Britain, circa 2028: a nation devastated by war waged between a dictator and a new subrace of Magick-infused humans, known as Anomalies.
A handful of us birthed B.L.A.Z.E., to resist Prime Minister Wentworth and the Sovereignty. It was only a matter of time before they found us.
My name is Penelope Starling, and my very existence is a criminal offence.
Myself and four fellow Anomalies are all that remain of B.L.A.Z.E.: My burly Scotsman Duncan, whose speed, strength, and loyalty have saved my arse countless times; Alfie, my hot-headed pyromaniac and childhood best mate; Oliver, my sweet tech-genius; and the newcomer, the beautiful and bizarre enigma, Rhys Shields.
Despite their differences, and my responsibilities as their Lieutenant, my heart is starting to burn for them—all of them.
Now, I vow to do whatever I must to keep the men I love alive. Wentworth may think he’s stamped us out, but if our tiny brigade is willing to fight, and fight together? This war isn't over. Not yet.
B.L.A.Z.E. is still very much on fire; And that's a bloody promise.
Blaze of Chaos is the debut reverse harem romance 55,000 word novel from C. Strange. It is sultry, high heat, and loads of fun. Meet Penny and her boys!
The story is about Penelope Starling who is a member of B.L.A.Z.E. Along with her other brigade members they are fighting against the Sovereignty, when they are surprise attacked. Right from the prologue you will be drawn into Penelope’s world, with this fantastic modern dystopian RH book and a surprising element of Migickal flourish. I don’t want to give to much away, but WOW 😍
Empowering. Action-packed. Strong. Witty. Inspiring. These are the words that come to mind when I think about Blaze of Chaos!
Following the story of Penny and her Brigade, we are taken on a journey of self-discovery and resistance. After having home base, a.k.a. The Switchboard, destroyed by the Bashers, Penny and her Brigade have no choice but to run to safety. Finding somewhere that is safe for a group of Anomalies in a divided world isn't easy, and soon things turn sour. But will they be able to work together to prevent their downfall, or will their egos get in the way? Only time will tell.
I truly loved this tale by C. Strange. The character development was great, each character complemented the others perfectly and none seemed to dominate for appearance in the book. While the book and the story within it in fictional, there are so many elements that scream reality that it sort of blurs the lines. We have facts that are put into such obvious light (the proof of fights to overcome societal division) and realistic concerns about growing feelings for someone who has been such a great friend in the past (because, let's be honest, who hasn't been scared of losing a friend by going after what the heart wants!?).
I cannot wait to read Blaze of Heroes and see just where the next stage of their fight will take them. Because...
"...we go by B.L.A.Z.E. We vow to rise up, stand tall, and defeat the Sovereignty who threaten to tear us down and tear us apart."
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review consideration**
This book, the first in a new series, combined so many things I love: a slow-ish burn reverse harem (RH), dystopia, characters with special powers (not unlike what you would find in say, the X-Men) and a strong heroine. The author avoided (thankfully) info dumping about the imaginary world this book is set in and instead skillfully wove the information in throughout the entire book. I loved the British setting and language/slang used - it brought the characters to life in such a realistic and exciting way. The chapters are creatively titled to tell you whose POV the chapter will be from, and each character's voice is distinct and unique to them. Along those same lines, each hero is completely separate and identifiable from the others - fabulously so. The author's style/voice is wonderfully unique, with some scenes having a cinematic feel to them, and I really responded to it. I haven't read every RH author (obviously) but I have read a lot, and I can't think of any that come close to this kind of style. I am really looking forward to reading more about Penny and her brigade. 4.5 Stars on GR scale
This book blew me away. I thought I knew what I was "walking into" expectation wise when I ordered this book. But it was beyond my expectations. Once you get adapted to the British terminology used if you're not British you get the sarcasm, humor and insults. And the relationships between Penny and the brigade? Awesome. They all play a different role in her life, yet work together as well. They truly are a family. A completely dysfunctional family with their quirks and emotional baggage. But a family none the less. Ciarán wrote this exceptionally well and this is one series opener where I'm wondering where book 2 is. I have to know how Penny and the brigade move on. I have to know how these relationships build as the story goes on. I simply need more. I honestly have nothing I dislike about this book. Incredibly done. Just wow.
Blaze of Chaos is the wonderful first book by author C. Strange. This book draws you in from the very beginning and leaves you wanting more when you finish it. Penny is a kick butt heroine who is trying to keep her brigade alive in a world where those with anomalies are not welcome. Her group of herself and her three men are bound together by a desire to change the world to be more accepting of those that are different. The characters are realistic and draw you into the story in such a way that it is difficult to put this book down. I truly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the second installment.
Really interesting take of futuristic British society! The plot itself is like a mix of x-men, deadpool, suicide squad, and 1984. B.L.A.Z.E. is an anti government group that is hellbent on fighting against the tyrannical system that is not only controlling everything in the country, but also persecuting "anomalies," or people with different abilities (magic). The read is really gripping, from the first page to last, fast paced and action packed. The plot focuses more on the brigade and their survival than romance, which was an appreciated change.
I am so I love with this book! I love the British feel and the rebelliousness of it. I love that the characters felt real. The emotions, thoughts, actions, everything felt like it could be real. This may be a work of pure fiction but it feels like a realistic fiction. This book will leave you begin bnb for more. Don't wait.....purchase it now or you might just regret it later.
So this book is a tad bit different from the books I normally read. It starts off pretty in your face with action which I love but settles for a bit till the end. I feel like there could be more back story into the crew that would really add a punch to the story but that is just me. Doesnt take from the book. Give this book a go. You might find out you love it even if it's not your norm. I did and I would have never thought I would have liked it!
I loved this book. A remarkable, deep and raw exploration of friendships and comrades in arms, as they flee persecution and subjugation. The main character is complex, a kick-ass leader who struggles with self doubt. The other main characters are a wonderful group ranging from stoic to hot-headed, intense and nerdy, slightly crazed and yet all are perfect complements for the main character. I truly cannot wait to see what Penny and her guys get up to in book 2
I burned through this so fast. It was amazing. Talk about a FMC that kicks butt and takes names! Fire y’all. This book is just pure fire. Not even sure what I was expecting from a first time RH writer but this blew me away. This book has action, humor, devotion, and charisma all in one story!!! I cannot wait to see what C Strange comes up with next.
This is such a wonderful book. I love the industriousness and quirky group of rebels. Under pressure they try to reforge what might have been lost while growing as individuals and a group. Their zeal to be seen and accepted is a recurring theme. I think we can all relate to that. Great world building and dialogue. Very enjoyable.
I cannot really express how much I loved this book. It's Britishness just totally called to me as I read. And the story is fantastic. The characters are beautifully written and so real that they pulled me along with them through everything that happens. I want to know more about them and what happens next....
This is a fantastic story, with lots of action, humor and originality! Also, it’s probably the most British book set in England that I’ve read in a while! Love Penny & her guys! Can’t wait for the next book!
CJ has a way of bringing a clear message to the reader without shoving it down their throats. Brilliantly written, fantastic plot, and relatable characters. Penny is a heroine worth looking up to and her men are swoon worthy...on my way to buy the second book now!