Since discovering she is a shape-shifting, fire-breathing dragon on her sixteenth birthday (surprise!), Bryn McKenna’s world has been thrown into chaos. Being a “crossbreed”—part Red dragon and part Blue—means Bryn will never fit in. Not with dragon society. Not with the archaic and controlling Directorate. And definitely not when she has striped hair and a not-so-popular affection for rule-breaking…
But sneaking around with her secret boyfriend, Zavien, gets a whole lot harder when he’s betrothed to someone else. Someone who isn't a mixed breed and totally forbidden. And for an added complication, it turns out Bryn’s former archnemesis Jaxon Westgate isn’t quite the evil asshat she thought. Now she’s caught between her desire to fit in and a need to set things on fire. Literally.
Because if Bryn can’t adapt to the status quo…well, then maybe it’s time for her to change it.
Chris Cannon is the award-winning author of the Mysteries of Mystic Hills series, Going Down In Flames series, the Crossroads Chronicles, the Boyfriend Chronicles, and the Dating Dilemma series. She lives in Southern Illinois with her husband and several furry beasts. She believes coffee is the Elixir of Life. Most evenings after work, you can find her sipping caffeine and writing paranormal adventures. You can find her online at www.chriscannonauthor.com.
I'm being a rebel and reading this series out of order. I wouldn't recommend this but I like the fact I know who's important and who to snub. Bridges Burned is the second book in the Going down in flames series and I liked it more than the first one. Bryn's future as part of the dragon community is beginning to fall into place but her love life is up in the air.
Bryn is dating Zavien who is promised to someone else. Zavien was Bryn's mystery guide in book one. He's the rebel bad boy but not the knight in shining armour. As we see this story unfold we see Zavien isn't the person Bryn expected. Luckily she has a good network of friends and family. There is trouble amongst the dragons once again and nobody is safe.
This is a condition story of Bryn's life as a dragon shifter.
4.5 stars out of 5. *I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well, how not to love that attitude.... that also was what made me interested in the book.
Bridges Burned is the story of Bryn. Even though the fantasy genre is not my typical read I wanted to get a feel of the book. After the 2% mark I knew I would get lost in this book. Every time I picked Bridges Burned it was like returning to a good friend. Bryn took my hand and whispered all her secrets in my ear. In the past I have shared my problem with caring for the books heroine and Chris Cannon managed to rock my reading universe! I loved Bryn and I was happy to be sucked in her world.
The other main character in the book was the Dragon Society. The dragons are considered cold and rational creators and Bryn is nothing like it. I loved how she kept staying true to herself and how everybody around her didn`t know what to do with her. Without revealing major plot developments I will just say that Bryn has a way of leaving her mark and nobody is safe in the Dragon world.
Because if Bryn can’t adapt to the status quo…well, then maybe it’s time for her to change it.
Her love life is a total mess also because of the Dragon society!!! Her boyfriend has a marriage contract with someone else. And Bryn herself is on the way of getting one. Let`s not forget her Knight and the madness can begin.
What I didn`t like in the book is the absence of strong male presence. Even with Zavien, Jaxon and Valmont... I don`t see any real love interest for Bryn. Now if you combine the tree of them well that will be one fine dragon! And Bryn deserves her one true love even more because she is the living evidence of her parents strong love. By the end I didn`t know with whom I wanted to see her and the legend about the Dragon and her knight kept popping up. There might be something there...
I can`t wait to hear about Bryn`s new adventures in Going Down in Flames # 3!!!
Meh. I've got to be honest with you, the whole 'someone is trying to kill me' thing got old by the third attempt. I want more sleuthing, less sitting around, pining over a lost love interest (I have a theory on that one btw) and just getting flat out attacked. Give me something to work with here Chris!
If I'm completely honest though, I kind of love high school drama, so combine that with dragons, and this series has me so hooked even though I am completely aware that it shames me to admit as much.
The world building could also be about 90% better.
The writing is about what you'd expect from a YA fantasy novel these days. Not bad, but certainly nothing profound here fellas.
I didn't read the first book but it didn't really matter I could pick up the book straight away and follow it (i could gather what happened in book 1 by past references made in the book) Didn't put it was down till I was finished.
My view of the characters would be somewhat different had I read book 1 ( I like jaxson however I guess he was an ass in book 1. Zavien I presume was the love interest, but he is an ass. I guess book 1 revolved around Bryn finding out what she was and getting accepted by others, as well as accepting the fact she was different ) . I'm totally loving this book along with the characters.
Highly recommend, full of action, suspense and intrigue.
Bridges Burned begins with Bryn having some problems with her boyfriend, and there seems to be attacks on the school again. Not only that she still has people out to hurt her or kill her, and some of the enemies she thought she knew are turning out to be more than that. Bryn must figure out what she wants, and needs before it is all too late.
This book was not as good as the first one at all. I'm actually so disappointed with this one. I hated the way Bryn and her boyfriend were in this one. It was the complete opposite from the first one, and to me it almost seemed unnatural, like that wasn't the way it was really suppose to be at all. Then later on in the book Bryn disappointed me more and more. It seemed like she was so eager to please she wasn't really being herself any longer, and that took away a lot of what I originally admired about her. I'm not sure if I will read the next book in this series because this one turned me off. But it was still an interesting story, I do love dragons.
Bridges Burned is the second book in the young adult paranormal series, Going Down in Flames. This book dives right in after the events of the first book, so if you haven't read the first book in a while, you may be lost. I was. I had to go back and read my first review to try and spark my memory of just how everything left off. I think Bridges Burned was a good second installment in the Going Down in Flames series, although I have to say one character in particular threw me for a loop. He did a complete 180 personality wise.
There is more romance, or should I say romance drama in this book than there was in the first book. And I was kind of bummed by that. It mostly has to do with what a huge jerk Zavien is. I liked him in the first book and I was undecided about Jaxon, but in this book it totally gets reversed. I can't stand Zavien, and I really like Jaxon. Don't get me wrong though, this is not a love story between Bryn and Jaxon; he just turned out to be a much better guy than I thought in the first book. And for that, I respected him more.
Bryn is still just a spunky and fiesty as she was in the first book, and her mouth and rash attitude still get her into tons of trouble, but I wouldn't have her any other way. She is a lot of fun, and I love her two friends. Ivy and Clint, and her knight Valmont redeem the jerkiness that is Zavien. I still have no idea what is to come in the romance department for Bryn, but I can't wait to see what is next in store for the dragons. They are on the brink of war throughout Bridges Burned and things left off kind of dicey. The ending felt a little abrupt again, like it did in the first book. This one was more cliff-hanger-y, but I think it will be a good set up for what is sure to be an action packed book.
The Going Down in Flames series is a great representation of a young adult paranormal that is more focused on the action and dragon lore than it is on the romance. Sure, the romance and all the teenage drama that comes with it is there, but for me the focus of the book continued to be on the government, the directorate. (if you will recall, from my first review, I called it a government full of Umbridges.) But I will say one thing for the romance present in the books, it is unexpected. I still have no idea just what direction it is going to go in. This book was a complete surprise for me in that regard. If you want to know more on my thoughts on each of the guys in this series, click the toggle box below. But be warned, it does contain spoilers.
Bottom Line: Bridges Burned is a great second installment in an action packed young adult paranormal featuring a controlling government and clans of dragons with super cool abilities.
There isn't even a breather between books one and two. Seriously, Bryn leaves the Sinclair estate at the end of Going Down in Flames, and we start Bridges Burned right there in the car again. Thus, no easing into the story, but the incients get right on worse. And since this had way more very low aimed blows to dish out, I feel so sorry for Bryn. The attempts on her life she could deal with, sort of, but this... it's very painful, and not even food and sleep can makes things better this time. I went through all the emotions with her, and while the bickering and banter from book one are still present to make me laugh here and there, the action and drama dominate this installment, leaving me frustrated, angry, and with a bad feeling for what's to come in book three. In my opinion a bold, but good move.
There wasn't much room for character development, since the time frame was rather cramped again, but the relationships changed quite some, and I liked that. Plus, her characters speak volumes by their actions, so feel very connected to them, although there really is no room to get into details and backgrounds with them.
I already felt that Jaxon and Bryn were very much alike in book one, so they could and should be friends, but to get to the point where they'd be a in a loving relationship wouldn't be easy for them, I think. If everything had started out differently, it would be easier -- if it really were to comes to that, and yes, they really did get set up by the Directorate. But since this is all about changing the system, let's not write anything in stone just yet. I'm happy that they are becoming friends somewhat -- I believe they could get to be tight as siblings, and that'd be awesome. Jaxon is generally awesome, not an asshat at all, Bryn is just grumpy that he can be as snarky as herself. ^^ Also, I believe he does, to some extend already, love his intended Rhianna, because she is very much like his mother. I also think that he'd never take on a mistress, because he'd respect his wife more than that, unlike his father. I think I'm a little in love with him, because he has a good heart, is warm and loyal to a fault, even though he can be bossy. x)
I also liked how Bryn's relationships with Jaxon's mother Lilith, Rhianna, her knight Valmont, and her grandparents developed. Although she might not really fit into dragon society, at least she finally found people who she feels she belongs to. As for Bryn belonging to Zavien... I don't want to spoil anything, but let's say that they didn't develop as I expected. Again, a bold but good move from Chris Cannon. *thumbs up* Speaking of relationships, Merrick was noticably absent in this one, and it gave me a very bad feeling. I really don't want him turning out to be one of the bad guys after all! He had charme, but I also think he had heart.
I'm in love with the series. Those dragons really rock! Then there's the conspiracy underneath it all... okay, so you tend to forget about it here and there with all the action, but I love the mix. Thus, while I don't want it to end at all, I really want to know how it continues on.
I freaking love this series!! I loved the dragons and the world that's been created. I even love the bad parts about how these dragons are still living like it's the freaking Stone Age with their culture, regardless of how out of date things are. And we jump right back in, but let me warn you. This book is funny, maybe funnier than the first. This book is sad, like be prepared to lose some tears and snot and be ugly crying, way more than the first. This book is heartwrenchingly heartbreaking. Bryn is gunna have a lot of pieces to pick up in book three, but she will. :) And now, with that said, I need you to know that if you haven't read book one, go right now, get your digital copy, read it ASAP, then come back and we can talk because this series is phenomenal and it's only two books it! I of course read this one as an ARC so I have to DIE waiting for book three like a crazy person. I want it. But before I get all crazy, let's talk business.
Bridges Burned picks up with Bryn returning to school and she has a lot on her plate. After all that happened with the incidents at her g-parent's house, things are getting weirder and scarier, and she has security around now too. And with security trailing, she has boyfriend issues. He's not really acting like a boyfriend and I can't believe I am saying this, but I want Bryn with anyone other that Zavien. I KNOW right!!! I freaking loved him in book one. Well, be reading to kill him now. ANNND I can't believe I'm gunna say this either, but I think I might have to be on Team Jaxon. OMG I can't believe I said that out loud. Or wait, she has this totally awesome Knight, like a real one, so maybe I am on his team. I am actually too busy freaking a little for Bryn to fully jump on a team yet. I have a feeling there's gunna be some surprises. :) But now, back to business..
I was not prepared to lose characters. I was not prepared to like some of the characters who've grown on me, like g-ma, and Riannah, and her g-pa, maybe, if he gets some damn sense knocked into him. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jaxon's mom. I totally wanna hug her! LOL And I hope Jaxon turns out more like his mom than his dad, because I still maybe wanna kill him, but not as bad as before. We have bigger problems right now. And now, with there all but a war on the horizon, I wanna know so many things, and I wanna see more! I can't tell you, so many things, because this is one of those books that you need to read. You need to feel the emotions that will break your heart, and make you laugh til you cry, and feel warm and loved by your best friends. Seriously, it's a good one and I can't wait for more!!! GIMME PLEEEEASE! 5 DRAGON PAWS!!!
4.5 stars -- Starts up RIGHT where book 1 ended. Feels a bit more like one long narrative that's broken into pieces than what I'm used to from series books...not that that's a bad thing, but it means the endings of the books are kind of abrupt and don't conclude in a clear manner.
LOVE having Bryn back. That girl is awesomesauce, seriously. I just want to high five her all over the place. She goes through so many things in this book, and while she occasionally indulges in a bit of angst, it's not long lasting or unreasonable. My feelings are mixed with how she deals with some of the tragic news she receives.
I was COMPLETELY surprised with the direction of the love story. And yet I really loved the directions it seems to be going -- it's kind of refreshing.
I LOVE the bond and friendship between Bryn and Valmont. I always had a soft spot for him in book 1, so was excited to see his role expanded in this book. Can't wait to see where that's going in the series....
Ms. Cannon continually surprises me with her secondary characters. Whenever I think I have them figured out, she spins me on my head and says "nope". Ivy and Clint were awesome as usual, but am intrigued with Jaxon, Rhianna, Lilith, and her Grandmother. I can't help but wonder what happened to Merrick though...he just disappeared in this book....it surprised me when the Christmas Eve ball came and he wasn't there.
All in all, lots of surprises that kept me on my toes, and some intriguing twists to the norm. Had a few tiny niggles that bothered me, hence the round down, but seriously falling in love with this series. Can't wait to see where it goes!!!
This is an excellent second installment! I believe some people had a few issues with the first book being slightly formulaic, but this one really stepped up in terms of characters, plot development, and even romance - although perhaps not with the person you're expecting! Yes, unfortunately if you fell in love with Zavian in book one you are going to be disappointed in his behaviour in this book. I do still hold out hope, but will have to wait and see what's going on there in the next book.
There's plenty of development in all other areas such as the Directorate, cross breeding, arranged marriages, etc. And I really appreciated how many prompts there were to remind you of who's who and what's what. This is done really well and without tiresome info dumps.
I do have one complaint, however, and that's that it ended without any resolution to the problem presented and is more like it's simply on pause until the next book. Not the most satisfying finish, but there was so much other good stuff in this book that I forgive it.
Of course the main thing that l love about this book, as with the first, is main character Bryn. She shines from the pages like a little sassy star and makes this series stand out from the rest of the YA crowd in my over-cluttered reviewers mind.
Okay, I need the 3rd book. I feel like these books are like Stockholm syndrome, I didn't like the fist one that much but needed to read the second. The second is way better except one effin character whom I hate so much I'm kinda hoping Bryn ends up with Jaxon. That would be interesting.
I think loved this book even more then the first. With so many things happening that I didn't expect or really just didn't think would actually happen, i just couldn't put it down until I finished it in the early hours of the morning. Amazing! so excited for book three!
I didn't like this book as well as the first book, but I believe that was because this one seemed to stop in the middle of the story. I am still loving the story though and have bought all 5 books in the series, so I can keep reading. They are not the most in depth stories, but they are just light and fun. Reading them is a good way to relax.
I love this series. I am all about dragonshifters, and this is one of my fav dragon series out there. This book is heavy on the romantic drama, but we get some action and mystery too. I was shocked with the direction this book went. There are some deaths that will rip your heart out. I am kinda still holding hope that there is more to the story on that front.
Bryn is still struggling to fit in with her mixed dragon blood amongst pure-breeds, but she is starting to gain some alleys. Her friends are always there for her at least. Even her seemingly horrible grandparents make a huge appearance in the story with a little more humanity than we all expected. Lots of changes that's for sure.
Zavien has done a 180 with his personaility. I liked him in Going Down in Flames (he was the main love interest after all) but I despised him in Bridges Burned. I just don't understand why his character had to change so much. Still not sure how I feel about the change overall.
Jaxon has made the biggest change, and for the better too. He is starting to think for himself and seeing that not all is right in their world. Bryn and him still fight, but it's more funny than sad now. They have a truce and it's nice. They even started working together, which still has me shocked.
Valmont seems to be a big front-runner for Bryn's heart. He is her knight, her protector, but their connection is starting to grow beyond that. I'm cool with it. I think Bryn would have broken if not for Valmont being there for her.
The Bad
The non-ending was so disappointing. I kept thinking all the crap Bryn was going through was leading somewhere and then all we get is a limp, flaccid NOTHING! I was pissed! It was just 300 pages of lead-up to book 3. No resolution, no answers.
Bryn disappointed me a little. I wish she was a more confident, independent woman, but her romantic life seems to be a bigger focus and it has weakened her a bit.
The Snuggly
The romance was all over the place. Will Bryn end up with Zavien, Jaxon, or Valmont? I am so confused right now. There is some kissing but that's about it.
Final Thoughts
I still can't wait for book 3. I love this series, even if Bridges Burned let me down a little. Still, I would recommend this series for dragon lovers.
Quotes
Jaxon’s eyes went to the display of baby clothes in the window. His brow furrowed and then his face colored. “Dear God, Bryn, how could you be so stupid?”
“What?” The moron thought she was pregnant? Bryn couldn’t wait to see Jaxon’s expression when he realized the truth. She put her hand on his chest and pushed him back a step. “While I appreciate your concern for my well-being, I’m not the one shopping for baby clothes.”
She bit her lip to keep from laughing as confusion wrinkled his brow. Then his gaze darted to his mother, and his face paled.“Mother?”
“Are you going to call her stupid?” Bryn asked.
“Of course not,” Jaxon snapped. He squared his shoulders. “Congratulations, Mother. I presume this is a happy occurrence?”
“Yes.” Lillith reached for his hand. “How would you feel about a baby brother?”
He looked at his shoes while he spoke. “I suppose it’s too late to suggest you adopt another kitten, instead?” His tone was dry, but there was truth in his words.
Lillith laughed. “Too late, but don’t worry. You’ll always be the firstborn male and your father’s heir.”
“Until the baby plots to overthrow you,” Bryn muttered.
Review of Bridges Burned: Book 2 of “Going Down in Flames”
Let me start by saying this is a pretty good read for a sophomore installment. A solid B+.
Many authors fall into the trap of trying to do too much in the second installment of a series: too much catch-up back story. Too much exposition. Too much laying of plot lines to-be-explored-later. It can, and has in far too many cases, made for crappy reads that, non the less, must be read to keep pace for the (usually) better third installment.
Author Chris Cannon avoids these pitfalls in “Bridges Burned.” Instead, she presents us with a curious schizophrenic ride: part one a roller coaster of teen angst as our hero, Bryn, works things out with her taboo crush, Zavian; her former nemesis, Jaxon; and her grandparents, who adore / loathe / tolerate her. Now, I am definitely not a teenage girl - I miss that mark by one chromosome and forty-some years - so the angst definitely doesn’t resonate with me. Still, the half-book is tolerable; Ms. Cannon skates the line of too much but doesn’t cross it ... barely. I hesitated to continue at the half-way mark but had enjoyed myself enough that I pushed on....
... and I am most delighted that I did.
The second half of “Bridges Burned” whirls us back to the Bryn we knew and loved in “Down In Flames”: a stranger in a strange land, desperately seeking to remain true to herself while simultaneously juggling life as a student dragon new to being a dragon. There is action. There is politics (alien politics; these are NOT human beings we’re reading about here!); there is melodrama. Yeah, there’s even some more teen angst, now in regard to Bryn’s knight, Valmont (and there’s a character who leaves me cold, but I’ll give the benefit of the doubt that he is redeemable in Book 3).
But most of all, in the second half Bryn is again Bryn. As an observer, I get the impression that she is going to be the salvation of this Dragon world at some future point; as a reader, I am simply blown away as this young woman continues to develop. The strength of her character sets Bryn in a class by herself as teen-girl-hero, even with her flaws - and she has many flaws; but those flaws are what make her seem “human” even when we know for a fact that she is not. OK, I get it: teen girls suffer angst, and that is part of their story. But most of the teen-girl- heroes I’ve encountered tend to revel in that angst, or succumb to it. Bryn surmounts it, even uses it as a building block to the future. That, my friends, is the work of an author with a future.
And I very much look forward to that future, whether Bryn’s story is a trilogy or ongoing. This is one teenage girl whose life I am willing to follow where it leads.
Esse livro me parece ter uma abordagem diferente ao "você é a única(o)" personagem, diferente dos outros que eu já tenha lido esse não passa tão forte que a personagem principal é o que vai salvar todos e mudar o mundo, ele da a entender que ela vai ajudar, ela tem uma visão diferente dos outros por ter crescido entre humanos, mas você não vê a autora esfregando na sua cara como ela é especial, o que é bom.
É um livro muito legal, e as discussões sempre me fazem rir.
First of all, the cover of this book is gorgeous. I thought the cover of Going Down in Flames was amazing, but this cover is a serious eye catcher. I want to have a poster of it, honestly. To match the cover, the story inside blew me away. Bridges Burned starts off where Going Down in Flames ended. I had no idea what to expect in this book and what I got surprised the hell out of me. I missed Bryn’s sassiness and thank god it was back tenfold in Bridges Burned. My heart literally ached for Bryn in this book. I am so attached to her and I shed a lot of tears because of the events in this book.
I just can't get over what Chris has done to Bryn. She gets even more headstrong and sassy this time, and she really is a heroine that I cheer for. Bryn is a character that will inspire you to stand up for what you believe in. She doesn't back down without a fight and I love it. Zavien, on the other hand, really pissed me off in this book. I adored him in Going Down in Flames, but in this book his attitude made my heart hurt for Bryn. I didn't like the way he seemed to disappear in the second half of the book, and we better see him again so that Bryn can shoot a fireball at his head. I may have cried because of him being such a dirt bag. Thank God for Valmont because he was my saving grace in this book. Every scene with him in it had me cheering for him and Bryn; every scene is electric between them. He is so sweet and so dedicated to her that you can't help but fall in love with him. I want a knight like him in my life.
The action wasn't in the forefront in this book as it was in Going Down in Flames, but there was still enough action to satisfy those looking for a fight. This book focuses more on finding out who is behind the attacks on the dragons and Bryn learning more about the dragons and herself. I love this book so much. I didn't think the world of this book could get any better, but I was wrong. Bridges Burned is full of heartbreak but also mystery, adventure, dragons, and comedic relief. It is also full of thrilling scenes that will have you hungry for revenge. The ending left me wanting, no, needing more. This book filled me with heartache, jealousy, and resolve to find out who is attacking Bryn. I am so proud of this book, and it's not even mine. This series deserves to have awards and more recognition because it's a series that is phenomenal. Bridges Burned is a book that shouldn't be overlooked. I loved every minute of it.
4.5 stars! This is the second book in this series and, like most second books, a lot happens to set up what’s coming next. Here, we go deeper into these characters, the mystery grows, and the danger becomes more real. Although some of the bad guys were identified at the end of the first book, we soon discover that this battle isn’t over and that Bryn is once again fighting for her life and the well-being of dragon society.
In this book, however, she also deals with some pretty heavy personal issues. Getting to know her grandparents more intimately because of something that happens with her family, questioning the commitment of Zavien, her secret dragon boyfriend, and being pushed towards Jaxon, her former arch nemisis, make for some very confusing times for her. Luckily for us, she’s strong, smart and sassy…the perfect character to deal with so much turmoil. And, speaking of Zavien (I was speaking of him, wasn’t I?)…what the heck?!?! So much goes on with him in this book and, although the conspiracy theorist in me says there’s more to this than meets the eye, I am not happy with him at all. I may end up eating my words, but at this moment, he does not deserve Bryn. On the flip side, however, I am more than happy with her dreamy knight. This girl would definitely not be disappointed with some smooching between Bryn and Valmont in the near future!! I once again enjoyed the secondary characters and found myself liking Jaxon even more. His soft side, much as he likes to hide it, was evident several times. Learning more about dragon society was also great.
Like many second books, this one does not have and “end”, nothing is solved and, in reality, even more mystery is introduced. This may make it seem a bit slow to some who read it but, if you’re familiar with series then you know that this build-up will be worth it when the next book is released. This is a great series. It’s well written, the characters are wonderful and the adventure is unique. I can’t wait to see what happens next…I think you should check it out too!
4.5 stars! This is the second book in this series and, like most second books, a lot happens to set up what’s coming next. Here, we go deeper into these characters, the mystery grows, and the danger becomes more real. Although some of the bad guys were identified at the end of the first book, we soon discover that this battle isn’t over and that Bryn is once again fighting for her life and the well-being of dragon society.
In this book, however, she also deals with some pretty heavy personal issues. Getting to know her grandparents more intimately because of something that happens with her family, questioning the commitment of Zavien, her secret dragon boyfriend, and being pushed towards Jaxon, her former arch nemisis, make for some very confusing times for her. Luckily for us, she’s strong, smart and sassy…the perfect character to deal with so much turmoil. And, speaking of Zavien (I was speaking of him, wasn’t I?)…what the heck?!?! So much goes on with him in this book and, although the conspiracy theorist in me says there’s more to this than meets the eye, I am not happy with him at all. I may end up eating my words, but at this moment, he does not deserve Bryn. On the flip side, however, I am more than happy with her dreamy knight. This girl would definitely not be disappointed with some smooching between Bryn and Valmont in the near future!! I once again enjoyed the secondary characters and found myself liking Jaxon even more. His soft side, much as he likes to hide it, was evident several times. Learning more about dragon society was also great.
Like many second books, this one does not have and “end”, nothing is solved and, in reality, even more mystery is introduced. This may make it seem a bit slow to some who read it but, if you’re familiar with series then you know that this build-up will be worth it when the next book is released. This is a great series. It’s well written, the characters are wonderful and the adventure is unique. I can’t wait to see what happens next…I think you should check it out too!
The Good News: The story was very fun. It kept me interested and I just wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. Bryn is a stubborn, go-getter and I like that as opposed to the typical "helpless" front.
The Bad News: Jesus. Christ. This book was so horribly written. It bugged the crap out of me the whole time. I get that it is a sequel and that you might have to subtly explain what happened in the first book, but when you take up nearly a chapter re-explaining the entire first book it makes me want to put it down and never pick it back up again. Write is as though it was a sequel! Luckily, the story was appealing enough that I didn't.
I had this book in ebup format and I can't get past the grammar mistakes. The fact that something as appalling as "That means none of us is safe." made it into the final cut makes me wonder how much effort the author put into editing rather than getting her book on the market as quickly as possible. I had to re-read that sentence a couple times to make sure I wasn't mis-reading it.
The reactions in this book are completely unrealistic. Nobody would hear their parents were killed, walk over to the window and sadly say "What now?". No, they would bawl their eyes out. She never once bawled or cried herself to sleep, or anything like that. The only mention of crying was for half an hour. Literally. Half. An. Hour. The only indication we have that it pains her is that over the next few days she feels a tinge of sadness whenever something reminds her of her parents. You don't act like that the day after your parents die.
The book just cut off. It was like "Hey, this stuff is happening and I just found out something awesome and..." BAM! The book is over! I get cliffhangers, but this was very poorly wrapped up even for a cliffhanger.
There are so many more things I wish were done differently to this book because it really is a great story, but I guess you can't win them all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*I was provided an eARC in exchange of an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book as much as the first book in this series, but it just didn't happen.
Bryn was very whiney and clingy this time around. I don't understand why it took more than half of the book for her to figure out how to deal and move on with the plot line that was Zaiven. I found myself rolling my eyes every time Zaiven omitted or twisted a truth and she fell into his arms and all was forgiven.
Zaiven was a jacka** and I'd like to think there's a special place reserved for him in Hell. He mislead Bryn and his future wife with an effed up story. When Bryn finally told him and his lady off she still crushed on him. He wasn't giving two effs about her and she was hung up on him.
I loved her Knight Valmont this time around. He was sweet and kind. He even stood up to his crazy grandma when she mistreated Bryn over nothing. I actually want something to happen between them.
I also liked Jaxon as well. He wasn't the warmest person in the world, but he treated Bryn like a person even if he had a problem with her being a hybrid.
I found myself getting worked up every time someone mentioned an arranged marriage between Bryn and Jaxon. I will never understand the reason for arranged marriages or how there are still women living this as a reality. I hope Mrs. Cannon has an epic plot twist when it comes to this plot line.
My Favorite Quotes:
"'Honor and loyalty above all else even if you're miserable' seems to be their motto."
"What she did have was a screw-all-of-you attitude and the ability to roast anyone who pissed her off."
Wow simply wow. I love this book even more than the First. I still think this could make a great series of movies. I really loved the twist and turns in this book I leterly read this straight through. I picked it up yesterday and did not put it down till i finished it. Unfortunately that was at 11am this morning and promptly fell asleep afterward. I just lost track of time, I should have know better to pick it up last night after what happened with the last book. but it was oh so worth it. I will warn you this book had me tears more than once, so get those tissues ready you will need them. some really bad this happen to Bryn in this book, And I officially hate Zavien at this point. I want to ring his neck dam idiot if you ask me. Oh and there is a few good thing that happen, we get to see more of Bryn's Knight Valmont in this book. I was happy he was there for her to help out, and that he showed more concern than her so called boyfriend did make me even madder at Zavien's aditude. I keep hopping their is a good reason for hid change, and I do not trust Nola one little bit. Now that i have vented over you have to read this book. I am going to stop here as not to spoil the book for you. Just be prepared it is one hell of a emotional roller coaster.
I hope you enjoy this book as Much as I did.
If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review.
The Authors really like it when you do, they value your opinions too.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Chris Cannon has done it again. While I loved Going Down in Flames, I think I liked Burned Bridges just a little bit more. Nonstop action, heartbreak, adventure, courage, and of course dragons. What more could any urban fantasy lover ask for?
Bryn maintained the attitude I enjoyed so much in the first book. Life was really tossing some extreme curveballs at her throughout this novel, but somehow she managed to rise up and shine. While I thought the first book was fun and quirky, this latest installment had a more serious edge to it.
Completely immersed-- that basically described me while reading. The story was so fast-paced and action-packed, I just didn't want to stop reading. Characters from the first story grew (some not so much) and changed, I think I fell in love with Valmont, Bryn's knight. What an amazing guy!
The ending not only had my jaw dropping in surprise, but I almost screeched when the story stopped. I really wanted nothing more than another four hundred pages or so. If you haven't read Going Down in Flames, you will want to pick that one up first since Burned Bridges is a direct continuation. I really hope Ms. Cannon is hard at work on book three. I can't wait to read it!
Another great novel in this series! The only thing I'm complaining about is that I know the series isn't over, which makes me angry because I want to know how everything ends!
Bryn has gone through a lot of heartache since she found out she was a dragon. And the hits definitely keep coming in this novel. Thankfully she is very tough and has a lot of people she can go to when times get rough.
I did think the situation with her folks and grandparents was a bit much and bit rushed. I'm glad Bryn gets hit with emotions so hard she has a panic attack to show how much she cares, because otherwise I would think it was just a "blah" situation the way she was moved so quickly.
So I went and looked at the author's Goodreads/Facebook/Twitter page to try and figure out when the next book is coming out. However, I came up empty on that front. Instead I found out she is also an Illinoisian! And furthermore, we have very similar tastes in books, so I feel like this could be another favorite author of mine.
Can't wait for more from this author and I guess I'll have to wait patiently for the next book...Let's hope my patience isn't like Bryns...lol!
Bryn is definitely one of my favorite characters. I absolutely love how she wants to throw a fireball at the head of anyone who remotely aggravates her. I completely relate. I wasn't crazy about Zavien in the first book. I still don't like him, and I have no idea why Bryn is so hung up on him. She's made of tougher stuff than to put up with his crap.
I think Bryn is going to change things in the next book in a big way. She's fed up with the Directorate...not that she was ever really tolerant of them. I'm beyond excited to see how she handles things.
Bridges Burned by Chris Cannon was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
This one... came out of nowhere. It definitely felt like I missed something but at the same time, I was addicted to the drama. Bryn is so young so it was hard to watch her sometimes as she dealt with her problems, but I thought this was still entertaining.
Too much boy angst and a non-ending diminished my enjoyment. The action picked up in the second half, but it was all setup for the next book in the series.