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"Maybe I had to accept that the Donovan Circus no longer felt like home." Lucy might’ve beaten Alex the Chameleon, but the cost of his defeat was too much to bear. After losing a beloved member, Sheffield Donovan temporarily disbands the show. Abandoned by the ringmaster and her friends, Lucy is left to pick up the pieces of their ruined circus – and defend it against those waiting for the opportunity to strike. During one of these attempts, Lucy learns of Augustus Rivers, the leader of his so-called gifted mafia. When Lucy is offered a chance to infiltrate the Rivers’ household, she jumps at the opportunity to seek vengeance on the mastermind. Augustus instead surprises everyone by proposing that the powerful female Firestarter work for him. It’s everything the Donovan Circus isn’t, an offer Lucy finds more enticing than she ever expected. With the Donovan Circus in shambles and the gifted world on the cusp of war, can Lucy Sullivan figure out who she’s meant to be? Or will her fire destroy everything they’ve built?

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2015

2 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Liz Long

27 books229 followers
Liz Long is a USA Today bestselling author of YA and urban fantasy, most recently The Brighton Duology. She is a magazine editor in Roanoke, VA, and when not writing, can be found drinking happy hour prosecco, attempting hand lettering, or cuddling her dog, Fisher. She is the Director of the Roanoke Regional Writers Conference and the annual Roanoke Author Invasion, as well as a public speaker, covering topics such as self-publishing and magazine writing. To learn more about Liz, including info on her books, plus writing, marketing and social media tips, and writer pep talks, visit her website at lizclong.com.

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5 stars
39 (56%)
4 stars
17 (24%)
3 stars
11 (15%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Mlpmom (Book Reviewer).
3,197 reviews411 followers
October 22, 2015
With the crazy ride that was the third installment in this series, I was eager to jump back in and see where the gang from the Donovan Circus were. How they were dealing with their victories and their loses as well as the danger that I knew was still out there for this rag tag bunch of specials.

This was a fabulous addition to the series. It made me sad, it broke my heart in places, especially as they are all trying to grieve and be strong as well as it making me happy that for the most part, they are still a unit. Still strong, still together and still willing to do whatever it takes to help Lucy and get things done.

But most of all, it made me remember all over again why this series is so unique and fun.

Lucy has grown so much in so many ways and has taken on not only the job of protecting those around her and keeping them safe, but all the people out there like her. In fact, she may have taken on a little too much. But thankfully, she has some pretty amazing friends to help her out along the way...when she lets them that is.


All in all, I loved this book and am so excited with all that I just know is to come. Long has impressed me with her writing and how each new book in the series, gets better and better and it makes me even more eager for book five.
Profile Image for DJ Dirly.
109 reviews
May 5, 2017
Book 4. Finally. While I really like this series, I felt that book 4 started off so very slow for me. Alllllllllllll the cliffhangers from book 3 and book 4 was slow to get moving. However, when it did, it was a great read. I am mildly annoyed that it did not conclude and that I have to wait for book 5. I really felt they could have tied up the story in book 4, but no. And so I will wait.
Profile Image for S D Lawrie.
485 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2017
The heroine always has that little bit extra to win the day, although the fourth book was probably the best in the series so far. OK read even for a guy.
Profile Image for Ethan Gregory.
223 reviews8 followers
October 28, 2015
Full review and more available at: http://oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogsp...

*****

My Thoughts:

It isn’t often in the life of a bibliophile that we come across an author who forever changes our lives. Sure we may read 5 books a week and rave about them every waking moment, but how often do we as readers come across a novel or series that resonates with us deeply that it forever changes your bookish life? Not often. Last summer, I was whisked about to the Donovan Circus, I entered the center ring, and to this day I have never looked back. Four incredible novels later, I am so excited to still share the excitement that I felt on that fateful day I read Liz Long’s opening lines.

With so much Donovan Circus under her belt, could Ignited really live up to the hype?

Yes. So much yes.

I’ll just go ahead and say that Ignited has well surpassed the others and has rooted itself as the strongest novel in the series. Long’s writing has definitely improved with each passing installment.

When it comes to the plot of Ignited, I was a little leery, but it really panned out in a huge way. Lucy is once again thrown into the line of fire when she joins forces with Gifted-Mobster Augustus Rivers, but in her attempt to play the dangerous double agent, Lucy discovers the dark side may not be all she feared. In this incredible installment of the series, Lucy must decide where her true alliances lie. Has Sheffield and his rag-tag bunch of ‘freaks’ been completely honest with Lucy, or is there a flipside to the impending war she’s fought so hard to control? Friendships will be tested, alliances will wane, and Lucy will truly have to come into her own if she’s going to make it out of this journey alive.

I’m going to stay away from talking too much about the plot as with intricacies Liz has created with this one, massive spoilers would be abound. I will say that I’ve deemed Donovan Circus book four as ‘The Dark Lucy Saga’ as we truly get to discover an entirely new side of Lucy in this novel. A side that I’ve been hoping for since we first met her in book one. As anyone who has read the series will well know, Lucy has undergone extreme change and emotional distress since joining with Donovan and the gang. Ignited finally sees Lucy coming to terms with the events of the past and her journey to overcome the darkness is truly an emotional tale.

I think my favorite part about this entire series is the complete ensemble cast. Long has done an incredible job of introducing a cast of dozens of characters while making them memorable, but not overbearing. Each character plays an important role to the series, but never steals the spotlight away from the mail conflict. Ignited introduces us to a handful of new characters that really come into their own in this story and will be of vital important throughout the remainder of the series. Donovan Circus fans rest assured that our favorites are still in tow with a lot of story to tell in Ignited. We also see the much anticipated return of Gabriel and a huge shift in the personal love lives of Lucy and Keegan. The cards have been dealt, and Donovan Circus will never be the same as they pick up the pieces in the aftermath of Hunted.

As I mentioned previously, Ignited is by-far the most emotional installment of Donovan Circus so far, Long really pulled out all the stops. Long hits on a plethora of important themes such as life and death, forgiveness, struggling with truth, trust, love, loss, and trusting your instincts in a constant battle for Lucy to decipher the difference between right and wrong in a life that’s been completely unfair to her at times. Any reader will thoroughly enjoy to this installment and can easily related to the hardships faced by Lucy on multiple levels.

One of the most important things about this series has always been the setting. Long took strides in this installment to bring the story back to its’ circus roots. The excitement, the light hearted fun, and the thrill of the traveling show are gone. Replaced by darkness, mourning, fear, and tension. It’s not the same circus we entered four novels ago, but the setting is back and better than ever. If I had to describe Ignited to someone who had never read the series, I’d much relate it to a 70's spy film with a modern day 'James-Bond-Meets-the-X-Men' feel. I think readers will be pleasantly surprised by the direction Long has taken with this fourth installment.

An electrifying original read, Liz Long has crafted her most enthralling and spectacular novel yet, Ignited is not to be missed!

With all of this being said, it should come as absolutely no surprise to any reader that I am granting Ignited by Liz Long a near-perfect 5-star review. I couldn’t be any more proud to call myself a fan of this series if I tried. Huge kudos to Long for knocking this fourth installment out of the park! I highly recommend this series to any fans of urban fantasy, paranormal, and upper YA/New Adult readers. Don’t miss your chance to add this series to your TBR today!

*****
Profile Image for Shirley .
1,944 reviews58 followers
October 30, 2015
I’ll admit I picked up Ignited with a bit of trepidation. Liz Long proved in Hunted that loosing a beloved character was not outside the realm of possibility. The stakes get higher and the danger comes closer to the character with each book in the Donovan Circus series and no one is totally safe.

This book opens with Lucy questioning everything and finding no easy answers. Her friends are gone, except for a few who stayed behind. Sheffield is more or less hiding from everyone, including Lucy. The people she has grown to trust and think of as family will be back, but she’s not sure anything will ever be the same. Things don’t get much easier when everyone finally returns. Lucy makes some bold decisions in Ignited. She gains support from some unlikely sources and loses it from people she never expected.

There were familiar faces in Ignited and some new ones. There were also quite a few revelations – past and present. Twists and turns were also in full supply and there was more than one occasion that I literally yelled at the author. I shouldn’t have been surprised, I should have seen it coming, but really… REALLY?!? Yikes!

No cliff hanger really, but there’s definitely more to come and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’ll be nice and give the author just a little bit of lead time before I start begging. As a side note, Donovan Circus isn’t a romance, but there is a romantic interest in Lucy’s life… more than one actually and as far as who she should end up with, I definitely have my preference. ;)

I received Ignited in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Tiffany Oharriz.
Author 3 books10 followers
November 30, 2015
hnnggg.

I'm not sure how its possible but this book was even better than the last 3! When I first read book 1 I was absolutely hooked. I had my issues but as promised, everything was resolved and I was given new material to fuss over. After reading an epic book 3 that had my head spinning and heart pounding I couldn't wait to read book 4.

I wish I could rant and rave about all the little things I loved/hated but they are so perfectly interwoven into the story that I wouldn't dare dream of spoiling such an amazing read for new fans of this series. What I will tell you, is that this series and this author are well worth your time. Whether the story ends up the way you hoped or not, you will not be disappointed!

What I loved most!

Setting. Once again I was transported to this world that had a cirque du freak feel and I loved every minute of it.

Writing. I can not get over how much I love this author's writing. Its clear and easy to follow but also super descriptive. You can literally feel like you are right there witnessing this story.

Characters. These characters just get better with each book. there is something so interesting about them and something just so human that I can't help but feel connected to them. The unit is still strong after the heartbreak that was book 3.

The story. And most of all, the story. This was an epic return to the Donovan Circus and I freaking loved it!


“I received a free ARC copy of the book from the author/publisher for my honest opinion. I was in no way compensated for this review and all opinions are expressly my own”
Profile Image for Mandy Reads Indie.
1,987 reviews91 followers
October 30, 2015
Everyone is returning back to the Donovan Circus from a much needed break. Everyone was stunned with the death of their friend and needed time to regroup and mourn. Everyone but Lucy that is. Left to pick up the pieces and take care of things, Lucy hasn't had a chance to mourn, let alone think back on all that has happened in the short time since she joined the Donovan family. As everything piles on her shoulders and a new threat emerges, Lucy may have had all she can take. Will the choices she make be for the good of her family? Or will it bring them down once and for all?

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I wasn't surprised with it being an excellent read...I knew that going in that it would be. (Because I just absolutely adore this series.) But I was surprised at all that happens. So. Much. Happens. I expected lulls, but then realized half way through there wasn't any. Everything that happens was packed with punches, twists and some "whoa, did that really just happened?" moments. So yes, very pleased with every single chapter and every single event.

And once again I was blown the freak away by the ending. Well, the whole last part of the book. Long knew what to do to grab the readers already gotten attention. I was definitely digging this new twist and love how it got the story catapulting to a great ending.

Who is ready for more of this series? This chick! 5 Bring on the War Stars!
Profile Image for Melissa.
652 reviews18 followers
November 29, 2015
A Spectacular Read!
This is the first chance that I've had to read anything by this author. First let me say that I have totally been missing out! Ignited is the fourth book in this series and as soon as I finish writing this review I plan to go back to the beginning. The author has done such a stellar job with the writing that while at first, I could tell that I was missing out on something, it was very easy to get in the groove and I totally loved the book! This book is jam packed with action and excitement, and total omg twists, tossed in with some fun and emotions that run high and low, all over the place. I loved Lucy she is really quite a terrific character, strong, and fiercely loyal. From the ending you can tell that there is definitely more to come and I just can not wait! I was given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,683 reviews85 followers
December 29, 2015
Let me start by saying I have not read any of the series besides Ignited. I know! I was a little lost in the beginning (my fault!) however I was able to catch up.
This book is packed full of action and emotion right from the beginning. The characters have a strong bond with one another even after all the loss and heartbreak.
Lucy is a unique, likable and determined to keep her friends safe. Luckily she doesn't have to do it all on her own because were she wants to protect them, they also want to do the same for her.

Even with not reading the previous two books, I fell in love with this unique, fun and amazing book. I plan on reading the others ASAP so I can be all caught up before book 4.

I received this book for an honest review.
Review by Raychel
Profile Image for Raychel.
265 reviews
November 6, 2015
Let me start by saying I have not read any of the series besides Ignited. I know! I was a little lost in the beginning (my fault!) however I was able to catch up.
This book is packed full of action and emotion right from the beginning. The characters have a strong bond with one another even after all the loss and heartbreak.
Lucy is a unique, likable and determined to keep her friends safe. Luckily she doesn't have to do it all on her own because were she wants to protect them, they also want to do the same for her.

Even with not reading the previous two books, I fell in love with this unique, fun and amazing book. I plan on reading the others ASAP so I can be all caught up before book 4.

I received this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jaime Kamentz.
18 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2015
I was instantly entranced with this next installment.
The danger isn't over yet. There's more evil after Alex. And Lucy and her crew must infiltrate the enemy by being part of the enemy.

However, her duties with the enemy take an unsuspecting turn with what is revealed with who she is to protect.

But everything comes with a price. To kill evil, one must do evil sometimes. But can Lucy stay away from the evil? It was a little unsettling,the things she had to do but I had to remind myself that it's all for the safety of the Donovan team.

It is a really good series. I am ready for the next one though. The sooner the better! (Hopes author reads review and gets hint ;) lol)

I do still want Lucy and Gabe to be together though. My series dream couple. #TeamGabeForever

Profile Image for Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?).
1,222 reviews73 followers
February 8, 2017
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

Oh My Goodness! This was so good! The first book in this series has been my running favorite, but this one sure does give it a run for its money. I wasn't expecting Lucy to do half the things she did. I'll be honest, this one had me on edge! The author's writing transports you to her world in an almost magical way. There were twists and turns, surprising revelations, and some down right ruthless behaviors. Ignited was one of those books where anything could happen. Anything. Even the complete unexpected, and many times it did!

Ignited by Liz Long was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Doris.
410 reviews7 followers
November 28, 2015
I was newish to this series, and I was very pleased with it once I got into it!
So many things have happened that I wasn't anticipating, Lucy has a LOT to deal with and a LOT of choices to make!
Long's writing has always been fantastic and this is even better than before!
Dealing with the loss from the previous book, all of the characters have emotions that they are working through, and Lucy is stuck right in the middle.
This book will have you laughing, crying and dealing with heartbreak on a level that you can't fathom until you are inside the world.
Highly suggested as your next great read!
~Dowie
Profile Image for Sabrina.
557 reviews27 followers
December 6, 2015
This series just gets better with each book but after the events of the last book I will say I was a little nervous to read this one and I had to work myself up to doing it. But I am so glad I got over my issues and read it. This is by far my favorite of the series.

Watching the characters grieve and try to move forward was heart breaking for me but I am so glad they are all so strong and stayed together. I love all the characters but the growth of Lucy in these books is by far my favorite of all of them. She has come so far from book one and with the help of her friends I know she can do anything. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. 4/5 Bloody Fangs
Profile Image for Lorraine Harvey.
145 reviews12 followers
December 13, 2015
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!!!
I got given a copy of this to review and hadn't read the other three books So I read them first and loved them.
I think this is possibly one of my new favourite series, it is so refreshing to read something different and I think this one is my favourite out of the four. You get to see Lucy's dark side and I kind of liked it. I love all of the characters for their individuality and all their quarks.
I can not wait for book 5 to come out!
This is a definite must read!
Profile Image for A. McCarty.
Author 16 books42 followers
December 6, 2015
I may not have gotten to start off with the first books in this series, but I did get to enjoy this one. I rather enjoyed reading it. It was a wonderful ride through the story one I may just read again.

The entire time I felt locked in a completely different world. It was awesome and by far my favorite thing about the entire book.

The characters were wonderful and fun too.

I, Amber McCarty (Imaginative Dreams), was given a copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tera Bunger.
134 reviews
October 10, 2016
Amazing!!!

I love all of the twists and turns for Lucy! It's great that she has the support that she does. Can't wait to see what the war will bring.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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