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Dark Desires #6

Flying Through Fire

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Winged monsters have been seen in the skies, and a pestilence follows in their wake, threatening the very survival of mankind. Only the crew of the Blood Hunter knows where they come from, and only one man has the power to send them back--Thorne, a human/dragon hybrid in possession of mental powers beyond comprehension.

Candace Decker doesn't need anyone to look after her--she's a badass werewolf more than capable of protecting herself and those she loves. All the same, she's always been drawn to Thorne's strength. In an uncertain world, he's the one man who makes her feel safe. And what Candy wants, she usually gets.

But while Candy is tenacious, Thorne's willpower has been honed over ten thousand years. He might want her, but the last thing he needs is an infatuation with a young, impetuous werewolf. Candy makes him lose control, and that could have disastrous consequences.

As the threat escalates and they become separated by time and space, Candy must find a way back to him, because while Thorne alone has the power to defeat the dragons, only together can they finally bring peace to the universe.

340 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2016

6 people are currently reading
439 people want to read

About the author

Nina Croft

88 books1,097 followers
Growing up in the cold, wet, north of England, Nina Croft spent a lot of time dreaming of faraway sunnier places and ponies. When she discovered both, along with a whole load of other things, could be found between the covers of a book, her life changed forever.

Later, she headed south, picked up the perfect husband along the way, and together they volunteered to work in Africa. There they discovered a love of exotic places and a dislike of 9-5 work. Afterward they spent a number of years travelling (whenever possible) intermingled with working (whenever necessary.) Eventually they stumbled upon a remote area in the mountains of southern Spain and the small almond farm they now call home.

Nina spends her days reading, writing and riding her mare, Gencianna, under the blue Spanish skies—sunshine and ponies. She reckons this is proof that dreams really can come true if you want them enough.

Nina's writing mixes romance with elements of the paranormal and science fiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews737 followers
November 4, 2016
4 - "There's always a way." Stars!

I love this series, every time the author takes her readers back to the crew of the Blood Hunter and sends them off into space on another adventure, is like catching up with family for me.



Flying Through Fire is the sixth book in the Dark Desires series. Nina Croft has managed to mix space exploration, post-Earth being the main place for humans to inhabit, with a varied cast of paranormal characters, around a story line, that just when you think has nothing left to give, goes off on another completely different tangent.

Think of all the good things that you like in the films from the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises, as well as some of your favorite romance tropes, and mix them all together, and that is generally where this series sits. I have to admit that with the large gaps between releases of this series now, it is always with a bit of a foggy brain that I start reading, but the author always manages to recap the past while moving along with the story at hand so that you quickly get absorbed back into what is going on.

He’d been deep inside her head. And now she wanted him deep inside her body.

A hefty dose of unrequited lust flows through the early parts of this book, but as things move it becomes readily apparent that Candy’s feelings for Thorne are more than reciprocated, Thorne though is still struggling with the age difference, that is until Candy is struck down with Meridian sickness, and all bets are off. you are literally taken on a rip-roaring adventure across the galaxy as their story plays out.

She wanted someone to love her, and she knew exactly who that someone was and had always been. There’d never been another choice for her…

As I have come to expect with this series, there is a huge amount going on with the plot, what with all the recurring characters from the Blood Hunter crew, and involvement from the vastly reduced in numbers Church of the Everlasting Life, some long running story lines are finally tied up, while the author opens up new ones along the way.

"I won't vanish. I'm here to stay."

I don’t personally believe this is a series where you can read each book as a standalone, as there is simply too much going on, but if you are a newbie to the genre then you have an absolute nugget to sink your teeth into with the five books that are currently available (with this one due for release shortly), you will literally get lost in the Trakis System with the rest of the characters on the Blood Hunter.

"You need to go on. The world needs you, because you’ll always do the right thing."

Pretty sure this won’t be the author’s last visit to this series, as I said some things were tied up with Candy and Thorne’s story, but there are so many other avenues left to explore, and when you bring time-travel into the mix, the possibilities are infinite.



ARC generously provided by the author, and it was, as it always is, my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,419 followers
November 9, 2016
Fan-freaking-tastic!! I haven't read a lot of sci-fi, but this one was incredibly good. It had space (the entire universe really), werewolves, vampires, hybrids and DRAGONS! Yeah, I freaking said DRAGONS!! So it was sci-fi/paranormal blended awesomeness!!

Candy was a werewolf whose parents (mom was a Priestess and dad was a renowned assassin) were a part of the rebel force against The Church, whose mission was to eradicate the galaxy of anyone they deemed "sub-human". Ten years ago, most of The Church was extinguished and a pseudo-peace was reached. However, there's a new threat: the dragons are searching to eliminate a female member of the Collective (dragon hybrids) who can also time jump through worm holes and they are wiping out all who stand in their way. It's up to Candy and the rest of the crew of the Blood Hunter to save the universe. The crew consists of Thorne (oldest and most powerful Collective member and alos the love of Candy's life), Rico (vampire), Skylar (Collective), Devlin (Collective), Saffira (Collective time-jumper), Fergal (cyborg), Daisy (vampire), Tannis (Collective) and Callum (Collective). Each character brought their own identity to the table and each one was as enjoyable as the next. I was certainly never bored with these guys AT ALL! Oh, and the dragons also hate female Collective members PERIOD!!

Nina Croft wrote this tale quite beautifully and I was immediately lost in space with this cast and crew. With edge-of-your-seat excitement, action and suspense and with it's intensely hot passion, I was stuck to this story from beginning to end. And you know that I'm going to have to go back to the beginning of this series, right? It was that good *wink*

An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,891 reviews136 followers
November 7, 2016
This is the sixth and final novel in this very different paranormal science fiction series, starring the crew of the Blood Hunter. As the ship’s name may suggest, the Captain of this space vessel is a vampire but there are other paranormal crew, too. The story this time has the werewolf, Candace Decker, as the heroine. Her Mum was a high priestess who left Candy and her twin brother, Angel, when they were twelve years old in an attempt to rescue their father from the clutches of the church officials determined to make her do their bidding. Candy is a feisty, independent and stubborn young woman who is usually more than capable of defending and protecting her brother and those she cares for.

Her only weakness is Thorne, a human space traveller who, with his crew, had accidentally disappeared through a worm hole, travelling back more than ten thousand years in the process. He’s been changed by the dragons living on the planet the space craft crashed on and now has wings and awesome telepathic and other mental powers that he has yet to fully explore or utilise. He wants Candy but is determined not to succumb to the temptation she is.

As the threat from dragons escalates, humans are being wiped out by the pestilence they bring with them to any world they visit and the only one who can save mankind is Thorne but will he choose to do so? Can Candy convince him to help? Can she also break down the barriers around his heart and win his love?

This is a great, action packed, space adventure with a diverse range of well developed characters and a highly entertaining, well thought out, plot filled with twists and turns so the reader is never quite sure what will happen next! I found it to be an enthralling page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending to anyone who enjoys science fiction, fantasy or paranormal adventures and romance.

I was gifted an ARC of this novel via NetGalley which I have chosen to read and review. This is my honest opinion
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,862 reviews210 followers
November 4, 2016
Four and a half from me
This is the sixth book in this series that mixes so many elements my head keeps reeling. From the vampire in charge to the unusual mutated beings, werewolves and cyborgs , religious fanatics and even someone who can control time ( well sort of as its a work in progress!) and now finally dragons! Yes this epic adventure set in space is anything but dull.
With each book the author has expanded her universe , no pun intended here. It just keeps adding bit by bit until with this story so many characters come home to roost. Whilst Candy is a relatively new character Thorne first appeared in the fourth book Temporal Shift were we first became introduced to this authors idea of time travel. I won't lie it's a complex idea but is told in such a way that it's believable paradox and all! Thorne has always been a bit of an enigma but here we see a completely different side of him and he's a pretty passionate and at times explosive guy! Now pair him up with hot headed , impulsive Candy and it's definitely head butting time. What Candy wants usually Candy gets but with Thorne it's never going to be easy oh and add in the fact that colonies are being wiped out by a plague caused by the dragons and you begin to see that the crew of the Blood Hunter have really got a fierce fight on their hands !
This high octane , fast paced series is one that you really do need to read in order but it's so well worth it. Such a rush as each book sees the characters flying from one adventure to the next . Yes it's sci fi but it's so much more. Futuristic and yet paranormal , sexy and very exciting. I'm so enjoying this authors work and can't wait to see what she imagines next.
I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,309 reviews207 followers
November 5, 2016
4.25 stars-

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 7, 2016

Winged monsters have been seen in the skies, and a pestilence follows in their wake, threatening the very survival of mankind. Only the crew of the Blood Hunter knows where they come from, and only one man has the power to send them back—Thorne, a human/dragon hybrid in possession of mental powers beyond comprehension.

Candace Decker doesn’t need anyone to look after her—she’s a badass werewolf more than capable of protecting herself and those she loves. All the same, she’s always been drawn to Thorne’s strength. In an uncertain world, he’s the one man who makes her feel safe. And what Candy wants, she usually gets.

But while Candy is tenacious, Thorne’s willpower has been honed over ten thousand years. He might want her, but the last thing he needs is an infatuation with a young, impetuous werewolf. Candy makes him lose control, and that could have disastrous consequences.

As the threat escalates and they become separated by time and space, Candy must find a way back to him, because while Thorne alone has the power to defeat the dragons, only together can they finally bring peace to the universe.

•••••••

REVIEW: 4.25 stars--FLYING THROUGH FIRE is the sixth installment in Nina Croft’s adult DARK DESIRES multi-genre paranormal, fantasy, sci-fi romance series focusing on the crew of the space ship Blood Hunter. This is werewolf shifter Candace Decker, and human/dragon hybrid Thorne’s story line. FLYING THROUGH FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion. FLYING THROUGH FIRE advances the series several years. Candace is the daughter of Jonathon and Alexia (Deadly Pursuit #2).

Some background: 1000 years after Earth’s demise, the ruling Collective, and the self-proclaimed Church of Everlasting Life played a major role in the control of space. The Collective controlled the rights to the rare radioactive element known as Meridian-that will bestow immortality on those who can afford the price but with its discovery also comes death and destruction. The Church had been in the business of exterminating the genetically modified beings-considering them abominations and a sin against God- but an illness linked to the radioactive element has all but wiped out the population on a number of the planets including many members of the CoEL.

Told from several third person points of view FLYING THROUGH FIRE follows Candace Decker as she hunts for the man responsible for destroying her parent’s life. Never far behind, the winged human/dragon hybrid, and Candace’s protector Thorne, follows hoping to bring Candace under his control. But an attack of a different kind finds the intrepid crew of the Blood Hunter protecting one of their own when the original dragons known as the ‘old ones’ want something the crew is not willing to give up. What ensues is the building relationship between Thorne and Candace, and the fight to save thousands of lives.

The relationship between Thorne and Candace is a protector to friends to lovers relationship that began when Thorne was tasked with protecting a much younger Candace from the world around her. When her parents were taken into custody and her mother forced to return to the Church of Everlasting Life, Candace and her twin brother Angel set out on their own. Years later Thorne would bring Candace and Angel under his wing, and find himself falling for the werewolf shifter that called to his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate without the over the top graphic, erotic element.

Thorne is the eldest of his kind, and with it comes great power-power of which he is often unaware. Candace is an independent, young woman who has fallen in love with the hybrid dragon-a dragon she believes would never fall in love with her.

All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting roles including Devlin and Saffira (Temporal Shift 4) as Saffira becomes the target of the marauding dragons. Planets are destroyed; lives are wiped out of existence as the dragons search for Saffira and the crew of the Blood Hunter.

The world building continues to pull the reader through wormholes, black holes and onto poisonous planets; time travel; supernatural and mystical beings, telepathic communication, and artificial intelligence; cyborgs and the mind of the collective- Star Trek meets Star Wars in an epic battle for space, time and everything in between. We are introduced to new species, and hybrid humans, as well as the existence of werewolves, vampires, and supernatural beings whose DNA has been crossed with various flora and fauna.

For readers who are not fans of the sci-fi genre the DARK DESIRES series does not read like the usual sci-fi story lines but more along the lines of paranormal /fantasy romance.

FLYING THROUGH FIRE is a story of adventure; action, romance, betrayal and trust. The premise is exciting and entertaining; the characters are colorful, memorable, spirited and enchanting; the romance is emotional and passionate. Nina Croft’s DARK DESIRES series is addicting, cleverly written, and impossible to put down.

Copy supplied for review

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,955 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2016
Adventure, romance, time travel with vampires, shifters, dragons and more.

The crew of the Blood Hunter is diverse with a slew of personalities that should not work but does, which makes for a great story. Thorne, a dragon-human hybrid has an attraction to Candy a were shifter. His belief that his is to old for her plays into their story but when Candy is dying Thorne will do whatever it takes to save her. Her character is a bit impulsive which gets her into some rather tight spots. The love between these two may not be easy but it is real.

Myself I love the dominate male thing and always find a strong stubborn female character adds more depth into a relationship. I was not disappointed with the story or the characters. The different layers just make the story more attractive. This is the sixth in the Dark Desires book was a great addition to a wonderful series. Great for people who love sci-fi books. Good characters with lots of adventure. This author never disappoints.
Ama
208 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2016
I received this book for an honest review. I wanted to like it. I wanted to love it. I had a hard time trying to get into it. I think it was more because it was science fiction and I am don't read alot of the genre to love it and I hadn't read the other 5 books either. I am going to read the previous 5 books and see if that makes a difference. It was an entertaining book. I wanted to smack a few of the characters for the whining or for their attitudes. I needed to scream 'Just freaking get over it already!!'
Profile Image for Another Book Hangover.
14 reviews
November 17, 2016
Flying Through Fire by Nina Croft

How did I miss this entire series and only find it on book 6? After dogging kids so I could finish it as soon as possible. I wonder how quickly I can get my hands on the rest of the series to go back to reading about these wonderful characters. But I worry I might have shot myself in the foot since I have read this one (Book 6) before the others. Flying Through Fire is book 6 in the Dark Desires series. *note to self need to search for the other books soon.*

This book was a mix of adventure, fantasy, betrayal, action, time travel and science fiction romance enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Which if anyone knows me knows that I love paranormal romance! By chapter 3 I was completely hooked. The crew of the spaceship Blood Hunter makes me want to sign up for a pilots position to look for trouble with the rest of them. *email me later if you know where I can sign up. Just saying* Once you got use to the multiple points of view that follow Candy as she searches for the man responsible for destroying her family. The sex scenes in this book were well written and intimate without the need for any over the top raunchy graphic descriptions. The characters are well developed and with full and flowing backgrounds which are woven through the entire book.

The heroine — Candace Decker who’s mother left her to take care of her twin brother, Angel at the age of twelve while she attempted to rescue their father from the clutches of the church. Candy then grew into the stubborn, fiery, take no lip werewolf who is solely focused with finding out who betrayed her parents which then leads to her being rather impulsive in some of her decisions. But we have all been there when we are with our family.

The hero — Thorne, a human-dragon hybrid — what can you say a ten thousand year old *talk about an age gap* who was changed by the dragons and now has his own wings, telepathic and gosh knows whatever else powers he has yet to discover. Thorne is very closed off and his age shows how he keeps people at a distance to survive the millennia. He has been duty-bound, uptight and keeping control of any situation. The complete opposite of Candy. *opposites attract*
Candy and Thorne’s relationship built from protector to a friendship to a loving relationship. As the tale of Thorne taking care of Candy after her parents were taken into custody and her mother was force back into the church. Goes into their friendship. Then their dealing with the the knowledge that the known universe was collapsing. This took me a little longer to grasp what was happening as it was the only book in the series I have read but I did so this can be read as a standalone the authors recap was just enough that you will want to stay in the story with the characters and read more. *sign me up*

I don’t want to spoil anything for future readers *but you will not be able to put this book down* so I will sign off for now and give Ms. Croft her well earned FIVE HEARTS as the twists and turns in this book were like riding on the back of a dragon in a windstorm!
HANG ON TO YOUR DRAGON!
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,076 reviews34 followers
January 22, 2018
This is the sixth book in the Dark Desires series and if you are a fan of science fiction and paranormal reads with romance thrown into the mix then this book is for you. Nina Croft has a way of making all this come together and work as a piece of art really. This one is very well done.

Candace Decker is the main character is this story and she is a werewolf. Candace has a twin brother, Angel, and her mom is a high priestess. When Candace and her brother were twelve years old, their mother left them to try and rescue their father from the church officials that are trying to make her do their bidding for them. Candace, like her mother, is an independent young woman that is determined to do what she has to do to take care of her and her brother.

Candace only has one downfall and his name is Thorne. Thorne is a space traveler but has gotten himself into some trouble. Thorne has slipped through a wormhole and has traveled back more than ten thousand years in the process. That is a lot of years to go back. The dragons on the planet Thorne is on now have changed him. Thorne has new powers that he is not familiar with and is still trying to learn how to use them.

Thorne is trying so hard to not let Candace get to him when Candace is trying her hardest to rescue him. What is going to happen to these two? Will they find their way back to each other or will they go their separate ways?

There is an attraction between Thorne and Candace but Thorne is fighting it. Will Candace be able to tear down the walls that Thorne has errected around his heart on this other planet? You have to read this one to find out. A great read that will have you wondering what is going to happen next.
4,164 reviews21 followers
November 8, 2016
This is the first series I read by Nina Croft and it is still one of my favorites. Because of the diversity of the characters, I never feel like I am reading science fiction, more like paranormal creatures who just happen to be in space. Flying Through Fire (Book 6) is a red-hot addition to the already awesome series.
Flying Through Fire deals with Thorne, dragon-human and Candy, a were shifter. These two are opposites in many ways but their attraction is real. Unfortunately, so is the danger that the crew of the Blood Hunter continues to face. The story is fast-paced with a strong setting. It keeps a balance between the adventure, suspense and romance that is going on. The characters are multidimensional, so that when you think you know all about them something new is revealed. Flying Through Fire is a phenomenal story that is simply an unabashed fun read.
The author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book.
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,123 reviews
February 10, 2017
I don't usually read paranormal, but I'm a Nina Croft fan and when this book landed in my lap I decided to give it a go. What a wild ride this one is. And this is book 6.
First I want my own dragon, just sayin'... the book has everything you would want in a book from love, suspense, deceit, good vs not good. Certainly you've already read the first 5, so I'll save you from that, but I'm going to work my way backwards in this series.
This book had my on the edge of my seat and flipping pages with a death grip on my kindle.
Great read Nina!!!

**advance reader copy from Entangled for an fair review**
Profile Image for Marlene.
3,459 reviews244 followers
November 11, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality

I liked this series a whole lot better before they started playing with the “timey-wimey” bits.

Which is not to say that I didn’t like Flying through Fire, because I did. But it just wasn’t nearly as much sheer fun as the expanded edition of Break Out and Deadly Pursuit, the first two books in the series.

But it’s still fun.

Part of what makes this series so interesting is the way that it explores and plays havoc with paranormal romance. Rico Sanchez, the hero of Break Out and the prime mover of much of the action in the entire series, is a vampire. And not a new vampire, either. Rico died his first death in Spain during the Inquisition, in the 15th century on old Earth. It’s now somewhere in the 3000s, and Rico is still very much alive. When the Terrans fled the dying earth centuries ago, they brought all the things that went bump in the night along for the ride, albeit unwittingly.

The werewolves are still around too, Jonathan Decker, the hero of Deadly Pursuit, is a werewolf. And so is his daughter Candace, the heroine of Flying through Fire. But vampires and werewolves aren’t the only apex predators around. And that’s where the fun comes in. Thorne, the immortal hero of this story, is well on his way to becoming a dragon. And he’s not sure what to do about it.

Especially since Candy Decker set her sights on Thorne long ago, probably even before she knew what it was she wanted from him. But Thorne is afraid to let himself feel anything at all. He’s sure that if he lets loose of his control, all the power that he’s trying to pretend he doesn’t have is going to come out and bite him in the ass.

He’s sure he’s not right for Candy. She’s only 24, and he’s on his 10th millennia. That’s one hell of an age gap.

Thorne keeps saying that he’s going to leave Candy and the crew of the Blood Hunter behind him, and settle down somewhere far away, safe and boring.

Until the rest of the dragons come back to the galaxy, and start wiping out whole worlds to get back the one person who can either save them, or destroy them. It’s up to Thorne and the crew of the Blood Hunter to make sure that humanity, at least some form of it, survives.

Sometimes, love really can conquer all. Even when that all is a gigantic beast that can fly between the stars.

Escape Rating B: There are two stories in Flying through Fire. One is obviously the come-here/go-away romance between Thorne and Candy. It’s not really the age gap keeping them apart, it’s that they are both being idiots in completely different ways. (And their mutual idiocy is sometimes a bit predictable, and drives the reader, or at least this reader, a bit crazy) Candy has a lot of problems with impulse control, and boatload of abandonment issues, and at least some of her love for Thorne has a sizable amount of hero worship in it. In Candy’s strange life, with her parents time traveling and saving the universe, there have been too many points where Thorne was the only stable presence in her life, even when she resisted his protection.

Thorne has been alone for far too long. Through a bad accident of time travel, literally millennia. There have always been other people around, but Thorne has always been the one in charge, with no one to share the burden. He’s emotionally closed off, because that was the only way to survive.

Candy wants to bring him out of his self-imposed shell. Which someone really, really needs to do. He needs her lightness as much as she needs his steadiness. Immortality is boring. But it takes another bit of accidental time travel for them to finally be in the right place at the right time together.

The other part of this story is the culmination of the political situation set up in the previous books. Over the course of the series, the secular human governmental structures have all collapsed, leaving the extremely fanatical Church of Everlasting Life in seemingly everlasting ascendance. Until the dragons come back and wipe the slate clean on their way to wiping out humanity. Once all the threats are dealt with, someone will have to stick around and pick up the pieces.

The story in Flying through Fire brings this saga full circle. At the beginning of Break Out, it was just Rico and the crew of the Blood Hunter roaming the galaxy looking for trouble. When Flying through Fire ends, we’re back to Rico and the crew of the Blood Hunter, albeit with a few staffing changes, roaming the galaxy and looking for trouble. I hope they find it, because this series has been a marvelous and wild rocket ride.


Profile Image for Tasha Driver.
Author 2 books27 followers
November 11, 2016
This is the sixth and final book in the genre mash-up Dark Desires series that follows the multi-species (vampire, werewolf, dragon, cyborg) space traveling crew of the Blood Hunter.

What you should know:

**The hero and heroine of this book are Thorne, the 10,000 year-old (thanks to time travel) human-dragon hybrid first introduced in Temporal Shift, and Candace aka Candy, the werewolf daughter of Jon and Alex from Deadly Pursuit.
**Thorne was tasked with the job of being  the protector of Candy and her brother when their parents were taken away by The Church when they were twelve. Because of this, Thorne's reluctance to get involved with Candy is very justified. Some readers may not enjoy that relationship (though it does not throw off creepy vibes once you get past the initial backstory in the first couple of chapters) or some things that happen to Candy when she is a teenager (not involving Thorne).
**Thousands of lives are in jeopardy because of a threat from the Old Ones, the original dragons and Thorne is the oldest of the dragon hybrids. He is still figuring out the extent of his powers and abilities at the start of the book. The paranormal elements are higher in this book than any of the others. As you can imagine, this book is fast paced and full of enough action to make you're head spin.
**I don't enjoy Hard Sci-Fi much and that is usually the genre you are getting when space ships and time travel are involved. If you are like me, don't let that stop you from reading. This series is more Paranormal and Futuristic Fantasy than Hard Sci-Fi.
**Although the series is best read in order to get the full backstory, this author always does an excellent job of recapping just enough for the reader to follow what is currently happening


I enjoyed reading this book as much as all of the others in the series. I think it's a great end and it certainly can leave room for a spin off series or even for this one to continue on if the author decided on either. As usual, her writing is very good. The story is clear even with the multitude of different elements going on.

Candy's and Thorne's relationship progresses naturally even though she is constantly thinking about seducing him. I feel like this gives the reader ample time to connect with both characters separately instead of as a couple. They are both so different. He is duty-bound, uptight, and rightfully obsessed with maintaining control over himself so that some very dangerous powers don't manifest. She's impulsive and "wild" (This word is used to describe her but I would say she is more brave than wild.). Despite their differences, they play well off of each other. It's not a "jump right in the sack" progression but the romance elements are still very sexy throughout the book.
Profile Image for Penny.
610 reviews15 followers
November 8, 2016
“Maybe we could be perverts together” Stars

Well, my investigative skills suck ass, as I thought Flying Through Fire was the beginning of a new series instead of the last book in one. While I was absolutely lost at first about who was who and what they were (and I only realized after I finished it that there was a Glossary at the end of the book explaining it all: see? investigative skills: zero) if you don’t have a strict rule about starting series out of order this is a great read and totally works as a standalone.

Yes, there’s somewhat of an ongoing plotline throughout the whole series and pretty much all the characters are interconnected, but if you relax, you’ll get to enjoy them all and want to get to know them.

Thorne is a ten-thousand-year-old human/dragon hybrid, and how he got to be so old is a bit complicated. It involves wormholes and time traveling and if you have one drop of geek in your blood you’ll love this.

Obviously set in space, in a different solar system and sometimes another universe altogether, we get to meet all kinds of species, hybrids, even shifters. Candace aka Candy is a werewolf, a very hotheaded, impulsive, irreverent wolf-girl who’s had revenge on her heart for the last decade and a half.

Candy is the only one that gets a rise out of Thorne, whose millennial existence has taught him patience and control. This has become a necessary thing because of his psychic powers, which have been growing for thousands of years and he is not sure he can really control.

Now though, there’s a fatal disease spreading through the system and only Thorne has the skills to gather the knowledge of what it is and how to fight it, but the dragons that had been sleeping for so long are now flooding their solar system and he either comes up with a plan to get them gone or everything will go up in flames. Literally.

Thorne as the most powerful being of all has had to learn to be self-contained to keep his powers under control. This led to him being too reserved and cautious which eventually got on my nerves when he kept pushing Candy away even when she was the only thing that made him really happy. He was bossy and alpha for sure, but he spent so much time fighting his connection to Candy that his possessiveness could never fully realize, and this, in my opinion was a shame.

Candy was one hell of a girl, forced to be in charge of herself and her twin brother at an early age, she had to be tough and self-reliant. A fuck off attitude was her go-to mode, but underneath she was a loving and caring woman.

Thorne and Candy’s chemistry was hot, but he spent so much time fighting his feelings that they relationship never really took off for me. Candy underwent big changes in the story and I wish we had a little more time with her in the period she had with Kronus, where most of her growing up happened.

Still, Flying Through Fire was a very good space-opera-ish kind of book, with interesting characters, hot sexy scenes, and lots of action and intrigue. I greatly enjoyed reading this ending to the series and I can’t wait to get to its beginning.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Profile Image for Brigitte .
1,611 reviews24 followers
February 7, 2017
This novel is a mix of paranormal and science fiction. The characters are made up of vampires, werewolves, cyborgs, dragons and time mancers. It's a complex story and yet everything flows beautifully well.

Thorne is half human and half dragon. As a human, he went through this transition when lost in space. He is apprehensive about exploring his full potential for fear of harming others through his acquired powers. He wants to leave the Blood Hunter to go back to his people but always finds a reason why he should stay a little longer!

Candy is a fiery werewolf. She was left to look after her brother at the age of thirteen when her parents were betrayed to leave her in this devastating situation. She now has one goal in mind. To find the traitor and bring him to justice. Trouble always follows her or vice versa!

Candy gets a lead on the traitor and steals a shuttle to hunt him down despite oppositions from the space crew. Thorne goes after her in case she gets herself into anymore trouble. She reaches her destination only to discover that all of the inhabitants are being wiped out by an epidemic. This is when Thorne becomes aware of another one of his powers and is petrified. Candy is put in isolation on her return to the ship because of her disobedience. When Thorne goes to check on her, he finds her unconscious and he panics.

The thing is that Thorne has known Candy since she was a kid and even though they are always butting head, he is drawn to her. Candy has been trying to seduce him since she was a teenager but he has such a strong willpower that he has managed to resist her. So far! How long can he keep this up? Candy is very persistent, she doesn't give anything up without a fight.

The epidemic outbreaks continue and now that they are aware of the cause, they have to come up with a plan before it's too late. They are constantly treading on dangerous grounds and when Thorne decides to take action, Candy is unable to leave well alone and finds herself in hot waters once again. She is completely lost but she doesn't cower. She is caught in another dimension where time is different but nobody knows where she is. Thorne has reluctantly owned up to his feelings towards her and he convinces himself that she will be back but how long will it take?

The pace and the ongoing suspense in this novel make for a compulsive read. The characters are so different from one another and yet they manage to work well together. Despite all the dangers surrounding them, the camaderie and the humour amongst them put a positive light on the situation. The interactions between Thorne and Candy go from heated arguments and frustrations to love and passion. I love the whole concept of this story and even though it's part of a series it can be read as a standalone. Fascinating!

I received a complimentary eARC from Entangled Publishing. The views expressed are my personal and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kristie.
313 reviews7 followers
November 19, 2016
Flying Through Fire
By: Nina Croft

4.5 star review by Kristie K.

The world is a small place when you have multiple universes to play in. My first experience in the world of Dark Desires, Flying Through Fire was most certainly out of this world. Even being new to the series, I was able to follow along pretty well, keeping up with the story and catching up on most of the necessary details along the way. As a lover of all things paranormal, science fiction, and everything in between, Flying Through Fire was right up my alley. A new and unique twist on my usual paranormal reads, this had elements of both paranormal and science fiction. Thorne is everything I love in a hot and sexy alpha male, with the added bonus of wings and abilities beyond comprehension. Candy is a young, impulsive werewolf, with a taste for revenge and little consideration for a future beyond that. Gorgeous, and full of life, she keeps Thorne on his toes, and a spark of youth in his ancient eyes. When dragons threaten everything they love, decisions come, and sacrifices are made. Just when they think they may have a chance at something, their world implodes. Nina Croft has created a complex world, interwoven with lots of different story lines, species, and unique characters. With all the detail and complexity, it was incredible that I was able to follow along so easily, even 6 books into the series. Though I have no doubt that it would have been even more enjoyable knowing all the previous details and storylines that came before, it was still incredible. I loved the characters, and the interactions between them, and the amount of detail was amazing. That being said, I would have liked a little more time spent with the main characters together. Their interactions were less than I would have expected for the hero and heroine, though I am sure their story built through the first 5 books, a little more in this book would have made it just that little bit better for me. The book is very well written, engaging, and full of adventure. I enjoyed every minute of it, and can’t wait to go back to the beginning of the series, and join the adventure from the beginning. Thank you, Ms. Croft for a new adventure I can really sink my teeth into.

Kristie K.
Profile Image for Jacque.
1,000 reviews22 followers
March 23, 2017
You had me at dragons! Frankly I didn't care that I was jumping into this series at would appears to be the end. The minute I saw dragons, I knew I had to have Flying Through Fire. Sci-Fi and paranormal in the same storyline? Honestly, I had no idea how that was going to work out. Turns out, these two genres work perfectly together like peanut butter and chocolate.

I’ll be the first to say it; Thorne is a bit of a stick in the mud. I get it. He's thousands of years old, so to say he's set in his ways is an understatement. He doesn't have time to deal with a young werewolf, even though he's very attracted to her. Candy is quite the spitfire. Impetuous, quick to act and minus a filter, this werewolf is quite the firecracker. She is a badass, but sometimes that toughness lands her in trouble. You put these two together and things really begin to get interesting. Let the head-butting begin!

There wasn't a thing I hated about this book. From the characters, to the plot itself, which of both there is a lot to take in, I loved every minute of it. Flying Through Fire goes by fast, is loads of fun and satisfied both my PNR as well as my SFR sweet tooth. I had a few moments where I did get a bit lost like how on earth is Thorne so OLD?! I kept thinking it was something I missed out on from previous books. Nope, everything gets explained here for me. No linger questions except now I want to read the series from the beginning just so I can enjoy this last book so much more.

I have no previous knowledge of the working of this series, which in no way hindered me. It was AMAZING and how did I not know this series existed! How have I not discovered Nina Croft before is anybody's guess but now that she is on my radar, I know I have more reading to do. She is a must read author!


I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine.
Stars - 5, Flames - 3
856 reviews8 followers
October 16, 2016
I received this book from net galley for an honest review. Thank you!!

This was a good read. This story involves some time traveling, adventure, romance, shifters, vampires, dragons, humans, cyborgs, and some hybrids. It takes place across different universes. The characters all have different personalities, which adds to the story. Of course, most of them enjoy some form of fighting. They travel on the ship called the Blood Hunter, at times helping others.
Thorne is a dragon-human hybrid of enormous power, which he keeps on a tight leash. He is afraid of what his abilities could do if they were ever released. Candy is a were shifter and beats to her own drum. She frustrates Thorne constantly. They are both attracted to each other but Thorne feels he is too old for her and is afraid of losing control. Candy gets herself into some sticky situations due to her impulsive nature. However, when Candy is dying, Thorne does what ever he can to save her.
The crew of the Blood Hunter keeps escaping from the dragons who are releasing a poison that is killing humans. The dragons want Saffria dead, a female hybrid dragon that can create wormholes and travel through time. However, she has difficulties with it. Candy and Thorne each make their own sacrifices for each other. Even when they are separated, they always find their way back to each other and realize their love for each other.
Profile Image for JoDeen .
586 reviews47 followers
November 9, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Nina Croft books, so I heard about Flying Through Fire I was so excited. I got the chance to read this book early so I dived into it as soon as I could and I loved it ,Flying Through Fire was a fantastic.

In this book we follow Thorne and Candy and I just love these two together .I could just tell me from the minute I saw these two together we were in for a hot, wild ,sexy adventure with them and this is exactly what I got. The romance in this book was sexy, intense and heart pounding. Every moment we got to spend with Thorne and Candy whether they were together or apart had me rooting for them more and more no matter what happened and trust me so much happened in this story ,there was never a dull moment in this book . Nina Croft packs so much awesome things in the story , shifters ,spaceships and that's just naming a few . I was so just fascinated by everything in this story, Nina Croft combined science fiction elements and fantasy / paranormal elements along with intriguing characters , a plot that will keep your eyes glued to the page and a romance that will have you smiling and fanning your self at the same time and creates another fantastic story.

Flying Through Fire is a sexy , thrilling space opera and I just absolutely love it .I can't wait to see what Nina Croft writes next . If you love all these things in your books I suggest you get a copy.
Profile Image for Busy Bees.
266 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2016
Star Rating - ***.5

I quite enjoy a sci-fi romance and the hot alpha space lord has firm become my favourite type of hero. Unfortunately I came to this series 6 books in, not the best idea with a complex story line of a book like Flying through Fire. It's hard to come into an established story line with full mythology without feeling lost, for me despite my enjoyment of Nina Crofts writing and the story in general I struggled with the majority of the plot confused and rereading paragraphs.

Left orphaned when her parents are captured and held prisoner by fanatics Candace 'Candy' Decker has struggled to make her own way in the world hiding and protecting her brother Angel from the sinister worlds around them. At age 15 she wanted Thorne, however Thorne older than her by several centuries and a friend of her parents spurned her advances, now it's their time but with the world and fate conspiring against them there romance is not an easy one.

If I had come to this series with the first book my review would have been higher 4 stars at the very least, This book shouldn't be read as a standalone and despite the engaging cast of characters drawing me into the storyline I still struggled with some of the previous events that had happened in the series. If you like space, time travel, immortality, vampires, mutants and werewolves and many more you need to read this series you will love the story and the characters created.

Hattie Bee
Profile Image for C. Erani Kole.
1,710 reviews51 followers
November 9, 2016
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received via NetGalley*

Thorne and Candy face the last chapters of their story with this novel as the world, nearly desolate or non-existent, suffer the lingering fear of dragons and their next attack. Everyone's together once again, but with the way things are going, it may not last for long.

I really enjoyed this book. The series has been a favorite so far what with the mix of mythological creatures and outer space. The plot was really good. The characters, particularly the crew of the Blood Hunter, are goals that I wish I could find in every book I picked up. Our MCs have a lot to go through emotional wise, but in the end, it all comes together. i thought the pace started off great, and it picked up as the end neared, but by the time the finality hit, things were a bit anti-climatic for me, mainly because of all the power in the universe, so for it to end the way it did....

I seriously hope this series doesn't end. I'm in love with the people I've met and had a pleasure to go on adventures with. It's full of hilarity, adventure, sexy times and a ship of people you wish were in your own life. Definite recommend.
Profile Image for Kae Thomas Hawk.
148 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2016
I am a big fan of Nina Croft. She never disappoints. I love this series and was happy to read a new book about the crew of the Blood Hunter. There is so much going on you know that it will take more books to tell it all. Yesssss!!!
Anyway, this book is about Candace a kickass werewolf and Thorne a dragon with powers so extensive even he doest know what all he can do. She wants him he wants her but, he refuses to give in. He is in serious trouble because Candace gets whatever she wants so you know it is going to be battle royal.
To top it off there are other dragons destroying the universe and the crew of the Blood Hunter wants to stop them. They know they might stand a chance if Thorne would help them but he just wants to walk away. Every since these same dragons destroyed the planet of people he promised to lead and keep safe. Now he wants nothing to do with anyone. Will Candace be able to pull him out of his funk and get him to help?
Check out this book in the series to see. You will enjoy it as much as I did.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Schultheis.
1,316 reviews6 followers
November 15, 2016
Candy is wild and unlike anyone Thorne has ever met and that’s saying something considering he’s older…much older than her and part dragon. Candy is a werewolf who is seeking revenge from what happened ten years ago. When Candy disappears, Thorne tracks her down and just in time because something strange is going down.

When Candy’s reason for revenge is no longer relevant, she decides to concentrate on seducing Thorne, but before she can act on her desires, she falls ill and then a whole bunch of things go down, which doesn’t necessary make her goal an easier one. But if Thorne and Candy are going to survive they will need each other.

I enjoyed the world this author created and the many different layers to it. The characters were intriguing and the romance was intense and oh so sexy! I always love older men with younger women and this fit the bill for me. The paranormal and fantasy elements were enjoyable, as well. It’s definitely a story that will keep you turning the pages to see how it all plays out. Enjoyable read from Nina Croft.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,098 reviews88 followers
November 2, 2016
Candace is a werewolf who has been looking after herself and her twin brother since they we're twelve years old. She has grown up fiercely independent and sure she can cope with anything, while she hunts down the person who betrayed her parents.
Thorne is part of the Collective, people who have been changed by joining their DNA with dragons . He is immortal and has responsibility for the people he brought through space.
Our hero is very old and getting jaded by all the pressure he feels from looking after everyone. He can´t always save them. There is a lot of adventure and excitement in this story. We have just about every type of being in here, Dragons, Werewolves, Vampires and even Cyborg.
This is part of a Sci-Fi Romance series , I have not read the ones that come before this but I still loved this one. Most of the secondary characters are from the previous books, so I am going back to pick up the first in the series .
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,569 reviews55 followers
November 7, 2016
Candy and Thorne are flaming hot!!! With cyborgs, vampires, time travellers (kinda) and whole smorgasbord of others with fantastical abilities - there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Candy is an assassin with nothing but revenge on her mind. Thorne is a dragon shifter who can't seem to get the dratted female off his mind!!! He is the epitome of the older man (he is thousands of years her senior whilst still appearing as though he is about 30!!!)

We find out the lengths Candy was willing to go to secure her revenge for the incarceration of her family. We also delve into the ravages of a plague wiping out the humans on the planet and the part that the dragons who originally mutated Thorne appear to play in the unfolding drama. Brilliantly fast paced story that sweeps you along! The characters engage your brain and your emotions and this poor crew lurch from one misadventure to another! I can't wait to see what happens next!!!
596 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2016
Nina Croft’s Dark Desire series following the life, love, and complete chaos of the Blood Hunter’s crew is phenomenal! A space odyssey of truly epic proportions with a twist of paranormal keeps readers on the edge and unable to put these books down. This edition focuses on Thorne (dragon hybrid resulting from Meridian) and Candy (werewolf by birth). Lots of angst, danger, love and loss complicate their would be love affair as they face hostile life forms, probable annihilation, good intentions gone wrong, and lots of struggles with change as they travel through space and time. The entire series is well over 5 stars (n if that is as high as they let me go!), I not only highly recommend it, but recommend reading them in order so the back story comes to life. Great books, unforgettable characters and I sincerely hope to see more!
**I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way**

Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews12 followers
November 8, 2016
Once again I get to enter into this series. If looking for a series that is refreshing and different this one would fit that desire. What helps fill that desire is the mix of sci-fi and paranormal done in away that you forget you are reading. Candace and Thorne will take you on this one, with a supporting cast of colorful characters behind them. Between them when together they will have a intense heat that will beat their heart. But ya know how some guys are stubborn to the core. Then again so is she, lol, that is probably another reason they make a fantastic couple. When the time comes though this author will put you through the wringer, white knucles, and anticipation on how this will spin. This crew will take care of many things including us readers with these two being in the front seat.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,898 reviews213 followers
December 9, 2016
I don't normally read much paranormal anymore, nor do I read much sci fi or fantasy, but this hybrid of the three is pretty damn good. It's got action, intrigue, and steamy moments. Candace and Thorne have that good ole classic friends to lovers thing going on, and it's really well done. Thorne is determined to protect Candace, but she is determined to do things herself and doesn't need anyone to protect her, especially someone she happens to be lusting after.

Candace is hunting down whoever is responsible for destroying her parents' life and Thorne is along for the ride. When feelings develop between the werewolf and dragon hybrid, things get good!

If you have any interest in sci fi, fantasy or paranormal, 1 click Flying Through Fire, you won't regret it!

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
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