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War and Deceit #1
Fires of Hatred
Fires of Hatred
‘My name is 625.
At least, that’s the number branded into my skin, the only identity I have.
My real name, whatever it was, was stripped from me when I was sold into slavery at age eight.
I am now 20, and no more than property, my only purpose working in the palace.
Until the day I meet him.’
The Elves and Humans have been at war for millennia.
No one even remembers why or how it started.
When a slave girl is sent to clean in a forbidden part of the castle, she stumbles across a secret which could cost her life.
A captured Elf, sworn enemy of the Human people, forced into making Elven weaponry to fight against his own kin.
Will they see past the differences between their races and help each other to survive?
Or will their union only serve to stoke the fires of hatred?
This book is intended for audiences 18+ and contains some scenes of violence that some may find distressing.
‘My name is 625.
At least, that’s the number branded into my skin, the only identity I have.
My real name, whatever it was, was stripped from me when I was sold into slavery at age eight.
I am now 20, and no more than property, my only purpose working in the palace.
Until the day I meet him.’
The Elves and Humans have been at war for millennia.
No one even remembers why or how it started.
When a slave girl is sent to clean in a forbidden part of the castle, she stumbles across a secret which could cost her life.
A captured Elf, sworn enemy of the Human people, forced into making Elven weaponry to fight against his own kin.
Will they see past the differences between their races and help each other to survive?
Or will their union only serve to stoke the fires of hatred?
This book is intended for audiences 18+ and contains some scenes of violence that some may find distressing.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2020
325 people are currently reading
1294 people want to read
About the author
Erin O'Kane
66 books487 followersErin O'Kane is an independent author from the UK. She used to work within healthcare, but now is able to follow her dream as a full time author. Writing is her escape and a dream she never thought possible until she was given a push from her friends and family.
She has an addiction to coffee, Lucozade and baked goods. When not writing she will be found on adventures with her husband, reading a book or watching bad romance movies.
She has an addiction to coffee, Lucozade and baked goods. When not writing she will be found on adventures with her husband, reading a book or watching bad romance movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
March 30, 2020
This book is for someone other than me
I should have DNF'd the first 5 times I asked myself, Where is this going?
So many contradictory things happening in this book that it totally overshadow the Poor Pitiful Me main character. Is this supposed to be reverse-harem? Every male she encounters is in love with her. Why doesn't the priest just rat her out? Why doesn't she ask more questions? Wtf is her backstory when she interacts with the court?
TBH this book felt like the author had 2 different stories in mind and shoehorned them into one book. We've got a former slave masquerading as a Lady but also a girl who is pretty much still a slave and happens to meet another mysterious prisoner. Two different books!
I want to know where this mess is heading but don't think I can hang through a 2nd book.
I should have DNF'd the first 5 times I asked myself, Where is this going?
So many contradictory things happening in this book that it totally overshadow the Poor Pitiful Me main character. Is this supposed to be reverse-harem? Every male she encounters is in love with her. Why doesn't the priest just rat her out? Why doesn't she ask more questions? Wtf is her backstory when she interacts with the court?
TBH this book felt like the author had 2 different stories in mind and shoehorned them into one book. We've got a former slave masquerading as a Lady but also a girl who is pretty much still a slave and happens to meet another mysterious prisoner. Two different books!
I want to know where this mess is heading but don't think I can hang through a 2nd book.
July 22, 2020
3.5 stars upgraded to 4.
I really enjoyed this book BUT I know if I was in another frame of mind my rating would be completely different.
The heroine did things that annoyed me, she had this woe me attitude the entire book. I know she had been through a lot and it's harsh of me to judge her, she just didn't come across as being authentic. There was something about her that threw me off.
The blurb also has nothing to do with the book. I bought this book because I thought it was going to be about the elf she stumbled upon, instead that doesn't happen until the last half of the book.
She was also really friendly with people, immediately she meets them she feels safe. For someone that has been a slave almost her entire life she was too trusting. "The Mother" was with her but the mother wasn't really giving her signs as to why she felt connected to those people. Yet in the next book which I've already read she is worried she might have "trusted" someone who isn't what they seem.
The romance is non existant, she feels lust for some of the characters and that's it. I wish there was more sexual tension that what is shown or at least a POV from the guys so it doesn't seem she's the only one lusting after them.
After all my complaint, I still enjoyed this book. It was enough to change the monotony of my day. I hope I can enjoy the third one when it comes out because I am curious to see what happens.
I really enjoyed this book BUT I know if I was in another frame of mind my rating would be completely different.
The heroine did things that annoyed me, she had this woe me attitude the entire book. I know she had been through a lot and it's harsh of me to judge her, she just didn't come across as being authentic. There was something about her that threw me off.
The blurb also has nothing to do with the book. I bought this book because I thought it was going to be about the elf she stumbled upon, instead that doesn't happen until the last half of the book.
She was also really friendly with people, immediately she meets them she feels safe. For someone that has been a slave almost her entire life she was too trusting. "The Mother" was with her but the mother wasn't really giving her signs as to why she felt connected to those people. Yet in the next book which I've already read she is worried she might have "trusted" someone who isn't what they seem.
The romance is non existant, she feels lust for some of the characters and that's it. I wish there was more sexual tension that what is shown or at least a POV from the guys so it doesn't seem she's the only one lusting after them.
After all my complaint, I still enjoyed this book. It was enough to change the monotony of my day. I hope I can enjoy the third one when it comes out because I am curious to see what happens.
July 24, 2022
Reverse-Harem slow-burn?
Torture.
• Fantasy - New Adult
• Reverse-Harem/Slowburn romance
• Dark (TW: abuse, physical violence)
• Magic - Fae - Royalty
• Strong Heroine - non-toxic love interests (I decided this is something I should mention)
Our main character is a slave and you can only imagine what she's been going through. Even if you don't, you'll find out soon enough.
Even though it is a fantasy RH, the book focuses more on the story, relationships, character development and world, instead of focusing on the romance, and that's a thing I appreciate.
There are so many things we don't know, Clarissa is going through a lot, while battling with panic attacks caused by her trauma, but her evolution as a character is noticeable.
Then there's the Goddess and a religion dedicated to her, but the priests are so twisted they make me sick. Not to mention they, along with the king, are using this religion, taking advantage of people's beliefs, as a way to enforce their own sick rules. We don't know what their goal is, but I'm sure nothing good will come of this.
However, I highly recommend giving it a chance. I can't seem to stop myself from continuing this series.
«⋯ War & Deceit series ⋯»
#1 Fires of Hatred — 4🌟
#2 Fires of Treason — 4🌟
#3 Fires of Ruin — 3🌟
#4 Fires of War — *tbr
Torture.
• Fantasy - New Adult
• Reverse-Harem/Slowburn romance
• Dark (TW: abuse, physical violence)
• Magic - Fae - Royalty
• Strong Heroine - non-toxic love interests (I decided this is something I should mention)
Our main character is a slave and you can only imagine what she's been going through. Even if you don't, you'll find out soon enough.
Even though it is a fantasy RH, the book focuses more on the story, relationships, character development and world, instead of focusing on the romance, and that's a thing I appreciate.
There are so many things we don't know, Clarissa is going through a lot, while battling with panic attacks caused by her trauma, but her evolution as a character is noticeable.
Then there's the Goddess and a religion dedicated to her, but the priests are so twisted they make me sick. Not to mention they, along with the king, are using this religion, taking advantage of people's beliefs, as a way to enforce their own sick rules. We don't know what their goal is, but I'm sure nothing good will come of this.
However, I highly recommend giving it a chance. I can't seem to stop myself from continuing this series.
«⋯ War & Deceit series ⋯»
#1 Fires of Hatred — 4🌟
#2 Fires of Treason — 4🌟
#3 Fires of Ruin — 3🌟
#4 Fires of War — *tbr
April 19, 2020
I have to push my self so much into the half of the book. And it's only because i'm confused about the plot. Forewarned that this may contain spoiler.
The blurb said about an elf in prison but it's only show in half end of the book, and there's like only so little interaction between them. I taught that this was the main plot.
I don't really like the heroine, she seems so fake to me. Like why the hell did she begs the prince to go to the library if she can't even read and she wants to hide this fact from the prince. Her motives is just beyond me, if she has hidden purpose maybe i could tolarate it. I know that library is a gorgeous place, but still.
“Of course I’d still like to see the library!” I exclaim. Does he not want to take me there anymore after my little outburst? A sense of disappointment that I’m not prepared to examine rolls through me, but I shake it away. “Why, do you need to be elsewhere?”
And there's another fact that makes me so confused. Her reaction doesn't convince me that she used to be a slave. She gets suddenly shy, pity her self, or arrogant, I just can't connect to her.
Raising my eyebrows at her audacity, I just give her a look that I would give to the slaves that would get bold and try to steal my hard-earned meal. A look that promised violence and would usually be enough to scare them away, but not this woman. “And you are?”
The romance and all the characters are not portrayed well. There's no one that I like. Wait, maybe Wilson is okay.
Overall I am a bit disappointed by my own expectation of this book. Yes, I love the cover and I might be a little harsh. At least, I managed to read untill the end of this book.
The blurb said about an elf in prison but it's only show in half end of the book, and there's like only so little interaction between them. I taught that this was the main plot.
I don't really like the heroine, she seems so fake to me. Like why the hell did she begs the prince to go to the library if she can't even read and she wants to hide this fact from the prince. Her motives is just beyond me, if she has hidden purpose maybe i could tolarate it. I know that library is a gorgeous place, but still.
“Of course I’d still like to see the library!” I exclaim. Does he not want to take me there anymore after my little outburst? A sense of disappointment that I’m not prepared to examine rolls through me, but I shake it away. “Why, do you need to be elsewhere?”
And there's another fact that makes me so confused. Her reaction doesn't convince me that she used to be a slave. She gets suddenly shy, pity her self, or arrogant, I just can't connect to her.
Raising my eyebrows at her audacity, I just give her a look that I would give to the slaves that would get bold and try to steal my hard-earned meal. A look that promised violence and would usually be enough to scare them away, but not this woman. “And you are?”
The romance and all the characters are not portrayed well. There's no one that I like. Wait, maybe Wilson is okay.
Overall I am a bit disappointed by my own expectation of this book. Yes, I love the cover and I might be a little harsh. At least, I managed to read untill the end of this book.
November 19, 2021
I really liked this book. It is so super dark though. Abuse and slavery trigger warnings. It's marked as a reverse harem. Which typically isn't my thing, but this is more that she has multi possible love interests. As long as she picks one or none by the end, I'm ok with it. The book ended on a pretty serious cliffhanger, so I'm hoping to get around to reading the next book in the series soon. Oh, and so far, I'm shipping her and Grayson.
How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
October 30, 2021
Pet Peeve
What I can not stand is that the MC is badly beaten daily and have to be healed, but she protects her abusers. These same people who beat and kill children. This is a pet peeve.
In addition, she has no ill will to royal family who have enslaved children. She was 8 when she was enslaved and many was younger than that. Instead of being outraged with them, she is more worried about fitting in. Really?!?!
I understand her PTSD. That is what is relatable. But the false fire, no so much. I would have asked to learn to fight and worked on learning anything I could to make me smarter. Not her. Walking around a library with books she can’t read and being in a garden is her wheelhouse.
What I can not stand is that the MC is badly beaten daily and have to be healed, but she protects her abusers. These same people who beat and kill children. This is a pet peeve.
In addition, she has no ill will to royal family who have enslaved children. She was 8 when she was enslaved and many was younger than that. Instead of being outraged with them, she is more worried about fitting in. Really?!?!
I understand her PTSD. That is what is relatable. But the false fire, no so much. I would have asked to learn to fight and worked on learning anything I could to make me smarter. Not her. Walking around a library with books she can’t read and being in a garden is her wheelhouse.
October 21, 2020
2,8 stars. First of all, the synopsis is misleading, it makes you think that the main story is revolving around an elf prisoner. The story is good and well developed but the naivety of the heroine was getting on my nerves. Also, in the beginning the story was dragging. I didn't like that every time the guards beated her the all mighty "deity/goddess" told her to be strong (so much help, even if they beat you I can't give you power to defend yourself you must endure - I wanted to cuss the fucking "goddess"). I wanted more dialogue and interaction between the characters. Lastly, the romance was veryyy slow and with some characters non existent.
That's all for now. I will read the next book but with reservations.
That's all for now. I will read the next book but with reservations.
April 20, 2020
This heroine has no pluck.
She doesn’t do anything. Things happen to her, but she is not an active participant. She has romantic tension with 80% of all the names male characters, so none are important.
She doesn’t do anything. Things happen to her, but she is not an active participant. She has romantic tension with 80% of all the names male characters, so none are important.
January 18, 2022
This book is horribly inconsistent; the characters change personalities and back stories like crazy, and scenes are repeated with different outcomes. People know information and then are shocked when they learn the information later. It was maddening.
February 4, 2021
Five minutes in and I hate it already. Maybe I’m being too critical, and I have been reading a lot of this type of book lately, but how is she a slave her whole life, living in a huge moldy, drafty, dingy barracks where people are dying of infections and killing themselves rather than getting caught as they escape....but she also gets to go to a special ball for anyone turning twenty because it’s a law in the land that anyone turning twenty gets to wear their finest clothes and go to a fancy choosing ceremony.....um......is that weird to anyone else? Just me?
Then the same character who doesn’t have a name and has been a slave her whole life says she doesn’t know how they are going to do the ceremony for her since she doesn’t know how they handle it for the slaves.....what?
Is she the first person to turn twenty in the whole slave market? In her twenty years as a slave has she never seen anyone else get to go to this magical choosing ceremony? I’m instantly of the mind that this whole book is going to make me roll my eyes and scream “what?!!” The whole time so I’m gonna just tip my hat and say “no thanks” now.
Then the same character who doesn’t have a name and has been a slave her whole life says she doesn’t know how they are going to do the ceremony for her since she doesn’t know how they handle it for the slaves.....what?
Is she the first person to turn twenty in the whole slave market? In her twenty years as a slave has she never seen anyone else get to go to this magical choosing ceremony? I’m instantly of the mind that this whole book is going to make me roll my eyes and scream “what?!!” The whole time so I’m gonna just tip my hat and say “no thanks” now.
April 19, 2021
Enjoyable. Will continue series.
September 13, 2020
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this! There is quite a bit of world building, character descriptions, hierarchy of the kingdom, and history to absorb. I want to put out there that this book is dark, violent, and has multiple scenes with abuse caused by people in higher standing than the slaves. I’m still confused if this is a reverse harem or not though. There seems to be potential for it, but if it is it’s extremely slow burn. Also... did anyone else keep thinking of 625 as experiment 625 (Reuben) from Lilo and Stitch or is it just me? Obviously not in context, but just seeing her referred by that name.
625 has been enslaved since the early age of eight even though she has no idea what crime she or the other slaves have committed. She gets a second chance at life thanks to The Great Mother, but that doesn’t mean that much has changed for her in they eyes of one of the priests. I kind of liked how much she talked to herself inside her head like she was two different people at times, which I guess she technically is. Jayne is by far my favorite character. I loved her sassy, caring, and comfortable personality. Grayson, Wilson, and Prince Jacob were very different from one another, but they were vital to 625. I really liked the queen as well and wished we could’ve seen and learned more about her.
This book had a gothic feel to it and the cover is stunning. I was hooked from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down, I just had to know what happened next. Erin did an amazing job creating this world and slowly uncovering it’s history and secrets bit by bit. I’m really intrigued by 625’s purpose and the Mountain Men tribes. I hope to learn more about them and the corrupt rulers of Arhaven as the series continues.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
625 has been enslaved since the early age of eight even though she has no idea what crime she or the other slaves have committed. She gets a second chance at life thanks to The Great Mother, but that doesn’t mean that much has changed for her in they eyes of one of the priests. I kind of liked how much she talked to herself inside her head like she was two different people at times, which I guess she technically is. Jayne is by far my favorite character. I loved her sassy, caring, and comfortable personality. Grayson, Wilson, and Prince Jacob were very different from one another, but they were vital to 625. I really liked the queen as well and wished we could’ve seen and learned more about her.
This book had a gothic feel to it and the cover is stunning. I was hooked from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down, I just had to know what happened next. Erin did an amazing job creating this world and slowly uncovering it’s history and secrets bit by bit. I’m really intrigued by 625’s purpose and the Mountain Men tribes. I hope to learn more about them and the corrupt rulers of Arhaven as the series continues.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
October 18, 2020
Almost every single one of these characters acts as if they've never met a human being before and it walks the line between being involuntarily hilarious and just ridiculous.
March 19, 2020
A slave to the kingdom of Arhaven since she was eight years old.
Branded, and beaten, belittled and overworked and now the clock is ticking to her execution as she ages out.
He is an instrument of death, a formidable opponent, high up in the kingdoms hierarchy.
The message is clear, save the girl, she's important to the future for them all.
But can he get to her in time....
Oh wow, what a rich and detailed new world to delve into. One of power, passion, hatred and magic.
Slavery for the children who should be innocent and free, death to those who are to become true adults. I was utterly hooked and couldn't get enough!
The innocence of her brought many a true smile to my face, and lovely warm fuzzy butterflies to my heart.
Grayson is a hero whether he admits it or not, he's swoontastic! His lack of suave and sophisticated moves only endeared him to me more.
Prince Jacob, Tor and Vaeril along with Wilson all did a thorough dance in the background. Each had a turn in the spotlight to dazzle and impress.
A fantastic start to a new series. The scene is set and now I want the spotlight to shine on them some more, whilst I pick my favourite...
Branded, and beaten, belittled and overworked and now the clock is ticking to her execution as she ages out.
He is an instrument of death, a formidable opponent, high up in the kingdoms hierarchy.
The message is clear, save the girl, she's important to the future for them all.
But can he get to her in time....
Oh wow, what a rich and detailed new world to delve into. One of power, passion, hatred and magic.
Slavery for the children who should be innocent and free, death to those who are to become true adults. I was utterly hooked and couldn't get enough!
The innocence of her brought many a true smile to my face, and lovely warm fuzzy butterflies to my heart.
Grayson is a hero whether he admits it or not, he's swoontastic! His lack of suave and sophisticated moves only endeared him to me more.
Prince Jacob, Tor and Vaeril along with Wilson all did a thorough dance in the background. Each had a turn in the spotlight to dazzle and impress.
A fantastic start to a new series. The scene is set and now I want the spotlight to shine on them some more, whilst I pick my favourite...
March 23, 2020
What a great read that I could not put down. I literally could not put down my kindle, I needed to know what happened next. I have been going through a slump lately, and Fires of Hatred pulled me out of it. Seriously though, this book is so very good.
Erin does an excellent job of creating a world that consumed me. What a tale of strength amid hopelessness. Just when you think things are so bad, we get a sliver of hope, and pulled back again. Loved that we got to be inside the female leads head, we go through all her emotions, hurt, strength, hope, friendships, love, and determination.
Get to know 625, and her world she lives in. I promise you, you will love it and become just as addicted as I am.
Erin does an excellent job of creating a world that consumed me. What a tale of strength amid hopelessness. Just when you think things are so bad, we get a sliver of hope, and pulled back again. Loved that we got to be inside the female leads head, we go through all her emotions, hurt, strength, hope, friendships, love, and determination.
Get to know 625, and her world she lives in. I promise you, you will love it and become just as addicted as I am.
May 17, 2021
I loved this. It has all the elements of high fantasy that I want: an underdog that rises up after being found as chosen, a mage with faith in her, a dreamy scholarly prince, a disgraced elf, and a mountain man. The building relationships have so much promise. Even though Clarissa is struggling from severe PTSD due to insane amounts of trauma, she's finding her backbone, her courage, as events spiral and she has to make crazy choices in order to survive. There's definetly a touch of the divine here and the feeling of fate and destiny are incredibly strong. It was easy to read and the story was engaging. Going right into book 2 now!
November 16, 2021
Excellent riveting story
I was immersed in this world, in this life. Clarissa has had a hard life, and I know it’s not her real name but it’s interesting her story how it’s going.
Everything moves quickly, I can’t even tell who is a harem prospect or exactly what is going on with the king and kingdom. The slavery of children is also odd and odd no one says anything about it or that Grayson was unaware. Some of the plot points seem forgotten but I suspect they’ll crop up again in book 2.
I was immersed in this world, in this life. Clarissa has had a hard life, and I know it’s not her real name but it’s interesting her story how it’s going.
Everything moves quickly, I can’t even tell who is a harem prospect or exactly what is going on with the king and kingdom. The slavery of children is also odd and odd no one says anything about it or that Grayson was unaware. Some of the plot points seem forgotten but I suspect they’ll crop up again in book 2.
November 21, 2021
Not my kind of book...The story is not bad but I kept wondering why every guy is in love with her and why she can't seem to make up her mind. Only at the very end did i realise that dumb ol me was reading a RH!!!!🤦♀️
Now it makes sense but unfortunately I do not like this genre so I will be dropping this series with a happy heart coz I cannot handle anymore of this special snowflake who could possibly be Aphrodite 2.0..heck even that would have been better🙄
3 stars 🌟
Now it makes sense but unfortunately I do not like this genre so I will be dropping this series with a happy heart coz I cannot handle anymore of this special snowflake who could possibly be Aphrodite 2.0..heck even that would have been better🙄
3 stars 🌟
November 23, 2020
Loving it
I am a newbie to this author and I found this series on Facebook during an author party!
This book is an slow burn RH with an amazing storyline and awesome characters! I am going to keep this short I have to go grab book 2!! Definitely an amazing read
I am a newbie to this author and I found this series on Facebook during an author party!
This book is an slow burn RH with an amazing storyline and awesome characters! I am going to keep this short I have to go grab book 2!! Definitely an amazing read
October 11, 2021
Okay this one was crazy good. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and all of the characters are perfect. I love how the story felt like it took its time, not rushed. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
March 27, 2022
This book is confusing and the entire time I was wondering why I am not adding this to my DNF pile. I managed to finish the book… curiosity killed the cat. I might read the sequel just to see if the author manages to find a plot. // KU
March 15, 2020
Wow this story literally drew me in from the beginning. I didn’t even realize it was the end of the book that’s how captivated I was. Phenomenal story. I can’t even say that enough. I have so many questions that I hope get answered in the next book. Biggest one is Who is She?!?! I absolutely loved this story. Author really knows how to captivate an audience. Oh I want the next story. Like now!!! Seriously I cannot recommend it enough. Read this story.
March 29, 2020
Fires of Hatred by Erin O’Kane is captivating, suspenseful and extraordinary. I loved every moment of this book. The emotions explored and world that she’s created are so addictive that you won’t want to put the story down.
Once again Erin has written a captivating story which will leave you wanting more. I high recommend the first book in this new series and can’t wait to see where Erin O’Kane takes the rest of this series.
Once again Erin has written a captivating story which will leave you wanting more. I high recommend the first book in this new series and can’t wait to see where Erin O’Kane takes the rest of this series.
April 10, 2020
This story was just fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The pages just flew by, so it's a reall page Turner.
Erin O'Kane draws you into a world bursting with loveable characters, magic and so much more. Written beautifully.
I am desperately waiting for the next book.
I definitely rate this 5 stars. I really enjoyed it.
Erin O'Kane draws you into a world bursting with loveable characters, magic and so much more. Written beautifully.
I am desperately waiting for the next book.
I definitely rate this 5 stars. I really enjoyed it.
October 10, 2020
I think what brought me to finish this book was the author dedication at the very beginning. I wanted to honor her struggle and to read her accomplishment, but I really didn't like the book overly too much.... It was too slow and I couldn't really relate with the main character, mostly because she is very unsure and I don't want to read about unsure people, I'm already an overthinker, that's enough, thank you very much.
Overall it was a very sloooooooow read and I found myself skipping entire paragraphs of soliloquy.... I won't be continuing with the series...
Overall it was a very sloooooooow read and I found myself skipping entire paragraphs of soliloquy.... I won't be continuing with the series...
April 9, 2022
2.5 stars. The book didn't really have a buildup or climax it just steadily steadily was above the threshold above boring. There were a few scenes that were redundant because they had already happened that they were rehashing we were rehashing old things like they didn't do them the 1st time. It was all very tropy because the fact that the main character had everybody fall in love with her or either hate her.
February 23, 2021
Whelp, the idea was promising, but the story was written poorly. Bleh. All the characters seemed so simple and one dimensional. They also always seemed to react in ridiculous and nonsensical ways, choices were unintelligent, descriptions didn’t make sense and the overall story line just felt over the top unrealistic:(
March 20, 2020
What...but......nooooo! You can’t stop there! This book had me gripping my seat. So damn good. Loved where this was going. The storyline is fantastic and is full of mystery, intrigue, suspense and a promise of more. Loved it all. Can’t wait for book 2.
July 8, 2020
I tried but at halfway though I'm still not feeling it. It's moving a bit slow for me and I'm still not really sure what this story is about. It doesn't really match up with the blurb...
December 22, 2021
Great storyline.
Erin O'Kane is a true storyteller. She's quite rough around the edges in getting the story from brain to print, but has created an intriguing world, characters I'm invested in, & a plotline that held my attention.
I'd give 'Fires of Hatred' 5 stars but the writing is not 5 star writing. With the errors in spelling, among other word nerd & story structure things, I can't add the final star.
The storyline is truly captivating, but firstly the characters need a lot more fleshing out. Additionally, most of the scenes are rushed and/or missing details needed to softly clarify specifically what is happening and who is speaking.
The final published version needed one more round of proofreading and a strong polish by the editor.
Errors abound in her choice of words such as "rack" when she meant "wrack". This isn't inexcusable at all in a time when so many people don't understand the difference between "your" and "you're", or "its" and "it's", and especially "there", "they're", and "their".
A personal pet peeve of mine is when people on social media, feeling moved or touched, use the word "awe" in place of the intended onomatopoeic "Awww" in comments.
It's easy to use, for random examples, the words "sole" and "soul" or "herd" and "heard" interchangeably when writing anything in a rush. I imagine when a story really starts to flow from within an author that the spelling isn't especially important. Corrections are the responsibility of the proofreader and editor. They dropped the ball with this one.
The author also has obviously favorite phrases that are repeated several times in the story, *significantly* lessening their impact; "...eyes that promise violence" being the one that stands out the most. This is another instance where the editor should have caught the repetition and helped Erin rephrase what she's trying to express.
I understand that O'Kane was a fairly new writer at the time this book was written. As such, I don't hold any of the small errors as marks against her. Not at all.
It's the proofing and editing that need to be stepped up. Simple corrections and adjustments, or the lack thereof, can make or break a book.
Precision can transform a book from presenting as the work of an amateur without a mentor to that of an expert novelist.
Attention to small details in word choices and the reworking of paragraphs which are regurgitated jumbles from earlier passages in the book are critical.
A strong mentor, eagle-eyed proofreader, and detail oriented and creative editor should be assisting the author every step of the way to produce the best possible telling of a story.
O'Kane has produced a truly great story which deserves a full working over with a supportive, cohesive team around her.
I'm *absolutely* finishing the series as I'm in love with the story. I suspect that the writing itself will improve with each book in the series. Hopefully the proofing and editing will also improve.
'Fires of Hatred' could have (should have?) been, at minimum, half again as long and not be boring, monotonous or amateurish. There's quite a bit more detail needed as well as smoother transitions between scenes in place of the startling jolts when being thrown from one to the next.
I'm looking forward to diving into the rest of the series!
Good on you, Erin. You have a real gift for storytelling. I'm excited to see where your journey as a blossoming author takes you... and us!
Erin O'Kane is a true storyteller. She's quite rough around the edges in getting the story from brain to print, but has created an intriguing world, characters I'm invested in, & a plotline that held my attention.
I'd give 'Fires of Hatred' 5 stars but the writing is not 5 star writing. With the errors in spelling, among other word nerd & story structure things, I can't add the final star.
The storyline is truly captivating, but firstly the characters need a lot more fleshing out. Additionally, most of the scenes are rushed and/or missing details needed to softly clarify specifically what is happening and who is speaking.
The final published version needed one more round of proofreading and a strong polish by the editor.
Errors abound in her choice of words such as "rack" when she meant "wrack". This isn't inexcusable at all in a time when so many people don't understand the difference between "your" and "you're", or "its" and "it's", and especially "there", "they're", and "their".
A personal pet peeve of mine is when people on social media, feeling moved or touched, use the word "awe" in place of the intended onomatopoeic "Awww" in comments.
It's easy to use, for random examples, the words "sole" and "soul" or "herd" and "heard" interchangeably when writing anything in a rush. I imagine when a story really starts to flow from within an author that the spelling isn't especially important. Corrections are the responsibility of the proofreader and editor. They dropped the ball with this one.
The author also has obviously favorite phrases that are repeated several times in the story, *significantly* lessening their impact; "...eyes that promise violence" being the one that stands out the most. This is another instance where the editor should have caught the repetition and helped Erin rephrase what she's trying to express.
I understand that O'Kane was a fairly new writer at the time this book was written. As such, I don't hold any of the small errors as marks against her. Not at all.
It's the proofing and editing that need to be stepped up. Simple corrections and adjustments, or the lack thereof, can make or break a book.
Precision can transform a book from presenting as the work of an amateur without a mentor to that of an expert novelist.
Attention to small details in word choices and the reworking of paragraphs which are regurgitated jumbles from earlier passages in the book are critical.
A strong mentor, eagle-eyed proofreader, and detail oriented and creative editor should be assisting the author every step of the way to produce the best possible telling of a story.
O'Kane has produced a truly great story which deserves a full working over with a supportive, cohesive team around her.
I'm *absolutely* finishing the series as I'm in love with the story. I suspect that the writing itself will improve with each book in the series. Hopefully the proofing and editing will also improve.
'Fires of Hatred' could have (should have?) been, at minimum, half again as long and not be boring, monotonous or amateurish. There's quite a bit more detail needed as well as smoother transitions between scenes in place of the startling jolts when being thrown from one to the next.
I'm looking forward to diving into the rest of the series!
Good on you, Erin. You have a real gift for storytelling. I'm excited to see where your journey as a blossoming author takes you... and us!
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