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The Last to Die #1
The Pyre Starter
Exhausted with life, Dakota tries to end his—only to be saved at the last moment by his friend, Terrell, who then drags him into a world of magic and intrigue that's always been right there, hidden beneath the surface.
Powerful magic users are steadily dragging the planet into a violent war, and evil forces will stop at nothing to take the talismans possessed by Dakota and his newfound family. Dakota soon finds himself deeply in over his head—with love, with family, with fighting for all their lives.
Powerful magic users are steadily dragging the planet into a violent war, and evil forces will stop at nothing to take the talismans possessed by Dakota and his newfound family. Dakota soon finds himself deeply in over his head—with love, with family, with fighting for all their lives.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2019
2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Jaimie N. Schock
13 books13 followersJaimie N. Schock is an author, editor, and journalist with more than a decade of professional experience. She has been published in newspapers and magazines and has released nine LGBTQIA+ novels.
About Me
I am married and living in Northern Virginia. Though I have an extensive career, I am disabled with PTSD and chronic illness. I try to incorporate my life experiences into the fictional pieces I write while delivering complex and diverse characters. My pronouns are she/her, and I am proudly a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Projects
Check out my newest novel The Wasteland Kings!
About Me
I am married and living in Northern Virginia. Though I have an extensive career, I am disabled with PTSD and chronic illness. I try to incorporate my life experiences into the fictional pieces I write while delivering complex and diverse characters. My pronouns are she/her, and I am proudly a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Projects
Check out my newest novel The Wasteland Kings!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 2, 2019
A very unique story to say the least. The plot is engaging from page one with the main character, Dakota contemplating suicide.
The book does not get any less eventful for Dakota as his new companion, Terrell, who also becomes the source of his affections, reveals to Dakota mysterious talismans with unique abilities.
The story only continues to develop until the end. With well-written characters, back stories, dialogue, mystery, love and chaos - this books is a quality read, author Jaimie N Schock has done an excellent job with this one!
The book does not get any less eventful for Dakota as his new companion, Terrell, who also becomes the source of his affections, reveals to Dakota mysterious talismans with unique abilities.
The story only continues to develop until the end. With well-written characters, back stories, dialogue, mystery, love and chaos - this books is a quality read, author Jaimie N Schock has done an excellent job with this one!
July 13, 2020
The Pyre Starter is a heavy-hitting coming of age story full of heartfelt dialogue, engaging action scenes, introspection on what family means and what lengths we’ll go to in order to protect the ones we love.
I couldn’t predict the next steps of the story as it emerged, let alone the outcome, something I normally pride myself on being able to do. It was like a puzzle with disparate pieces, until the last ten pages or so where it all came together in the only way it could. The story is very much carried by the genuine and relatable characters. I loved every moment.
I couldn’t predict the next steps of the story as it emerged, let alone the outcome, something I normally pride myself on being able to do. It was like a puzzle with disparate pieces, until the last ten pages or so where it all came together in the only way it could. The story is very much carried by the genuine and relatable characters. I loved every moment.
June 15, 2019
460 pages but it is paced quickly and goes by fast. There is a good deal of romance and relationships in here as well; that is a theme in this book just as much, if not more, than the sci fi aspects. I’ve not come across many books with a GLBQT+ matched with sci fi so it’s a unique mix. Further, books with strong GLBQT+ main characters often get political, which this does not in any way. It really is just about love.
Anyway, goes by quick like I mentioned. It has a YA feel to the writing and plot, but has some very adult content. Because of the strong relationship/ character focus there’s not as much development into the sci fi why/how/who/history of these talismans and their larger world impact. I expect with how the book closes this will come up later in the series.
For those bored of the straight, white, “fulfilling their destiny” heroes, this book provides an alternative in every aspect.
This is the author’s first book. Often I find first time authors leave too many holes and inconsistencies. This is not at all the case here, well done from that aspect.
***spoilers below****
I was a little surprised Dakota and Terrell didn’t experiment more with their talismans. They focused on running rather than their bolstering their protection capabilities. I would have expected security to be their number one priority, but their only tactic was to move around.
I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of Dakota. He has it slated to grow up to be a cold, hard person even before the whole talisman incidents. For someone who expects and appreciates forgiveness, he offers very little of it to anyone other than Terrell. Further, for the longest time he had no sense of responsibility to contribute. He allows himself to be a victim in so many ways. For example, he knew he was going to run out of money and made no effort until it was gone. Lay off of the farmers markets dude and go sit part time at the local dry cleaners or something, seriously. He consistently turns to everyone else to solve his problems rather than taking control. He just seeps himself in self pity. Taking an RV and the credit card too? It’s all so entitled.
I suspect Terrell is under some type of either mind wipe or controlling talisman from a relative due to his sudden change of heart. However if this comes to be true, as Dakota or anyone else, I would probably forever be unable to trust him. I would never know who/what the real Terrell is. The interesting thing is Aaron warned Dakota of this early on..... I wonder what he knew? Anyway a book from Terrell’s perspective would be nice.
I did like how the book really focuses “on the now” rather than getting too far ahead. Like The Walking Dead, you’re faced with immediate problems just to survive. That was well maintained here and would likely be the most realistic course of action.
Will be interesting to see how the rest plays out. I suspect the missing uncle will come back to us, along with some of the other hints that weren’t tied up at the end.
Anyway, goes by quick like I mentioned. It has a YA feel to the writing and plot, but has some very adult content. Because of the strong relationship/ character focus there’s not as much development into the sci fi why/how/who/history of these talismans and their larger world impact. I expect with how the book closes this will come up later in the series.
For those bored of the straight, white, “fulfilling their destiny” heroes, this book provides an alternative in every aspect.
This is the author’s first book. Often I find first time authors leave too many holes and inconsistencies. This is not at all the case here, well done from that aspect.
***spoilers below****
I was a little surprised Dakota and Terrell didn’t experiment more with their talismans. They focused on running rather than their bolstering their protection capabilities. I would have expected security to be their number one priority, but their only tactic was to move around.
I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of Dakota. He has it slated to grow up to be a cold, hard person even before the whole talisman incidents. For someone who expects and appreciates forgiveness, he offers very little of it to anyone other than Terrell. Further, for the longest time he had no sense of responsibility to contribute. He allows himself to be a victim in so many ways. For example, he knew he was going to run out of money and made no effort until it was gone. Lay off of the farmers markets dude and go sit part time at the local dry cleaners or something, seriously. He consistently turns to everyone else to solve his problems rather than taking control. He just seeps himself in self pity. Taking an RV and the credit card too? It’s all so entitled.
I suspect Terrell is under some type of either mind wipe or controlling talisman from a relative due to his sudden change of heart. However if this comes to be true, as Dakota or anyone else, I would probably forever be unable to trust him. I would never know who/what the real Terrell is. The interesting thing is Aaron warned Dakota of this early on..... I wonder what he knew? Anyway a book from Terrell’s perspective would be nice.
I did like how the book really focuses “on the now” rather than getting too far ahead. Like The Walking Dead, you’re faced with immediate problems just to survive. That was well maintained here and would likely be the most realistic course of action.
Will be interesting to see how the rest plays out. I suspect the missing uncle will come back to us, along with some of the other hints that weren’t tied up at the end.
May 28, 2019
Very enjoyable read! Interesting characters and plot line - I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
April 27, 2020
This book is part thriller, part fantasy thanks to the magic theme, part love story, and part personal journey. The author skillfully combined these elements to create a unique story I very much enjoyed. Pyre Starter is appropriate for a YA audience, but I also think adults who like fantasy and LGBT-themed literature will enjoy the book, too, because the conflict transcends coming of age stories that would only interest teenagers. A very good read!
December 8, 2021
This was a good lighter fantasy book to read, with a lot of intricate trauma and racism addressed within it. The relationship problems were evident, and Dakota x Terrell were great for a time, though the end result was a little disappointing! A lot happened as the book went on, and each talisman had a special power. There was quite a bit of death, understandably, which was pretty sudden, yet fitting even if a little bit fast.
The parental bonding Dakota had with Kenna was enjoyable to see, he all in all seemed like a good character. I was glad he realized his nearly ultimate decision was stupid toward the end there, given he'd gone through too much, had people that cared deeply about him, and had a little girl relying on him now.
**SPOILERS START**
Terrell turned out to be a pretty unlikable character, I will admit, which is disappointing. I think Eleanor's influence was strong, but it seemed a bit out of place. He listened to her through the beginning, yes, but he'd gone through so much with Dakota that the fight at the end felt really hollow. I was hoping things would work out, but he was really selfish in the end, which...didn't feel so in character, to me, and Eleanor's influence didn't seem strong enough to push him that way.
I suppose it makes sense given he was really wanting to get revenge on that fellow, and said he wanted to 'see it happen' or be a part of it, but to completely abandon Dakota and lose all the love for him seemed really out of place. I wasn't so happy with such an ending, but nonetheless it fit the character somewhat given what Dakota defined.
I'm glad Dakota was there for Kenna, at least, who clearly was traumatized. The rest of Terrell's family I didn't connect to so much, and their deaths didn't hit as hard because of it.
Otherwise, the story was interesting and I got through it with relative ease. The relationship dynamics were interesting, and I liked the functional, happy parts the best, though the strained ones (aside from complete abandonment) made sense.
**SPOILERS END**
I like heavier fantasy more myself, so it took me a bit longer to get through this book. Talisman lore was interesting, along with the specific powers tied to them. The consequences of using them didn't seem to shine through so much, as especially during the museum scene, there was little fallout aside from Terrell and Dakota running away from the scene.
I think it will appeal to many, and despite not favoring the relationship dynamics toward the end, the forming of the bond and beauty of loving one another was great to see when it came to Dakota x Terrell. The story was a tad too fast paced to get attached to minor characters aside from Kenna, but I was definitely able to hate Eleanor.
The primary villain was okay, if a bit shallow, but some villains are like that and people with that pyromaniac mentality do exist in real life. I certainly was led to really hate him!
All in all, it was a good story that I could appreciate as a lover of fantasy! The lore was interesting enough to keep me reading, and the start-and-mid-book relationship was enjoyable to read. There were some things I didn't favor, but would still recommend folks read this for a heart-wrenching light fantasy story with a good linear plot.
The parental bonding Dakota had with Kenna was enjoyable to see, he all in all seemed like a good character. I was glad he realized his nearly ultimate decision was stupid toward the end there, given he'd gone through too much, had people that cared deeply about him, and had a little girl relying on him now.
**SPOILERS START**
Terrell turned out to be a pretty unlikable character, I will admit, which is disappointing. I think Eleanor's influence was strong, but it seemed a bit out of place. He listened to her through the beginning, yes, but he'd gone through so much with Dakota that the fight at the end felt really hollow. I was hoping things would work out, but he was really selfish in the end, which...didn't feel so in character, to me, and Eleanor's influence didn't seem strong enough to push him that way.
I suppose it makes sense given he was really wanting to get revenge on that fellow, and said he wanted to 'see it happen' or be a part of it, but to completely abandon Dakota and lose all the love for him seemed really out of place. I wasn't so happy with such an ending, but nonetheless it fit the character somewhat given what Dakota defined.
I'm glad Dakota was there for Kenna, at least, who clearly was traumatized. The rest of Terrell's family I didn't connect to so much, and their deaths didn't hit as hard because of it.
Otherwise, the story was interesting and I got through it with relative ease. The relationship dynamics were interesting, and I liked the functional, happy parts the best, though the strained ones (aside from complete abandonment) made sense.
**SPOILERS END**
I like heavier fantasy more myself, so it took me a bit longer to get through this book. Talisman lore was interesting, along with the specific powers tied to them. The consequences of using them didn't seem to shine through so much, as especially during the museum scene, there was little fallout aside from Terrell and Dakota running away from the scene.
I think it will appeal to many, and despite not favoring the relationship dynamics toward the end, the forming of the bond and beauty of loving one another was great to see when it came to Dakota x Terrell. The story was a tad too fast paced to get attached to minor characters aside from Kenna, but I was definitely able to hate Eleanor.
The primary villain was okay, if a bit shallow, but some villains are like that and people with that pyromaniac mentality do exist in real life. I certainly was led to really hate him!
All in all, it was a good story that I could appreciate as a lover of fantasy! The lore was interesting enough to keep me reading, and the start-and-mid-book relationship was enjoyable to read. There were some things I didn't favor, but would still recommend folks read this for a heart-wrenching light fantasy story with a good linear plot.
June 16, 2022
3.3 out of 5 stars
Dakota was about to end his life when Terrell pulls him away from the edge and brings him into an entire hidden world where magic is real. Terrell's family inherited talismans, each with its own powers. But they aren't the only wielders of powerful talismans. They encounter another magic user whose primary power is using fire.
While Dakota's and Terrell's relationship progresses, the danger also increases. They must find a talisman that will defeat this new enemy.
What I liked:
The characters tic a lot of boxes: LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and disability representation. I like what the protagonist brings with his specific point of view. The talismans are interesting and there is a huge amount of storytelling potential. I like how mental health is addressed and it feels grounded in reality. The fight scenes were good, and I was rooting for Dakota to succeed.
What I didn't like:
The potential is there. What kept me from rating this higher is that it needs work. While it was copyedited very well, the developmental editing was lacking. There was far too much telling and not enough showing. It's marketed as a fantasy, but it feels more like an LGBTQ+ romance that happens to have magic. I think once this book knows what it wants to be when it grows up, it will be an excellent story. Will it be a romance story? Or will it be a fantasy story? Or will it find the perfect balance between both?
I think it needs to have some sections cut, tightened, and a proper look at the entire arc. The writer has great character development. The worldbuilding is almost there. Get rid of the Prologue and Epilogue designations. The writer did not use either of these correctly. The Prologue in this book is actually the first chapter. The Epilogue is the denouement. Again, it should just be designated the final chapter. It just needs work with pacing, and bringing out the ultimate theme.
From a marketing point of view, the book blub doesn't really capture what this story is. It skews toward fantasy, but again, the actual story is more heavily romance and slice of life. I was expecting more fantasy, action, and a faster pace. This is definitely not that. The Title, The Pyre Starter, doesn't really fit either. Marketing is tough, but I think if the author can nail this, she will find a devoted audience.
Overall, I would recommend this book. There is a lot to like about it. I sincerely hope the author keeps working at it because she has something interesting to offer with her storytelling. The second book has been added to my TBR list.
Dakota was about to end his life when Terrell pulls him away from the edge and brings him into an entire hidden world where magic is real. Terrell's family inherited talismans, each with its own powers. But they aren't the only wielders of powerful talismans. They encounter another magic user whose primary power is using fire.
While Dakota's and Terrell's relationship progresses, the danger also increases. They must find a talisman that will defeat this new enemy.
What I liked:
The characters tic a lot of boxes: LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and disability representation. I like what the protagonist brings with his specific point of view. The talismans are interesting and there is a huge amount of storytelling potential. I like how mental health is addressed and it feels grounded in reality. The fight scenes were good, and I was rooting for Dakota to succeed.
What I didn't like:
The potential is there. What kept me from rating this higher is that it needs work. While it was copyedited very well, the developmental editing was lacking. There was far too much telling and not enough showing. It's marketed as a fantasy, but it feels more like an LGBTQ+ romance that happens to have magic. I think once this book knows what it wants to be when it grows up, it will be an excellent story. Will it be a romance story? Or will it be a fantasy story? Or will it find the perfect balance between both?
I think it needs to have some sections cut, tightened, and a proper look at the entire arc. The writer has great character development. The worldbuilding is almost there. Get rid of the Prologue and Epilogue designations. The writer did not use either of these correctly. The Prologue in this book is actually the first chapter. The Epilogue is the denouement. Again, it should just be designated the final chapter. It just needs work with pacing, and bringing out the ultimate theme.
From a marketing point of view, the book blub doesn't really capture what this story is. It skews toward fantasy, but again, the actual story is more heavily romance and slice of life. I was expecting more fantasy, action, and a faster pace. This is definitely not that. The Title, The Pyre Starter, doesn't really fit either. Marketing is tough, but I think if the author can nail this, she will find a devoted audience.
Overall, I would recommend this book. There is a lot to like about it. I sincerely hope the author keeps working at it because she has something interesting to offer with her storytelling. The second book has been added to my TBR list.
June 5, 2020
2.5 stars
I think this book could have used a fair bit more of development and cuts before being released. I had to pull myself through this book, and the the last 25 to 30 percent of the it I ended up just skimming through so I could finish reading, review, and move on. It's a shame, because I really liked how the book started off with Dakota's attempted suicide but it goes largely downhill form there.
I read two other books in the time between starting and finishing this one. One reason for this was because the content of the story was just not very appealing to me. This review is more of my personal rating, I think there could be some who fine this much more enjoyable than I did. There were copious unnecessary distractions, and I think the book could have probably been about 80 pages shorter and not much would have been missed. The relationship between Dakota and Terrell was an annoyance generally pulled away from where I thought the plot and world had potential, the Talismans. It made me hold my hands further away, because I just wanted to get back to the Talismans and the bad guy, while instead, there were a gauntlet of sex scenes, and a few other distractions that should have been relegated to a deleted scene. Their relationship might have dragged less, if Dakota just wasn't so thirsty for him ALL of the time, and there were way more details than there needed to be. Honestly, significant swaths of the novel seems to have been written in near exclusive regard the author's interests, rather than catering to keeping readers hooked.
At its best moments, this book does have some visceral descriptions, great character relations, and tense fight and destruction scenes. However, on the whole scale of things they're still hampered by hasty development, and the Talismans are under utilized, replaced with a categorical understanding of them through Dakota's fawning eyes for his boyfriends writing. There are also several passages where Dakota rambles on for far to long, and that made me put it down several times more. The characters also steal the most powerful Talisman in the world, but only use it upon acquiring it, with almost no effort or resistance of any kind. After that, there are very long interludes spent driving across America and getting into relationship struggles.
As I said, I think there could be some who find this book more enjoyable than l did, but this just wasn't for me. Best of luck to Schock and her future writing endeavors.
I think this book could have used a fair bit more of development and cuts before being released. I had to pull myself through this book, and the the last 25 to 30 percent of the it I ended up just skimming through so I could finish reading, review, and move on. It's a shame, because I really liked how the book started off with Dakota's attempted suicide but it goes largely downhill form there.
I read two other books in the time between starting and finishing this one. One reason for this was because the content of the story was just not very appealing to me. This review is more of my personal rating, I think there could be some who fine this much more enjoyable than I did. There were copious unnecessary distractions, and I think the book could have probably been about 80 pages shorter and not much would have been missed. The relationship between Dakota and Terrell was an annoyance generally pulled away from where I thought the plot and world had potential, the Talismans. It made me hold my hands further away, because I just wanted to get back to the Talismans and the bad guy, while instead, there were a gauntlet of sex scenes, and a few other distractions that should have been relegated to a deleted scene. Their relationship might have dragged less, if Dakota just wasn't so thirsty for him ALL of the time, and there were way more details than there needed to be. Honestly, significant swaths of the novel seems to have been written in near exclusive regard the author's interests, rather than catering to keeping readers hooked.
At its best moments, this book does have some visceral descriptions, great character relations, and tense fight and destruction scenes. However, on the whole scale of things they're still hampered by hasty development, and the Talismans are under utilized, replaced with a categorical understanding of them through Dakota's fawning eyes for his boyfriends writing. There are also several passages where Dakota rambles on for far to long, and that made me put it down several times more. The characters also steal the most powerful Talisman in the world, but only use it upon acquiring it, with almost no effort or resistance of any kind. After that, there are very long interludes spent driving across America and getting into relationship struggles.
As I said, I think there could be some who find this book more enjoyable than l did, but this just wasn't for me. Best of luck to Schock and her future writing endeavors.
February 28, 2024
Unexpected Delight
I wanted to give The Pyre Starter four stars. I don’t like the title, which sounds like a Stephen King ripoff. I don’t generally read young adult fantasy, of which this book may or may not be an example. I enjoyed the book, but I was certain I’d find some fault in it. I did not.
The plot made sense within its context, and Schock held a high level of consistency without—no gaping holes. The characters were more than relatable. I actually started caring about them. I believe character development is the novel’s strongest point.
My biggest dilemma was whether to read on in the series. One cannot stop at book one. The story is not complete. I could complain about that, maybe throw a star off the rating. I don’t want to get involved in a long series of adventures even with characters I like. How did I resolve this dilemma. I ordered book two in the series.
I wanted to give The Pyre Starter four stars. I don’t like the title, which sounds like a Stephen King ripoff. I don’t generally read young adult fantasy, of which this book may or may not be an example. I enjoyed the book, but I was certain I’d find some fault in it. I did not.
The plot made sense within its context, and Schock held a high level of consistency without—no gaping holes. The characters were more than relatable. I actually started caring about them. I believe character development is the novel’s strongest point.
My biggest dilemma was whether to read on in the series. One cannot stop at book one. The story is not complete. I could complain about that, maybe throw a star off the rating. I don’t want to get involved in a long series of adventures even with characters I like. How did I resolve this dilemma. I ordered book two in the series.
May 28, 2024
"The Pyre Starter" by Jaimie N. Schock follows Dakota, who, exhausted with life, attempts to end his own. However, he is saved by his friend Terrell, who introduces him to a hidden world of magic and intrigue. As powerful magic users escalate the planet towards war, Dakota and his newfound family become targets of evil forces seeking their talismans. Dakota finds himself entangled in a complex web of love, family, and survival, as he fights against overwhelming odds. Published in 2019, this ebook explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the battle between good and evil in a world of hidden magic.
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July 12, 2019This is the debut novel of author Jaimie N. Schock, whose fast paced genre-bending story will keep you constantly on your toes. I paired this book with Romeo Y Julieta Romeo No 1 in honor of its LGBTQ love story and, on recommendation from the author, a shot of spicy Fireball. I thought I was in for a light fantasy adventure dealing in magical talismans with a side of romance. What I got was an action packed, hard hitting fantasy world heavily doused in romance.
Read the rest of the review here: https://necessarywhimsy.com/2019/06/0...
Read the rest of the review here: https://necessarywhimsy.com/2019/06/0...
October 22, 2020
I think this was a perfectly fine book! It's something I would recommend to people new to adult fantasy or just looking for a quick, enjoyable read.
That being said, the writing itself is a bit more YA stylistically, with some more adult themes. It's a nice balance that could catch the eye of almost anyone. The character development is a bit shallow at times, but the characters themselves are lovable. I definitely love the fact that it's so inclusive.
I can't say I would reread it, but I did enjoy my read-through of it, and I want to finish the series.
That being said, the writing itself is a bit more YA stylistically, with some more adult themes. It's a nice balance that could catch the eye of almost anyone. The character development is a bit shallow at times, but the characters themselves are lovable. I definitely love the fact that it's so inclusive.
I can't say I would reread it, but I did enjoy my read-through of it, and I want to finish the series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews