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Heartblaze #2
Heartblaze 2: Vampire Rising
Someone you’ve loved for centuries suddenly disappears, utterly erased from history. No one but you has any memory of this beautiful person. No one but you is grieving. And no one but you can repair this devastating hole in the fabric of reality.
EMMA RUE is in the fight of her life, struggling to find her beloved soulmate, a vampire who has disappeared from everyone’s memories but her own. Her quest is complicated by an unexpected transformation in her body, as well as the intervention of her powerful nemesis…
ROWAN OF WILDWOOD, the Empress of Witches. Rowan has a madly ambitious plan to reshape the world with her shadow magic, and only Emma is standing in her way. But getting to Emma won’t be easy. Emma has loyal and vigilant friends, not the least of whom is…
STEFAN HILDEBRAND, a werewolf now dying from a shotgun wound. Desperate to protect Emma, he’ll do anything to claw his way back to life. But does that include making a devil’s bargain with an entity called the Trickster?
EMMA RUE is in the fight of her life, struggling to find her beloved soulmate, a vampire who has disappeared from everyone’s memories but her own. Her quest is complicated by an unexpected transformation in her body, as well as the intervention of her powerful nemesis…
ROWAN OF WILDWOOD, the Empress of Witches. Rowan has a madly ambitious plan to reshape the world with her shadow magic, and only Emma is standing in her way. But getting to Emma won’t be easy. Emma has loyal and vigilant friends, not the least of whom is…
STEFAN HILDEBRAND, a werewolf now dying from a shotgun wound. Desperate to protect Emma, he’ll do anything to claw his way back to life. But does that include making a devil’s bargain with an entity called the Trickster?
Join Emma as she embarks on an epic quest that takes her from the shadow world of vampires into Tudor-era England, and across the otherworldly realm of souls.
Are you a fan of books such as Twilight and A Shade of Vampire? Did you enjoy The Wolves of Mercy Falls, The Mortal Instruments, House of Night, Vampire Academy, or Daughter of Smoke & Bone? If so, grab your copy of Heartblaze 2: Savage Steel right now
285 pages, ebook
Published July 1, 2016
69 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Shay Roberts
32 books220 followersShay Roberts, a USA Today bestselling fantasy author, has a reputation for writing page-turning novels with captivating characters.
Shay began writing as a child, scribbling stories on the walls of the family home. In ink. As you can imagine, they were poorly received. But when the young author moved to pencil and paper, a career was born.
The medieval world is a frequent setting for the writer’s works. Passionate about Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), Shay founded the Academy of Arms, a nonprofit medieval martial arts school in Los Angeles. As an instructor, the author developed expertise in various dueling weapons, including the longsword and pollaxe, and later discovered these skills are counterproductive in office situations.
Shay is also an instrument-rated pilot with a diverse educational background, including an MA in Screenwriting, a BS in Biology, and a BA in English. This is another way of saying Shay never wanted to leave college and join the “real world.”
When not slaving over a new novel, the author plays open-world RPGs and explores the latest tech gadgets. Shay enjoys a healthy lifestyle that includes cooking, working out, fermenting vegetables, and brewing kombucha. The writer’s cherry-ginger kombucha has been particularly well-received.
The author finds Pomskies and Russian Blues to be the most adorable of all creatures and will duel anyone who says otherwise. As an animal lover, there is always a place in Shay’s books for another furry friend.
Currently, the author spends much of the year in Portugal, embracing the culture and learning the language. É muito difícil! With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and friendly people, Portugal is the perfect place for writing spellbinding novels. Be advised, if you ever want to visit this lovely country, you are required to love futebol and swear allegiance to Ronaldo.
Shay began writing as a child, scribbling stories on the walls of the family home. In ink. As you can imagine, they were poorly received. But when the young author moved to pencil and paper, a career was born.
The medieval world is a frequent setting for the writer’s works. Passionate about Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), Shay founded the Academy of Arms, a nonprofit medieval martial arts school in Los Angeles. As an instructor, the author developed expertise in various dueling weapons, including the longsword and pollaxe, and later discovered these skills are counterproductive in office situations.
Shay is also an instrument-rated pilot with a diverse educational background, including an MA in Screenwriting, a BS in Biology, and a BA in English. This is another way of saying Shay never wanted to leave college and join the “real world.”
When not slaving over a new novel, the author plays open-world RPGs and explores the latest tech gadgets. Shay enjoys a healthy lifestyle that includes cooking, working out, fermenting vegetables, and brewing kombucha. The writer’s cherry-ginger kombucha has been particularly well-received.
The author finds Pomskies and Russian Blues to be the most adorable of all creatures and will duel anyone who says otherwise. As an animal lover, there is always a place in Shay’s books for another furry friend.
Currently, the author spends much of the year in Portugal, embracing the culture and learning the language. É muito difícil! With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and friendly people, Portugal is the perfect place for writing spellbinding novels. Be advised, if you ever want to visit this lovely country, you are required to love futebol and swear allegiance to Ronaldo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 2, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
The adventure continues bringing new twists and more surprises to the readers. Once again the author did an amazing job the fantasy world with the many different supernatural creatures he has created it's so overwhelming and unique because has the ability to make get in the story and live everything the characters live or feel.
Personally i couldn't wait to read the second installment of the series after the huge cliffhanger the fist part had left us where Emma is facing a big discovery about Julian,i honestly couldn't imagine what is going to happen next to our heroes so when this beauty landed on my kindle i dug in right away....well from the first pages action and twists take place what a better way to start a book i was so caught up by everything happening there i mean if this is the beginning what is going to happen next??? My answer many...blew minding things will happen.
This part of the series raised the level much more with many main characters taking part in the narration and having glimpse of what was going on in their time (also scenes from the past) or life today what they were planning/want/intentions that's one of my favorite parts in the book, the multiple point of view because in this kind of story is very interesting to see the whole picture for all the characters (huge players).
Once again Emma and Julian trying to overcome many obstacles in order to finally be together but they have so many enemies especially Emma because she has a priceless and danger object in her possession, so now her life is a constant battle even after all these things (???) that are happening to her she remains the gentle and caring soul we all met in the first book and Julian yet again has the mystery vibe who by the way never stopped loving or caring for her. Did i say how much i love these two characters their love and passion it's so overwhelming and i wish in the next installment both to have more luck (and also to read some juicy scenes between them).
Furthermore the pace develops steadily, combined with all the elements of suspense, intrigue, twists and secrets... you really don't know what is going to happen next, which character is your friend??? Who is your enemy?? Who is telling the truth and who doesn't??? Some questions will be answered in this part some others i hope they will be in the next which i can't wait to read.
The series are certainly recommended i'm pretty sure that you're gonna love this unique and enjoyable plot with all these fine ingredients the author has added.
July 1, 2016
If you were worried that author Shay Roberts might have fallen into a “sophomore slump” with this second book in the Heartblaze trilogy, worry no more. This book is a delight in every way, with deeper conflicts, richer emotions, and relationships that are layered and nuanced. He’s even deftly woven in references to the three novellas set in the Heartblaze world, a move that makes his fictional universe seem even more complex and interesting than it already was. As with the first book, the story unfolds in two different time frames—modern-day Providence and Tudor England—and involves heroine Emma Rue in a story that has epic consequences. Rowan, the mad witch behind Emma’s troubles in the first book, returns with an entire coven of witchly allies, and her tale weaves in and out of Emma’s story like a dark ribbon. Written in an almost cinematic style full of character cross-cutting and cliffhangers, this book is a fast read and a deeply satisfying addition to the series.
January 25, 2017
So many interesting characters! Weres (-wolves & -bears), shapeshifters, vampires, witches... And meet Hanna, she lived 300 years before Cassandra. I love the way the story was set up and how it keeps surprising me! I'm looking forward to part 3!
I got a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, Shay Roberts, for giving me a chance to read it!
I got a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, Shay Roberts, for giving me a chance to read it!
June 13, 2018
This book picks up where book 1 left off – right in the middle of the cliffhanger ending action. We are introduced to a few more characters and we get a first person ‘pov’ of Rowan, a witch intent on the destruction of life as they know it – I think. Rowan is portrayed as an old of mind, young (relatively) of body soul. She is currently also the antagonist in this book. Might I add that sometimes the bad guy is not always really the bad guy…
Emma faces herself changing into a vampire yet again, like in her past life as Cassandra. In this book, she gets some insight into an even older version of her soul, through Hanna/Hanns (this will be explained).
Hanna is forced to pretend to be male to help her father keep his shop and means of income through teaching German fighting. Hanna goes to a male-only school, lives as a boy, until her secret is discovered.
Julian, Emma’s soulmate, is trapped in a soul world called Memoria Can Emma free him? We’ll see, I guess…
KoR, the secret society who hunts and eliminates supernatural souls, take a step into the background in this book’s plot. I am certain we haven’t seen the last of them, though…
There is also the appearance of Laurance, a vampire from Cassandra’s past life. He is the vampire who took Cassandra under his wing as his apprentice.
Also, here we are introduced to were-bears – specifically Esben. Still trying to figure out whether he can be trusted and if he is on the good side.
There is an odd change in Stefan after his wolf dies to save his life. An odd spirit takes the place of his wolf, giving him weird abilities and it frightens him so much that he tries to distance himself from Emma to protect her from himself.
Romance in this book isn’t as prominent as in the first. We do see some development between Emma and Stefan. Most of the romance comes through Hanna and her life.
More than this, I refuse to say. The world inside this one, created by Shay, is amazing and easy to get lost in. Even though the ‘pov’ of the book jumps between characters, it’s easy to follow and keep track off. I didn’t get overwhelmed by the main plot and sub-plots.
Clearly, I cannot wait for book 3 and I will be sure to let you know as soon as a release date is made available for this book, with a cover reveal *hopefully*!
Emma faces herself changing into a vampire yet again, like in her past life as Cassandra. In this book, she gets some insight into an even older version of her soul, through Hanna/Hanns (this will be explained).
Hanna is forced to pretend to be male to help her father keep his shop and means of income through teaching German fighting. Hanna goes to a male-only school, lives as a boy, until her secret is discovered.
Julian, Emma’s soulmate, is trapped in a soul world called Memoria Can Emma free him? We’ll see, I guess…
KoR, the secret society who hunts and eliminates supernatural souls, take a step into the background in this book’s plot. I am certain we haven’t seen the last of them, though…
There is also the appearance of Laurance, a vampire from Cassandra’s past life. He is the vampire who took Cassandra under his wing as his apprentice.
Also, here we are introduced to were-bears – specifically Esben. Still trying to figure out whether he can be trusted and if he is on the good side.
There is an odd change in Stefan after his wolf dies to save his life. An odd spirit takes the place of his wolf, giving him weird abilities and it frightens him so much that he tries to distance himself from Emma to protect her from himself.
Romance in this book isn’t as prominent as in the first. We do see some development between Emma and Stefan. Most of the romance comes through Hanna and her life.
More than this, I refuse to say. The world inside this one, created by Shay, is amazing and easy to get lost in. Even though the ‘pov’ of the book jumps between characters, it’s easy to follow and keep track off. I didn’t get overwhelmed by the main plot and sub-plots.
Clearly, I cannot wait for book 3 and I will be sure to let you know as soon as a release date is made available for this book, with a cover reveal *hopefully*!
August 4, 2017
We pretty much begin where we left off after Julian was found in Sarcophagus in the back yard of their home where he has been for the last 200 years tricked and blood starved by Angelo and now something has drawn Emma Rue to him and he is weak and needs to feed but if he feeds off her she may very well die because he hasn't been fed for so long , but Emma gives herself to him anyway because she has come here to meet Julian the real Julian. Julian tells her the truth about Angelo who catches them unawares. Lorance of the Black Rose Society has recruited Stefan who just left the KoR (Knights of Rome) who would be trying to catch and kill them so that their souls would die forever. Stefan wakes up in the hospital after a fight with a follower of Rowan who was sent to get information from Emma Rue's friends But Lorance and Stefan broke into their apartment where Stefan was shot in the chest he felt his wolf leave him but now he wakes in the hospital feeling pain and the doctor explains what happen to him as he knows it and then Lorance and he talk and they decide they need to leave the hospital quickly but Stefan finds that he can change his looks which he does and he notices other changes they go and get Emma and find out that Julia is gone but he is not dead the Si'ndo'm the dagger that she has attached itself her. Before they leave the country for Emma to get her to Prague as soon as possible she is beginning to touch the lives that her soul as spent time with along the way and one was of Hanna . They go to save her friends. This is a fabulous series. I received a free copy from the author as a gift. I am providing a review with no obligation.
December 29, 2016
I've read the second book as soon as I was given the copy.
The story gets more complex and intriguing. The adventure and plot thickens as the story progresses. Mysteries are slowly unfolding. New characters show up and add more suspense to the story. The characters' personalities start to grow. The conflict gets more thrilling. The obstacles Emma has to face get more complex especially with what happened to Julian. The more you read either questions or answers will pop into your mind. The more you read, your curiosity for what's to come deepens.
I personally enjoy the series and can’t wait to read the next installment. It is one of my favorites for its genre and unique plot. Every detail, from character, setting and conflict, is explained making the imagination of the reader flourish. It is very exciting, thrilling and intriguing to read.
It is a story that will always leave you hanging once you stop reading but will make you enjoy every second of it.
The story gets more complex and intriguing. The adventure and plot thickens as the story progresses. Mysteries are slowly unfolding. New characters show up and add more suspense to the story. The characters' personalities start to grow. The conflict gets more thrilling. The obstacles Emma has to face get more complex especially with what happened to Julian. The more you read either questions or answers will pop into your mind. The more you read, your curiosity for what's to come deepens.
I personally enjoy the series and can’t wait to read the next installment. It is one of my favorites for its genre and unique plot. Every detail, from character, setting and conflict, is explained making the imagination of the reader flourish. It is very exciting, thrilling and intriguing to read.
It is a story that will always leave you hanging once you stop reading but will make you enjoy every second of it.
December 5, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as I enjoyed the first book in the series. If you felt the first book was confusing, you may find it worse in the second book as it continues the changes in POV and Timeline. Those don't bother me, though. I think I was disappointed that after all of the build up in the first book, (this happens in the first chapter, so I don't think of it as a spoiler, but...) Emma and Julian found a new way to be separated. There is just as much action, if not more, in this book than in the first novel. The suspense and anticipation is still strong, if not stronger as the action progresses. I look forward to reading the next book and hopefully finding the resolution that I am craving for the characters.
August 24, 2017
This awesome series continues with this second book that contains the usual witches, vampires, weres, and in this case, lots of past life moments, as well as just a little bit of adventure, suspense, and of course paranormal romance. This story weaves a connection with reincarnation and how those past lives are affecting the major characters in their present life. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series that continues the tale of Hanna/Emma/Julian/Stefan/Lorance and of course Rowan. Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2018
Shay Roberts followed up one of my favorite vampire books with an even better one. We continue the journey with Emma and Julian, but this installment delves so much deeper into their story. Roberts weaves characters, new and old, into a beautiful world with dangers lurking around every corner. You are never quite sure who to trust. The character development is phenomenal and the language rich and vibrant. Emma and Julian have so many cards stacked against them, but that will not stop them from finding a way to be together and to put things right. I need book 3!!!
June 22, 2018
So in this book Shay has brought us along on an action packed adventure as we follow Emma through more plot twists and surprises than one person could possibly accept going through. It brings you along exceptional story lines of the characters to deliver a graceful (but eventful) cliffhanger that simultaneously tied everything you’ve read together so it all makes sense. I recommend both the first book in the series, and this one for lovers of fantasy, mind mystery, and the perfect dash of romance.
November 28, 2016
I have yet to experience the depths of Shay Roberts’ imagination. And what a ride that is! The twists and turns continue, the plot gets more intriguing, and just when you think you may be able to predict the outcome…..Bam! He does it again! One of the most intriguing series I have ever read. Robert’s work is a joyride like no other!
Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
This is the second book in the series that I have read. I am beginning to get used to the authors very different style of writing. The story itself is very dark and I found it rather scary in parts. It is not for the faint hearted thats for sure. I am trying to grow into it because there is so much that I do like about it. Therefore I am going to persevere and carry on and read the next instalment to find out what happens next. I am going to be very brave keep the lights on and not go to sleep!
April 10, 2018
Continuing where the first book left off, Heartblaze 2 delves into Emma’s ability to visit her past selves. Dealing with issues that cropped up in her past but this time with the knowledge of being an outsider, she changes history and inadvertently changes some things in the future. Another awesome book by Shay Roberts, this guy is becoming one of my favorite authors! If you like vampires, shifters and plot twists this series if definitely for you!
January 6, 2017
I am really enjoying this series. I especially like the peeks we get into the past (small history lessons) and the shifting POVs of the different characters.
Can't wait to read the next in the series. The only drawback - the ending - is a cliffhanger! Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy that I am voluntarily reviewing.
Can't wait to read the next in the series. The only drawback - the ending - is a cliffhanger! Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy that I am voluntarily reviewing.
October 25, 2017
This second book is fantastic. The story gets more complex and intriguing, while mysteries are slowly unfolding. There are new characters, and they are all interesting, adding to the complex and unique universe the author has created.
Layered plot and nuanced relationships, adventures, and fantasy... what else could you wish for? I fully recommend it.
Layered plot and nuanced relationships, adventures, and fantasy... what else could you wish for? I fully recommend it.
April 4, 2018
I received Emma's Story and Vampire Soul free and enjoyed them so much I had to get Vampire Rising. I am now going to read Vampire Eternal the 3rd book in the Emma's Saga. I have really enjoyed reading this story. It is funny, sad and has you going through an assortment of emotions. Really well written and a joy to read
April 30, 2018
Vampire Rising is great read in the continuation of Emma's Saga. It just keeps getting better and better as the series continues. What will happen with Emma? Who will continue to stand by her side? I ask all these questions ready for the next book.
“Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.”
“Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.”
June 4, 2019
This is my second book read of Shay Roberts, and if I thought I was hooked on the first book, I was even moreso with the second. I have read the first two books in three days. Her style of writing has won me over. Draws me in and I don't want to put it down. Excellent.
Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2018
a wonderful story full of twists and turns that leave you hungry for more. Emma receiving visions from someone else in her past. Stefan whith problems of his own and conflicted whith emotions. this is a book you won't want to put down.
April 17, 2019
It reminds me of drama tv and I have no problem with putting the book down to read later
It did not pull me in. I want to know what happens but am in no rush to find out. Like it barely holds my interest.
It did not pull me in. I want to know what happens but am in no rush to find out. Like it barely holds my interest.
June 5, 2019
The in heartblaze series❤❤ have now read all 3
I highly suggest you read these books. You won't stop with the first Vampire heart. This is the second in 3 book series.read all three in 2 days. Can't put them down. Kudos to Shay Roberts
I highly suggest you read these books. You won't stop with the first Vampire heart. This is the second in 3 book series.read all three in 2 days. Can't put them down. Kudos to Shay Roberts
February 4, 2017
Wow loving this series even though we have a sneaky author who likes cliffhangers, very intense but fantastic read, thank you Shay x
March 22, 2017
This was amazing.. I loved it.. it picked up right where the first one left off (the middle of a cliffhanger lol) I loved all the new characters we meet.. the paranormal aspects in this story is just as amazing as it was in the first story.. i cannot wait to read book 3. this is a lovely series and im glad i got to review it
August 24, 2017
Amazing story!I like this authors style of telling stories.once you start reading you'll continue till it's finished.I will be reading more from this author.Job well done......
April 29, 2018
I haven’t started it im srry been busy
April 7, 2019
Great
And so the plot thickens. I’m very interested in where the story is going to next. There’s so many people I don’t trust and many people I want to know more about.
And so the plot thickens. I’m very interested in where the story is going to next. There’s so many people I don’t trust and many people I want to know more about.
June 30, 2020
Such a wonderful book by Author Shay Roberts. It has wonderful characters and full of action and intrigue. Can't wait to read more in this series...Loved it...
August 3, 2022
Love the book but I don't like to have to look up words while I am so into the book. Excellent book just a lot of things I had to look up.
August 31, 2017
The journey continues and I could not put it down
Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
November 30, 2016
Another blown mind novel with everything you could ever want including humor, adventure, danger, drama and still cunning and treacherous villains. What else could you want? If you're looking for a novel that can keep you at the edge of you seat, this is most definitely the book for you! I think this is a really great story; but then, I keep saying the same thing for all the other books after I finished reading them; so you'll have to read it to find out.
Title: Heartblaze Book: 2
Series: Heartblaze series
Author: Shay Roberts
Type of novel: Full-Length, with cliffhanger and can not be read as Standalone. It is a sequel of the first one.
Characters:
Heroine:
Emma Rue is the new reincarnation of an ancient soul. She has been Cassandra Cross, a Trascendent noble (vampire) from 19th century, in her past life (about 200 year ago) and in love with Julian La Fleur, her maker and mentor. In this new book she has been elevated for the second time by Julian before Angelo stabbed him with Sindom and he is erased from everyone's memory. In the first book she was relieving that past life as Cassandra; but, in this one she meets another one, Hanna/ Hanns Dorrholtz.
Hanna/ Hanns Dorrholtz is a German fencing teacher working for the Tudors (16th century). She’s an excellent fighter in German martial arts. For the past 10 years she had to dress as a boy (Hanns) as per his fathers orders, to be able to keep his business and to have someone to pass it on when he dies. While teaching Hal Tudor, she gets poisoned and almost died. They discovered that she was not a boy and she had to start dressing as a woman for that moment on.
Hero:
Stefan Hildebrand was a werewolf in the first book but was shot in the chest and his wolf died protecting him; but in his place is now a godling, one of Loki's child, who saved his life after he was shot. Is he the Trickster or a demon? Is he a good or a bad influence? We'll see. He is still attracted to Emma and follows her to Europe to try and protect her.
Julian St. Fleur was stabbed by Angelo, his maker, using an ancient dagger (Sindom) that has the ability to erased people from existence. Now he finds himself in another plane of existence that he calls Memoria. He is able to somehow communicate with Emma for a short period of time. The dagger can erase the flesh and memories of a person but can not destroy their soul. Emma and Julian are bond together by the Heartblaze ritual and there is a part of each other's soul in the other.
Laurence is another Trascendent noble who was Cassandra's mentor. He was teaching her to become his replacement as a soulreader before her death. Now he is back being her mentor again, but from the beginning. In Julian's absence, Laurence is teaching Emma to become a Trascendent and to follow the rules.
Villains:
Rowan of Wildwood is the Empress of the Witches or at least that is how she calls herself. Not all witches recognize her as such. She wants Sindom, her ancient dagger back to erase the builder who created the bridge for the reincarnation. She wants to stop this unnatural state as she calls it and kill death to become immortal. She values knowledge more than wisdom. She met Hanna a long time ago when she was still a young woman known as Lady Kavanagh in the 16th century.
Hwei-ru is a human witch, a complicated woman with an old soul. She has suffered much and has grown angry, bitter, evil and has a lack of empathy toward others.
Other characters:
KoR is a human organization whose sole purpose is to eliminate all paranormal creatures. They lethally poisoned Santiago with radiation to tag him in order to find Stefan and/ or the Black Rose Society. KoR has taken a background position in this sequel.
Esben is a werebear who knew Stefan in the first book. Was working as a bodyguard.
Wayfarer is a Trascendent whose greater gift is to move objects and people through Velox, a way of moving at great speed in the vampire world.
Zivanka is a spiritist.
Hal and Oswyn Tudor are the children of the King.
Overall point of view: I'm crazy about vampires and this novel have me wanting for more. It has danger, drama, adventure, malevolent, treacherous and conniving villains, some humor and suspence. The characters are strong (even the females), gentle and protective. And the villains are treacherous, egocentric, snobbish and cunning. The author does a remarkable job of giving some backstory throughout the book so you can understand the plot better.
Did I like this book? Yes, great story.
Would I recommend it? Yes, I would!
Will I read this author again? I plan to, I want to read the other short stories that he wrote about this series.
Was I entertained? Very much indeed.
My final verdict: great book, different kind of paranormal reading. Try it, you won't be disappointed. Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book. I volunteered to review it.
Title: Heartblaze Book: 2
Series: Heartblaze series
Author: Shay Roberts
Type of novel: Full-Length, with cliffhanger and can not be read as Standalone. It is a sequel of the first one.
Characters:
Heroine:
Emma Rue is the new reincarnation of an ancient soul. She has been Cassandra Cross, a Trascendent noble (vampire) from 19th century, in her past life (about 200 year ago) and in love with Julian La Fleur, her maker and mentor. In this new book she has been elevated for the second time by Julian before Angelo stabbed him with Sindom and he is erased from everyone's memory. In the first book she was relieving that past life as Cassandra; but, in this one she meets another one, Hanna/ Hanns Dorrholtz.
Hanna/ Hanns Dorrholtz is a German fencing teacher working for the Tudors (16th century). She’s an excellent fighter in German martial arts. For the past 10 years she had to dress as a boy (Hanns) as per his fathers orders, to be able to keep his business and to have someone to pass it on when he dies. While teaching Hal Tudor, she gets poisoned and almost died. They discovered that she was not a boy and she had to start dressing as a woman for that moment on.
Hero:
Stefan Hildebrand was a werewolf in the first book but was shot in the chest and his wolf died protecting him; but in his place is now a godling, one of Loki's child, who saved his life after he was shot. Is he the Trickster or a demon? Is he a good or a bad influence? We'll see. He is still attracted to Emma and follows her to Europe to try and protect her.
Julian St. Fleur was stabbed by Angelo, his maker, using an ancient dagger (Sindom) that has the ability to erased people from existence. Now he finds himself in another plane of existence that he calls Memoria. He is able to somehow communicate with Emma for a short period of time. The dagger can erase the flesh and memories of a person but can not destroy their soul. Emma and Julian are bond together by the Heartblaze ritual and there is a part of each other's soul in the other.
Laurence is another Trascendent noble who was Cassandra's mentor. He was teaching her to become his replacement as a soulreader before her death. Now he is back being her mentor again, but from the beginning. In Julian's absence, Laurence is teaching Emma to become a Trascendent and to follow the rules.
Villains:
Rowan of Wildwood is the Empress of the Witches or at least that is how she calls herself. Not all witches recognize her as such. She wants Sindom, her ancient dagger back to erase the builder who created the bridge for the reincarnation. She wants to stop this unnatural state as she calls it and kill death to become immortal. She values knowledge more than wisdom. She met Hanna a long time ago when she was still a young woman known as Lady Kavanagh in the 16th century.
Hwei-ru is a human witch, a complicated woman with an old soul. She has suffered much and has grown angry, bitter, evil and has a lack of empathy toward others.
Other characters:
KoR is a human organization whose sole purpose is to eliminate all paranormal creatures. They lethally poisoned Santiago with radiation to tag him in order to find Stefan and/ or the Black Rose Society. KoR has taken a background position in this sequel.
Esben is a werebear who knew Stefan in the first book. Was working as a bodyguard.
Wayfarer is a Trascendent whose greater gift is to move objects and people through Velox, a way of moving at great speed in the vampire world.
Zivanka is a spiritist.
Hal and Oswyn Tudor are the children of the King.
Overall point of view: I'm crazy about vampires and this novel have me wanting for more. It has danger, drama, adventure, malevolent, treacherous and conniving villains, some humor and suspence. The characters are strong (even the females), gentle and protective. And the villains are treacherous, egocentric, snobbish and cunning. The author does a remarkable job of giving some backstory throughout the book so you can understand the plot better.
Did I like this book? Yes, great story.
Would I recommend it? Yes, I would!
Will I read this author again? I plan to, I want to read the other short stories that he wrote about this series.
Was I entertained? Very much indeed.
My final verdict: great book, different kind of paranormal reading. Try it, you won't be disappointed. Thanks to Snowfire Press for providing a copy of this book. I volunteered to review it.
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