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Immortal Brothers #1
Cursed by Fire
From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes the scorching hot first book in a thrilling new series featuring four warrior brothers who have the power—and the curse—of immortality.
For centuries, Dethan has been trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality. Condemned to have his battle-hardened body licked by flames only to regenerate and be consumed all over again, Dethan has lost all hope—until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She will release him from torment—if he’ll use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods.
Free to live as a man once again, Dethan meets Selinda—heir to the throne of Hexis—and his thoughts quickly turn from the conquest of cities to the conquest of this headstrong beauty. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion, and so Dethan enters into another bargain: If she will share her bed—and her body—with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all—even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict—for a chance to make Selinda his forever.
For centuries, Dethan has been trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality. Condemned to have his battle-hardened body licked by flames only to regenerate and be consumed all over again, Dethan has lost all hope—until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She will release him from torment—if he’ll use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods.
Free to live as a man once again, Dethan meets Selinda—heir to the throne of Hexis—and his thoughts quickly turn from the conquest of cities to the conquest of this headstrong beauty. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion, and so Dethan enters into another bargain: If she will share her bed—and her body—with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all—even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict—for a chance to make Selinda his forever.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 24, 2015
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1907 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Frank
85 books3,428 followersI live in Asheville NC and have written a book...or two...or is it ten?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
September 15, 2017
Phenomenal!!! What an exceptional book!! It had a little of everything. Avarice. Deception. Love. Bravery. The writing is out of this world, superb. A real hidden gem and based on the cover and title, you might think otherwise.
February 25, 2015
3 - "I'm not sure if you are my salvation or my destruction." Stars.
Jacquelyn Frank as an author is new to me, I have seen her books, but never until now actually read one. The Synopsis of book one in the Immortal Brothers series grabbed me when I read it, so I thought i would give Cursed by Fire a go.
As a first read, I will be honest it has given me cause to pause. There were parts that made up this book that I really, really liked. For one, the author has an amazingly descriptive narrative. Even though we are taken to a different time and place where Gods, Goddesses and Warriors still roam, it was not a struggle to imagine the places described or picture the people inhabiting them.
I also found this writing style particularly bewitching when being told in Dethan's POV, this guy has suffered, is still suffering, and because of it you would think that all trace of humanity would have been literally burnt out of the guy, but given the chance of redemption and release from the Curse that holds him, by the Goddess of Conflict, he is battle ready and raring to go after being left to repent in the most abhorrent of ways for more time than can be imagined.
The ebb and flow of the story progresses well, once the scene has been set and the players introduced everything moves along at a fair old pace, with a little bit of everything to tempt the reader.
"Your taste tempts me and I will have the whole of it."
What lowered the star rating for me as the book progressed was the culmination of three things, The King (or Grand), his daughter; Selinda, the Grandina of Hexis and her evil husband-to-be, Grannish. It was all a bit weak and comical in all honesty. A king who is to blind to see what is in front of his face, a woman who defers to a spineless bully, unless a stronger man is around to stand up to him. Every time Grannish was mentioned, and from the descriptions that were given, the only image that kept springing to mind was a certain animated Lord, who thought size, or his lack of it, is what really matters!
I enjoyed Dethan's tale enough to want to read Garreth's, the next book in the series Cursed by Ice, due March 2015. I am hoping that it is more of a case of the characters not being to my liking on this occasion, as the writing was top notch.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Jacquelyn Frank as an author is new to me, I have seen her books, but never until now actually read one. The Synopsis of book one in the Immortal Brothers series grabbed me when I read it, so I thought i would give Cursed by Fire a go.
As a first read, I will be honest it has given me cause to pause. There were parts that made up this book that I really, really liked. For one, the author has an amazingly descriptive narrative. Even though we are taken to a different time and place where Gods, Goddesses and Warriors still roam, it was not a struggle to imagine the places described or picture the people inhabiting them.
I also found this writing style particularly bewitching when being told in Dethan's POV, this guy has suffered, is still suffering, and because of it you would think that all trace of humanity would have been literally burnt out of the guy, but given the chance of redemption and release from the Curse that holds him, by the Goddess of Conflict, he is battle ready and raring to go after being left to repent in the most abhorrent of ways for more time than can be imagined.
The ebb and flow of the story progresses well, once the scene has been set and the players introduced everything moves along at a fair old pace, with a little bit of everything to tempt the reader.
"Your taste tempts me and I will have the whole of it."
What lowered the star rating for me as the book progressed was the culmination of three things, The King (or Grand), his daughter; Selinda, the Grandina of Hexis and her evil husband-to-be, Grannish. It was all a bit weak and comical in all honesty. A king who is to blind to see what is in front of his face, a woman who defers to a spineless bully, unless a stronger man is around to stand up to him. Every time Grannish was mentioned, and from the descriptions that were given, the only image that kept springing to mind was a certain animated Lord, who thought size, or his lack of it, is what really matters!
I enjoyed Dethan's tale enough to want to read Garreth's, the next book in the series Cursed by Ice, due March 2015. I am hoping that it is more of a case of the characters not being to my liking on this occasion, as the writing was top notch.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
October 30, 2015
I should probably have given up the book the moment I realized that the story wasn't working for me. But as this is a book I have received home I just kept going. There are probably people out there who will love this book, but I just couldn't enjoy it. The beginning was OK, but then the story just turned to a lust parade with the two main character lusting after each other like two dogs. In the end, I just wanted them to have sex so that this prolonged lusting could go away.
I freely admit that I skimmed the book at the end to finally finish it so that I could read something more suiting to me.
Thank you Piatkus for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
I freely admit that I skimmed the book at the end to finally finish it so that I could read something more suiting to me.
Thank you Piatkus for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
December 16, 2014
Gah! I'm disappointed. From another author this would be a pretty good read, but it is not what I expected from Ms. Frank. Not at all.
The heroine: I could not root for her. She was a doormat to the men in her life and expected others to boost her confidence and help her out of the situation. Nothing heroic here.
The hero: He was oblivious at times to what was happening to his lover. The suffering he endured every night did not endear me to him. Not a bad character, just not a drop-dead sexy one either.
The bad guy: He was really cheesy and mean in a childish way. He used threats as a device to manipulate the heroine and her father.
The father of the heroine: Weak. Weak. Weak.
There were plenty of unbelievable points in this story and was actually longer than it should have been. Killing the bad guy, which was actually an option, would have ended the conflict of this read. The heroine had so many people on her side that everything she had gone through was totally unnecessary.
This read also had a historical vibe of arranged marriages and maids that didn't gel with the fantasy and magic of it all.
Not for me.
*I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
The heroine: I could not root for her. She was a doormat to the men in her life and expected others to boost her confidence and help her out of the situation. Nothing heroic here.
The hero: He was oblivious at times to what was happening to his lover. The suffering he endured every night did not endear me to him. Not a bad character, just not a drop-dead sexy one either.
The bad guy: He was really cheesy and mean in a childish way. He used threats as a device to manipulate the heroine and her father.
The father of the heroine: Weak. Weak. Weak.
There were plenty of unbelievable points in this story and was actually longer than it should have been. Killing the bad guy, which was actually an option, would have ended the conflict of this read. The heroine had so many people on her side that everything she had gone through was totally unnecessary.
This read also had a historical vibe of arranged marriages and maids that didn't gel with the fantasy and magic of it all.
Not for me.
*I was given a copy by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
September 11, 2017
The ONLY reason I checked this book out is because Roger Wayne is my favorite Narrator and I'm always checking out his audio books. This being said, I would have NEVER read this book if it wasn't narrated by him and boy oh boy would I have missed out.
It was stupendous! I loved it! Fabulous I tell you!
Gods, Kings, Curses, War, Love, you name it! So incredibly happy I came across this. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
It was stupendous! I loved it! Fabulous I tell you!
Gods, Kings, Curses, War, Love, you name it! So incredibly happy I came across this. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
February 16, 2015
One of the best things about a new series from an author you follow is when she takes that creative turn off her well-traveled path while not going so far as to make her signature style get lost! Jacquelyn Frank’s latest is Cursed by Fire, the tale of one, once mighty warrior who sought one of the secrets of the gods, along with his brothers. The quest for immortality cost them each dearly. Dethan was doomed to an eternal fiery hell, the heat and flames searing him raw, only to heal and have the process start all over. There is trouble among the gods, they have split into two factions and war is imminent. When the Goddess of Conflict offers Dethan a pardon and a return to living as a man for creating a vast army to defeat the rival gods, Dethan never expected to meet Selinda. Will his need to protect her from the evil that threatens her cause him to fail on his vow to the gods? Will he find love for the first time only to lose it? Can Selinda accept him for who he is, or will he be just another warrior vowing to protect her for his own gain?
Jacquelyn Frank brings fantasy to life, adds grit to the conflict and completely engages the hearts of all who love the world of gods, myths, magic and love. She has created Dethan as a powerful warrior who has suffered for his hubris, now broken and unsure of what to make of himself as he has finally found something better than immortality, Selinda and love. Full of vivid scene descriptions that feel so real, you may find yourself feeling the infernos, seeing the world that Dethan and Selinda live in. Even the smells will enter your mind! As each layer unfolded and each subplot was uncovered, there was no putting this down. And trust me, the sizzle wasn’t just from the fires of hell, Dethan and Selinda created their own version of a molten lava meltdown. Read it! I promise you, Ms. Frank does not miss on her delivery!
I received an ARC edition from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Immortal Brothers - Book 1
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 034553493X
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 386 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Jacquelyn Frank brings fantasy to life, adds grit to the conflict and completely engages the hearts of all who love the world of gods, myths, magic and love. She has created Dethan as a powerful warrior who has suffered for his hubris, now broken and unsure of what to make of himself as he has finally found something better than immortality, Selinda and love. Full of vivid scene descriptions that feel so real, you may find yourself feeling the infernos, seeing the world that Dethan and Selinda live in. Even the smells will enter your mind! As each layer unfolded and each subplot was uncovered, there was no putting this down. And trust me, the sizzle wasn’t just from the fires of hell, Dethan and Selinda created their own version of a molten lava meltdown. Read it! I promise you, Ms. Frank does not miss on her delivery!
I received an ARC edition from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Immortal Brothers - Book 1
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 034553493X
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 386 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 2, 2015
I'm a huge fan of this talented authors work and so had no choice but to start this new series by her. If you are new to her amazing storytelling then I urge you to read Jacob the first in her Nightwalker series featuring fabulous world building and hot romance. This series has a slightly different tone though and if I'm absolutely honest I was about a third through the book before I really got hooked by it. This is more of a fantasy setting with it's mythological gods and goddesses but also had a distinctly medieval vibe but it's most definitely a whole new world to discover
Dethan is the eldest of four warrior brothers who in their arrogance angered the Gods when they stole immortality. Now let's face it the Gods are never portrayed as exactly the forgiving type and true to form devised hideous curses to lay upon the brothers . Now Dethan is cursed to literally burn everyday but the goddess Weysa offers him a deal, raise an army , provide her with followers and defeat her enemy. Returning to the mortal realm he finds many things different but one thing remains true that greed and injustice often go hand in hand. That's very true in Hexis where Selinda is being forced into a loveless marriage but can they perhaps solve both their problems ? Dethan has a cunning idea and offers Selinda a deal but it's one that could definitely cost her dearly but it's a chance she has to take .
Ok so this is fantasy but it's not the best I have read although I did become more interested as the story flowed. Ms Frank is a sensational writer and an auto buy for me but I'm still not sure if this new series is her best work . Yes it has sexy time and yes there's a bad guy to boo and hiss at ( although he's a little cheesy I thought) but what really let it down was all the odd sounding names for everything. The King is called Grand and there's even names for midnight and sunset and oh I don't know it just kept jarring with me. So I will read the next book as I'm hoping the world building will continue to grow as I know just how complicated this authors work can be. If you want a story with an alpha hero then this book certainly delivers ( think Jason Mamoa in G.O.T) The heroine for me felt a little weak unfortunately but it's a story that allowed her to grow as a character. A good start and I'm interested to find out what happens next .
I was gifted a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Dethan is the eldest of four warrior brothers who in their arrogance angered the Gods when they stole immortality. Now let's face it the Gods are never portrayed as exactly the forgiving type and true to form devised hideous curses to lay upon the brothers . Now Dethan is cursed to literally burn everyday but the goddess Weysa offers him a deal, raise an army , provide her with followers and defeat her enemy. Returning to the mortal realm he finds many things different but one thing remains true that greed and injustice often go hand in hand. That's very true in Hexis where Selinda is being forced into a loveless marriage but can they perhaps solve both their problems ? Dethan has a cunning idea and offers Selinda a deal but it's one that could definitely cost her dearly but it's a chance she has to take .
Ok so this is fantasy but it's not the best I have read although I did become more interested as the story flowed. Ms Frank is a sensational writer and an auto buy for me but I'm still not sure if this new series is her best work . Yes it has sexy time and yes there's a bad guy to boo and hiss at ( although he's a little cheesy I thought) but what really let it down was all the odd sounding names for everything. The King is called Grand and there's even names for midnight and sunset and oh I don't know it just kept jarring with me. So I will read the next book as I'm hoping the world building will continue to grow as I know just how complicated this authors work can be. If you want a story with an alpha hero then this book certainly delivers ( think Jason Mamoa in G.O.T) The heroine for me felt a little weak unfortunately but it's a story that allowed her to grow as a character. A good start and I'm interested to find out what happens next .
I was gifted a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 23, 2015
*I received a free ARC of Cursed by Fire from Ballantine Books via Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
The overall plot and storyline was quite good, but I found the writing to be stilted, and the characters not fully three dimensional.
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
The overall plot and storyline was quite good, but I found the writing to be stilted, and the characters not fully three dimensional.
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
September 10, 2024
Interesting Premise
The one thing Ms. Frank does quite well is world building. That is shown in the opening salvo to the series to great effect. The characters are memorable, most especially the tortured hero. Ms. Frank also knows how to torture a hero. Solid, well written read.
The one thing Ms. Frank does quite well is world building. That is shown in the opening salvo to the series to great effect. The characters are memorable, most especially the tortured hero. Ms. Frank also knows how to torture a hero. Solid, well written read.
July 6, 2017
DNF, I can't.... the characters, the story, the world-building, nothing really grabbed me. Disappointed.
October 5, 2019
Loved his name. Dethan.
November 16, 2014
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
I've been a fan of Jacquelyn Frank for a long time. I read her Nightwalker series a while back and I loved them. I had super high hopes for this one. I'm sad to say that not only did I not enjoy this book but I couldn't even finish it.
I liked Selinda, the heroine. She was a pretty strong woman who has very little power in her life and even less in society in general. Her father is the equivalent of a king and he's promised her to another man. A bad man. She's really stuck and has virtually no options. I felt really bad for her situation but because she was strong and kind, it was super easy to root for her!
Dethan was just okay. He's immortal but because he (and his brothers) stole the gift of immortality from the gods, the gods decided to punish him severely. He's spent hundreds of years deep in a cave, suffering his punishment. One of the gods releases him so that he can help her in her fight against other gods. I feel like I should have liked Dethan way more than I did. There wasn't anything wrong with him or the way he acted but I guess it felt like he didn't have much of a personality. That may have changed if I had read more of the book but I was just too bored with him.
I didn't get to see too much of Selinda and Dethan together so I didn't feel like they had a ton of chemistry. But maybe they did later on. I also couldn't get into the world that the author was building. I couldn't tell if this was supposed to take place on Earth or in a different dimension or if it was in the past or in the future. It's probably not supposed to be the future since there are no cars or any kind of modern conveniences. But I just couldn't get a handle on where this was taking place. Reading about Selinda's situation was really frustrating. I hate when women in these books are treated like property by members of their own family. People who are supposed to love them the most are the ones that treat them the worst.
The writing was really great like it usually is but I just didn't like the world this book was set in. When I couldn't get into the world, it was even harder to get into the characters. At that point, I realized that I wasn't into anything about this book. I didn't care for it but I wouldn't direct people away from this book. Jacquelyn Frank is a great author but this series just isn't for me.
I've been a fan of Jacquelyn Frank for a long time. I read her Nightwalker series a while back and I loved them. I had super high hopes for this one. I'm sad to say that not only did I not enjoy this book but I couldn't even finish it.
I liked Selinda, the heroine. She was a pretty strong woman who has very little power in her life and even less in society in general. Her father is the equivalent of a king and he's promised her to another man. A bad man. She's really stuck and has virtually no options. I felt really bad for her situation but because she was strong and kind, it was super easy to root for her!
Dethan was just okay. He's immortal but because he (and his brothers) stole the gift of immortality from the gods, the gods decided to punish him severely. He's spent hundreds of years deep in a cave, suffering his punishment. One of the gods releases him so that he can help her in her fight against other gods. I feel like I should have liked Dethan way more than I did. There wasn't anything wrong with him or the way he acted but I guess it felt like he didn't have much of a personality. That may have changed if I had read more of the book but I was just too bored with him.
I didn't get to see too much of Selinda and Dethan together so I didn't feel like they had a ton of chemistry. But maybe they did later on. I also couldn't get into the world that the author was building. I couldn't tell if this was supposed to take place on Earth or in a different dimension or if it was in the past or in the future. It's probably not supposed to be the future since there are no cars or any kind of modern conveniences. But I just couldn't get a handle on where this was taking place. Reading about Selinda's situation was really frustrating. I hate when women in these books are treated like property by members of their own family. People who are supposed to love them the most are the ones that treat them the worst.
The writing was really great like it usually is but I just didn't like the world this book was set in. When I couldn't get into the world, it was even harder to get into the characters. At that point, I realized that I wasn't into anything about this book. I didn't care for it but I wouldn't direct people away from this book. Jacquelyn Frank is a great author but this series just isn't for me.
November 19, 2014
******NETGALLEY*******
2.5 DNF Painful (because it's one of my favorite authors) STARS!
I have been a fan of Jacquelyn Frank since the very beginning of the Nightwalker series. What I admired most of her story-telling was her ability to merge the modern world with that which she has created. She always managed to make you feel like the main characters and make you wonder "What would I do if I found out this was reality?".
This was what was lacking in this book. I simply could not figure out which world this book took place in. It had elements of Greek Mythology and yet not. I also had the sense that this all took place on a world other than ours. I could not connect with this world that she created even though it was created quite beautifully as I've come to expect from this author.
I would however encourage those who like this sort of other-worldly stories to give this a try simply because this is as always BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN!!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
2.5 DNF Painful (because it's one of my favorite authors) STARS!
I have been a fan of Jacquelyn Frank since the very beginning of the Nightwalker series. What I admired most of her story-telling was her ability to merge the modern world with that which she has created. She always managed to make you feel like the main characters and make you wonder "What would I do if I found out this was reality?".
This was what was lacking in this book. I simply could not figure out which world this book took place in. It had elements of Greek Mythology and yet not. I also had the sense that this all took place on a world other than ours. I could not connect with this world that she created even though it was created quite beautifully as I've come to expect from this author.
I would however encourage those who like this sort of other-worldly stories to give this a try simply because this is as always BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN!!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 9, 2015
***ARC received from Netgally in exchange for honest review***
This is a very hard book for me to review as there were things I liked and things I didn't. I was very excited by the prospect of a new series by the author as I have really enjoyed her previous works. The beginning of the book was quite awkward as the world was explained in rather simplistic language. It felt a little like sitting in a first grade classroom. I wasn't sure where it was all going. Once our hero Dethan meets the heroine of the story Selinda, it begins to pick up. And as long as the story centers around the two of them, I was engaged in the story.
One of the difficult parts of the book was that it had an awkward tone to it. The dialogue often felt stilted and then a character would say something that included slang words. In addition, the world building felt heavy handed and included occasions of info dumping. But, I became very attached to the main character's and cared about what was happening to them. I will definitely read the next one.
This is a very hard book for me to review as there were things I liked and things I didn't. I was very excited by the prospect of a new series by the author as I have really enjoyed her previous works. The beginning of the book was quite awkward as the world was explained in rather simplistic language. It felt a little like sitting in a first grade classroom. I wasn't sure where it was all going. Once our hero Dethan meets the heroine of the story Selinda, it begins to pick up. And as long as the story centers around the two of them, I was engaged in the story.
One of the difficult parts of the book was that it had an awkward tone to it. The dialogue often felt stilted and then a character would say something that included slang words. In addition, the world building felt heavy handed and included occasions of info dumping. But, I became very attached to the main character's and cared about what was happening to them. I will definitely read the next one.
March 11, 2015
Cursed by Fire
By Jacquelyn Frank
3 stars
First, I would like to say that I received a copy of this through NetGalley from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for an honest review.
This book was difficult for me to rate. I like the story. The cursed mortal helping one of the God’s who cursed him in exchange for relief from the constant pain he lives with. I liked that. Throwing into the story a beautiful strong woman who needs his help, yes please. I really liked it when she found out about her own power.
What I didn’t like was the predictability of their relationship and outcome of the story. Also, the POV changes from one paragraph to the next without any indication. If the POV changes would have been at least 3.5 stars.
My favorite part of the book was when Hanit calls Dethan “Sor Baked-and-Roasted.
By Jacquelyn Frank
3 stars
First, I would like to say that I received a copy of this through NetGalley from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for an honest review.
This book was difficult for me to rate. I like the story. The cursed mortal helping one of the God’s who cursed him in exchange for relief from the constant pain he lives with. I liked that. Throwing into the story a beautiful strong woman who needs his help, yes please. I really liked it when she found out about her own power.
What I didn’t like was the predictability of their relationship and outcome of the story. Also, the POV changes from one paragraph to the next without any indication. If the POV changes would have been at least 3.5 stars.
My favorite part of the book was when Hanit calls Dethan “Sor Baked-and-Roasted.
January 17, 2015
I really hate rating this book since I stopped reading it about 50% through the book.
I have loved Jacquelyn Franks past books but this one was a disappointment for me. I found myself not liking either the hero or the heroine. The building of the work was also a let down for me and I found this book left me bored and hoping that it would improve.
Since I am a big fan of Jacquelyn Frank's, I will be giving Cursed by Ice a chance to see if it is better.
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
I have loved Jacquelyn Franks past books but this one was a disappointment for me. I found myself not liking either the hero or the heroine. The building of the work was also a let down for me and I found this book left me bored and hoping that it would improve.
Since I am a big fan of Jacquelyn Frank's, I will be giving Cursed by Ice a chance to see if it is better.
ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
February 26, 2017
Audiobook - really good narration. - he did a great job with accents and different characters. Writing isn't the best but entertaining. A bit cliche, overly dramatic and dialogue could have been more sophisticated but the narration was great.
March 3, 2015
Okay read,may or may not continue with this series as I really was not fully vested in the main characters.I did like the hero,the heroine was spineless with the occassional bursts of backbone seen.
March 12, 2018
This is very hard for me to grade. I was interested in the story, and wanted to know how it would all work out. This part of the book was quite satisfying. Also some of the secondary characters, including the bad guy, were well done. And I liked the heroine and her personal story arch.
My problem was with the hero, his internal voice was often grating, some of his views deeply problematic to me. I understand what the author was doing, his personality made sense in the context, but I just wasn’t comfortable with him.
The narrator is one of my favorites, I adore his fantasy audiobooks. I am less happy with the kind of romances he gets to narrate.
My solution was to listen at a higher speed, and to jump through the sex scenes.
That way I could enjoy the story without the things I did not like disturbing me too much.
After re-reading the above I came to the conclusion that I really enjoyed the fantasy aspect of this book, but it did not work for me very well as a romance.
My problem was with the hero, his internal voice was often grating, some of his views deeply problematic to me. I understand what the author was doing, his personality made sense in the context, but I just wasn’t comfortable with him.
The narrator is one of my favorites, I adore his fantasy audiobooks. I am less happy with the kind of romances he gets to narrate.
My solution was to listen at a higher speed, and to jump through the sex scenes.
That way I could enjoy the story without the things I did not like disturbing me too much.
After re-reading the above I came to the conclusion that I really enjoyed the fantasy aspect of this book, but it did not work for me very well as a romance.
April 30, 2016
I both liked and hated that this story was simple and predictable. It was easy to follow and the villain was evident immediately. While the ending was obvious, I was curious to see how the characters would evolve.
Declan was chained and burned by gods' fire for daring to drink from a fountain of immortality. After over a century of punishment, the goddess of conflict, Weysa, came to Declan with a deal. She will give him respite during the day, if he will amass worshippers in her name. The gods were fighting amongst each other and their individual powers were waning since they were not being revered as in times past.
Declan's first stop took him to Hexis where the people huddled in fear of the Redoe, a neighobor army, who extorted them for crops and money. The Grand (king) was a simpleton and offered his daughter Selinda to a cruel man, Grannish if he would save Hexis from the siege. The Grannish treated Selinda abominably and forced her perform humiliating tassk. One of them was to grant a kiss to winners of Sparing contests, which usually featured lowly born peasants. It was at such a contest that Declan first played champion to Selinda, and igniting the spark that would eventually turn into passion.
In Declan, Selinda saw a savior who would rescue her from the Grannish and save her people. In Hexis, Declan saw the answer to his quest to find new worshipers for his goddess. Their alliance ended up freeing them from their enemies as well as satisfying the goddess Weysa.
I have read several books by Jacquelyn Frank and I find her writing to be inconsistent. The Nightwalkers had some excellent books. In fact, Gideon is one of my top 5 all-time favorite PNR/UF books.
This book was too elementary for an author of her caliber. She is obviously very creative and talented because her books are different from the status quo. The idea in this one has promise, but the execution of book 1 was rudimentary. The characters were so one-dimensional. Everything was so obvious, cliché and truthfully, the book was boring. It lacked a true foundation of how the gods at conflict operate and I sincerely hope the paperback has a chart so we can remember the gods. I am going to give it a pass as a book 1 and try book 2 before I decide where to go. I have read books by this author that blew me away so I am not ready to give up on this series yet.
*Special thanks to Random house Publishing—Ballantine via Netgalley for the e-arc, which was given in exchange for an honest review.
Declan was chained and burned by gods' fire for daring to drink from a fountain of immortality. After over a century of punishment, the goddess of conflict, Weysa, came to Declan with a deal. She will give him respite during the day, if he will amass worshippers in her name. The gods were fighting amongst each other and their individual powers were waning since they were not being revered as in times past.
Declan's first stop took him to Hexis where the people huddled in fear of the Redoe, a neighobor army, who extorted them for crops and money. The Grand (king) was a simpleton and offered his daughter Selinda to a cruel man, Grannish if he would save Hexis from the siege. The Grannish treated Selinda abominably and forced her perform humiliating tassk. One of them was to grant a kiss to winners of Sparing contests, which usually featured lowly born peasants. It was at such a contest that Declan first played champion to Selinda, and igniting the spark that would eventually turn into passion.
In Declan, Selinda saw a savior who would rescue her from the Grannish and save her people. In Hexis, Declan saw the answer to his quest to find new worshipers for his goddess. Their alliance ended up freeing them from their enemies as well as satisfying the goddess Weysa.
I have read several books by Jacquelyn Frank and I find her writing to be inconsistent. The Nightwalkers had some excellent books. In fact, Gideon is one of my top 5 all-time favorite PNR/UF books.
This book was too elementary for an author of her caliber. She is obviously very creative and talented because her books are different from the status quo. The idea in this one has promise, but the execution of book 1 was rudimentary. The characters were so one-dimensional. Everything was so obvious, cliché and truthfully, the book was boring. It lacked a true foundation of how the gods at conflict operate and I sincerely hope the paperback has a chart so we can remember the gods. I am going to give it a pass as a book 1 and try book 2 before I decide where to go. I have read books by this author that blew me away so I am not ready to give up on this series yet.
*Special thanks to Random house Publishing—Ballantine via Netgalley for the e-arc, which was given in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2015
Review
***I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through NetGalley for an honest review***
Let me start out by saying that I LOVE Jacquelyn’s books. I have from the very first Nightwalker book I picked up from the library. I have since voraciously devoured everything she has written and when I discovered she wrote under the name JAX, well I did one of those giddy happy dances. So, naturally, I expected to love Cursed by Fire as much as I love her other works. Ms. Frank did not disappoint.
The futuristic, or is it a past world of Gods and Goddesses is the perfect backdrop for Dethan to work his military magic, so to speak. Hexis is a large city ruled not by the royal family, but a powerful enemy to the crown, the people and Dethan. Cursed by the Gods to burned, regenerate and burn yet again, he is temporarily freed by a faction of the gods, but only if he will serve them in order to destroy the other side. In walks in the unlikely heroine Selinda, daughter of the Grand. Not only does Dethan think she is beautiful, where her people do not, he willingly becomes her champion if she will share herself with Dethan. My first thought, Dethan is as big an ass as one of the jendan, but as the story develops we see Dethan as Selinda sees him.
Selinda, the Grandina of Hexis, is a dutiful, loving daughter who does not like to see ill in anyone, especially her father. She suffers much at the hands of Grannish. Mental and physical abuse from a murderer, yet she maintains a strength and concern for the welfare of her people. Selinda is one of those rare people you meet. You know the ones, always a smile on their face, kindness in their hearts and walking that extra mile to help others. That is Selinda. Innocent yet old beyond her years.
Jacquelyn Frank has created a new world of unlikely, cursed, arrogant, egotistical heros who you want to hate for their audacity, but you come to love, support and hope that in the end they overcome all, even the gods themselves. Scorching from start to finish. I did not see the end coming, yet should have guessed. One you don’t want to miss and cannot put down.
***I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through NetGalley for an honest review***
Let me start out by saying that I LOVE Jacquelyn’s books. I have from the very first Nightwalker book I picked up from the library. I have since voraciously devoured everything she has written and when I discovered she wrote under the name JAX, well I did one of those giddy happy dances. So, naturally, I expected to love Cursed by Fire as much as I love her other works. Ms. Frank did not disappoint.
The futuristic, or is it a past world of Gods and Goddesses is the perfect backdrop for Dethan to work his military magic, so to speak. Hexis is a large city ruled not by the royal family, but a powerful enemy to the crown, the people and Dethan. Cursed by the Gods to burned, regenerate and burn yet again, he is temporarily freed by a faction of the gods, but only if he will serve them in order to destroy the other side. In walks in the unlikely heroine Selinda, daughter of the Grand. Not only does Dethan think she is beautiful, where her people do not, he willingly becomes her champion if she will share herself with Dethan. My first thought, Dethan is as big an ass as one of the jendan, but as the story develops we see Dethan as Selinda sees him.
Selinda, the Grandina of Hexis, is a dutiful, loving daughter who does not like to see ill in anyone, especially her father. She suffers much at the hands of Grannish. Mental and physical abuse from a murderer, yet she maintains a strength and concern for the welfare of her people. Selinda is one of those rare people you meet. You know the ones, always a smile on their face, kindness in their hearts and walking that extra mile to help others. That is Selinda. Innocent yet old beyond her years.
Jacquelyn Frank has created a new world of unlikely, cursed, arrogant, egotistical heros who you want to hate for their audacity, but you come to love, support and hope that in the end they overcome all, even the gods themselves. Scorching from start to finish. I did not see the end coming, yet should have guessed. One you don’t want to miss and cannot put down.
February 2, 2018
An okay read, a bit annoying in places. Selinda in particular spends a lot of time thinking about what could go wrong with the deal she strikes with complete stranger Dethan.
Dethan is less annoying as a character but then makes amaturish mistakes when it comes to protecting Selinda and himself, even displaying pure ignorance at times with his lack of understanding of what is going on right under his nose. Taunting Grannish and then wandering around the halls with his head in the clouds while being unarmed was only the first incidence of idiocy that came up.
Overall however, it was definitely readable and kept moving forward at a good pace.
Dethan is less annoying as a character but then makes amaturish mistakes when it comes to protecting Selinda and himself, even displaying pure ignorance at times with his lack of understanding of what is going on right under his nose. Taunting Grannish and then wandering around the halls with his head in the clouds while being unarmed was only the first incidence of idiocy that came up.
Overall however, it was definitely readable and kept moving forward at a good pace.
April 30, 2016
If I wasn't reading it as a group read, I wouldn't have got through it.
This is classified under Paranormal romance, but there is nothing normal about it and I would classify it as high fantasy romance. It is a different world, different society, different gods, probably a different planet though the planet name never came up. There is very poor world building, boring, and the characters are flat and unlikeable. At first I thought I might have some sympathy with the woman but in the end she hid important things from the guy, Dethan. This does not a good relationship make.
I was bored all the way through. Didn't care about the gods, was not sure what the war was about, didn't think the punishment made sense since he had to fight for the goddess. Never got how long from Sunset to the 'whatever hour' was where he stopped burning. What did he walk as a skeleton back and slowly heal on the way? Without muscles, how did he do that? It just sounded stupid. He just put her in more danger and then she lied to not let him know. Once the sex starts about 80% in it is like an erotic novel. and the ending was piecemeal, thrown together, not fluid with things happening with any planning... at all. His brother gets released in the end, and I really couldn't care much about that either. I will not be reading on.
I didn't hate it but it wasn't good at all 1 1/2 stars because at some points I though I might start liking it. Still at 80% I had to get some zzz's and when the next day, I got reading time, I dreaded going back to it to finish.
I really, really like Jacquelyn Franks Nightwalker Universe (not so much the Shadowdwellers though I at least liked them), even the new stories, but this... first time a bad review for her.
This is classified under Paranormal romance, but there is nothing normal about it and I would classify it as high fantasy romance. It is a different world, different society, different gods, probably a different planet though the planet name never came up. There is very poor world building, boring, and the characters are flat and unlikeable. At first I thought I might have some sympathy with the woman but in the end she hid important things from the guy, Dethan. This does not a good relationship make.
I was bored all the way through. Didn't care about the gods, was not sure what the war was about, didn't think the punishment made sense since he had to fight for the goddess. Never got how long from Sunset to the 'whatever hour' was where he stopped burning. What did he walk as a skeleton back and slowly heal on the way? Without muscles, how did he do that? It just sounded stupid. He just put her in more danger and then she lied to not let him know. Once the sex starts about 80% in it is like an erotic novel. and the ending was piecemeal, thrown together, not fluid with things happening with any planning... at all. His brother gets released in the end, and I really couldn't care much about that either. I will not be reading on.
I didn't hate it but it wasn't good at all 1 1/2 stars because at some points I though I might start liking it. Still at 80% I had to get some zzz's and when the next day, I got reading time, I dreaded going back to it to finish.
I really, really like Jacquelyn Franks Nightwalker Universe (not so much the Shadowdwellers though I at least liked them), even the new stories, but this... first time a bad review for her.
February 28, 2015
After centuries of being trapped in fire, Dethan agrees to serve the Goddess of Conflict in return for being released from the torment but he will risk it all to make a headstrong beauty his forever in this fascinating paranormal fantasy romance.
Selinda, the heir to throne of Hexis had been betrothed to an evil manipulative man who wants the throne for himself so what she needs is a champion and Dethan quickly decides conquering Selinda may be just what he needs in order to serve his Goddess. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the intriguing and complex world as the compelling characters grab reader’s attention and don’t let go and the steady to fast paced plot keeps readers hovering in expectation.
The romance between Selinda and Dethan progresses at a steady rate throughout the story as Dethan wins her trust and promises her a future free of the evil tyrant but in order to do that Dethan must first free the kingdom of the enemy at the gates and win over the King’s trust. Spine tingling excitement builds as the danger to Selinda and her family escalates and time begins to run out for Dethan to keep his promise. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life while the well orchestrated events ensure that the reader has to know every last detail.
I have to say the author created a very complex world with some unique and interesting elements but it seemed that some of the world building overshadowed the story a bit to begin with, but once it even out a bit, I quickly became more enamored of the characters and their story and enjoyed it to the very end and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Selinda, the heir to throne of Hexis had been betrothed to an evil manipulative man who wants the throne for himself so what she needs is a champion and Dethan quickly decides conquering Selinda may be just what he needs in order to serve his Goddess. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the intriguing and complex world as the compelling characters grab reader’s attention and don’t let go and the steady to fast paced plot keeps readers hovering in expectation.
The romance between Selinda and Dethan progresses at a steady rate throughout the story as Dethan wins her trust and promises her a future free of the evil tyrant but in order to do that Dethan must first free the kingdom of the enemy at the gates and win over the King’s trust. Spine tingling excitement builds as the danger to Selinda and her family escalates and time begins to run out for Dethan to keep his promise. The well written scenes and details capture the imagination and bring the story to life while the well orchestrated events ensure that the reader has to know every last detail.
I have to say the author created a very complex world with some unique and interesting elements but it seemed that some of the world building overshadowed the story a bit to begin with, but once it even out a bit, I quickly became more enamored of the characters and their story and enjoyed it to the very end and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
July 27, 2015
DNF:
I really really struggled to finish this book which was surprising for me as Jacquelyn Frank is in my instant buy catalog.
I was completely unable to focus on anything else in the book due to my constant concern for when Dethan was going to burst in to flames while trying to accomplish all of the things that he promised. I was unable to have any hope whatsoever for a HEA for him and Selinda because there was never even a hint that the curse would be lifted eventually so that they could be together.
On the flip side the persistent pressure on Selinda and the unending risk of her being punished for incredibly basic things made it difficult to enjoy even the most simple of secret or romantic moments between her and Dethan.
This ended up being a DNF for me because there were too many things causing too much anxiety in this book for me to try to start to enjoy it. Unable to relax for even a second, reading the book became a stressful event and I ended up abandoning it around 70% of the way through. While this may be a kind of back handed compliment to the author, this ability that she has to make you truly FEEL everything the characters are feeling, it ended flipped the other direction for me and made it an uncomfortable read.
This won't stop me from reading every. other. book. ever written by her but this one was definitely tough.
***I was given a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review***
I really really struggled to finish this book which was surprising for me as Jacquelyn Frank is in my instant buy catalog.
I was completely unable to focus on anything else in the book due to my constant concern for when Dethan was going to burst in to flames while trying to accomplish all of the things that he promised. I was unable to have any hope whatsoever for a HEA for him and Selinda because there was never even a hint that the curse would be lifted eventually so that they could be together.
On the flip side the persistent pressure on Selinda and the unending risk of her being punished for incredibly basic things made it difficult to enjoy even the most simple of secret or romantic moments between her and Dethan.
This ended up being a DNF for me because there were too many things causing too much anxiety in this book for me to try to start to enjoy it. Unable to relax for even a second, reading the book became a stressful event and I ended up abandoning it around 70% of the way through. While this may be a kind of back handed compliment to the author, this ability that she has to make you truly FEEL everything the characters are feeling, it ended flipped the other direction for me and made it an uncomfortable read.
This won't stop me from reading every. other. book. ever written by her but this one was definitely tough.
***I was given a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2015
"You will warm my bed as long as I am here."
"What?"
What? he asked himself in shock. Where in the eight hells had that come from?"
How could a simple agreement between a cursed general and a princess betrothed to a sinister man turn into so much more? *Sigh* Okay, I saw it coming but this was far more than expected! The characters and settings were brilliantly painted with ease and I'd dare say that she has captured the essence of falling in love with all of its breath taking moments, uncertainty and magnetism.
"Now you have vexed me," he said, leaning so close she could feel his breath against her lips.
"O-oh, I-I did not mean to-"
He silenced her with a single finger against her lips. "I am vexed because now I cannot decide which I want more... to touch you or be touched by you."
And this isn't your typical hero and heroine story. There's action and romance of course but she's also created a whole new universe of warring mythological gods, plenty of twists and a strong alpha hero that wouldn't let anyone (even Selinda) cut his lady down.
"And the more she accepted her flaw matter-of-factly, the more others accepted it as well."
Beautifully written with plenty of heart, depth and suspense all of the way to the end. I'd suggest this to anyone and can't wait to read Cursed by Ice.
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the fantastic read :)
"What?"
What? he asked himself in shock. Where in the eight hells had that come from?"
How could a simple agreement between a cursed general and a princess betrothed to a sinister man turn into so much more? *Sigh* Okay, I saw it coming but this was far more than expected! The characters and settings were brilliantly painted with ease and I'd dare say that she has captured the essence of falling in love with all of its breath taking moments, uncertainty and magnetism.
"Now you have vexed me," he said, leaning so close she could feel his breath against her lips.
"O-oh, I-I did not mean to-"
He silenced her with a single finger against her lips. "I am vexed because now I cannot decide which I want more... to touch you or be touched by you."
And this isn't your typical hero and heroine story. There's action and romance of course but she's also created a whole new universe of warring mythological gods, plenty of twists and a strong alpha hero that wouldn't let anyone (even Selinda) cut his lady down.
"And the more she accepted her flaw matter-of-factly, the more others accepted it as well."
Beautifully written with plenty of heart, depth and suspense all of the way to the end. I'd suggest this to anyone and can't wait to read Cursed by Ice.
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the fantastic read :)
February 22, 2015
Cursed by Fire by Jacquelyn Frank
Never mess with magic because it may leave you to burn. That’s my tag line for this fantastic paranormal/fantasy romance.
The immortal, Dethan, is cursed by the Gods to burn for life, yet never die. He must’ve been some type of badass in his former day.
After burning for decades, a Goddess releases him under the condition to claim medieval cities for her.
He heals when he’s released from the fires, yet must return for a few hours daily. On his travel away from the fires, he stumbles on a poorly run village with a beautiful maiden, Selinda. She will be the next ruler along with an awful choice of husbands made by her father.
Dethan decides he wants to conquer this village, although there are a lot of conflicts to overcome. He must deface Selinda’s husband-to-be, beat an invading army, and then he finds himself in the biggest dilemma.
Dethan is in love with Selinda and she with him. I didn’t give away anything important here because Dethan has promised to continue fighting for the Goddess who released him from the fires, so he doesn’t have the option to fall in love, make a family, and live happily ever after.
How hard can it be to alter the demands of a Goddess? Dethan and Selinda will certainly try to find out.
A sexy, stimulating, and charged story I definitely recommend.
February 8, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Love - Love Love Love! This book was a fantastic star t to a new series. The book had everything inside it. There was love, hate, war, gods, magic, conflict, everything! And it was so well balanced. You often times find that once authors get to a certain stage their writing begins to trail off but that isn't the case with Ms. Frank. I feel like each book of hers I read is stronger and stronger. Which is very impressive.
She has a writing style that eases you in and gives you a lot of greatness. Her book is very much a page turner.
Dethan is an easy to like kind of alpha male. There wasn't really any characteristics about him that turned me off. Sometimes these 'alpha males' get too big for themselves or too demanding and too controlling but not him.
I enjoyed how he and Selinda got along and I really enjoyed what they did to save her from the man she was betrothed to.
I was very happy that I had the second book to read right off the bat. When this one ended I was like "Whew thank god I can start book two."
This will keep you entertained, make you feel good and give you another series to sit back and wait for in 2015.
Love - Love Love Love! This book was a fantastic star t to a new series. The book had everything inside it. There was love, hate, war, gods, magic, conflict, everything! And it was so well balanced. You often times find that once authors get to a certain stage their writing begins to trail off but that isn't the case with Ms. Frank. I feel like each book of hers I read is stronger and stronger. Which is very impressive.
She has a writing style that eases you in and gives you a lot of greatness. Her book is very much a page turner.
Dethan is an easy to like kind of alpha male. There wasn't really any characteristics about him that turned me off. Sometimes these 'alpha males' get too big for themselves or too demanding and too controlling but not him.
I enjoyed how he and Selinda got along and I really enjoyed what they did to save her from the man she was betrothed to.
I was very happy that I had the second book to read right off the bat. When this one ended I was like "Whew thank god I can start book two."
This will keep you entertained, make you feel good and give you another series to sit back and wait for in 2015.
March 11, 2015
Blog Tour & Review: Cursed by Fire: The Immortal Brothers Series by Jacquelyn Frank http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-2aZ
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars
REVIEW
"Cursed by Fire" is the first book in an exciting new paranormal series by Jacquelyn Frank. The Immortal Brothers Series will feature books for four warrior brothers who have been cursed by the gods. "Cursed by Fire" is Dethan and Selinda story. Dethan is a torture warrior and Selinda is a princess in need of a champion. Jacquelyn Frank has created a unique, intriguing and dangerous new paranormal world that captured and held my attention from start to finish. "Cursed by Fire" has a great plot and plenty of smoking hot romance between the characters. I can't wait to read the next brother's book. I think this is going to be a great new paranormal series.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4 Stars
REVIEW
"Cursed by Fire" is the first book in an exciting new paranormal series by Jacquelyn Frank. The Immortal Brothers Series will feature books for four warrior brothers who have been cursed by the gods. "Cursed by Fire" is Dethan and Selinda story. Dethan is a torture warrior and Selinda is a princess in need of a champion. Jacquelyn Frank has created a unique, intriguing and dangerous new paranormal world that captured and held my attention from start to finish. "Cursed by Fire" has a great plot and plenty of smoking hot romance between the characters. I can't wait to read the next brother's book. I think this is going to be a great new paranormal series.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
January 11, 2015DNF @50%
This was my first book by this author and after reading the reviews from her other books I expected a great read. Unfortunately I was disappointed .
I didn't like the hero nor the heroine but most of all I didn't like the world building . The whole book and its characters had a medieval feel to them ,something I don't expect from a fantasy.
And it was boring . I couldn't make myself read more and I had to DNF at 50%.
P.s.I'm not rating it because I didn't finish it.
From netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This was my first book by this author and after reading the reviews from her other books I expected a great read. Unfortunately I was disappointed .
I didn't like the hero nor the heroine but most of all I didn't like the world building . The whole book and its characters had a medieval feel to them ,something I don't expect from a fantasy.
And it was boring . I couldn't make myself read more and I had to DNF at 50%.
P.s.I'm not rating it because I didn't finish it.
From netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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