What do you think?
Rate this book
Firebird Uncaged #1
Fractured Flame
I'm not an assassin witch, I swear...
But one bad day at work as a Guardian was all it took to make everyone think I am.
Darcy Pierce—infamous, soulless, lethal. Betrayer.
It’s all good, though. I fit right in at my new job as the magical bartender in a supernatural strip club, where no one cares about a girl’s deadly reputation as long as she has a nice rack.
Only now I’m being stalked by a schoolgirl bully who breathes fire, and her hot dad keeps trying to get me to touch his dusty old book. I’m used to men trying to trick me into touching things, but this is a whole new level of creepy.
I’m almost grateful when the assassin who framed me comes back for round two… except I’m not the only one in danger. My new friends at the club are the ones under fire now, and I can’t fail them like I failed before.
Once a Guardian, always a Guardian, right? That’s what they always told me, even when I ran, and I still don’t know if they were right. Whatever I am, it’s personal now, and I have a hot-blooded killer to hunt.
Fractured Flame is the first book of Firebird Uncaged, an urban fantasy series containing action, snarky humor, mythical creatures, rogue witches, Aztec gods, swearing, and some slow-burn romance. You’ll love it if you’re a fan of strong female characters and plot twists that will keep you up all night.
But one bad day at work as a Guardian was all it took to make everyone think I am.
Darcy Pierce—infamous, soulless, lethal. Betrayer.
It’s all good, though. I fit right in at my new job as the magical bartender in a supernatural strip club, where no one cares about a girl’s deadly reputation as long as she has a nice rack.
Only now I’m being stalked by a schoolgirl bully who breathes fire, and her hot dad keeps trying to get me to touch his dusty old book. I’m used to men trying to trick me into touching things, but this is a whole new level of creepy.
I’m almost grateful when the assassin who framed me comes back for round two… except I’m not the only one in danger. My new friends at the club are the ones under fire now, and I can’t fail them like I failed before.
Once a Guardian, always a Guardian, right? That’s what they always told me, even when I ran, and I still don’t know if they were right. Whatever I am, it’s personal now, and I have a hot-blooded killer to hunt.
Fractured Flame is the first book of Firebird Uncaged, an urban fantasy series containing action, snarky humor, mythical creatures, rogue witches, Aztec gods, swearing, and some slow-burn romance. You’ll love it if you’re a fan of strong female characters and plot twists that will keep you up all night.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2020
413 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Erin Embly
5 books14 followersErin Embly writes page-turning urban fantasy books about kickass ladies full of magic and glitter.
She loves coffee, pole dancing, and snuggling with her squishy-faced pup.
You can learn more and stay in touch here: https://www.erinembly.com/
She loves coffee, pole dancing, and snuggling with her squishy-faced pup.
You can learn more and stay in touch here: https://www.erinembly.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 9, 2020
It made no sense. Plot, world building, characterization, you name it: they were a Swiss cheese, full of holes.
It was a coliseum, without the worth.
It was a coliseum, without the worth.
January 19, 2020
I preordered this one after hearing high praise from book buddy that read the ARC. I don't trust ARC reviews this days, also, I don't do ARCs anymore. But some book buddies are worth their weight in gold and part of it is their honesty.
Soooo, glad I did give this one a break! Found some diversity (always welcome and needed) and new twists I love in my UF books.
This one is a solid beginning to a new series. I did have trouble with the h, Darcy(love the name cause I'm a P&P lover), been inside her brain and seeing stuff happening from her POV made it a bit hard to like her right away, because something about it(her person)rubbed me the wrong way, guess I grew accustom(hope is the word) to h that are a bit more kind in her thinking(and actions)and Darcy can come off as a bit aphatetic or cruel at times, just...a bit unlikable...FOR ME...
BUT!
Bottom lining it? She is flawed. And ironically enough, that's the reason I liked this book so much. She is no saint and seems she doesn't want to apply for the job. She just want to live what is left of her life in peace.
Obviously she won't get her wish and obviously I preordered book 2 as soon as I hit the end of book 1.
I have a good feeling about this author, I have the feeling I found a new author to stalk(JUST KIDDING) and enjoy her words.
Soooo, glad I did give this one a break! Found some diversity (always welcome and needed) and new twists I love in my UF books.
This one is a solid beginning to a new series. I did have trouble with the h, Darcy(love the name cause I'm a P&P lover), been inside her brain and seeing stuff happening from her POV made it a bit hard to like her right away, because something about it(her person)rubbed me the wrong way, guess I grew accustom(hope is the word) to h that are a bit more kind in her thinking(and actions)and Darcy can come off as a bit aphatetic or cruel at times, just...a bit unlikable...FOR ME...
BUT!
Bottom lining it? She is flawed. And ironically enough, that's the reason I liked this book so much. She is no saint and seems she doesn't want to apply for the job. She just want to live what is left of her life in peace.
Obviously she won't get her wish and obviously I preordered book 2 as soon as I hit the end of book 1.
I have a good feeling about this author, I have the feeling I found a new author to stalk(JUST KIDDING) and enjoy her words.
January 17, 2020
I thought this book think is a good read
I was drawn to the title and cover.
Had me laughing at some parts I have already recommended this book to a few friends. I will definitely be looking to more books by this author especially more books in this series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was drawn to the title and cover.
Had me laughing at some parts I have already recommended this book to a few friends. I will definitely be looking to more books by this author especially more books in this series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2020
„Fractured Frame” is the first book in the “Firebird Uncaged Series” by Erin Embly a new urban fantasy series featuring Darcy Pierre, an anti-heroine per excellence. Darcy used to be a Guardian, but due to some mistakes and very bad decisions, have been expelled from Guardian duty. Not that it makes much difference (once a Guardian, always a Guardian), other than having to cope with a life style not previously envisioned in Darcy plans.
The plot follows Darcy a year after her expulsion, she has carved a new life for herself by working as bartender in a supernatural club. Of course, everything is to good to remain true, and the one person responsible for her expulsion as Guardian, comes back into Darcy’s life. For there on the action takes over, there is fight, there is new unexpected developments as Darcy keeps experiencing how her own magic expands, there is romance and there is introspection. The mixture makes the book a page-turner and Darcy a compelling character, the kind tough female that publicly takes control over her own life in uncontrollable circumstances, while still doubting her abilities in privately. Very much like any other real person around.
In a genre as crowded as Urban Fantasy “Fractured Frame” is a refreshing new addition, with a not-giving-a-dime heroine, that excels as hiding her flaws and traumas from the broad public, and well-developed secondary characters that feel authentic and are likeable. The story is well written, the action well developed and the insights in Darcy hidden past make the story interesting without being overwhelming. Nevertheless, it should come with a fair warning: “read with caution, it could diminish your sleeping hours.”
The plot follows Darcy a year after her expulsion, she has carved a new life for herself by working as bartender in a supernatural club. Of course, everything is to good to remain true, and the one person responsible for her expulsion as Guardian, comes back into Darcy’s life. For there on the action takes over, there is fight, there is new unexpected developments as Darcy keeps experiencing how her own magic expands, there is romance and there is introspection. The mixture makes the book a page-turner and Darcy a compelling character, the kind tough female that publicly takes control over her own life in uncontrollable circumstances, while still doubting her abilities in privately. Very much like any other real person around.
In a genre as crowded as Urban Fantasy “Fractured Frame” is a refreshing new addition, with a not-giving-a-dime heroine, that excels as hiding her flaws and traumas from the broad public, and well-developed secondary characters that feel authentic and are likeable. The story is well written, the action well developed and the insights in Darcy hidden past make the story interesting without being overwhelming. Nevertheless, it should come with a fair warning: “read with caution, it could diminish your sleeping hours.”
November 29, 2019
I received this book as an ARC from the author as a beta reader.
Darcy isn't the most likeable character. I found her annoying, arrogant, and not living up to her badassery as a Guardian that she so often talks about.
Etty was funny. Becca was a wallflower. Noah, typical kid. Baz was over the top in an annoying way and was generally uninteresting.
Dirk was amusing, if a stick in the mud. Adrian was smart and gentle, but very subservient for a cop.
The plot felt rather contrived, though still interesting for the most part. The plot armor was thick for Darcy and very convenient when she needed it. Her magic inconsistencies were irritating and confusing. Why is it acting up now and not before?
The plot was interesting enough: disgraced Guardian works at a strip club. Her friend dies in front of her eyes while the cops are in the building. She somehow manages to convince them to let her help even though they don't trust her in the slightest. She must protect friend's son all the time while finding out answers and hardly ever having actual responsibility for Noah.
I've read worse urban fantasy novels and I've read better. With the exception of some uncommon focuses: Aztec mythology and obsidian bunnies, it would fall into obscurity as run of the mill. I enjoyed the focus on the Aztec mythology because I've never read about them in a novel. Mythology tends to focus on Greek, Norse, or Egyptian (and with good reason. The names are easier to pronounce for one), it was great to read something different.
Darcy isn't the most likeable character. I found her annoying, arrogant, and not living up to her badassery as a Guardian that she so often talks about.
Etty was funny. Becca was a wallflower. Noah, typical kid. Baz was over the top in an annoying way and was generally uninteresting.
Dirk was amusing, if a stick in the mud. Adrian was smart and gentle, but very subservient for a cop.
The plot felt rather contrived, though still interesting for the most part. The plot armor was thick for Darcy and very convenient when she needed it. Her magic inconsistencies were irritating and confusing. Why is it acting up now and not before?
The plot was interesting enough: disgraced Guardian works at a strip club. Her friend dies in front of her eyes while the cops are in the building. She somehow manages to convince them to let her help even though they don't trust her in the slightest. She must protect friend's son all the time while finding out answers and hardly ever having actual responsibility for Noah.
I've read worse urban fantasy novels and I've read better. With the exception of some uncommon focuses: Aztec mythology and obsidian bunnies, it would fall into obscurity as run of the mill. I enjoyed the focus on the Aztec mythology because I've never read about them in a novel. Mythology tends to focus on Greek, Norse, or Egyptian (and with good reason. The names are easier to pronounce for one), it was great to read something different.
January 10, 2020
I'm not an assassin witch, I swear...
But one bad day at work as a Guardian was all it took to make everyone think I am.
Darcy Pierce—infamous, soulless, lethal. Betrayer.
It’s all good, though. I fit right in at my new job as the magical bartender in a supernatural strip club, where no one cares about a girl’s deadly reputation as long as she has a nice rack.
Only now I’m being stalked by a schoolgirl bully who breathes fire, and her hot dad keeps trying to get me to touch his dusty old book. I’m used to men trying to trick me into touching things, but this is a whole new level of creepy.
I’m almost grateful when the assassin who framed me comes back for round two… except I’m not the only one in danger. My new friends at the club are the ones under fire now, and I can’t fail them like I failed before.
Once a Guardian, always a Guardian, right? That’s what they always told me, even when I ran, and I still don’t know if they were right. Whatever I am, it’s personal now, and I have a hot-blooded killer to hunt.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
But one bad day at work as a Guardian was all it took to make everyone think I am.
Darcy Pierce—infamous, soulless, lethal. Betrayer.
It’s all good, though. I fit right in at my new job as the magical bartender in a supernatural strip club, where no one cares about a girl’s deadly reputation as long as she has a nice rack.
Only now I’m being stalked by a schoolgirl bully who breathes fire, and her hot dad keeps trying to get me to touch his dusty old book. I’m used to men trying to trick me into touching things, but this is a whole new level of creepy.
I’m almost grateful when the assassin who framed me comes back for round two… except I’m not the only one in danger. My new friends at the club are the ones under fire now, and I can’t fail them like I failed before.
Once a Guardian, always a Guardian, right? That’s what they always told me, even when I ran, and I still don’t know if they were right. Whatever I am, it’s personal now, and I have a hot-blooded killer to hunt.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 12, 2020
This is a new author for me, but I read this book based on the strength of its promotional description and two sample chapters. Happily, I was not disappointed. It's a solid Urban Fantasy offering. (Note: This is not a paranormal romance.)
The book is an easy read with fast pacing that pulled me from one chapter to the next. It starts with action and adds backstory and description as needed, omitting scenes that don't move the story forward. The main character, Darcy, isn't a particularly brilliant investigator (which makes sense, as her background is essentially as a bodyguard), but she makes mostly good sense decisions. She doesn't come across as "too stupid to live" or as a victim, which is my particular pet peeve in the genre and in general. I look forward to seeing her grow in her professional skills.
The drawback to the pacing is that the characters are less clear than they could be, but this actually works better for the plot, where motivations of secondary characters remain murky for most of the story. There is a lot of room for character development in future books.
The plotting is logical, but not predictable. There are surprises, but they make sense in hindsight. The book resolves the main mystery, but leaves enough threads dangling for a larger story. I'll definitely watch for the sequel.
The book is an easy read with fast pacing that pulled me from one chapter to the next. It starts with action and adds backstory and description as needed, omitting scenes that don't move the story forward. The main character, Darcy, isn't a particularly brilliant investigator (which makes sense, as her background is essentially as a bodyguard), but she makes mostly good sense decisions. She doesn't come across as "too stupid to live" or as a victim, which is my particular pet peeve in the genre and in general. I look forward to seeing her grow in her professional skills.
The drawback to the pacing is that the characters are less clear than they could be, but this actually works better for the plot, where motivations of secondary characters remain murky for most of the story. There is a lot of room for character development in future books.
The plotting is logical, but not predictable. There are surprises, but they make sense in hindsight. The book resolves the main mystery, but leaves enough threads dangling for a larger story. I'll definitely watch for the sequel.
December 12, 2019
I received this book as a beta read.
I really liked it! Fans of Ilona Andrews will find that the main character of this book, Darcy, is very similar to Kate Daniels, but has her own unique characteristics. Darcy is a strong lead who can take care of herself. The book is also rich in mythology. I was really interested to see that Erin used Aztec mythology because that is not something that is seen in Urban Fantasy. She also intertwined it with common mythologies so that there were plenty of interesting elements.
The book opens with a mystery that Darcy gets involved in needing to help solve. The book weaves a tale that really leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. The slow burn romance is there. I am really excited to see where it goes!! The secondary characters are all interesting with one in particular providing many laughs.
What I enjoyed most about this book was Darcy's character development. She changes and grows throughout the book. By the end of the book I found myself really invested in Darcy and cheering for her!
Erin has talent for telling a story and I think fans of UF are going to enjoy this series. It is a very well thought out and put together book. I can't wait for the next installment!
I really liked it! Fans of Ilona Andrews will find that the main character of this book, Darcy, is very similar to Kate Daniels, but has her own unique characteristics. Darcy is a strong lead who can take care of herself. The book is also rich in mythology. I was really interested to see that Erin used Aztec mythology because that is not something that is seen in Urban Fantasy. She also intertwined it with common mythologies so that there were plenty of interesting elements.
The book opens with a mystery that Darcy gets involved in needing to help solve. The book weaves a tale that really leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. The slow burn romance is there. I am really excited to see where it goes!! The secondary characters are all interesting with one in particular providing many laughs.
What I enjoyed most about this book was Darcy's character development. She changes and grows throughout the book. By the end of the book I found myself really invested in Darcy and cheering for her!
Erin has talent for telling a story and I think fans of UF are going to enjoy this series. It is a very well thought out and put together book. I can't wait for the next installment!
March 25, 2020
This first book, by a new author, was surprisingly good. It was an excellent read, and the universe building was well done.
Darcy is a bartender for a paranormal strip club, in some nebulous near future world. The paranormal races were exposed by Vampires that really wanted to use their abilities for profit, and this lead to the whole thing being exposed.
When Darcy’s roommate is killed, she is thrust into a world where it seems the normal rules do not apply. Strange people, and stranger incidences keep coming out of the woodwork, and even her past as a Guardian Agent isn’t helping her!
This fast paced, action filled, Urban Fantasy, dumps us into a world that is both intriguing and yet confusing. We begin to learn things about Darcy as the book goes along, and we learn other things alongside her.
Ultimately, while the storyline for this book is completed, the next book is set up, and we are still left with a number of unanswered questions, primarily pertaining to Darcy’s past.
If you enjoy authors like Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews, then you will probably enjoy this book.
Darcy is a bartender for a paranormal strip club, in some nebulous near future world. The paranormal races were exposed by Vampires that really wanted to use their abilities for profit, and this lead to the whole thing being exposed.
When Darcy’s roommate is killed, she is thrust into a world where it seems the normal rules do not apply. Strange people, and stranger incidences keep coming out of the woodwork, and even her past as a Guardian Agent isn’t helping her!
This fast paced, action filled, Urban Fantasy, dumps us into a world that is both intriguing and yet confusing. We begin to learn things about Darcy as the book goes along, and we learn other things alongside her.
Ultimately, while the storyline for this book is completed, the next book is set up, and we are still left with a number of unanswered questions, primarily pertaining to Darcy’s past.
If you enjoy authors like Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews, then you will probably enjoy this book.
January 7, 2020
The first few pages had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down.
I enjoyed the world that the author created, learning about the ‘Opening’ and the supernatural creatures that came out into the public. The novel had plenty of plot-twists that kept me guessing up to the very end.
It would have been good to learn more about the main character, Darcy, her past, what a Guardian is, what kind of training she received, the life she led in her early years. It was alluded to- I’m hoping this is revisited/expanded on in future books.
The only drawbacks I could find are that the magical powers of the characters in the novel didn’t feel realistic. There never seemed to be a cost for their use.
I would have also loved to have learned more about the minor characters in the book.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the read and am hoping the few minor points are remedied in the subsequent books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout
I enjoyed the world that the author created, learning about the ‘Opening’ and the supernatural creatures that came out into the public. The novel had plenty of plot-twists that kept me guessing up to the very end.
It would have been good to learn more about the main character, Darcy, her past, what a Guardian is, what kind of training she received, the life she led in her early years. It was alluded to- I’m hoping this is revisited/expanded on in future books.
The only drawbacks I could find are that the magical powers of the characters in the novel didn’t feel realistic. There never seemed to be a cost for their use.
I would have also loved to have learned more about the minor characters in the book.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the read and am hoping the few minor points are remedied in the subsequent books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout
August 2, 2020
Not for me
full disclosure, I started skimming around 15% into the book. The MC is one big whine-a-thon. Everything is woe is me about what went down in her life a year ago. Bad stuff happened, and she needs to buck up and deal. But instead of growing a spine, she stumbles around like an idiot. For someone with her training, you would expect more fighting prowess, brains, and general skill. Instead, she is uninformed, has almost no skills, and can't connect the dots on the most basic level. Honestly, it felt like she had the mental acuity of a young child. This all resulted in the story dragging out while we watch her meander from one scene to the next, blindly taking her next step with almost no forethought or deliberateness. She is a person who is easily led around because she can't be bothered to try. Add in a bland love interest and a cast of characters who I found unlikable, I just couldn't get into this.
full disclosure, I started skimming around 15% into the book. The MC is one big whine-a-thon. Everything is woe is me about what went down in her life a year ago. Bad stuff happened, and she needs to buck up and deal. But instead of growing a spine, she stumbles around like an idiot. For someone with her training, you would expect more fighting prowess, brains, and general skill. Instead, she is uninformed, has almost no skills, and can't connect the dots on the most basic level. Honestly, it felt like she had the mental acuity of a young child. This all resulted in the story dragging out while we watch her meander from one scene to the next, blindly taking her next step with almost no forethought or deliberateness. She is a person who is easily led around because she can't be bothered to try. Add in a bland love interest and a cast of characters who I found unlikable, I just couldn't get into this.
May 6, 2020
From guardian, to accused turncoat, to supernatural bartender at a strip joint. Our heroine may have fallen pretty hard, but that doesn't mean she forgot her training. When the bad guy comes back, he better watch out because our heroine has a little pent up rage.
This is book one of the series and a fine place to start. Really.
This is an urban fantasy story with lots of action. I found the story to be well written and easy to read, with a well developed setting and some really fun characters. I really liked our heroine, who may be down, but she is far from out. The story had a fast paced plot that kept me engaged throughout and made it hard to put it down. Overall, a very enjoyable read and I look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin for review purposes.
This is book one of the series and a fine place to start. Really.
This is an urban fantasy story with lots of action. I found the story to be well written and easy to read, with a well developed setting and some really fun characters. I really liked our heroine, who may be down, but she is far from out. The story had a fast paced plot that kept me engaged throughout and made it hard to put it down. Overall, a very enjoyable read and I look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin for review purposes.
July 23, 2020
Fun and full of action - 3.5 stars
Fractured Flame is a fun and fast-paced with an interesting backdrop.
Some of the the main character’s ignorance around what was happening seemed a bit contrived at times, in the sense they she didn’t ask questions, and others didn’t convey information, when it would make sense for her/them to do so. Because the plot needed her to be ignorant. But it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment of an otherwise good book.
Darcy has a great sense of humour and I loved that aspect of her character. However, one thing that bugged me a little about her was that she seemed to talk about being well-trained and highly skilled but often didn’t actually demonstrating that in her behaviour.
Definitely worth a read if you’re looking for a bit of a romp. I’ll be picking up book two to see what happens to Darcy next.
Fractured Flame is a fun and fast-paced with an interesting backdrop.
Some of the the main character’s ignorance around what was happening seemed a bit contrived at times, in the sense they she didn’t ask questions, and others didn’t convey information, when it would make sense for her/them to do so. Because the plot needed her to be ignorant. But it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment of an otherwise good book.
Darcy has a great sense of humour and I loved that aspect of her character. However, one thing that bugged me a little about her was that she seemed to talk about being well-trained and highly skilled but often didn’t actually demonstrating that in her behaviour.
Definitely worth a read if you’re looking for a bit of a romp. I’ll be picking up book two to see what happens to Darcy next.
January 14, 2020
Fractured Flame was a fun Urban Fantasy read! It had elements of suspense, some detective style drama, and some Aztec mythology. Darcy is a secondary character in the prequel novella "Assassin Divined". We hardly know anything about her at the start of this book. It was nice to get to know her and all of her friends. I particularly loved the setting for her new life, a supernatural bar. The story reminded me of True Blood and Law and Order. There was a great mix of detective/police drama and some refreshing supernatural creatures. I've never seen a book focus on Aztec myth before and I thought it was really unique and interesting.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2020
Fractured Flame is a very interesting start to what looks to be a promising urban fantasy series! Darcy used to be a Guardian, but one bad day and she was expelled from the ranks. She built a new life for herself, working as a bartender at a strip club, but then things start to go south again. This time Darcy is determined not to let down her friends. This is basically a detective story but with supernatural characters. It’s easy to read and fast paced, and has a couple surprises a long the way. I liked Darcy and the side characters and my favourite thing was that this story derived from Aztec mythology which is fairly unique!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2020
Enjoyable book that grips you in the first chapter, and keeps you enthralled throughout the book. The characters are engaging, the story is interesting, and there is enough twists to keep you guessing. I would say the only criticism is that the main character’s self esteem issues take up a bit to much of the story line, and the book leaves you with a lot of questions about the character’s back story; which is hinted at and alluded to, but never explained. Of course, that’s what book two is for :). Overall, I would highly recommend this as a very enjoyable book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2020
What a fantastic debut urban fantasy novel! I would rate this 4.5 but have no problem rounding up. I thoroughly enjoyed the world the author created and set in one of my fave cities, DC. I loved learning about Darcy's background as it was woven throughout the story and discovering her secret past right along side her. I LOVED the mythology used in this series.
Minor critique: I was a little surprised at what felt like Darcy's non-reaction to a death early on. After finishing, I think there's a reason for it, but I don't think it was fully explained and not right after the death.
I can't wait for book 2!
Minor critique: I was a little surprised at what felt like Darcy's non-reaction to a death early on. After finishing, I think there's a reason for it, but I don't think it was fully explained and not right after the death.
I can't wait for book 2!
January 19, 2020
Unique and interesting
The book was really unique with well thought out characters and lots of mystery. Darcy, the MC, is strong but relatable. She does her best with the circumstances she's given and we receive a lot of answers to her questions throughout the book. However, we don't learn everything. There's still alot of mystery surrounding her and the people from her past. It's a perfect setup for the next book. I'm also really into her possible love interest. I hope it works out because he seems like a good one. We'll see though because I had thought some things throughout the book only to discover I was quite wrong. Definitely kept me on toes.
The book was really unique with well thought out characters and lots of mystery. Darcy, the MC, is strong but relatable. She does her best with the circumstances she's given and we receive a lot of answers to her questions throughout the book. However, we don't learn everything. There's still alot of mystery surrounding her and the people from her past. It's a perfect setup for the next book. I'm also really into her possible love interest. I hope it works out because he seems like a good one. We'll see though because I had thought some things throughout the book only to discover I was quite wrong. Definitely kept me on toes.
January 26, 2020
I did not finish reading.
Why? It didn't hold my attention. I picked it up more than a five times to push through but I ended up dropping it down almost immediately.
The first chapter was great. I was eager to know what was going on with the MC. But after that, it went downhill. I can't tell who she is or what she wants. It reads like a part two of another novel. Just a string of situations that I'm supposed to understand.
I don't get any of it.
But I'm sure others will enjoy it. It just isn't for me.
Why? It didn't hold my attention. I picked it up more than a five times to push through but I ended up dropping it down almost immediately.
The first chapter was great. I was eager to know what was going on with the MC. But after that, it went downhill. I can't tell who she is or what she wants. It reads like a part two of another novel. Just a string of situations that I'm supposed to understand.
I don't get any of it.
But I'm sure others will enjoy it. It just isn't for me.
April 26, 2020
Interesting and meh all at the same time.
I liked this. I had fun with the characters and the plot, however it was just your standard urban fantasy. I wasn’t thrown or engrossed with any of the scenarios, yet it wasn’t boring. I liked the mysterious element of Ray trying to get her to discover (or rediscover) what she was. The two police detectives were duds. I wasn’t all that fussed with Adrian, and Drake was just a jerk.
Will I pick up the next book? Maybe, but it’s not high on my list.
3 stars ⭐️
I liked this. I had fun with the characters and the plot, however it was just your standard urban fantasy. I wasn’t thrown or engrossed with any of the scenarios, yet it wasn’t boring. I liked the mysterious element of Ray trying to get her to discover (or rediscover) what she was. The two police detectives were duds. I wasn’t all that fussed with Adrian, and Drake was just a jerk.
Will I pick up the next book? Maybe, but it’s not high on my list.
3 stars ⭐️
November 7, 2024
This book just couldn’t hold my attention and I’m not sure why. It was honestly probably me. There is one thing I can’t tell if I like or not and that is the MMC is this why, blushes easily kind of awkward cop. A human cop that’s supposed to deal with really dangerous supernaturals. I mean it was refreshing that it wasn’t a tough as nails, ego filled guy but also WTF how can this dude do his job? So I don’t know how I feel about it. I’m sure there’s a story about it that will come up later but I’m just not invested enough to continue.
February 23, 2020
An interesting book, well worth a read, with a fairly original take on the supernatural world in a well saturated market. However for me I struggled with the characters, the main one in particular and just didn't buy into her having been a supernatural guardian, she just didn't seem that competent or good with people. It's just not an immediate like for me, although there was a good plot and I was interested in what was happening, and I might one day pick up the next.
March 7, 2020
I really like the heroine Darcy! She seemingly has escaped the woes of her previous life by bartending at a supernatural club. But fate has a way of stirring things up when an unknown killer stalks her friends and forces Darcy back into the deadly world of Guardians. An intriguing first book of the series. Loved it and am looking forward to reading the next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2020
Promising
This book felt like it was written by a first time author - there were a couple of jerky points, some things that I couldn’t quite make sense of - but they weren’t super distracting, and there were honestly just a few. Despite those small negatives, there are some major positives - the book has solid energy, a background that is pretty unique, and there’s likely a lot of room for this series to grow into. All in all, very promising
This book felt like it was written by a first time author - there were a couple of jerky points, some things that I couldn’t quite make sense of - but they weren’t super distracting, and there were honestly just a few. Despite those small negatives, there are some major positives - the book has solid energy, a background that is pretty unique, and there’s likely a lot of room for this series to grow into. All in all, very promising
May 19, 2020
Disjointed
I almost gave up several times but wanted to power through and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed use of uncommon supernatural beings and the overall plot. One of my major complaints is the action gets broken up by to much introspection, so I'm t doesn't flow. Like a character makes a statement or action and instead of the response coming immediately there's several paragraphs of introspection between, which just breaks the event up and slows everything down.
I almost gave up several times but wanted to power through and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed use of uncommon supernatural beings and the overall plot. One of my major complaints is the action gets broken up by to much introspection, so I'm t doesn't flow. Like a character makes a statement or action and instead of the response coming immediately there's several paragraphs of introspection between, which just breaks the event up and slows everything down.
June 20, 2020
Unsure
I'm not really sure what to think about this book. It left me with more questions than answers. I don't feel like the story was fleshed out very well. I would like more character development. I don't know why it's slated as a slow burn romance. There's no romance at all. The story was ok, but it left me wanting more to be explained, but no enough to make me want to read the next in the series.
I'm not really sure what to think about this book. It left me with more questions than answers. I don't feel like the story was fleshed out very well. I would like more character development. I don't know why it's slated as a slow burn romance. There's no romance at all. The story was ok, but it left me wanting more to be explained, but no enough to make me want to read the next in the series.
January 24, 2020
This story was pretty good. It caught my attention in the third chapter. The characters are complex. The story has some good world building and action. Its not what I am used too but it was good all the same. It was entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2020
This was quite an unusual story, at least as far as my reading tastes go. Still, it was intriguing enough to keep my interest. Well developed and complex characters, mystery and suspense, great world building as well a mix of mythologies that create an interesting storyline. I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
May 1, 2020
Would def read Embly again
I really liked the strategically placed action and twists in this book. It was funny too! Not just tongue-in-cheek humor but actually giggle worthy. I felt some of the lore and magic jargon could have been expanded on a little better. Will definitely be keeping Embly on my radar!
I really liked the strategically placed action and twists in this book. It was funny too! Not just tongue-in-cheek humor but actually giggle worthy. I felt some of the lore and magic jargon could have been expanded on a little better. Will definitely be keeping Embly on my radar!
May 13, 2020
2
1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was good. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & will definitely pick up next in the series!
5 Star = Bloody LOVED it! ❤️
1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was good. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & will definitely pick up next in the series!
5 Star = Bloody LOVED it! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews