of book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
Walking Flames
Such an interesting, and different, fantasy story. We start out in our human world with some very realistic dreams, and end up in a different world where people are actually flames.
The problem is this world is burning, and our FMC is the only one who can save it from Maladahr with the God of Flames.
Information that shouldn’t be getting out, is.. how could Maladahr possibly be getting this info? Read and find out!
A fast paced story with decent character development, and good storyline, I really enjoyed and recommend :)
Such an interesting, and different, fantasy story. We start out in our human world with some very realistic dreams, and end up in a different world where people are actually flames.
The problem is this world is burning, and our FMC is the only one who can save it from Maladahr with the God of Flames.
Information that shouldn’t be getting out, is.. how could Maladahr possibly be getting this info? Read and find out!
A fast paced story with decent character development, and good storyline, I really enjoyed and recommend :)
August 10, 2024
5 🌟
1.5 🌶️
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions! I was captivated early on in this book, and I loved Maya's development throughout the story. This was my first full beta read, and I am so happy I got to read this. Leigh Ferguson is seriously my new favorite author. Also, who doesn't love a winged, fire-yielding MMC. So much to love about this book!
2nd read - still just as excellent!!
1.5 🌶️
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions! I was captivated early on in this book, and I loved Maya's development throughout the story. This was my first full beta read, and I am so happy I got to read this. Leigh Ferguson is seriously my new favorite author. Also, who doesn't love a winged, fire-yielding MMC. So much to love about this book!
2nd read - still just as excellent!!
May 11, 2024
This was my first time reading anything by Leigh Ferguson, but I now plan on reading many more.
Anyone looking for a super spicy fantasy read, this is not one, but the romance scenes were so sweet and romantic.
I loved this book. Maya our FMC, is struggling with the grief of losing her sister, and in an abusive relationship just trying to find her place in the world when she's transported to a land of fire, Ba'karan. She has to learn to be strong and to fight for herself and the people she loves.
Pros: This book was full of emotion. I cried so much, especially in the second half. I loved the idea of fated mates (it's a favorite trope of mine), and in a way, forging one own's destiny. I think Maya has this incredible capability to love and to see the good in things. The second half of this book, especially the last 100 pages, had me sitting at the edge of my seat. There was so much action, and Maya's character was just this beautiful goddess of vengeance and I was living for it!
Cons: I felt that Ba'karan was such a unique world, and I wanted a bit more world building. I hope that in future books I learn more about this land. Especially the difference with all the beings. I felt maybe some of it was rushed. I wanted more of Maya's healing journey. I also felt that she forgave the MMC for some things a little too easily, and I loved her wrath. I wanted more! That being said, I am sooooo excited for the next book, and I look forward to reading more of Leigh's writing.
Anyone looking for a super spicy fantasy read, this is not one, but the romance scenes were so sweet and romantic.
I loved this book. Maya our FMC, is struggling with the grief of losing her sister, and in an abusive relationship just trying to find her place in the world when she's transported to a land of fire, Ba'karan. She has to learn to be strong and to fight for herself and the people she loves.
Pros: This book was full of emotion. I cried so much, especially in the second half. I loved the idea of fated mates (it's a favorite trope of mine), and in a way, forging one own's destiny. I think Maya has this incredible capability to love and to see the good in things. The second half of this book, especially the last 100 pages, had me sitting at the edge of my seat. There was so much action, and Maya's character was just this beautiful goddess of vengeance and I was living for it!
Cons: I felt that Ba'karan was such a unique world, and I wanted a bit more world building. I hope that in future books I learn more about this land. Especially the difference with all the beings. I felt maybe some of it was rushed. I wanted more of Maya's healing journey. I also felt that she forgave the MMC for some things a little too easily, and I loved her wrath. I wanted more! That being said, I am sooooo excited for the next book, and I look forward to reading more of Leigh's writing.
April 7, 2024
***ARC REVIEW*** ***POSSIBLE SPOILERS***
TRIGGER WARNING:
*Domestic abuse
*On page violence
*Graphic death
*Pregnancy related trauma
OMG!!!! I love being a part of Leigh’s team; she does it again with Ashvel and Maya! Leigh has a talent for crafting vivid worlds that readers can easily visualize and inhabit. As you journey through her narrative, you’re transported into the very heart of the story, experiencing the full spectrum of emotions alongside the characters—from the depths of sorrow to the peaks of joy, and every tender moment in between.
This story takes a walk on the darker side but still retains the same mesmerizing quality as Leigh’s previous works. The story begins with Maya, who finds herself ensnared in a dream—or is it reality? The plot thickens with a harrowing ordeal involving her boyfriend, leading to a life-saving intervention by her friends. Amidst the unfolding drama, a surprise pregnancy adds another layer of complexity, setting the stage for a dark and compelling twist on the tale of Sleeping Beauty.
There a few great lines in the book, a few of my favorites are “There is much to fear in this world, that is certain. Life is found on the edge of fear.”, “Power is not the only way to win a war.”, and “If you tell me to rest one more time, I will throw you from this balcony.”
Spice – 3/5 🌶️
Story - 5/5 ⭐️
Characters - 5/5 ⭐️
#ARC #FatedMates #Fantasy #SleepingBeauty #DarkRomance #SurprisePregnancy
TRIGGER WARNING:
*Domestic abuse
*On page violence
*Graphic death
*Pregnancy related trauma
OMG!!!! I love being a part of Leigh’s team; she does it again with Ashvel and Maya! Leigh has a talent for crafting vivid worlds that readers can easily visualize and inhabit. As you journey through her narrative, you’re transported into the very heart of the story, experiencing the full spectrum of emotions alongside the characters—from the depths of sorrow to the peaks of joy, and every tender moment in between.
This story takes a walk on the darker side but still retains the same mesmerizing quality as Leigh’s previous works. The story begins with Maya, who finds herself ensnared in a dream—or is it reality? The plot thickens with a harrowing ordeal involving her boyfriend, leading to a life-saving intervention by her friends. Amidst the unfolding drama, a surprise pregnancy adds another layer of complexity, setting the stage for a dark and compelling twist on the tale of Sleeping Beauty.
There a few great lines in the book, a few of my favorites are “There is much to fear in this world, that is certain. Life is found on the edge of fear.”, “Power is not the only way to win a war.”, and “If you tell me to rest one more time, I will throw you from this balcony.”
Spice – 3/5 🌶️
Story - 5/5 ⭐️
Characters - 5/5 ⭐️
#ARC #FatedMates #Fantasy #SleepingBeauty #DarkRomance #SurprisePregnancy
April 6, 2024
what can I say Leigh has once again left me needing and wanting more. In Waking Flames you are completely transferred to a world called Ba'karan that is being consumed by war of flames. I absolutely loved watching Maya grow into her bravery she faced so many hard situations and found that voice inside of her and the strength to stand up and fight for what she wanted and needed. Our MMC in the story well I loved him then I wanted to throw hands at him but I completely understood the situation and the choice that was being asked of him and it was a choice he knew that he couldn't make. watching the complexities that make up our leads and watching them grow and heal was beautiful I felt like one of the "friends" ready to stand up with and fight with Maya but as our Main Male had said "I was always coming for you. You're mine." Maya would never again be alone or feel alone she now had an entire kingdom of Ba'karan that was ready to stand by her side and fight. on a last note this story does deal with some situations that can be massively triggering I highly suggest that you read the tigger warnings listed.
April 8, 2024
This one was a wild ride. Maya is in an abusive relationship, but is rescued by her two best friends. Then, she's transported to an entire other world by the fire demon from her dreams....what did she drink last night? Nothing, because this is all real.
Maya is thrown into a world with Ashvel, and her two best friends know all about this world of fire, and that they all came from there in the first place. Finding out that her two best friends and her sister knew all of this, and didn't tell her....that alone was enough to turn her world upside down, and then add to it that she's fated to be the matching flame to Ashvel in order to save the entire realm?
Maya and Ashvel become close quickly, and she accepts her role in saving them all, despite the risk to her. To prevent a future the stars have foretold, Maya and Ashvel must fight to keep their power, and to keep the flames consuming their world under control. Yet at every turn, fate seems pitted against them. The twists in this were so spectacularly done, I don't think I saw any of them coming.
I need to know what happens next!
Maya is thrown into a world with Ashvel, and her two best friends know all about this world of fire, and that they all came from there in the first place. Finding out that her two best friends and her sister knew all of this, and didn't tell her....that alone was enough to turn her world upside down, and then add to it that she's fated to be the matching flame to Ashvel in order to save the entire realm?
Maya and Ashvel become close quickly, and she accepts her role in saving them all, despite the risk to her. To prevent a future the stars have foretold, Maya and Ashvel must fight to keep their power, and to keep the flames consuming their world under control. Yet at every turn, fate seems pitted against them. The twists in this were so spectacularly done, I don't think I saw any of them coming.
I need to know what happens next!
April 18, 2024
This is my first time being introduced to this author, and I will say it was enjoyable and a great concept. I loved the idea of them being twin flames.I do think everything moved a little fast. I understand being fated mates but I'm personally not big on the inta-love. Specially from someone as traumatized as the FMC should be. (check trigger warnings!) I wish we could have seen more character development in that area, instead it was never mentioned again after the first spicy scene.
I also would have liked to see more world building. Ba'karan seems like an awesome world but I can't really picture it and also everything is always on fire. Hopefully in future books we get to understand more of it and Maya can do more world healing with her powers
I believe there was some formatting issues, so hopefully that was the problem with the ARC copy. But there are some grammatical, punctuation errors. Also some contradictory sentences and repeated ones as well that made it hard to follow at times. But it didn't make it less enjoyable. I'm thankful to have been given the opportunity to read the ARC and will continue the series, specially after that cliff hanger!
I also would have liked to see more world building. Ba'karan seems like an awesome world but I can't really picture it and also everything is always on fire. Hopefully in future books we get to understand more of it and Maya can do more world healing with her powers
I believe there was some formatting issues, so hopefully that was the problem with the ARC copy. But there are some grammatical, punctuation errors. Also some contradictory sentences and repeated ones as well that made it hard to follow at times. But it didn't make it less enjoyable. I'm thankful to have been given the opportunity to read the ARC and will continue the series, specially after that cliff hanger!
June 11, 2025
I got a free e-book of this from the author in exchange for an honest review. First of all I wanna thank Leigh for giving me the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on this book.
I have so many mixed feelings about this. I've been sat trying to figure out how to word it. Did I figure it out? Seeing as how I'm rambling without actually saying anything of value, the answer is no.
I really liked the idea of this and it has so much potential but the way it's told makes it hard to connect to the story. I do not like the mix between the fantasy world and the normal world. I'd much rather be thrown straight into the fantasy world.
The idea of the plot is, as I said really interesting but it is in serious need of some editing. Some of the sentencing is very off and some things are repeated twice or more on the same page, which makes it annoying to read because all I could think was "Well, you already told me that"
I couldn't connect to our characters because honestly, you don't really get a change to know them.
It is very short chapters though and fast paced. That's always a plus.
I have so many mixed feelings about this. I've been sat trying to figure out how to word it. Did I figure it out? Seeing as how I'm rambling without actually saying anything of value, the answer is no.
I really liked the idea of this and it has so much potential but the way it's told makes it hard to connect to the story. I do not like the mix between the fantasy world and the normal world. I'd much rather be thrown straight into the fantasy world.
The idea of the plot is, as I said really interesting but it is in serious need of some editing. Some of the sentencing is very off and some things are repeated twice or more on the same page, which makes it annoying to read because all I could think was "Well, you already told me that"
I couldn't connect to our characters because honestly, you don't really get a change to know them.
It is very short chapters though and fast paced. That's always a plus.
April 12, 2024
Well where to begin!
First off, this was my first book that had a content warning and I totally get the warnings. Part of my was concerned about it but ultimately it did just add to parts of the story and wasn't too difficult to read as I thought it may have.
As for the story, I am trying not to spoil anything but it follows Maya, who works in a hospital to help people with their problems but struggles to make sure she is safe and happy.
Struggling with nightmares or should I say dreams of a man with wings called Ashvel. Her time in these dreams gives her something good.
Except are they just dreams...
The story takes off into a fantasy element that does not slow down.
We meet Senka who is just the best.
The villain of our story is so self righteous it was hard to not want to believe him at times.
I will not forgive the ending... Only because I was convinced of something happening and I was way wrong and this was better haha!
Thank you for letting me have an ARC for this story! Everyone needs to read it!
First off, this was my first book that had a content warning and I totally get the warnings. Part of my was concerned about it but ultimately it did just add to parts of the story and wasn't too difficult to read as I thought it may have.
As for the story, I am trying not to spoil anything but it follows Maya, who works in a hospital to help people with their problems but struggles to make sure she is safe and happy.
Struggling with nightmares or should I say dreams of a man with wings called Ashvel. Her time in these dreams gives her something good.
Except are they just dreams...
The story takes off into a fantasy element that does not slow down.
We meet Senka who is just the best.
The villain of our story is so self righteous it was hard to not want to believe him at times.
I will not forgive the ending... Only because I was convinced of something happening and I was way wrong and this was better haha!
Thank you for letting me have an ARC for this story! Everyone needs to read it!
April 17, 2024
Waking Flames is the Sleeping Beauty reimagining I never knew I needed. While Waking Flames is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty it is so much better than either version and doesn’t include the horrific events in the original. That being said there are some dark moments so make sure to check the trigger warnings. Ferguson has an incredible ability to build worlds with such vibrant detail that you can visualize the scene. She’s able to effectively explain the magic system and the rules of the land in a way that’s both easy to remember and conveyed quickly. All the characters in the book (primarily and secondary) are well developed and memorable. The FMC in particular undergoes a lot of transformative change growing in strength. The plot is full of action and adventure. There are so many twists and turns I read the novel in a matter of hours unable to do anything else until I knew how it ended. After reading the ending (which was a fantastic and satisfying conclusion) I hope there are sequels.
July 6, 2024
3⭐️
I enjoyed this book. It has such a good basis, but to me, it feels like it needs a tiny bit of tweaking. The trauma writing was written very well. I connected with it, as it felt like Leigh just wrote a scene out of my life. I do feel like the book is very fast-paced.
Maya is a strong FMC, I really liked her. Senka was quickly one of my favorites. I liked the idea of twin flames.
One of the things I wish it had was a map of Ba'karan. I like being able to look at a map when a place is mentioned in the story.Thats with any fantasy book. I also wish there was more world building. The only real visual I get from it is that everything is on fire, so in my mind, that's all I see.
I'm not into the insta love. Especially after the trauma Maya has been through. Even if it was days and weeks, it didn't really feel that way. As i said, it felt super rushed.
I really want to know how Maya does the dream walking thing. Hopefully, that is explained in the next book.
I do want to thank Leigh Fields for giving me a chance to read this as an E-ARC. This is my true and honest review.
I enjoyed this book. It has such a good basis, but to me, it feels like it needs a tiny bit of tweaking. The trauma writing was written very well. I connected with it, as it felt like Leigh just wrote a scene out of my life. I do feel like the book is very fast-paced.
Maya is a strong FMC, I really liked her. Senka was quickly one of my favorites. I liked the idea of twin flames.
One of the things I wish it had was a map of Ba'karan. I like being able to look at a map when a place is mentioned in the story.Thats with any fantasy book. I also wish there was more world building. The only real visual I get from it is that everything is on fire, so in my mind, that's all I see.
I'm not into the insta love. Especially after the trauma Maya has been through. Even if it was days and weeks, it didn't really feel that way. As i said, it felt super rushed.
I really want to know how Maya does the dream walking thing. Hopefully, that is explained in the next book.
I do want to thank Leigh Fields for giving me a chance to read this as an E-ARC. This is my true and honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
˗ˏˋ3.75 ★ ˎˊ˗
Waking Flames is a short fast-paced novel with a lot of twists. I wished it had more world-building put into it. I wouldn't have minded a couple more pages and chapters to capture the beauty of Ba'karan and would have given the characters more depth especially when it came to their magic, power, or their part in the society. Nonetheless, it was still an entertaining read.
Read trigger warnings before indulging yourself with reading this book
Thank you for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review. Everything in this review has been written willing fully.
Since I read a proof copy of the book any grammatical errors did not impact the rating.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Instagram @maggies.nook
tiktok @maggies_pov
𝘐𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵! 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.🥰
Waking Flames is a short fast-paced novel with a lot of twists. I wished it had more world-building put into it. I wouldn't have minded a couple more pages and chapters to capture the beauty of Ba'karan and would have given the characters more depth especially when it came to their magic, power, or their part in the society. Nonetheless, it was still an entertaining read.
Read trigger warnings before indulging yourself with reading this book
Thank you for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review. Everything in this review has been written willing fully.
Since I read a proof copy of the book any grammatical errors did not impact the rating.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Instagram @maggies.nook
tiktok @maggies_pov
𝘐𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵! 𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.🥰
May 1, 2024
This sleeping beauty retelling follows Maya who is trying to heal from the trauma of a near death experience where she lost a loved one. Now Maya thinks she’s losing her mind as her dream world stares her in the face. This story will have you questioning who is friend or foe from the beginning right down to the end! If you think you can predict what happens within this story go ahead and keep thinking because you're probably wrong. This book has multiple plot twists that keep you turning page after page!
Leigh has built yet another beautiful and complex world. Her thrilling writing style will keep you immersed in the story, and make you feel all the emotions. She is one of the very few authors who can really make me feel like I’m the character in the story. My heart is happy when the characters are happy and sad when they are sad. I will read anything Leigh writes, and you should too!
Leigh has built yet another beautiful and complex world. Her thrilling writing style will keep you immersed in the story, and make you feel all the emotions. She is one of the very few authors who can really make me feel like I’m the character in the story. My heart is happy when the characters are happy and sad when they are sad. I will read anything Leigh writes, and you should too!
April 19, 2024
Waking Flames by Leigh Ferguson is a dark urban fantasy that introduces us to the realm of Ba'karan. Maya is grieving the tragic death of her sister and somewhere along this path has kind of lost herself. She is suffering in an abusive relationship but dreaming about a mysterious being in a world of fire. When this dream world comes to life, she must comes to terms with the fact that everything is not as it appears.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I do feel like I would have liked to see more world building with Ba'karan. I feel like I didn't really get a sense of this fantastic realm, and I really wanted to know more about it. I believe after the ending that we will most like see more from this world, and I will definitely be watching out for another book from Ba'karan. We were introduced to so many amazing characters in this book, so the sequels are limitless!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I do feel like I would have liked to see more world building with Ba'karan. I feel like I didn't really get a sense of this fantastic realm, and I really wanted to know more about it. I believe after the ending that we will most like see more from this world, and I will definitely be watching out for another book from Ba'karan. We were introduced to so many amazing characters in this book, so the sequels are limitless!
July 9, 2024
I enjoyed the overall plot of the story, but I think it could benefit from more character developing and deeper world building. I felt that getting to know the main characters better would help us connect with them on a deeper level, because there was definitely potential to connect with Mayas character but I feel like it was kind of missed. Waking Flames was a good quick read but very fast paced.
June 15, 2025
Waking Flames is a fast-paced, fantasy twist on Sleeping Beauty that had me hooked from the start. I loved how unique the retelling was—it’s not your typical fairy tale vibe, and that made it stand out in the best way. The dynamic between Maya and Ashvel kept things interesting, and there’s just the right amount of open-door spice—enough to heat things up without overshadowing the plot.
The story moves quickly, which made it a really fun read, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more depth in a few areas. Some scenes or character moments could’ve been expanded to give more insight or emotional weight. That said, the writing style is engaging, and the overall concept is one I haven’t seen before, especially in this kind of retelling.
If you’re into fast-moving fantasy with a hint of romance and a fresh take on classic tales, this one’s worth picking up!
The story moves quickly, which made it a really fun read, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more depth in a few areas. Some scenes or character moments could’ve been expanded to give more insight or emotional weight. That said, the writing style is engaging, and the overall concept is one I haven’t seen before, especially in this kind of retelling.
If you’re into fast-moving fantasy with a hint of romance and a fresh take on classic tales, this one’s worth picking up!
April 28, 2024
Definitely a wild ride!
Maya suffered so much it is a miracle she remained "good" for as long as she did.
Starting from when Maya crossed over to Ba'karan it is clear that the message was "everything happens for a reason", "don't believe everything you are told" and "every story has multiple points of view". Not because she was shown dying meant that she would actually die and not because she "destroyed" the bad guy meant that he was actually dead?
Is there no way to break the prophecy? I guess there could be a way since Maya and him were supposed to be together before she was sent to the normal world and after that happened she was meant for the fire god? Or was that a lie? So many questions! Definitely intrigued and looking forward to future books.
Maya suffered so much it is a miracle she remained "good" for as long as she did.
Starting from when Maya crossed over to Ba'karan it is clear that the message was "everything happens for a reason", "don't believe everything you are told" and "every story has multiple points of view". Not because she was shown dying meant that she would actually die and not because she "destroyed" the bad guy meant that he was actually dead?
Is there no way to break the prophecy? I guess there could be a way since Maya and him were supposed to be together before she was sent to the normal world and after that happened she was meant for the fire god? Or was that a lie? So many questions! Definitely intrigued and looking forward to future books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
Another book hit out of the park by Leigh Fields!
Waking Flames seems to be very losely based on the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. Our main Character, Maya, is being haunted in her dreams by Ashvel, whom she believes to be a demon. Ashvel helps her escape her abus!ve relationship with her horrible boyfriend, Brett.
This is a heavy story and please read the trigger warnings if you feel the need to. Triggers include the following, and others : physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, pregnancy, child endangerment, on page sexual encounters, and more.
Leigh really made you feel the characters emotions on page and thats such an emotional feeling in a book. I absolutely devoured this book and can't wait for more!
Waking Flames seems to be very losely based on the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. Our main Character, Maya, is being haunted in her dreams by Ashvel, whom she believes to be a demon. Ashvel helps her escape her abus!ve relationship with her horrible boyfriend, Brett.
This is a heavy story and please read the trigger warnings if you feel the need to. Triggers include the following, and others : physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, pregnancy, child endangerment, on page sexual encounters, and more.
Leigh really made you feel the characters emotions on page and thats such an emotional feeling in a book. I absolutely devoured this book and can't wait for more!
July 1, 2025
This is a great romantasy. It’s a very interesting retailing of Sleeping beauty but better. I honestly finished it within 24hrs and it ends on a cliff hanger so I’m hoping for a second book. It is definitely worth a read if you like fantasy and retellings.
Spoilers:
Poor Maya (fmc) has a rough start and honestly throughout most of the book. She goes from an abusive relationship where he almost unalives her to being thrown into a world she had no clue even existed. She has to learn how to navigate this new world while also staying safe from one particular person. Ashvel (mmc) is very protective of her and it didn’t take him long before he won her over. He does everything he can to try to keep her safe and when something happens he doesn’t rest till he finds her.
Spoilers:
Poor Maya (fmc) has a rough start and honestly throughout most of the book. She goes from an abusive relationship where he almost unalives her to being thrown into a world she had no clue even existed. She has to learn how to navigate this new world while also staying safe from one particular person. Ashvel (mmc) is very protective of her and it didn’t take him long before he won her over. He does everything he can to try to keep her safe and when something happens he doesn’t rest till he finds her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
If you like a very fast paced book, this one's for you.
The plot was interesting, and its definetly a romantasy, entaling both a magical world and a pair who ends up being irrisitable to read about.
I personally prefer slightly slower paced books, and just felt this one was a lil rushed plot wise, jumping to big points in the plot, and not having many slow casual moments. So i could only give it 4/5, which likely entails due to the pace maybe not being 100% to my normal style, but I still enjoyed it and plan on reading the next book when it releases! If you like very quick paced books, it would likely be a 5 star read for you!
The plot was interesting, and its definetly a romantasy, entaling both a magical world and a pair who ends up being irrisitable to read about.
I personally prefer slightly slower paced books, and just felt this one was a lil rushed plot wise, jumping to big points in the plot, and not having many slow casual moments. So i could only give it 4/5, which likely entails due to the pace maybe not being 100% to my normal style, but I still enjoyed it and plan on reading the next book when it releases! If you like very quick paced books, it would likely be a 5 star read for you!
April 14, 2024
3.5 rounded up to four for the sake of scoring. It’s wasn’t a bad read and there was some good characters and a few twists but I feel like the beginning was more than interesting than the last half until near the end. Like the whole twin flame thing wasn’t a big deal as it normally is and the conflict didn’t make complete sense of why he was so powerful compared to two god’s. I think it has potential with the whole written in the stars but there is still too much I feel like could have been said even if it wasn’t spoiling anything to come. That’s why I scored it where it is.
April 19, 2024
Be ready to be on the edge of your seat. This story follows the main character, Maya, as she learns about her real life. There is a world on 🔥, a black winged fire god. A spy among the royal court. A villain set on getting what he wants no matter the cost. There are twists and turns around every corner. The ending has you begging for book two. I really enjoyed this book, I do wish there was a little more world building of this fire realm, so I could have come up with a better visual. Overall, I would highly recommend this story to others, and I hope that you get this book and enjoy it as much as I did.
April 19, 2024
Really enjoyed this one. This is a fast paced book that jumps right in with the action. My only negative is I would have preferred a little more world building and descriptions. Loved the storyline, it really kept you wanting to find out more. Maya developed into a really lovely character and seeing her progression through various emotions was nice. I loved the relationship between Maya and Ashvel and how it showed true emotions through intense situations.
I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens in the next one, and hopefully finding out the answers to some of my questions.
I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens in the next one, and hopefully finding out the answers to some of my questions.
April 19, 2024
Have you ever wanted one of your dreams to become reality? This is exactly what happens to Maya. Although she doesn’t know at first the burning world from her dreams is what she wants or is the world that she came from. She is drawn to Ashvel more and more every time she dreams of him. This story is a wonderful Sleeping Beauty retelling with magic, fated mates, multiple worlds. Leigh Ferguson does an amazing job of keeping you turning every page to find out how the story ends. I couldn’t put the book down.
April 20, 2024
Reading this as an arc book was such an amazing thing!
So I will say right off the bat if you are looking for higher than a maybe two spice level this book isn’t for you,
But if you want a mmc who yields fire and a bat boy, and a fmc with the strength to rise above and learns she’s worth more than where she is at, than this book is for you! It’s a quick read and flows very fast, the world building j hope comes more in the next book because I want to see more. I want the author to give me all the details and I want to see more of my new fav bat boy! I hope y’all enjoy this book as I have!
So I will say right off the bat if you are looking for higher than a maybe two spice level this book isn’t for you,
But if you want a mmc who yields fire and a bat boy, and a fmc with the strength to rise above and learns she’s worth more than where she is at, than this book is for you! It’s a quick read and flows very fast, the world building j hope comes more in the next book because I want to see more. I want the author to give me all the details and I want to see more of my new fav bat boy! I hope y’all enjoy this book as I have!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
"Walking Flames" by Leigh Ferguson is a captivating urban fantasy that blurs the lines between reality and dreams. Set in a mundane hometown, the protagonist's life is turned upside down when the god of fire from her dreams appears before her. Ferguson's evocative prose paints a vivid picture of a world where fantasy intertwines with reality, while themes of fated romance and elemental gods add depth to the narrative. With its compelling characters and imaginative world-building, "Walking Flames" is a spellbinding read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating each turn of the page. However, readers may find themselves wishing the story were longer, as they yearn to delve deeper into the lives of the characters and explore more of the captivating world Ferguson has created.
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