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Fire Salamander #2

The Burns War

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Who knew that a single phone call could start a disastrous chain of events?

Zane Burns, aka Gunz, is a Fire Salamander who works for the FBI.
When his boss calls him in for a late-night meeting, his life takes an unexpected turn. A priceless artifact is stolen, but the Interpol Agent doesn't just want his assistance. She wants the Fire Salamander and she demands his complete cooperation, giving him a cruel ultimatum that he can't ignore.

But is she who she claims to be?

Before he knows, he is facing a magical disaster of epic proportions. Two worlds collide - the World of the living and the Realm of death. The dark secrets that were buried for centuries are starting to surface. The stakes are growing. And the deadly battle is brewing.

Can Zane stop what's coming?
Does he have what it takes to win this war?

You'll love this fast-paced, edge of your seat Urban Fantasy adventure, because everyone enjoys a battle against evil that threatens the world.
Get it now!

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2019

53 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

N.M. Thorn

27 books46 followers
N.M. Thorn currently lives in South Florida with her husband and son. Owner of a digital marketing agency by day and a writer by night, she loves spending her times creating new worlds, paranormal planes of existence and anything that could be described as supernatural.

When she is not busy working with everything digital or exploring fantasy worlds, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, painting and martial arts.

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5 stars
64 (64%)
4 stars
21 (21%)
3 stars
11 (11%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Jacob Rundle.
Author 3 books165 followers
July 13, 2019
N.M. Thorn did it again. Another masterpiece! A story filled with intrigue, story and dynamic relationships. This story kept my attention the whole time. The mythos within these pages continued to pull me into the world of the Fire Salamander. The characters showed great progression and development. The story gets a strong A+ in my opinion. The only issue I had with the book was that I wanted more to read. I can't wait for book 3!
Another book where I'd give 6/5 stars! You won't regret picking up a copy of this novel.
Profile Image for Douglas S. Pierce.
30 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2020
Another Gripping and Heartwrenching Tale from N.M. Thorn

The Burns War is officially the second book of the Fire Salamander’s Chronicle series, but it is the third book I’ve read (including the Prequel available on N.M. thorn’s website).

In each of the stories of the series so far, Author Thorn starts the narrative with an event from history or legend and then weaves the importance and consequences of that event into Gunz’ life. She has a particular genius in doing so as it breathes life and depth into each story.

The Burns War is a gripping tale that takes the reader seamlessly from one world to another. It also takes the reader on a journey that explores the loves and lives of its characters — who range from elemental beings to ancient gods; from the modern humans who interact with these beings to witches and mages who often wield power that rivals that of any of the mythological beings.

As with all of Gunz’ tales to date, the stakes are immense, and you care about what happens to each of the main characters in the process.

Be warned, this tale wrenches at the heart on multiple levels, and may have you putting it down at points so that you can wipe the tears from your eyes and take a breath before continuing.

And finally, despite having a main character who is an elemental being made of fire that is immortal and who can heal himself from nearly any wound, Author Thorn keeps finding ways to make Gunz suffer and in doing so, she brings you along to feel every bit of the pain he endures. That is a rare and impressive feat for an author, one that should be celebrated and honored!
54 reviews
July 22, 2020
The FS Chronicles are an #urbanfantasyseries following the paranormal exploits of Zane “Gunz” Burns, an FBI operative with links to Thorn’s greater fantasy universe. Using her knowledge of contemporary history and Slavic folklore, the author fuses magic with realism and three-dimensional characters who have their own inter and intra personal conflicts. Thorn uses each book to set the plot against a real historical event, drawing on her own origins to bring this Florida-set series to life
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In Book Two, that event is steeped in Russian history as we visit pre-Soviet nobility at the turn of the 20th century. Jumping to modern day, Gunz finds himself at the whims of a mysterious Russian operative with ties to these past events, and we’re off to the races
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All the staple characters return, and in cases such as Aidan McGrath or Tessa, are even more filled in this time around. .
Like I said, I began this book with the mentality that my friendship with the author should be a deeper reason to scrutinize it, rather than blatantly award every entry five stars. But ratings are less important than substance, and Thorn gave me every reason to keep pushing forward. Her dialogue and descriptions move every scene forward, rather than getting bogged down in details. Her pacing is thoughtfully executed and her storylines are 🔥
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When time permits, I’ll definitely be back for the rest of them.
Profile Image for Pamela Cunningham.
723 reviews
December 14, 2019
This is the second book in The Salamander Chronicles

This is another great read I this series this book was very intense and very emotional . As usual I can't stand Tessa I don't get her character she is one of the most contrasting characters I've ever read . At first she came off like a feminist I don't need a man I can do everything on my own . But than she gets everybody to help her she is one of the most selfish characters I read and I don't care if she help in the end I still don't like her . And Zane what can you say I feel so bad for him I hope I don't have too go through book three with this self destructive behavior I get that he's hurting and Lord knows he's been through some shit but to see him spiral like he is is sad and frustrating . And Aiden another character I'm not found of yeah he and his siblings got a raw deal but he also has a loving father who lost his Godhood for him and he also has great friends who care about him . The way that he just about through everything away for Tessa really annoyed the hell out of me especially the way that Tessa treated Aiden . Despite my bitching and complaining I really enjoyed this book let's hope that book three is just as good.
Profile Image for Desma Dillard.
1 review
June 14, 2022
Hard to finish the full blown writing a female domination over the male species in this book is kind of weird. None of the men in these books can say no to a woman and that's sending a message I really don't like. It's like every male in this book gets humiliated, and beaten for fun. And when I read the reviews no one mentioned the pure asinine women that are immature has no humanity and it's weird to me that everyone keeps saying this book is so great she did it again. But it's kind of hard for me to enjoy a book where I see such imbalance and how the characters are treated and who is used in humiliated as cons and how the main two characters keep falling into the same freaking traps as the last book. This is not progress it's not even developing the characters to be better. It's just showing the villainous characters are getting worse. Why Gunz need to be tortured and no one questions attracts down the characters that do it. Or Aiden being humiliated by the guardians and his people don't put them in check like seriously they have all this power going around even if he agreed to this. he's not talking to no one it's like, the author's trying to make a point I guess but it went over my head.
Profile Image for Melanie.
16 reviews
December 2, 2019
Oh God, my poor heart. This book only makes you fall for Gunz all over again, except this time the stakes are much higher. I don’t want to spoil the ending but DAMN. I had to refrain from yelling on the bus while reading it.

The second instalment was even better than the first. We are slowly peeling away the layers to Gunz and delving deeper into the fantastic world NM Thorn has created. The way she weaves so many different mythologies into her work so seamlessly never fails to amaze me.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know more about the other characters, they all have their own story. They make an odd little group but it works, they work so well together and throw a Mishka into the mix and you have the perfect balance of darkness and light. I love the dynamic between Gunz and Kal.

As always, the story is action packed and full of twists and turns. But amongst the action is personal growth and some heart wrenching scenes. If you loved the first book, you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for N.P. Martin.
Author 79 books123 followers
September 16, 2019
The second installment in this awesome urban fantasy series is exactly what I hoped it would be, which is to say it carried on the story in the same action-packed style while maintaining the folklore elements, specifically Celtic and Slavic. Lots of authors use folklore in their novels, but none quite like this author. Her research and depth of personal knowledge really shines through here, giving the folklore elements a note of authenticity that lifts them above the merely superficial. As always, I also continued to be impressed by the depth of character development, especially the main character, Gunz. Plot-wise, there are lots of cool twists and turns, which I have come to expect from this author. Overall a great addition to the series and highly recommended.
Profile Image for John E.
695 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2021
Salamanders next adventure

I always enjoy authors who can mix urban fantasy with gods and mythos from multiple pantheons. This second book is more of an adventure than mystery and provides additional characters to grow Guns and other characters. There are some minor issues with contrived actions/scenarios but the action, magic and deities make this a recommended read. The Slavic mythos is also a nice change from the standard Greek, Norse, Irish adventures in similar world building series.
25 reviews
September 6, 2024
entertaining series

I really like this author and her books. Editing could be better, books need some clean up, too much bowing, putting hand on heart and saying “my lady” and “my lord”. Those are minor annoyances. Action is great, plot entertaining. Female characters mostly are not great. Either really rude, nasty, bitchy, or fawning in love. Tessa’s relationship with Aidan is strange, why would he be so in love with a teenager? Feels forced with all the gazing, etc. Relationships lack maturity. Zane and Angelique match better and made sense.
2 reviews
April 13, 2025
Smirk, smirk, smirk. I think the writer's love of this word is even worse in this book. First book was ok otherwise but this one was worse. Characters are either super powerful or utterly powerless at different times with little rhyme or reason. Main characters are incredibly dumb, have no agency hardly ever and MC in particular have a parade of terrible things happen to them. Wanted to like this so badly because the ideas behind the world are really interesting and the characters have potential to be really interesting.
Profile Image for Kelly Bijkerk.
1 review2 followers
May 20, 2019
The Burns War is the next installment in the Fire Salamder Chronicles, and I have to say... N.M. Thorn did another amazing job of giving me Gunz' story. Tension started from the moment I opened the first page, and didn't stop until the last. She deals with even more slavic folklore combined with Celtic folklore, intertwining it into one great story which leaves you on the edge of your seat, or in this case, flipping through the pages hungry for more! I absolutely recommend this book!
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,725 reviews12 followers
May 12, 2020
So very satisfying, and yet, heartbreaking

I love it when I get so caught up in the lives of characters that can't put a book down. This was one of those books, for me. I was so worried for Aiden that I got blindsided by what happened with Gunz, at the end. The misdirection, was very nicely done.
Profile Image for Nannette Kreitzman.
Author 45 books53 followers
October 5, 2020
Another great read!

Like urban fantasy? What about magical beings and monsters? The Fire Salamander Chronicles is full of them and their battle of good versus evil escalates in the second book of the series, The Burns War. Thorn skillfully weaves a myriad of relatable characters, human in their emotions if not in their nature, who refuse to give up regardless of the cost.
28 reviews3 followers
July 3, 2019
I got hooked on Gunz aka Zane Burns after reading The Burns Fire. The Burns War is a non-stop thrill ride. NM Thorn's latest urban fantasy combines elements of romance, history, and lore with a twist at the end that you don't see. Great job and I can't wait for the next one!
8 reviews
July 28, 2019
The Burns War was really worth to wait! The book just pulls in and won't let go until the very end... and makes you wish for Book 3 even more. Great story, great characters, twists and turns that you won't expect - great job, N. M. Thorn! Highly recommended.
1,231 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2021
Oh my!

Things really got rough...
I highly recommend this edgy, bittersweet book, and the fascinating series in which it is, to readers who love reading mythical Fantasy with endearing characters. Enjoy!
94 reviews
May 29, 2019
On Fire!

Lots of action and sword swinging. Plenty of likable characters ( except the bad guys) Good unusual plot. Looking forward to the next.
Profile Image for Mikki Noble.
Author 13 books191 followers
August 9, 2019
Excellent book. Cannot wait for the third! If you havent read it, you should pick up your copy. 👍
43 reviews
February 8, 2020
Brilliant urban fantasy! The is the second book in the Fire Salamander Chronicles, and as much as I liked the first one, this one is many times better. Not because the first one wasn’t great, it really was, but because this one builds so much on its predecessor and you are drawn deeper into the characters’ lives. Gunz, the Fire Salamander, and his friends are really put through their paces as the fate of all the realms is threatened, including humanity. In this second instalment, the world building has deepened, the characters developed and events heated up. The story weaves in and out of the different realms, and the normal human world, so seamlessly you could almost believe it was real. There’s great attention to detail, both in the settings and in the behavior of the different personalities. The characters are all heroes, but with their individual flaws and weaknesses that influence how they react to the war that is brewing. It’s a complicated and intricate dance they all have to perform and the author has done a great job keeping it straight and easy to follow. This book has it all; heroes, gods, friends and foes, and of course deep love. But don’t think everyone will survive this war unscathed — sacrifices will be made .
Now straight on to Book 3.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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