What do you think?
Rate this book
Underground #3
Initiation by Fire
Follow this 10-part serial throughout 2015 featuring Ethan, aka Slapshot, a hockey player whose life is ruined, forcing him to disappear forever. Ethan joins Underground, a black ops organization and is trained as a deadly operative. There, he meets Ciana, a woman with a dark past of her own. As Ethan and his Underground colleagues embark on dangerous missions worldwide, he finds a new purpose in life. But will his former problems come back to haunt him?
Initiation by Fire:
I have my first assignment--helping track down a man targeting Cuban bodegas and then using an automatic rifle to massacre all those inside after they're attacked by a Cuban gang and his wife is killed. Underground is tasked with figuring out who this dangerous man is and stopping him before he goes on another rampage. Though I only play a small role in this first mission, it’s satisfying to know I helped find justice for all the innocent people the man has murdered.
Despite that, I still find myself thinking about what I left behind, as I learn more about what my parents did with my money, and my former hockey team struggles to deal with my apparent death. Guilt weighs me down, and the rest of the team does their best to keep me focused on this new life. Can they do that, or will I snap under the pressure?
Initiation by Fire:
I have my first assignment--helping track down a man targeting Cuban bodegas and then using an automatic rifle to massacre all those inside after they're attacked by a Cuban gang and his wife is killed. Underground is tasked with figuring out who this dangerous man is and stopping him before he goes on another rampage. Though I only play a small role in this first mission, it’s satisfying to know I helped find justice for all the innocent people the man has murdered.
Despite that, I still find myself thinking about what I left behind, as I learn more about what my parents did with my money, and my former hockey team struggles to deal with my apparent death. Guilt weighs me down, and the rest of the team does their best to keep me focused on this new life. Can they do that, or will I snap under the pressure?
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2015
About the author
Cassandra Carr
72 books443 followersCassandra Carr is a multi-award winning romance writer. When not writing she enjoys watching hockey and hanging out online. Cassandra's books have won numerous "Best Book Of" awards and her novella Unexpected Top was nominated in the E-book Erotic Romance category of RT's Reviewers' Choice Awards.
She thinks the best part of being a writer is penning stories about love and sex while most others struggle with commutes, micro-managing bosses and cranky co-workers.
Website http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassand...
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr
Email AuthorCassandraCarr AT gmail.com
She thinks the best part of being a writer is penning stories about love and sex while most others struggle with commutes, micro-managing bosses and cranky co-workers.
Website http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassand...
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Cassandra_Carr
Email AuthorCassandraCarr AT gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 6, 2015
Initiation by Fire (Underground #3) by Cassandra Carr In this installment, Ethan goes on his first mission. Not everything goes quite as plan and
Ethan needs to deal with the aftermath.
I continue to enjoy this series. It is an exciting and dynamic story that is well worth the read.
I’m fascinated by all the ways being a hockey player is transferable to being an undercover operative. A few months ago, I read an article called “10 HOCKEY SKILLS FOR THE REAL WORLD” by Jamie McKinven published in crossicehockey.com. It talks about all the great qualities a hockey player develops that transfer well in a work environment. This article backs up that Ethan is an excellent choice as an operative. Among some of the traits he has developed: a good work ethic, holds himself accountable, team player, familiar with tedious task, pays attention to detail, he is prepared, and perseveres.
Ethan has a lot to deal with emotionally. Add to that, the aftereffects of his first mission. I like that his team mates show excellent support and empathy.
I love the stick and puck weapon Ciana created for him. Having been a product designer, I appreciated the passage where they worked on the design.
I like that we learn the lingo along with Ethan. It makes the story easy to follow.
Cassandra Carr did a fantastic job of creating a credible series. This is a great read for anyone that enjoys action and espionage.
Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Ethan needs to deal with the aftermath.
I continue to enjoy this series. It is an exciting and dynamic story that is well worth the read.
I’m fascinated by all the ways being a hockey player is transferable to being an undercover operative. A few months ago, I read an article called “10 HOCKEY SKILLS FOR THE REAL WORLD” by Jamie McKinven published in crossicehockey.com. It talks about all the great qualities a hockey player develops that transfer well in a work environment. This article backs up that Ethan is an excellent choice as an operative. Among some of the traits he has developed: a good work ethic, holds himself accountable, team player, familiar with tedious task, pays attention to detail, he is prepared, and perseveres.
Ethan has a lot to deal with emotionally. Add to that, the aftereffects of his first mission. I like that his team mates show excellent support and empathy.
I love the stick and puck weapon Ciana created for him. Having been a product designer, I appreciated the passage where they worked on the design.
I like that we learn the lingo along with Ethan. It makes the story easy to follow.
Cassandra Carr did a fantastic job of creating a credible series. This is a great read for anyone that enjoys action and espionage.
Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the third instalment of the Underground serial and I'm hooked. The story is starting to move along now with Ethan starting to show an interest in Ciana.
Ethan's training continues as the Underground team are investigating a serial murderer which gives Ethan the opportunity to put his new found skills to the test.
I'm very much enjoying this series and I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
This is the third instalment of the Underground serial and I'm hooked. The story is starting to move along now with Ethan starting to show an interest in Ciana.
Ethan's training continues as the Underground team are investigating a serial murderer which gives Ethan the opportunity to put his new found skills to the test.
I'm very much enjoying this series and I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
April 11, 2015
4 Stars
I thought this was the best of the first 3 installments of the series. It had action, suspense and wasn't quite so clinical in everything that was happening. We got to experience some of the team bonding and working as a unit.
Ethan is feeling more comfortable in his position at Underground, but he still feels like an outsider. Although he does start to show a teeeeeny tiny bit of romantic interest toward one of the female members, he doesn't know what to do about it. This is the part I am most interested in, but that's the romantic in me.
I liked the way the unit worked together and helped support Ethan on his first mission.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I thought this was the best of the first 3 installments of the series. It had action, suspense and wasn't quite so clinical in everything that was happening. We got to experience some of the team bonding and working as a unit.
Ethan is feeling more comfortable in his position at Underground, but he still feels like an outsider. Although he does start to show a teeeeeny tiny bit of romantic interest toward one of the female members, he doesn't know what to do about it. This is the part I am most interested in, but that's the romantic in me.
I liked the way the unit worked together and helped support Ethan on his first mission.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
April 18, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
For me this is the best of the first three I've read. There is action, suspense, a little romantic interaction being thrown in, I am starting to enjoy Ethan.
With Ethan going on his first mission there is finally that suspense/action combo I have been waiting for. He's unsure if he can do it, questioning everything. The only issue with this one is the length just when I was getting into it, it ends.
For me this is the best of the first three I've read. There is action, suspense, a little romantic interaction being thrown in, I am starting to enjoy Ethan.
With Ethan going on his first mission there is finally that suspense/action combo I have been waiting for. He's unsure if he can do it, questioning everything. The only issue with this one is the length just when I was getting into it, it ends.
May 3, 2015
Initiation by Fire is the third installment in the Underground series and while it was better than parts one and two, it’s my final stop on this journey. There is far more action in this installment than before because Ethan is going out into the field for recon and we get to see him take part in a mission. I liked that Ms. Carr showed Ethan actually learning skills – making errors and learning how to do things correctly or better. It’s expected that he will master some tasks quicker than others because he’s a professional athlete, but thankfully there was no “Boom, he’s a natural born genius who masters everything on his first attempt” scenario going on. Also enjoyable was Ethan’s continued bonding with his colleagues. I liked that we got to learn more about the various team members and that certain ones seem to have taken him under their wing. Unfortunately, the romantic connection remains a hint and is suggested more by the series blurb than the installment itself. The mission was intense and action-packed, which is what helped to elevate Initiation by Fire over Off the Grid and Creating Slapshot. Regrettably it ended too soon to finish reeling me in. Would I like to know what happens to Ethan? Yes, but I’m not willing to sit through seven more installments to find out. I think that had parts 1-3 been released as one novel, I probably would have continued on with the series. But at its current rate, it feels like the story is dragging on and on without making enough progress to keep my attention. As always, I recommend that you check it out for yourself because it is an enjoyable storyline, it’s just not working for me at its current pacing. Who knows? Maybe once all 10 parts have been released, I’ll give it another shot.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
April 12, 2015
Reading the first three books in the series, Underground by Cassandra Carr has been a complete thrill. I could sit with all ten books and binge read from beginning to end with no problem. Please, just keep the coffee maker going and feed me an occasional chocolate bar and I won’t even stop to sleep!
Cassandra Carr has written a fantastic beginning to this series with Off the Grid, Creating SlapShot and Initiation by Fire. My only complaint…I didn’t get enough!
It didn’t take me any time at all to immerse myself in Ethan’s life and challenges. (And his growing, no pun intended, attraction to Ciana)
I absolutely love the concept of Underground. A secret black-ops group, manned by those that other covert groups might find objectionable. They all seem to have their secrets and I’m hoping they will be revealed as the serial continues.
And Ms. Carr’s choice of dream cast? What a delectable, I can totally visualize them, cast of characters. A combination of strength and truth in each and every one.
Ms. Carr has written very successful missions for this black-ops group thus far and I’m betting you’ll agree once you sit down and catch up on Underground.
I highly recommend the Underground serials Off the Grid, Creating SlapShot and Initiation by Fire. And I give them fifteen (that’s five for each episode) steaming, hot cups of Room With Books coffee.
©April 8, 2015
Patricia, Room With Books
Cassandra Carr has written a fantastic beginning to this series with Off the Grid, Creating SlapShot and Initiation by Fire. My only complaint…I didn’t get enough!
It didn’t take me any time at all to immerse myself in Ethan’s life and challenges. (And his growing, no pun intended, attraction to Ciana)
I absolutely love the concept of Underground. A secret black-ops group, manned by those that other covert groups might find objectionable. They all seem to have their secrets and I’m hoping they will be revealed as the serial continues.
And Ms. Carr’s choice of dream cast? What a delectable, I can totally visualize them, cast of characters. A combination of strength and truth in each and every one.
Ms. Carr has written very successful missions for this black-ops group thus far and I’m betting you’ll agree once you sit down and catch up on Underground.
I highly recommend the Underground serials Off the Grid, Creating SlapShot and Initiation by Fire. And I give them fifteen (that’s five for each episode) steaming, hot cups of Room With Books coffee.
©April 8, 2015
Patricia, Room With Books
March 9, 2015
>Review – Initiation by Fire -
>I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. I am an independent reviewer. This is the third part of a ten part serial in the Underground Series.
>Ethan goes on his first mission. He is training hard, but realistically is nervous about being in a life or death situation, while covering his teammates. This part of the story does not create an unrealistic view of surveillance and operations. A lot of it is dull and the excitement only lasts seconds, while the aftermath is hard to get over.
>Ethan suffers from his actions through self doubt and dreams. I still feel the Underground team explains things way too much to feel natural. I realize it is for the reader's benefit, but it makes for a very wordy story with too little action.
>The attraction between Ciana and Ethan felt inevitable, but nothing is mentioned beyond Ethan's own thoughts. So far, I feel like this serial should actually be 1 book. Splitting up the story into 10 parts doesn't really fit the plot.
>This book is recommended for a young adult (14+) audience.
>I am giving this book 4 fangs. The story is turning into something more than a textbook for black op equipment and techniques.
>I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. I am an independent reviewer. This is the third part of a ten part serial in the Underground Series.
>Ethan goes on his first mission. He is training hard, but realistically is nervous about being in a life or death situation, while covering his teammates. This part of the story does not create an unrealistic view of surveillance and operations. A lot of it is dull and the excitement only lasts seconds, while the aftermath is hard to get over.
>Ethan suffers from his actions through self doubt and dreams. I still feel the Underground team explains things way too much to feel natural. I realize it is for the reader's benefit, but it makes for a very wordy story with too little action.
>The attraction between Ciana and Ethan felt inevitable, but nothing is mentioned beyond Ethan's own thoughts. So far, I feel like this serial should actually be 1 book. Splitting up the story into 10 parts doesn't really fit the plot.
>This book is recommended for a young adult (14+) audience.
>I am giving this book 4 fangs. The story is turning into something more than a textbook for black op equipment and techniques.
December 31, 2015
These are quite quick reads as they are stories published as a 10 part serial. This review is for the first 3 parts.
I will be totally honest and say that the story is going a bit too slowly for me, but that comes with it being a serial rather than a straight forward book. As such there is a lot of 'downtime' within the storyline.
The basic story involves Ethan, a hockey player, who finds his life turned upside down due to circumstances beyond his control. He cannot see a way forward and is at a loss as to what to do next. Along comes an organisation which offers him a way out, a way to disappear from the public eye and change his life.
But this offer isn't a simple one. Ethan has to change his life beyond all recognition, learn new skills he would never have dreamed he would need to have before.
I like the way the story is developing but some of it does come across as extremely far fetched to me. The way he is approached initially and he almost just accepts it doesn't seem right, and the language used seems a little too simple to me at times.
However I am curious to see where his story goes from reading the first 3 parts and I will follow it with interest thought the year.
I will be totally honest and say that the story is going a bit too slowly for me, but that comes with it being a serial rather than a straight forward book. As such there is a lot of 'downtime' within the storyline.
The basic story involves Ethan, a hockey player, who finds his life turned upside down due to circumstances beyond his control. He cannot see a way forward and is at a loss as to what to do next. Along comes an organisation which offers him a way out, a way to disappear from the public eye and change his life.
But this offer isn't a simple one. Ethan has to change his life beyond all recognition, learn new skills he would never have dreamed he would need to have before.
I like the way the story is developing but some of it does come across as extremely far fetched to me. The way he is approached initially and he almost just accepts it doesn't seem right, and the language used seems a little too simple to me at times.
However I am curious to see where his story goes from reading the first 3 parts and I will follow it with interest thought the year.
April 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So I'm going to talk about these serials as if they were released in one book, otherwise there would probably be a lot of repetition or extremely short reviews. So I was actually shocked to find I enjoyed the serials part of it. Don't get me wrong, I would love it if it was one book but the serials give the author a unique chance. And they can use it or not. And so I was actually pleasantly surprised to discover that serials weren't all that bad.
Now that I've got that out of the way, I have to say that Ethan and the rest of the Underground group were very likable. Each has their history, and their strengths just as they have weaknesses. While you don't get a whole lot on the Underground group, you do learn a lot about Ethan and he's really down on his luck. Which just makes me cheer for him that much harder.
The plot itself was an interesting concept, and one that kept my attention as Ethan gets more and more involved.
Overall the Underground serials by Cassandra Carr are really good and something that would be good to read if you enjoy serials.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
So I'm going to talk about these serials as if they were released in one book, otherwise there would probably be a lot of repetition or extremely short reviews. So I was actually shocked to find I enjoyed the serials part of it. Don't get me wrong, I would love it if it was one book but the serials give the author a unique chance. And they can use it or not. And so I was actually pleasantly surprised to discover that serials weren't all that bad.
Now that I've got that out of the way, I have to say that Ethan and the rest of the Underground group were very likable. Each has their history, and their strengths just as they have weaknesses. While you don't get a whole lot on the Underground group, you do learn a lot about Ethan and he's really down on his luck. Which just makes me cheer for him that much harder.
The plot itself was an interesting concept, and one that kept my attention as Ethan gets more and more involved.
Overall the Underground serials by Cassandra Carr are really good and something that would be good to read if you enjoy serials.
Find this review and many more at Reading Shy With Aly
April 3, 2015
Ethan and Frank are going to the bar to meet a contact about the man Underground is trying to find. The guys motivation appears to be revenge for his wife being killed in a mugging. The Underground could often times find information much more quickly than the authorities. Ethan is going to work with Helen as his partner on his first mission.
Ethan Operative for the Underground, Slapshot is his nickname. Frank is huge, goes on the mission with Strech, Helen and Slapshot. Ciana is the weapons maker for the Underground. Stretch is the Surveillance guy. Maline is almost fifty years old,she runs the Underground. Andre runs the Underground. Helen also known and Harry, she is an ex CIA Agent and she is 46 years old. Angel is the best sniper the Underground has, just returned from the Colombian Jungle. She served in the Army.
This is a great continuance of the second book. I truly can't wait to read the next book in this series. This is very well written, the characters were very well developed. Cassandra you are an amazing author.
Ethan Operative for the Underground, Slapshot is his nickname. Frank is huge, goes on the mission with Strech, Helen and Slapshot. Ciana is the weapons maker for the Underground. Stretch is the Surveillance guy. Maline is almost fifty years old,she runs the Underground. Andre runs the Underground. Helen also known and Harry, she is an ex CIA Agent and she is 46 years old. Angel is the best sniper the Underground has, just returned from the Colombian Jungle. She served in the Army.
This is a great continuance of the second book. I truly can't wait to read the next book in this series. This is very well written, the characters were very well developed. Cassandra you are an amazing author.
April 4, 2015
This is the third book in the Underground series and it is my favorite! I absolutely loved this book as I do the first two books as well. We get to see a lot more of the characters and their traits. We get to see Ethan in action and let me just say it is intense.
This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The books are shorter than most but I think it’s great. The author packs a lot of info into these books. She knows how to write a winner that’s for sure. The ending of the book just makes me long for more. I don’t know how long this series is going to be but I hope she continues it with several more.
I love how we find out more about Ethan’s personality as well as the other characters as each book unfolds. Ethan is a wonderful character, one I would love to know in real life!! He’s a real true person with feelings and I love that about him.
I give this book 5***** all the way around and highly recommend it. I look forward to more books in this series.
This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The books are shorter than most but I think it’s great. The author packs a lot of info into these books. She knows how to write a winner that’s for sure. The ending of the book just makes me long for more. I don’t know how long this series is going to be but I hope she continues it with several more.
I love how we find out more about Ethan’s personality as well as the other characters as each book unfolds. Ethan is a wonderful character, one I would love to know in real life!! He’s a real true person with feelings and I love that about him.
I give this book 5***** all the way around and highly recommend it. I look forward to more books in this series.
April 21, 2015
Part 3 really picked back up for me after the slow burner of part 2.
This one has a little bit of everything - suspense, action and touch of romance in way as Ethan begins to feel attracted to Ciana.
He is preparing for his first mission with the team and is beginning to have doubts about his ability when faced with a life or death situation, though he comes up to par when in the middle action but still he is left dealing with the shock that he has killed yet again.
Ethan is having a hard time dealing with what he has done, and just as you getting into the story part 3 ends.
This so far has been the best with all the action, and Ethan dealing with his demons.
Look forward to reading more!
This one has a little bit of everything - suspense, action and touch of romance in way as Ethan begins to feel attracted to Ciana.
He is preparing for his first mission with the team and is beginning to have doubts about his ability when faced with a life or death situation, though he comes up to par when in the middle action but still he is left dealing with the shock that he has killed yet again.
Ethan is having a hard time dealing with what he has done, and just as you getting into the story part 3 ends.
This so far has been the best with all the action, and Ethan dealing with his demons.
Look forward to reading more!
April 14, 2015
This third book of the Underground Series is the best by far. We are getting into the action. Ethan is still learning the ropes with his training and he is also become attracted to Ciana who is the arms specialist of the team along with many other things. He just doesn't know if she feels the same or what the rules are within the team. The story becomes more intense as they are trying to identify a killer and where he will hit next. That is their next mission and it involves Ethan. When the strike begins all hell breaks loose and Ethan finds himself right in the middle.....The suspense is building in the story as Ethan has a hard time ridding himself of his demons. Great Read. Can't wait for the next installments.
April 17, 2015
Things are moving right along with the third installment of this ten part series. Ethan goes on his first mission. He goes through a phase of self-doubt and is worried about being in a life or death situation.
Although the team helps to offer insight into Ethan’s character, I would have loved for it to come directly from the source. A little less narrative and more action would really keep things moving.
I’m enjoying the read, but really wish it was a full length book instead of the serial. I’m looking forward to seeing what becomes of Ethan and his new skills.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Although the team helps to offer insight into Ethan’s character, I would have loved for it to come directly from the source. A little less narrative and more action would really keep things moving.
I’m enjoying the read, but really wish it was a full length book instead of the serial. I’m looking forward to seeing what becomes of Ethan and his new skills.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2015
Cassandra Carr has written another exciting installment in her Underground series. Ethan finally gets to go on his first mission with the team and he is able to hold his own. The action scenes were exciting and I could not stop reading. With this story, we get more insights into the characters and I especially enjoy Ethan's interaction with Ciana and Helen. I liked how supportive they all are as Ethan continues his training and recover from his first time in the field. I cannot wait to read more in this exciting new series.
March 18, 2015
*I received this story free in exchange for an honest review*
The more I get into this story, the more excited I get. The characters are fun and the story is interesting. This installment is where the action starts getting good! We've created Slapshot and now we're putting him to use!
"Frank is really ticklish. I'd be careful where you tested that theory, but watching him jump around before he surrenders and turtles on the floor is hilarious." Every character, even the side ones, are fun and interesting and I can't wait to find out more about all of them.
The more I get into this story, the more excited I get. The characters are fun and the story is interesting. This installment is where the action starts getting good! We've created Slapshot and now we're putting him to use!
"Frank is really ticklish. I'd be careful where you tested that theory, but watching him jump around before he surrenders and turtles on the floor is hilarious." Every character, even the side ones, are fun and interesting and I can't wait to find out more about all of them.
April 13, 2015
Again we follow Ethan through training to be an UG Agent. This time, he gets to do some field training. I give him so much credit for switching from hockey player to Rambo. I know he has his degree in criminal justice, so I guess he has it in him. I love that he is humble about his abilities. I totally see what Maline saw in him to become an operative.
He can assess a situation a seconds notice and react quickly. Only a player can do that! Seriously I have to wait for the whole story in 7 more books?!
He can assess a situation a seconds notice and react quickly. Only a player can do that! Seriously I have to wait for the whole story in 7 more books?!
April 13, 2015
This is the third book in a ten part serial and should be read after reading the previous books.
Slapshot goes on his first mission with some other members of Underground and starts to look at things differently. He still questions things involving his other life.
Each book gets more intense and I am eager to read more.
This book is quick and action packed with some danger and intriguing characters.
Slapshot goes on his first mission with some other members of Underground and starts to look at things differently. He still questions things involving his other life.
Each book gets more intense and I am eager to read more.
This book is quick and action packed with some danger and intriguing characters.
May 3, 2015
I've read the first four "Underground" books back-to-back and very much enjoyed the story of former hockey player Ethan joining up with a covert "security" firm, going through his training and eventually out into the field on missions. I hope there are more adventures to come!
More detailed review to follow....
More detailed review to follow....
April 10, 2015
In book 3 , Initiation by Fire, we get to see out hero Ethan in action. He goes on his first assignment with a few members of the UnderGround Network.
This book does a great job in showing us just who Ethan is. He's developing into a huge asset for the team
Looking forward to the next installment.
This book does a great job in showing us just who Ethan is. He's developing into a huge asset for the team
Looking forward to the next installment.
April 21, 2015
This installment was a lot more suspenseful and action packed. I was very intrigued to see how Ethan was going to handle his first mission.
I'm really enjoying this series. Each installment brings more insight into these great characters.
I look forward to reading the next part of the series.
April 9, 2015
This third book was a wonderful read. The more I read of this series, the more I fall in love with Ethan. I can not wait to see how this series ends.
May 13, 2015
The story just keeps getting better. More excitement.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews