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The Firebinders #1

Firebinders: Marek

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Marek Bannach, a firebinder, is in search of the rest of his kind – mortals with the gift of fire in their blood – before they are killed off by someone only known as The Shadow. Accepting his friend’s help of a meeting with a powerful witch in New Orleans, his thoughts of self-preservation get derailed when he rescues a woman who stirs his blood not realizing that she has something he needs.

Gwen Fraser never expected a man with the deepest blue green eyes to keep rescuing her from danger. He intrigues her and sets her heart racing. Escaping those who want to harm her because of her research, she agrees to go to New Orleans with him. En route, he gives her an unguarded moment of pleasure, not realizing that he has something she wants.

Thrown together by circumstances dictated by Serendipity, they succumb to the passion that engulfs them even if only for a few days. But danger isn’t far behind and Gwen’s life is under threat once more.

Now that he has found the woman the universe has decreed to be his, Marek must keep her safe at all cost.

Because he is nothing without her.

Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2017

4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Isobelle Cate

44 books230 followers
Some stories stay with you forever. Some characters feel like old friends. Isobelle Cate writes both. Her books are full of love that surprises, second chances that feel real, and people who’ve been through heartbreak but find the courage to love again. Every story she tells reminds us that hope is never lost, and love always finds a way.

Her characters are alive, flawed, brave, funny, and achingly human. Whether it’s a sweeping romance or a touch of magic, her stories pull you in and refuse to let go.

Off the page, Isobelle is just as captivating. She’s warm, thoughtful, and a little delightfully quirky someone who loves quiet afternoons with a book, the smell of baking drifting through the house, and the gentle rhythm of crocheting. She lives in Manchester with her family and their tiny, fearless goldfish, Ninja, who somehow makes every day a little more interesting.

Readers don’t just come for her stories, they stay for her heart. Isobelle’s words comfort, inspire, and remind us that even when life feels impossible, love has a way of finding us.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl Whitty.
903 reviews14 followers
August 29, 2017
Reviewed on Behalf of Book Addict.live,
What a pleasure this is to receive an ARC from Isobelle Cate for Book one in brand new Series. For fans of The Cynn Cruor Bloodline Series this spin off featuring Zac and Faith looking for more people like her, Firebinders with the ability to heal.
If you are fresh to the scene no problem, this is the start of a new series and can be read as such. Now for the book a great start to a brilliant new series, in this we meet Marek a rich oil and businessman and playboy to boot.
Gwen is a scientist working for a pharmaceuticals company when the owner makes her uneasy so Gwen gives in her notice and leaves. When two men follow her to frighten her? Marek rescues her and takes her to New Orleans until she can get a flight back to England.
New Orleans is where the adventure and action really starts in and out of the bedroom. This has everything paranormal, plenty of action and a great love story what more do want? I know the next book, I can’t wait! Addicted to another series from Isobelle Cate.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Emily.
1,688 reviews125 followers
September 1, 2017
"Firebinders: Marek" (The Firebinders Series Book 1) by Isobelle Cate is a great read. I enjoyed Marek and Gwen's story. I'm looking forward to reading more about the characters we met in this story in the future. It was also nice to catch up with the Cynn Cruors from Isobelle's Cynn Cruors Bloodline Series. This story has action, drama, passion, paranormal, interesting characters, and more. Recommend to all fans of paranormal romance and series.
Profile Image for Janka.
511 reviews4 followers
August 9, 2017
I love Isobelle Cate's books. And this one did not disappoint. I love that it is a Cynn Cruors spin off and we get a chance to catch up with some of the characters from that series.
Gwen is a scientist and she discovered something that might just cost her her life. But this stranger keeps saving her life. Marek is on a mission to find more firebinders. On is way he meets Gwen and he cannot keep his hands off of her. She intrigues him. There is chemistry and attraction between them they cannot fight. Along the way they meet people, discover things and search for answers.
Ups and down and tragedy kept me on my toes throughout the story. I loved it.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2017



I really loved this story, first time hearing of the Firebinders. They go all the way back to the Roman Empire created by a god who fell in love with a human and infused the town of the woman he loved with his blood when he was called back by the gods. Thus he gave them fire in their blood with the ability to heal and destroy too. So much magic, intrigue and mystery,as always there are those who wish to have more power than they should and the Firebinders are forced to disburse in order to keep their kind alive. So the battle begins with those few left to find and eradicate the one that would destroy them, the Shadow.

After the death of his parents, Firebinder Marek Bannach is left with the job his father had of keeping the Chronicle safe and finding the rest of his kind. He never imagined he would run into the woman that would change the way his sex drive drove him when not putting out oil fires. He is going to have to learn to put out his own fire around the beautiful Scientist.

Gwen has found a breakthrough in her research of the strange blood at Sebastian Pharma, but when she discovers that Sebastian Highmore has no plans of using it as a means to cure the diseases plaguing the world, she finds herself dodging bullets. When a very hot stranger comes to her rescue, she finds herself lost in the fire in his eyes. She finds herself lulled into a world that logically shouldn't even exist, but her scientific curiosity and lust for a man that sets her on fire with just a word won't allow her to protect her heart.


Who is the Shadow and why is he so hell bent on eradicating the Firebinders and to what end?

This is going to be one very fantastic ride into the world of the Firebinders.
Profile Image for Lizzie.
Author 46 books324 followers
August 19, 2017
This was the first book I have read by Isobelle Cate and it will NOT be the last. Think I just found my newest author to stalk. PNR is not usually my go-to genre but I couldn't put this book down.
This book follows the characters Marek and Gwen. Gwen is your run-of-the-mill human with an intelligent mind and Marek is a firebinder that can heal others. When Gwen's life is thrown in jeopardy, she needs someone who will protect her. Is Marek that man? Is there more to their meeting than you'd think? You MUST read this book. You will not regret it.
Profile Image for Laura.
386 reviews24 followers
April 14, 2019
*Midnight's Yule: A Cynn Cruors Bloodline novella MUST be read beforehand* The start of this story is set before Midnight Yule and then picks up from what happened within the story

"You make it sound like we're E.T.'s relatives."

We was first introduced to Firebinders in Midnight's Fate with Faith...but even Faith didn't know a lot about Firebinders or where she came from. We know the power that Firebinders have, they can heal someone who is sick by channelling the sickness into their bodies and releasing it into the earth, but there is a deadlier side...We don't know any other Firebinders, Faith has been desperately looking and with the latest development of being able to draw out the curse of being a Scatha Cruor from Mackenzie Butler draining her, Faith could do with some allies.

Along come Marek & Lia Bannach! In Midnight Yule these sibling were introduced to us and now we finally get to uncover the tale of the Firebinders...And meet the newest leading lady Gwen Fraser, who may seem sweet and innocent wearing her lab coat but you should never judge a book by it's cover...

Gentleman prick. Was there even such a phrase? Because it really suite him.

Marek Bannach is your typical arsehole kinda guy, he does have a soft spot though-granted it is buried deep down! Carrying the weight of his family name now that parents have passed away Marek must protect his Firebinder legacy and all that goes with it. He trying to track down Firebinders to warn them of the Shadow that is hunting them down and with help of a friend he books his private plane back home to New Orleans.

Why was he always there when she needed rescuing like some avenging angel protecting her even with his life?

This is where our characters meet-no not New Orleans on Bourbon street. Marek comes to Gwen rescue on more than one occasion and circumstances entwine these two together. Marek is finding out that this woman has more layers then he once thought...and now he wants to rip them off and have more than just a sweet taste of Gwen for one night...Could Gwen be the one to truly mend his broken heart?

"Let's go up. Only to escort you to your room."
"Okay. But if you touch me in the elevator, I'll break your nuts."


(Well who does she remind you of?)

Gwen Fraser ex-army doctor and her team are currently researching a special kind of blood in a lab for Sebastian Highmore, believing this will help save lives in the future. This blood is unlike anything that Gwen has seen before and soon finds out how important her research is when she meet Sebastian Highmore, finding out his true intentions...Gwen leaves not wanting to be apart of Sebastian’s plans however, Gwen now knows too much and it's not long before her normal life of work, sleep, work becomes threatened.

"You assholes want to play? We'll play."

Trouble comes chasing after Gwen and pushes her into the arms of an unlikely saviour of Marek. Gwen world turns upside down and suddenly her body is yearning touched again after being neglected. Her heart on the other hand, still feels the sting of betrayal and rejection. As much as Marek sets her body alight can she really trust him?

She had never initiated the first move but with Marek...he was making her do things she'd never do

Marek & Gwen <3 I didn't know what to make of these two at first, just how were they going to get together? Red hot flames then went to a slow burn. There was a lot of emotion from their pasts, their current predicament of being in New Orleans and could they finally have this moment of letting loose of their feelings for one another?

"Is this the southern hospitality I keep hearing about?"
"Southern hospitality doesn't extend to my bed."


Both characters complimented each other well, their reactions and the heated moments-talk about mile high climax! The touching emotional scenes with the detail that was wrote made the chapters <3

"I want you tonight when the house is quiet when it seems that there's nobody else in the world."

This story was needed for the series of Cynn Cruors, it helped explain more about the Firebinders and lots of important details that helped join a few dots together. Speaking of, this story also includes two characters that are very important to storyline...Faith & Zac! <3 Having Faith & Zac was a great bonus within the story and made a lot of sense why they were there.

It had to happen, Gwen," she said gently yet happy. "You two looked like miserable figs."
"Miserable figs?"
"Yeah." Faith shrugged. "Any day now you and Marek would have shrivelled up because you no longer had any juice of life left inside you."


Of course, it can't all be sweet and happy someone has cause trouble (for once it's not Dac!!)Sebastian Highmore make sure you read closely with him around that's all I'm saying! Some new characters to meet with this one too, lots of banter and stories that are creeping in with side characters making you wonder what else there is to find out.

She was more than he could ever deserve and she was the woman the universe gave him.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,735 reviews30 followers
August 31, 2017
I was really excited to see the Firebinders were getting their own series after being introduced to Dawn who is a Firebinder in Midnight's Fate (The Cynn Cruors Bloodline Series Book 4). The whole idea they can heal or harm was great as well as the back story we get from Marek after he saves Gwen from her crazy ex boss. I loved how Marek and Gwen are both stubborn as mules to the detriment to each other and how you get so frustrated with them, as well as how they do really care for each other but don't know how to show it. I think this is definitely going to be an awesome series and can't wait to read more about the Firebinders including Marek along with his sister, Gwen and Dawn along with the Cynn Cruors.

This is an honest review for The Assassin's reading reviewing group.
Profile Image for Tracey Warren.
633 reviews
September 5, 2017
MI'm so disappointed, I loved this book I didn't want it to end

Whilst I've always had an interest in the paranormal and things that go bump in the night those topics aren't my normal reading matter, that is until a fellow author suggested I give Isobelle's Cynn Cruor series a try and was seriously hooked. This latest edition was purchased sight unseen, no blurb, no preview, had to read it, knew it would be gripping, action packed, romantic (yes really), boy do these guys know how to treat their woman! Marek is drawn to Gwen, rescuing her from thugs hell bent on taking her life due to a discovery. Gwen is a scientist, whose findings lead her to ties with Marek and a world she had no idea existed. A really enjoyable read, Ms Cates' writing style is captivating, gripping, saucy, paranormal, romance, with action, mystery and adventure all thrown in, laughs and tears along the way too, so prepare to fall in love over and over with this series.
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,419 reviews63 followers
August 8, 2017
Wow, what an intriguing and inspiring book. It had me gripped to every page and on the edge of my seat. Cannot wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Grimm.
140 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review. I absolutely loved this book! I had never read about anything like a firebinder before and was intrigued all throughout to find out about all the abilities they had. In this story, Marek, his sister, and his best friend are all firebinders left and they are searching for others of their kind. In the search, he meets Gwen and can't get her out of his mind. As their story unfolds, he must find a way to keep Gwen safe as well as find who is looking to kill off the rest of the firebinders, making them extinct.
Profile Image for Julie Jackson.
2,312 reviews10 followers
August 28, 2017
Reviewed for SNS


This book was a fascinating read. Marek is a firebender who is dedicated to saving Gwen, a scientist, who discovers a blood that will heal and kill. The shadow is determined to kill all the remaining Firebenders but without a doubt, they will put up a fight. Gwen has never met anyone like Marek and she quickly determines that she can’t live without him. Marek fights his feelings for Gwen until he almost loses her. Excellent writing with a storyline that will not disappoint
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,399 reviews119 followers
August 28, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ★★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book was a fascinating read. Marek a firebender who is dedicated to saving Gwen, a scientist, who discovers a blood that will heal and kill. The shadow is determined to kill all the remaining Firebenders but without a doubt, they will put up a fight. Gwen has never met anyone like Marek and she quickly determines that she can’t live without him. Marek fights his feelings for Gwen until he almost loses her. Excellent writing with a storyline that will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Tasha Williams .
538 reviews49 followers
August 26, 2017
::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::

I was very kindly offered an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have unfortunately given this story 3 stars.

First of all let me say that this story has a very unique concept. Firebinders, mortals with fire in their blood. It kind of reminded me of Ghost rider, so initially I was quite excited to jump into story.

I have never read anything by Isobelle Cate, so I wasn't sure what to expect from Firebinders. Although I did find the actual idea behind the story rather intriguing, I couldn't get into the story, it just didn't grip my attention unfortunately. It was action packed with lots of unique characters but it didn't draw me in.

However it won't stop from me reading more from this author, she obviously has a wicked imagination.
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,419 reviews63 followers
August 8, 2017
Wow, what an intriguing and inspiring book. It had me gripped to every page and on the edge of my seat. Cannot wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Tracy Kincaid.
Author 14 books258 followers
September 12, 2017
I love it when books over lap into other books. What a nice surprise to see the Cyn boys pop into this book. Can't wait to see what happens next. Hurry up and write Isobelle!
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,800 reviews46 followers
August 30, 2017
    This is the first book I have read by this author . I must say I was pleasantly surprised . The story grabs you and keeps you engaged through out .  This is the first time I have heard about Firebinders . They really intrigued me their blood can either heal you or kill you . With a magic so powerful they are forced to hide in order to stay safe . Until the day that they have to come together to fight the evil that is bent on destroying them . Marek is a fire binder and when his father dies , he is fated to keep the journal safe and to find the others . Until the day he runs into his mate, the woman who is destined to be his . Will they survive the shadow and will they survive to realize that they are meant to be together .
      The characters in this book are well written and developed . The main character Marek is a sexy alpha type that one minute you want to throw him on the bed and have your way with him and the next minute you want to slap him upside the head . Gwen is a scientist and a kick ass heroine in her own right. She has a logical mind but wants to believe in the magic of Marek . She is also attracted to the man and you want her to get together with him so badly . They are a fun couple to read .
    The author takes us on a magical adventure .  There is a lot going on in this book , murder . mystery a little intrigue and a lot of hot romance . The book started off a little slow but once it hits about the third chapter it takes off . The author has a magical way of writing and it shows in her work . Over all I did enjoy this book and would like to read more from this author . So if you want a different paranormal read check it out .
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
September 21, 2017
Enjoyable reading

I love the Cynn Cruor books. This is an off shoot of that series and I enjoyed reading it too.
We first are introduced to Marek in Luke and Adara's story. He is a firebinder that is searching for others like him and his sister and his friend Rogue to try to save them. The firebinders are being killed off by someone called "The Shadow" . It seems the shadow has been after firebinders since Roman times.
Gwen is a research scientist trying to figure out how to use blood to heal incurable diseases. Sebastian Pharma gave her and her team four vials of blood to study. This blood is different than normal, it has all of the antigens and antibodies that every type of blood has. The blood when ran through a centrifuge separates with another purple layer of some serum on top. When she goes to talk to Sebastian about some of the progress she has made he tells her that it won't be used to go public to heal. She then quits. On her way home she is involved in a car chase with me with guns. They follow her to a hotel where she meets Marek. He saves her by pretending to be her boyfriend.
Thus begins the relationship between the two while fighting danger.
Marek is still searching for other firebinders. He finds one through astral projection. (This is in Luke and Adara's book) He takes Gwen to his home in New Orleans. While in NOLA he finds Faith(firebinder) and Zac(Cynn Cruor).
There is quite an adventure that follows. I am excited to see what follows and whether the two series will eventually join.
Profile Image for Clare.
534 reviews16 followers
August 23, 2017
Firebinders: Marek is a brand new spin off from Isobelle Cate's brilliant paranormal series of books about the immortal warriors of the Cynn Cruors.
Firebinder's are unique by having fire running through their blood and have the ability to use it to heal. Marek Bannach is a Firebinder who stumbles across Gwen Fraser a scientist who is researching a type of blood that has unusual properties hoping to be able to use it to help to cure people from illnesses. They form an unlikely friendship when Marek steps in and becomes her protector that soon turns into a hot and fiery passion.
As with any previous book that I have read by this author, I was quickly consumed by the story so much that I couldn't put it down. She has a wonderful way of taking you along with the characters through all the thrills and angst that they face. This story has so much going on in it from murder, mystery and suspense, and some very hot and sexy scenes that will blow up up kindle. Sometimes Marek and Gwen are infuriating as they are both so stubborn and hot headed but I just love it when the sparks fly between them and they have a good make up session. The story ended at a point where it left me wanting so much more.
Isobelle Cate is very talented at writing such good and exciting paranormal stories that I can't wait to read more books in this wonderful new series.
A great read and well deserves 5 Stars!
Profile Image for Suzie.
564 reviews11 followers
September 1, 2017
5 stars

Wow what a great start to the series. The story draws you in from the first chapter and keeps your attention throughout. I love the concept of the Firebinders and all that they can do. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
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