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Firebug #2
Pyromantic
Ava is having a rough time. Getting rid of Venus didn’t set her free—she’s still part of the magical mafia called the Coterie. Her new boss seems like an improvement, but who knows if he’ll stay that way—the Coterie life changes people. And since Ava’s currently avoiding her friends after (disastrously) turning down a date with Lock, well, everything kind of sucks. And that’s not even taking into account the feelings she might have for him.
But when a mysterious illness starts to affect magical beings, it’s up to Ava and her team to stop its spread…or else one of them might be next.
But when a mysterious illness starts to affect magical beings, it’s up to Ava and her team to stop its spread…or else one of them might be next.
326 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2017
12 people are currently reading
1745 people want to read
About the author
Lish McBride
28 books1,318 followersLish McBride is the author of funny and creepy Young Adult books such as Hold Me Closer, Necromancer; Necromancing the Stone; Firebug; and Pyromantic. She has published short stories in the Normal School, Tor.com, and the anthologies Cornered, What to Read in the Rain, Freaks & Other Family, and Kisses & Curses. She got her BFA in creative writing from Seattle University and her MFA from University of New Orleans. Lish is also currently a bookseller and event host at Third Place Books, a giant thriving indie bookstore just outside of Seattle. Her first book, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults title, Morris Award finalist, and won the Scandiuzzi Children’s Book Award. While she has no long term goals for world domination, she would like her own castle.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/lishmc...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/lishmc...
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April 11, 2017OK so i need Ava and Lock to get together RIGHT NOW. Seriously though. Come on.
March 4, 2017
I have always loved Lish's books, but Firebug was a favorite of mine, so I couldn't wait to get to Pyromantic.
Of course Ava and the crew are as fantastic as usual. I adore being in Ava's head, but it's really Ezra that is my favorite. I would happily make a hair doll to get some of his POV. Lock is broody and adorable as well. It's the scenes with the three of them together that have the best banter.
This book picks up pretty much where Firebug ended and plot wise it doesn't disappoint. There are some new characters that I loved and an excellent collection of icky things. The ending was satisfying and left me desperately wanting more. I'm not sure if there will be another book, but if so, I'm all over it.
**Huge thanks to Henry Holt for providing the arc free of charge**
Of course Ava and the crew are as fantastic as usual. I adore being in Ava's head, but it's really Ezra that is my favorite. I would happily make a hair doll to get some of his POV. Lock is broody and adorable as well. It's the scenes with the three of them together that have the best banter.
This book picks up pretty much where Firebug ended and plot wise it doesn't disappoint. There are some new characters that I loved and an excellent collection of icky things. The ending was satisfying and left me desperately wanting more. I'm not sure if there will be another book, but if so, I'm all over it.
**Huge thanks to Henry Holt for providing the arc free of charge**
March 27, 2017
you can read this review and Firebug's on my blog!
This was a great followup to Firebug! I only have two complaints but more on that later.
I absolutely adored Firebug and the characters in that book. In Pyromantic, the crew's actually bigger. They aren't new--they've been mentioned in the first book, but their roles here a lot bigger.
And that isn't a bad thing at all. If anything, it shows how comfortable and how capable McBride is with having so many characters and, with it, a variety of personalities, powers, and relationships. I loved it, seeing new sides to these characters--primarily Alistair and Bianca. But with this is the sad decline of seeing my favourite trio--Lock, Ava, and Ezra--together.
Pyromantic takes place several months after Firebug and in the beginning, the three aren't even together. Ava's back in Currant while the boys are in the city and she's been avoiding them--primarily Lock--because she kind of turned down a date from her best friend. It was a bit sad not seeing them together because I love their friendship and how they just are around each other. They're hilarious and adorable and like a family and it makes me so, so happy.
DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN??
But McBride doesn't make that last for long. I loved how she dealt with the awkwardness between Lock and Ava, and how she made them a team again.
See? They just get each other.
It isn't like how they were in Firebug but that's mostly because there are more people so the three don't just have to rely on each other anymore--they have more backup.
That isn't to say the humour's gone. Most of the team knows exactly how to respond to Ava and Ezra and Lock. There's no one sucking the humour out of the scene except for the sense of impending doom--but then again, that's always the case, so y'know. At least the characters keep it going.
In any case, that was in tip top shape and for that I am glad. I know that this book came out over 2 years later after Firebug so it was great to see that, despite how long it took for the author to write this, she still had the characters how they were supposed to be.
Okay, so my complaints. It wasn't as action packed as the first book. I'm not sure if the series ends with this book, or if there will be a third book, but despite that, I was a bit disappointed. This one isn't boring by any means, not at all, but it felt like a while before things really started to happen. In the beginning and for what was about the first half of the book, they were all jumping from job to job, not really knowing what the hell was happening. And I get that--the need to build up to some reveal to the plot and whatnot, but it kind of dragged on for me.
There was also a severe lack of Ezra in the book. I love Lock and Ava a lot, but Ezra is my favourite character and he isn't in the book as much as he was in Firebug. There was another character, Sylvie, who was, and I can't say I was her biggest fan. There's nothing wrong with her, but she just felt like a liability and I just could not like her personality at all. Me thing, though, so not too big of a deal, but still.
One of the stronger points of this series is that it's not romance based. There are hardly any undertones. Part of me was disappointed, if only a bit, because of how book one ended, but a whole lot of me was glad that Ava didn't lose focus on the mission. Sometimes it came up, but only because the two parties were alone and it just happens. For the most part, though, it was romance drama free.
Overall, while Pyromantic was a good followup, I have to say FIrebug is my favourite of the series. I still highly recommend reading them, especially if you love humour in your books! 4 stars!
This was a great followup to Firebug! I only have two complaints but more on that later.
I absolutely adored Firebug and the characters in that book. In Pyromantic, the crew's actually bigger. They aren't new--they've been mentioned in the first book, but their roles here a lot bigger.
And that isn't a bad thing at all. If anything, it shows how comfortable and how capable McBride is with having so many characters and, with it, a variety of personalities, powers, and relationships. I loved it, seeing new sides to these characters--primarily Alistair and Bianca. But with this is the sad decline of seeing my favourite trio--Lock, Ava, and Ezra--together.
Pyromantic takes place several months after Firebug and in the beginning, the three aren't even together. Ava's back in Currant while the boys are in the city and she's been avoiding them--primarily Lock--because she kind of turned down a date from her best friend. It was a bit sad not seeing them together because I love their friendship and how they just are around each other. They're hilarious and adorable and like a family and it makes me so, so happy.
I snatched my phone from Ezra, then smacked his hand as he reached to grab it back. I'm afraid the slap fight went on longer than it should have. Lock had to intervene by sitting on Ezra.
DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN??
But McBride doesn't make that last for long. I loved how she dealt with the awkwardness between Lock and Ava, and how she made them a team again.
I sat down next to him, my head resting on his shoulder. "Don't do that," I said.
"What?"
"Take all the blame. You make the problem all yours and keep me from having to deal with things, and I appreciate it, but this one's on me."
Lock took my hand in both of his, absentmindedly massaging the pressure points. "How about we split it thirty-seventy. Then we can both be sorry but you can really torture yourself over it. And that way you'll have to make it up to me by not throwing yourself in front of every terrible and dangerous situation, and also maybe make me some wacky cake."
"You want me to back? Are you sure you're not still trying to torture yourself?"
"Wacky cake is pretty simple--"
"Do I need to remind you of the great pudding fire?"
"But--"
"It was instant pudding, Lock."
See? They just get each other.
It isn't like how they were in Firebug but that's mostly because there are more people so the three don't just have to rely on each other anymore--they have more backup.
That isn't to say the humour's gone. Most of the team knows exactly how to respond to Ava and Ezra and Lock. There's no one sucking the humour out of the scene except for the sense of impending doom--but then again, that's always the case, so y'know. At least the characters keep it going.
In any case, that was in tip top shape and for that I am glad. I know that this book came out over 2 years later after Firebug so it was great to see that, despite how long it took for the author to write this, she still had the characters how they were supposed to be.
Okay, so my complaints. It wasn't as action packed as the first book. I'm not sure if the series ends with this book, or if there will be a third book, but despite that, I was a bit disappointed. This one isn't boring by any means, not at all, but it felt like a while before things really started to happen. In the beginning and for what was about the first half of the book, they were all jumping from job to job, not really knowing what the hell was happening. And I get that--the need to build up to some reveal to the plot and whatnot, but it kind of dragged on for me.
There was also a severe lack of Ezra in the book. I love Lock and Ava a lot, but Ezra is my favourite character and he isn't in the book as much as he was in Firebug. There was another character, Sylvie, who was, and I can't say I was her biggest fan. There's nothing wrong with her, but she just felt like a liability and I just could not like her personality at all. Me thing, though, so not too big of a deal, but still.
One of the stronger points of this series is that it's not romance based. There are hardly any undertones. Part of me was disappointed, if only a bit, because of how book one ended, but a whole lot of me was glad that Ava didn't lose focus on the mission. Sometimes it came up, but only because the two parties were alone and it just happens. For the most part, though, it was romance drama free.
Overall, while Pyromantic was a good followup, I have to say FIrebug is my favourite of the series. I still highly recommend reading them, especially if you love humour in your books! 4 stars!
May 28, 2017
2.75 melting stars
Realmente queria que este libro me gustara mucho más, pero Ava, la prota, lo intenta demasiado. Trata demasiado de ser graciosa, de no caer en sentimentalismos, pero igual termina interactuando de modo forzado.
La trama es interesante, y se lee bastante rápido.
Como siempre, Ezra te arrebata el corazón. Sylvie, aunque quiere ser encantadora como geek y fan de DrWho, resulta demasiado 'bipolar', lloriqueando por tonterias y luego no fijandose en lo más duro: no olvidemos que estos muchachos son los asesinos del Coterie.
Por otra parte, la cantidad de seres mágicos de aqui me encanta, aunque encuentro raro que los kelpies se parezcan a los de la serie Spellcrackers
-RTC_
Realmente queria que este libro me gustara mucho más, pero Ava, la prota, lo intenta demasiado. Trata demasiado de ser graciosa, de no caer en sentimentalismos, pero igual termina interactuando de modo forzado.
La trama es interesante, y se lee bastante rápido.
Como siempre, Ezra te arrebata el corazón. Sylvie, aunque quiere ser encantadora como geek y fan de DrWho, resulta demasiado 'bipolar', lloriqueando por tonterias y luego no fijandose en lo más duro: no olvidemos que estos muchachos son los asesinos del Coterie.
Por otra parte, la cantidad de seres mágicos de aqui me encanta, aunque encuentro raro que los kelpies se parezcan a los de la serie Spellcrackers
-RTC_
Want to read
January 28, 2017I WON! I WON! I WON A COPY OF PYROMANTIC!!
April 5, 2020
McBride gets my love for found families AND killer snails.
March 30, 2017
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Paranormal
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Pyromantic is the second installment in author Lish McBride's Firebug series. Having been introduced to series protagonist Ava Halloway in Firebug, I've come to hope for a whole lot of great things from her. After all, how cool is it that she can start fires with her mind? Or, that Firebugs are creatures of flames & heat and are siblings to the Phoenix and the Dragon? How about the fact that she works for an organization called the Coterie, a magical mafia, where she is contracted by blood as an assassin of sorts? One could say that she is an indentured servant until she dies, or finds a way to break the blood bound contract. But, let's continue...
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult, Paranormal
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Pyromantic is the second installment in author Lish McBride's Firebug series. Having been introduced to series protagonist Ava Halloway in Firebug, I've come to hope for a whole lot of great things from her. After all, how cool is it that she can start fires with her mind? Or, that Firebugs are creatures of flames & heat and are siblings to the Phoenix and the Dragon? How about the fact that she works for an organization called the Coterie, a magical mafia, where she is contracted by blood as an assassin of sorts? One could say that she is an indentured servant until she dies, or finds a way to break the blood bound contract. But, let's continue...
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
November 16, 2020
So I finished the 2nd book.
The beginning was great.
The middle had me laughing outloud.
But toward the end... eh.
The author began losing her touch when it came to subtlety in her themes and metaphors (which can be very frustrating as the reader!).
On top of that, it took WAY too long to reveal the 'villain' if you will. For most of the book I wasn't so sure who I should be directing my emotions toward- which again, is no fun for a reader.
Then there was the (forgive the pun) slow burn romance. Jeeze la weeze! It was danced around, practically forgotten and then picked up there at the VERY LAST PAGE?! No thank you. And can we please not with the first kiss at the end of the story? Honestly it would have done the story more good if the couple had had just gotten together in the middle of the book.
I dont know. Maybe I'm too harsh? It wasn't a bad story. I enjoyed myself, really. I think this author is a breath of fresh air. I just think... the author showed me what she was capable of in the 1st book and I had high expectations.
Alllllso- whoever wrote the summary on the back of the book... please don't do that again. I can confidently say that if I had read that summary first- I would have never committed myself to this book. It was a cheapened and dishonest claim on what this book had to offer.
Alright. I think I'm done.
The beginning was great.
The middle had me laughing outloud.
But toward the end... eh.
The author began losing her touch when it came to subtlety in her themes and metaphors (which can be very frustrating as the reader!).
On top of that, it took WAY too long to reveal the 'villain' if you will. For most of the book I wasn't so sure who I should be directing my emotions toward- which again, is no fun for a reader.
Then there was the (forgive the pun) slow burn romance. Jeeze la weeze! It was danced around, practically forgotten and then picked up there at the VERY LAST PAGE?! No thank you. And can we please not with the first kiss at the end of the story? Honestly it would have done the story more good if the couple had had just gotten together in the middle of the book.
I dont know. Maybe I'm too harsh? It wasn't a bad story. I enjoyed myself, really. I think this author is a breath of fresh air. I just think... the author showed me what she was capable of in the 1st book and I had high expectations.
Alllllso- whoever wrote the summary on the back of the book... please don't do that again. I can confidently say that if I had read that summary first- I would have never committed myself to this book. It was a cheapened and dishonest claim on what this book had to offer.
Alright. I think I'm done.
April 24, 2017
Oh my goodness, I think I might want to cry. This book was everything I ever wanted in a story. It housed relatable and awesome characters, both side and main, awesome elemental magic and badassery and a love story that didn't take center stage and to be completely honest with you I already miss it.
Pyromantic wasn't just a good sequel, it was a good close being one of the first books that ever gave me the proper amount of closure. Now I don't know if this is the last book in the series or not but if it is I am 100% okay with that fact.
And listen, if you ever wanted to read a book that had an ensemble cast full of friendship, magic and with just a hint of romance please dear God in heaven, read this book.
Pyromantic wasn't just a good sequel, it was a good close being one of the first books that ever gave me the proper amount of closure. Now I don't know if this is the last book in the series or not but if it is I am 100% okay with that fact.
And listen, if you ever wanted to read a book that had an ensemble cast full of friendship, magic and with just a hint of romance please dear God in heaven, read this book.
November 24, 2024
Pyromantic
“Don’t let anyone tell you how your grief should run. It’s yours. It takes as long as it takes. I think rushing it can be just as wrong as letting it linger.”
This book picks up from where the first book, Firebug, left off. The bookshop that burned down form Venus in book 1 is being rebuilt, and Ava is learning how to navigate her new relationship with Cade after finding out he’s her real dad. And while the Coterie has new, not-as-bad leadership, Ava is still working for them, but she’s not exactly a fan of it. Also, since she turned down a date from Lock, she’s been avoiding him and Ezra, and things have been weird. But then she gets called to this scene where a werewolf and siren have been found dead, and when a necromancer brings them briefly back to like they’re clearly insane. Something made them go crazy — like some sort of illness? Ava gets pretty hurt but she escapes and she has a heart to heart with Ezra and Lock where they (kind of?) patch things up. But the weird incidents keep on coming. Everyone who is not human seems to be going crazy and they need to figure out why. Also Sylvie, who is a close human friend to Ava’s finally learns about Ava’s ability and the abilities of others. It was nice to bring her into the story a bit. And it turns out she has a huge impact on the plot. It starts when we find out she has a half-siren aunt who is annoyed at kelpies for eating her fish so Sylvie helps by developing these cardigans that help hold moisture so kelpies can stay on land longer. But then she gets further involved when we find out that she tried to help her aunt get rid of her siren powers so she could have a baby and not worry about singing to it. She enlisted the help of a witch named Thomas who turns her intention into bad ones because he has his own agenda of removing powers from people who might want to hurt witches. They were experimenting on snails and the snails were also eating the sweaters. They learn more from the kelpies after Sylvie helps to fix some torn cardigans. They find out the snails may have some sort of bacteria or something that people are catching that’s leading them to go crazy. Before they know Thomas is crazy they try to enlist his help but he escapes. He injures Bianca and another pack member in the process. They all track down Thomas to try to find an answer and are attacked by slugs that are sucking the magic off of them. It sucks the magic out of one of the kelpies who is very close to Sylvie. They find Thomas but he’s injured in the fight and refuses to give them any answers and basically says their attempts to stop the snails are futile. All seems at a loss until Ava puts together that if magic is what the fungus feeds on maybe it can help drive them away. And it works — they direct a lot of magic to one spot to draw it out of the body and then destroy it. So then the plan becomes to do that for everyone who is infected. I thought there was going to be some sort of final battle at the end, but it sort of just tapered off. I’m just really glad we finally had Ava and Lock get together. Ava was finally vulnerable and admitted her feelings and they kissed. Ava is also seeing her future differently with this coterie; she appreciates her work more and was also even looking at schooling. There is a cute scene at the end with her and Cade and the whole group around them and feeling like a family, which I feel like is a really big theme in this book. Overall it was a cute story and I again loved the humor and voice that Ava brings to the table. It was also just very creative, with the grove and the kelpies and the fungus and snails and magic.
“Don’t let anyone tell you how your grief should run. It’s yours. It takes as long as it takes. I think rushing it can be just as wrong as letting it linger.”
This book picks up from where the first book, Firebug, left off. The bookshop that burned down form Venus in book 1 is being rebuilt, and Ava is learning how to navigate her new relationship with Cade after finding out he’s her real dad. And while the Coterie has new, not-as-bad leadership, Ava is still working for them, but she’s not exactly a fan of it. Also, since she turned down a date from Lock, she’s been avoiding him and Ezra, and things have been weird. But then she gets called to this scene where a werewolf and siren have been found dead, and when a necromancer brings them briefly back to like they’re clearly insane. Something made them go crazy — like some sort of illness? Ava gets pretty hurt but she escapes and she has a heart to heart with Ezra and Lock where they (kind of?) patch things up. But the weird incidents keep on coming. Everyone who is not human seems to be going crazy and they need to figure out why. Also Sylvie, who is a close human friend to Ava’s finally learns about Ava’s ability and the abilities of others. It was nice to bring her into the story a bit. And it turns out she has a huge impact on the plot. It starts when we find out she has a half-siren aunt who is annoyed at kelpies for eating her fish so Sylvie helps by developing these cardigans that help hold moisture so kelpies can stay on land longer. But then she gets further involved when we find out that she tried to help her aunt get rid of her siren powers so she could have a baby and not worry about singing to it. She enlisted the help of a witch named Thomas who turns her intention into bad ones because he has his own agenda of removing powers from people who might want to hurt witches. They were experimenting on snails and the snails were also eating the sweaters. They learn more from the kelpies after Sylvie helps to fix some torn cardigans. They find out the snails may have some sort of bacteria or something that people are catching that’s leading them to go crazy. Before they know Thomas is crazy they try to enlist his help but he escapes. He injures Bianca and another pack member in the process. They all track down Thomas to try to find an answer and are attacked by slugs that are sucking the magic off of them. It sucks the magic out of one of the kelpies who is very close to Sylvie. They find Thomas but he’s injured in the fight and refuses to give them any answers and basically says their attempts to stop the snails are futile. All seems at a loss until Ava puts together that if magic is what the fungus feeds on maybe it can help drive them away. And it works — they direct a lot of magic to one spot to draw it out of the body and then destroy it. So then the plan becomes to do that for everyone who is infected. I thought there was going to be some sort of final battle at the end, but it sort of just tapered off. I’m just really glad we finally had Ava and Lock get together. Ava was finally vulnerable and admitted her feelings and they kissed. Ava is also seeing her future differently with this coterie; she appreciates her work more and was also even looking at schooling. There is a cute scene at the end with her and Cade and the whole group around them and feeling like a family, which I feel like is a really big theme in this book. Overall it was a cute story and I again loved the humor and voice that Ava brings to the table. It was also just very creative, with the grove and the kelpies and the fungus and snails and magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2017
Ava is having a rough time. Getting rid of Venus didn't set her free—she's still part of the magical mafia called the Coterie. Her new boss seems like an improvement, but who knows if he'll stay that way—the Coterie life changes people. And since Ava's currently avoiding her friends after (disastrously) turning down a date with Lock, well, everything kind of sucks. And that's not even taking into account the feelings she might have for him. But when a mysterious illness starts to affect magical beings, it's up to Ava and her team to stop its spread… or else one of them might be next.
Pyromantic is all danger and magic and family. It's the story of a girl and those she keeps close, those she tolerates, those she works for, and their attempts to keep everyone alive when something deadly and gross pops up in their area.
Ava is this wild combo of fire and snark and mediator and awkward teen. She's rough and powerful, fire in her veins and sparking out of her fingers when she's not careful or feeling awkward around Lock, and ready to get in a fight if anyone threatens anyone she keeps close. Like Lock and Ezra, her best friends. Like her supportive dad Cade and her excitable and nerdy but always supportive friend Sylvie. The Coterie? Not so much. Well, not when Venus was her boss. Now that it's this guy named Alistair, and that he's not exactly pure evil, Ava's got some second thoughts about the Coterie lifestyle. Maybe it's not all super evil? Maybe? But that doesn't mean her work for them is any lighter or easier. If anything, it's a lot more dangerous this time.
I love this book. It picks up where Firebug ended, right back into Ava's life with Cade and her awkwardness around Lock and her hunting down murderers and weird stuff for the Coterie. The combination of paranormal creatures and action and intrigue and family and friendship and banter and awkward moments worked for me. It all came together, to me, rather seamlessly. It just all fit. This bizarre found family all full of people with different abilities and vices and perspectives. If you're any kind of Lish McBride fan, you'll love this book.
(I borrowed a hardcover copy of this title from the library.)
Pyromantic is all danger and magic and family. It's the story of a girl and those she keeps close, those she tolerates, those she works for, and their attempts to keep everyone alive when something deadly and gross pops up in their area.
Ava is this wild combo of fire and snark and mediator and awkward teen. She's rough and powerful, fire in her veins and sparking out of her fingers when she's not careful or feeling awkward around Lock, and ready to get in a fight if anyone threatens anyone she keeps close. Like Lock and Ezra, her best friends. Like her supportive dad Cade and her excitable and nerdy but always supportive friend Sylvie. The Coterie? Not so much. Well, not when Venus was her boss. Now that it's this guy named Alistair, and that he's not exactly pure evil, Ava's got some second thoughts about the Coterie lifestyle. Maybe it's not all super evil? Maybe? But that doesn't mean her work for them is any lighter or easier. If anything, it's a lot more dangerous this time.
I love this book. It picks up where Firebug ended, right back into Ava's life with Cade and her awkwardness around Lock and her hunting down murderers and weird stuff for the Coterie. The combination of paranormal creatures and action and intrigue and family and friendship and banter and awkward moments worked for me. It all came together, to me, rather seamlessly. It just all fit. This bizarre found family all full of people with different abilities and vices and perspectives. If you're any kind of Lish McBride fan, you'll love this book.
(I borrowed a hardcover copy of this title from the library.)
May 5, 2017
Lish McBride's writing is a bit of a happy place for me, there is pretty much nothing I don't love about it.
Her characters are interesting -nuanced, even - and well developed. Her writing has me laughing out loud, so much so that my husband asks me what is so funny. The plot lines make sense, and you genuinely care about what happens.
This is no exception. Pyromantic continues on from the first instalment, with Ava working on accepting the change in management style of the new leader of the coterie - something that doesn't come easily...
People usually say they want ingenuity and independent though in their staff, but really they just want obedience...
She is also recovering from turning a date from Lock down - badly, it seems, as Ezra and Lock aren't doing the back up like they used to.
There are new problems to solve, creatures to meet, and best of all, Ava continues to develop - this series really is anchored with her, but in such a way as to see her grow as a person.
Literally laugh out loud in parts - my husband always asks me what is so funny when I am reading this author, my answer is usually, this author - and also really good quality, I love it when I have a new book to read by Lish McBride.
Her characters are interesting -nuanced, even - and well developed. Her writing has me laughing out loud, so much so that my husband asks me what is so funny. The plot lines make sense, and you genuinely care about what happens.
This is no exception. Pyromantic continues on from the first instalment, with Ava working on accepting the change in management style of the new leader of the coterie - something that doesn't come easily...
People usually say they want ingenuity and independent though in their staff, but really they just want obedience...
She is also recovering from turning a date from Lock down - badly, it seems, as Ezra and Lock aren't doing the back up like they used to.
There are new problems to solve, creatures to meet, and best of all, Ava continues to develop - this series really is anchored with her, but in such a way as to see her grow as a person.
Literally laugh out loud in parts - my husband always asks me what is so funny when I am reading this author, my answer is usually, this author - and also really good quality, I love it when I have a new book to read by Lish McBride.
July 31, 2017
4.5 – I loved this book even more than the original!! Love the humor and the characters and the crazy plot. Definitely some laugh-out-loud moments :) The plot was interesting and scary. I liked the new characters (especially Katya and Fitz), and that we got to know a few better, in particular Sid, Bianca, Sylvie, Alistair, and Cade. I wish we’d had a few more Lock, Ezra, and Ava alone moments, but I loved what we got with them anyway :)
I loved that Ava went through some growth and started learning to trust more and accept her crazy “family.” I REALLY loved that - SO happy about that :) I also loved when - so sweet and it made me smile :)
I’d love to read more in this world – would be AWESOME to have these characters meet and interact with the gang from the Necromancer series! Please!!
This book had some violence and I think I remember an instance or two of vulgar language…? There was also a bit of kissing/innuendo. LOVED this book!! :D
I loved that Ava went through some growth and started learning to trust more and accept her crazy “family.” I REALLY loved that - SO happy about that :) I also loved when - so sweet and it made me smile :)
I’d love to read more in this world – would be AWESOME to have these characters meet and interact with the gang from the Necromancer series! Please!!
This book had some violence and I think I remember an instance or two of vulgar language…? There was also a bit of kissing/innuendo. LOVED this book!! :D
June 15, 2017
McBride, Lish Pyromantic (Firebug #2), 323 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan, 2017). $19. Language: PG-13 (40 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (naked mentioned); Violence: PG-13 (bloody, deaths of creatures, fighting)
Ava and her friends defeated Venus, but she may never be free from the Coterie. The new leader, Alistair, has a very different method and manner than Venus, which results in all kinds of bad testing their boundaries. Ava, Ezra, and Lock are out to working overtime, with a few new characters to help them along. When they realize that all the badness that they are investigating is related, they have to hunt down the source, or all magic may disappear.
Ava and her friends are just as engaging as they were the first time around. I’m actually glad it been sometime between – it makes for a excellent book on its own, not just a rushed sequel.
HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Ava and her friends defeated Venus, but she may never be free from the Coterie. The new leader, Alistair, has a very different method and manner than Venus, which results in all kinds of bad testing their boundaries. Ava, Ezra, and Lock are out to working overtime, with a few new characters to help them along. When they realize that all the badness that they are investigating is related, they have to hunt down the source, or all magic may disappear.
Ava and her friends are just as engaging as they were the first time around. I’m actually glad it been sometime between – it makes for a excellent book on its own, not just a rushed sequel.
HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
May 16, 2017
If you've read Lish McBride's other books then you'll probably like this newest addition to the universe. The characters are fun and the action is fast and will written. This book only suffers from one flaw, that being its a sequel to a book that didn't need one. The few plot points from the first book (Firebug) left hanging could've been wrapped up in a short story or novella, not that I don't love and appreciate the time Lish McBride took to craft this masterpiece (please keep writing this world).
Unlike other YA books in this genre it wasn't a 'Protagonist must save the world' situation it was more like -- This week on a Firebug *theme music*. The story was episodic, like it was part of a larger story, but lacking the hook or connection to a larger villainous plot.
all in all a good read and great addition to the cannon.
Unlike other YA books in this genre it wasn't a 'Protagonist must save the world' situation it was more like -- This week on a Firebug *theme music*. The story was episodic, like it was part of a larger story, but lacking the hook or connection to a larger villainous plot.
all in all a good read and great addition to the cannon.
July 11, 2017
Pyromantic is one of those series that confuse you and enlighten you all at once. We see that Ava is not over the hurt from ex-boyfriend Ryan and still fighting with Lock. The author adds in some new characters and shows us not to be afraid of Allistair like we learned to fear Venus. Someone has created a spell and cast it on unsuspecting snails. These snails are drawn to magical kelpies and start eating them and spreading a terrible virus. Will they find the antidote in time? Will they figure out who has started it all? Will Lock and Ava ever kiss?! Find out by reading book two in the Firebug series. Grades 9+. Recommended Purchase.
March 27, 2017
Delightful, as per usual for McBride. I admit, it took me a few days to get started, probably because Sylvie is my least favorite character and that opening sequence is very Sylvie. However, moving past it I enjoyed the mystery, the progressing relationships on several fronts, and the fantastic creatures. The kelpies were a favorite. The ending and villain reveal seemed a little Scooby-Doo, but I really didn't care. Lish McBride is a master at taking the reader on a fun journey with characters who become snarky, witty friends.
July 18, 2017
Fun read
I enjoyed this book. I read firebug 1st not realizing it was the second book in the series and got hooked the only thing I didn't like was how much swearing was in it. Pyromantic was great there wasn't any swearing and it finished off the series nicely although I wouldn't mind another couple of books about different characters. If you like fantasy, werewolves people with magic this is a gem! (I love were hares!)
I enjoyed this book. I read firebug 1st not realizing it was the second book in the series and got hooked the only thing I didn't like was how much swearing was in it. Pyromantic was great there wasn't any swearing and it finished off the series nicely although I wouldn't mind another couple of books about different characters. If you like fantasy, werewolves people with magic this is a gem! (I love were hares!)
January 3, 2018
Another win from Lish McBride! I enjoyed Pyromantic more than Firebug because I liked learning about the new kinds of creatures and uncovering the mystery. I was wondering if McBride would write a short story collection of all these different creatures. If would read it :)
Same criticism: no real twist. You can see the overall plot forming a mile away but that’s not terrible. Maybe that’s common in YA??
I look forward to many more books from McBride!!!
Same criticism: no real twist. You can see the overall plot forming a mile away but that’s not terrible. Maybe that’s common in YA??
I look forward to many more books from McBride!!!
June 3, 2019
So I won an advanced copy of this book at the Brooklyn Book Festival a couple of years ago and it sat in a pile because I needed to get Firebug first. I’m so mad at myself for waiting because I loved both of them. The characters are well developed and the humor is snarky just the way I like. I hope she writes more in this series because I’m not ready to say good bye to Ava, Lock, Ezra, and the rest of them yet.
August 14, 2019
Pyromantic was an amazing follow up to Firebug.
It had a great plot. And it was interesting to read about the new Coterie boss;Alistair. He was definitely a better boss and a better person than Venus ever was.
I liked reading about Ava, Ezra, Lock and the rest of the team again. Fitz and the Kelpies and Katya were interesting additions. And Ezra was hilarious as always.
The Firebug duology were exciting novels and I definitely recommend them!
It had a great plot. And it was interesting to read about the new Coterie boss;Alistair. He was definitely a better boss and a better person than Venus ever was.
I liked reading about Ava, Ezra, Lock and the rest of the team again. Fitz and the Kelpies and Katya were interesting additions. And Ezra was hilarious as always.
The Firebug duology were exciting novels and I definitely recommend them!
June 16, 2017
Kelpies who wear cardigan sweaters? Yes! This story has it all! A must read for fans of Hold Me Closer Necromancer, and Firebug. This sequel to Firebug is a must read. The characters are still amazingly developed and the story is both innovative and familiar at the same time. I love the theme of family, that a person's family is not always genetic, but based on the miracle of kismet.
September 11, 2019
A nice sequel to Firebug. probably not going to have another full book as it felt like the end of the emotional arc for Ava. But I wouldn't say not to a short story or two with the team, or maybe one that shows us something about how Bianca and Alistair got to have their particular level of trust and loyalty.
September 3, 2025
Man I love this series <3 I know my reading time for this was 5 years but that's because I got 95% through this book and didn't want it to end so I just put it down until today lol. It was so fun and I love the way this author writes. I wish I could get more from these characters but it ended so nicely, not with an explicit this is what happened but the open ended way it did was good!
May 5, 2017
I had a hard time remembering the first book, so I was slow to get into this one, but once I started remembering more I was right back to loving the wit, wisecracks, and interplay between the characters. It's a great second book in the series and I'm hoping a third will be coming in the future.
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July 8, 2021I found this book at a dollar store and bought it and read it without knowing it was the second book in a series xD wasnt hard to follow along with what was going on though, not sure if im gonna read the first one - but either way it was good
December 29, 2017
I love the universe Lish McBride has created so much, with both this series and the Necromancer series. So worth reading both of them - they're an absolute delight.
December 15, 2016
3.5 Not as great as the first one but still quite enjoyable. Oh and Squeee!!!!
October 23, 2017
Fun and a quick read
August 10, 2018
Love this series. I had to order the books for myself. Not sure I will even share.
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