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The One Without Flame
Two women. One enemy. And a world that will burn before it lets them win.
Nineteen-year-old Quinn has made her she will free the dragons from captivity. Life means nothing if her best friend suffers at the hands of man—at the hands of her own father. To succeed, she must find the one place no one believes exists.
The Axis is farther from home than she ever imagined—yet far too close. Not what she expected, yet hauntingly familiar. A world of familiar faces where Quinn is seen not as a savior, but as the enemy.
Tess, a hardened rebel leader, has spent years fighting for her people’s freedom. And she will burn down anyone who threatens them—even Quinn.
Thrown together by fate, the two women are forced into an uneasy alliance. Quinn fights for dragons. Tess fights for her people. Trust is impossible. Betrayal is inevitable.
But as their worlds collide, the line between ally and adversary begins to blur. And both will be forced to decide what matters most—before everything they love goes up in flames.
Nineteen-year-old Quinn has made her she will free the dragons from captivity. Life means nothing if her best friend suffers at the hands of man—at the hands of her own father. To succeed, she must find the one place no one believes exists.
The Axis is farther from home than she ever imagined—yet far too close. Not what she expected, yet hauntingly familiar. A world of familiar faces where Quinn is seen not as a savior, but as the enemy.
Tess, a hardened rebel leader, has spent years fighting for her people’s freedom. And she will burn down anyone who threatens them—even Quinn.
Thrown together by fate, the two women are forced into an uneasy alliance. Quinn fights for dragons. Tess fights for her people. Trust is impossible. Betrayal is inevitable.
But as their worlds collide, the line between ally and adversary begins to blur. And both will be forced to decide what matters most—before everything they love goes up in flames.
- GenresFantasy
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
6 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 19, 2025
The One Without Flame is the first book in a new fantasy series that contains dragons, alternate universes, political intrigue, familial drama, and what may end up being some medical mystery.
Our two main characters are the same young woman in two separate universes, and it seems that one of them is aware of this, while the other is debating it or unsure of it. "She didn't know my full name. And I wasn't sure she would have wanted to know. Quintessa, the first." They are complete opposites in every way, which leads to a distrust and dislike of each other.
A lot of the tropes represented in this book may seem cliche, but they keep you interested and are written about in a unique manner. The magic system with the dragons is unique, the political intrigue is as unique as it can be. I didn't feel like I was reading a repeat of another series while I was reading The One Without Flame. I wasn't mind blown while reading it, though.
I will say that it takes a lot for a book to make cry, and this book did succeed at that. When it comes time for Quinn to adventure to the Axis... brace yourself, and have some tissues and chocolate on hand. That's gonna be a doozy.
The world building is extremely well written, and I was able to truly immerse myself in what was happening and where the characters were. I struggled a bit with the characters and their emotions/personalities. There were moments when you could clearly feel what the characters were feeling, but some where you could feel it clear as day. For example, "The air felt different. Like we had to anchor ourselves to the ground, instead of simply standing here. I wanted to ask Arik if he noticed a rippling of something running through his body right now, almost a calming energy. Like something humming through his veins, but at the same time, making him want to explode from underneath the floor. Instead, I wrapped my arms around his middle, shoving my face in his shirt, pretending I didn't have that horrible feeling deep in my gut. Like I was now a part of something. A small piece of something large, something powerful. Something terrifying."
As usual with my reviews, I like to include some spoiler free quotes from the book that resonated with me.
-"To me, early mornings provided relief, solace, and a place to clear my head after dream-filled nights."
-"Maybe you can't change everything all at once. But I bet at least one person listens."
-"When something bad happens, everyone is so quick to blame themselves. Why?"
-"What a depressing take on life. Why work hard? Why live at all if not meant to get what you want? What you deserved? As if we were forced to treat life as nothing more than a job, day in and day out."
-"What did they say? Keep feeding a tyrant, and they will be hungry forever?"
I'm very much looking forward to the second book in the series. I can't wait to see more world building in the series, and to see what happens with Quinn and Tess.
Our two main characters are the same young woman in two separate universes, and it seems that one of them is aware of this, while the other is debating it or unsure of it. "She didn't know my full name. And I wasn't sure she would have wanted to know. Quintessa, the first." They are complete opposites in every way, which leads to a distrust and dislike of each other.
A lot of the tropes represented in this book may seem cliche, but they keep you interested and are written about in a unique manner. The magic system with the dragons is unique, the political intrigue is as unique as it can be. I didn't feel like I was reading a repeat of another series while I was reading The One Without Flame. I wasn't mind blown while reading it, though.
I will say that it takes a lot for a book to make cry, and this book did succeed at that. When it comes time for Quinn to adventure to the Axis... brace yourself, and have some tissues and chocolate on hand. That's gonna be a doozy.
The world building is extremely well written, and I was able to truly immerse myself in what was happening and where the characters were. I struggled a bit with the characters and their emotions/personalities. There were moments when you could clearly feel what the characters were feeling, but some where you could feel it clear as day. For example, "The air felt different. Like we had to anchor ourselves to the ground, instead of simply standing here. I wanted to ask Arik if he noticed a rippling of something running through his body right now, almost a calming energy. Like something humming through his veins, but at the same time, making him want to explode from underneath the floor. Instead, I wrapped my arms around his middle, shoving my face in his shirt, pretending I didn't have that horrible feeling deep in my gut. Like I was now a part of something. A small piece of something large, something powerful. Something terrifying."
As usual with my reviews, I like to include some spoiler free quotes from the book that resonated with me.
-"To me, early mornings provided relief, solace, and a place to clear my head after dream-filled nights."
-"Maybe you can't change everything all at once. But I bet at least one person listens."
-"When something bad happens, everyone is so quick to blame themselves. Why?"
-"What a depressing take on life. Why work hard? Why live at all if not meant to get what you want? What you deserved? As if we were forced to treat life as nothing more than a job, day in and day out."
-"What did they say? Keep feeding a tyrant, and they will be hungry forever?"
I'm very much looking forward to the second book in the series. I can't wait to see more world building in the series, and to see what happens with Quinn and Tess.
March 2, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just finished reading the book, and I can't believe what happened!
Beware, spoilers ahead!
Let's start with the characters. I think they were all well-developed, but if I had to choose favorites, I'd pick Quinn and Arik. I mean, I'm a Quinn-Arik team, especially how they give each other a second chance since they're from different universes. I never would have imagined that concept!
In particular, I identified with Quinn at times, especially during moments of self-doubt and when things didn't go as planned, making her blame herself. She's one of the most complex characters I've encountered, and I appreciated her bravery and willingness to take risks. I admired how she made a deal with dragons to combine their blood and gain firepower while staying true to herself. Arik also has a lot of potential to be a great literary boyfriend, especially if there’s a sequel, which I hope there is.
Tess, on the other hand, is Quinn's counterpart, but her attitude annoyed me. While she was a well-written character, her stubbornness and anger issues were frustrating.
Now, regarding the plot—I found it wonderful! I loved the world-building. I was a little confused about the different universes at first, but as I read on, I understood how everything worked. However, I now have questions about how Luther will impact Quinn's world. The fact that the worlds are separated for a reason intrigues me, especially considering that dragons are divided by gender in each universe. Perhaps this was a way to prevent the dragons in Tess's universe from having a queen, or maybe it was all Luther's fault.
I suspected that Benny was Arden, but it still surprised me when it was revealed. Although I enjoy stories with dragons, I don't often read books featuring them. However, this world felt original and captivating. I genuinely loved the story, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the sequel!
Here are some of my favorite quotes or parts:
Chapter 11: “Maybe it’s just the way we deal with bad things in life,” I said, wiping my cheeks.
Chapter 12: My Gram always said you never know how though you are until you have to be.
Chapter 18: “Because she is nothing like you.” He stared at me again with those hard, cold eyes. And then he turned and walked off.
Chapter 19: “Arik is falling for you, and you came through the link from a place where dragons are friendly. I have to admit, all that put together makes me curious.”
Chapter 34: The girl had destroyed everything. Now, I would destroy her.
And I found a playlist on YouTube that fits perfectly well with this book, I was listening it while reading it and it was amazing. I feel into the world.
https://youtu.be/qK0Jxs2iDZ8?si=9AhWR...
Again, this book was amazing. My rate 4.5/5
I just finished reading the book, and I can't believe what happened!
Beware, spoilers ahead!
Let's start with the characters. I think they were all well-developed, but if I had to choose favorites, I'd pick Quinn and Arik. I mean, I'm a Quinn-Arik team, especially how they give each other a second chance since they're from different universes. I never would have imagined that concept!
In particular, I identified with Quinn at times, especially during moments of self-doubt and when things didn't go as planned, making her blame herself. She's one of the most complex characters I've encountered, and I appreciated her bravery and willingness to take risks. I admired how she made a deal with dragons to combine their blood and gain firepower while staying true to herself. Arik also has a lot of potential to be a great literary boyfriend, especially if there’s a sequel, which I hope there is.
Tess, on the other hand, is Quinn's counterpart, but her attitude annoyed me. While she was a well-written character, her stubbornness and anger issues were frustrating.
Now, regarding the plot—I found it wonderful! I loved the world-building. I was a little confused about the different universes at first, but as I read on, I understood how everything worked. However, I now have questions about how Luther will impact Quinn's world. The fact that the worlds are separated for a reason intrigues me, especially considering that dragons are divided by gender in each universe. Perhaps this was a way to prevent the dragons in Tess's universe from having a queen, or maybe it was all Luther's fault.
I suspected that Benny was Arden, but it still surprised me when it was revealed. Although I enjoy stories with dragons, I don't often read books featuring them. However, this world felt original and captivating. I genuinely loved the story, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the sequel!
Here are some of my favorite quotes or parts:
Chapter 11: “Maybe it’s just the way we deal with bad things in life,” I said, wiping my cheeks.
Chapter 12: My Gram always said you never know how though you are until you have to be.
Chapter 18: “Because she is nothing like you.” He stared at me again with those hard, cold eyes. And then he turned and walked off.
Chapter 19: “Arik is falling for you, and you came through the link from a place where dragons are friendly. I have to admit, all that put together makes me curious.”
Chapter 34: The girl had destroyed everything. Now, I would destroy her.
And I found a playlist on YouTube that fits perfectly well with this book, I was listening it while reading it and it was amazing. I feel into the world.
https://youtu.be/qK0Jxs2iDZ8?si=9AhWR...
Again, this book was amazing. My rate 4.5/5
April 12, 2025
Two realms. One destiny. A whole lot of dragons and emotional damage. Sign me all the way up.
From the very first chapter, The One Without Flame had me asking all the right questions. There are two separate storylines unfolding, and for a while, I was like, okay... where is this going? But once things start to connect—especially around the dragons—you feel the tension building, and suddenly you're in too deep to stop.
Quinn is a fierce nineteen-year-old caught between duty, heartbreak, and her father’s shadow (yikes). She’s determined to free the dragons, no matter the cost—even if it means going up against her own blood. That kind of resolve? I lived for it. But what really pulled me in were the characters orbiting her world. Some of them I rooted for like crazy, others I wanted to throttle—and a few, both at the same time. Michelle Massie does an incredible job creating a cast that feels real, flawed, and complicated in the best way.
There are moments that absolutely broke me, moments that had me cheering, and a few where I just sat there whispering "what just happened." It’s one of those reads that keeps your heart racing from chapter to chapter. The twists. The betrayals. The dragons. (Did I mention the dragons??)
The writing is solid, the worldbuilding pulls you in without overloading you, and the emotional highs and lows are chef’s kiss. I genuinely hope there’s a book 2, because I need more. More dragons. More answers. More Quinn being a reckless, loyal queen.
If you’re into YA fantasy with dragons, dangerous choices, and characters you’ll both love and yell at, this one’s for you. Don’t sleep on it.
From the very first chapter, The One Without Flame had me asking all the right questions. There are two separate storylines unfolding, and for a while, I was like, okay... where is this going? But once things start to connect—especially around the dragons—you feel the tension building, and suddenly you're in too deep to stop.
Quinn is a fierce nineteen-year-old caught between duty, heartbreak, and her father’s shadow (yikes). She’s determined to free the dragons, no matter the cost—even if it means going up against her own blood. That kind of resolve? I lived for it. But what really pulled me in were the characters orbiting her world. Some of them I rooted for like crazy, others I wanted to throttle—and a few, both at the same time. Michelle Massie does an incredible job creating a cast that feels real, flawed, and complicated in the best way.
There are moments that absolutely broke me, moments that had me cheering, and a few where I just sat there whispering "what just happened." It’s one of those reads that keeps your heart racing from chapter to chapter. The twists. The betrayals. The dragons. (Did I mention the dragons??)
The writing is solid, the worldbuilding pulls you in without overloading you, and the emotional highs and lows are chef’s kiss. I genuinely hope there’s a book 2, because I need more. More dragons. More answers. More Quinn being a reckless, loyal queen.
If you’re into YA fantasy with dragons, dangerous choices, and characters you’ll both love and yell at, this one’s for you. Don’t sleep on it.
March 6, 2025
If you are looking for an alternate dimension story with dragons, this is a great one. I enjoyed that while the two realms had their similarities, they were very much different realities. I thought that the pacing was pretty good, bringing the reader on the same journey of discovery as the characters.
I found it very interesting how juxtaposed the two female leads are. Where Quinn is full of life, hope, and a desire to do what's right, Tess is all rough edges, and distrust. The clashed with one another over and over, despite needing to work together. I liked Quinn, except for her constant self-doubt. Many times she would revert to feeling like everything was her fault and that she had messed up, that she couldn't do what she needed. I struggled with Tess. She was so crass and so angry all the time, taking all her problems out on Quinn.
I loved Arik. He was a voice of reason for Tess and a confidant for Quinn. He cared so much about everybody around him and didn't hesitate to do what was right and needed.
Content warning:
-Open-door scenes and crude language
-swearing
Thank you, Michelle, for the chance to review your awesome story!
I found it very interesting how juxtaposed the two female leads are. Where Quinn is full of life, hope, and a desire to do what's right, Tess is all rough edges, and distrust. The clashed with one another over and over, despite needing to work together. I liked Quinn, except for her constant self-doubt. Many times she would revert to feeling like everything was her fault and that she had messed up, that she couldn't do what she needed. I struggled with Tess. She was so crass and so angry all the time, taking all her problems out on Quinn.
I loved Arik. He was a voice of reason for Tess and a confidant for Quinn. He cared so much about everybody around him and didn't hesitate to do what was right and needed.
Content warning:
-Open-door scenes and crude language
-swearing
Thank you, Michelle, for the chance to review your awesome story!
May 27, 2025
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for this book. If you want action, drama, dragons; villains; rebellion; low key romance… I would def recommend checking this one out!! - Quinn wants to free the dragons from slavery, but in order to do that, she’s thrust into a situation she’s not sure she can get herself out of. Dropped in enemy territory in a world that’s strange, yet eerily similar to her own… Tess can’t stand Quinn, but will they be able to work together to save the people they love? And what about the man torn between two women that are similar, yet so very different? …. Spice level: 1.5/5. - At times it was a bit confusing for me, but I stayed with it and eventually got wrapped up in the story. Also Rhesh was my fave part of this story! (But I won’t give anything else away) Also, how gorgeous is the cover?!!
March 2, 2025
I enjoyed this story, it starts out showing 2 separate sets of people that had me wondering what was going on but I knew it had to do with dragons. Then things get interesting. Well written characters to like and hate and want to slap at times. But the mystery and suspense and intrigue was amazing and had me glued to see what was really going on and how it would play out. Not what I expected at times so I liked that and some twists and surprises were a blast.
May 5, 2025
I loved the book. Michelle has a way with words. Her world and character building is like playing a movie. The characters are engaging and energetic. The dragons are majestic and strong. The plot twists and turns keep you guessing for sure. I love the book and can't wait to read the next. The cliff hanger at the end was awesome to keep you wanting more!
March 11, 2025
Amazing read!
Now this was a great story of a girl named Quinn and how her love for dragons would change it all and what an adventure she went on in the book. The ups and downs of this story had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't get enough I hope there will be a book 2.
Now this was a great story of a girl named Quinn and how her love for dragons would change it all and what an adventure she went on in the book. The ups and downs of this story had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't get enough I hope there will be a book 2.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews