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Made of Steel #2
Forged in Flames
Previous cover edition for ASIN B071H82PSJ
I remember when I thought my life would be like the fairy tales I read about. I'd do anything to go back in time when everything was so simple. When my knight in shining armor had a face and a name. When my biggest secret was that I snuck out at night to watch the stars.
I'm worried that there's a sickness in me, swallowing me whole. I don't understand what's happening to me. I don't understand why the only person I can find solace in is someone I can't see. I should want justice. But I don't. I want revenge. I need vengeance like I need the air I breathe.
No one can feel my pain. No one can see just how badly I've been burned. I've danced in the flames my whole life. I know how to live in the fire. But I've never come out unscathed. A piece of me always turns to ash and there is no going back. I can never be that little girl again.
I'm no princess. I'm the villain. I've been consumed by the flames, and I want everything in my path to burn.
I remember when I thought my life would be like the fairy tales I read about. I'd do anything to go back in time when everything was so simple. When my knight in shining armor had a face and a name. When my biggest secret was that I snuck out at night to watch the stars.
I'm worried that there's a sickness in me, swallowing me whole. I don't understand what's happening to me. I don't understand why the only person I can find solace in is someone I can't see. I should want justice. But I don't. I want revenge. I need vengeance like I need the air I breathe.
No one can feel my pain. No one can see just how badly I've been burned. I've danced in the flames my whole life. I know how to live in the fire. But I've never come out unscathed. A piece of me always turns to ash and there is no going back. I can never be that little girl again.
I'm no princess. I'm the villain. I've been consumed by the flames, and I want everything in my path to burn.
Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2018
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About the author
Ivy Smoak
96 books8,195 followersIvy Smoak is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Hunted Series. Her books have sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
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Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
Learn more about Ivy on:
Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakAMZ
Facebook ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakFacebook
Instagram ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakInsta
TikTok ➜ https://bit.ly/3F6QML7
BookBub ➜ https://bit.ly/2VOZycg
Website ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakWebsite
Reader Group ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakGroup
Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter
Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 495 reviews
July 5, 2018
Forged in Flames is the second book in the Made of Steel series. I highly recommend reading this first book in the series, Made of Steel, prior to starting this one. In Made of Steel, the reader learns about Summer/Sadie's sad past, the death of her parents, the death of her grandmother and being torn from her best friend, Miles. She is bounced from foster home to foster home until she lands in the home of the sadist Don.
This book begins right after the cliffhanger of Made of Steel. Summer/Sadie still does not know who she can trust and who is out to get her. Is she safe? Will she ever be safe? Will she ever know the truth about her past so that she can find happiness in her future? Plus, who is the Vigilante a.k.a "V"? I have my theories!
As she begins to get some answers, she also finds she has even more questions. She still does not know the identity of the vigilante, but she does learn about Eli in this book. She still yearns for Miles and the reader gets to see some of their interactions - which by the way - left me wanting more. Fingers crossed for this in the next book!
The action and intrigue continue in this book. As with the first book, I was sucked into this story from the very beginning. Smoak has written a captivating cast of characters each with his/her own quirks and personalities. Some I rooted for and some who I booed and hissed at. There are never any down moments in this book, even when Summer/Sadie is thinking things over in her head, there is always something happening. Seriously, when do these people sleep? Hence all the dark circles under the eyes, no doubt!
Summer/Sadie is a character who has suffered immensely in her life, so it is easy to understand how she can bounce back and forth between the male leads. She has HUGE trust issues and constantly doubts herself and others in her life. Again, who wouldn't? I hope to see more growth and self-reliance from her in book three. The reader is left with another cliffhanger in this book. There is a book 3, so I think it is safe to assume that a lot of questions from the first two books will be answered along with the unveiling of "V".
This series has a little bit of everything. There is romance with some steamy scenes, danger, mystery, suspense, engaging dialogue, and angst. The reader does need to suspend some disbelief with this book, but if you know that going in, you will be able to just sit back and fully enjoy the book. For instance, the character of Liza seems to have remarkable hacking skills, but she is also able to lift fingerprints and take blood for analysis. Plus, V seems to be loaded as he has a computer/voice activated controlled apartment with a safe room. He will remind the readers of the character from Arrow. But as I said, suspend some disbelief and dive into this book as it is riveting and entertaining.
Another solid book by Smoak! I, along with Summer and the rest of the gang, anxiously wait for my questions to be answered in the next book!
I received a copy of this book form the Author in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and options in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
This book begins right after the cliffhanger of Made of Steel. Summer/Sadie still does not know who she can trust and who is out to get her. Is she safe? Will she ever be safe? Will she ever know the truth about her past so that she can find happiness in her future? Plus, who is the Vigilante a.k.a "V"? I have my theories!
As she begins to get some answers, she also finds she has even more questions. She still does not know the identity of the vigilante, but she does learn about Eli in this book. She still yearns for Miles and the reader gets to see some of their interactions - which by the way - left me wanting more. Fingers crossed for this in the next book!
The action and intrigue continue in this book. As with the first book, I was sucked into this story from the very beginning. Smoak has written a captivating cast of characters each with his/her own quirks and personalities. Some I rooted for and some who I booed and hissed at. There are never any down moments in this book, even when Summer/Sadie is thinking things over in her head, there is always something happening. Seriously, when do these people sleep? Hence all the dark circles under the eyes, no doubt!
Summer/Sadie is a character who has suffered immensely in her life, so it is easy to understand how she can bounce back and forth between the male leads. She has HUGE trust issues and constantly doubts herself and others in her life. Again, who wouldn't? I hope to see more growth and self-reliance from her in book three. The reader is left with another cliffhanger in this book. There is a book 3, so I think it is safe to assume that a lot of questions from the first two books will be answered along with the unveiling of "V".
This series has a little bit of everything. There is romance with some steamy scenes, danger, mystery, suspense, engaging dialogue, and angst. The reader does need to suspend some disbelief with this book, but if you know that going in, you will be able to just sit back and fully enjoy the book. For instance, the character of Liza seems to have remarkable hacking skills, but she is also able to lift fingerprints and take blood for analysis. Plus, V seems to be loaded as he has a computer/voice activated controlled apartment with a safe room. He will remind the readers of the character from Arrow. But as I said, suspend some disbelief and dive into this book as it is riveting and entertaining.
Another solid book by Smoak! I, along with Summer and the rest of the gang, anxiously wait for my questions to be answered in the next book!
I received a copy of this book form the Author in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and options in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
May 4, 2020
2-2.5ish stars.
.
.
.
I'm torn. There was a decent story that had amazing potential. But there were some things that let me down and it was big deal breakers. I almost didn't finish the book.
Those main things that I couldn't get over:
- How did Summer get dumber by the minute? And how did her lack of brains attract men to fall all over her and risk their lives to save her? I love POV books because I can dive into that main character, relate to them and see myself as that person. But I couldn't relate to Summer at all.
Examples:
>> Things that were absolutely obvious didn't even turn on a flicker of a light bulb. I knew Miles was the vigilante from the first book and it still hasn't been revealed. I don't need to read the 3rd book to find out. Why? It was obvious! The things he and V said that matched, the times he's not there when she's with V.
>> She can clearly see the vigilante's eyes and his mouth. If she loves Miles so much, wouldn't she know what those eyes look like? Towards the end, wouldn't she realize that Miles kisses just like V's? Or what about her having sex with both of them....they have the same style and feel the same.
> And this just piggy-backs on that... She was dumb enough to think V was Eli. This was after she slept with V. Then she goes and kisses and sleeps with Eli. She didn't notice they are two completely separate people? Am I being just picky? But that drove me nuts. How she thought V was everyone completely and never considered Miles.
>> I understand some indecisiveness. But you can't flip your mind a 180 within the next paragraph and then back again in the next. How exhausting!
>> I'm all about self destructing, but her whiney ways of giving up was annoying. How are men falling all over this girl who has no strength or confidence or brains.
>> Even with all the people that have screwed her over in the past, she's still so quick to trust anyone and anything they say. Come on girl.
- Plot holes every where, and I seriously doubt they would get closed up in the 3rd book. It was either that, or things that just didn't make sense or believable. I understand this is fiction, but there was a mix of making it believable and making it sci-fi-ish.
>> Even figuring out that Miles is the vigilante, I couldn't help but think where on earth is this boy getting all that time? Being an RA to everyone on his dorm floor, attending classes, fighting crime as a criminal in NYC, solving a mystery, protecting his girl, going on dates with his girl, living in two different places, meeting with Liza regularly, oh...and did I mention he's the star player of the university's soccer team, currently playing a season? Is he like Beyonce or what?
>> Sure, we can easily do DNA testing and finger print analysis right here in V's apartment, and have the results within a couple hours. What?
>> You mean to tell me that tiny little chip had enough explosives in it for a car bomb? Or what about completely demolishing V's apartment and collapsing the floor, but leaving the room so completely untouched that they didn't even hear anything go off?
>> I don't even know if I want to go into Eli. This undercover cop had no idea what was happening to Summer all those years he was spying on them. But during that time, he fell in love with her and followed her all the way to NYC. Even though he was assigned to Don, he magically got his assignment moved to Summer and was allowed to move onto campus to watch her. And really that's just because he was in love with her. What a creepy stalker.
>> Oh so Don was all over the news about his mafia shenanigans, yet when he clears his record, did he also clear everyone's memories? What in the hell?
>> I'll admit, I thought Eli was in on it. Maybe he is in the 3rd book, who knows, don't care. I just thought in the first book, he was so adamant on taking Summer to lunch at that diner and he wouldn't take no for an answer. And it just magically was owned by someone working for Don. I was disappointed to see none of that was addressed in this book. We just going to ignore that? Joan just magically disappeared, so it's just easier than explaining it, I guess.
>> there are tons of others surrounding Don and her aunt, Sadie. But I'm just too exhausted.
I'm curious about going on to the 3rd book of the trilogy, but I just can't and it's not because of the plot holes. Or the fact that I noticed some typos. But I just don't have the energy to deal with Summer's dumb mental monologue. Her thoughts are all over the place and a lot of times don't make sense how she came to those conclusions. But hey, it deserves some credit for some great moments with Miles that I loved reading. The main story had enough pull to get me to the end of the book, and Liza was an awesome unique character.
.
.
.
I'm torn. There was a decent story that had amazing potential. But there were some things that let me down and it was big deal breakers. I almost didn't finish the book.
Those main things that I couldn't get over:
- How did Summer get dumber by the minute? And how did her lack of brains attract men to fall all over her and risk their lives to save her? I love POV books because I can dive into that main character, relate to them and see myself as that person. But I couldn't relate to Summer at all.
Examples:
>> Things that were absolutely obvious didn't even turn on a flicker of a light bulb. I knew Miles was the vigilante from the first book and it still hasn't been revealed. I don't need to read the 3rd book to find out. Why? It was obvious! The things he and V said that matched, the times he's not there when she's with V.
>> She can clearly see the vigilante's eyes and his mouth. If she loves Miles so much, wouldn't she know what those eyes look like? Towards the end, wouldn't she realize that Miles kisses just like V's? Or what about her having sex with both of them....they have the same style and feel the same.
> And this just piggy-backs on that... She was dumb enough to think V was Eli. This was after she slept with V. Then she goes and kisses and sleeps with Eli. She didn't notice they are two completely separate people? Am I being just picky? But that drove me nuts. How she thought V was everyone completely and never considered Miles.
>> I understand some indecisiveness. But you can't flip your mind a 180 within the next paragraph and then back again in the next. How exhausting!
>> I'm all about self destructing, but her whiney ways of giving up was annoying. How are men falling all over this girl who has no strength or confidence or brains.
>> Even with all the people that have screwed her over in the past, she's still so quick to trust anyone and anything they say. Come on girl.
- Plot holes every where, and I seriously doubt they would get closed up in the 3rd book. It was either that, or things that just didn't make sense or believable. I understand this is fiction, but there was a mix of making it believable and making it sci-fi-ish.
>> Even figuring out that Miles is the vigilante, I couldn't help but think where on earth is this boy getting all that time? Being an RA to everyone on his dorm floor, attending classes, fighting crime as a criminal in NYC, solving a mystery, protecting his girl, going on dates with his girl, living in two different places, meeting with Liza regularly, oh...and did I mention he's the star player of the university's soccer team, currently playing a season? Is he like Beyonce or what?
>> Sure, we can easily do DNA testing and finger print analysis right here in V's apartment, and have the results within a couple hours. What?
>> You mean to tell me that tiny little chip had enough explosives in it for a car bomb? Or what about completely demolishing V's apartment and collapsing the floor, but leaving the room so completely untouched that they didn't even hear anything go off?
>> I don't even know if I want to go into Eli. This undercover cop had no idea what was happening to Summer all those years he was spying on them. But during that time, he fell in love with her and followed her all the way to NYC. Even though he was assigned to Don, he magically got his assignment moved to Summer and was allowed to move onto campus to watch her. And really that's just because he was in love with her. What a creepy stalker.
>> Oh so Don was all over the news about his mafia shenanigans, yet when he clears his record, did he also clear everyone's memories? What in the hell?
>> I'll admit, I thought Eli was in on it. Maybe he is in the 3rd book, who knows, don't care. I just thought in the first book, he was so adamant on taking Summer to lunch at that diner and he wouldn't take no for an answer. And it just magically was owned by someone working for Don. I was disappointed to see none of that was addressed in this book. We just going to ignore that? Joan just magically disappeared, so it's just easier than explaining it, I guess.
>> there are tons of others surrounding Don and her aunt, Sadie. But I'm just too exhausted.
I'm curious about going on to the 3rd book of the trilogy, but I just can't and it's not because of the plot holes. Or the fact that I noticed some typos. But I just don't have the energy to deal with Summer's dumb mental monologue. Her thoughts are all over the place and a lot of times don't make sense how she came to those conclusions. But hey, it deserves some credit for some great moments with Miles that I loved reading. The main story had enough pull to get me to the end of the book, and Liza was an awesome unique character.
September 3, 2021
Why was I so invested in this love square!? I could not put this book down. Nayema compared the heroine to Elena Gilbert from Vampire Diaries and that is so spot on. She is annoying, but I can't help but be addicted to this series.
October 8, 2020
Forged in Flames, went down in flames for me. It dragged and ended in another cliffhanger! Have I stated how much I hate cliffhangers? Ugh! Why? This book could've been so much more with just a little editing. It was repetitive and to be honest somewhat boring, all I wanted to do was jump to the end to confirm my suspicions of V's identity. I'm glad they were free with Kindle Unlimited.
October 22, 2020
Second book in a three book series. The heroine is a flaming idiot and all she does is flip from one man to the next and back again. Seriously stupid. We all know who “V” is.
September 17, 2020
So this one didn’t get any better. And Sadie/Summer is giving me a headache. Miles! No, Eli! No, V! She has feeling a for all of them and is having sex with two. At the same time. All with a backdrop of Don, her foster father and tormentor, knowing where she is and sending goons to keep her from leaving town. Not bring her to him.
After an attack she’s in the hospital and some mysterious words are written on her arm in blood! Who’s blood? Lots of things like this tidbit, don’t make sense or weren’t fleshed out. Yes, at the end of this one we get the whole forearm thing, but if someone implanted something in you, wouldn’t there be a mark? Something? I know this chick is a moron, but come on. And she’s now floating between the guys based on her “darkness.” She’s determines to kill Don, but she can’t even walk down the side walk without incident.
Still don’t know who V is although I’ve always been thinking it’s Miles. Eli’s motivation is revealed and it’s kind of unbelievable, honestly. By why am I surprised. This series is ridiculous and I can feel brain cells dying.
After an attack she’s in the hospital and some mysterious words are written on her arm in blood! Who’s blood? Lots of things like this tidbit, don’t make sense or weren’t fleshed out. Yes, at the end of this one we get the whole forearm thing, but if someone implanted something in you, wouldn’t there be a mark? Something? I know this chick is a moron, but come on. And she’s now floating between the guys based on her “darkness.” She’s determines to kill Don, but she can’t even walk down the side walk without incident.
Still don’t know who V is although I’ve always been thinking it’s Miles. Eli’s motivation is revealed and it’s kind of unbelievable, honestly. By why am I surprised. This series is ridiculous and I can feel brain cells dying.
October 27, 2020
Absolutely everyone is getting on my nerves. I’m only sticking around for Miles.
December 23, 2019
This book did not disappoint; I enjoyed it as much as the first. Boom! Secrets explode as you dive into the past and learn more about the characters. However, you are still left with questions and left in agonizing suspense. Her behavior is annoying, but Sadie/Summer is broken and is bound to break the hearts of the ones she loves. Can you blame the girl for her confusion and indecisiveness about Eli, Miles, and V? Time to read the final book and extinguish the flames of my curiosity forged by Sadie's/Summer's torment and fear.
November 10, 2020
2.75⭐️
Listen... ughhh... I HATE HATE HATE to rate this book so low but mannnnnn, this main character is too much.
I understand what she went through is unexplainable and SO sad! The beginning of the book just made Don THAT much worse, I just wanted to cry for her.
HOWEVER.... when this book is 300+ pages long and most of it is Sadie/Summer going back and forth EVERY👏 CHAPTER👏 on what she is going to do, how she feels that she isn’t good enough, sleeping with 3 dudes... I can’t get excited or engaged in the book anymore.
Yes, she had a catastrophic childhood that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. However, her whining, complaining and CONSTANT back and forth got old— REALLY fast. The love triangle has also gotten old— REALLY fast. Honestly, I felt that ALL this book was about:
1. love triangle
2. “woe is me” attitude
3. I’m not worthy of happiness attitude.
As a reader, I want to FEEL and empathize with the characters situation, which I did. However, then there’s a point where it becomes TOO MUCH negativity (It got to that point about half way through the book). Every chapter was difficult to read because it was just the main character either complaining about her life, thinking about one guy, or sleeping with a different one— it wasn’t entertaining until the end with the action.
Sorry Ivy Smoak, I’m not impressed. The only reason I’m continuing on with this book is because I started the series, I want to see Don dead, find out who V is (even though I think I know), and so that Summer can end up with Miles.
I hope the last book isn’t as annoying and disappointing as this book.
Listen... ughhh... I HATE HATE HATE to rate this book so low but mannnnnn, this main character is too much.
I understand what she went through is unexplainable and SO sad! The beginning of the book just made Don THAT much worse, I just wanted to cry for her.
HOWEVER.... when this book is 300+ pages long and most of it is Sadie/Summer going back and forth EVERY👏 CHAPTER👏 on what she is going to do, how she feels that she isn’t good enough, sleeping with 3 dudes... I can’t get excited or engaged in the book anymore.
Yes, she had a catastrophic childhood that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. However, her whining, complaining and CONSTANT back and forth got old— REALLY fast. The love triangle has also gotten old— REALLY fast. Honestly, I felt that ALL this book was about:
1. love triangle
2. “woe is me” attitude
3. I’m not worthy of happiness attitude.
As a reader, I want to FEEL and empathize with the characters situation, which I did. However, then there’s a point where it becomes TOO MUCH negativity (It got to that point about half way through the book). Every chapter was difficult to read because it was just the main character either complaining about her life, thinking about one guy, or sleeping with a different one— it wasn’t entertaining until the end with the action.
Sorry Ivy Smoak, I’m not impressed. The only reason I’m continuing on with this book is because I started the series, I want to see Don dead, find out who V is (even though I think I know), and so that Summer can end up with Miles.
I hope the last book isn’t as annoying and disappointing as this book.
May 31, 2017
*** I received an advanced copy and chose to review it ***
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 insanely awesome stars *
WOW!!! Just....WOW! This book gripped me from the very first page and had me riveted until the very last. First and foremost, Forged in Flames is not a standalone story---it is the continuation of the first book, Made of Steel so if you have not yet read that, STOP and go back to do so! If you have already read it, then please read on!
Ivy Smoak is one of my favorite go-to authors---her stories are completely addicting and she knows just how to suck her readers in and keep them thoroughly engrossed throughout the entire book. I thought Made of Steel was great but Forged in Flames? It far surpasses "great"....Smoak achieves perfection with this stunningly executed erotic thriller that is one of her most intense and addictive stories to date. Readers will devour Sadie/Summer's story as it unfolds quickly. There are no lulls in this story---it is full-steam ahead with a fast pace that is perfectly fitting. The quirky characters each hold secrets upon secrets from one another and while some are revealed, others stay hidden and leave us begging for more. Who is good and who is evil? The question will resonate in your mind time after time as Sadie/Summer grapples with who is telling the truth and who she should trust. And readers will also waiver back and forth wondering the same as Smoak weaves a tale that leaves everyone guessing. Masterfully executed, this is one mystery that I cannot wait to find out the answers to! But, since Forged in Flames ends in another cliffhanger (Smoak loves to torment her readers in this delicious fashion damn it!), the answers will have to wait until book 3 comes out.
Whatever you do, please DO NOT miss out on this series! It's such a departure from my normally preferred genre but I'm so glad that I took a chance on it. Then again, if it's written by the uber-talented Ivy Smoak then I wouldn't have missed it for the world. This book is most definitely worthy of 5 insanely awesome stars!!! READ IT!!!!!
** 100% spoiler-free review **
* 5 insanely awesome stars *
WOW!!! Just....WOW! This book gripped me from the very first page and had me riveted until the very last. First and foremost, Forged in Flames is not a standalone story---it is the continuation of the first book, Made of Steel so if you have not yet read that, STOP and go back to do so! If you have already read it, then please read on!
Ivy Smoak is one of my favorite go-to authors---her stories are completely addicting and she knows just how to suck her readers in and keep them thoroughly engrossed throughout the entire book. I thought Made of Steel was great but Forged in Flames? It far surpasses "great"....Smoak achieves perfection with this stunningly executed erotic thriller that is one of her most intense and addictive stories to date. Readers will devour Sadie/Summer's story as it unfolds quickly. There are no lulls in this story---it is full-steam ahead with a fast pace that is perfectly fitting. The quirky characters each hold secrets upon secrets from one another and while some are revealed, others stay hidden and leave us begging for more. Who is good and who is evil? The question will resonate in your mind time after time as Sadie/Summer grapples with who is telling the truth and who she should trust. And readers will also waiver back and forth wondering the same as Smoak weaves a tale that leaves everyone guessing. Masterfully executed, this is one mystery that I cannot wait to find out the answers to! But, since Forged in Flames ends in another cliffhanger (Smoak loves to torment her readers in this delicious fashion damn it!), the answers will have to wait until book 3 comes out.
Whatever you do, please DO NOT miss out on this series! It's such a departure from my normally preferred genre but I'm so glad that I took a chance on it. Then again, if it's written by the uber-talented Ivy Smoak then I wouldn't have missed it for the world. This book is most definitely worthy of 5 insanely awesome stars!!! READ IT!!!!!
November 29, 2020
Don't pay cash for this one!
I don't leave reviews normally, but this is more a warning. KU means you just loose time. Paying in cash... I know authors no doubt spill blood with their writing, but there are so many things wrong with these books. The first one was slightly fantastical but I wanted to know what happened. This one has veered into straight out silly. Yea it's a 'super hero' take, but there is a difference between fantasy and straight out silly. The main character is just not believe in terms of human behaviour and gets duller as the story goes on, the story lines are like roller coasters and up and down all over the place, i don't care about the characters at this point. And the repetition... oh my word. If all the repetition was removed it could have been done in one book. And it is not just character thoughts that repeat, it is actual phrases too. At one point I searched for one particular phrase and it occured nearly 20 times. The author gets a star because I want to know a couple of things - but not because of the gripping storyline but because I just hate not finishing books - no matter how cross they make me because they make me feel like I'm wasting my time (which this one is). These books need some heavy editing. As they stand they are a case of padding a story into multiple volumes purely to get more cash out of readers, which is very disingenuous. The price is outrageous for hat you are getting.
I don't leave reviews normally, but this is more a warning. KU means you just loose time. Paying in cash... I know authors no doubt spill blood with their writing, but there are so many things wrong with these books. The first one was slightly fantastical but I wanted to know what happened. This one has veered into straight out silly. Yea it's a 'super hero' take, but there is a difference between fantasy and straight out silly. The main character is just not believe in terms of human behaviour and gets duller as the story goes on, the story lines are like roller coasters and up and down all over the place, i don't care about the characters at this point. And the repetition... oh my word. If all the repetition was removed it could have been done in one book. And it is not just character thoughts that repeat, it is actual phrases too. At one point I searched for one particular phrase and it occured nearly 20 times. The author gets a star because I want to know a couple of things - but not because of the gripping storyline but because I just hate not finishing books - no matter how cross they make me because they make me feel like I'm wasting my time (which this one is). These books need some heavy editing. As they stand they are a case of padding a story into multiple volumes purely to get more cash out of readers, which is very disingenuous. The price is outrageous for hat you are getting.
June 15, 2020
Meh!! Horrible redundant, over and over.. the protagonist very annoying, and can't make up her mind. "I can do this, I can't do this.. over and over" ..
October 2, 2021
This is the 2nd book in the story of Miles and Summer. And you think you will get the answers you weren't promised in the first book cuz first book practically ends on a cliffhanger. You think you will get the identity of the mystic "V" but nope you don't in this book.
I felt this book was drag and nothing major happens anyway. Characters are dragged in their useless drama. I wasn't happy with this book.
I felt this book was drag and nothing major happens anyway. Characters are dragged in their useless drama. I wasn't happy with this book.
July 23, 2018
Ivy Smoak, you are evil! Evil for giving me all these new questions, answering some of my old questions, but not answering any of my new ones!! And now I have to wait until next year for the next part!!
Forged in Flames picks up where Made of Steel left off. Sadie/Summer has so many new questions. She still doesn't know who to trust, if she can trust anyone at all. And then when some answers are revealed, she's even more confused. And she finds herself at the center of a storm where she's in love with three different guys.
So why did it feel like a beginning whenever I was around Miles, Eli, and V? Maybe it was because I was starved for love. That's why it was so hard to turn any of them away. I was lucky to have met each of them. A part of me could even imagine a future with each of them. I loved Miles because he reminded me of what it felt like to be whole. I loved Eli because he was proof that I could be loved despite being broken. And I loved V because he made me feel optimistic of a future, no matter how unrealistic it was.
She finds out just exactly who Eli is, falls a little bit in love with him. But then there's V, she never finds out who he is, but she's a little in love with him too. And then there's Miles...oh swoony Miles, the boy she's been in love with since she was 6, and is still in love with. And it seems like Miles is in love with her, too. But, how can he be when he's still stuck in the past, still in love with Summer? As he says, "Because for my whole life, my heart has belonged to someone else. I couldn't commit to anyone knowing that I wasn't all in. A casual hookup can numb that pain, but that's all it ever was."
Forged in Flames is even better than Made of Steel. It takes all the suspense and unpredictability from Made of Steel, and amps them up. It's just as fast paced and more suspenseful. It answers some questions, but proposes even more questions. The time is ticking down on Sadie and it looks as if she'll never fight her way out of this cluster fuck that she's found herself in, that Don has placed her in, even if she is made of steel as V thinks she is. "You're stronger than you realize," he whispered. "You're made of steel, remember?"
Reading Forged in Flames is like watching an episode of Arrow, with all its suspense, action and intrigue. The cliffhanger about killed me, but I have faith that Ivy Smoak won't let me down and all will be revealed soon!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Forged in Flames picks up where Made of Steel left off. Sadie/Summer has so many new questions. She still doesn't know who to trust, if she can trust anyone at all. And then when some answers are revealed, she's even more confused. And she finds herself at the center of a storm where she's in love with three different guys.
So why did it feel like a beginning whenever I was around Miles, Eli, and V? Maybe it was because I was starved for love. That's why it was so hard to turn any of them away. I was lucky to have met each of them. A part of me could even imagine a future with each of them. I loved Miles because he reminded me of what it felt like to be whole. I loved Eli because he was proof that I could be loved despite being broken. And I loved V because he made me feel optimistic of a future, no matter how unrealistic it was.
She finds out just exactly who Eli is, falls a little bit in love with him. But then there's V, she never finds out who he is, but she's a little in love with him too. And then there's Miles...oh swoony Miles, the boy she's been in love with since she was 6, and is still in love with. And it seems like Miles is in love with her, too. But, how can he be when he's still stuck in the past, still in love with Summer? As he says, "Because for my whole life, my heart has belonged to someone else. I couldn't commit to anyone knowing that I wasn't all in. A casual hookup can numb that pain, but that's all it ever was."
Forged in Flames is even better than Made of Steel. It takes all the suspense and unpredictability from Made of Steel, and amps them up. It's just as fast paced and more suspenseful. It answers some questions, but proposes even more questions. The time is ticking down on Sadie and it looks as if she'll never fight her way out of this cluster fuck that she's found herself in, that Don has placed her in, even if she is made of steel as V thinks she is. "You're stronger than you realize," he whispered. "You're made of steel, remember?"
Reading Forged in Flames is like watching an episode of Arrow, with all its suspense, action and intrigue. The cliffhanger about killed me, but I have faith that Ivy Smoak won't let me down and all will be revealed soon!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
October 7, 2021
3.5 Stars - Romantic Suspense
For this to be the second book in the series, not much happened and I was left bored for most of this book. I wanted answers and we really didn't really get anything in this book, but you could kind of tell who was who and where things were going.
A bit disappointing to me.
For this to be the second book in the series, not much happened and I was left bored for most of this book. I wanted answers and we really didn't really get anything in this book, but you could kind of tell who was who and where things were going.
A bit disappointing to me.
May 29, 2017
I AM IN BOOK HEAVEN A PERFECT 10..
FORGED IN FLAMES
BY ....IVY SMOAK
Made of Steel was the first book in this series, I thought that book was the best book ever .
I WAS WRONG, Forged in Flames, will rock your world. Take you for that ride you always wanted to ride when you read a top selling book. Yes, that's right.
THIS IS THAT BOOK, my dream book, the one that makes you, laugh, cry , scream, and wanna throw it across a room, saying why?? ?......but not this book ......, it definitely has ALL the feels and emotions that make you want to keep it with you right by your side, so you can kept reading it all the way thru till the end WITHOUT STOPPING . Like I did.
It's a phenomenal read , the characters are a mixed blend of heroes and heroine's, they both are strong and dynamic. . I felt like I had a deep connection with each of the characters in one way or another. They felt and acted more human like and real. Like you were actually there rolling with the emotions with them.
I love Ivy Smoak books, they are so hypnotic, that you don't wanna tear your eyes away from the pages that you are reading, I for one didn't skip a word, of this book.
She continues to amaze me with her brilliance of writing and capabilities to keep me wanting
more of her books to read.
I was on the edge of my seat with book it kept me right there, I just Can't say enough, there is so much to tell.
I for one am a total fan of Ivy books , she continues to keep the books real and the characters human like. Thank YOU!! IVY SMOAK, for blessing me with an ARC to read in place of my honest review.
When you start reading IVY SMOAK, make sure you start with this book , "MADE OF STEEL".
I recommend All of Ivy Smoak books to Everyone.
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE.
FORGED IN FLAMES
BY ....IVY SMOAK
Made of Steel was the first book in this series, I thought that book was the best book ever .
I WAS WRONG, Forged in Flames, will rock your world. Take you for that ride you always wanted to ride when you read a top selling book. Yes, that's right.
THIS IS THAT BOOK, my dream book, the one that makes you, laugh, cry , scream, and wanna throw it across a room, saying why?? ?......but not this book ......, it definitely has ALL the feels and emotions that make you want to keep it with you right by your side, so you can kept reading it all the way thru till the end WITHOUT STOPPING . Like I did.
It's a phenomenal read , the characters are a mixed blend of heroes and heroine's, they both are strong and dynamic. . I felt like I had a deep connection with each of the characters in one way or another. They felt and acted more human like and real. Like you were actually there rolling with the emotions with them.
I love Ivy Smoak books, they are so hypnotic, that you don't wanna tear your eyes away from the pages that you are reading, I for one didn't skip a word, of this book.
She continues to amaze me with her brilliance of writing and capabilities to keep me wanting
more of her books to read.
I was on the edge of my seat with book it kept me right there, I just Can't say enough, there is so much to tell.
I for one am a total fan of Ivy books , she continues to keep the books real and the characters human like. Thank YOU!! IVY SMOAK, for blessing me with an ARC to read in place of my honest review.
When you start reading IVY SMOAK, make sure you start with this book , "MADE OF STEEL".
I recommend All of Ivy Smoak books to Everyone.
CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE.
October 10, 2019
Oh wow! This book kept me at the edge of my seat! I had no choice, but to finish this book in one day!
January 31, 2020
Wow!
I got sucked into the first book and was amazed. Now I am at a loss for words. I cannot wait to read book 3! I’m trapped in this story and have to see it to the end.
I got sucked into the first book and was amazed. Now I am at a loss for words. I cannot wait to read book 3! I’m trapped in this story and have to see it to the end.
March 23, 2022
Forged in Flames
WOW! Just - WOW! This storyline is killing me! There is the underlying mystery of who Summer really is now and how all the players in this game fit in! The more answers we get, the more questions I have! I love this and hate it a the same time!! LOL Summer/Sadie has one constant in her life — it has always been her love for Miles! What they started as children seems to have carried through to the present, if only because they became separated and carried that love with them into young adulthood because they were latching onto it like a lifeline. Who is V? I think I know, but like with all other authors, you never truly know until you read it in print. I am glad there are only 3 books in this series, because I need answers. Now that everything has been blown apart, how will they be able to find any? You have to read this mind blowing series! Holy cow, it’s so good! The drama, the suspense, the mystery and of course the love keep you on your toes, holding your breath the whole way through the book!! If I could give more than a 5 ⭐️ rating, I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Just - WOW! This storyline is killing me! There is the underlying mystery of who Summer really is now and how all the players in this game fit in! The more answers we get, the more questions I have! I love this and hate it a the same time!! LOL Summer/Sadie has one constant in her life — it has always been her love for Miles! What they started as children seems to have carried through to the present, if only because they became separated and carried that love with them into young adulthood because they were latching onto it like a lifeline. Who is V? I think I know, but like with all other authors, you never truly know until you read it in print. I am glad there are only 3 books in this series, because I need answers. Now that everything has been blown apart, how will they be able to find any? You have to read this mind blowing series! Holy cow, it’s so good! The drama, the suspense, the mystery and of course the love keep you on your toes, holding your breath the whole way through the book!! If I could give more than a 5 ⭐️ rating, I would!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 29, 2020
this one was not as good as the first one and a lot of aspects annoyed me but overall it was still a pretty good book and I am invested! the main character reminds me of elena gilbert from the vampire diaries during the season where the originals where coming after her. It’s annoying but also it makes sense because she literally has no idea what is going on around her and she uncovers something new everyday. while the mystery is unfolding, sadie/summer is literally in a LOVE SQUARE with three boys that are pining after her. she kind of leads them all on and cares for all of them. I get annoyed because it’s literally not acknowledged. the story as me hooked and I hope summer/sadie can get it together during the final book. also i wish she was more of a badass and not a timid girl but i totally understand why she is the way she is with all of the trauma she has endured. so far i am loving this series!
June 30, 2025
Even worse cliffhanger than the first book, par for the course with this author. Single perspective, hers, story. This story features an exceptional amount of drama, there are some twists where I roll my eyes because, seriously... It's hard to be mad though because the overarching storyline is that good. I am really pulling for some closure on the next book. I wouldn't call this a love triangle, I would call this indecisive chick. This happened in another series that she wrote, and it really drives me batty. I really can't subtract any stars though because the hang-ups are personal ones for me, and the story is well-written and you easily lose yourself in their world for a while. Steamy moments, several, but never long lasting. Hoping for a good conclusion when I wrap this series up tomorrow.
July 1, 2020
זאת פעם ראשונה שאני יודעת להפריד בין ספרים בטרילוגיה.
אני תמיד שומעת על כאלו שאומרים "אני חייבת הפסקה מהספר" "אני חייבת רגע לעצור ולעכל".
אני קוראת סדרתית מכיתה א. שנים, שנים הרבה לפני כל הבאז הזה. ותמיד הערות האלו היו נראות לי מגוחכות.
אבל אז התחלתי לקרוא את הספר הזה, וואו.
לא הצלחתי לנשום, התיאורים, הכתיבה סחפה אותי לעולם של כאב. הייתי בדיכאון טוטאלי, סה"כ הפרקים הראשונים של הספר. לא הצלחתי לקרוא, לא הצלחתי לנשום הלב שלי דפק כל כך חזק.
הכתיבה, הרגשתי שאני שם, שזה אמיתי. זה לא גרם לי לבכות, היו ספרים שגרמו לי לבכות, זה לא.
זה הרבה מעבר לכך, זה ספר שנוגע בך, ספר שאתה חייב לקרוא, אתה רוצה לקרוא. הוא קשה לקריאה אך לא מהמקום שזה מעיק, מהמקום שלא בא לך לבכות.
הספר הזה מרגש, הספר הזה מעורר, הספר הזה חובה.
אני תמיד שומעת על כאלו שאומרים "אני חייבת הפסקה מהספר" "אני חייבת רגע לעצור ולעכל".
אני קוראת סדרתית מכיתה א. שנים, שנים הרבה לפני כל הבאז הזה. ותמיד הערות האלו היו נראות לי מגוחכות.
אבל אז התחלתי לקרוא את הספר הזה, וואו.
לא הצלחתי לנשום, התיאורים, הכתיבה סחפה אותי לעולם של כאב. הייתי בדיכאון טוטאלי, סה"כ הפרקים הראשונים של הספר. לא הצלחתי לקרוא, לא הצלחתי לנשום הלב שלי דפק כל כך חזק.
הכתיבה, הרגשתי שאני שם, שזה אמיתי. זה לא גרם לי לבכות, היו ספרים שגרמו לי לבכות, זה לא.
זה הרבה מעבר לכך, זה ספר שנוגע בך, ספר שאתה חייב לקרוא, אתה רוצה לקרוא. הוא קשה לקריאה אך לא מהמקום שזה מעיק, מהמקום שלא בא לך לבכות.
הספר הזה מרגש, הספר הזה מעורר, הספר הזה חובה.
February 8, 2026
Going In Circles
Summer, girl this book was a mess of secrets at every turn. I have more questions than answers at this point. I’m more than invested in this story. So many things were said towards the end and I need answers now. So, I’m just going to hop skip on over to the final book in the series. My heart broke for Summer in the first few chapters like that was heavy stuff. I don’t even know who I want her to end up with in the end. I just want Summer to find peace and happiness and I will take that in any form or with any character at this point. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little mystery with their romance. I gave this book 4 stars because Summer deserves more.
Summer, girl this book was a mess of secrets at every turn. I have more questions than answers at this point. I’m more than invested in this story. So many things were said towards the end and I need answers now. So, I’m just going to hop skip on over to the final book in the series. My heart broke for Summer in the first few chapters like that was heavy stuff. I don’t even know who I want her to end up with in the end. I just want Summer to find peace and happiness and I will take that in any form or with any character at this point. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a little mystery with their romance. I gave this book 4 stars because Summer deserves more.
January 10, 2024
I held my breath for;
for 1 second…
for 2 seconds…
for 3 seconds…
for 4 seconds…
for 5 seconds…
….
The drama in this book is so good. We learn more about Summers past and about who Sadie is today. The bombshells being dropped really keep you racing through the story to figure out what happens next.
The love quad continues much to my annoyance. Summer/Sadie is so emotionally you stable that you really just want to shake some sense into her. She is def not a MC that I enjoy.
I’m still rooting for Miles at this point and believe he is the Vigilante. Of course this is not revealed in this book. can’t wait to figure that out in book 3.
for 1 second…
for 2 seconds…
for 3 seconds…
for 4 seconds…
for 5 seconds…
….
The drama in this book is so good. We learn more about Summers past and about who Sadie is today. The bombshells being dropped really keep you racing through the story to figure out what happens next.
The love quad continues much to my annoyance. Summer/Sadie is so emotionally you stable that you really just want to shake some sense into her. She is def not a MC that I enjoy.
I’m still rooting for Miles at this point and believe he is the Vigilante. Of course this is not revealed in this book. can’t wait to figure that out in book 3.
July 16, 2025
Smoak does it again. Intensity, romance, thrills and chills! The plot twists, the storyline loop-di-loops! I truly enjoyed this wild ride! Not sure if it's supposed to be a "why choose"... but it has been fun debating in my mind which guy is the best!
February 1, 2020
Action!
This is a bit muddled and there are parts that don’t make sense, but it is still a compelling story. And I can’t wait to read book 3, I have a feeling we all already know who V is, but with this series? The obvious may not be truth.
This is a bit muddled and there are parts that don’t make sense, but it is still a compelling story. And I can’t wait to read book 3, I have a feeling we all already know who V is, but with this series? The obvious may not be truth.
September 13, 2021
This series gets better and better. It is very dark and I still can’t see how it will turn out. Poor Sadie/Summer is caught in such a trap. Well . . . I just bought the third book in the series and I’m hoping they find a solution.
November 26, 2019
Exciting creative,wonderful ,can't wait for the next one.
This book is so exciting,I couldn't put it down.I read a lot always have but now that I am in my senior years 67,I find I have much more time.love it,Thank you.
This book is so exciting,I couldn't put it down.I read a lot always have but now that I am in my senior years 67,I find I have much more time.love it,Thank you.
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