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Darkest London #0.5
Ember
Prequel to Firelight.
After a fire consumes the Ellis family fortune, the beautiful and resourceful Miranda finds herself faced with an impossible dilemma: enter a life of petty crime or watch her family succumb to poverty. But once her fiancé learns of her descent into danger—and of the strange, new powers she's discovered—saving her family may come at the high price of her heart.
When Lord Benjamin Archer's one chance for redemption is destroyed by corrupt London antiquarian Hector Ellis, he vows to take what Ellis values most—his daughter Miranda. Forced to hide his face behind masks, Archer travels the world hoping to escape the curse that plagues him so that he can finally claim his prize.
But once Archer returns home to London, will it be revenge he seeks? Or will the flame-haired beauty ignite new, undeniable desires?
After a fire consumes the Ellis family fortune, the beautiful and resourceful Miranda finds herself faced with an impossible dilemma: enter a life of petty crime or watch her family succumb to poverty. But once her fiancé learns of her descent into danger—and of the strange, new powers she's discovered—saving her family may come at the high price of her heart.
When Lord Benjamin Archer's one chance for redemption is destroyed by corrupt London antiquarian Hector Ellis, he vows to take what Ellis values most—his daughter Miranda. Forced to hide his face behind masks, Archer travels the world hoping to escape the curse that plagues him so that he can finally claim his prize.
But once Archer returns home to London, will it be revenge he seeks? Or will the flame-haired beauty ignite new, undeniable desires?
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2012
33 people are currently reading
2764 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Callihan
29 books14k followersKristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
March 13, 2018
I'm no stranger to Callihan's writing and this has bumped along up and down my tbr for aaaages. A recent push from seeing some buddy reads had me dipping my toe into this sorta-prequel set of mini scenes to set the tone for the Darkest London series and the characters and I am intriiiiigued. Though I bet a lot of this will make more sense later. Still, I liked. I'm looking forward to more.
January 31, 2012
This short story made me want to read Firelight over again! I read Firelight last month and it stayed fresh in my memory, but reading Ember has brought that book back to life for me. It was so good.
Ember's time line take place between the prologue and chapter 1 of Firelight. While not necessary to read prior to Firelight, it will give readers a better understanding of how Miranda ended up in the situation she did, and explain how Archer has struggled with his curse and ailment.
Ember also gives readers a deeper understanding of what connects Miranda and Archer, and you will learn more about her powers and why Archer is desperate to become whole once again. Some of these aspects did not get explained well until later in the book Firelight, but I still enjoyed it greatly. You may want to consider this before deciding which to read first, as there really isn't a must read order.
I thought of Ember as a great 'deleted scenes' addition to the series, and just like a movie I find them most fun to watch after the movie and not before. In Ember, Archer and Miranda's story is told back and forth in snippets, so we see what both are doing while separated over a few years. (Pay attention to Archer's time line as most of it takes place two years later then Miranda's).
The ebook did end at the 73% mark, and the rest of it was snippets from Firelight and the upcoming Moonlight. It was a great short read, not required to read Firelight, but still recommended if you enjoy that book.
ETA: The page count for this book is approx 50-60 pages only, so if you really want to include it while reading Firelight it won't add too much to your reading. Since this story takes place after the prologue and before chapter 1 (during a three year separation), that may be the ideal time to read it.
So you may want to know if Ember was a romance, and more so was it steamy? The answer is YES, and there is some good steam in this one for such a short story! I'm not going to spoil the 'how', but let me say it does help explain the deep connection between Miranda and Archer.
Lastly, I can't end this review without commenting on the author. Kristen Callihan's writing is on a level you just don't see from most first time published authors. I love the story and characters she created, but it is how she brings them to life with her words that makes this series stand out. As I mentioned in my review of Firelight, I have no doubt this author will have many fans, and soon.
Ember's time line take place between the prologue and chapter 1 of Firelight. While not necessary to read prior to Firelight, it will give readers a better understanding of how Miranda ended up in the situation she did, and explain how Archer has struggled with his curse and ailment.
Ember also gives readers a deeper understanding of what connects Miranda and Archer, and you will learn more about her powers and why Archer is desperate to become whole once again. Some of these aspects did not get explained well until later in the book Firelight, but I still enjoyed it greatly. You may want to consider this before deciding which to read first, as there really isn't a must read order.
I thought of Ember as a great 'deleted scenes' addition to the series, and just like a movie I find them most fun to watch after the movie and not before. In Ember, Archer and Miranda's story is told back and forth in snippets, so we see what both are doing while separated over a few years. (Pay attention to Archer's time line as most of it takes place two years later then Miranda's).
The ebook did end at the 73% mark, and the rest of it was snippets from Firelight and the upcoming Moonlight. It was a great short read, not required to read Firelight, but still recommended if you enjoy that book.
ETA: The page count for this book is approx 50-60 pages only, so if you really want to include it while reading Firelight it won't add too much to your reading. Since this story takes place after the prologue and before chapter 1 (during a three year separation), that may be the ideal time to read it.
So you may want to know if Ember was a romance, and more so was it steamy? The answer is YES, and there is some good steam in this one for such a short story! I'm not going to spoil the 'how', but let me say it does help explain the deep connection between Miranda and Archer.
Lastly, I can't end this review without commenting on the author. Kristen Callihan's writing is on a level you just don't see from most first time published authors. I love the story and characters she created, but it is how she brings them to life with her words that makes this series stand out. As I mentioned in my review of Firelight, I have no doubt this author will have many fans, and soon.
March 5, 2018
Buddy Read - I am really glad that my GR friends gave me the advice to read this novella before I start the series Darkest London. It shows us, how the characters in book one meet and it does in a formidable way.
The setting and situation was rather gloomy and the atmosphere was written so well, I could feel the fog settling on my skin. I was drawn in by the writing in no time and I am convinced that I will enjoy this series tremendously if the writing style stays at this level.
What we get to know of the characters is rather interesting, both MCs made me want to know more and are far from being bland or boring.
Miranda is a powerful, strong woman with a hurtful past, that still suffers from the effects and from the uncaring hand of her father.
Archer is in constant search for salvation, but we don't get know much more about him. He is mysterious and fascinating.
And guys, I am a sucker for really good first meetings. I will take a couple that simply meets at a bar and from then on everything goes - but an impressive first encounter is life goals. And it was impressive - I liked how Miranda stood up to everyone including Archer and showed that she got bigger balls that most.
But not everything was to my liking - I had a real problem to keep up my reading flow, since the POV is changed often - and my problem: with it the time. We basically time jump back and forth two years again and again- And when I finally was used to it ... the novella was over.
Another character and how his situation was handled, made me quite uncomfortable - so unfortunately I can not give a full five stars.
But it sure as hell made me crave the next book in the series.
I am suspecting this novella will become even better in hindsight - when I read the first book Firelight, when I can really aprecciate how it added to the story.
The setting and situation was rather gloomy and the atmosphere was written so well, I could feel the fog settling on my skin. I was drawn in by the writing in no time and I am convinced that I will enjoy this series tremendously if the writing style stays at this level.
What we get to know of the characters is rather interesting, both MCs made me want to know more and are far from being bland or boring.
Miranda is a powerful, strong woman with a hurtful past, that still suffers from the effects and from the uncaring hand of her father.
Archer is in constant search for salvation, but we don't get know much more about him. He is mysterious and fascinating.
And guys, I am a sucker for really good first meetings. I will take a couple that simply meets at a bar and from then on everything goes - but an impressive first encounter is life goals. And it was impressive - I liked how Miranda stood up to everyone including Archer and showed that she got bigger balls that most.
But not everything was to my liking - I had a real problem to keep up my reading flow, since the POV is changed often - and my problem: with it the time. We basically time jump back and forth two years again and again- And when I finally was used to it ... the novella was over.
Another character and how his situation was handled, made me quite uncomfortable - so unfortunately I can not give a full five stars.
But it sure as hell made me crave the next book in the series.
I am suspecting this novella will become even better in hindsight - when I read the first book Firelight, when I can really aprecciate how it added to the story.
May 26, 2015
This story really should be read as a companion to Firelight as they play off of each other rather well. I read it after the first book but think it would have been more helpful to read it first. It will be the preference of each individual reader to decide.
I liked learning the back stories of Miranda and the events that were pivotal in shaping her and her destiny. As for Archer, it filled in the spaces around the time he was away from London. It's exotic, sensual and eerie, all very fitting for this intriguing character.
I think it's a must read in the series, no matter the order read.
I liked learning the back stories of Miranda and the events that were pivotal in shaping her and her destiny. As for Archer, it filled in the spaces around the time he was away from London. It's exotic, sensual and eerie, all very fitting for this intriguing character.
I think it's a must read in the series, no matter the order read.
March 5, 2018
reread 3/5 And this original still stands:
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An engaging prequel/novella. Obviously I'm on to read Firelight straight away.
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An engaging prequel/novella. Obviously I'm on to read Firelight straight away.
February 7, 2012
If you are at all interested in reading Firelight I wouldn't suggest reading Embers first. Even though it is touted as a prequel, Ember reads for the most part like deleted scenes - you know the kind of scenes a good author writes to develop a character's back story, but then religates to the cutting room floor in order to make their finished work stronger. This is especially true for Miranda's part in Ember, her parts just flesh out things that are mentioned in passing for Miranda in Firelight.
While this isn't as much the case for the Archer bits in Ember, there are just too many hints about Archer's condition and his past that would spoil the tantalizing mystery that surrounds him in Firelight. The dream scene between the pair too would also take away from the development of the relationship in Firelight, here it was heavy handed unlike the excellent build up of the sensual tension between them in the full length book. Most of all, the deleted scenes feel of Embers doesn't give the reader a good sense of Callihan's writing in the longer book, and it would be a shame if readers missed reading the excellent Firelight thinking that Ember was a fair representation of what to expect from Callihan.
If you've already read Firelight? Ember is fine. I'll be the first to admit that it was hard to leave Miranda and Archer behind after finishing Firelight, so if you are looking for just a bit more of them (separately) it's worth a look. But really Ember just doesn't 'add' that much more since the power of Firelight was the two of them, Miranda and Archer together, slowly letting their 'masks' slip.
While this isn't as much the case for the Archer bits in Ember, there are just too many hints about Archer's condition and his past that would spoil the tantalizing mystery that surrounds him in Firelight. The dream scene between the pair too would also take away from the development of the relationship in Firelight, here it was heavy handed unlike the excellent build up of the sensual tension between them in the full length book. Most of all, the deleted scenes feel of Embers doesn't give the reader a good sense of Callihan's writing in the longer book, and it would be a shame if readers missed reading the excellent Firelight thinking that Ember was a fair representation of what to expect from Callihan.
If you've already read Firelight? Ember is fine. I'll be the first to admit that it was hard to leave Miranda and Archer behind after finishing Firelight, so if you are looking for just a bit more of them (separately) it's worth a look. But really Ember just doesn't 'add' that much more since the power of Firelight was the two of them, Miranda and Archer together, slowly letting their 'masks' slip.
March 5, 2018
Update 03/18: b-r with Joanna, Sam and Isabella
***********
Original Review: 02/17
Although marked as 0.5, thus indicating it's a prequel, Ember is rather an assortment of deleted scenes, covering the years between the prologue and the actual story of Miranda and Archer in Firelight.
It also explains a few things that were mentioned in the main book only ever in passing, if at all.
And, of course, it shows that Miranda and Archer never really stop thinking of each other after that one fateful encounter in the prologue.
What else can I say? It's the Darkest London series! You can bet your bum it's beautifully written.
***********
Original Review: 02/17
Although marked as 0.5, thus indicating it's a prequel, Ember is rather an assortment of deleted scenes, covering the years between the prologue and the actual story of Miranda and Archer in Firelight.
It also explains a few things that were mentioned in the main book only ever in passing, if at all.
And, of course, it shows that Miranda and Archer never really stop thinking of each other after that one fateful encounter in the prologue.
What else can I say? It's the Darkest London series! You can bet your bum it's beautifully written.
March 18, 2023
”We’re all monsters, luv. Each and every one of us. So happens some of us have prettier faces to hide behind is all.”
I love this series so much and this is one of few novellas I’ve read that’s of decent length and provides genuine exposition.
I love this series so much and this is one of few novellas I’ve read that’s of decent length and provides genuine exposition.
March 6, 2018
Great writing, and interesting characters. This is a companion novella to Firelight. On its own, I don’t think it amounts to too much, but it is great when paired with the novel. Buddy Read for the series with Isabella, Sam and Bubu!
Loved this:
”We’re all monsters, luv. Each and every one of us. So happens some of us have prettier faces to hide behind is all.”
And this:
”A cat cornered will use her claws. And why shouldn’t she, eh? You’ll find yourself thankful for that fire again one day, mark me.”
Loved this:
”We’re all monsters, luv. Each and every one of us. So happens some of us have prettier faces to hide behind is all.”
And this:
”A cat cornered will use her claws. And why shouldn’t she, eh? You’ll find yourself thankful for that fire again one day, mark me.”
October 16, 2012
Ember is labeled as the prequel to Firelight, the first book in the Darkest London series, but as many others have said, it doesn’t read like a prequel. For me it’s more of a companion to Firelight, because most of this novella takes place after Archer and Miranda have already met. What Ember does is fill in the gaps, answers questions about what both were doing before the events that brought them together again in Firelight.
This is one of the better novellas I’ve read, and had me wanting to go back and do a re-read of Firelight, but I don’t feel like I learned anything all that important or insightful. That said, it was entertaining and I’m even more excited to read the next book in the series, Moonglow.
3.5/5 stars
My thanks to netgalley.com for providing me with a copy of this ebook in behalf of Forever, an Imprint of Grand Central Publishing.
May 8, 2016
Entertaining prequel to Firelight, the first book in the Darkest London series. It revolves around Miri and Archer, same as Firelight. I would recommend reading Firelight first, as the prequel is quite spoilerish and would give too much away of the revelations in Firelight. Nice addition though, if you want to find out more about the time between Miri's and Archers first meeting and their wedding.
Fairly well plotted, with alternating POVs. Some suspense, some sex. Pretty rudimentary world building, but then it's fairly short. Probably a little hard to understand what is going on, without having read Firelight. Which I now want to re-read, as I have already forgotten quite a bit about Archer's curse.
My Kindle edition contained previews of Firelight and Moonglow.
Fairly well plotted, with alternating POVs. Some suspense, some sex. Pretty rudimentary world building, but then it's fairly short. Probably a little hard to understand what is going on, without having read Firelight. Which I now want to re-read, as I have already forgotten quite a bit about Archer's curse.
My Kindle edition contained previews of Firelight and Moonglow.
February 5, 2012
3.5 stars
Ember is being marketed as a prequel to Kristen Callihan’s debut novel Firelight. Ember doesn’t really feel like a prequel per se, instead it is more of a companion book that fills in some of the gaps in Firelight. As many reviewers have already said, Ember is more like the bonus and deleted scenes from Firelight.
How should you read this series? Ember first or Firelight first? I think I had a richer reading experience because I read Firelight first, then Ember. I was already familiar with the characters and a little of the background and I wanted more.
Ember gives the reader a lot of background information. It feels a little disjointed at times because it skips between 1879 and 1881 a lot. It works if you are already a fan and need to know more about Archer and Miranda.
And Archer… *swoon*… What a man. What a life. Archer’s story is expanded and the reader sees the lengths of his quest for a cure. Meanwhile Miranda is almost always in his dreams and some of those dreams are hot and steamy.
Miranda’s fire talent is also explored as well as her family’s descent into poverty. Ember also details her relationship with Martin. Throughout this short novella, Miranda can’t stop thinking about Archer.
The actual story portion of Ember is only 65 pages long. Included in Ember are teaser chapters for Firelight and Moonglow (August 1, 2012). Kristin Callihan is a talented writer and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for a review copy of this book.
Ember is being marketed as a prequel to Kristen Callihan’s debut novel Firelight. Ember doesn’t really feel like a prequel per se, instead it is more of a companion book that fills in some of the gaps in Firelight. As many reviewers have already said, Ember is more like the bonus and deleted scenes from Firelight.
How should you read this series? Ember first or Firelight first? I think I had a richer reading experience because I read Firelight first, then Ember. I was already familiar with the characters and a little of the background and I wanted more.
Ember gives the reader a lot of background information. It feels a little disjointed at times because it skips between 1879 and 1881 a lot. It works if you are already a fan and need to know more about Archer and Miranda.
And Archer… *swoon*… What a man. What a life. Archer’s story is expanded and the reader sees the lengths of his quest for a cure. Meanwhile Miranda is almost always in his dreams and some of those dreams are hot and steamy.
Miranda’s fire talent is also explored as well as her family’s descent into poverty. Ember also details her relationship with Martin. Throughout this short novella, Miranda can’t stop thinking about Archer.
The actual story portion of Ember is only 65 pages long. Included in Ember are teaser chapters for Firelight and Moonglow (August 1, 2012). Kristin Callihan is a talented writer and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Review posted on Badass Book Reviews.
Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for a review copy of this book.
March 5, 2012
This book should really be called #1.5 instead of .05. You'll be much better off if you read Firelight first before reading this book. Ember takes place shortly after Miranda and Archer initially meet and covers the years afterwards until they are reunited. Overall, I loved it. Except one thing.... I want more!
July 25, 2016
3 1/2 "Curious" Stars!
Well... hmmmm. I really don't know about this one. This book feels like an unresolved mystery. But I think it's simply because it is written as an extended prologue. Therefore it has my curiosity peeked! I'm pretty sure I'll read book 1 Firelight. Happy reading!
Well... hmmmm. I really don't know about this one. This book feels like an unresolved mystery. But I think it's simply because it is written as an extended prologue. Therefore it has my curiosity peeked! I'm pretty sure I'll read book 1 Firelight. Happy reading!
June 19, 2016
A prequel to the first book in the Darkest London series, Miranda grew up with guilt from a tragic event that has her doing everything to make it up to her father. At the same time we get to see Archer´s quest for a cure, and to return to the woman he´s claimed and payed for.
Wets your appetite, and I can´t wait for my chance to start Firelight!
PNR and feelings, quick, short read.
Wets your appetite, and I can´t wait for my chance to start Firelight!
PNR and feelings, quick, short read.
July 27, 2018
2.5 - 3 stars
This really didn’t add a lot in my opinion, maybe because I read it after book one. I was pretty bored at times.
This really didn’t add a lot in my opinion, maybe because I read it after book one. I was pretty bored at times.
March 21, 2018
4 Stars... This novella chronicles the years where Miranda Ellis is a pickpocket to survive her dire circumstances while being engaged to her best friend but not her soulmate; and Lord Archer is traveling abroad in search for a cure for his unknown “illness” all the while maintaining watch over the enticing Miranda... Both holding on to one another through intense but elusive dreams, neither realizing that the stranger met years before is the key to their salvation... Beautifully written with intricate details and captivating descriptions, Kristen Callihan gives us a startling glimpse into the original couple of her “Darkest London” series:)
January 13, 2018
I loved the Darkest London series from start to finish, but I managed to miss one of the novellas. I was keen to go back for the prequel story that told how it all began for Miranda and Archer.
Ember skipped the actual meet up for Miranda and Archer, but instead told the story of what occurred after he left her that night and up until the point he claimed her. The story was told in split narratives and time lines so that it went back and forth between the pair.
Miranda ekes out an existence pickpocketing and dealing with her own guilt in losing the family fortune and place in their merchant society because of her fire gift. She is content to do all she can while planning for the day she can wed her childhood sweetheart. If she has dreams of the dark stranger who saved her in an alley and stirs a fire in her that Martin does not? Well, then.
Archer travels the world searching for a cure to his curse even while carrying a hope for the day he can be cured and return for Miranda. His adventures take him to Egypt, Brazil, and Mexico. He doesn't find a cure, but he is given an answer.
So, this is one of those prequels that I found interesting, but I think it works best if read after the first book, Firelight. It is supplemental material that fans would appreciate rather than first time readers to the series. And yes, I did appreciate it and it makes me want to dive right back into Firelight for a re-read.
Ember skipped the actual meet up for Miranda and Archer, but instead told the story of what occurred after he left her that night and up until the point he claimed her. The story was told in split narratives and time lines so that it went back and forth between the pair.
Miranda ekes out an existence pickpocketing and dealing with her own guilt in losing the family fortune and place in their merchant society because of her fire gift. She is content to do all she can while planning for the day she can wed her childhood sweetheart. If she has dreams of the dark stranger who saved her in an alley and stirs a fire in her that Martin does not? Well, then.
Archer travels the world searching for a cure to his curse even while carrying a hope for the day he can be cured and return for Miranda. His adventures take him to Egypt, Brazil, and Mexico. He doesn't find a cure, but he is given an answer.
So, this is one of those prequels that I found interesting, but I think it works best if read after the first book, Firelight. It is supplemental material that fans would appreciate rather than first time readers to the series. And yes, I did appreciate it and it makes me want to dive right back into Firelight for a re-read.
February 28, 2012
Chase down Kristen Callihan's Firelight with the Ember novella. You won't be disappointed if you like deleted scenes or behind the scenes glimpses into nom-worthy titles, but Ember's allusions to scenes in Firelight mean more if one's read Firelight first, prequel or not.
For example, Firelight readers may have wondered about Miranda's relationship with Martin or the years between Miranda and Archer's reunion. Ember answers those questions, elaborates on certain motivations and turning points in their lives, and even offers a little spice to boot. ;)
In fact, some scenes might have enriched Firelight. Following a thieving Miranda into the streets and lingering in her head for the guilt-ridden aftermath lends more credence and weight to a claim, almost gratuitous, glossed over in Firelight. In Ember, thieving has shaped her character, in Firelight only a footnote.
We also encounter Miranda's father again. I lamented that Firelight didn't see more resolution to their relationship, and I liked this tidbit. I see the shadow of another novel here, more powerful than Firelight, where we experience with Miranda and Archer their woes instead of reading their summary in a story set years later, but Firelight told us the story of their later lives.
I also liked the world travels and brief culture and the grit of London, and I liked the realism as she agonizes over her thoughts about another man and doubts her relationship with Martin. Callihan could plumb the depths of relationships more, but she has her flashes of genius. As Miranda's realizing that Martin isn't the "home" she thought, he tells her in a poignant moment, "Sometimes, I don't understand you." That sums their problems and the wishes of anyone entering a relationship, someone to know and understand us.
So, in sum, the Ember prequel supplements Firelight very well, but read Firelight first! Four stars.
For example, Firelight readers may have wondered about Miranda's relationship with Martin or the years between Miranda and Archer's reunion. Ember answers those questions, elaborates on certain motivations and turning points in their lives, and even offers a little spice to boot. ;)
In fact, some scenes might have enriched Firelight. Following a thieving Miranda into the streets and lingering in her head for the guilt-ridden aftermath lends more credence and weight to a claim, almost gratuitous, glossed over in Firelight. In Ember, thieving has shaped her character, in Firelight only a footnote.
We also encounter Miranda's father again. I lamented that Firelight didn't see more resolution to their relationship, and I liked this tidbit. I see the shadow of another novel here, more powerful than Firelight, where we experience with Miranda and Archer their woes instead of reading their summary in a story set years later, but Firelight told us the story of their later lives.
I also liked the world travels and brief culture and the grit of London, and I liked the realism as she agonizes over her thoughts about another man and doubts her relationship with Martin. Callihan could plumb the depths of relationships more, but she has her flashes of genius. As Miranda's realizing that Martin isn't the "home" she thought, he tells her in a poignant moment, "Sometimes, I don't understand you." That sums their problems and the wishes of anyone entering a relationship, someone to know and understand us.
So, in sum, the Ember prequel supplements Firelight very well, but read Firelight first! Four stars.
February 19, 2012
As far as novellas go, Ember is one of the better ones out there. But despite it being the prequel to Firelight, I wouldn't recommend reading it in that specific order, becase frankly, Ember isn't nearly as captivating. Most especially if you're meeting Miranda and Archer for the first time. If I'd read this before Firelight, I might have never gotten around to the latter because Miranda comes across as meek and impressionable and Archer as slightly insane and obsessed in this one.
Nonetheless, Ember is a great read for getting to know Miranda and Archer better if you loved them in Firelight. The background information on these two is very interesting because most of it wasn't really explained that well once they become a married couple.
If possible, Ember should be read somewhere in the middle of Firelight, when you've fallen firmly in love with the story and characters and would appreciate getting to know Miranda and Archer's behavior and past better.
For more reviews, visit my blog.
Nonetheless, Ember is a great read for getting to know Miranda and Archer better if you loved them in Firelight. The background information on these two is very interesting because most of it wasn't really explained that well once they become a married couple.
If possible, Ember should be read somewhere in the middle of Firelight, when you've fallen firmly in love with the story and characters and would appreciate getting to know Miranda and Archer's behavior and past better.
For more reviews, visit my blog.
August 13, 2012
I wasn't sure about this story at first but as it progressed, I became hooked... from this short, it seems a promising storyline is just ahead and I'm looking forward to reading it.
July 9, 2019
Meh. So I was reading the first book in this series, and after about 30% still had no idea what was going on and felt like I was missing something. Then I thought 'maybe it makes more sense to start with the prequel' (which takes place between the prologue and the first chapter of book 1, Firelight). But the thing is, this didn't answer any of my question. The writing is good, but the worldbuilding/magic/whatever-is-going-on-here still has me completely at a loss. Oh well. Back to Firelight. Maybe I'll get my answers there.
April 3, 2017
Very very excited to start this Historical Paranormal series. Onto the book 1!
August 31, 2014
I just recently read Firelight and LOVED it soooooo much that I’m trying my best to clear my review schedule so I can move on to Moonglow as soon a possible. The other night I was looking for something quick to read while on the elliptical and remembered there was a prequel to Firelight…
WARNING WARNING WARNING — DO NOT READ EMBER BEFORE READING FIRELIGHT!!!!
Now that I’ve said that I can move on…
One thing I loved about Firelight was that I had so many questions throughout the book that were slowly revealed to me in little pieces here and there. Ember tells the story of how Miranda ruined her father…and what was happening to Miranda and Archer during the three years after that one fateful night. NO, it DOES NOT spoiler the biggest mysteries in Firelight and could truly be read in order, but it answers some little questions that I’m glad I didn’t know until THAT perfect point in the story.
So what does Ember add to Miranda and Archer’s story?
1. What really happened the night Miranda destroyed her father’s warehouse
2. What really happened between Archer and Miranda’s father
3. How Miranda was introduced to Billy Finger…and how she made him pay
4. What really happened between Miranda and Martin
5. What really went down with Archer in Egypt
6. What Archer had been up to in America
7. What brought Archer back to London
Since this is a prequel and Miranda and Archer aren’t even together yet when this takes place, don’t expect a romance. Surprisingly the author was able to fit in some sexy scenes that somehow work for the story. And how could anyone not long to read more about these two?!
Dammit, I hate to admit that I wanted to like Martin…but I don’t think I ever can now. Sleazy Billy Finger just might have more morals that Martin.
So, while I don’t think it best to read this book first, it is TOTALLY worth reading…after finishing Firelight.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
WARNING WARNING WARNING — DO NOT READ EMBER BEFORE READING FIRELIGHT!!!!
Now that I’ve said that I can move on…
One thing I loved about Firelight was that I had so many questions throughout the book that were slowly revealed to me in little pieces here and there. Ember tells the story of how Miranda ruined her father…and what was happening to Miranda and Archer during the three years after that one fateful night. NO, it DOES NOT spoiler the biggest mysteries in Firelight and could truly be read in order, but it answers some little questions that I’m glad I didn’t know until THAT perfect point in the story.
So what does Ember add to Miranda and Archer’s story?
1. What really happened the night Miranda destroyed her father’s warehouse
2. What really happened between Archer and Miranda’s father
3. How Miranda was introduced to Billy Finger…and how she made him pay
4. What really happened between Miranda and Martin
5. What really went down with Archer in Egypt
6. What Archer had been up to in America
7. What brought Archer back to London
Since this is a prequel and Miranda and Archer aren’t even together yet when this takes place, don’t expect a romance. Surprisingly the author was able to fit in some sexy scenes that somehow work for the story. And how could anyone not long to read more about these two?!
Dammit, I hate to admit that I wanted to like Martin…but I don’t think I ever can now. Sleazy Billy Finger just might have more morals that Martin.
So, while I don’t think it best to read this book first, it is TOTALLY worth reading…after finishing Firelight.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
July 22, 2016
Great intro to this series!
I'm not always the biggest fan of novellas, but I really enjoyed this one. I was pulled into the story immediately. I loved the world the author has created. I am very intrigued by Archer and Miranda and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!
I'm not always the biggest fan of novellas, but I really enjoyed this one. I was pulled into the story immediately. I loved the world the author has created. I am very intrigued by Archer and Miranda and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series!
January 28, 2016
Note: I received this eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. That had no influence on my review/rating.
September 1, 2020
Best read after Chapter 4 of Firelight but definitely not before the prologue of Firelight.
December 22, 2022
Ehhhh idk what to think of this. I’ll give firelight a try, but I’m not dying to start it.
March 17, 2012
Reviewed for Wickedly Bookish
http://wickedlybookish.blogspot.com/
This companion novella to Firelight fills in that three year time lapse at the beginning nicely. Readers who enjoyed the first book in the Darkest London series, and couldn't get enough of Miranda and Archer will find this informative. There were many things left unexplained about Miranda and Archer's time apart in Firelight like . I definitely wondered about these things and was glad to have gotten a decent explanation thanks to Ember.
I think my favorite part about this though was getting to experience the beginning of Miranda and Billy Finger's friendship. The development their was very sweet and often times chuckle worthy.
I'm only giving this 3 stars as it really is only a bite of the original and doesn't necessarily offer us a new story. Enjoyable, but read Firelight first. I observed that it would have been confusing for me otherwise as they leap over key plot points in expectation of the reader already being aware.
http://wickedlybookish.blogspot.com/
This companion novella to Firelight fills in that three year time lapse at the beginning nicely. Readers who enjoyed the first book in the Darkest London series, and couldn't get enough of Miranda and Archer will find this informative. There were many things left unexplained about Miranda and Archer's time apart in Firelight like . I definitely wondered about these things and was glad to have gotten a decent explanation thanks to Ember.
I think my favorite part about this though was getting to experience the beginning of Miranda and Billy Finger's friendship. The development their was very sweet and often times chuckle worthy.
I'm only giving this 3 stars as it really is only a bite of the original and doesn't necessarily offer us a new story. Enjoyable, but read Firelight first. I observed that it would have been confusing for me otherwise as they leap over key plot points in expectation of the reader already being aware.
February 9, 2012
Ember is published as a prequel novella to Kristen Callihan's debut novel Firelight but to be honest I think you're probably better off reading it after the main story. I absolutely loved Firelight and I really enjoyed getting a bit more background information about the main characters in Ember.
We get to see what happened to each of them in the three years between their very first meeting and when they marry. It was interesting to see more about how Miranda met Billy and to see just what caused her fiance to run out on her. I also enjoyed finding out more about what Archer had been doing to try and find a cure for his curse.
I do think that we are given a little too much information in this one about Archer's curse and that would probably have taken away some of the impact that the revelation in Firelight had if I'd read this story first. Ember does work really well as an extra to the series though so it is something I would recommend for Firelight fans. If you haven't come across this series yet then I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a paranormal twist and a Gothic feel to it. Kristen Callihan is an author to watch out for!
We get to see what happened to each of them in the three years between their very first meeting and when they marry. It was interesting to see more about how Miranda met Billy and to see just what caused her fiance to run out on her. I also enjoyed finding out more about what Archer had been doing to try and find a cure for his curse.
I do think that we are given a little too much information in this one about Archer's curse and that would probably have taken away some of the impact that the revelation in Firelight had if I'd read this story first. Ember does work really well as an extra to the series though so it is something I would recommend for Firelight fans. If you haven't come across this series yet then I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance with a paranormal twist and a Gothic feel to it. Kristen Callihan is an author to watch out for!
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