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Brenna travels to Linneah via portal to visit her boyfriend Baldwin, only to find heartbreak. Betrayal. A serious case of never, ever wanting to see him again. Worst summer vacation ever.
So when her best friend Tiny invites her on a road trip to meet Tiny's fianc�, Brenna jumps at the chance. Even if her mother disapproves. Even if it's through a dangerous travel portal. Even if Tiny has never met this fianc� handpicked by her dad. Anything's better than staying in Linneah.
But the trip disintegrates into disaster. The two friends are separated, Brenna is kidnapped, and not only are Brenna's Firebrand skills tested to the limit, she must participate in the dangerous event, Starfall . . . or go home. Broke. Alone. With a shattered heart. So not fun.
And then as if that's not bad enough? Brenna discovers a plot that could spell disaster for everyone she holds dear. And no one believes her.
Can she prevent a bloody government takeover? And what will become of Brenna's broken heart?
So when her best friend Tiny invites her on a road trip to meet Tiny's fianc�, Brenna jumps at the chance. Even if her mother disapproves. Even if it's through a dangerous travel portal. Even if Tiny has never met this fianc� handpicked by her dad. Anything's better than staying in Linneah.
But the trip disintegrates into disaster. The two friends are separated, Brenna is kidnapped, and not only are Brenna's Firebrand skills tested to the limit, she must participate in the dangerous event, Starfall . . . or go home. Broke. Alone. With a shattered heart. So not fun.
And then as if that's not bad enough? Brenna discovers a plot that could spell disaster for everyone she holds dear. And no one believes her.
Can she prevent a bloody government takeover? And what will become of Brenna's broken heart?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2019
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Hackman
15 books62 followersJ.M. Hackman, the award-winning author of the Firebrand Chronicles and the Stardust Hearts series, loves thunderstorms, fuzzy socks, and thick chocolate milkshakes. She writes high-stakes fantasy and soft science fiction stories threaded with hope and romance. While her characters are fearless, J.M. is afraid of spiders, wasps, and the crowds at after-Christmas sales.
Her stories have been published in the anthologies Crowns, Encircled, Tales of Ever After, Mythical Doorways, and Realmscapes. Go to her website at www.jmhackman.com to learn more about her and to take the quiz, “What Book Trope Are You?”
You can also find her at www.facebook.com/jmhackman and www.instagram.com/jm_hackman_author.
Her stories have been published in the anthologies Crowns, Encircled, Tales of Ever After, Mythical Doorways, and Realmscapes. Go to her website at www.jmhackman.com to learn more about her and to take the quiz, “What Book Trope Are You?”
You can also find her at www.facebook.com/jmhackman and www.instagram.com/jm_hackman_author.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 26, 2019
My seventeen-year-old son has been begging for Flare by J. M. Hackman as soon as he heard it was being published. He loved Spark and couldn't wait to see more of Brenna's adventures. Hackman does a wonderful job at diving into Brenna's personality and allow it to jump on the pages. I love her ability to world build and invite me to see just enough of the unfamiliar setting to spark my creativity. The plot moved really quickly and had plenty of tension and down moments to round out the characters. The novel does leave readers in a cliff-hanger, begging for the next installment. Trust me. It was an issue I didn't see coming, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Overall, Flare by J. M. Hackman was a thrill ride through an unfamiliar world but completely original in its storytelling. I enjoyed this addition much more than Spark and anxiously await to read Burn.
I received a complimentary copy of Flare by J. M. Hackman from Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Flare by J. M. Hackman from Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
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February 20, 2020What a great story! Such amazing...um wait, this isn't cool, is it? :-) Lol. I'll end with this piece of advice: if you like snarky ADHD teens and cool mutant griffin sidekicks, check this series out. :-)
June 25, 2020
I loved having an opportunity to hang out with Brenna and friends again! Brenna is such a snarky, honest narrator, and I appreciated seeing both her growth and setbacks along her journey in this book. I enjoyed getting to explore more of Hackman's vividly-described fantasy world and learn more about the various types of powers. The romance took an unexpected turn, but I was happy with how it worked out. At least until...THAT ENDING! ACK! Good thing I'll be reading Burn *very* soon, because I'm in so much suspense! I need to stop before I reveal any spoilers, but let's just say that if you enjoyed Spark, you'll definitely want to continue with this second installment in The Firebrand Chronicles!
June 22, 2020
A Solid Sequel
Another great story in the Firebrand Chronicles! I enjoyed the journey and exploring new cultures and festivities. A couple interesting plots twists have me eager to see how this series ends!
I had a few minor issues with the story. One involved a very abrupt change of heart that seemed out of character and a particular scene seemed a little too easy to get out of.
I still adore Arvandus and his wisdom, Brenna’s sarcastic thoughts made me laugh throughout the book, and I was happy with how the relationship issues were resolved. A good clean read for young adults, and I’m having a lot of fun reading this series as an adult!
Another great story in the Firebrand Chronicles! I enjoyed the journey and exploring new cultures and festivities. A couple interesting plots twists have me eager to see how this series ends!
I had a few minor issues with the story. One involved a very abrupt change of heart that seemed out of character and a particular scene seemed a little too easy to get out of.
I still adore Arvandus and his wisdom, Brenna’s sarcastic thoughts made me laugh throughout the book, and I was happy with how the relationship issues were resolved. A good clean read for young adults, and I’m having a lot of fun reading this series as an adult!
October 1, 2019
Great teen/ya fantasy
I read Flare without reading the first book, and enjoyed it. Brennan is a likeable and realistic heroine of the story. The world building is amazing
I read Flare without reading the first book, and enjoyed it. Brennan is a likeable and realistic heroine of the story. The world building is amazing
June 27, 2019
And we are back in the vibrant world of Linneah in book two! I feel like I enjoyed book 2 more. What a great read full of adventure, betrayal, love, and my favorite, friendship. I was hooked at Flare’s opening. It started off with mystery that dove right into the action. In this second round, we get to explore more of Hackman’s fantasy world. We also get to discover a few new things about Brenna’s powers. I don’t want to give away too much but I did like how the author expanded on the mc’s power system. Beloved characters from book 1 have returned. New characters readers can learn to love are introduced. I gotta say though, I was pleased that we had more scenes with Brenna’s bestie, Tiny. I didn’t realize how much of a fav she was until she started kicking butt with her powers and charming the reader with her wit. Probably one of my favorite parts about Flare was Tiny and Brenna’s friendship. Can someone say friendship goals? Those two were adorable together. The scenes carried nicely and didn’t fail to entertain. Smooth writing. Descriptive. Lively settings. Easy read. Overall, it’s an excellent continuation. I’d be interested to see what Burn has to offer.
March 6, 2019
Flare takes us deeper inside the Jasper Territory as Brenna James, a wonderfully resilient and sarcastic teen with ADHD, and her friend Tiny travel to Ginselwyn by way of the travel portal. The story picks up after the dust has settled from the battles and prophecies that unfolded in the first book, Spark.
In the beginning, things seem peaceful. But shifting clouds of subterfuge reveal a brewing storm for regaining power. By the end of this fantasy adventure road trip, Brenna and her beloved Linneah are not the same and readers are left with a sense of the war to come.
Flare is a refreshing blend of flavors fans of Spark will enjoy. I eagerly await the next book in the series to see how Brenna’s story continues (and Baldwin’s, but that’s all I can say).
While a complimentary copy of Flare was provided, I also bought my own in paperback. Because I love this series.
In the beginning, things seem peaceful. But shifting clouds of subterfuge reveal a brewing storm for regaining power. By the end of this fantasy adventure road trip, Brenna and her beloved Linneah are not the same and readers are left with a sense of the war to come.
Flare is a refreshing blend of flavors fans of Spark will enjoy. I eagerly await the next book in the series to see how Brenna’s story continues (and Baldwin’s, but that’s all I can say).
While a complimentary copy of Flare was provided, I also bought my own in paperback. Because I love this series.
July 17, 2019
Book Two of The Firebrand Chronicles is a great follow up to the book Spark. Favorite characters return to this adventure through Brenna's "worst summer vacation ever."
Author J. M. Hackman continues this trilogy with new lands, new characters and plenty of twists and turns in this book aimed at YA readers. (I am an adult and thoroughly enjoy the series!)
My favorite character is Brenna's griffin named Arvandus, but you will have to read the great book to figure out why.
Highly recommend this book!
Author J. M. Hackman continues this trilogy with new lands, new characters and plenty of twists and turns in this book aimed at YA readers. (I am an adult and thoroughly enjoy the series!)
My favorite character is Brenna's griffin named Arvandus, but you will have to read the great book to figure out why.
Highly recommend this book!
April 8, 2019
A must read!
Flare book two in the Firebrand Chronicles is an amazing read that gets better with each turn of the page. I cannot wait to read Burn book three.
Flare book two in the Firebrand Chronicles is an amazing read that gets better with each turn of the page. I cannot wait to read Burn book three.
April 21, 2019
Simply Captivating
I read this book in 2 days. I simply could not put it down. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I read this book in 2 days. I simply could not put it down. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
September 6, 2020
Brenna continues her journey with a ragtag group, much like in LOTR. If you want good clean fantasy, this is your jam.
One thing that bugged me was Brenna not utilizing her "flare" power nearly enough for a second book entitled the same. More dialog driven than adventure and character, which isn't my cup of tea for fantasy.
I give it a solid 3 stars for an enjoyable adventure. Themes of ADHD and anxiety as a TW.
One thing that bugged me was Brenna not utilizing her "flare" power nearly enough for a second book entitled the same. More dialog driven than adventure and character, which isn't my cup of tea for fantasy.
I give it a solid 3 stars for an enjoyable adventure. Themes of ADHD and anxiety as a TW.
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March 20, 2019FLARE continues the story of a girl who is figuring out her place and what life is like as she navigates two different worlds. Fans of the first book will enjoy this one and others who enjoy fantasy may find some things to like in this sequel.
Again, as with the first book, I really wanted to like this story. I had high hopes for this second book as I really wanted it to be developed better than the first one. It started off fairly well for me. I didn't have any issues until the heroine enters the tunnels and then again, things just didn't work for me logically. It just seems like Brenna would have wanted a guard and that even having two friends with her would have been relatively safe - otherwise it would seem they would be in illegal or black market tunnels or something instead of the tunnels everyone in the kingdom uses and that supposedly the queen has soldiers stationed in... It also didn't make sense with the other kingdom they were travelling to and why Brenna's friend, Tiny, would withhold vital info. I also had issues with the next part where they meet someone and Brenna finds out that she should be able to do more with her fire talent. I would think that having been going back and forth from Earth to Linneah for some time that she would have received more training and would know a lot more instead of everything being new to her. It just didn't make sense to me. It's almost like this second book is still trying to form this fantasy world and the rules and what Brenna knows, when normally all of that happens before now or at least earlier instead of after months of time has lapsed from the first book. I think if it was introduced as her travelling for training or her trainer travelling with her, that would have worked better in making sense to me. I could go on and on...
I really have tried with this series, but it just isn't for me. I feel like there needs to be a lot more development. I get glimpses of some good writing and of things I like, but they are few and far between. I definitely did appreciate that the series is clean.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
Again, as with the first book, I really wanted to like this story. I had high hopes for this second book as I really wanted it to be developed better than the first one. It started off fairly well for me. I didn't have any issues until the heroine enters the tunnels and then again, things just didn't work for me logically. It just seems like Brenna would have wanted a guard and that even having two friends with her would have been relatively safe - otherwise it would seem they would be in illegal or black market tunnels or something instead of the tunnels everyone in the kingdom uses and that supposedly the queen has soldiers stationed in... It also didn't make sense with the other kingdom they were travelling to and why Brenna's friend, Tiny, would withhold vital info. I also had issues with the next part where they meet someone and Brenna finds out that she should be able to do more with her fire talent. I would think that having been going back and forth from Earth to Linneah for some time that she would have received more training and would know a lot more instead of everything being new to her. It just didn't make sense to me. It's almost like this second book is still trying to form this fantasy world and the rules and what Brenna knows, when normally all of that happens before now or at least earlier instead of after months of time has lapsed from the first book. I think if it was introduced as her travelling for training or her trainer travelling with her, that would have worked better in making sense to me. I could go on and on...
I really have tried with this series, but it just isn't for me. I feel like there needs to be a lot more development. I get glimpses of some good writing and of things I like, but they are few and far between. I definitely did appreciate that the series is clean.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews