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Ember in Space #2
Flare
The Empire has taken nearly everything from Ember. It's time for payback.
Now that Ember has switched sides, there's plenty of work to be done. She plans to rescue the oppressed flickers, find Stefan, and escape with him past the Empire's reach. But a new individual has infiltrated the Empire. The emperor is no longer Ember's greatest enemy. Even if she manages to rescue Stefan, can she leave her friends to face annihilation alone?
Now that Ember has switched sides, there's plenty of work to be done. She plans to rescue the oppressed flickers, find Stefan, and escape with him past the Empire's reach. But a new individual has infiltrated the Empire. The emperor is no longer Ember's greatest enemy. Even if she manages to rescue Stefan, can she leave her friends to face annihilation alone?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2018
204 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Rode
23 books208 followersRebecca is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of TIDES OF MUTINY (Little, Brown Book for Young Readers). Her previously published work includes the dystopian Numbers Game trilogy and the Ember series for fans of Firefly and The Mandalorian. She has also published an inspirational nonfiction book for moms (How to Have Peace When You're Falling to Pieces) and a number of online newspaper and magazine articles. It's her books about fierce teens smashing societal barriers, however, that she enjoys writing the most.
Rebecca and her husband are raising their family in the Rocky Mountains. She has two cats, a ridiculous number of books, and an odd assortment of book-related socks. She is represented by Kelly Peterson at Rees Literary.
Rebecca and her husband are raising their family in the Rocky Mountains. She has two cats, a ridiculous number of books, and an odd assortment of book-related socks. She is represented by Kelly Peterson at Rees Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 21, 2019
Our heroine takes a turn in this book for the worse. She acts like an idiot though out and continues puts her trust in the wrong people, even when there is lots of evidence to show her she shouldn't do it. He inner monologue is a guilt-ridden bumbling mess. All the potential from the first book just evaporated in this one.
April 30, 2018
Ember was not quite herself in this book, she is grieving and makes some good judgement calls, and some bad ones. But in the end, I fell she is herself again and the next book is going to be very exciting!! Can't wait for the next book!!!
October 21, 2018
I enjoyed the first book in this series, so I really expected to enjoy myself when I dove into Flare (the second book in the series)... but alas that didn't happen for me. To me, the story felt more like just a bridge to get to the other side of the story, rather than a truly satisfying tale within the series ARC. I found myself losing interest and putting the book down in favor of reading something else, so it took forever to finally get to the end... The major theme through out the book is for Ember, aka Lady Flare, to learn about her newly increased magical strengths, but is it really a gift-from-the-stars (as she believed) or is it an Evil-in-disguise that's going to end up controlling her if she uses it... With this possible concern, along with a self-defeatist attitude, which I might add, she carries throughout the book, it comes as no surprise that she is not really ready for the end... hummm... Things do seem to straighten out in the last couple of pages, so there is some light at the end of this book... and there's hope that the next book will shine, but this one... nope!
April 19, 2018
It wasn’t good
I was so looking forward to this book snd could not believe my own disappointment while reading it. The awesome heroine became guilt ridden, doubting, whimpering and bumbling idiot with thoughtless attitude toward others. Powerless, weak and idiotic not in control of her faculties story line was such a waste of time.
I was so looking forward to this book snd could not believe my own disappointment while reading it. The awesome heroine became guilt ridden, doubting, whimpering and bumbling idiot with thoughtless attitude toward others. Powerless, weak and idiotic not in control of her faculties story line was such a waste of time.
October 7, 2018
This is the second book in a sequel about Ember, a young Roma woman, who has the extraordinary power to control the life force, or light, of those around her. The first book impressed me with its premise and delivery.
This book takes off from where the last book ended. Ember and her refugee friends are off to meet the Daughter. Ember is helping her in hopes to get back to Stefan so they can eventually flee the conflict entirely. Ember is strong as a character, but she goes through a lot in a short time. This makes her go through an emotional journey that might make her seem weak.
The big change in this book is the introduction of Commander Caine's son Ruben, who looks like the spitting image of his father, but he holds one vital secret. He's a wily character who appears to serve no one's interest but his own. It comes up near the end as the story sets up for what will be book three.
Because I did listen to this via audio, it is worth commenting on Stacy Glemboski's performance. Her accent for Ember is very distinct and consistent. I don't know if this really is what modern Roma sound like, but I appreciate that it's always clear. The rest of her narration just makes it easy to slip into the story. That's how good narration should be.
I do recommend this book, but realistically it is better for those who have already read and enjoyed book 1. If you haven't read either of them, some selling points are that this is a space adventure with a POC heroine. There are battles and military, different humanoid cultures. This could be read equally well by both YA and Adult readers.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a copy of of this in exchange for an honest review.
This book takes off from where the last book ended. Ember and her refugee friends are off to meet the Daughter. Ember is helping her in hopes to get back to Stefan so they can eventually flee the conflict entirely. Ember is strong as a character, but she goes through a lot in a short time. This makes her go through an emotional journey that might make her seem weak.
The big change in this book is the introduction of Commander Caine's son Ruben, who looks like the spitting image of his father, but he holds one vital secret. He's a wily character who appears to serve no one's interest but his own. It comes up near the end as the story sets up for what will be book three.
Because I did listen to this via audio, it is worth commenting on Stacy Glemboski's performance. Her accent for Ember is very distinct and consistent. I don't know if this really is what modern Roma sound like, but I appreciate that it's always clear. The rest of her narration just makes it easy to slip into the story. That's how good narration should be.
I do recommend this book, but realistically it is better for those who have already read and enjoyed book 1. If you haven't read either of them, some selling points are that this is a space adventure with a POC heroine. There are battles and military, different humanoid cultures. This could be read equally well by both YA and Adult readers.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a copy of of this in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2019
Ember, it turns out, is no mere flicker but a flare. She can snuff the life force of thousands at a time. Her power is unrivaled. Or is it? In "Flare," the second in the Ember in Space series, writer Rebecca Rode takes the long way to get back to Ember, the gypsy girl, taking on the Empire. In the first novel, Ember is controlled by Kane, a ruthless lackey of the emperor, himself a frail but powerful man. She is enslaved and treated as a weapon, something she despises but initially had been helpless to prevent. Now she's been taken in by the Union, a group of ragtag rebels who she nearly destroyed. That she isn't well liked is putting it mildly. She's feared and hated. And the woman she now serves, the leader of the rebellion, is the Daughter and the progeny of the emperor. Flare builds slowly. New characters are introduced, but they don't take on importance until about halfway through. Ember also spends an inordinate amount of the first part of the book thinking she must distance herself from her friends, that she is bad news. However, the conclusion is remarkable. Rode expands on what constitutes a flare and examines the powers and weaknesses. Stefan, the fellow flicker and love interest, also plays an increasingly important role. The pace again is a slow build. But Rode doesn't make Ember an avenging angel. Her power is also a curse. But just how much may be up to how she uses it.
December 1, 2020
This is the second novel in Rebecca Rode’s Ember in Space series of scifi thrillers. I actually liked this book better than the first book. I thought it was more interesting, since there was more intrigue and less violence. I enjoyed learning more about flicker and flare abilities.
I continue to find the main character, Ember, a bit frustrating, although I sympathize, because so much of her life has been turned upside down. She’s in a situation where she really needs friends and allies, but she’s not sure whom she can trust. She has difficult choices to make, and I can’t fault her for sometimes choosing poorly.
Once again, some of the secondary characters and certainly the new villain seemed more interesting than Ember, and I wish we got to know them better. The story is told entirely from Ember’s point of view, and she doesn’t spend a lot of time getting to know others, so we don’t get to learn as much about anyone else.
This story works well as an audiobook. Stacey Glemboski did a fine job with narration. She’s easy to understand, her pacing is good, and she has created a distinctive voice for the main character. I do wish some of the other characters also had such distinctive voices.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
I continue to find the main character, Ember, a bit frustrating, although I sympathize, because so much of her life has been turned upside down. She’s in a situation where she really needs friends and allies, but she’s not sure whom she can trust. She has difficult choices to make, and I can’t fault her for sometimes choosing poorly.
Once again, some of the secondary characters and certainly the new villain seemed more interesting than Ember, and I wish we got to know them better. The story is told entirely from Ember’s point of view, and she doesn’t spend a lot of time getting to know others, so we don’t get to learn as much about anyone else.
This story works well as an audiobook. Stacey Glemboski did a fine job with narration. She’s easy to understand, her pacing is good, and she has created a distinctive voice for the main character. I do wish some of the other characters also had such distinctive voices.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook by the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
January 8, 2020
I think I enjoyed this book more than the first. Ember has really come into her own and is learning more about her new powers and who she is going to be with that power. Ms. Rode does a great job evolving the characters and helping them to grow into young adults. It is difficult to remember at times that most of the lead characters are only in their early 20s.
I did feel that there were a few lines that were repeated unnecessarily. Ember continually recalls what someone has told her and there were times that I thought it was a bit overdone. However, by the end of the book it had stopped making me think it may have been a devise by Ms. Rode to indicate how much Ember was consumed by the memory and statements.
Ms. Glemboski continues to make the characters into fully formed people rather than just words on the page. Her ability to add the inflection and feeling that the reader would expect in the particular moment of the book is amazing. I can’t wait to see what book three will bring.
I was provided with a free copy of this audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.
I did feel that there were a few lines that were repeated unnecessarily. Ember continually recalls what someone has told her and there were times that I thought it was a bit overdone. However, by the end of the book it had stopped making me think it may have been a devise by Ms. Rode to indicate how much Ember was consumed by the memory and statements.
Ms. Glemboski continues to make the characters into fully formed people rather than just words on the page. Her ability to add the inflection and feeling that the reader would expect in the particular moment of the book is amazing. I can’t wait to see what book three will bring.
I was provided with a free copy of this audio book for my honest review. The views expressed here are entirely my own.
April 19, 2018
First of all, I loved Flicker. I fell in love with Ember, the naive Roma girl who was thrust into war. I really enjoyed Flare as well. I think I felt every emotion imaginable for Ember. One minute I loved her. Then I was heart broken. That was followed by frustration and at times extreme dislike. Then the cycle continued. The emotional roller coaster was definitely exciting. Overall, Flare is a great second installment. Some of the supporting characters could use a little more attention. I liked the addition of Reuben. His character wasn’t taken in the direction I had hoped but there’s still time. I feel like there is a good balance between resolution and questions about what’s to come. Enough to feel satisfied that the story is moving along but it still leaves you wanting more. My final thoughts, I would definitely recommend this series. I have enjoyed it very much and I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an advanced reader's copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader's copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.
May 23, 2018
Flare: Ember in Space Book Two by Rebecca Rode teaches us more about what it means to be a Flare instead of a flicker . Flares have more power and trickier abilities, but it also puts their minds and bodies at a greater risk.
Ember is hunting for Stefan and agrees to a bargain with the emperor’s daughter in order to fight for his safety. She discovers that she is not the only Flare to exist, and that her father may have had more information about it than she ever knew.
She works to develop her powers, and not lose control to the darkness growing inside her. Betrayal can come from anywhere, and it can be hard to find allies to trust.
Ember needs to be stronger than ever before to combat the enemies she must now face.
Fans of science fiction tales, mental powers and general awesomeness should definitely give this series a chance.
Ember is hunting for Stefan and agrees to a bargain with the emperor’s daughter in order to fight for his safety. She discovers that she is not the only Flare to exist, and that her father may have had more information about it than she ever knew.
She works to develop her powers, and not lose control to the darkness growing inside her. Betrayal can come from anywhere, and it can be hard to find allies to trust.
Ember needs to be stronger than ever before to combat the enemies she must now face.
Fans of science fiction tales, mental powers and general awesomeness should definitely give this series a chance.
July 7, 2018
Highly entertaining. In a universe run by the Empire, the Emperor has alienated his daughter because of a prophecy that she will kill him some day and start the universe on a path that will wipe out almost all races. In this second of the series, Ember, a person with the ability to not only read the life force of everyone else but also snuff them out with a thought, has vowed to end the Empire. But she's working for the Daughter, who may or may not represent an improvement to the status quo. Enter Ruben Kane, the son of the high commander she killed in the last book, who has inherited his father's planet and his breeding program. Who is he really? How is he different? And does Ember aid or thwart the Daughter's plan? I think the next book might tell us that.
September 30, 2018
I loved getting back into this awesome story. Ember and Stefan are in for the fight of their life and they are so far away from each other. I love how you get to see whats going on with both of them and you see how devious the leaders really are around them. I love how this story has drama action suspense and just about everything else. While I was listening to Stacey narrate in her wonderful voice I was on the edge of my seat and almost listened to it all in one sitting. I'm absolutely loving this series and I can't wait to listen to the 3rd book and get sucked in again.
November 27, 2018
After reading the first novel as part of Dominion Rising anthology, I was relieved that the 2nd and 3rd books were already available, and wanted to read Ember's continuing story. I liked that the 2nd novel doesn't simply rehash the story from Flicker, but adds depth to Ember's character and the Union rebellion. I was undecided between 4 and 5 stars, but decided on 4 mainly because the story was very short, and would have liked to see more backstory for some of the secondary characters. I immediately bought the 3rd novel after finishing this one.
September 16, 2023
Good Progress
The war between the empire and the union progresses to the next level. Big changes in leadership, and unexpected betrayal and loyalties. I was disappointed in Ember. Her failure to kill a major bad guy will result in the death of many more people. She has done that multiple times in the first two books. She did kill Kane, but he was torturing her at the time. The book certainly elicited a response from me. I am glad there is only one more book in this series. We'll see how it ends.
The war between the empire and the union progresses to the next level. Big changes in leadership, and unexpected betrayal and loyalties. I was disappointed in Ember. Her failure to kill a major bad guy will result in the death of many more people. She has done that multiple times in the first two books. She did kill Kane, but he was torturing her at the time. The book certainly elicited a response from me. I am glad there is only one more book in this series. We'll see how it ends.
April 13, 2019
Little needs to be said of Rebecca Rode's Flare. It follows its predecessor, Flicker well. It is plot driven with totally cardboard characters to be moved around the board. As with the previous, it is still a good beach read, succeeds perfectly at what it set's out to do. On the plus side there were a few more things that I didn't anticipate.
For a fun read it is a 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
For a fun read it is a 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
August 26, 2021
Bad Science
This book has some interesting ideas but the science is so bad it's distracting. When they are searching for the Union base, they find 120 candidates. The empire covers several galaxies with something like 100 to 700 billion stars in each galaxy, they can only find 120. The distances are similarly way off. Having said that, I'm still going to buy and read the last book and just ignore the science.
This book has some interesting ideas but the science is so bad it's distracting. When they are searching for the Union base, they find 120 candidates. The empire covers several galaxies with something like 100 to 700 billion stars in each galaxy, they can only find 120. The distances are similarly way off. Having said that, I'm still going to buy and read the last book and just ignore the science.
May 2, 2018
OK.... WOW!!
This second book is even better than the first and I can't wait for the next installment. Rebecca Rode has wrapped up an incredible story that you just have keep reading. Her heroine is a young woman just coming into powers that no human should have but what she does with it could make her a savior or a monster... love it 💖💖
This second book is even better than the first and I can't wait for the next installment. Rebecca Rode has wrapped up an incredible story that you just have keep reading. Her heroine is a young woman just coming into powers that no human should have but what she does with it could make her a savior or a monster... love it 💖💖
October 21, 2018
Flare (Ember in Space, #2) was another great read by Rebecca Rode. Ember is ready to get payback from the empire that has tried to take everything from her. Unfortunately there emperor is no longer her biggest enemy. She has been trying to rescue the oppressed flickers and find Stefan and escape with him. I loved reading more about Ember.
July 6, 2018
This book was a bit slower than the first, and Ember didn't do so well in her decision making. I felt like there were too many little irrelevant things going on in this book. It got a lot better near the end though! I'm excited to see her grow her powers in the next book.
July 12, 2018
Flare
This second book is just as fast paced as the first book. Things get darker as Ember is put into a place of being used to cause even more deaths. You will get frustrated right along with her wishing for the strength to stop the manipulation.
This second book is just as fast paced as the first book. Things get darker as Ember is put into a place of being used to cause even more deaths. You will get frustrated right along with her wishing for the strength to stop the manipulation.
October 25, 2024
Wow! That ending caught me by surprise. 😮
Overall, I loved the second book. The first half was a bit slow, but it really picked up towards the end. I adore the complexity and growth of the characters.
Can’t wait to dive into the third book and see how it all wraps up!
Overall, I loved the second book. The first half was a bit slow, but it really picked up towards the end. I adore the complexity and growth of the characters.
Can’t wait to dive into the third book and see how it all wraps up!
February 25, 2025
Ember needs to try harder. She just lies back and lets stuff happen, the people around her are literally doing all the work while she is too busy feeling sorry for herself to actually do anything.
Stefan slayed in this tbh man out here popping his puss to get the puss.
Stefan slayed in this tbh man out here popping his puss to get the puss.
April 20, 2018
Highly recommended.
July 11, 2018
Good world building, not great, but OK character development.
August 9, 2018
Couldn't Pu it Down!
This book was as fast paced as the first one - with a few surprises! I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to book 3!
This book was as fast paced as the first one - with a few surprises! I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to book 3!
July 10, 2024
Good book liked the story and the book narration I am looking forward to listening to the next one I recommend this book and the rest of the book series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 21, 2018
Ember and Stephan are separated as she continues to try to control her powers and fight for what’s right in the universe.
What side should she be on?
Will she know what’s right when the time comes?
Infinite worlds and universes are out there to rule... will she be tempted to take control of them all or will the prophecy of the change she will bring about come true.
Can’t wait to find out!
Narration was amazing!
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
What side should she be on?
Will she know what’s right when the time comes?
Infinite worlds and universes are out there to rule... will she be tempted to take control of them all or will the prophecy of the change she will bring about come true.
Can’t wait to find out!
Narration was amazing!
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
October 21, 2018
Flare (Ember in Space, #2) was another great read by Rebecca Rode. Ember is ready to get payback from the empire that has tried to take everything from her. Unfortunately there emperor is no longer her biggest enemy. She has been trying to rescue the oppressed flickers and find Stefan and escape with him. I loved reading more about Ember.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews