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City of Dragons #2
Fire Storm
Penny Caspian here. Another day, another dead dragon shifter in Sea City. This one’s Fletcher Remington, a rich playboy who enjoyed surfing and heroin until he disappeared without a trace. Detective Lachlan Flint and I are on the case, mixing it up with the upper crust to find out what happened to him. Speaking of Lachlan and me—we’re in a holding pattern. He’s afraid to get close to me, because he’s apparently so mesmerized by the taste of my blood that he’s afraid he’ll lose control and hurt me. I keep saying that I can take care of myself, but it’s like he’s deaf. And the one time he does actually get swept up in the moment and kiss me again, my ex shows up. Yeah, the abusive jerk has powerful magic now—I don’t know from where—and he’s got no qualms about using it to beat me senseless and pummel Lachlan too. My ex wants me back, but that’s never going to happen.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2016
70 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Val St. Crowe
61 books84 followersVal St. Crowe is the fantasy and sci-fi pen name for USA Today Bestselling author V.J. Chambers.
Under the name V.J. Chambers she writes mysteries, thrillers and horror.
Under the pen name Jove Chambers she writes dark romance.
A Joss Whedon fanatic, she loves all that is speculative, from Elemental Assassin to Arrow to The Lost Boys.
She lives in Shepherdstown, WV with her partner Aaron, their son, and their kitty cat.
Under the name V.J. Chambers she writes mysteries, thrillers and horror.
Under the pen name Jove Chambers she writes dark romance.
A Joss Whedon fanatic, she loves all that is speculative, from Elemental Assassin to Arrow to The Lost Boys.
She lives in Shepherdstown, WV with her partner Aaron, their son, and their kitty cat.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 31, 2016
Alastair's abuse was very difficult to read. He hates himself and Penny is his punching bag, et al. Lachlan is missing something from his character development. I can't truly connect to him. Penny is a victim, of Alastair and her subsequent actions.
Hell, I would not want to deal with all the: physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial shite he's inflicted on her period. The dragon bond is too convenient.
Lachlan is correct. Penny has to deal with it. I'm glad she agreed to doing a rape kit and pressing charges. Yet, the ending of this book shows she really isn't dealing with anything productively. Hiding the truth is exhausting.
I bond with Connor the most. He feels real. His loneliness is tangible. Felicity learning magic is a very good thing.
The blood bond between Penny and Lachlan is odd.
I don't know if I will continue. This series, thus far, is about paranormal creatures. Yet, it is so horrid for 90% of the characters.
It's SO not a fun read. *sighs*
Hell, I would not want to deal with all the: physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial shite he's inflicted on her period. The dragon bond is too convenient.
Lachlan is correct. Penny has to deal with it. I'm glad she agreed to doing a rape kit and pressing charges. Yet, the ending of this book shows she really isn't dealing with anything productively. Hiding the truth is exhausting.
I bond with Connor the most. He feels real. His loneliness is tangible. Felicity learning magic is a very good thing.
The blood bond between Penny and Lachlan is odd.
I don't know if I will continue. This series, thus far, is about paranormal creatures. Yet, it is so horrid for 90% of the characters.
It's SO not a fun read. *sighs*
October 9, 2016
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
October 19, 2016
Penny, Connor, Felicity, Lachlan (Flint), and even Jensen and Alistair are back. Connor of course is still hapless Connor, being gay certainly hasn't helped his interpersonal skills, even if he has recently managed a few interludes due to increased college kids numbers for spring break. He's still just as clueless about... well almost everything, and still doesn't get why every male he introduces himself to says they're not really interested (or gay). But that's just Connor, he's harmless and just like the little brother Penny never had, even if she thinks he's attractive there's nothing wrong with that. Felicity is still living with Jensen but she's still a BFF, and thankfully has the courage to point out to Penny when she's being an idjit and still love her too. Lachlan still has that drop dead gorgeous face and since meeting and working with Penny his eyes no longer look as hollow.
Penny's continuing her period of growth and still consults for the SCPD; and of course has her own login too. Alistair's still Alistair, but his slippery slope of desperation appearing in Fire Song has continued it's spiraling descent; making him more dangerous than he ever was before. Penny still hasn't a love life but everyone including the reader hasn't given up hope yet that she and Lachlan will get past their hangups; although if she continues to get pointers from Connor, we might have to reevaluate that stance. That boy needs to know you have to have a love life before you're qualified to give advice. It could also be said that Penny's friends need to be directing their attention to the other potential half of the equation. Of the first four characters of the above mentioned names three seriously need to get laid, two preferably with each other. I'll leave the working it out up to you.
Without a doubt and despite their obvious affection toward one another, Penny and Lachlan seem to have an insurmountable elephant in the room. For Penny the acting out, and acceptance of her desire leads to memories of pleasure and shame, recalling the vampire bite from when The Brotherhood had captured her and Lachlan. For Lachlan the exact same events lead him to remember that during that time he could barely stop before lasting injuries took place. That and the following few times he experienced her blood has resulted in a need he's never had to face before; desiring human blood - well Penny's dragon blood to be precise. That Penny invited the experience has no baring on his conflict other than to increase his caution. So whilst events conspired to bring them closer the same conspires to keep them apart.
The lull in their working relationship eventually comes to an end, notoriety of their success in the dragon slasher case seems has made them the topic of popular discussion. Given the dragon community is one of high political standing, which wealth and 'donations' have a thing tendency to do, their abilities are now known and sought by more than just the protect and serve arena from whence they came. Dragon shifters, if going by the number and frequency of victims, are particularly vulnerable despite being born of magic and strength. Another potential victim has gone missing, this time its a young man. Whilst its been a week since he went missing and no body is yet discovered assumptions point to another slaying. Family and friends seem less concerned that the body is missing and more committed to vengeance. Of course for Lachlan and Penny there must first be a body for there to be a crime and thus they must deal with it as a missing persons case first.
The vamps are up to no good again and Felicity's drake blood has captured the attention of a new group. Carrying magic and therefore drake or dragon blood in their bodies a group of six corner her in the parking lot of the apartments where she now lives. Penny barely manages to get there in time to prevent more than minor injury and between her and Jensen's concern, Felicity's freedom starts to fall victim to their protective natures; prompting her to learn magic. There's also the possible association of a business frequented by vamps and dragons with the missing dragon.
The Dungeon provides a service where dragons allow vamps to feed from them. The exchange is mutual and concentual, magic in exchange for a high, but as Penny knows from personal experience there's a point where danger sets in. An old school friend's daughter is frequenting the business and so Melinda has come to Penny hoping she'll be able to put a stop to it before her daughter is injured or worse. Of course there's now another fine line looking to be crossed. Penny doesn't or won't grasp that as a police consultant she creates a bias when involving the personal with the business, leaving the business as inadmissible. Inviting Felicity and Lachlan as usual also makes her a greater risk to their safety than often the things she's trying to save them from.
Penny finally begins to experience romance as it should, all nerves and emotions and consent. But meanwhile the already magically strong Alistair has been bolstering his strength and has found a way to bridge the gap between human and magical creature compulsion. With this ability now in place he no longer has to physically fight Penny to make her do what he wants, he merely has to instruct her. With free will negated Penny is merely a passenger in her own body. The depths of Alistair's committal to keep Penny would make any mate proud if only it wasn't grown from the greatest revulsion. It seems an outdated and ancient phenomenon between dragon and vamp consort might be the only defense against what Alistair has wrought.
Once again Val St. Crowe has written a shocking and eye opening expose about the nature of abuse and unlike many examples where biographical retelling and fiction has traditionally served as the medium, Val has masterfully molded the theme into a fantastical series. Without reading between the lines and focusing on the themes, which casual reading is less inclined to do, the experience is simply an enjoyable and entertaining urban fantasy. More in depth readers will however get to see the hopeless and revolting nature of extreme domestic abuse; and the hopelessness of getting society to say enough is enough.
The emotional rollercoaster of the storyline, like the mechanics of the ride, takes the story from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows and through the plateau in between. Whether you're looking for a magical fantasy rich in action and mystery or an indulgence in the darker side of human nature and the plethora of emotions which comes with it, Fire Storm has some of everything to help you along the way. The fighting strength of Penny to be able experience all the storylines entail is an inspiration to human resilience.
Penny's continuing her period of growth and still consults for the SCPD; and of course has her own login too. Alistair's still Alistair, but his slippery slope of desperation appearing in Fire Song has continued it's spiraling descent; making him more dangerous than he ever was before. Penny still hasn't a love life but everyone including the reader hasn't given up hope yet that she and Lachlan will get past their hangups; although if she continues to get pointers from Connor, we might have to reevaluate that stance. That boy needs to know you have to have a love life before you're qualified to give advice. It could also be said that Penny's friends need to be directing their attention to the other potential half of the equation. Of the first four characters of the above mentioned names three seriously need to get laid, two preferably with each other. I'll leave the working it out up to you.
Without a doubt and despite their obvious affection toward one another, Penny and Lachlan seem to have an insurmountable elephant in the room. For Penny the acting out, and acceptance of her desire leads to memories of pleasure and shame, recalling the vampire bite from when The Brotherhood had captured her and Lachlan. For Lachlan the exact same events lead him to remember that during that time he could barely stop before lasting injuries took place. That and the following few times he experienced her blood has resulted in a need he's never had to face before; desiring human blood - well Penny's dragon blood to be precise. That Penny invited the experience has no baring on his conflict other than to increase his caution. So whilst events conspired to bring them closer the same conspires to keep them apart.
The lull in their working relationship eventually comes to an end, notoriety of their success in the dragon slasher case seems has made them the topic of popular discussion. Given the dragon community is one of high political standing, which wealth and 'donations' have a thing tendency to do, their abilities are now known and sought by more than just the protect and serve arena from whence they came. Dragon shifters, if going by the number and frequency of victims, are particularly vulnerable despite being born of magic and strength. Another potential victim has gone missing, this time its a young man. Whilst its been a week since he went missing and no body is yet discovered assumptions point to another slaying. Family and friends seem less concerned that the body is missing and more committed to vengeance. Of course for Lachlan and Penny there must first be a body for there to be a crime and thus they must deal with it as a missing persons case first.
The vamps are up to no good again and Felicity's drake blood has captured the attention of a new group. Carrying magic and therefore drake or dragon blood in their bodies a group of six corner her in the parking lot of the apartments where she now lives. Penny barely manages to get there in time to prevent more than minor injury and between her and Jensen's concern, Felicity's freedom starts to fall victim to their protective natures; prompting her to learn magic. There's also the possible association of a business frequented by vamps and dragons with the missing dragon.
The Dungeon provides a service where dragons allow vamps to feed from them. The exchange is mutual and concentual, magic in exchange for a high, but as Penny knows from personal experience there's a point where danger sets in. An old school friend's daughter is frequenting the business and so Melinda has come to Penny hoping she'll be able to put a stop to it before her daughter is injured or worse. Of course there's now another fine line looking to be crossed. Penny doesn't or won't grasp that as a police consultant she creates a bias when involving the personal with the business, leaving the business as inadmissible. Inviting Felicity and Lachlan as usual also makes her a greater risk to their safety than often the things she's trying to save them from.
Penny finally begins to experience romance as it should, all nerves and emotions and consent. But meanwhile the already magically strong Alistair has been bolstering his strength and has found a way to bridge the gap between human and magical creature compulsion. With this ability now in place he no longer has to physically fight Penny to make her do what he wants, he merely has to instruct her. With free will negated Penny is merely a passenger in her own body. The depths of Alistair's committal to keep Penny would make any mate proud if only it wasn't grown from the greatest revulsion. It seems an outdated and ancient phenomenon between dragon and vamp consort might be the only defense against what Alistair has wrought.
Once again Val St. Crowe has written a shocking and eye opening expose about the nature of abuse and unlike many examples where biographical retelling and fiction has traditionally served as the medium, Val has masterfully molded the theme into a fantastical series. Without reading between the lines and focusing on the themes, which casual reading is less inclined to do, the experience is simply an enjoyable and entertaining urban fantasy. More in depth readers will however get to see the hopeless and revolting nature of extreme domestic abuse; and the hopelessness of getting society to say enough is enough.
The emotional rollercoaster of the storyline, like the mechanics of the ride, takes the story from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows and through the plateau in between. Whether you're looking for a magical fantasy rich in action and mystery or an indulgence in the darker side of human nature and the plethora of emotions which comes with it, Fire Storm has some of everything to help you along the way. The fighting strength of Penny to be able experience all the storylines entail is an inspiration to human resilience.
January 24, 2018
I thought this book was amazing. Although there is a lot of bad things that happen to Penny. Lachlan and Penny have a special bond unlike the bond of mating with Alastair. The series is starting to get really good. A wonderful page turner to read. I received this book for free in a boxed, in an exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2022
A special book, well written and a don't stop reading novel.
It got 4 because it is very well written. A very good book. I just don't want to keep on with an insane super dragon villain. Can the blood bond cause the baby to be Lachlan's? Will Conner find a mate? You know She will carry it. Will it be a special new breed?. Did I mention I prefer stand alone novels?
It got 4 because it is very well written. A very good book. I just don't want to keep on with an insane super dragon villain. Can the blood bond cause the baby to be Lachlan's? Will Conner find a mate? You know She will carry it. Will it be a special new breed?. Did I mention I prefer stand alone novels?
December 12, 2020
Excellent
Wow, this second book was deep and dark. Dastardly Alistair on a murder rampage and Penny pregnant. I really cannot wait to begin book 3!
Wow, this second book was deep and dark. Dastardly Alistair on a murder rampage and Penny pregnant. I really cannot wait to begin book 3!
May 19, 2016
The story was well written and well thought out. The author told a story that has complex characters, good world building, and an interesting plot. The author found a way to focus both on the overall mystery story arc and character development at the same time. I do plan to read the next book and I think the author has great talent.
That being said, I found the main characters very frustrating and I am not sure I could recommend this book to others who have similar tastes in main characters that I have. I think whether you like/dislike this book will not be because of poor writing but just different tastes from each reader.
Spoiler......
The on again/off again relationship made me dizzy. It seemed like sometimes they'd be on again/off again within the same day! There was an acknowledgement that they were both screwed up (many many many times). It felt like watching a car crash happening...in slow motion... and then repeated. It made the book difficult to read. When you can't support a main character's decisions and actions, it's hard to want to read that story. Often reading a good book is like spending time with friends. If you don't like the characters then it's hard to want to spend that time. Luckily the author's overall story was so engrossing that it kept me engaged and willing to wade through the crazy.
Something that the author touched on in this story that I felt might be controversial was the abuse of the main character from her ex. I thought it was brave of the author to try to touch on such a difficult subject though I could have done with a little bit less of the abuse scenes. But that's a personal preference. I agree with the author (in her Author's note). The actions of the Ex were really the only way that part of the story could happen. It was true to the characters even if it was a bit dark and depressing.
That being said, I found the main characters very frustrating and I am not sure I could recommend this book to others who have similar tastes in main characters that I have. I think whether you like/dislike this book will not be because of poor writing but just different tastes from each reader.
Spoiler......
The on again/off again relationship made me dizzy. It seemed like sometimes they'd be on again/off again within the same day! There was an acknowledgement that they were both screwed up (many many many times). It felt like watching a car crash happening...in slow motion... and then repeated. It made the book difficult to read. When you can't support a main character's decisions and actions, it's hard to want to read that story. Often reading a good book is like spending time with friends. If you don't like the characters then it's hard to want to spend that time. Luckily the author's overall story was so engrossing that it kept me engaged and willing to wade through the crazy.
Something that the author touched on in this story that I felt might be controversial was the abuse of the main character from her ex. I thought it was brave of the author to try to touch on such a difficult subject though I could have done with a little bit less of the abuse scenes. But that's a personal preference. I agree with the author (in her Author's note). The actions of the Ex were really the only way that part of the story could happen. It was true to the characters even if it was a bit dark and depressing.
July 25, 2016
This is not your typical paranormal fantasy. Yes, there are vampires and dragons and the like but it's quite a different tone than others in the same genre. I have read other books about dragons that inhabit human form and some of them do it well and some of them do not; I think this one falls in the middle. I thought the plotline was engaging and I'm interested in the more unique types of creatures like drakes and gargoyles that aren't usually in other fantasy novels. I also appreciated that the main character has broken from what ultimately seems like an abusive relationship even though it's clearly not accepted amongst her people. That message is important and really rather heavy, and something that isn't usually discussed in most paranormal urban fantasies.
I have since read the subsequent novels and found them to be better than this first one, so I would encourage you to continue reading the series. The world building and magical development in this series isn't as strong as it is in others, but the plot line and overall message make up for it.
I have since read the subsequent novels and found them to be better than this first one, so I would encourage you to continue reading the series. The world building and magical development in this series isn't as strong as it is in others, but the plot line and overall message make up for it.
May 18, 2016
If I had one complaint with the first book in this series, it would be that the abusive ex-husband got off scot-free. So I was thrilled to find Alastair taking a more leading role in the current book. I was also very pleased to see the central love story gain depth and to enjoy another great paranormal mystery.
At the risk of spoiling the plot, I should warn potential readers that there is a rape scene embedded in this installment. That said, the scene in question *wasn't* inserted for titillation purposes and did fade to black pretty early on. But if that's an instant no for you, you probably should skip this book.
Other than that one warning, though, Val St. Crowe's series continues to be my favorite new urban fantasy of 2016. I want to see much more of this world --- dragon shifters, gargoyles, vampires, and all. Here's hoping book three comes out soon!
At the risk of spoiling the plot, I should warn potential readers that there is a rape scene embedded in this installment. That said, the scene in question *wasn't* inserted for titillation purposes and did fade to black pretty early on. But if that's an instant no for you, you probably should skip this book.
Other than that one warning, though, Val St. Crowe's series continues to be my favorite new urban fantasy of 2016. I want to see much more of this world --- dragon shifters, gargoyles, vampires, and all. Here's hoping book three comes out soon!
January 3, 2017
This book brings up a lot of darkness...abuse, murder, miscarriages, dealing with loss. My major complaint is that Penny keeps going to her abusers home...even if part of police investigation. Like forcing an addict to buy drugs...thinking they won't get hooked again. I was glad she finally reported the abuse, but constantly "fixing" and healing the physical damages, doesn't stop the abuser. I truly hope the next book finishes the story with Alistair, his abuse of her and magic is evil.
November 17, 2016
Well written headspace
I thought the characters were once again well written. We are thoroughly in Penny's head right and wrong. A good representation of abuse and blame and guilt. How lucky she is to have he friends so loyal and strong. Thanks for getting to THAT finally.
I thought the characters were once again well written. We are thoroughly in Penny's head right and wrong. A good representation of abuse and blame and guilt. How lucky she is to have he friends so loyal and strong. Thanks for getting to THAT finally.
May 23, 2016
Continues the adventure from book one. Filled with humor, romance, and action, plus likeable characters and an evil villain or two.
June 4, 2016
very interesting
July 5, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. the only thing I wished the author described was,what penny looked like. what did her dragon look like? other than that I would highly recommend this book
July 10, 2016
I liked that the interaction with the detective gave it an old time classical mystery feel for me.
July 16, 2016
Great Author!
Good book, in depth character development, just a little bit predictable. You can tell the author cares about what is happening beyond the main characters!
Good book, in depth character development, just a little bit predictable. You can tell the author cares about what is happening beyond the main characters!
October 30, 2016
The book is so good
They solved the murder of fletcher.Alistair is the bad guy and he is using dragon sacrifice for more magic. Now he is missing.
They solved the murder of fletcher.Alistair is the bad guy and he is using dragon sacrifice for more magic. Now he is missing.
April 15, 2017
Excellent
Book 2 is even better than the first. Penny and Lachlin are great together.
Fantastic plot and the story gets deeper and deeper with more characters introduced.
Cannot wait for book 3
Book 2 is even better than the first. Penny and Lachlin are great together.
Fantastic plot and the story gets deeper and deeper with more characters introduced.
Cannot wait for book 3
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews