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The Anomaly #2

Blazing Petals

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Dancing Flames. Cold Steel. Flowing Blood.

My name is Everly Banks, and I seem to collect problems like most people collect dust bunnies. With an army of enemies at the gate, I must gather one of my own.

With the hunters on my side, and maybe even in my bed, I begin to have hope that I will make it through the coming war with my mind and heart intact.

Some people seek to use me while others play the long game. But not all of my enemies are what they seem. A betrayal blindsides me and lives hang in the balance as my magics cry out for me to destroy it all.

I will dance among the blazing petals and cover myself in the ashes of their destruction. The line in the earth is being drawn, and it won’t be my blood that flows freely. Choose your side wisely.
***********
Blazing Petals is a continuation of The Anomaly Series. It is an urban fantasy with a RH romance. That means she doesn't choose between her men. This story is not suitable for those under the age of eighteen due to sensitive content.

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2019

318 people are currently reading
146 people want to read

About the author

Aster North

19 books178 followers

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5 stars
223 (42%)
4 stars
172 (32%)
3 stars
96 (18%)
2 stars
23 (4%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Naii.
164 reviews4 followers
January 9, 2024
I enjoyed this second book more than the first. The characters came to life for me, and our MFC finally stopped grating on me like she did in the first book.

The storyline was well constructed, and the development of secondary characters introduced more intrigue. A little bit of spice thrown in with the drama, death, excitement, power, magic, and more made it a novel I enjoyed listening to.

There is more to come in the third book, I'm sure, and I'm looking forward to reading it.
Profile Image for Katyana.
1,813 reviews287 followers
June 26, 2020
There was too much stupid for me. I think Everly is an utter moron, but she's really really powerful, so things kind of work out for her regardless.

IMO, that does not make for a compelling book.

This is where the series and I part ways.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,390 reviews62 followers
August 2, 2019
Brilliant Plot

After the great first book in this series, I was really hoping I wouldn’t be disappointed with the second book. I’m so relieved that I’m not. In fact I would say that this book is even better. Aster North has an incredibly creative mind that crafts plots and hones them like a sharp blade. Everything is carefully constructed and nothing is carelessly placed.

In my review of the first book, I stated that I wished there had been more about Cassie, but now I am pretty sure that the omission of information about her past was done on purpose. I don’t know what that purpose is yet, but there are mysterious hints in this book about what it might be. This is just one example of the careful construction of the plot in this series.

This second book in the series is all about how the relationship between Everly and the guys is working. It’s about them learning to communicate, understanding each other’s weaknesses and catering to them. The heat level is also elevated in this book, with several more scenes to charge the blood! I really like how the heat levels have slowly built through the two books, in tandem with the emotions, in a way that feels believable.

In this book we also learn a little bit more about Everly and her powers, as she learns about them. In the last book Mr Li explained about how he’d witnessed her existence at the dawn of the Earth, but there is still so much to learn about Everly, both for us and for her.

We also get to see the action levels elevated in this book.  There are battles to fight and bad guys to squish and learning to do it as a team is paramount. It’s a lesson that Everly has to decide whether she is prepared to learn or not, because if she wants to keep the guys around, she’s going to have to change some things.

This really is a very good book. It’s excellently written and well edited and the style of writing is easy to read and flows beautifully. I love the characters that Aster North has created and as each book progresses they flesh out more and more, slowly taking shape as they open up to each other and the reader. I’ve already stated my appreciation for the author’s plot creation, but it bears repeating because it really is very good.

Read this book, but only after you’ve read the first one or you won’t have a clue about what is going on. I can’t wait for the third book in the series, I just know it’s going to be a corker!
Profile Image for Angelique .
323 reviews
August 2, 2019
Oh Damn! If you thought Everly was a bada$$ in book one wait until you see what she does in this book. Everly learns a few new things about herself and what she is capable of doing. She is done with the political BS from the council. Unfortunately for the Council, Everly doesn’t acknowledge them like everyone else does, and it’s time they get a rude awaking that only she can deliver.
Her relationship between her and those four hot men will leave you thirsty! Well it will if you like the lip crushing, nail digging, body shaking before I explode kind of hot. Oh yes my fellow readers it is a book of highs and lows, twist and turns with a side of love and betrayal.
This book has it all combined in one and let’s not forget my favorite knife wielding goat, Willy. You will love him and hate him but he continues to have a mouth on him and won’t give up his drinking habits.
Oh there is so much that happens in book 2 that I just can’t wait for you all to read and enjoy!! It will leave you wanting more and dying to have book 3!
Profile Image for Tiffiny.
533 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2019
This is DNF for me. I REALLY love how strong the MC is. I don’t love how the author writes the MC having a monologue saying she should talk to the guys about a relationship and then the very next page the guys are STANDING IN A LINE declaring their desire to be with her.

All the elements for an organic and naturally flowing build up of love was there. It’s almost like the author got sick of waiting and wanted that part out of the way.

Pretty much killed my desire to continue.
255 reviews
December 8, 2019
Really liked it

I want to know so much more about Everly, where did she come from? What are her other aliases? Who are some of the other people shes helped over the years? I really like the MFC. I don't totally feel the connection to all of the other characters but I enjoyed it anyway.
Profile Image for Bec.
604 reviews80 followers
October 14, 2019
I made it about halfway but there is a lot o inner dialog, most of it about stuff that doesn't really matter, and I just could not focus on the story. This was my 3rd day (which is very long for me) of trying to read this but it's really slow going so I'm going to just move on.
Profile Image for Eva.
48 reviews
March 25, 2024
4+
A great sequel, enjoyed it very much. Fast paced, containing all the best stuff - emotion, action and spice. I warmed up to all the characters, even Willy!

As for the writing style, I like the multiple povs which allowed us to get to know the boys better, however I do wish the characters had more distinct voices; at times I had to go back to remind myself who was narrating. Overall a good read, looking forward to number 3!

As for the negatives,

SPOILERS BELOW :



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if we're being picky. First, The boys freaking out about Everley dying when she said she can't die that was a little anticlimactic and lessened the intended emotional aspect, especially with the quick recovery.
Second, not exploring further the effects and longitividity of Everlys blood, not even questioning it. Considering the guys could literary die if its no longer in their system and it's unclear of the amount needed to protect them, I'd expect it to at least be brought up.
And lastly linking in, the one which bothered me most but it actually kept me reading - I was hoping it was a plot point and not an oversight on the authors part. Unfortunately, unless it comes up in the next book, it was in fact a pretty big miss. The fact that the boys need to have ingested Everlys blood to not go *splat* when she teleports them, but Torin never got any! They just slept together, unless ingesting any bodily fluid is enough, but can't imagine he had gone down on her on enough to consume a significant amount. I feel that's a huge thing to overlook both for the characters and the writer, and find it disappointing.
155 reviews
May 8, 2020
Wow!!! Loved it!!!

The fight scenes are so well written that it just brings the scenes to life!!! The Council only begins to fall, I cant wait to see how man more will go down!!! I cant wait to see what revenge Everly is going to get on Richard! I'm hoping in the next book Everly will be able to open up more with her guys and hopefully a happy reunion for Willy and his daughter's. I also cant wait to see Willy 'Stab a Bitch' of a witch that turned him into a goat!!!
Profile Image for Denisa.
1,381 reviews332 followers
December 13, 2023
2.5. Meh.


Ok, so this book is boring AF.

Yes, a lot of things are happening, but for some reason, I'm really not into the plot. Maybe it's the writing style, I feel like there are some things here that should be worked on. Maybe I'm just in a weird place, or maybe I just didn't like the characters anymore. Not sure.

Anyway, it's not bad for an RH book, and the plot has potential (why I gave this 3 stars still), but the writing could be improved.

I'll stop with the series here, but it might be worth a try for RH PNR lovers out there.
Profile Image for Stine.
16 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2020
I really wanted to love this book, but for being thousand of years old, she has not been portrayed as it in this last book. Fainting/ fading/ blackout out of an incident 3 times in a small amount of time? Suddenly loosing all power? and some of the scenes made no sense when she is supposed to have strong powers. I love the idea, but the execution is not there
Profile Image for Joanne Minna.
134 reviews15 followers
May 19, 2020
Finally finished. Was not a bad book, just took me some while to find it in me to finish it. Everly is slowly getting used to the fact that she is not alone, that the guys are there to stay and are now a team. We find out a bit more about Torin's background and see more of the council.
Now onto the next one.
Profile Image for Shannon Seafish Lucy.
510 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2022
This book was such a huge disappointment after reading book 1. The story rushed through what should be important turning points and character development, but then droned on and on through seemingly unimportant details. Several plot holes just opened up and swallowed all the good from book 1. I will be reading the final book hoping for redemption.
Profile Image for Jamie.
630 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2020
Pretty darned awesome

Such an amazing series. Bit if a missed opportunity by not expanding on her power of elemental shapeshifting. Still captivating and abit gutted its only a trilogy. Can't wait to read more. JL
Profile Image for Adrienne McFarlane.
473 reviews36 followers
January 18, 2021
Book 2 ramps things up

The 2nd book of the Anomaly series picks up where book 1 ended. The author steadily increases the tension and action. More details regarding Everly’s past, as well as her 4 men kept me engaged. Looking forward to the conclusion of the series.
Profile Image for Galina Sulaiman.
2,361 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2020
Blazing petals

This book had me in parts laughing so hard I had tears running down my cheeks! Couple that with pretty much non stop action made for one very enjoyable book.
Profile Image for Nikki Aguirre.
43 reviews
April 15, 2020
The Anomaly series

I don't know why I waited so long to start this series I can see it becoming one of my re-reads
Profile Image for Myriam.
645 reviews26 followers
August 16, 2019
The author impressed me yet again with her fantastic writing, consistent story telling, complex multilayered plot full of surprises, and her three-dimensional characters.
This is an amazing continuation of an amazing story from the previous book. It is full of action, great characters, tons of steaming chemistry and great complex plot. I loved the previous book immensely and the love continued as the story seamlessly continued with the fantastic adventure of Everly and her accidental crew.
The situation here is becoming increasingly more serious and dangerous as the enemy closes in and forces Everly and her group to fight and run. So much happens, there is love, unexpected allies, relationship get mended, and enemies come forth. There is an unexpected addition to the group that made me fall in love yet again. Watch out for Ember. 
The story is incredibly exciting as the characters grow and develop, learn more about each other, find answers together and fight together. Not everything is answered in this book and a lot more remains to be revealed. And although this book does not end on a shocking cliffhanger like the previous one, it is obvious that there is no rest for Everly and that she and her guys have so much more ahead of them. 
There are some hints of what might or should happen in the next book, but the rest remains mystery, and I can't wait to find out. The author did a great job drawing me into the story and I didn't want to leave. I love everything about this series and I am very much looking forward to continue with it.
This is the second book and it will only make sense after reading the first book Twisted Flames.
Profile Image for Mrs. M.
221 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2019
Aster North has a way of painting the most vivid pictures with her words. She draws you in like a moth to a flame and the next thing you know it’s the wee hours of the morning and you don’t want to put the book down. This story did exactly just that.

The sequel to her debut book did not disappoint. It rapidly climbed my favorites list. We get more insight to Everly and see that she cares deeply, though she does it with a hard exterior. She puts herself on the frontline to be there for the people she cares about. But does not shy away from a good revenge plot ;)

We get a much better look at the situation with Dixin and his dad, which totally tugged on the heartstrings. So beautifully written. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, really, but I won’t spoil it for you, you just need to read it yourself.

I am falling more and more in love with Ren. He’s just a big, lethal teddy bear and is rapidly becoming my fave. The guys work so beautifully together, each one helping and supporting each other in small ways. I love them.

All in all, it is a great story and great characters! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!
Profile Image for Talarah.
587 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2019
It didn't grab my attention like the first one.

I love this story that Aster has created.

The storyline line in this book is faultless, it's unique and interesting.

I will say though that I felt this second book could have been condensed down to a shorter time. I lost interest at about 70% even though there was a lot going on and secrets were being unfolded. But for whatever reason I can't quite name it but for me I just lost the enthusiasm to finish this book. I pushed through until 90% and then I actually called it quits. I know I know, why didn't I just finish it but even though the story was interesting I just couldn't push myself to finish something I wasn't enjoying anymore.

Saying all this, I definitely think that I am a fluke because my friends loved this series. I loved book 1 and until 70% of this book J loved it to, I just couldn't get over the line.

Not to the fault of Aster at all and I'll definitely be reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Daisy Sauceda.
1,809 reviews21 followers
September 30, 2019
What an amazing follow up to Twisted Flames!!

You pick up from where it leaves off. This time around everything is more dangerous than ever. There seems to be more on the line. By that I mean, we get more in depth with the characters. Everly is still not as trusting but realizes a lot when certain things happen. During these dangerous situations, Everly realizes she has more potential than she thought. The chemistry with the guys gets intense like fire alarm blazing. The connections Everly makes with each of them makes it that much hotter. My poor Willy, I loved him in the beginning but he to make some bad choices. What will happen there? I just hope he gets his stuff together.

I love the characters, and how the story builds with each of them. I can't wait for the next book. I need to know if Everly will go full fire body blazing and who is dumb enough to cross her. Will Ko's dreams become real? Will the universe die?
Profile Image for Chelsey.
767 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2019
Frustrating FMC

I definitely started to lose interest in the series with this book. I'm not entirely sure why, but I ended up skimming a lot of the book toward the end. I think there was just way too much exposition. Even during the sex scenes it was mostly exposition. I have no idea what the parties were feeling/thinking during those moment. Everly is a difficult character to like and I found myself skimming ahead until I got to chapters from the boys POVs. I'm annoyed that she is still making stupid decisions and jumping to conclusions. And then they guys let her get away with because 'she just doesn't understand what it means to be a team player.' No. I'm sorry, but that is no excuse. I also find it highly unbelievable that the person who created the earth is so bad at interacting with humans. I'm frustrated with this series. I know there's only one book left and it's already out, but I'm not sure I want to continue.
Profile Image for Betteroffwithbooks.
921 reviews14 followers
July 29, 2019
I’m at a loss for words. Everything about this book is excellent. I had a hard time putting it down. I believe Everly is finally starting to see that she doesn’t have to do everything on her own and that she can trust people to have her back, even though it’s hard for her. However, there is no lack of badassery when it comes to her and she continues to prove it through this book. There was so much action and fighting. So much joy and pain. One of the first major fights in the book just about ripped my heart out. I almost didn’t want to keep reading. Just kidding, I had to know what happened. Things really heat up in this book and there are many instances of Everly getting physical with one of the guys. Let me tell you, it was HOT! I’m seriously stuck on this series and can’t wait for the next book to release.
Profile Image for Imogen Wells.
Author 13 books179 followers
August 2, 2019
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Blazing Petals is the 2nd book in this series and picks up where the first left off. We get a further insight into all the guys that aids Everly in building trust with them.

There are some steaming scenes, particularly between Everly and Tor, which are great and well executed.

Willy the goat is back and gains himself a sidekick that loves nothing more than to tease and terrify him. Ultimately, Willy and his new frenemy, Ember, bring some entertaining comedy to the story.

Secrets and betrayal are a plenty! Everly is able to exact some long awaited revenge but this book leaves you feeling that there is a bigger fight ahead.

I look forward to book 3 and watching Everly’s relationship with all the guys develop further.
Profile Image for Danyelle Williams.
970 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2019
With each book I just fall more and more in love with these characters.

This book had so many good parts I would be here all day talking about it. This book is full of bada**Ness but also pulls on your heart string. You get battles but also you get friendship and protectiveness of those around you.

Everyone learns alittle bit more about themselves in this book while going up against the counsil.

If you haven't started this series you for sure should. Read the series and add some more book boyfriends to your list 😉
7 reviews
September 9, 2019
I was lucky enough to win this as an ARC, being the second book, as I was getting into the book I was a bit confused by the dynamic between Everly and the brothers. So I went and bought book one, after reading book one, book two made way more sense.

I recomend starting at the beginning.

I love the kick ass Everly and her very realistic emotions and reactions to events and relationships around her. She may be bad ass but also realistic.

The story telling in this series will draw you in and have you wanting more. Can not wait for the next book.

PS, I love Willy!
Profile Image for Kelly Bugler.
1,868 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2019
Love love love this series. Everly is such a brilliant character although she has clearly been around for a long time she is still learning about herself. The men in her life are becoming more interesting the more i learn about them and i still have my soft spot for willy. I love ember and hope we see more of her in the next book and also more about everlys past.
This was a brilliant read and i could not put it down. I cant wait for the next book. Well done Aster!!
22 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2019
Bloody blazingly amazing!!

Wow book 2 was just...WOW. everly I love you! I love how shes the strongest of them all and not the men and she doesnt need anyone to look after he, she saves them! And willy, hes my favourite! Cant wait to see where this story takes you, you never fail to make me laugh, I'm eager to see the man your supposed to be but also want you to stay as the little alcoholic goat 😂 already dieing to read book 3.
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