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From the Embers #1
Emergence
Woodlands is where city-dwellers go to die if they’re dumb enough, and where those who can’t live among the populace stay to remain hidden. As a child, Nyssa entered the Woodlands, forced into them by a past she can’t remember. Years later, she is dragged out of them as an adult with no concept of what it means to be ‘normal.’ Armed with a new witch bestie who refuses to leave her alone, Nyssa slowly begins building a life for herself in Teragona.
Aside from a fractured past, Nyssa’s life has been smooth sailing for the past six years. With her ultra-cool job as a gate-hopper for the Department of Supernatural Transit, her life has just enough excitement to keep it interesting. That is until the abnormalities begin and more gates than usual appear around the city. A Big Baddie has decided he wants revenge. And while Nyssa is more than happy to sit aside while he attacks the three major factions of shifters, witches, and mages, the moment it becomes personal, all bets are off.
If there is one thing Nyssa remembers from the scattered fragments of her past, it’s how to kill. She’s determined to make him regret crossing her. She doesn’t care if the city burns to the ground, it won’t stop her revenge. The real question is: will she burn with the city, or will she be the one left standing amongst the ashes?
Aside from a fractured past, Nyssa’s life has been smooth sailing for the past six years. With her ultra-cool job as a gate-hopper for the Department of Supernatural Transit, her life has just enough excitement to keep it interesting. That is until the abnormalities begin and more gates than usual appear around the city. A Big Baddie has decided he wants revenge. And while Nyssa is more than happy to sit aside while he attacks the three major factions of shifters, witches, and mages, the moment it becomes personal, all bets are off.
If there is one thing Nyssa remembers from the scattered fragments of her past, it’s how to kill. She’s determined to make him regret crossing her. She doesn’t care if the city burns to the ground, it won’t stop her revenge. The real question is: will she burn with the city, or will she be the one left standing amongst the ashes?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2019
132 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 23, 2019
Great!!
Fast paced with an incredibly strong FMC, this book introduces a new world that is part fantasy, a bucket load of paranormal and just a touch dystopian. Nyssa doesn’t really know who or what she is, but when she runs head long into a gate mess, that mysterious past may come back to bite her. Add in an Alpha with secrets of his own and you’ve got a fantastic story.
Pros:
- Nyssa. She’s amazing.
- World building. It’s done piecemeal, but just enough to keep us moving along.
- The mystery. It’s a slow build.
- Romance. Another slow build, slow burn, it’s perfect.
Cons:
- A bit disjointed in places.
- Minor Editing issues.
Fast paced with an incredibly strong FMC, this book introduces a new world that is part fantasy, a bucket load of paranormal and just a touch dystopian. Nyssa doesn’t really know who or what she is, but when she runs head long into a gate mess, that mysterious past may come back to bite her. Add in an Alpha with secrets of his own and you’ve got a fantastic story.
Pros:
- Nyssa. She’s amazing.
- World building. It’s done piecemeal, but just enough to keep us moving along.
- The mystery. It’s a slow build.
- Romance. Another slow build, slow burn, it’s perfect.
Cons:
- A bit disjointed in places.
- Minor Editing issues.
July 11, 2019
I finished reading this 2 days ago and should have done the review then because I honestly can't even remember how it ended. I will have to go back and check......
I needed more world building here, many things were mentioned like councils and different factions and areas (aka woodlands) but we still don't know much of anything about them
I may give book 2 a try to satisfy my curiosity if it comes out anytime soon
I needed more world building here, many things were mentioned like councils and different factions and areas (aka woodlands) but we still don't know much of anything about them
I may give book 2 a try to satisfy my curiosity if it comes out anytime soon
dnf
September 12, 2022Audiobook
I give up after one hour of listening. It wasn't the book itself but the narrator. The narration sounds to me like someone was forced to explain something to someone and they were very condescendingly doing it.
I give up after one hour of listening. It wasn't the book itself but the narrator. The narration sounds to me like someone was forced to explain something to someone and they were very condescendingly doing it.
July 3, 2019
The beginning was such a rip-off of KD books. Overall, not impressed. Another super powerful h with mysterious origins. Nothing new.
February 13, 2020
It was OK nothing more... I felt the author didn't manage to relay her story in a logical way and maybe that's the reason I didn't form a connection to the main character. The world building was lacking and characters one dimensional. I felt the author tried too hard to make me like Nyssa. I finished the book and will not continue to the next. I'm just not intrigued enough to know what cones next.
February 27, 2022
Rating: 3.25 Stars
Book #1 of 2 in the From the Embers Duology.
I had such high hopes prior to starting this duology having loved Burwell’s storytelling/writing style in the Biomystic series. Unfortunately, this book fell short of said hopes—I never managed to lose myself in the story.
The plot was like a hamster on a wheel—it didn’t go anywhere. Nothing was resolved by the end, and none of my questions were answered. I’ve already 15% into book two and and it’s the same thing so far. I started out exited to learn about Nyssa’s forgotten past, now I’m just impatient and frustrated.
Baron’s—this book’s antagonist—backstory/character was eerily similar to the dreho’s in the Biomystic Security series, on a fundamental level. I ended up distracted, unable to focus on the story whenever he was brought up because I couldn’t stop seeing the similarities. This is my own hang up, and I probably wouldn’t have even noticed if I hadn’t just read the BMS series.
Title: Emergence
(From the Embers #1)
by Jaliza A. Burwell
POV(s): Single—First Person (FMC)
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: No—Duology
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Urban Fantasy
Triggers:
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Alpha-Shifter-MMC
❖ Amnesia/Repressed-Memories
❖ FMC-Lived-in-Wild
❖ Unknown-Species-FMC
❖ Vampires-Shifters-Witches
May 18, 2021
This was different in a really good way.
I've gotten a bit bored of the same old stuff cropping up in my recommended on Kindle, so when I saw this urban fantasy romance with a kickass heroine pop up I was a bit sceptical.
Luckily for me, I decided to give it a go and once I started, I was hooked. This book was really engaging. The characters felt real and the mystery elements were just enough to pull you in while also giving the reader enough action, romantic development and character journey to keep them interested.
The romance was so lovely. Such a breath of fresh air to read about an alpha hero who doesn't just run in screaming 'mine' and acts all instalovey from the get go. There was attraction between the two but it takes a backseat to the plot and allows their friendship/relationship to develop naturally over the course of the novel.
Now onto part two of this duology.
I've gotten a bit bored of the same old stuff cropping up in my recommended on Kindle, so when I saw this urban fantasy romance with a kickass heroine pop up I was a bit sceptical.
Luckily for me, I decided to give it a go and once I started, I was hooked. This book was really engaging. The characters felt real and the mystery elements were just enough to pull you in while also giving the reader enough action, romantic development and character journey to keep them interested.
The romance was so lovely. Such a breath of fresh air to read about an alpha hero who doesn't just run in screaming 'mine' and acts all instalovey from the get go. There was attraction between the two but it takes a backseat to the plot and allows their friendship/relationship to develop naturally over the course of the novel.
Now onto part two of this duology.
Read
July 22, 2020Kindle Unlimited.
I'm not really sure how to rate this one.
On one hand, this felt eerily similar to Kate Daniels. Not in the premise, but in the scenes and love interest. I immediately wanted to hate it because how dare anyone try and compare to Ilona Andrews? But then I remembered that whole imitation and flattery saying, so I kept reading.
The story is interesting. The mystery of who Nyssa could be drove the plot for me.
The writing fell a little flat to me. I wish that the author embraced other facial expressions besides smirking. Other expressions do exist. I'd recommend they be explored.
All of that said, I did actually finish the book (while I have four others half way complete), so it at least held my attention.
I probably won't continue with this series.
I'm not really sure how to rate this one.
On one hand, this felt eerily similar to Kate Daniels. Not in the premise, but in the scenes and love interest. I immediately wanted to hate it because how dare anyone try and compare to Ilona Andrews? But then I remembered that whole imitation and flattery saying, so I kept reading.
The story is interesting. The mystery of who Nyssa could be drove the plot for me.
The writing fell a little flat to me. I wish that the author embraced other facial expressions besides smirking. Other expressions do exist. I'd recommend they be explored.
All of that said, I did actually finish the book (while I have four others half way complete), so it at least held my attention.
I probably won't continue with this series.
May 27, 2021
This book could be a lot better.
It has major Kate Daniels vibes from the very beginning; however, fails to live up to the standard of said series.
The heroine believes herself to be this strong, powerful ass-kicker, until she stumbles in to the alley of confusion, big talk and downright dramatic. She loses her shit at the most inopportune moment, yet when her enemy no. 1 is in front of her, she chats with him as if they were on a date. Quite unnecessary really. Sigh...
Disappointed. Not going for Part-two.
It has major Kate Daniels vibes from the very beginning; however, fails to live up to the standard of said series.
The heroine believes herself to be this strong, powerful ass-kicker, until she stumbles in to the alley of confusion, big talk and downright dramatic. She loses her shit at the most inopportune moment, yet when her enemy no. 1 is in front of her, she chats with him as if they were on a date. Quite unnecessary really. Sigh...
Disappointed. Not going for Part-two.
Read
March 16, 2020DNF and I am not going to rate, because I didn't read much more than a few pages.
This really could have used an editor. Like really, really.
I normally just rewrite sentences on the fly if I feel they're clunky, or substitute the correct word for the one written, but this time I noticed I was doing that every second sentence.
I'd also like, please, for someone to explain to me what "peppered brown hair" looks like.
This really could have used an editor. Like really, really.
I normally just rewrite sentences on the fly if I feel they're clunky, or substitute the correct word for the one written, but this time I noticed I was doing that every second sentence.
I'd also like, please, for someone to explain to me what "peppered brown hair" looks like.
June 17, 2019
One of her best series
Nyssa is an excellent character -- strong, vulnerable, complex. Her love story is complex, too, and I'm eager to read more. The plot is much more than a romance, tho the romance is a delicious caramel sauce on this lovely mystery cake of a novel. I'm off to find the next book!
Nyssa is an excellent character -- strong, vulnerable, complex. Her love story is complex, too, and I'm eager to read more. The plot is much more than a romance, tho the romance is a delicious caramel sauce on this lovely mystery cake of a novel. I'm off to find the next book!
June 22, 2019
Absolutely worth the money I dont have
I am so happy I bought this book as I loved Landus, Nyssa , Slade, Cecil, just about all the main characters. Even the big baddie was intriguing. I don't see how this can conclude in 2 books I dread of a full series but I will definitely be buying th next one.
I am so happy I bought this book as I loved Landus, Nyssa , Slade, Cecil, just about all the main characters. Even the big baddie was intriguing. I don't see how this can conclude in 2 books I dread of a full series but I will definitely be buying th next one.
June 29, 2019
A new obsession!
Just spent the last 2 days reading all of Jalizas available books. She's a new author to me and I'm totally hooked, great characters, strong female leads, great world building and mysteries to solve love them all. Now waiting impatiently for the conclusions to her 2 series. Please ,please write more Jaliza, you're on my list of must buys.
Just spent the last 2 days reading all of Jalizas available books. She's a new author to me and I'm totally hooked, great characters, strong female leads, great world building and mysteries to solve love them all. Now waiting impatiently for the conclusions to her 2 series. Please ,please write more Jaliza, you're on my list of must buys.
December 26, 2019
Really engaging
I really enjoyed this.book. I have been going through a dry spell - where no books were really keeping my attention. Downloaded a sample of this one and was immediately hooked. Purchased entire book and found it extremely engrossing and interesting. Will purchase sequel now. Strong characters, engaging story line, real emotions.
I really enjoyed this.book. I have been going through a dry spell - where no books were really keeping my attention. Downloaded a sample of this one and was immediately hooked. Purchased entire book and found it extremely engrossing and interesting. Will purchase sequel now. Strong characters, engaging story line, real emotions.
December 13, 2020
A unexpected jewel
I found this through the authors other work and I'm so impressed. The main character doesn't know who she is just a series of facts about herself. I was quickly drawn into the story wanting to know more. Great pacing and story telling. I love a good three dimensional strong female lead and this delivered. Highly recommend.
I found this through the authors other work and I'm so impressed. The main character doesn't know who she is just a series of facts about herself. I was quickly drawn into the story wanting to know more. Great pacing and story telling. I love a good three dimensional strong female lead and this delivered. Highly recommend.
June 1, 2022
this feels like a wish version of the kate daniels series.
she has a mysteries power... the love interest is the alpha... one of her best friends is the second in command and blablabla..
the problem is I love the world the gate hopping but I don’t like the MC... I dont like how het character is written en that sleeping around is a character trait....
DNF
she has a mysteries power... the love interest is the alpha... one of her best friends is the second in command and blablabla..
the problem is I love the world the gate hopping but I don’t like the MC... I dont like how het character is written en that sleeping around is a character trait....
DNF
June 2, 2019
Loved it!!!
Amazing start to a new PNR series by this author this is a story about a strong female MC who doesn’t know what she is. Lots of stuff go down throughout the community and then something tragic occurs and make her take the fight to them enemy. Definite must read!!!!
Amazing start to a new PNR series by this author this is a story about a strong female MC who doesn’t know what she is. Lots of stuff go down throughout the community and then something tragic occurs and make her take the fight to them enemy. Definite must read!!!!
June 2, 2019
Nyssa and the world
I enjoyed this story and will pick up transformation when it comes out in June. A lot of mystery and actions. Hopefully everything wraps up nicely in the next book
I enjoyed this story and will pick up transformation when it comes out in June. A lot of mystery and actions. Hopefully everything wraps up nicely in the next book
June 13, 2019
Absolutely riveting
Loved it. I couldn't put it down it was captivating. Nyssa is such a strong character that any of the softer emotions are such a surprise. This story fantastic. Jaliza writes fantastic books and this one is just as great. I can't wait to read the next book.
Loved it. I couldn't put it down it was captivating. Nyssa is such a strong character that any of the softer emotions are such a surprise. This story fantastic. Jaliza writes fantastic books and this one is just as great. I can't wait to read the next book.
July 24, 2019
Emergence (From the Embers Book 1)
Nyssa is a very interesting character living a very convoluted life. I'm not sure if she is a phoenix, but she's absolutely special! Very good reading.
Nyssa is a very interesting character living a very convoluted life. I'm not sure if she is a phoenix, but she's absolutely special! Very good reading.
August 27, 2019
Really enjoyed this
A really good book with lots of paranormal characters. A hot as hell shifter and a kick ass lead. My only gripe is that I feel that this could have been one book rather than being split into two.
A really good book with lots of paranormal characters. A hot as hell shifter and a kick ass lead. My only gripe is that I feel that this could have been one book rather than being split into two.
November 24, 2019
I wanted to like the book more, but I struggled to connect with the main character. The author uses vulgarity and violence to show that she's not as civilized as everyone else, but unfortunately it doesn't read as intended. She doesn't come across as wild or a predator, just as a boor.
February 4, 2020
Great story
Loved the hardness of the heroine. Loved that she was sexy and sexual but the author did not swamp us with needless gratuitous sex. Her friends were strong. Can't wait to read the next book.
Loved the hardness of the heroine. Loved that she was sexy and sexual but the author did not swamp us with needless gratuitous sex. Her friends were strong. Can't wait to read the next book.
April 26, 2020
Very good
The book reminds me a bit of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. It it exquisitely well written, great action, well crafted characters, mystery, magic, a kick-ass heroine, it has it all.
The book reminds me a bit of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. It it exquisitely well written, great action, well crafted characters, mystery, magic, a kick-ass heroine, it has it all.
May 3, 2020
Fantastic book with well thought world
I love reading about Nyssa and somewhat psychotic tendencies. She is an excellent MC who never wavered from her personality but still grew into herself.
I love reading about Nyssa and somewhat psychotic tendencies. She is an excellent MC who never wavered from her personality but still grew into herself.
June 24, 2019
Good book!
I really like this book! The characters are well written and endearing. The storyline is solid and well written. I can't wait for the next one!
I really like this book! The characters are well written and endearing. The storyline is solid and well written. I can't wait for the next one!
June 30, 2019
Good read
Very good book, enjoyed the mystery behind everything. The plot was fresh and very clever. I will read the next book
Very good book, enjoyed the mystery behind everything. The plot was fresh and very clever. I will read the next book
July 8, 2019
Awesome new series
Looking forward to t he next book! Love Nyssa and company and I can't wait to see her kick Baron's butt!
Looking forward to t he next book! Love Nyssa and company and I can't wait to see her kick Baron's butt!
July 11, 2019
Too much telling, too much exposition.
July 17, 2019
Mysterious Terra Firma
This feels dystopian with all the supernatural creatures. I loved the story line and feel for Nyssa. I can't wait for the second part of her story!!
This feels dystopian with all the supernatural creatures. I loved the story line and feel for Nyssa. I can't wait for the second part of her story!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews