Fire Starter

Fluorescence #1

by P. Anastasia

Alice was a normal teenager until a dying race of aliens chose her and handful of other teens to help preserve an endangered form of DNA known as Fluorescence.

Now she and the others must try and hide their secret from the rest of the world, while surviving everyday life struggles - like high school.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Amazon, Aliens, Urban Fantasy, Romance

264 pages, ebook

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

P. ANASTASIA'S fresh take on storytelling resonates with darkness, charm, and passion--the embodiment of her unique writing style. Ensnared by the craft in childhood, she attempted her first book at age eleven. While working toward her college degree, she wrote news and editorial columns for two campus newspapers. After graduating with a degree in communications and spending a year studying abroad in Kofu, Japan, she followed her heart to her publishing aspirations. On the side, she serves as a professional voice talent for radio, television, and audio books. P. Anastasia is the author of nine novels: Exile of the Sky God, the Fluorescence series, Fates Aflame, Fates Awoken, and the historical-paranormal romances, Dark Diary & Grave Burden.

Follow P. Anastasia on
Instagram @ FluorescentOnes
www.facebook.com/FluorescenceBooks

She firmly believes being a writer is not about writing what you want, but writing what needs to be written and faithfully retelling the stories of your characters no matter how uncomfortable they may make you.

"Write the truth!"

Reviews

[Bea Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fluorescence: Fire Starter is the first book in the Fluorescence series written by P. Anastasia. The book's mainly about the fluorescence ones--much like the chosen ones. The story follows Alice and Brian's adventure discovering what's really happening—along with the third fluorescence ones. Aliens have given them a DNA to preserve their race. As they discover the secrets beyond the glowing light beneath, their life started to change. Will it affect their future? Is there anything to be worried about? What's the real intention of the saviors?

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great and easy read. If you like young adult sci-fi, then this book's definitely for you.

The story's a little fast at first but it gets intense as the story goes on. The secrets make it better. The writing style isn't boring. The characters are very interesting.. Specially Brian. If you already read the host by Stephenie Meyer and you loved it, well, this is a great book the same as Meyer's. Try this book out! It's worth the money and time.

The plot twist at the end really shocked me! I was reading this book at the mall while waiting for my dad then suddenly it happened. I was unable to continue it as expected ‘cause the twists were still processing. It’s so unbelievable—so unique!

So, yes! I'll end this review with a compliment because I really love the idea or the concept used. It's very original.. Though the plot may seem common, but the writing style's unique. Plus that the book has a good cover. That's a plus point for a sci-fi book, you know?

*Thank you so much P. Anastasia for letting me read this book for free. It was by far one of the best sci-fi books I read this year. Good day! *NOTE: This review is in no way biased.

[[ J o ] · Rating 1 out of 5]

[ to review at a later date - perhaps even re-read and review at a later date as well, though not urgent ]

[Kaley Catron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first found out about this book at the Lexington Toy and Comic con earlier in March. I almost walked right past it but my dad called me back and P. Anastasia herself told us what these stories are about. It sounded like something I would have enjoyed and I did!!! The characters are beautifully developed, the story is fast paced but at just the right pace for you to actually understand what is happening and I loved it. Honestly I wish I could say more than that but honestly I can't. I really loved this and I would highly recommend it to anyone!

[Terri Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a good book. Wasn't quite what I expected, but pleasant surprise.

[~Mindy Lynn~]

AMAZON KINDLE FREEBIE 6/27/17

[C.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a dying race of aliens chooses to implant their own glowing DNA into a group of teenagers, things are bound to get strange. And that's exactly what happens to Alice and her friends. As if high school, puberty, and introducing your mom to your first boyfriend weren't hard enough, Alice now has to juggle a sporadically glowing patch of alien DNA on her shoulder. That alone might be manageable, but the aliens who put it there want Alice to do more than just play hostess to their genes; something they failed to mention to her.

Fire Starter is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The characters are easily relatable, and the protagonist, Alice, manages to come across as a genuine teenage girl, while still portraying enough maturity to make her appealing to an older audience too. Anastasia has given each character a unique voice, allowing them to stand out in the group. Given the nature of the series to come (each book narrated by a different character) Fire Starter sets up a strong cast, and leads the way for powerful series.

Fire Starter is a great blend of urban YA with science fiction. One does not need to be an avid sci-fi fan to find it enjoyable. The story gets off to a slow start, as the characters and their world are introduced, but really picks up the pace once it becomes apparent that a dying alien race is meddling in their lives, and wants something more from the kids than they may be willing to give. The end will leave you hanging out for book 2.

[Ashley (Reads by Ashley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is that even possible, that in a matter of hour I finish reading this book. It was so good. That I couldn’t put it down. This is my second time reading books about some types of aliens. Alice is a teenage girl around 14-15 years old who is suffering from anemia, which eventually will cost her death. But suddenly, this fluorescence appears out of nowhere when she was with her best friend. Then she meets this guy on school named Brian. Somehow he got some sort of like a heart attack, and Alice save his life by touching him. Same goes with Kareena.

The book himself is more about fluorescence, on how this powers are living inside these teenagers. Without them even noticed them. Somehow the Aliens have chosen them with this DNA (fluorescence) with different powers. To know more about this powers, you have to read this series. Secrets, happy couples, headache and more happens here. The writing styles isn’t boring, actually it was very entertaining for me. What I love the most was on how Brian was so dedicated to love Alice. Even though with the age restriction. I really wasn’t expecting the last part on the book.

It was really shocking. Totally let me hanging on a cliff. I was gasping the entire time reading it. Probably I will get my sister into reading this stories about aliens. The more secrets I read, the more I wanted to read.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Met the author and bought a copy of this book at Lexington Comic Con, 2015. The author was very friendly and nice to talk with and when I asked her about the story, she told me the overall concept. It was really intriguing and different. She also told me the character development and personality of the narrator's was a major focus in the series and that was important to me. I want to get to know characters as much as possible. It helps the story seem more real.

The first book is from Alice's perspective. It's a little more about growing up, and her trying to survive with this newfound alien DNA that's coursing through her, but it introduces all of the characters and gives us a great look into her world. The narrator's voice is so realistic that she comes across as a genuine girl her age.

Book 2 is from Brian's perspective - the kid has a fairly dark past and a lot of underlying issues that cause him to seem a little angsty, but it makes him a great character.

Fluorescence is new, unique and definitely on the road to becoming a bestseller. I'm in for the ride! WOOT! book 3!! 2016!

[aredhairedsith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read YA fiction, but the premise behind Fluorescence sounded interesting and I had read excerpts from Gypsy Scar. I had high hopes for the book and I was not disappointed!

The characters are very well developed. They are fully fleshed out and they are relatable because they make mistakes and don't always show the best judgment. Anastasia writes Alice in a way that really made me connect with her. The main character's voice is so authentic.

The pacing was just right for me. The book moves fast and has a lot of character detailing going on at the same time, which is just how I like it.

I will be back for Part II.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Fire Starter by P. Anastasia


Book: Fluorescene: Fire Starter by P. Anastasia

Genre: YA SCFI

Pages: 249

Series: Fluorescence Series: 1. Fire Starter 2. Contagious 3. Fallout 4. Lost Souls

My rating: ★★★★★

Started reading: July 8th, 2016

Finished reading: July 10th, 2016

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Goodreads synopsis:

In a genre all its own, Fluorescence fills a niche between coming-of-age romance, urban fantasy and sci-fi.

Alice was a normal teenager until a dying race of aliens chose her and handful of other teens to help preserve an endangered form of DNA known as Fluorescence. Now she and the others must hide their secret from the rest of the world, while trying to uncover the truth about the mysterious living light.
Each volume in the Fluorescence series is narrated by a different character, driving the story forward in a new and exciting way. Fluorescence evolves from a quiet beginning into a gritty and unabashed look at real-life limitations and struggles these teenagers face while coping with a life-changing secret.

My Review:

First I would like to start by saying thank you to the author, P. Anastasia, for sending me a copy of Fire Starter & Contagious to review. This in no way swayed my opinions of both of these books!

I think the best way to explain how much I loved & enjoyed this book is by telling you how fast I read it. If you have been following me for a while on my Bookstagram you know I am a VERY slow reader. I like taking my time through books, but this...this was contagious! Every chapter had me wanting to read the next.

Let's talk about the characters:

Alice - I REALLY love Alice. For me, sometimes with female protagonist you get annoyed by them at times, but not with Alice. I love how down to earth she is. I am going to really miss reading from her POV!
Brain - Brain is bae! Reading about him made me wish for a boyfriend just like him, including the motorcycle! I really don't have a favorite character yet, but I can see in this next book since it's his POV he will probably become my favorite. I love his love for Alice & you can clearly see it's genuine. I love his characteristics such as his protectfullness & kindness. He is all around a great character & I can't wait to read more about him in the next book!
Sam - Her characteristics remind me so much of a friend of mine. I love her energy!
Kareena - I am ehhh about her. When I was first introduced to her I didn't like her too much. She has grown on me, but I am still a little ehhh.
Jane - I really disliked Alice's mom because I thought she was kind of too over protective, but once you start reading more into the story & learn a little about her I don't blame her for being protective over Alice. I like her more now that I understand her.
Now I would like to talk about the ending...oh that very surprising, shocking, " I didn't see this coming at all!" ending. This book definitely gets the reward for the best "I didn't see this coming" moment I have read in a book yet. I literally started screaming. I am of course not going to tell you what happens, you have to find that out for yourself & be all "I didn't see that coming either" with me, but what happened was the farthest away from my mind.

To wrap this all up, I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read & I am especially looking forward to the next books in the series since we get to see different POVs in each book.

Be on the lookout for Contagious, the second book in the Fluorescence series, review coming to you soon!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this photo reminded me of B+A!



I got the book in a contest and read it. What an awesome idea! Glowing fluorescent alien DNA.

Edit: Just read a snippet from Book II and OMG I can't wait for book II - already pre-ordered!

The story is really unique and it doesn’t even hang on the fantasy Sci-Fi concept to keep it interesting. Even if you took out a lot of the fantasy, the story would still be a good YA drama, which I really liked. Genuine, realistic characters bring the story to life and make you really care about everyone in it. They all have very different personalities and quirks and one of them—Kareena is hilarious.

The passion and care Brian and Alice have for each other is quite obvious and very real - it's genuine and deep - unlike a lot of teen romance novel premises that are just "hot boy" and "cute girl"...

There are a lot of ups and downs in the story a few plot twists that were neat. One in particular really surprised me.

Brian might seem a little like a tough guy sometimes, but I think his home situation makes him come across a little pushier than he really is. I think he's quite loyal and kind in reality, just doesn't know how to focus his energy and probably NEEDS a friend.

The book starts off mild and sweet but then quickly spirals into something more serious and darker.
I’m really interested in knowing how all of the teens deal with everything that happened in this book in the 2nd installment that I’ve heard is from Brian’s perspective. I can’t wait to hear what’s going on inside his head!

[Twinkle K · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I got this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.

my honest opinion is this book is a great read.. I am not a fan of science fiction fantasy book but this book kept me reading. I completed it in almost two days so i think its kind of good.

This is the first book of the tetralogy by P. Anastasia. This first book mainly revolves around the theme of the book, showing the characters thier importance of role. This book is from the POV of Alice, she turns florescent green on her shoulder. Three of the characters are already introduced in this book -- Alice, Brian and Kareena. All three of them have different roles for thier florescent light inducing inside their body.

The characters were real and normal, despite having light enery in their body. Brian and Alice, were cute. They were like real teenagers we were -- shy with each other at first, their relationship, though their circumstances weren't real because damn, they had powers! I truly enjoyed reading them. The writing and the language of the book was great.

I really really want to read the other three books of the tetralogy..!!
Thank you P. Anastasia for giving this book I really appreciate it.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Start, But Left Me Unsatisfied

Once you accept the premise, the story seems to unfold in a manner that is consistent and Interesting. This is definitely a story of dealing with teenage issues with a pretty heavy handed group of aliens playing God.

The end of the story was a climax, but left me wishing there had been a little more closure. It's always a problem with a series.

The protagonists are well developed characters. The core group grows and bonds in a believable pace and set of events.

I look forward to reading the next book.

[Dana Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were parts of the story I liked. But then there was more that I didn't like. Mainly the ages of the MCs. I feel this would have been more compelling story if they were older. Their immaturity bothered me the whole story. I did like that they FINALLY included the mom. That helped the story. The BFF gets the shaft in this book. And the inclusion of an alien race was kinda an eye roll for me.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up free from a promotional site because the cover intrigued me. It has much of your typical teenage angst, but it also has much more. Bodies that glow and have certain powers. (You'll have to read the story to find out what exactly.) Even though I was able to predict the ending, the story kept my interest. I think it is something that the intended YA audience will enjoy.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5*

Could not get on board the writing throughout. It was really juvenile and the ending took my rating down slightly because it honestly didn't really make sense. Could have been thought out better.

[Mimi Davis Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let It Glow

I give this story five stars, because that's all available. This is a great story with unexpected twists and turns. Some that is, I kind of expected the little surprise at the end. Can't wait to start the next book. This is another example of great writing.

[Mattie Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed by the writers ability to convey a great story idea. Great book for teens to read as it show's what a respectful teen should be like instead of what music videos make them think. Reminded me very much of my own teen years.

Good writing though, very pleased with the editing.

[Sandra Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense

Intriguing intense story of aliens who want to use humans to save their race. I liked the characters and was drawn into the story but it sometimes lagged with too much teenage angst. Good descriptions of strange events.

[Kathy Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glowing alien DNA

I'd be shocked to find my skin glowing. This is an interesting young adult book. I highly recommend it to them.

[Valery · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have you ever read something so bad you can't figure out how to say something nice? I kind of feel like that. Young geeky girl meets the new bad boy, who immediately falls for her? Check. Cliche snotty, easy girl everyone likes to hate? Check. Overlooked third wheel friend who main character dumps everything on? Check. Hormones? Check. Stupidity? Yep, that too. Cliffhanger ending? You betcha!
Here's the kicker. Mom is a decent mom, who just wants her kid to make good choices. Then, out of the blue she's okay with everything because aliens are involved? Totally trusts her daughter now with a boy? Um, no. Sorry, I'm not buying it.
Also needs another edit. Lots of missing and mixed up words.
The premise had potential, but the follow through was unfortunately lacking.

For my clean readers: language abounds in this one, but no f-bomb. Kissing. One intense romance scene where shirts come off, but then main character stops them. This is where boyfriend becomes biggest jerk. He gets mad and blames her for mixed signals. Then she forgives him like nothing happened. What?! Come on. This guy is a manipulative jerk. I hated the girl for allowing him to make her feel like she was the bad guy for saying no. The story just kept getting worse from there. Will not read another.

[Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked where I thought this book was headed. Based on the description that popped up in my FB feed, I added it to my list on Amazon, and actually scrolled back to find “that one book I saved about the girl who had the alien DNA.”

The romance felt rushed and the predicaments the characters dealt with didn’t grab me. I had a lot of questions about character motivation. As always, I purchase the book at full retail because I want to support artists, and I doubt that I’d have the talent to get a book published.

I didn’t find enough connection to the story to buy the next in the series.

P. Anastasia, should you ever read my review, thank you for this story. I was entertained, and feel that my money was not wasted. This isn’t my cup of tea; I admire any one with the talent to complete a novel.

[Joan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You P. Anastasia

This Coming of Age novel was a new look at Body Snatchers. Aliens from a dieing world select a small group of high school students to implant their special DNA. The main characters quest is to find the teens that have been selected by the Aliens. The Aliens have their own timeline and push things forward before the teens are ready.

I felt the teens would have been more believable if they were older. Hormones do rage so some teens are active faster these days.



Aliens
Body Snatchers

[Thea Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointed. What kind if message are you sending?

I did not like how much pressure there was on the two main characters to have sex. They are 14 and 15 years old and she regrets telling him that she wants to wait and he doesn't understand? Then he tries to pressure her into something she is not ready for? Especially as she has a very good reason for not going that far. I put the book down. Why would I want a main character who was like that?

[Maria do Socorro Baptista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este é um dos livros que baixei no kindle por curiosidade, e que, por um ou outro motivo, ainda não havia lido. Decidi ler para cumprir um desafio. Achei interessante, e até fiquei um pouco curiosa para ver a continuação, mas o final me deixou com muita raiva. Entendo perfeitamente a frustração e a sensação de impotência que invadem a protagonista. Se você gosta de fantasia e ficção científica, esta pode ser uma série interessante.

[Paul Madsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical Teen Anst

I found the premise of this tale interesting however it takes too long to get to the point where it got to the main story. If you you are looking for typical teen boy/girl I want her, he wants me this may be for you. Sorry it did not work for me. Not enough story on the aliens.

[miss jayne horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

supernatural

Great read interesting young characters and the struggles they face with not only life but themselves and what has been thrust upon them
Powers that were laying dormant come alive with the struggle to keep them secret and figure out what the future means for them
Will they survive who knows

[Carol Bosselman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disturbing in the worst way

Characters are juvenile, seem even younger than high school, yet everything is sexual in nature. Juvenile. Didn't realize it was YA so maybe just not my thing.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good the first one

Very good story. Would like to see what happens next wit Alice n Brain. Would be many others? Who the helm is this aliens anyway? Need to keep reading to find out.

[Dawn Ireland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many unanswered questions

My personal opinion is that this story wasn’t developed very thoroughly. There were large gaps between important discoveries, things that were dropped.